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] 2. Description of the Related 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 entry of a game ball into a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area, and a variable display is performed on a predetermined display device.When a stopped display is performed in a predetermined manner based on the result of the winning / losing lottery, a state advantageous to the player is created.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related 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] JP 2010-184066 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, it is conventionally desirable to control the movable means in an optimal 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 capable of suitably controlling 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 capable of executing a lottery when a game ball enters the start ball entry means; A variable display means for displaying a variable display on a predetermined display means provided in the game area in response to the result of the lottery; A movable means provided in the play area and capable of executing a predetermined action; A gaming machine including a second means for controlling an operating state of the movable means based on a predetermined signal from a 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 located at an initial position moves from the initial position to a drive position, and a second operation in which the movable part 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; and a determination means for determining whether or not a switching condition used for switching 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; and transitioning an 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 operating state is controlled in a manner different from the first state, This gaming machine is The gist of the invention is that the longer the time between when the movable part performs the first action and when it performs the second action, the higher the player's expectation of profit. Effect of the Invention

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

[0010] [Figure 1-1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one 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] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and 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, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 1-7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 1-8] A front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Figure 1-9] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the movable props and the up-down drive mechanism in a standby state, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the movable props and the up-down drive mechanism in an operating state. [Figure 1-10] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 1-11] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 1-12] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 1-13] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 1-14] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 1-15] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 1-16] 13 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 1-17]13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 1-18] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 1-19] 13 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 1-20] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a lottery mode flag, a support mode flag, a game state identification counter, and a game state judgment value. FIG. [Figure 1-21] 13 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 1-22] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 1-23] 13 is a flowchart showing the end of fluctuation setting process. [Figure 1-24] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Figure 1-25] 13 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 1-26] 13 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing feature control process. [Figure 1-27] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 1-28] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 1-29] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 1-30] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 1-31] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 1-32] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns. [Figure 1-33] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 1-34] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 1-35] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 1-36] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 1-37] 13 is a flowchart showing a display setting process during a win. [Figure 1-38] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 1-39] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 1-40] A diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Diagram 1-41] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a sure-variable jackpot, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a complete miss. [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. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 1-44] 1 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] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) when a jackpot occurs. FIG. [Figure 1-46] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a chance mode. FIG. [Figure 1-47] 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] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a 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. 4 is a front view showing a rotating body and the like in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 1-51] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in a diameter-reduced state. [Figure 1-52] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a rotating body and the like in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 1-53]FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Diagram 1-54] This is a cross-sectional view of line KK in Figure 1-50. [Figure 1-55] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a presentation using a rotating body. [Diagram 1-56] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the role object performance setting process. [Diagram 1-57] This is a flowchart showing part of the reel performance setting process, which is a continuation of Figure 1-56. [Diagram 1-58] 13A is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel effect pattern determination table for the "end" time, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel effect pattern determination table for the "until next time" time. [Diagram 1-59] 13 is a flowchart showing the reel appearance setting process. [Figure 1-60] A diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table. [Figure 1-61] FIG. 11 is an operational process diagram for explaining the operational modes of the reel appearance operation. [Figure 1-62] A diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table according to another embodiment. [Fig.1-63] FIG. 11 is an operational process diagram for explaining the operational modes of the character appearance operation according to another embodiment. [Fig.1-64] FIG. 13 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 in one 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] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and 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, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Diagram 2-7] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 2-8] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 2-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 2-10] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 2-11] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 2-12] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 2-13] 13 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 2-14] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 2-15] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 2-16] 13 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 2-17] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a lottery mode flag, a support mode flag, a game state identification counter, and a game state judgment value. FIG. [Figure 2-18] 13 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 2-19] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 2-20] 13 is a flowchart showing the end of fluctuation setting process. [Figure 2-21] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Figure 2-22] 13 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 2-23] 13 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing feature control process. [Figure 2-24] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 2-25] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 2-26] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 2-27]13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 2-28] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 2-29] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns. [Figure 2-30] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 2-31] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 2-32] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 2-33] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 2-34] 13 is a flowchart showing a display setting process during a win. [Figure 2-35] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 2-36] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 2-37] A diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 2-38] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a sure-variable jackpot, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a complete miss. [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. 13 is a diagram showing a 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] 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. FIG. [Figure 2-43]Schematic diagrams for explaining the display contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of a game data display device, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of the display contents in normal display mode, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display contents in active display mode, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the display contents in performance display mode. [Figure 2-44] 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot signal 1 output process. [Figure 2-45] 13 is a flowchart showing a big win 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] A diagram to explain 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 the "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 the ``normal mode.'' [Figure 2-52] 1 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] 1 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 a performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during an 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. FIG. [Figure 2-57] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in an ending performance. FIG. [Figure 2-58] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a demo performance. FIG. [Figure 2-59] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a "normal reach" performance. [Figure 2-60] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a "Super Reach" performance. FIG. [Figure 2-61] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a "special reach" performance. [Figure 2-62] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a 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] An oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Diagram 3-4] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 3-5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Diagram 3-6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Diagram 3-7] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Diagram 3-8] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Diagram 3-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 3-10]4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 3-11] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 3-12] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 3-13] A flowchart showing the third start winning processing. [Figure 3-14] A flowchart showing the second start winning processing. [Figure 3-15] 13 is a flowchart showing the first start winning processing. [Figure 3-16] 13A is a flowchart showing the first correct / incorrect judgment process, FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the second correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 13C 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 (b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Figure 3-18] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 3-19] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 3-20] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 3-21] 13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 3-22] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 3-23] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 3-24] 13 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] 13 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 variable winning device control processing. [Figure 3-31] 13 is a flowchart showing specific prize-winning processing. [Figure 3-32] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Figure 3-33] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 3-34] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 3-35] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 3-36] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 3-37] 13 is a flowchart showing the start prize section control processing. [Figure 3-38] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 3-39] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 3-40] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 3-41] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 3-42] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 3-43] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 3-44] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 3-45] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 3-46] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 3-47] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 3-48] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 3-49]13 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] 1 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 showing 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] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 4-8] 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display control device; [Figure 4-9] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 4-10] 4 is a flowchart showing a start-up process by a main control device. [Figure 4-11] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 4-12] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 4-13] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 4-14] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 4-15] 13A is a flowchart showing a first correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing a second correct / incorrect judgment process. [Figure 4-16] 10(a) is a flowchart showing a first type determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Figure 4-17] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether or not a miss is approaching. [Figure 4-18] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 4-19] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 4-20] 13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 4-21] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 4-22] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-23] 13 is a flowchart showing a notification command setting process. [Figure 4-24] 13 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 variable winning device control processing. [Figure 4-28] 13 is a flowchart showing specific prize-winning processing. [Figure 4-29] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Figure 4-30] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 4-31] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 4-32] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 4-33] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 4-34] 13 is a flowchart showing the start prize section control processing. [Figure 4-35] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 4-36] 13 is a flowchart showing the start-up process of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-37] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-38] 13 is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-39] 13 is a flowchart showing a start-up process of the sub-control device. [Figure 4-40] 4 is a flowchart showing a main process of the sub-control device. [Figure 4-41] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 4-42] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 4-43] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 4-44] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 4-45] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 4-46] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 4-47]13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 4-48] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 4-49] 13 is a flowchart showing a notification display setting process. [Figure 4-50] 4 is a flowchart showing a main process of the display control device. [Figure 4-51] 4 is a flowchart showing a command interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 4-52] 11 is a flowchart showing a V interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 4-53] 4 is a flowchart showing a display content setting process of the display control device. [Figure 4-54] 4 is a flowchart showing a drawing process of a display control device. [Figure 4-55] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display data table. [Figure 4-56] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in a display data table; FIG. [Figure 4-57] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in the additional data table. [Figure 4-58] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drawing list. [Figure 4-59] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the break-even period and the like. [Figure 4-60] A diagram to explain the decorative patterns displayed on the performance display device. [Figure 4-61] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the display mode of a performance display device, in which (a) shows the pattern change display during normal times, and (b) shows the pattern change display during a 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] A figure 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] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device (start of re-lottery performance). [Figure 4-70] A figure 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 ends). [Figure 4-72] 1A and 1B 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] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of a 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] A figure showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device (rush stage performance). [Figure 4-75] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device (battle stage performance). [Figure 4-76] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device (lucky chance stage performance). [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] An oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 5-4] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and 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, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 5-7] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 5-8] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 5-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 5-10] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 5-11] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 5-12] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 5-13] A flowchart showing the second start winning processing. [Figure 5-14] 13 is a flowchart showing the first start winning processing. [Figure 5-15] 13A is a flowchart showing a first correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing a second correct / incorrect judgment process. [Figure 5-16] 10(a) is a flowchart showing a first type determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Figure 5-17] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 5-18] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 5-19] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 5-20] 13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 5-21] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 5-22] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 5-23] 13 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 variable winning device control processing. [Figure 5-27] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Figure 5-28] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 5-29] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 5-30] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 5-31] 13 is a flowchart showing the start prize section control processing. [Figure 5-32] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 5-33] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 5-34] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 5-35] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 5-36] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 5-37] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 5-38] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 5-39] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 5-40] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 5-41] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 5-42] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 5-43] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 5-44]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a production display device for normal stage production. [Figure 5-45] A figure showing an example of a display mode of an effect display device related to a big win effect. [Figure 5-46] A figure showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device for rush stage performance. [Figure 5-47] A figure showing an example of a display mode of a production display device for battle stage production. [Figure 5-48] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a production display device for a lucky stage production. [Figure 5-49] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second operation unit (a cross key). [Figure 5-50] 13 is a flowchart showing a menu selection process. [Figure 5-51] 13 is a flowchart showing a language setting process. [Figure 5-52] 13 is a flowchart showing a volume setting process. [Figure 5-53] 13 is a flowchart showing a luminance setting process. [Figure 5-54] 1A is a diagram showing a menu screen, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing a language setting screen. [Figure 5-55] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a volume setting screen, FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a brightness setting screen, and FIG. 13C is a diagram showing a performance customization screen. [Figure 5-56] FIG. 13 shows 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. 2 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. 2A is a front view showing the portable terminal, and FIG. 2B 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] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the mobile terminal side. [Figure 5-64] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side. [Figure 5-65] FIG. 11 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 a BT communication process performed on the mobile terminal side during a BT communication connection. [Figure 5-67] 11 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] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for disconnecting a BT communication connection performed on the pachinko machine (sub-control device) side. [Figure 5-70] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-71] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-72] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-73] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-74] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-75] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-76] 13 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-77] 13 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-78]13 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-79] 13 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-80] 13 is a flowchart showing BT communication processing on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 5-81] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-82] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the mobile terminal side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-83] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-84] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-85] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-86] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-87] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-88] 13 is a flowchart showing a BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 5-89] 13 is a flowchart showing a performance customization process. [Figure 5-90] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a BGM setting screen. [Figure 5-91] 1A is a diagram showing a screen for setting background music during pattern fluctuation, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a screen for setting background music during a big win. [Figure 5-92] 13 is a flowchart showing a character setting process. [Figure 5-93] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a character setting screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a main character setting screen. [Figure 5-94] FIG. 13 shows a girl character setting screen. [Figure 5-95] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a background setting screen. [Figure 5-96] 13 is a flowchart showing a background setting process. [Figure 5-97] A figure showing a preview performance setting screen. [Figure 5-98] 13 is a flowchart showing a preview performance setting process. [Figure 5-99] A figure showing a super reach performance setting screen. [Figure 5-100] 13 is a flowchart showing a reliability setting process. [Fig.5-101] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a reliability setting screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which an input completion display has been displayed. [Fig.5-102] 13 is a flowchart showing an appearance rate setting process. [Fig.5-103] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an appearance rate setting screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which an input completion display has been displayed. [Fig.5-104] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach effect setting process. [Fig.5-105] 13 is a flowchart showing the preview performance execution setting process. [Fig.5-106] FIG. 13 shows a plurality of reach effect tables. [Fig. 5-107] FIG. 13 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] An oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 6-4] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and 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, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 6-7] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 6-8] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 6-9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 6-10] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 6-11] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 6-12] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 6-13] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 6-14] 13A is a flowchart showing the first pass / fail judgment process, FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the second pass / fail judgment process, and FIG. 13C 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 (b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Figure 6-16] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 6-17] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 6-18] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 6-19] 13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 6-20] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 6-21] A flowchart showing a part of the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-22] 13 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 a part of the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-25]A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Figure 6-26] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Figure 6-27] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 6-28] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 6-29] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 6-30] 13 is a flowchart showing the start prize section control processing. [Figure 6-31] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 6-32] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 6-33] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 6-34] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 6-35] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 6-36] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 6-37] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 6-38] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 6-39] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 6-40] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 6-41] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 6-42] 13 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. 13 is a diagram for explaining a variable time determination table. [Figure 6-45] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the specifications of game modes. [Figure 6-46] FIG. 11 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. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a first long fluctuation time determination table. [Figure 6-49] FIG. 11 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. 11 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 performance 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] A time chart for explaining the flow of changing displays in the first special pattern display device, the second special pattern display device, and the performance display device. [Figure 6-59] A time chart for explaining the flow of changing displays in the first special pattern display device, the second special pattern display device, and the performance display device. [Figure 6-60] A time chart for explaining the flow of changing 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 in one 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] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and 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, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 7-7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 7-8] A front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Figure 7-9] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the movable props and the up-down drive mechanism in a standby state, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the movable props and the up-down drive mechanism in an operating state. [Figure 7-10] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 7-11] 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display control device; [Figure 7-12] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 7-13] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 7-14] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 7-15] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 7-16] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 7-17] 13 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 7-18] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 7-19] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 7-20] 13 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 7-21]13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a lottery mode flag, a support mode flag, a game state identification counter, and a game state judgment value. FIG. [Figure 7-22] 13 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 7-23] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 7-24] 13 is a flowchart showing the end of fluctuation setting process. [Figure 7-25] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Figure 7-26] 13 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 7-27] 13 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing feature control process. [Figure 7-28] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 7-29] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 7-30] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 7-31] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 7-32] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 7-33] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 7-34] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 7-35] 13 is a flowchart showing a display setting process during a win. [Figure 7-36] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 7-37] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 7-38] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 7-39] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 7-40] A diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 7-41] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a sure-variable jackpot, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a complete miss. [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. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 7-44] An explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine continuous preview performances. [Figure 7-45] 4 is a flowchart showing a main process of the display control device. [Figure 7-46] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 7-47] 4 is a flowchart showing a command interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 7-48] 11 is a flowchart showing a V interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 7-49] 4 is a flowchart showing a display content setting process of the display control device. [Figure 7-50] 4 is a flowchart showing a drawing process of a display control device. [Figure 7-51] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display data table. [Figure 7-52] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in a display data table; FIG. [Figure 7-53] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in the additional data table. [Figure 7-54] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drawing list. [Figure 7-55] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns. [Figure 7-56] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process of the display control device. [Figure 7-57] 1 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]1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) when a jackpot occurs. FIG. [Figure 7-59] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during exciting mode. FIG. [Figure 7-60] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during rush mode. [Figure 7-61] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a rotating body and the like in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 7-62] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in a diameter-reduced state. [Figure 7-63] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a rotating body and the like in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 7-64] FIG. 4 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. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a presentation using a rotating body. [Figure 7-67] 13 is a flowchart showing the continuous preview device operation setting process. [Figure 7-68] 13(a) to 13(c) are diagrams showing the configuration of a reel 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 operations. [Figure 7-70] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing time charts relating to successive preview performances. [Figure 7-71] 13(a) to (h) are diagrams showing an example of a manner in which decorative patterns are variably displayed. [Figure 7-72] 13(i) to (p) are diagrams showing an example of a manner in which decorative patterns are displayed in a variable manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 according to a first embodiment will be described in detail 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 among a plurality of effect display modes in response to the results of various lotteries, and may be any means capable of realizing the gist of the present invention. For example, the display means may be provided in a center frame attached to a game board that constitutes the game area, or provided on the back side of a translucent game board, or any means provided at least within the range of 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, and may be any effect that 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 variable manner, various reach effects or their development effects performed in a reach state, a winning notification effect that notifies a player of a winning of 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 the big win state or the 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 winning effect performed 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 for determining the type of game mode to be granted after the end of a big win state, a support continuation effect for determining whether a support mode advantageous to a player continues, etc.

[0015] The "moving means" may be any means provided in the game area and capable of executing one moving mode selected from among a plurality of moving modes while a specific performance 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 constituting 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 back side of a translucent game board, etc., provided that it is provided at least within the range of the game area when viewed from the front of the game machine.

[0016] The "series of specific actions" may be any action that 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 a movable means that can slide or vibrate in up-down, left-right, front-back, or diagonal directions performs an action of moving back and forth between the first position and the second position multiple times, or an action in which a movable means that can rotate, swing, or tilt around an axis in up-down, left-right, front-back, or diagonal directions performs an action of moving back and forth between the first position and the second position multiple times.

[0017] An "operating condition" may be anything that causes the movable means to perform a series of specific actions based on the condition being fulfilled, and so long as it is possible to realize the gist of the present invention, it may be anything, such as a predetermined variable display presentation being performed, a variable display starting, a predetermined period of time having passed since the start of the variable display, a predetermined presentation being performed a predetermined number of times, a game ball entering a predetermined ball entry area or a predetermined number of game balls entering the area, a lottery being drawn with a predetermined probability based on the balls entering the area and resulting in a predetermined result, a predetermined operating means being operated or being operated a predetermined number of times, a lottery being drawn 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 corresponding to one moving mode and can cause the moving means to perform a series of specific operations based on this. As long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, the setting information may be any type of information, such as information defining the direction of operation, information defining the distance of operation, information defining the time of operation, information defining the number of times the operation is performed, information defining the conditions for ending the operation, or a group of various setting information such as information 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 as long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, may be anything, 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 a plurality of types of movement modes. When a movable body is operated in one movement mode, if corresponding movement data is read in advance for each movement in one movement mode, depending on the movement mode, reading may be required a huge number of times, which places a large burden on control. In order 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 a suitable end judgment of the series of movements is required.

[0021] Now, 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 state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. 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 state in which the inner frame 12 and the back pack unit 203, etc. are opened. However, for the sake of convenience, in Fig. 1-3, nails and various accessories arranged on the game board 30 surface, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, etc. are omitted.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1-3 and other figures, a pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer hull 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 be opened and closed.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1-6, etc., the outer frame 11 has an upper side frame component 11a and a lower side frame component 11b which are made of wooden boards, and a left side frame component 11c and a right side frame component 11d which are made of an aluminum alloy extrusion material, and these frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together into a rectangular frame shape as a whole by removable 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 component 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 the like are housed in a space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0025] Further, the right-side frame component 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of its rear end in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to a locking device 600 (see FIG. 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, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 to which a locking member of the locking device 600 is engaged are provided on the front side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts against an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 to protrude toward the inside of the outer frame 11.

[0026] Furthermore, a resin-made front panel decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. An upwardly protruding rib 88 is integrally formed on the inner part of the upper surface of the front panel decoration 87. This makes it difficult for a gap to form between the front panel decoration 87 and the inner frame 12.

[0027] As shown in Figure 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 with this opening / closing axis as its axis. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the center of the resin base 38.

[0028] In addition, a front frame set 14 is attached so as to be able to be opened and closed to the front side of the inner frame 12. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is designed so as to be able to be opened to the front side around an opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0029] The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 when closed. A roughly elliptical 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 Fig. 1-1, a lower tray 15 is provided as a ball receiving tray at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame 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 the player. The performance button 125 is configured so that the player can press it (by pressing it downward). 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 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 described later.

[0032] A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as the "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 the player, includes, for example, a base fixed to the front frame set 14, a rotation operating part as a first operating part rotatably attached to the base, a variable resistor as an operating amount detection means that detects the operating amount of the rotation operating part, and a launch stop switch as a second operating part that can select whether or not to launch the game balls into the play 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 and guides them in a row toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "launching device") 60, which serves as a launching means described below. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the game balls that are paid out are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and a discharge port 16 described below.

[0034] The upper tray 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122 as operation means that can be operated by the player. As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like, lending balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in response to the operation. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. However, in pachinko machines in which game balls are directly lent 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 on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper tray 19 and communicates with the lower tray 15 opens, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided (dropped) to the lower tray 15. In other words, the player can move the game balls in the upper tray 19 to the lower tray 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

[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 and blinking, depending on changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a specified reach is reached, and serve to enhance the presentation effect during the game. 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 display lamps 104 that light up when a specified error occurs are provided on both sides of the frame lamp 102. Incidentally, a number of fine through holes are formed in the upper portion of each error display 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 pair of rectangular glass plates attached separately as in the conventional method, but rather has an overall circular shape and is assembled and then attached.

[0038] 1-3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the rear side of the front frame set 14, below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray connecting passage 71 that connects from the dispensing mechanism unit 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 unit 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 game balls located in the lower tray communication passage 71. The presence of the full detection switch makes it possible to know that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls (that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls and game balls are stuck in the lower tray communication 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-load detection switch detects game balls for a predetermined time, the launching device 60 is prohibited from being shot. On the other hand, when the accumulation of game balls in the lower tray communication passage 71 is eliminated and the full-load detection switch no longer detects game balls (when the full-load detection switch no longer detects game balls for a predetermined time), the launching device 60 is permitted to be shot.

[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 by 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 an upper tray connecting passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to a lower tray connecting passage 71 (lower tray 15).

[0044] In addition, 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 biasing 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 in a closed state, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end portions on the entrance side of the lower tray communicating passage 71 and the upper tray communicating passage 73. When the front frame set 14 is in a closed state, the entrance portions of the lower tray communicating passage 71 and the upper tray communicating passage 73 are adjacent to the payout passage 67 with a predetermined distance between them, 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 of game balls, the game balls to be paid out will flow toward the lower tray connecting passage 71 (overflowing into the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71) and be paid out through the lower tray connecting passage 71 to the lower tray 15.

[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 portion abutting the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, the approximate center of the front part of the game board 30, which becomes the play area, is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

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

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

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

[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 approximately the tip portion (upper right in FIG. 1-4) of the outer rail component 52. This allows a game ball launched with a force greater than a predetermined value to hit the return rubber 54 and be returned to approximately the center of the game board 30.

[0052] In this embodiment, the outer rail component 52 ends at the upper right part of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 ends at the lower right part of the game board 30. Therefore, the game area is defined by the rail 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since the game ball shot out by the launching device 60 may flow back along the rail 50 until it passes through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portion of the inner and outer rail components 51, 52 is excluded from the game area.

[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 have fallen through the gap to the lower tray 15. As a result, if a game ball launched from the launch device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and travels back along the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged to the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

[0054] On the game board 30, a general winning port (general winning section) 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper start winning port 33YA, a lower start winning port 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. are arranged so as to be 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 specified area or to guide the game ball to a specified position.

[0056] The game balls guided to the play area flow down 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 falling route is divided to the left or right by windmills 57.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the game area is widely expanded in the left-right direction, the windmill 57 and the like are provided so that the game ball can be easily guided toward the upper start winning hole 33YA, the variable winning device 32, and the like. In addition, the nails 49 and the like are adjusted in advance on the game board 30 so that winning at the upper start winning hole 33YA, the variable winning device 32, and the like occurs with a moderate probability.

[0058] In addition, the game board 30 is 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 at the variable winning device 32. In addition, a first start winning switch 224A is provided at the upper start winning port 33YA, and a second start winning switch 224B is provided at 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 holes such as the general winning hole 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper start winning hole 33YA, and the lower start winning hole 33YB, it is detected by various detection switches, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or the lower tray 15). For example, when there is a winning in the upper start winning hole 33YA, three game balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or the lower tray 15) when there is a winning in the lower start winning hole 33YB, ten game balls are paid out to the general winning hole 31, and fifteen game balls are paid out to the variable winning device 32. Here, the upper start winning hole 33YA and the lower start winning hole 33YB constitute the starting ball entry means in this embodiment. In addition, an outlet 36 is provided on the game board 30, and game balls that do not enter various winning holes such as the general winning hole 31 are discharged outside the game area through this outlet 36.

[0060] The variable winning device 32 includes a large winning opening 32a into which a game ball can enter, a rectangular flat opening / closing shutter 32b as a movable body that is tiltably supported on a shaft and opens and closes the large winning opening 32a, and a large winning opening solenoid 32c as a drive means for driving the opening / closing shutter 32b, and is controlled by a main control device 261 described later. Here, the large winning opening solenoid 32c has a plunger as a drive member that can be inserted into and removed from its main body, and a coil spring or the like as a biasing means.

[0061] Under such a configuration, in the normal state where the predetermined condition is not satisfied (the large prize opening solenoid 32c is in a non-excited state), the plunger of the variable prize winning device 32 is in a protruding state from the main body by the biasing force of the coil spring, so that the opening / closing shutter 32b is in a vertical state along the top and bottom and is in a state of abutting against an abutting part (not shown) provided inside the periphery of the large prize winning opening 32a. As a result, the variable prize winning device 32 is in a first state in which the opening / closing shutter 32b is in a closed position as a first position which is an initial position side where the large prize winning opening 32a is closed, making it difficult or impossible to see a predetermined area on the back side of the large prize winning opening 32a, and is in a closed state where game balls flowing down the game area cannot enter the large prize winning opening 32a.

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

[0063] The upper start winning opening 33YA is always capable of receiving a winning ball. On the other hand, the lower start winning opening 33YB is provided with an opening / closing device 37Y as an opening / closing type winning assistance device.

[0064] The opening and closing device 37Y is equipped with a pair of left and right movable blades 37Ya which serve as movable bodies that can be rotated and displaced in the left and right direction around the axis at the lower end, and a solenoid 37Yb for the start winning opening which serves 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 the game ball cannot enter the lower start winning opening 33YB.

[0065] As described above, the upper start winning hole 33YA and the lower start winning hole 33YB are provided with the first start winning switch 224A and the second start winning switch 224B as ball entry detection means for detecting the winning game ball, respectively. When the start winning switch 224A, 224B detects a game ball, various lotteries such as a winning lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot state or the like is generated are performed, and variable display and a predetermined performance are performed on the special display devices 43L, 43R and the performance display device 42 described later. Here, if the winning lottery is won, the jackpot state or the like is given.

[0066] The jackpot types in this embodiment will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. 1-38, in this embodiment, the jackpot types 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 sure-win 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 stopped under control, and the opening / closing shutter 32b returns to the first position or its vicinity and enters the closed state, provided that the specified time of 30 seconds, which is the second control period, has elapsed or a specified number of 10 game balls have entered the large winning opening 32a.

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

[0070] In this embodiment, "short opening" refers to one opening / closing operation, which is a predetermined 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 stopped under control, and the opening / closing shutter 32b returns to the first position or its vicinity and enters the closed state, 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, the launching device 60 launches a game ball into the game area at a rate of one ball every 0.6 seconds based on the operation of the handle 18 by the player. In contrast, in the above-mentioned "short opening", the opening time of the opening / closing shutter 32b is set to 0.4 seconds. That is, in the case of the "short opening", the opening time of the opening / closing shutter 32b is shorter than the launching cycle of the game balls. Therefore, even one game ball may not win a prize with only one "short opening". For this reason, the opening / closing shutter 32b is rarely closed based on the condition related to the number of winning balls (three winning balls) among the above-mentioned two closing conditions corresponding to the "short opening", and the opening / closing shutter 32b once opened is usually closed based on the passage of the specified time (0.4 seconds). This prevents the execution period of the "short opening" from changing each time.

[0072] In the jackpot state of "4R special jackpot A" and "4R special jackpot B," a series of specific actions is performed in which a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state (one round), and this is repeated four times (four rounds).

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

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

[0075] In the jackpot states of "4R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot B," a "long opening" is considered as 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, a "short opening" is set as one special prize state (one round), and this is repeated five times, and then a "long opening" is set as one special prize state (one round), and a series of specific actions is performed that repeats this 15 times. Note that five "short openings" may be performed in the first round, and "long openings" may be performed in each of the second to sixteenth rounds.

[0077] In addition, when the above-mentioned various "probable jackpots" and "JUB jackpots" occur, the "high probability mode (high probability state)" is given 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 given after the jackpot state ends.

[0078] The "high probability mode" refers to a state in which the probability of 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 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 being 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 of 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 in the normal symbol display device 41 described later is shorter than that 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 that in the "low support mode", (3) a state in which the prescribed number of game balls that can win a prize per opening of the movable blade 37Ya is greater than that in the "low support mode", (4) a state in which the number of times the opening / closing process of the movable blade 37Ya is performed each time when a winning result is obtained by the opening lottery of the opening / closing device 37Y caused by the passing of the game ball through the through gate 34 is greater than that 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 that in the "low support mode". In the high support mode in this embodiment, the above configurations (1), (2), and (5) are adopted. Of course, the "high support mode" is not limited to this, and may adopt any one of the configurations (1) to (5), or any combination of the configurations (1) to (5). This makes it easier for the game ball to enter the lower start winning hole 33YB more frequently, increases the number of times the big win lottery is executed, and creates a good ball holding state.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, when the "high support mode" is applied, the variation pattern table is changed to a table for the "high support mode" as described below, so that the variation 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 end of the "16R probability variable jackpot A" and the "4R probability variable jackpot A", a "high support mode" is given until the next jackpot state occurs. This "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as "until next time high support mode".

[0084] After the end of the "16R Probable Big Win B" and "4R Probable Big Win B", the "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". The "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 end of the "16R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot A", the "high support mode" is granted while the special display devices 43L and 43R display the "30 times" variable display. This "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as "30 times high support mode S".

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

[0087] After the "JUB Jackpot" ends, the "Until Next Time High Support Mode" will be granted.

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

[0089] For example, if the "high probability mode" and "high support mode" are applied, it will be in a so-called "high probability state (probability fluctuating 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 a so-called "time-saving state (time shortening 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] In addition, in this embodiment, a "small win" occurs when a predetermined result is obtained in the winning / losing lottery, in addition to the various "big wins". In the small win state, a series of specific actions is performed in which a "short opening" is one special prize state (one round), and this is repeated five times (five rounds). However, the lottery mode and winning support mode granted after the end of the small win state are the original modes before the small win state occurred. For example, if the lottery mode before the small win state occurred was the "high probability mode", the "high probability mode" is maintained even after the end of the small win state.

[0094] In addition, although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, the allocation of the jackpot type that is awarded in the case of winning the winning / losing lottery is different between the case where the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA and the case where the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB. If the winning / losing lottery triggered by the game ball entering the upper start winning hole 33YA is won, it is allocated to one of "16R certainty variable jackpot A", "16R certainty variable jackpot B", "4R certainty variable jackpot A", "4R certainty variable jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B" and "4R normal jackpot B", and if the winning / losing lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower start winning hole 33YB is won, it is allocated to one of "16R certainty variable jackpot A", "4R certainty variable jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot A" and "JUB jackpot". In addition, the "small win" will only occur if the player wins the lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower start winning slot 33YB.

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

[0096] The first special display device 43L changes its display when a game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA, and the second special display device 43R changes its display when a game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB. 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] In addition, 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 display whether or not the jackpot lottery has been won. For example, when a game ball enters the upper start winning hole 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 stopped (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, when the "16R probability variable jackpot A" is won, "9-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and when the "16R probability variable jackpot B" with the "50 times high support mode" is won, "84" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Also, when the "JUB jackpot" is won, "1.-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and when the "small jackpot" is won, "1-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Here, in order to enhance the performance effect of the "JUB jackpot", it is preferable that the stop modes of both are confusingly configured, such as the stop mode "1.-" related to the "JUB jackpot" and the stop mode "1-" related to the "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, the first or second special display device 43L, 43R may have multiple stop modes indicating one winning type instead of one. For example, when the "16R variable jackpot A" is won, the first or second special display device 43L, 43R may be configured to select and stop display one of "91", "92", "93", ...

[0100] In addition, even when there are multiple stop modes of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R indicating one winning type, it is preferable that the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB big win" and the multiple stop modes related to the "small win" are configured to be confusingly configured. For example, any of "-1.", "-2," "-3.", "-4," ... may be displayed as the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB big win," and any of "-1," "-2.", "-3," "-4," ... may be displayed as the multiple stop modes related to the "small win." In such a configuration, one of a pair of a specific symbol (here, "1," "2," "3," ...) with a predetermined display segment (here, ".") lit and a specific symbol that is not lit is included in the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB big win," and the other is included in the multiple stop modes related to the "small win," and they are configured to be alternately switched.

[0101] Furthermore, the color displayed in any or all of the display segments may be appropriately changeable.

[0102] In addition, when a new game ball enters the start winning hole 33YA, 33YB during the variable display of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, the variable display for that part is configured to be performed after the variable display being performed at that time ends. In other words, the variable display is put on hold (reserved). The maximum number of reserved variable displays is determined for each type of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four variable displays (a total of eight variable displays) are reserved for each game ball that entered the upper start winning hole 33YA and the game ball that entered the lower start winning hole 33YB. In addition, the number of reserved displays is displayed by lighting the first reserved lamp 46a and the second reserved lamp 46b. In addition, when a new game ball enters the start winning hole 33YA, 33YB during the jackpot state, the variable display for that part is also reserved.

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

[0104] The through gate 34 is configured so that game balls flowing down the game area can pass through it one by one. Although details will be described later, the through gate 34 is equipped with a through gate switch 225 capable of detecting game balls passing through the through gate 34, and when a game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, an opening lottery is held to determine whether the opening / closing device 37Y (lower start winning hole 33YB) is opened or not, and a variable display is performed on the normal symbol display device 41. Then, when the opening lottery is won, the opening / closing device 37Y is opened for a specified time.

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

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

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

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

[0109] The performance display device 42 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and the display contents are controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45, which will be described later. That is, in the performance display device 42, auxiliary display contents are 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 are displayed by the display control device 45, which will be described later.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1-44, the performance display device 42 is provided with three pattern display areas, for example, upper, middle, and lower, and multiple types of patterns (numbers) are displayed (variably displayed) in each pattern display area, and then the patterns are displayed in order for each pattern display area (for example, in the order of upper pattern display area → lower pattern display area → middle pattern display area). For example, when the main control device 261 determines the above-mentioned various "certain jackpot" or various "normal jackpot", the first or second special display device 43L, 43R displays a display corresponding to the jackpot, and the performance display device 42 displays the patterns in a combination corresponding to the jackpot (for example, the patterns displayed in the upper pattern display area, the middle pattern display area, and the lower pattern display area become the same), and the jackpot state is started. In the case of a "JUB jackpot" or a "small jackpot", the combination of patterns displayed in the performance display device 42 does not correspond to a jackpot, as will be described later.

[0111] Also, when the symbols are displayed in a combination corresponding to a big win, the same symbols are displayed in the upper and lower symbol display areas as a preliminary step. The state where the same symbols are displayed in the upper and lower symbol display areas and the middle symbol display area is still displaying a variable pattern is the reach state.

[0112] In addition, if a reach state occurs but a jackpot state does not occur, a different pattern from the pattern displayed in the upper pattern display area and the lower pattern display area is displayed in the middle pattern display area. In addition, when various "probable jackpots" or various "normal jackpots" occur, a repeating number is displayed in the performance display device 42 as described above, but in this embodiment, depending on the type of pattern displayed, it is impossible to determine the game state (such as "high probability mode" or not) that will be given after the jackpot ends.

[0113] Furthermore, when a "JUB jackpot" or "small jackpot" occurs, a predetermined combination of numbers (hereinafter referred to as a chance symbol) is displayed instead of a repeating number. For example, in this embodiment, "3", "4" and "1" are 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 so advantageous, when a chance symbol is displayed, and the player can have hope for a "JUB jackpot", which prevents the player's interest from declining.

[0114] Of course, the specific number combinations displayed in the upper, middle, and lower pattern display areas may be different for the "JUB jackpot" and the "small jackpot". Also, when a "JUB jackpot" or a "small jackpot" is obtained, instead of a specific number combination determined in advance, a random combination of numbers may be displayed in the same way as when a jackpot is lost.

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

[0116] In this embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L, 43R and the 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 from the display contents (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 such a configuration, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. may be configured to be visible. However, the special display devices 43L, 43R are provided in an inconspicuous place such as the lower corner of the game area, which is not easily seen by the player, as described above, and the size of the display unit is small, 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 practically impossible to grasp the game state that has been granted.

[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 port 33YA, and emits red light when the performance display device 42 is displaying a fluctuation triggered by a win at the lower start winning port 33YB.

[0119] Next, the configuration of the variable display unit 35 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1-7 and Fig. 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, so that they are integrated as the variable display unit 35.

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

[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 viewed through this opening 751.

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

[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 is formed in the center of the rear wall 772 of the stage 770, opening forward and allowing game balls to fall. A communication passage 775 leading 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 side 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] In the center of the stage portion 770, a guide groove (not shown) that slopes gently downward toward the back side is formed in a position 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 to the approximate 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 the game ball flowing down the surface of the game board 30 onto the stage portion 770 inside the center frame 47.

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

[0128] In addition, in the variable display unit 35, an upper performance prop unit 761 is disposed between the center frame 47 and the frame cover 213. Here, the configuration of the upper performance prop 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 provided 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 portion 810 arranged on the upper front portion of the frame cover 213, a movable prop 811 as a movable body that is movable up and down relative to the unit base portion 810, and an up and down drive mechanism 1812 for moving the movable prop 811 up and down.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 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 as a drive means for driving the support part 1814.

[0132] Although not shown, a guide groove extending in the up-down direction is formed in the unit base portion 810, and a protrusion portion to be assembled into the guide groove is formed in the support portion 1814. This allows the support portion 1814 to slide in the up-down direction, and restricts positional deviation in the left-right direction when moving up and down.

[0133] Furthermore, a rack portion 1814a is formed on the right edge portion of the support portion 1814. The rack portion 1814a of the support portion 1814 and a pinion gear 1815a attached and fixed to the rotation shaft of a vertical drive motor 1815 are engaged with each other.

[0134] With this configuration, the rotation of the vertical drive motor 1815 enables the movable part 811 to be slidably displaced in the vertical direction.

[0135] Normally, the movable role 811 is in a standby state where most of it is located behind the upper edge 47a of the center frame 47 and is difficult for the player to see (see Figs. 1-7 and 1-9(a)). Then, when the vertical drive motor 1815 rotates forward and the support part 1814 slides downward, the movable role 811 is positioned entirely on the front side of the display part 42a of the performance display device 42 and is exposed and visible to the player (see Figs. 1-8 and 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, thereby returning the movable part 811 to its normal standby state.

[0137] The vertical drive motor 1815 is a stepping motor whose rotation is controlled by the 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-down position of the movable prop 811 is attached to the unit base portion 810. In this embodiment, a known photosensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged opposite each other with a space therebetween is used as the position detection sensor 1816.

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

[0140] Although not shown in the figure, the unit base section 810 is provided with a role control board which receives instructions from the sub-control device 262 and performs drive control of the up and 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 Fig. 1-50 to Fig. 1-54. The movable accessory 811 includes 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 the base part 817. A pinion gear 821b is attached and fixed to the front end of a rotary shaft 821a of the rotating body drive motor 821. The driving force of the rotating body drive motor 821 is transmitted to the rotating body 820 via the pinion gear 821b.

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

[0145] Rotating body 820 mainly comprises 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 in the radial direction from the outer circumferential wall portion 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 allows the rotatable plate 823 to be rotatably supported by 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 plate 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 is formed along the radial direction of the rotating base plate 823. A cylindrical pinion shaft 830 is formed on the rear surface of each extension piece 827 near the tip end thereof so as to protrude 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 , and are engaged with large diameter gear portions 831 a of central gear members 831 .

[0152] Furthermore, an annular pressing plate 835 (see FIG. 1-54) is attached to the back side of the rotating base plate 823. A circular opening 835a of the pressing 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 has a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter gear portion 831a.

[0153] As a result, the pressing 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 meshes 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, the central gear member 831, the 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 to slide the movable piece 825 and drive the rotating base 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 rotating base plate 823. As shown in FIG. 1-54, the second drive gear 841 is meshed 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 equal to or lower than 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 passing through the rotating base 823.

[0159] As can be seen from FIG. 1-50 etc., the rotating body 820 is formed based on the motif of a single flower, and each of the movable pieces 825 is formed to resemble a single petal.

[0160] Each movable piece 825 is made of a transparent resin material having translucency. However, fine unevenness (not shown) is formed on the surface of the general part of each movable piece 825. As a result, the general part of the movable piece 825 diffuses and transmits light emitted from the display part (liquid crystal display part) 42a of the performance display device 42 located at the rear, resulting in a state in which the entire part is uniformly surface-illuminated.

[0161] A linearly extending rack portion 838 is integrally formed on the rear surface of the movable piece 825. The rack portion 838 is inserted into a slit 829 of the extending piece 827 of the rotating base plate 823. This allows the movable piece 825 to slide along the radial direction (extending direction of the extending piece 827) of the rotating base plate 823. 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 rotating 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. This allows movable piece 825 to slide along slit 829 of extension piece 827, i.e., along the radial direction of rotation base plate 823, by transmitting power from rotor drive motor 821 via the main power transmission mechanism.

[0163] Under such a configuration, when the rotating body 820 is in a normal standby state, each of the six radially arranged extension pieces 827 has a movable piece 825 slid to the radially innermost position and is 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 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 each approximately abutting against the base end side edges of the adjacent movable pieces 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 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 portion 817, a motor control board (motor driver) 845 is attached which receives instructions from the sub-control device 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 grasped.

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

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

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

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

[0173] In addition, assuming that the 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 an excitation signal, the gear ratio between pinion gear 821b and small diameter gear portion 831b, and the like are not limited to the values ​​exemplified above, and different configurations may be adopted.

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

[0176] Here, the operation of the rotating body 820 configured as above will be described. As shown in Fig. 1-50, Fig. 1-51, etc., in normal times when no role performance is being performed, the six movable pieces 825 are each positioned at the radially inner sliding limit position of the rotating body 820. In other words, the rotating body 820 is in the most contracted state.

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

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

[0179] Meanwhile, as the central gear member 831 rotates clockwise as viewed from the front, the six pinion gears 832 meshed with the large diameter gear portion 831a rotate. Then, power is 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 rotor 820 along the slits 829 of the extension pieces 827. In other words, the rotor 820 expands in diameter.

[0180] 1-52, 1-53, etc., when each of the six movable pieces 825 reaches the radially outer sliding limit position of the rotating body 820 and the rotating body 820 reaches the most expanded diameter state, rotational power is transmitted to the rotating base plate 823. When the torque exceeds a predetermined level, the rotating base plate 823 starts to rotate in the clockwise direction 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 role-play performance ends and the normal state is restored, the rotating body drive motor 821 is 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 this 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 regulating power transmission mechanism, so that the rotating base plate 823 remains stopped and does not move, and only the movable piece 825 moves.

[0184] As a result, each of the six pinion gears 832 meshed with the large diameter gear portion 831a of the central gear member 831 rotates. Then, power is transmitted to each of the six movable pieces 825 via the rack portion 838 meshed with each of the pinion gears 832, and the six movable pieces 825 slide and displace radially inward of the rotor 820 along the slits 829 of the extension piece 827, causing the rotor 820 to reduce in diameter.

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

[0186] Next, the rear structure of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 1-5, 1-6, etc. On the rear of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, with some parts overlapping front to back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) that supplies game balls, a resin protective cover, etc. are attached. The payout mechanism and the protective cover are integrated into one unit, and since the resin part is generally sometimes called the back pack, this unit will be referred to as the "back pack unit 203" here.

[0187] First, the rear structure of the game board 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 1-6 etc. 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 Fig. 1-4) that is disposed corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30. In addition, on the rear side of the frame cover 213, the performance display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, the display control device 45 and the sub control device 262 are detachably attached in a state of being stacked in the front and rear.

[0188] The performance display device 42 is accommodated in a storage box (numeral omitted) having an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the performance display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is fixed to the rear side of the frame cover 213. The display control device 45 is accommodated in a board box 45a and is fixed to the rear side of the performance display device 42 (storage box). The sub-control device 262 is accommodated in a board box 262a and is fixed to the rear 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 that drives the LEDs and 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 starting 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 routes 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 from a discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0190] Although not shown in the figure, 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, which 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 transmits a payout command (the 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 by the back frame set 215 and can be opened toward the rear.

[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 the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board box 263 connected by the sealing member is configured so that it cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left behind. This makes it easy to discover whether the board box 263 has been tampered with.

[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 openably and closably on the left side (right side in FIG. 1-5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened backwards around an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, an external relay terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left part (upper right part 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 information transmissions to the hall computer of the gaming hall, etc. For convenience, no reference numerals are attached, but for example, a terminal for outputting information regarding the current gaming state (jackpot state, 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 winning error, lower tray full error, tank ball no error, payout error, and a terminal for outputting information regarding the number of winning balls paid out from the payout control device 311, and the like are provided.

[0196] However, in this embodiment, a terminal for outputting information about a "small win" is not provided, and the configuration is such that the occurrence information of a "small win" is not output. In this embodiment, since a "small win" is likely to occur relatively frequently during the "high support mode", if the occurrence information is always output every time a "small win" occurs, there is a risk of a significant increase in the output signal. Therefore, in cases where such a malfunction is relatively unlikely to occur, such as during the "low support mode", the configuration may be such that the occurrence information of a "small win" is output.

[0197] Also, it is preferable to output the occurrence information of the "JUB jackpot" when the occurrence of the "JUB jackpot" is confirmed, for example, after the end of five "short openings" related to the "JUB jackpot", that is, after the situation where it is impossible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot" has been overcome, for example, at the timing of outputting an opening command (jackpot notification performance) described later. If only the occurrence information of the "JUB jackpot" is output first when it is still impossible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot", the player may see an 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 the "JUB jackpot" has occurred, which may weaken the performance effect of the "JUB jackpot".

[0198] The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes toward the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top are closed and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in this embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to also cover the upper and right parts (the left part in FIG. 1-5) of the board box 263. As a result, when the back pack unit 203 is in the closed state, the sealing member provided on the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0199] The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 is provided with an opening on the upper side, and the tank 355 is successively replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 is connected, which has two rows of ball passages for causing game balls to flow down horizontally, and is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and further, a case rail 357 for causing game balls to flow down vertically is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

[0200] In addition, the dispensing mechanism 352 is provided with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays a dispensing command signal from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in a main power source from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with a main power source of, for example, 24V AC via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

[0201] Below the back pack unit 203 (base box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided, which is pivoted on the left side (right side in FIG. 1-5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened backward. As shown in FIG. 1-6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage section 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism described above flow, and a discharge chute (not shown) for discharging the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed at the most downstream part of the discharge passage section 217. The game balls rotate and flow down while coming into contact with and being influenced by the nails 49, the windmill 57, etc. in the game area. The game balls that have won at each winning port, such as the general winning port 31, are collected through the ball collection mechanism of the back frame set 215, and are further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217. The outlet 36 also communicates with the discharge passage 217, and game balls that do not enter any of the winning ports are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 via the 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 be formed integrally.

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

[0203] The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in a 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 board (printed 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 launch 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 traces of the board box 311a being opened 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 insides of the boxes 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 backward to eliminate the ball jam (return to the normal state).

[0208] Furthermore, the power supply 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when the power is restored (power is restored), the state before the power outage is restored. Therefore, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the game hall closes), the state before the power outage is stored and retained, so if you want to return to the initial state when turning the power on, turn the power on 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 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 with the wire or the like. As a result, it is possible to improve defensive performance. Furthermore, the extended wall 83 is configured to cover the right end (the left end in FIG. 1-5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, and when the inner frame 12 is in the closed state, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

[0211] Also, as shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 1-5). The front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can be protruded and retracted from the switch main body, and the front frame open detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame open detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces backward. When the detection unit is in a state where it protrudes from the switch main body, it outputs an ON signal to the main control device 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and retracted into the switch main body, it outputs an OFF signal to the main control device 261. In other words, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the detection portion of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back surface of the front frame set 14, turning it to the OFF state, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection portion of the inner frame open detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11, turning it to the OFF state, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state.

[0212] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Fig. 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 a calculation device. The CPU 501 has built-in ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 502, 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] The RAM 503 includes a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 501 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 503a.

[0214] In addition, the RAM 503 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply 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 ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power off (including the time of power off, same below) so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned on (including the power on when the power is turned on due to the recovery of the power outage, same below). Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 described later when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when a power outage occurs, a power outage process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed.

[0216] Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, and data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[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 erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, a normal symbol display device 41, etc., which will be described later. With this configuration, the above-mentioned special display devices 43L and 43R and the 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, the count switch 223, the start winning unit switches 224A and 224B, and the 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 a plurality of terminal sections (board-side connectors) for connecting the connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal sections and the like.

[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 for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 552, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, and also includes various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0220] The input / output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551, the ROM 552, and the RAM 553 via the bus line 555, and is also connected to the display control device 45. Furthermore, the input / output port 554 is connected to the speaker SP, the performance button 125, the performance prop unit 761, and various illumination parts 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 (e.g., a variation pattern command) sent from the main control device 261, for example, and causes the performance display device 42 to display. As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L and 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 in accordance with the display of the special display devices 43L and 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, includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[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 backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all data stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a is backed up. Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a may be backed up, and data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

[0225] The backup area 513a is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc., at the time of power off in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned on. Note that, like the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, an NMI interrupt processing as a power outage processing is immediately executed.

[0226] The working area is provided with a payout permission flag that sets permission for the payout control device 311 to pay out winning balls, a command reception flag that is set when a command sent from the main control device 261 is received, and a command buffer in which commands sent from the main control device 261 are stored.

[0227] The payout permission flag is a flag that sets the payout permission of prize balls, and is turned on when a specific command that permits the payout of prize balls is transmitted from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is turned off when the initial setting process or the state before the power supply is cut off is restored. In this embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command that instructs the initial process of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command that instructs the payout of prize balls, and a payout return command that is transmitted when the main control device 261 is powered back on.

[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 is returned to before the power was cut off, and is also turned off when the received command is judged by the command judgment process.

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

[0230] An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and RAM 513 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 515 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a launch control device 312, a payout device 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) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like, and receives ball lending operation commands from the player and outputs them to the card unit. Note that in a cash machine in which game balls are directly lent 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 game balls by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to operate when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the launch device 60 is operated and launches game 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 amount of movement and the operating mode of the game balls guided to the play area.

[0233] The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern on the performance display device 42 according to the instruction 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. The input port 527 is connected to an input / output port 554 of the sub-control device 262. The input port 527 is also connected to the CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 via the bus line 530. The VDP 526 is also connected to an output port 529 via the bus line 531, and the performance display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is connected to the output port 529.

[0234] The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, and performs control of the VDP 526 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the VDP 526) by analyzing the received command or performing a predetermined calculation process based on the received command. This performs 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 the 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 VDP526 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) built into the performance display device 42. The VDP526 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its actual form should be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP526 adjusts the timing of the CPU521, video RAM524, etc., and mediates the reading and writing of data, and reads out display data stored in the video RAM524 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 or the like, 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 device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 541 takes in an externally supplied 24-volt AC power supply, generates a +12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supplies to the main control device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. In addition, the launch control device 312 is supplied with operating power (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) via the dispensing control device 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to various switches, motors, etc. via the control devices to which they are connected.

[0240] The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and when this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SK1 to the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0241] In addition, the power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the power failure processing, even after the voltage of the DC stable 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

[0242] The RAM clearing switch circuit 543 is a circuit that receives the switch signal of the RAM clearing switch 323 and clears the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM clearing switch 323 is pressed, the RAM clearing switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM clearing signal SK2 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM clearing switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to recovery from a power outage), the data of the RAMs 503, 513 of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 are cleared.

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

[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 FIG. 1-11, a jackpot random number counter CD1 is used for a jackpot lottery (win / lose lottery) to determine whether or not a jackpot state will be generated, 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 be generated when the performance display device 42 is changed due to a miss and for determining (lottery) the type of reach to be generated, etc., an initial value random number counter CINI is used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter CD1, a change type counters CS1, CS2 are used for determining (lottery) the change display time of the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (performance display device 42) and for determining (lottery) the change pattern (performance pattern) in the performance display device 42, etc., and a normal pattern random number counter CD4 is used for the lottery for the normal pattern display device 41 (open lottery to determine whether or not the opening and closing device 37Y of the lower start winning port 33YB is 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 periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 (except for random number initial value counter CINI).

[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 pattern 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 reserved area includes a first special variable reserved area and a second special variable reserved area each including four reserved areas (reserved first to fourth areas), and one execution area.

[0248] In each reserve area of ​​the first special variable reserve 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 in accordance with the winning history of game balls into the upper start winning port 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 port 33YB.

[0250] In each of the normal variable reserve areas, the values ​​of the normal symbol random number counter CD4 are stored in chronological order in accordance with the passage history of the gaming balls through the through gate 34.

[0251] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to hold the variable displays on the special display devices 43L, 43R and the ordinary 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 be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 599) as the closing value, it returns to 0, which is the lower limit value as the opening value. Normally, when the jackpot random number counter CD1 goes around once, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the 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 is repeatedly updated 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 for a "low probability mode" and a "high probability mode", and in this embodiment, in the "low probability mode", the number of random number values ​​that result in a jackpot is two, with the values ​​being "7, 307", and in the "high probability mode", the number of random number values ​​that result in a jackpot is 20, with the values ​​being "7 to 16, 307 to 316". That is, in the "low probability mode", there is a 1 / 300 probability of winning the lottery (a jackpot state occurs), and in the "high probability mode", there is a 1 / 30 probability of winning the lottery.

[0254] In this embodiment, a winning / losing determination table that is referenced when determining whether or not 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 winning / losing determination tables, a first winning / losing determination table that stores "7, 307" and a second winning / losing determination table that stores "7 to 16, 307 to 316".

[0255] In this embodiment, the value of the big win random number counter CD1 is also used to determine a "small win". The number of random numbers that become 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 within the range of, for example, 0 to 19, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 19), it returns to the lower limit, 0. In this embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter CD2 determines the jackpot type, that is, which of "16R variable jackpot A", "16R variable jackpot B", "4R variable jackpot A", "4R variable 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] In addition, the ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table that is referred to when determining which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 corresponds to. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the allocation of jackpot types is different when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA and when it enters the lower start winning hole 33YB. That is, in this embodiment, there are two jackpot type determination tables, a first jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA, and a second jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the game 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 FIG. 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 special jackpot A” will be awarded.

[0259] In addition, 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 special 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 the player wins the lottery triggered by winning the upper starting winning slot 33YA, there is a 10% probability of a "16R special jackpot A," a 20% probability of a "16R special jackpot B," a 5% probability of a "4R special jackpot A," a 20% probability of a "4R special jackpot B," a 5% probability of a "16R regular jackpot A," a 20% probability of a "16R regular jackpot B," and a 20% probability of a "4R regular jackpot B."

[0266] On the other hand, when the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB, the second big win type determination table (see FIG. 1-40) is taken into consideration, and if the value of the big win type determination counter CD2 is "0-9", the award of "16R certainty big win A" is determined, if it is "10,11", the award of "4R certainty big win A" is determined, if it is "12,13", the award of "4R normal big win 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 regular jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if the number is "16", then a "4R regular jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if the number is "17", then a "4R regular 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 for each timer interrupt), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter CD2 is stored in the jackpot type determination 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 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 the RAM 503. Therefore, such processing constitutes a part of various lotteries.

[0269] The reach selection counter CD3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 238). In this embodiment, the reach selection counter CD3 is configured to draw a "reach before and after miss" in which the final stop symbol stops shifted by only one before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs with respect to the decorative symbol, a "reach other than the reach before and after miss" in which the final stop symbol stops other than before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and a "complete miss" in which no reach occurs. In this embodiment, a reach determination table is provided in the ROM 502 to be 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 ​​of "0 to 238", and CD3=0,1 corresponds to the reach before and after miss, CD3=2 to 21 corresponds to the reach other than the reach before and after, and CD3=22 to 238 corresponds to the complete miss.

[0270] The reach selection counter CD3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each 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 game 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 the RAM 503. Therefore, such 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 be incremented by one in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 198), while the other fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to be incremented by one in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 240, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 240). In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as the "first fluctuation type counter" and CS2 is also referred to as the "second fluctuation type counter." This notation is also used in Figure 1-11.

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

[0273] Incidentally, the normal reach is a reach pattern in which no special effects are displayed other than the variation of the decorative symbols. The 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 the decorative symbols is being displayed (after the reach state is established), thereby creating a sense of expectation in the player. The premium reach is a presentation mode that can only be derived when a jackpot state occurs, and is performed in a mode in which characters and the like in a different pattern from the super reach are displayed in addition to the decorative symbols while the variation of the decorative symbols is being displayed (after the reach state is established), thereby creating a sense of expectation 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 fluctuation pattern is determined at the start of the fluctuation of the decorative pattern by the performance display device 42.

[0275] The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is preferable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter CD1, reach selection counter CD3, and fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers and 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 within the range of 0 to 9, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching an upper limit value (i.e., 9).The normal pattern random number counter CD4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each 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 indicating a winning result is obtained, a variable display is performed for a predetermined period of time on the normal pattern display device 41, and then the pattern corresponding to the winning result (in this example, a "○") is displayed stationary, and the opening / closing device 37Y of the lower start winning opening 33YB is opened for a predetermined period of time.

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

[0279] Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processes of the CPU 501 are roughly divided into main processing which is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing which is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing which 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, and then the main processing will be described.

[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, etc. By this NMI interrupt, the state of the main control device 261 at the time of the power outage is 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 interrupts the control being executed, starts an NMI interrupt process, 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 process.

[0282] The above-mentioned NMI interrupt processing 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 of 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 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing. The contents are as described above.

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

[0284] In Fig. 1-14, first, in step SD301, the process of reading various winning detection switches is executed. Here, the state of 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 switch is judged and the detection information is stored.

[0285] In step SD302, a random number initial value update process is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit value (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 pattern random number counter CD4 are each incremented by 1, and when the 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 ​​RAM503.

[0287] Thereafter, in step SD304, a start winning process is executed in response to the winning of the start winning holes 33YA, 33YB, and in step SD305, a through gate passing process is executed in response to the passage of the gaming ball to 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 Fig. 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 game 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 reserved counter Nb, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the winning in 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 reserved counter Nb is incremented by one.

[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 area among the empty reserve areas 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 immediately preceding jackpot determination process, 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 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 any of the values ​​"0-9" corresponding to "16R variable jackpot A", the "16R variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is any of the values ​​"10, 11" corresponding to "4R variable jackpot A", the "4R variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is any of the values ​​"12, 13" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot A", the "4R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is any of the values ​​"14-17" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if it is any of the values ​​"18, 19" corresponding to "JUB jackpot", the "JUB jackpot flag" is turned on.

[0294] In addition, if the "16R variable jackpot A", "4R variable jackpot A" or "JUB jackpot" is won, that is, if the "Until next time high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, a lottery is held with a probability of about 1 / 100 for a predetermined period (20 variable displays in this embodiment) after the jackpot ends to determine whether or not to perform a non-notification effect that does not notify the player that the granted "high support mode" is the "Until next time high support mode". If the lottery result indicates that a non-notification effect will be performed, a non-notification 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 reserved control command is performed. The reserved control command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 in advance of various reserved information (information used to determine the contents of the variable display) reserved and stored in the second special variable reserved area. The reserved control command set in this process is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step SD201). The reserved control command includes, for example, reserved 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 was triggered by a winning entry into the start winning port 33YA or 33YB.

[0297] Here, the big win determination process in step SD505 will be described in detail 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 win / loss judgment table. Note that, for convenience, FIG. 1-16 shows a simplified description of the processing of step SD5101, but in reality, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is "7", and if the judgment is negative, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 is "307", and if either of these judgments is positive, a positive judgment is made in step SD5101, and if both judgments are negative, a negative judgment is made in step SD5101.

[0299] If the result of step SD5101 is positive, i.e., if it is determined 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 result of 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 positive, i.e., if the game is in "high probability mode", then in step SD5104 it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CD1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is any of the values ​​corresponding to the jackpot stored in the second win / loss determination table, excluding the above-mentioned "7" and "307", namely "8-16, 308-316". Note that even 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 in the "high probability mode", the jackpot expected flag is turned on in step SD5102, and then this processing is terminated.

[0303] If the determination 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 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 positive, i.e., if it is determined that a small win state will occur, the small win scheduled 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 as it is.

[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 or not a win scheduled flag (a big win scheduled flag or a small win scheduled flag) was set in the big win determination process performed immediately before. If the determination is affirmative in step SD5301, that is, 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, then in step SD5302, the reach determination table is referred to and it is determined 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 the "front or rear miss reach." If the determination in step SD5302 is positive, then in step SD5303, the front or rear miss flag indicating the occurrence of a front or rear miss reach is turned on, and then this process ends.

[0309] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD5302 is negative, in step SD5304, the reach determination table is referred to and it is determined 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, in step SD5305 the non-front or rear miss flag is turned on and this process is terminated.

[0310] If the result of 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 judged whether or not the game ball has entered the upper start winning hole 33YA based on the detection information of the first start winning switch 224A. If a negative judgment is made in step SD509, this processing ends as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made, in step SD510, it is judged whether or not the value of the upper reserved counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the winning of the upper start winning hole 33YA, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If a negative judgment is made in step SD510, this processing ends as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SD510, the processing proceeds to step SD511, and the upper reserved counter Na is incremented by one.

[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 area among the empty reserve areas in 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 corresponds to a jackpot. The jackpot determination process in step SD513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step SD505 except for the small jackpot determination, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display to be processed is based on the winning of the upper start winning hole 33YA. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, a detailed description is 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 pending area.

[0315] Here, first, in the immediately preceding jackpot determination process, 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 above-mentioned 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 of the values ​​"0, 1" corresponding to "16R certain variable jackpot A", the "16R certain variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is either of the values ​​"2-5" corresponding to "16R certain variable jackpot B", the "16R certain variable jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if it is the value "6" corresponding to "4R certain variable jackpot A", the "4R certain variable jackpot A flag" is turned on. " is turned on, and if the value is any of the values ​​"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 the values ​​"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 the values ​​"16 to 19" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on.

[0316] If the "16R variable jackpot A" or "4R variable 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 the non-notification effect will be performed, 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, when 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 on the variable display to be processed is based on the ball to the upper start winning hole 33YA, so for convenience, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0318] In the next step SD516, the reserved control command is set. After that, this process ends. The reserved control command setting process in step SD516 is the same as the reserved control command setting process 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 hole 33YA, so for convenience, a detailed description 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 the determination in step SD601 is negative, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the determination in step SD601 is positive, that is, if it is determined that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34, in step SD602, it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of reserved variable displays performed by the normal symbol display device 41, is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If the determination here is negative, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the determination in step SD602 is positive, 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 process 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 winning or losing is obtained. 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 of ​​RAM503. After that, the through gate passing process is terminated.

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

[0324] First, in step SD101, the initial setting process is performed when the power is turned on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and a wait process is performed for about one second, for example, to wait for the sub-side control devices (sub-control device 262, dispensing control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step SD102, RAM access is permitted.

[0325] Then, data backup processing is performed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step SD103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step SD112 to clear (delete) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the process proceeds to the next step SD104 to determine whether or not power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If it is not set, the backup data is not stored, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step SD112. If the power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step SD105, and in the next step SD106, it is determined whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power interruption, that is, the validity of the backup. If the RAM judgment value calculated here does not match the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power interruption, the backed up data is destroyed, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step SD112.

[0326] In the process of step SD112, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-control device 262, which is the sub-side control device, and the payout control device 311, etc. In addition, upon receiving the initialization command, the sub-control device 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 (step SD113, etc.). The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in a working area address of RAM 503. Instead of this RAM judgment value, it is also possible to judge 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 the present pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall opens for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM clear switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step SD113, etc.). Similarly, if the power interruption occurrence information is not set, or if an abnormality in the backup is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to the RAM 503 initialization process (step SD113, etc.). That is, in step SD113, the used area of ​​the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step SD114, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. After that, in step SD115, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal process described later.

[0329] On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step SD103: NO), the process at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of recovery from power failure) 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 grasp the game status stored in RAM 503 at the time of power failure.

[0331] In the next step SD110, a recovery command is sent to the sub-control device 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 off. The recovery command sent to the sub-control device 262 includes information on the gaming state at the time of power off specified in the gaming state check process (the gaming state determination value Xj 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 process of step SD109 will be described with reference to Fig. 1-19 and Fig. 1-20. Fig. 1-19 is a flow chart showing the game status check process, and Fig. 1-20 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the lottery mode flag, the support mode flag, the game status identification counter Kj, and the game status judgment value Xj, which will be described later. The game status check process is also executed in the variable display setting process (step SD807) and the ending completion setting process (step SD1214), which will be described later.

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

[0335] The lottery mode flag is state discrimination information for discriminating whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" or the "high probability mode", and the flag value is set to "50(H)" when the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and "53(H)" when the lottery mode is the "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 discriminate the game state in particular.

[0336] The support mode flag is state discrimination information for discriminating the state 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 intended to discriminate the game state.

[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 for counting the number of times the variable display is executed after the end of a jackpot and for identifying the timing of switching the game state, and a predetermined initial value is set at the end of the jackpot, and one is subtracted each time the variable display is executed. For example, as described below, if the initial value of the game state identification counter Kj is set to "50", and the value of the counter Kj is then "31", the variable display at that time can be identified as the 20th variable display after the end of the jackpot.

[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, i.e., 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 the "16R Probable Big Win A", "4R Probable Big Win A" or "JUB Big Win" is won, i.e., if the "High Support Mode Until Next Time" is granted after the big win ends, the initial value is set to "0". However, if the non-notification performance execution flag is turned on and a non-notification performance is executed, the initial value is set to "30". The non-notification performance 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 and the value of the support mode flag are added together.

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

[0345] In step SD1904, it is determined whether the value of the game 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 result here is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1905, where it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "4" or not. 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 an affirmative decision is made in step SD1904 or step SD1905, the process proceeds to step SD1909. On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SD1905, 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.

[0349] If the result is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1907, where it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "5" or not. 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 or not.

[0350] If an affirmative decision is made in step SD1906 or step SD1907, the process proceeds to step SD1912. On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SD1907, 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 answer is YES, the process proceeds to step SD1914. On the other hand, if the answer is NO, the process proceeds to step SD1916, where the value "6" of the gaming state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 503, and the process ends.

[0353] If an affirmative decision 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 determination counter Kj is "31." In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the big win is the 20th time. If the decision is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SD1913, and if the decision is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1910.

[0354] In step SD1910, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination counter Kj is "21". In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the big win is the 30th time. If the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SD1913, and if the result is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1911.

[0355] In step SD1911, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination counter Kj is "11". In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the big win is the 40th time. If the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SD1913, and if the result is negative, the process proceeds to step SD1912.

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

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

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

[0359] Now, in step SD1914, which is moved to when the above step SD1908 is judged to be positive, the value of the game state specification counter Kj is judged to be "0". In other words, it is judged to be whether the winning support mode is the "Until next time - high support mode" in which the above non-notification performance is not performed. If the judgment here is positive, the value of the game state judgment value Xj, "6", is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 503, and this process is terminated.

[0360] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD1914 is negative, that is, if the mode is "Until next time·High support mode" in which a non-notification 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 in the "Until next time·High support mode", the same effect as when the lottery mode is in the "High probability mode" and the winning support mode is in the "30 times·High support mode S" state is performed for a predetermined number of times (20 times in this embodiment).

[0361] Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 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 with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps SD211 and SD212 is executed in the remaining time.

[0362] First, in step SD201, an external output process 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 process, 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 that have been entered is sent to the payout control device 311.

[0364] Moreover, if a command for blinking the error display lamp 104 is set, the command is output to the sub-control device 262 .

[0365] In addition, in the external output process, information for understanding the game status is output to the hall computer of the game 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] In addition, when the decorative pattern is changed and displayed by the performance display device 42, a change 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 received the change pattern command, the pattern command, etc., determines the change mode of the performance display device 42 based on the various commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (change display) the change mode on the performance display device 42.

[0368] In step SD202, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like other counters, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values ​​(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 the RAM 503.

[0369] In the next 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 performance 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 contents of the variable winning device 32 are set to determine what 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 control is to be 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 contents of the opening / closing accessory 37Y are 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 interruption occurrence information is set in backup area 503a of RAM 503. If power interruption 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 passed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step SD201, and the processes from step SD201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0375] On the other hand, if the specified 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 next normal processing execution timing (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 and 240 in this example), they are cleared to 0. The changed values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503.

[0378] Here, since the execution time of each process of steps SD201 to SD209 changes according to the game state, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the jackpot random number counter CD1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

[0379] Now, if the power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step SD209: YES), the power is cut off, and the processing from step SD213 onwards is performed as power outage processing at the time of power outage. In the power outage processing, first, in step SD213, the occurrence of each interruption processing is prohibited, in step SD214, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area, and in step SD215, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. Then, in step SD216, a power outage notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to other control devices (such as the dispensing control device 311). Then, in step SD217, a RAM judgment value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 503. Then, in step SD218, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

[0380] The process of step SD209 is executed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed in steps SD201 to SD208, or at the end of one cycle of the processes of steps SD211 and SD212 performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in the normal process of the main control device 261, the power interruption occurrence information is confirmed at the end of each process, so the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is smaller than when each process is in the middle, and the data can be stored easily. In addition, when returning to the state before the power interruption, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, so the data can be easily returned, and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the occurrence of an interrupt process is prohibited before the data is stored (step SD213), the data at the time of the power interruption can be 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, during the small win state), there is included a round period during which the variable winning device 32 is in an open state, an interval period between round periods during which the variable winning device 32 is in a closed state, an opening period before the start of the first round (a specified period from when the variable display on the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is displayed stopped 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 specified period from when the final round is ended 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, that is, if the game is in a winning state, the process 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 later in detail, is checked to determine whether or not the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (performance display device 42) is displaying a variable. In detail, if the first display flag is set (if it is in an on state), it is considered that the variable display is in progress, and if the first display flag is released (if it is in an off state), it is considered that the variable display is in a stopped state, which corresponds to a stopped state. Note that, as will be described later in detail, the first display flag is turned on when the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R start displaying a variable (see step SD920, see step SD807), and is turned off when the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R display a stopped variable (see step SD814).

[0385] If the result of step SD802 is negative, i.e., if the jackpot is not in 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 pending 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 reserved counter Nb. In this embodiment, if the judgment process in step SD803 judges that the second variable display is stored in reserve, then the second variable display is 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 is consumed first (the first variable display is put off until later).

[0387] In the next step SD805, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the second special variable reserve area. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the reserve areas 1 to 4 of the second special variable reserve area to the execution area side in order, and the data in each area is shifted from the reserve area 1 to the execution area, the reserve area 2 to the reserve area 1, the reserve area 3 to the reserve area 2, and the reserve area 4 to the reserve area 3, and so on. After step SD805, in step SD806, a process is executed to turn on / off the second reserve lamp 46b and a process is executed to light up the variable identification lamp 40 in 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 reserved and stored, in step SD808, it is determined whether or not the upper reserved counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays (first variable displays) triggered by winning in the upper start winning port 33YA, is greater than 0. If the determination in step SD808 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0389] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step SD808 is positive, in step SD809, 1 is subtracted from the upper reserved counter Na. In the following step SD810, a process of shifting the data stored in the first special variable reserved area is executed. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved areas 1 to 4 of the first special variable reserved area to the execution area side in order, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: reserved area 1 → execution area, reserved area 2 → reserved area 1, reserved area 3 → reserved area 2, reserved area 4 → reserved area 3. After step SD810, in step SD811, a process of turning on and off the first reserved lamp 46a and a process of making the variable specific lamp 40 emit blue light are executed, and then the process proceeds to step SD807. In this embodiment, the special variable reserved area has one execution 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 performing a variable display based on the data.

[0390] In step SD807, a variable display setting process is performed. Details of the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 1-22. First, in pre-processing in step SD900, a small win determination process, a big win determination process, a game state check process, and the like are performed.

[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 of 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. Here, it may be possible to determine whether the variable display corresponds to a jackpot by determining whether the jackpot scheduled flag of the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set to ON. In addition, the jackpot scheduled 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 a part of the various lotteries in this embodiment, and the function of the main control device 261 that executes these processes constitutes a part of the lottery means.

[0394] The game status check process is similar to 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 the winning combination corresponds to neither a big win nor a small win, i.e., if the winning combination corresponds to a miss, the process proceeds to step SD912.

[0399] In step SD903, it is determined whether any of the 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 result of the determination in step SD903 is positive, that is, if it is a "probable jackpot", the variation pattern is determined in step SD904 by referring to the variation pattern table corresponding to the "probable jackpot" and set in the variation pattern command. Next, in step SD905, the winning symbol (whether an odd number symbol or an even number symbol in this embodiment) 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 result of the negative judgment in step SD903 is negative, the process proceeds to step SD906, where it is judged 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", "4R normal jackpot B flag") is on, thereby judging whether the variable display corresponds to a "normal jackpot". If the result of the positive judgment in step SD906 is positive, that is, if it is a "normal jackpot", then in step SD907, the variable pattern is determined by referring to the variable pattern table corresponding to the "normal jackpot" and set in the variable pattern command. Next, in step SD908, the jackpot pattern (whether it is an odd number pattern or an even number pattern in this embodiment) is determined by referring to the pattern table corresponding to the "normal jackpot", and the corresponding pattern command (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 stopped and displayed on the performance display device 42, the game state such as the lottery mode that is given after the end of the jackpot cannot be determined. In other words, there is no clear relationship between the variable pattern or the stopped symbol and the jackpot type, such as "odd symbols" being stopped and displayed for a "probable jackpot" and "even symbols" being stopped and displayed for a "normal jackpot". In this embodiment, the tables are simply divided so that the appearance rate of the predetermined variable pattern or symbol differs depending on the type of jackpot, for example, "odd symbols" are likely to be stopped and displayed for a "probable jackpot". Therefore, for example, when a jackpot is hit, the variable pattern or the stopped symbol may be selected based on one 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 the variable display corresponds to a "JUB jackpot," 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 is 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 result of step SD902 is negative, that is, if the result is a "miss," then in step SD912, it is determined whether or not the front / rear miss flag is on.

[0406] If the result of the determination in step SD912 is positive, that is, if it is a "front or rear miss reach", then in step SD913, a fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to a 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, a symbol command corresponding to the front or rear miss symbol (in this embodiment, "BZ3" described later) is set. 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 non-front / rear miss flag is on. If the determination in step SD915 is positive, i.e., if it is a "reach other than front / rear miss", then in step SD916, a fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a "reach other than front / rear miss", and the fluctuation pattern is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the non-front / rear miss flag is turned off. Next, in step SD917, it is set in a pattern command corresponding to a pattern other than front / rear miss (in this embodiment, "BZ4" described later). Then, the process proceeds to step SD920.

[0408] Also, if the result of the negative judgment in step SD915, that is, if it is a "complete miss", in step SD918, the miss variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table corresponding to the "complete miss" and set in the variation pattern command. Then, in step SD919, it is set in the pattern command corresponding to the complete miss pattern (in this embodiment, "BZ5" described later). Then, the process proceeds to step SD920.

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

[0410] For example, as shown in FIG. 1-41(a), in the reference address "100", the probability variable jackpot time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "normal state" where the game state determination value Xj is "0" is stored.

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

[0412] In addition, as for the complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table, as shown in FIG. 1-41(b), a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "normal state" where the game state determination value Xj is "0" is stored at the reference address "700".

[0413] Similarly, at "address 701", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "1" is stored, at "address 702", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "2", at "address 703", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "3", at "address 704", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "4", at "address 705", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "5", at "address 706", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "6", and at "address 707", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj 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 "front or rear miss reach", and the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "reach other than front or rear miss", similarly to the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern table for special jackpot and 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 order from a predetermined reference address.

[0415] Therefore, when determining the fluctuation pattern in the above steps SD904, SD907, SD910, SD913, SD916, and SD918, a process is performed to select a table corresponding to a predetermined gaming state (the gaming state judgment value Xj is a value between "0" and "7") from among a plurality of table groups based on the gaming state judgment value Xj specified in the above gaming state check process (step SD900). At this time, the address in which the table to be selected is stored can be specified by adding the gaming state judgment value Xj to a reference address (for example, "100" in the case of a probability variable jackpot-fluctuation pattern table). In other words, the value of the gaming state judgment value Xj plays the role of an offset value as it is.

[0416] Then, a fluctuation pattern is determined based on the selected fluctuation pattern table (for example, a 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 4 bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the game state. In this embodiment, the value of the game state judgment value Xj is set as is. In addition, the lower 4 bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the big win type, etc., and the lower 8 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 by referring to 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 4 bits of the upper byte are set to "0", which is the value of the game state determination value Xj, and the following lower 4 bits are set to "F", which indicates "probability variable jackpot". Then, in the remaining 8 bits of the lower byte, a value is set that specifies the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503. In addition, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these fluctuation pattern commands and the fluctuation mode (presentation pattern) of the decorative pattern in a table, and when a fluctuation pattern command is received, the fluctuation pattern (presentation pattern) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command can be executed.

[0419] Next, the symbol command will be described in detail. The symbol command is a command for making the sub-controller 262 determine the stop symbol. In this embodiment, six categories are specified: a combination of odd-numbered jackpot symbols, a combination of even-numbered jackpot symbols, a combination of symbols that miss before and after, a combination of symbols that do not miss before and after, a combination of symbols that miss completely, and a combination of symbols that miss chance. These categories are indicated, for example, by "BZ1", "BZ2", "BZ3", "BZ4", "BZ5", and "BZ6", and any one of these is set as a symbol command. Meanwhile, the sub-controller 262 stores the relationship between these commands and the stop symbols in a table. Then, the sub-controller 262 displays the stop symbols corresponding to the symbol commands.

[0420] The odd jackpot symbol combination is a combination of symbols consisting of the repeated numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, and the symbol command corresponding to the odd jackpot symbol combination is set to "BZ1." When "BZ1" indicating the odd jackpot symbol is set to 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 stop symbol.

[0421] The even jackpot symbol combination is a combination of symbols consisting of the repeated numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, and the symbol command corresponding to the even jackpot symbol combination is set to "BZ2." When "BZ2" indicating the even jackpot symbol is set to 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 stop 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 one pattern before or after the reach pattern, and the pattern command corresponding to the combination of front and rear miss patterns is set to "BZ3".

[0423] A combination of symbols other than front and rear misses corresponds to a "reach other than front and rear miss" in which the final stopping symbol stops other than before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and the symbol command corresponding to a combination of symbols other than front and rear misses 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 chance symbol combination is set to "BZ6". Incidentally, there is one type of chance symbol, and in this example, the decorative symbols displayed in each symbol display area are "3", "4", and "1" from the top as described above.

[0426] In addition, although details will be described later, when "BZ3" to "BZ5" are set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the combination of symbols stored in the corresponding counter buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. Specifically, when "BZ3" indicating a combination of symbols that are a front and rear miss is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 that has received the symbol command determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the front and rear miss reach stored in the front and rear miss reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. When "BZ4" indicating a combination of symbols other than the front and rear miss is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the reach other than the front and rear miss stored in the front and rear miss reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. When "BZ5" indicating a combination of symbols that are a complete miss is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the complete miss stored in the complete miss symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol.

[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 change pattern command and the design 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 change mode of the performance display device 42 based on the commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (change display) the change 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 variable time (remaining time of the variable display) in the special display devices 43L, 43R, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable 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 pattern selected by the above-mentioned variable type counters CS1 and CS2. Based on the setting of the first display timer, when a control signal to start a 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 FIG. 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 process determines whether or not the predetermined change time has elapsed by taking into consideration the value of the first display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when the predetermined change 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 process ends. Based on the contents 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 process in the next normal process. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R at the timing of the first display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

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

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

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

[0438] First, in step SD1001, the big win flag and the small win flag are taken into consideration to determine whether the stopped display corresponds to a big win or a small win. If it corresponds to a big win or a small win, it is deemed that a predetermined operating condition is met, and the process proceeds to step SD1002, where a win is set.

[0439] Specifically, the setting process of the big win flag, small win flag, opening flag, first open flag, first variable timer, round number counter Rx, winning counter Vx, etc. is performed, and the setting process of the opening command that notifies the start of the big win or small win and the type of win is also performed. Then, after the end of step SD1002, the variable end setting process is terminated.

[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, a configuration may be used 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. In addition, the jackpot winning flag is turned off after the jackpot flag is set to on.

[0441] The small win flag is state discrimination information for determining whether or not a small win state is occurring, and here, like the big win flag, "1" indicating the occurrence of a small win state is set as the flag value (turned on). Note that the small win winning 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 discrimination 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 and 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, a predetermined value corresponding to each type of winning is set by taking into consideration the opening / closing pattern control table (see FIG. 1-43).

[0445] For example, in the case of the first time being the "long opening" as in the "16R certainty jackpot A", the first variable timer is set to "7500", and in the case of the first time being the "short opening" as in the "JUB jackpot", the first variable timer is set to "100". As a result, the maximum opening time (prescribed 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 movable control unit determines and executes an opening / closing pattern, which is one of the movable modes of the opening / closing shutter 32b that moves during the jackpot performance, from among a plurality of opening / closing patterns (number of rounds) stored in the opening / closing pattern control table.

[0446] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1-43, the opening / closing pattern control table 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 the special prize state (round) occurs during the big win state or the small win state, that is, the number of times the opening and closing process ("long opening" or "short opening") of the variable winning device 32 is executed. In the winning setting process of step SD1002, an initial value corresponding to each type of winning is set by taking into consideration the opening and closing pattern control table (see FIG. 1-43). For example, in the case of "16R certain variable big win A", "16" is set as information indicating 16 times, which is the second specific period, and in the case of "4R certain variable big win A", "4" is set as information indicating 4 times, which is the first specific period. In addition, in the case of "JUB big win", "20" is set as the initial value as information indicating 20 times, which is the sum of 5 times of "short opening" and 15 times of "long opening". In addition, after the number of rounds is determined by the big win type determination process and the information indicating the number of rounds is initially set as the initial value, the set information does not increase midway, and the end determination is made based on the set information.

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

[0449] In addition, in the winning setting process of step SD1002, the specified number Vo, which is the maximum number of expected winnings in 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 described above, the specified number Vo is determined in advance for each opening type (operation mode of the opening / closing member related to 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 times of variable display), and as described later, after the end of the 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 ends as it is. On the other hand, if the support count counter is set (if the counter value is other than "0"), it is considered that the high support mode is set, and in step SD1004, a process is performed to subtract 1 from the support count counter value. In step SD1004, a process is also performed to subtract 1 from the game state specification counter Kj value. 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 after the end of the big win (after the high support mode is given). If the value of the support count counter is "0", the process of switching the value of the support mode flag to "A0 (H)" indicating "low support mode" is performed in step SD1006, and this process is terminated.

[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 winning device control process in step SD206 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

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

[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 it is during the round period. If the determination here is positive, the process proceeds to step SD1204, where it is determined whether the value of the first variable timer is "0", i.e., whether it is the end timing of the round period ("30 seconds" for "long open" and "0.4 seconds" for "short open").

[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 expected winning balls ("10" for a "long opening" and "3" 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, this process is terminated.

[0460] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step SD1204 or step SD1205, 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", that is, whether the number of rounds ("long opening" or "short opening") has reached a specified number. In other words, it determines whether the end condition for the series of round opening and closing operations in the hit state is met.

[0462] The timing of the end of each round period varies depending on the behavior of the game balls shot 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 "long opening" and 0.4 seconds for "short opening") has elapsed, or it may end on the condition that a specified number of game balls (10 for "long opening" and 3 for "short opening") 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 established based on the ball shooting operation by the player, and the timing of establishment may change.

[0463] In place of the above configuration, in the hit setting process in 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 a specified number of rounds corresponding to each type of hit (for example, "16" in the case of a "16R special jackpot A").

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

[0465] If the result of the determination in step SD1207 is affirmative, an ending setting process is performed in step SD1208, and the process ends. That is, the movement of the opening / closing shutter 32b located in the closed position (initial position) is stopped as it is, 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 that informs the sub-control device 262 that the ending is about to begin, and setting a value corresponding to a specified ending period (an 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 decision is made in step SD1207, that is, if the number of rounds executed has not reached the prescribed number, an interval setting process which serves as a stop control is performed in step SD1209, and this process ends.

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

[0469] Now, if the determination in step SD1203 above is negative, that is, if it 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 result of step SD1211 is positive, that is, if it is time for the opening period to end, the process proceeds to step SD1212 to perform an opening end setting process, after which the process ends.

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

[0473] On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SD1211, then in step SD1213 it is determined whether or not the ending flag (see step SD1208) is on. If a positive decision is made in step SD1213, that is, if it is the end timing of the ending period, then in step SD1214, an ending end setting process (setting the end of the winning state) is performed, and this process ends.

[0474] In the ending end setting process of step SD1214, the winning flag (jackpot winning flag or small win winning flag) and the ending flag are turned off, and a winning end command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that the winning state is ending (a winning end command to inform the sub-control device 262 that the winning state is ending, or a small win end command 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 the various "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 the 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, when the small win flag is on (when 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" is set before the small win occurs (the lottery mode flag's flag value is "53(H)"), the "high probability mode" (the lottery mode flag's flag value is "53(H)") is set as is 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 setting process of the support count counter, the switching setting of the support count counter is performed based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, when "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 value of the support count counter is set to "20" corresponding to 20 times of fluctuation display, "30" corresponding to 30 times of fluctuation display, "40" corresponding to 40 times of fluctuation display or "50" corresponding to 50 times of fluctuation display. Also, when "30 times high support mode S" is granted, the value of the support count counter is set to "30" corresponding to 30 times of fluctuation display. When "Until next time high support mode" is granted, the value of the support count counter is set to a value that is practically impossible to reach (for example, "99999" corresponding to 99999 times of fluctuation display).

[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. When 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 FIG. 1-19), so a detailed description will be omitted here.

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

[0482] In addition, various "big win flags" are turned off after various processes such as the switching process of the lottery mode flag are completed. In addition, when a win setting (step SD1002) is performed in the variable end setting process of 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 big win or a 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 process proceeds to step SD1215 to perform a round start process, and then ends this process.

[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 following processes are performed: 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) in the first variable timer; setting a specified number Vo for the next round (10 for a long opening, 3 for a short opening); and resetting the value of the winning counter Vx to 0.

[0486] In addition, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the external output process of the next normal process based on the on / off state of the first open flag. 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 large winning opening 32a is opened. At the same time, a control is performed to cause a light-emitting means such as an LED provided in the large winning opening 32a to emit light, making it easier for the player to see the large winning opening 32a. 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 large winning opening 32a is closed. At the same time, a 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, when the second display flag is on, it is considered that a variable display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41, and when 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 is stopped on the normal pattern display device 41.

[0489] If the result of 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. At this time, if the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, this process ends.

[0490] Also, if the change is not being displayed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is >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 is a process to shift the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the normal variable hold area to the execution area side in sequence, 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, and so on.

[0491] After that, in step SD2105, a start setting process is executed. In this process, a process is executed to indicate that the condition for performing a variable display in the normal pattern display device 41 has been met. In detail, the second display flag is turned on, and a second display timer setting process is executed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed in 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 display time of the normal pattern display device 41 is set to 2 seconds, so the second display timer is set to "500". In the "high support mode", the variable display time of 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 setting in the start setting process, when a control signal to start a variable display is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process of the next normal process, the variable display is started in the normal pattern display device 41. As described above, the normal pattern display device 41 is configured to light and display "○" or "×" as a normal pattern, and if "○" is displayed, it is switched to "×", and if "×" is displayed, it is switched to "○". Then, after step SD2105 is completed, the second display control process is completed.

[0494] Now, if the result of the determination in step SD2101 is affirmative, that is, if the normal symbol display device 41 is displaying a variable number, 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 is affirmative in step SD2107, the second display flag is turned off in step SD2108, and a normal pattern stop display setting is performed in step SD2109 to perform a stop display on the normal pattern display device 41. Then, based on the setting contents of this normal pattern stop display setting, a control signal to perform a stop display 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 a few seconds), and if there is a loss, the "X" pattern is displayed as a stop.

[0496] As described above, whether or not a win occurs is determined based on the value of the normal pattern random number counter CD4 stored in the execution area of ​​the normal variable pending area.

[0497] Specifically, among the values ​​0 to 9 of 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 is performed at the end of the variation, and the process is terminated. In this process, if the stop display corresponds to a win, a setting process is performed to open and close the opening and closing device 37Y. 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 or not.

[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 process is terminated. Then, based on the contents of this switching display setting, a control signal is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process in the next normal process to cause the normal pattern display device 41 to perform a switching display. 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 process, 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 FIG.

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

[0504] On the other hand, if the determination in step SD2201 is affirmative, that is, if the second open flag is on, the opening / closing device 37Y is deemed 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 process determines whether or not the specified open time has elapsed, taking into consideration the value of the second variable timer after the above subtraction. Here, when the specified open time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the second variable timer becomes "0", step SD2203 is judged as positive. If the judgment here is negative, the process is terminated.

[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, a process of turning off the second open flag is performed.

[0507] In addition, various control signals are output to the opening / closing device 37Y in the external output process of the next normal process based on the on / off state of the second open flag. 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 the game ball to enter the lower start winning hole 33YB.

[0508] Next, a description will be given of the dispensing control executed by the CPU 511 in the dispensing control device 311. For convenience of explanation, first, the reception interrupt processing will be described with reference to Fig. 1-27, and then the main processing will be described with reference to Fig. 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 put on ho...

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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