Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can be operated suitably.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: means for collecting a ball entry history into a general winning hole 61, a first operation hole 62, a second operation hole 63, a variable winning device 65, and an out hole 68; means for calculating the number of difference of balls on the basis of the collected ball entry history; means for determining whether or not the calculated number of difference of balls is equal to or more than a specific number of balls and shifting to a game stop state when the number is equal to or more than the specific number of balls; means for supplying backup power to a main side RAM when supply of operating power is stopped and storing and holding information stored in the main side RAM; and means for erasing corresponding information or the like during a high-probability mode and during an opening / closing execution mode stored and held in a main side RAM 314 and canceling a game stop state when supply of operating power is started thereafter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Known gaming machines include pachinko gaming machines and slot machines. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, a gaming ball is shot toward a gaming area in response to a shooting operation by a player, and when the gaming ball enters a ball entry portion provided in the gaming area, a gaming value such as a prize ball is awarded (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In a slot machine, a lottery process is executed by operating a start lever, and the reels start to spin, and the reels stop spinning when a stop button is operated while the reels are spinning. If the reels stop spinning and the result of the reels stopping corresponds to a winning combination in the lottery process, a game value corresponding to the winning combination is awarded to the player. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-81853 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in the gaming machines exemplified above, there is still room for improvement in terms of optimal operation of the gaming machines.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a gaming machine that can be operated suitably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to An information storage means that requires a supply of power to store and hold information; a means for executing specific control based on predetermined information when the predetermined information is stored in the information storage means; a means for supplying power for storing and holding information to the information storage means when the supply of operating power is stopped, thereby enabling information to be stored and held in the information storage means; a specifying means for causing the predetermined information to be erased in the information storage means when the supply of operating power is started, or causing the supply of operating power to be started in a state in which the predetermined information is erased in the information storage means; The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to operate the gaming machine in an optimal manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in a closed state, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in an open state. [Figure 6] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in an open state. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram to explain the configuration regarding the discharge of game balls that have flowed down the game area. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used in lotteries, etc. [Figure 14] 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various tables stored in a main ROM. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display contents of a notification display device. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting mode of programs and data in a main ROM. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting mode of each area in the main RAM. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing in the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a setting value update process. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing a setting confirmation process. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing a special chart special electric control process. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart showing the special chart change start process. [Figure 24] This is an explanatory diagram to explain the configuration for inputting the detection results of the ball entry detection sensor. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart showing a ball scoring detection process. [Figure 26] A block diagram to explain the electrical configuration of a dispensing control device and various devices that communicate with the dispensing control device. [Figure 27] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing in the MPU of the dispensing control device. [Figure 28] 13 is a flowchart showing base value and ball difference processing. [Figure 29] 13 is a flowchart showing execution processing for base value and ball difference number. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart showing a base value calculation process. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the setting manner of each area in a work area for non-specific control. [Diagram 32] 13 is a flowchart showing an excess determination process. [Diagram 33] FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing a display setting process, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correspondence between the value of a display type counter and the display type. [Diagram 34] 13 is a flowchart showing a notification display process. [Diagram 35] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display contents of a notification display device. [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to stop playing a game. [Figure 37] 13A is a flowchart showing an excess start-up process, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing a partial clear process. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart showing a partial clearing execution process. [Figure 39] 1A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing flow in game restrictions that utilize the difference in ball count, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing changes in the difference in ball count. [Diagram 40] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mode of the game stop state, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mode of the initialization process when power is restored. [Diagram 41] A figure showing the change in the number of balls difference in the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting mode of a work area for non-specific control, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a lowest point determination process. [Diagram 43] 13 is a flowchart showing an excess determination process. [Diagram 44] 13 is a flowchart showing a power failure information storage process according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. [Diagram 45] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for clearing when power is interrupted. [Diagram 46] 13 is a flowchart showing a clearing execution process in the event of power interruption. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <First embodiment> A first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine 10 seen from the front side, and Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded form. Note that Fig. 2 omits the components inside the play area PE of the pachinko machine 10 for the sake of convenience.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 attached to this outer frame 11.

[0012] The outer frame 11 is a rectangular frame made of plate materials connected on all four sides. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. Note that the outer frame 11 is not a required component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be attached to the island equipment of the game hall.

[0013] The gaming machine body 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in an openable and closable state. Specifically, an upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a lower support metal fitting 18 is provided at the connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11. The upper support metal fitting 17 and the lower support metal fitting 18 form a support mechanism, which allows the gaming machine body 12 to rotate forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 relative to the outer frame 11 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0014] 2, the gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is supported rotatably relative to the outer frame 11. In detail, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front.

[0015] A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front. A back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated backward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front (see FIG. 3).

[0016] Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 having an outer shape substantially identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers substantially the entire front area of ​​the inner frame 13. A substantially elliptical window section 21 is formed in the center of the frame body 20 so that substantially the entire area of ​​a play area PE, which will be described later, can be viewed from the front, and the window section 21 is closed by a glass unit 22 from the rear side of the front door frame 14.

[0017] The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition that separates the holding area of ​​the glass panels 23 into front and rear, and the two glass panels 23 face each other from the front and rear with the partition between them. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the glass panels 23 are prevented from interfering with each other, and the playing area PE is doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23.

[0018] It is not necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be attached to the frame body 20 individually. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one, or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and arrange the respective glass panels facing each other at the front and rear with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a panel member made of a transparent synthetic resin instead of the glass panels.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, various light emitting means such as lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window section 21). For example, a lamp section (annular illumination section) 26 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window section 21. The lamp section 26 lights up or blinks in response to changes in the game state, such as when a big win occurs or when a predetermined reach occurs. In addition, an error display lamp section 27 that lights up in the event of a predetermined error is provided at the center of the lamp section 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and further, prize ball lamp sections 28 that light up during prize ball payout are provided on the left and right sides of the error display lamp section 27. In addition, speaker sections 29 that output sound effects according to the game state are provided in positions close to the left and right prize ball lamp sections 28.

[0020] Below the window 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulge 31 and a lower bulge 32, which bulge toward the front, are arranged side by side. An upper tray 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulge 31, and a lower tray 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulge 32. The upper tray 33 has the function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later, and guiding them to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a row. The lower tray 34 also has the function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 33.

[0021] In addition, a performance operation unit 36 ​​(more specifically, a push button) that is manually operated by the player is provided on the upper surface of the upper bulge 31. For example, when the performance operation unit 36 ​​is manually operated in accordance with a suggestion or the like displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 described later, the performance content on the display screen G or the like becomes a predetermined performance content corresponding to the operation.

[0022] A game ball launching handle 41 is provided to the right of the lower bulge 32 so as to protrude forward. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, a game ball is launched from a game ball launching mechanism, which will be described later.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is molded from synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at the upper corner, and the receiving portion is divided into left and right by a partition wall to define an entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and an entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage. Game balls that enter the front door side upper tray passage are guided to the upper tray 33, and game balls that enter the front door side lower tray passage are guided to the lower tray 34.

[0024] Protruding shafts are provided at the upper and lower ends of the pivot base end on the rear surface of the front door frame 14. These protruding shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. In addition, at the pivot tip end on the rear surface of the front door frame 14, as shown in Figure 2, a plurality of hook fittings 49 extending rearward are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. These hook fittings 49 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

[0025] Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50 having an outer shape of a substantially rectangular shape similar to that of the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 50 is disposed close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50. A fascia is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The fascia is disposed below the resin base 50 (specifically, its lower end portion), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the resin base 50 rests on the fascia.

[0026] Support fittings 51, 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side on the front surface of the resin base 50. Axle holes are formed in the support fittings 51, 52, and the protruding shafts of the front door frame 14 are inserted into these axle holes, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 rotatably relative to the inner frame 13.

[0027] The front end of the resin base 50 is provided with insertion holes for inserting the hooks 49 provided on the back of the front door frame 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden and arranged on the back side of the inner frame 13. Therefore, the hooks 49 are engaged with the locking device 55 (more specifically, the front door hook receiving member) through the insertion holes, thereby locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 55 also has a plurality of inner frame hook members 57 extending rearward from the inner frame 13. The inner frame hook members 57 are hooked on the hook receiving members 19 of the outer frame 11, thereby locking the gaming machine body 12 in a closed state to the outer frame 11.

[0028] A cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is provided in the lower right corner of the resin base 50. The cylinder lock 58 is integrated with the locking device 55, and the locking device 55 is configured such that when a key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13, and when the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned to the left, the inner frame 13 is unlocked from the outer frame 11.

[0029] A substantially elliptical window 54 is formed in the center of the resin base 50, and the window 54 is blocked from the rear by a game board 60 attached to the resin base 50. The game board 60 is made of a wooden plywood and a sheet material covering the front plate surface of the plywood, and its front surface is exposed to the front side of the resin base 50 through the window 54. A game area PE where game balls flow down is formed in this exposed portion, i.e., the front surface of the game board 60. The game board 60 is not limited to being made of wood, and can also be made of synthetic resin.

[0030] Hereinafter, the game board 60 (particularly the various components arranged in the play area PE) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a front view of the game board 60.

[0031] A plurality of openings of various sizes are formed in the game board 60, penetrating in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the game board 60. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 61, a first operating opening 62, a second operating opening 63, a through gate 64, a variable winning device 65, a variable display unit 67, etc.

[0032] When balls enter the general winning opening 61, the variable winning device 65, the first operating opening 62, and the second operating opening 63, the entry is detected by a winning sensor (detection sensor), and a bonus such as a payout of a predetermined number of prize balls is given to the player based on the detection result. In this case, when a ball enters the general winning opening 61, 10 game balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the variable winning device 65, 15 game balls are paid out. When a ball enters the first operating opening 62, 3 game balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the second operating opening 63, 1 game ball is paid out. Incidentally, even if a ball enters the through gate 64, no game balls are paid out.

[0033] The number of prize balls is arbitrary, and for example, the number of prize balls associated with the first operating port 62 may be the same as the number of prize balls associated with the second operating port 63, or the number of prize balls associated with the second operating port 63 may be greater than the number of prize balls associated with the first operating port 62. Also, the number of prize balls associated with the variable winning device 65 may be the same as or less than the number of prize balls associated with other operating ports. Also, a predetermined number of game balls may be paid out when a ball enters the through gate 64.

[0034] An outlet 68 is provided at the bottom of the game board 60, and game balls that do not enter the various ball entry sections are discharged from the game area PE through the outlet 68. Here, "entering" means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening position, and includes not only a state in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening position, but also a state in which the game ball is not discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening position. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the entry of the game ball into the outlet 68, the entry into the general winning port 61, the operating port 62, 63, the variable winning device 65, or the through gate 64 is also expressed as winning.

[0035] In addition, numerous nails 69 are planted on the game board 60 to appropriately distribute and adjust the flow path of the game balls, and various components (apparatuses) such as windmills are also arranged. The flow of the game balls is diversified by the various configurations of these nails 69 and windmills, and adjustments are made so that the above-mentioned general winning hole 61 and the like will win with a reasonable probability.

[0036] The variable display unit 67 is disposed in the center of the game board 60. The variable display unit 67 is installed on the back side of the game board 60 (FIG. 3), and the display screen G can be viewed through an opening provided in the center of the game board 60. A frame-shaped center frame 76 is attached to the front of the game board 60 in correspondence with the periphery of the opening.

[0037] The center frame 76 protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 60, and the gap dimension between the front surface of the center frame 76 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. This prevents the game ball flowing down the game area PE from flowing into the inner area of ​​the center frame 76 and coming into contact with the display screen G. In addition, the center frame 76 distributes the flow path of the game ball when it flows down the game area PE to the left and right, forming a left route that passes through the left side of the center frame 76 and a right route that passes through the right side.

[0038] Whether the game ball flows down (passes through) the left route or the right route is determined by the amount of rotation of the game ball launching handle 41, i.e., the launching force of the game ball. The launched game ball enters the game area PE from the upper left side of the game board 60, so the stronger the launching force of the game ball, the more likely the game ball will flow down the right route.

[0039] In detail, when the player rotates the game ball launching handle 41 as the first launching operation with a rotation operation amount in a first range that is equal to or larger than the predetermined rotation amount but smaller than the reference rotation amount, the launched game ball flows down the left route, and when the player rotates the game ball launching handle 41 as the second launching operation with a rotation operation amount in a second range that is equal to or larger than the reference rotation amount, the launched game ball flows down the right route. Note that the predetermined rotation amount is the rotation operation amount that allows the launched game ball to pass through the guide rail 100 described later and enter the game area PE, and the reference rotation amount is the rotation operation amount that launches the game ball with a launch force that can reach the top of the center frame 76.

[0040] A first operating port 62 that opens upward is disposed below the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67). The first operating port 62 is located in the center of the game board 60, but game components such as nails 69 are disposed so that game balls flowing down the right route do not enter the first operating port 62. That is, only game balls flowing down the left route can enter the first operating port 62. Therefore, when a player aims to enter the first operating port 62, the player plays the game by shooting the game ball so that the game ball flows down the left route. A first operating port detection sensor 93a (FIG. 7) is provided in the first operating port 62, and the detection sensor 93a detects a game ball that has entered the first operating port 62.

[0041] The second actuation port 63 is disposed to the right of the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67). The configuration of the second actuation port 63 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0042] A normal power attachment 63a (variable receiving means) as a guide piece (support piece) consisting of a pair of left and right movable pieces is provided in the second operating port 63. Specifically, the pair of movable pieces supported so as to be rotatable in the left and right direction are arranged so as to sandwich the opening as the second operating port 63 from both the left and right sides.

[0043] By rotating each of the movable pieces, the second operating port 63 can be switched between a closed state (non-support state or non-guide state) shown in FIG. 5(a) and an open state (support state or guide state) shown in FIG. 5(b). In detail, a protrusion 63d is provided at the top of the second operating port 63 so as to protrude forward, and when the movable pieces are in an upright position as shown in FIG. 5(a), the gap between each of the movable pieces and the protrusion 63d becomes smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball is prevented from flowing into the second operating port 63. On the other hand, when the movable pieces are rotated so as to incline outward as shown in FIG. 5(b), an opening large enough for the game ball to pass through is formed between the protrusion 63d and the movable pieces, and the game ball is allowed to flow into the second operating port 63. A ball entry detection sensor 94a is provided at the second operating port 63, and the ball entry detection sensor 94 detects a game ball that has entered the second operating port 63.

[0044] In addition, the normal power supply mechanism 63a is provided with a drive unit 63b that drives each movable piece. Each movable piece is switched between an open state (inclined posture) and a closed state (standing posture) by being driven by the drive unit 63b through a link mechanism (not shown). Incidentally, the first operating port 62 is not provided with a normal power supply mechanism (opening and closing structure).

[0045] In the above configuration, it is impossible to win through the second operating port 63 when it is in the closed state, but it may be configured so that it is possible to win. In other words, it may be configured so that it is possible to win through the second operating port 63 when it is in the closed state, but it is more difficult to win (it is more difficult to win) than when it is in the open state. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning through the second operating port 63 differs between the open state and the closed state, and the degree of closing or opening is arbitrary. In addition, the configuration of the normal power device 63a is not limited to the above, and for example, the second operating port 63 may be opened and closed by a movable piece rotating back and forth or sliding back and forth or left and right.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4, a through gate 64 is disposed above (upstream of) the second operating port 63 on the right route. The through gate 64 has a through hole (not shown) that penetrates vertically, and a game ball that enters the through gate 64 passes through the through gate 64 and flows down the game area PE again. Therefore, a game ball that enters the through gate 64 can also enter the second operating port 63. A ball entry detection sensor 97a (Fig. 8) is provided on the through gate 64, and the ball entry detection sensor 97a detects a game ball that enters the through gate 64.

[0047] The through gate 64 is a trigger for opening the normal power role 63a provided in the second operating port 63. Specifically, an internal lottery is held when a prize is won at the through gate 64, and when the result of the internal lottery is an opening result (support winning), the normal power role 63a is opened from the closed state, and then a role opening / closing game (support execution mode) is executed to return it to the closed state.

[0048] In the right route, a variable winning device 65 is disposed below (downstream) the second operating port 63. The configuration of the variable winning device 65 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] The variable winning device 65 is provided with a large winning opening 65a that opens forward, and an opening / closing door 65b that opens and closes the large winning opening 65a. The large winning opening 65a is a horizontally long rectangle when viewed from the front, and is large enough to allow multiple game balls to win at the same time. The large winning opening 65a communicates with a guide passage 65e provided on the back side of the game board 60, and is configured so that all game balls that win in the large winning opening 65a are guided to the guide passage 65e. A ball entry detection sensor 95a is provided in the guide passage 65e, and the ball entry detection sensor 95a detects the game balls that win in the large winning opening 65a.

[0050] The variable winning device 65 is also provided with a drive unit 65d that drives the opening and closing door 65b. The opening and closing door 65b is driven by the drive unit 65d through a link mechanism (not shown) to switch between a closed state (FIG. 6(a)) in which a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 65a and an open state (FIG. 6(b)) in which a game ball can enter the big winning opening 65a. Specifically, the opening and closing door 65b is normally in a closed state, and is switched to an open state when a transition to an opening and closing execution mode (big winning game) is selected in an internal lottery.

[0051] The open / close execution mode is a mode to which the mode is shifted when a big win is won. The open / close execution mode will be described in detail later. In the case of a big win, the variable winning device 65 may be repeatedly opened up to a maximum of multiple rounds (for example, 10 rounds), with one round being the passage of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (for example, 10 prizes).

[0052] In the above configuration, it is not possible to win a prize in the large prize opening 65a when it is in the closed state, but it may be possible to win a prize. In other words, it may be possible to win a prize in the large prize opening 65a when it is in the closed state, but it may be more difficult to win a prize (to win a prize) than when it is in the open state. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning a prize in the large prize opening 65a differs between the open state and the closed state, and the degree of closing or opening is arbitrary.

[0053] Here, only game balls flowing down the right route can win the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, and the variable winning device 65. Therefore, when a player aims to win the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, and the variable winning device 65, the player plays by shooting the game ball so that it flows down the right route.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, a main display unit 81 is provided below the variable winning device 65. The main display unit 81 is arranged along the outer edge of the lower side of the game area PE, and protrudes forward from the front of the game board 60. The front of the main display unit 81 is provided with a special display section 43 and a normal display section 44 on which predetermined pictures and the like are displayed. These display sections 43, 44 are visible from the front through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14. The gap dimension between the front of the main display unit 81 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This prevents the game ball from passing in front of the main display unit 81, and ensures the visibility of the various display sections 43, 44.

[0055] The special chart display section 43 is provided with a first special chart display section AS which displays the results of a lottery conducted based on winning at the first operating port 62, and a second special chart display section BS which displays the results of a lottery conducted based on winning at the second operating port 63.

[0056] In the first special chart display unit AS, the winning of the first operating port 62 is used as a trigger to display a varying pattern, and the result of stopping the varying display is indicated as the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the first operating port 62. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the first operating port 62 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the varying display is stopped in the first special chart display unit AS, a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stopping result, and then the above-mentioned opening / closing execution mode is entered.

[0057] In the second special chart display section BS, the winning of the second operating port 63 is used as a trigger to display a varying pattern, and the result of the varying display is displayed as a result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the second operating port 63. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the second operating port 63 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the varying display is stopped in the second special chart display section BS, a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result of the stop, and then the above-mentioned opening and closing execution mode is entered.

[0058] In the following, in order to distinguish between the pattern that is variably displayed upon winning the first operating port 62 and the pattern that is variably displayed upon winning the second operating port 63, the former will be referred to as the first special pattern or first special design, and the latter will be referred to as the second special pattern or second special design.

[0059] Here, based on a winning entry into any of the operating ports 62, 63, a variable display is started in the corresponding special chart display unit AS, BS, and a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variable display is stopped, which corresponds to one game round in the special chart display unit AS, BS. However, one game round is not limited to the above content, and for example, in a configuration in which a single display area is provided and the variable display is performed in that single display area regardless of whether a winning entry into any of the operating ports 62, 63 occurs, a variable display is started in that single display area, and one game round is considered to be a period until the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed.

[0060] In addition, the main display unit 81 is provided with a special symbol reserved number display unit AM. The number of times that the game ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63 can be reserved up to four times, and the special symbol reserved number display unit AM can display the reserved number of the first special symbol (first actuation port 62) and the reserved number of the second special symbol (second actuation port 63) separately.

[0061] The normal map display unit 44 is a display unit for displaying the result of the internal lottery performed based on winning the through gate 64. In this case, the normal map display unit 44 displays the variation of the image triggered by winning the through gate 64, and as a result of the stop of the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on winning the through gate 64 is displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on winning the through gate 64 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the support state in which the normal power role 63a is opened, the normal map display unit 44 displays a predetermined stop result, the variation display is stopped, and then the state transitions to the support state. The image that is displayed in a variable manner in response to winning the through gate 64 is sometimes called a normal pattern or a normal map.

[0062] Here, based on the winning of the through gate 64, the variable display starts in the normal map display section 44, and the period from when a predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display stops corresponds to one game round in the normal map display section 44. In the following, in order to distinguish between a game round in the normal map display section 44 and a game round in the special map display sections AS and BS, the former may be referred to as a normal map game round, and the latter as a special map game round.

[0063] In addition, the normal map display unit 44 is provided with a normal map reservation number display unit FM. The number of times that the game ball enters the through gate 64 can be reserved up to four times, and the normal map reservation number display unit FM can display the number of reserved normal maps (through gates 64).

[0064] The special map display unit 43 and the general map display unit 44 are composed of a segment display device having a plurality of segments, but are not limited to this and may be composed of other display devices such as a liquid crystal display device.

[0065] In addition, although not shown, the main display unit 81 is provided with a round display section for indicating the number of rounds in the opening and closing execution mode. The round display section starts displaying the number of rounds when the opening and closing execution mode is started or has been started. This display continues without changing the display content while the opening and closing execution mode is being executed, and ends when the opening and closing execution mode is ended or has been ended.

[0066] Next, a description will be given of the variable display unit 67. The variable display unit 67 is provided with a pattern display device 75 that variably displays (or variably displays or switchably displays) a pattern, which is a type of picture.

[0067] The pattern display device 75 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. Note that the pattern display device 75 is not limited to being a liquid crystal display device, and may be other display devices such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

[0068] The pattern display device 75 displays patterns arranged, for example, at the top, middle, and bottom, and these patterns are scrolled left and right to display them in a variable manner. In this case, the variable display on the pattern display device 75 is started based on the winning of the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63. That is, when a variable display is performed on the special pattern display unit 43, a variable display is also performed on the pattern display device 75 accordingly. Then, when the variable winning device 65 is shifted to a big win game state (open / close execution mode) in which it is in an open state, a predetermined pattern combination is displayed on a preset effective line on the pattern display device 75.

[0069] In addition, the pattern display device 75 displays a reserved number corresponding to the first special symbol display unit AS and the second special symbol display unit BS. In this reserved number display, a predetermined reserved image is displayed, and the number of reserved numbers in each operating port 62, 63 is indicated by the number of images displayed. The reserved number is not limited to the reserved number indicated by the reserved image, and may be indicated by a numerical display. In addition, the number may be indicated by a display unit (a display unit separate from the reserved number display units AM, FM of the main display unit 81) or a light-emitting unit (reserved lamp unit) provided on the game board 60 separately from the pattern display device 75, for example.

[0070] Next, a configuration for discharging the game balls that have flowed down the game area PA will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] A game ball that enters any of the general winning opening 61, the variable winning device 65, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, and the outlet 68 is guided to the rear side of the game board 60 and discharged from the game area PA. In other words, a game ball that is launched from the game ball launching mechanism and flows into the game area PA is discharged from the game area PA by entering any of the general winning opening 61, the variable winning device 65, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, and the outlet 68.

[0072] On the back surface of the game board 60, discharge passages 91-96 are formed corresponding to the general winning opening 61, the variable winning device 65, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, and the outlet 68, respectively. The game balls that flow into the discharge passages 91-96 flow down the discharge passages 91-96, and are guided to the lower end of the game board 60 on the back surface side of the game board 60, and are collected in a discharge ball collection section (not shown). The game balls collected in the discharge ball collection section are then discharged to a ball circulation device of an island facility in which a pachinko machine 10 is installed in a game hall.

[0073] Various detection sensors 91a to 96a for detecting game balls are provided in the respective discharge passages 91 to 96. These discharge passages 91 to 96 and the detection sensors 91a to 96a will be described below.

[0074] Since three general winning openings 61 are provided, there are discharge passage sections 91, 92 corresponding to the three general winning openings 61, respectively. In this case, one detection sensor 91a is provided in the first discharge passage section 91 corresponding to the leftmost general winning opening 61. Specifically, the first winning opening detection sensor 91a is provided so that a detection range exists in a midway position of the first discharge passage section 91, and a game ball that enters the leftmost general winning opening 61 is detected by the first winning opening detection sensor 91a on the way through the first discharge passage section 91.

[0075] In addition, a second discharge passage section 92 is provided that is formed to join the two general winning openings 61 on the right side at a midway position. The second discharge passage section 92 has inlet side areas corresponding to the two general winning openings 61, and the inlet side areas join midway to form one outlet side area. A second winning opening detection sensor 92a is provided so that a detection range exists at a midway position of the outlet side area in the second discharge passage section 92. A game ball that enters either of the two general winning openings 61 on the right side is detected by the second winning opening detection sensor 92a on the way through the second discharge passage section 92.

[0076] A third discharge passage section 93 exists corresponding to the first actuation port 62. A first actuation port detection sensor 93a is provided so that a detection range exists in a middle position of the third discharge passage section 93, and a game ball that enters the first actuation port 62 is detected by the first actuation port detection sensor 93a in the middle of passing through the third discharge passage section 93. A fourth discharge passage section 94 exists corresponding to the second actuation port 63. A second actuation port detection sensor 94a is provided so that a detection range exists in a middle position of the fourth discharge passage section 94, and a game ball that enters the second actuation port 63 is detected by the second actuation port detection sensor 94a in the middle of passing through the fourth discharge passage section 94.

[0077] A fifth discharge passage section 95 exists corresponding to the variable winning device 65. A large winning opening detection sensor 95a is provided in a midway position of the fifth discharge passage section 95 so that a detection range exists therein, and a game ball that has entered the variable winning device 65 is detected by the large winning opening detection sensor 95a in the middle of passing through the fifth discharge passage section 95. A sixth discharge passage section 96 exists corresponding to the outlet 68. An outlet detection sensor 96a is provided in a midway position of the sixth discharge passage section 96 so that a detection range exists therein, and a game ball that has entered the outlet 68 is detected by the outlet detection sensor 96a in the middle of passing through the sixth discharge passage section 96.

[0078] In addition, a gaming ball that is detected by any one of the various detection sensors 91a to 96a is not detected by the other detection sensors 91a to 96a. In addition, a gate detection sensor 97a is also provided for the through gate 64, and a gaming ball that passes through the through gate 64 on the way down the game area PA is detected by the gate detection sensor 97a.

[0079] Although electromagnetic induction type proximity sensors are used as the various detection sensors 91a-97a, any sensor can be used as long as it can detect the game balls individually. The various detection sensors 91a-97a are electrically connected to a main control device 162 described later, and the detection results of the various detection sensors 91a-97a are output to the main control device 162. Specifically, the various detection sensors 91a-97a output a LOW level signal when they are not detecting a game ball, and output a HI level signal when they are detecting a game ball. However, this is not limited to this, and the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed.

[0080] The configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 again. Below the mounting area of ​​the game board 60 in the resin base 50, a game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided that launches game balls toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launching handle 41. The game ball launching mechanism 110 mainly comprises a solenoid 111 that launches game balls arranged at a predetermined launch waiting position, a launch rail 112 that determines the launch direction of the game balls launched by the solenoid 111, a ball sending device 113 that supplies game balls to the launch waiting position, and a base plate 114 on which the various components 111 to 113 are mounted. The base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is integrated with the resin base 50.

[0081] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an obliquely inclined state so as to slope upward toward the game board 60. A ball stopper that stops the game balls supplied from the ball sending device 113 at the above-mentioned launch waiting position is provided at a position further downstream of the ball stopper. The above-mentioned solenoid 111 is disposed at a position further downstream of the ball stopper.

[0082] The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source and a launch control device, which will be described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the extension / contraction direction based on the output of an electrical signal from the power source and the launch control device, so that the game ball placed in the launch standby position is launched toward the game board 60, more specifically, toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board 60.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, the guide rail 100 defines the play area PE so that the outer shape of the play area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are arranged to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a guide passage 103 is defined by both rails 101 and 102. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion that opens at the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion located at the top of the play area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the play area PE by moving in the order of the launch rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion).

[0084] In addition, a backflow prevention member 106 is attached to the end of the exit portion of the game board 60, more specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent the game ball that has reached the game area PE from going back into the guide passage 103, thereby preventing the game ball that has already reached the game area PE from interfering with the launch of subsequent game balls.

[0085] 2, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 60. In other words, the rails 100, 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are shifted left and right near the lower edge of the game board 60. This allows the rails 100, 112 to approach the lower edge of the game board 60, while forming a predetermined gap between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

[0086] A foul ball passage 46 is disposed below the gap thus formed. The foul ball passage 46 is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If a game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns as a foul ball through the guide passage 103, the foul ball will enter the foul ball passage 46 through the above-mentioned gap. The foul ball passage 46 is connected to the lower tray passage on the front door side, and game balls that enter the foul ball passage 46 are discharged to the lower tray 34. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched, and the game ball that has become a foul ball is returned to the player.

[0087] A through hole is formed in the resin base 50 on the left side of the launch rail 112 (more specifically, on the side supporting the front door frame 14) that penetrates the resin base 50 in the front-rear direction, and a passage forming member 121 is disposed in this through hole. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50, and has a main body side upper plate passage and a main body side lower plate passage. The upstream sides of the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage are connected to a game ball distribution section described later. In addition, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage, and the front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side lower plate passage.

[0088] An opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the upper plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the main body side is attached below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 50. The opening / closing member 124 is supported by a support shaft provided at its lower end so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and a biasing member is provided to bias the opening / closing member 124 to a forward position where the upper plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the main body side are closed. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened relative to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure, and closes the upper plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the main body side. This prevents the stored balls from spilling out when the front door frame 14 is opened while game balls are stored in the upper plate passage on the main body side or the lower plate passage on the main body side. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the upper tray passage on the main body side is connected to the upper tray passage on the front door side, and the lower tray passage on the main body side is connected to the lower tray passage on the front door side.

[0089] Next, the rear structure of the inner frame 13 (resin base 50 and game board 60) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0090] Bearing fittings 132 are arranged vertically side by side on the rotation base end side on the back surface of the resin base 50. The bearing fittings 132 are formed with bearing portions spaced apart from each other on the top and bottom, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions.

[0091] A plurality of locking fittings are provided on the rear surface of the resin base 50, and the game board 60 is attached to the resin base 50 by these locking fittings. Here, the configuration of the rear surface of the game board 60 will be described.

[0092] A display control device is attached to the variable display unit 67 arranged in the center of the game board 60 so as to cover the variable display unit 67 from behind (not shown). A performance control device unit 142 is mounted behind the display control device so as to overlap the display control device. The performance control device unit 142 is configured to include a performance control device 143 and a mounting base 144, and the performance control device 143 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

[0093] The performance control device 143 is equipped with a performance control board that controls audio, lamp displays, and the display control device in accordance with instructions from the main control device described below, and the performance control board is housed in a board box 145 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0094] 3, a collection board 150 is provided on the back of the game board 60 below the variable display unit 67. The collection board 150 is provided with a game ball recovery mechanism that recovers game balls that have entered various winning holes, a detection mechanism that detects the entry of game balls into various winning holes, etc.

[0095] Regarding the game ball recovery mechanism, the collecting board 150 is provided with recovery passages corresponding to the various winning holes such as the general winning hole 61. These recovery passages run down from the winning holes along the back of the game board 60, and define the path along which the game balls fall. The recovery passages join together near the bottom end of the game board 60, and all game balls that pass through the winning holes such as the general winning hole 61 are collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the recovery passages. The outlet of each recovery passage is open downward, and a discharge passage is provided at the end of the outlet (more specifically, below the game board 60). The game balls that have been collected below the game board 60 by the recovery passages are led out to the discharge passage. The outlet 68 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won any of the winning holes are also led out to the discharge passage via the outlet 68.

[0096] The main control device unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the assembly board 150 from the rear side, and is composed of a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 162 is responsible for the main control of the game. Figure 8 is a front view of the main control device 162.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 8, the main control device 162 is configured by housing a main control board 311 in a board box 163a. ​​An MPU 312 is mounted on an element mounting surface, which is one of the board surfaces of the main control board 311. The board box 163a is formed transparent so that the MPU 312 housed in the board box 163a can be visually observed from outside the board box 163a. ​​Although the board box 163a is formed colorless and transparent, it may be formed colored and transparent as long as the MPU 312 housed in the board box 163a can be visually observed from outside the board box 163a.

[0098] The main control device 162 is mounted on the back surface of the resin base 50 in a board box 163a such that an opposing wall portion 163b that faces the element mounting surface of the main control board 311 faces the rear of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, by opening the gaming machine main body 12 toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 relative to the outer frame 11 and exposing the rear surface of the resin base 50, it becomes possible to visually observe the opposing wall portion 163b of the board box 163a and the MPU 312 through the opposing wall portion 163b.

[0099] The board box 163a is formed by combining a plurality of case bodies 163c in front and behind, and the plurality of case bodies 163c are provided with a joint portion 163e for preventing separation of the case bodies 163c and leaving a trace when the case bodies 163c are separated. The joint portions 163e are arranged in a row on one side of the board box 163a having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As a result, even if the case bodies 163c are separated by destroying some of the joint portions 163e in a state in which separation of the case bodies 163c is prevented using some of the joint portions 163e, it is possible to prevent separation of the case bodies 163c again by putting another joint portion 163e into a joint state thereafter. In addition, since the joint portions 163e are destroyed when the case bodies 163c are separated and a trace is left, it is possible to visually check the joint portions 163e to know whether the separation of the case bodies 163c is being performed illegally.

[0100] In addition, a seal 163f is attached to the side of the board box 163a opposite to the side on which the joints 163e are arranged, so as to straddle the boundary between the case bodies 163c. When the seal 163f is peeled off, an adhesive layer remains on the case body 163c. This makes it possible to leave a trace when the seal 163f is peeled off when the case body 163c is separated.

[0101] In the main control device 162 having the above configuration, the main control board 311 is provided with a setting key insertion section 166a into which a setting key owned by the manager of the game hall is inserted and turned on to generate an opportunity to change the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 within the range of "setting 1" to "setting 6", an update button 166b which is operated to sequentially change the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 after the setting key insertion section 166a is turned on, a reset button 166c which is operated to clear data in the main RAM 314 (FIG. 9) provided in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162, and first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e for notifying the management result of the game history. In addition, the MPU 312 mounted on the main control board 311 is provided with a read terminal 166d for connecting a connection terminal of an external device to read the management result of the game history or information (programs and data) stored in the main ROM 313 by the external device. The setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is not limited to six stages from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6", but may be any multiple stage.

[0102] The setting key insertion section 166a, the update button 166b, the reset button 166c, the reading terminal 166d (i.e., the MPU 312), and the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169d are all provided on the element mounting surface of the main control board 311. As already explained, the element mounting surface of the main control board 311 faces the opposing wall section 163b of the board box 163a, but the setting key insertion section 166a, the update button 166b, the reset button 166c, and the reading terminal 166d are not covered by the opposing wall section 163b. In other words, the opposing wall section 163b has separate openings in the areas facing the setting key insertion section 166a, the update button 166b, the reset button 166c, and the reading terminal 166d. This makes it possible to insert a setting key into the setting key insertion portion 166a, to press the update button 166b, to press the reset button 166c, and to connect a connection terminal for an external device to the reading terminal 166d, without having to open the board box 163a.

[0103] By inserting a setting key into the setting key insertion section 166a and rotating it in a predetermined direction, the setting key insertion section 166a is turned on. In this state, by starting the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 while pressing the reset button 166c (i.e., by starting the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control device 162), the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is changed to a changeable state in which it is possible to change the setting state of the pachinko machine 10. Then, in this state, each time the update button 166b is pressed once, the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is changed by one step in ascending order within the range of "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". Note that if the update button 166b is operated in the "Setting 6" state, it is updated to "Setting 1".

[0104] In addition, when the setting key insertion section 166a is turned ON, the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is started without pressing the reset button 166c, thereby entering a confirmation possible state in which the current setting state can be confirmed. In addition, although details will be described later, in the confirmation possible state, the current setting state is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169d.

[0105] Furthermore, the setting key inserted into the setting key insertion portion 166a is turned from the ON operation position in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction to return it to its initial position, thereby turning the setting key insertion portion 166a into an OFF operation state. When the setting key insertion portion 166a is turned into an OFF operation state, the above-mentioned changeable state and confirmable state end.

[0106] The ON operation of the setting key insertion section 166a is valid only when the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 starts (i.e., when the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 starts). Therefore, even if the ON operation of the setting key insertion section 166a is performed after the processing at the start of the supply of operating power in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 is completed, the setting value cannot be changed or confirmed.

[0107] The setting state of the pachinko machine 10 determines the degree of advantage per unit time in the pachinko machine 10, and the greater the value of "setting n" (n is an integer between "1" and "6") (i.e., the higher the setting value), the higher the degree of advantage. As will be described in detail later, there are a low probability mode with a relatively low probability of winning and a high probability mode with a relatively high probability of winning as the winning probability selection mode that determines the winning probability of the jackpot result, and the higher the setting value, the higher the winning probability of the jackpot result in the low probability mode and the high probability mode.

[0108] As described above, the reset button 166c is operated to clear the data in the main RAM 314, but in order to clear the data, it is necessary to start the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 while the reset button 166c is pressed (i.e., it is necessary to start the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control device 162). The ON operation of the reset button 166c is valid only when the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 starts (i.e., when the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 starts). Therefore, even if the reset button 166c is pressed after the processing at the start of the supply of operating power in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 is completed, the data in the main RAM 314 cannot be cleared.

[0109] As already explained, the read terminal 166d is connected to a connection terminal of an external device to read the game history management results or the information (programs and data) stored in the main ROM 313 by the external device, but in order to perform external output to the external device, it is necessary to start supplying operating power to the pachinko machine 10 with the connection terminal of the external device connected to the read terminal 166d (i.e., it is necessary to start supplying operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control device 162). The connection of the external device to the read terminal 166d is valid only when the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 starts (i.e., when the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 starts). Therefore, even if an external device is connected to the read terminal 166d after the processing at the start of the supply of operating power in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 is completed, no external output to the external device is performed.

[0110] The first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are all segment displays in which seven LED display segments are arranged, but are not limited to this and may be a single light-emitting body of a multi-color light-emitting type, a liquid crystal display device, or an organic EL display. The first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are all installed so that their display surfaces face the direction in which the element mounting surface of the main control board 311 faces, and are covered by the opposing wall portion 163b of the board box 163a.

[0111] In this case, since the board box 163a is formed transparent, it becomes possible to visually check the display surfaces of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e housed in the board box 163a from the outside of the board box 163a. ​​Also, as already described, since the main control device 162 is mounted on the back surface of the resin base 50 in the board box 163a such that the opposing wall portion 163b opposing the element mounting surface of the main control board 311 faces the rear of the pachinko machine 10, when the gaming machine main body 12 is opened toward the front of the pachinko machine 10 relative to the outer frame 11 to expose the rear surface of the resin base 50 toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, it becomes possible to visually check the display surfaces of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e through the opposing wall portion 163b.

[0112] The display surfaces of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are capable of displaying not only the numbers "0" to "9" but also various characters including alphabetic characters. The first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are used to display a base value and the like, which will be described later, and the display manner thereof will be described later in detail.

[0113] In addition, in a changeable state in which the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 can be changed or a checkable state in which the current setting state can be checked, a value corresponding to the setting value is displayed on the fourth notification display device 169d. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a value corresponding to the setting value is displayed on any of the first to third notification display devices 169a to 169c or the fifth notification display device 169e. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a setting value before the changeable state is reached is displayed on one of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, and a current setting value is displayed on another of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0114] Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 2, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the rear pack unit 15. The rear pack unit 15 has a rear pack 201, to which a dispensing mechanism 202, a discharge passage panel 203 and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached.

[0116] The back pack 201 is molded from a transparent synthetic resin, and has a base part 211 to which the payout mechanism part 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover part 212 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that protrudes to the rear of the pachinko machine 10, as shown in Fig. 3. The protective cover part 212 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 surround at least the variable display unit 67.

[0117] The base portion 211 is provided with an external output terminal 213 at its upper right side. The external output terminal 213 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to a hall computer HC (management control device) on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. In addition, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins at its right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the back pack unit 15 is supported rotatably relative to the inner frame 13 by inserting the latch pins into a bearing metal fitting 132 (more specifically, a bearing portion) provided on the inner frame 13. In addition, a fastener for fastening to a fastening hole provided on the inner frame 13 is provided at the pivot tip of the base portion 211, and the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by fitting the fastener into the fastening hole.

[0118] The payout mechanism 202 is disposed on the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is disposed on the top of the back pack 201 and opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. The payout mechanism 202 is supplied with a main power source of, for example, 24 volts AC, and is equipped with a back pack board having a power switch for turning the power source on and off.

[0119] A tank rail that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected below the tank 221, and a case rail that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A payout device 222 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail. The game balls paid out by the payout device 222 are supplied to a game ball distribution section provided in the base part 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage provided downstream of the payout device 222.

[0120] The game ball distribution section has the function of distributing game balls paid out from the payout device 222 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage described below, and is formed so that its inner opening leads to the upper tray 33 via the above-mentioned main body side upper tray passage and front door side upper tray passage, and its outer opening leads to the lower tray 34 via the main body side lower tray passage and front door side lower tray passage.

[0121] 3, a discharge passage panel 203 and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end from the front and rear. A discharge passage that is open to the rear is formed on the surface of the discharge passage panel 203 that faces the control device assembly unit 204, and the open part of the discharge passage is blocked by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge game balls to an island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game balls led to the discharge passage from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

[0122] The control device aggregate unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base, on which the payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191 are mounted. The payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191 are stacked in front and behind each other so that the payout control device 181 is located at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0123] In the payout control device 181, a payout control board that controls the payout device 222 is housed in a board box, and a state return switch provided on the payout control board protrudes outside the board box. For example, when a payout error occurs such as a ball jam in the payout device 222, if the state return switch is pressed, the ball jam is cleared.

[0124] The power supply and launch control device 191 has a power supply and launch control board housed in a board box, which generates and outputs the specified power required by various control devices, etc., and also controls the launch of the game ball in response to the player's operation of the game ball launch handle 41.

[0125] The power supply and launch control device 191 is provided with a power failure monitoring section (power failure monitoring circuit) 315 that monitors the power supply and detects the occurrence of a power failure or other power interruption. The pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing and holding various data, so that in the unlikely event of a power failure, the state at the time of the power failure is stored and the state at the time of the power failure can be restored when the power is restored. For example, when the power supply is shut down in the normal manner, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before the power failure is stored and held.

[0126] <Electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0127] The main control device 162 has a main control board 311 which is responsible for the main control of the game, and an MPU 312 is mounted on the main control board 311. The MPU 312 has built-in main ROM 313 and main RAM 314, as well as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as random number generators, and the like.

[0128] The main ROM 313 is a memory (i.e., a non-volatile storage means) that does not require an external power supply to retain memory such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory, and is used for read-only purposes. The main ROM 313 stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 312.

[0129] The main RAM 314 is a memory (i.e., a volatile storage means) that requires an external power supply to retain memory such as SRAM and DRAM, and is used for both reading and writing. The main RAM 314 is randomly accessible, and when compared with the main ROM 313 for the same data capacity, it takes less time to read data. The main RAM 314 temporarily stores various data for the execution of the control program stored in the main ROM 313.

[0130] The MPU 312 is provided with an input port and an output port. The payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191 are connected to the input side of the MPU 312. In addition, various sensors such as the ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a are connected to the input side of the MPU 312. As already explained, the ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a include the first winning hole detection sensor 91a, the second winning hole detection sensor 92a, the first operating hole detection sensor 93a, the second operating hole detection sensor 94a, the large winning hole detection sensor 95a, the out hole detection sensor 96a, and the gate detection sensor 97a. Based on the detection results of these ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a, the MPU 312 judges whether a ball has entered each ball entry section. In addition, the MPU 312 executes various lotteries based on the winning of the first operating hole 62, the second operating hole 63, and the through gate 64.

[0131] Further, on the input side of the MPU 312, a setting key insertion section 166a, an update button 166b, and a reset button 166c are provided on the main control board 311. The setting key insertion section 166a is provided with a sensor (not shown), which detects whether the setting key insertion section 166a is located at the ON operation position or the OFF operation position. Then, the MPU 312 specifies whether the setting key insertion section 166a is located at the ON operation position or the OFF operation position based on the detection result from the sensor. The update button 166b is provided with a sensor (not shown), which detects whether the update button 166b is pressed. Then, the MPU 312 specifies whether the update button 166b is pressed based on the detection result from the sensor. The reset button 166c is provided with a sensor (not shown), which detects whether the reset button 166c is pressed. Then, the MPU 312 determines whether or not the reset button 166c is being pressed based on the detection result from the sensor.

[0132] The output side of the MPU 312 is connected to the payout control device 181, the performance control device 143, etc. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 181 based on the fact that a game ball has entered a prize ball corresponding entry part among the above-mentioned entry parts, in which the occurrence of the entry corresponds to the payout of a game ball (prize ball). Various commands such as a variation command, a type command, and an opening command are output to the performance control device 143.

[0133] The output side of the MPU 312 is connected to a special power drive unit 65d that opens and closes the opening and closing door 65b of the variable winning device 65, a normal power drive unit 63b that opens and closes the normal power role 63a of the second operating port 63, the special chart display unit 43, and the normal chart display unit 44. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 311, and the MPU 312 executes drive control of various drive units and various display units through the driver circuits.

[0134] That is, in the opening and closing execution mode, the MPU 312 executes drive control of the special power drive unit 65d so that the variable winning device 65 is opened and closed. Also, when the open state of the normal power role 63a is won, the MPU 312 executes drive control of the normal power drive unit 63b so that the normal power role 63a is opened and closed.

[0135] In addition, during each game, the display control of the special chart display unit 43 is executed in the MPU 312. In addition, when the lottery result of whether or not the normal power role 63a is opened is displayed, the display control of the normal chart display unit 44 is executed in the MPU 312. In addition, when a winning occurs in the first operating port 62 or the second operating port 63, or when a variable display starts in the special chart display unit 43, the display control of the special chart reservation number display unit AM is executed in the MPU 312, and when a winning occurs in the through gate 64, or when a variable display starts in the normal chart display unit 44, the display control of the normal chart reservation number display unit FM is executed in the MPU 312.

[0136] An external output terminal 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 312. Information on balls entering various ball entry sections and information on lottery results such as big wins are output to the hall computer HC via this external output terminal 213. This allows the hall computer HC to grasp the status of the pachinko machine 10.

[0137] The first to fourth notification display devices 169a to 169d are connected to the output side of the MPU 312. The first to fourth notification display devices 169a to 169d notify the results of game history management and information on setting values.

[0138] The MPU 312 is provided with a read terminal 166d. The read terminal 166d is provided with a sensor (not shown), which detects whether or not a connection terminal for an external device is connected to the read terminal 166d. Then, the MPU 312 determines whether or not a connection terminal for an external device is connected to the read terminal 166d based on the detection result from the sensor. Furthermore, when an external device is connected to the read terminal 166d, the management result of the game history in the MPU 312 and information (programs and data) stored in the main ROM 313 are output to the external device.

[0139] The power supply and launch control device 191 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in an amusement facility, etc. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the power supply and launch control device 191 generates the operating power required for each of the main control board 311, the payout control device 181, etc., and supplies the generated operating power.

[0140] The power supply and launch control device 191 is provided with a power failure monitoring unit 315, which monitors the stable 24-volt DC voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 191. When the output voltage from the power supply and launch control device 191 falls below 22 volts, the power failure monitoring unit 315 determines that a power failure (power cutoff) has occurred, and outputs a power failure signal to an NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) provided in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162. As a result, the main control device 162 recognizes the occurrence of a power failure and immediately executes an NMI interrupt process, and further executes a power failure process based on this. Incidentally, the power supply and launch control device 191 is provided with a power failure power supply unit such as a backup capacitor, and when a power failure occurs or when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is OFF, backup power (power for memory retention) is supplied from the power failure power supply unit to the RAM 314 of the main control device 162. The power supply and launch control device 191 is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is met. The payout mechanism 202 is also provided with a power switch, and when the power switch is turned ON, the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is started, and when the power switch is turned OFF, the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped.

[0141] The payout control device 181 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 222 based on the prize ball command received from the main control device 162.

[0142] The performance control device 143 drives and controls the lamp units 26-28 and the speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14, and controls the display control device 350, based on various commands received from the main control device 162. The display control device 350 executes display control of the pattern display device 75, based on commands received from the performance control device 143. In this case, the performance control device 143 determines the variable display time of the patterns on the pattern display device 75 and the type of combination of patterns to be finally stopped and displayed, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and also determines whether or not a reach will occur and the content of the reach performance.

[0143] Here, the display contents of the pattern display device 75 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0144] As shown in Figures 10(a) to (j), the design, which is a type of picture, is composed of nine main designs each numbered "1" to "9" and a sub-design consisting of a shell-shaped picture. More specifically, the main designs are composed of nine character designs, such as an octopus, each numbered "1" to "9."

[0145] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 has three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3, which are the upper row, the middle row, and the lower row. Each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is configured by arranging main symbols and sub-symbols in a predetermined order. In detail, in the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are configured by 18 symbols. In contrast, in the middle symbol column Z2, nine main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and a main symbol "4" is additionally arranged between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1", and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. In other words, only in the middle symbol column Z2, ten main symbols are arranged, making up a total of twenty symbols. Then, in the display screen G, the symbols of each of these symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed variably so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the display screen G is configured so that three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol column, resulting in a total of nine symbols of 3×3 being stopped and displayed.

[0146] Five effective lines, namely, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right downward line L4, and a right upward line L5, are set on the display screen G. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the upper pattern column Z1 → the lower pattern column Z3 → the middle pattern column Z2, and when the variable display of all the pattern columns Z1 to Z3 ends in a state where a combination of patterns with the same numbers is formed on any of the effective lines, a jackpot video is displayed as the occurrence of a normal 4R jackpot result or a 10R variable jackpot result, which will be described later.

[0147] In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to "specific symbols", and when a 10R special jackpot result occurs, the same combination of specific symbols is stopped and displayed. Also, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to "non-specific symbols", and when a normal 4R jackpot result occurs, the same combination of non-specific symbols is stopped and displayed.

[0148] Here, the variable display of each symbol row will be explained with reference to FIG. 12. When a game round is started, first, high-speed variable display is started for all symbol rows Z1 to Z3. In this case, it is impossible or difficult to recognize which symbol row is being displayed. After that, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the variable display mode of the upper symbol row Z1 is switched from high-speed variable display to low-speed variable display in which the player can recognize the variable displayed symbol. Then, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the variable display mode of the lower symbol row Z3 is switched from high-speed variable display to low-speed variable display as the variable display of the upper symbol row Z1 ends. Then, as shown in FIG. 12(c), the variable display of the lower symbol row Z3 ends. After the variable display of all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 ends, a stop display period is provided in which the stop display is maintained and the player waits for a predetermined period.

[0149] Incidentally, in a gaming machine, when the symbols are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 75, the symbols in the final stop row (the middle symbol row Z2 in this embodiment) are generally not suddenly stopped, but are stopped gradually while slowing down the variable display speed. In this case, if the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 (the final stop row) are configured to start stopping in synchronization with the start of the stop display on the special symbol display unit 43, the time during which the symbols are stopped is shortened by the time required for the symbols to decelerate to stop on the symbol display device 75, resulting in a reduction in the effective stop display time.

[0150] Therefore, the symbol strings Z1 to Z3, including the final stop string, are stopped (temporarily stopped) before the special symbol display section 43 starts to display the symbols, and then the temporarily stopped symbols are permanently stopped (determined display) in accordance with the start timing of the special symbol display section 43. The display mode of the symbol strings Z1 to Z3 in the temporary stop is different from that in the definitive display. For example, at least one of the symbol strings Z1 to Z3 moves gently back and forth, or at least a part of the characters (FIG. 10) such as an octopus that constitute the main symbol and the sub-symbol is moving. In other words, the temporary stop is performed so that the symbols appear to be stopped at first glance, but remain in an incompletely stopped state (stationary display). In contrast, the definitive display is performed so that the symbols are not moved back and forth or the characters do not move, and the symbols are completely stopped.

[0151] In addition, the provisional stop display of the pattern strings Z1 to Z3 may start with a stop result corresponding to the result of the win / lose lottery or the type of jackpot, and then transition directly to a final display. In addition, the provisional stop display may be temporarily stopped with a stop result that does not correspond to the result of the win / lose lottery or the type of jackpot, and then the pattern strings Z1 to Z3 may undergo a re-changing display, changing to a stop result that corresponds to the result of the win / lose lottery, etc., and then transitioning to a final display.

[0152] Incidentally, in the special pattern game performed by the special pattern display unit 43, the pattern is not temporarily stopped, but the variably displayed pattern is suddenly stopped according to the lapse of the variably displayed time, and the state (the state in which the pattern is stopped) is maintained until the fixed display time has elapsed. In other words, the stopped display of the pattern in the special pattern display unit 43 remains the fixed display. This is also the case in the normal pattern game performed by the normal pattern display unit 44.

[0153] In addition, the manner in which the pattern display device 75 displays the changing patterns is not limited to the above and is arbitrary, and the number of pattern rows, the direction of the changing pattern display in the pattern rows, the number of patterns in each pattern row, and the combination of patterns corresponding to a jackpot or a miss can be changed as appropriate.

[0154] As shown in Fig. 11(b), a reserve display section 200 for displaying a number of reserve images corresponding to the number of reserved plays before execution is provided at the bottom of the display screen G, and the player can recognize the number of reserved plays by visually checking the reserve display section 200. In the reserve display section 200, a first reserve display area Ga corresponding to the first special chart and a second reserve display area Gb corresponding to the second special chart are set.

[0155] In the first reserve display area Ga, unit reserve display areas Ga1 to Ga4, the same number as the maximum number of reserved balls when game balls enter the first operating port 62, are displayed side by side in the left-right direction. Specifically, the maximum number of reserved balls when game balls enter the first operating port 62 is four, and corresponding to this, the first reserve display area Ga1, the second unit reserve display area Ga2, the third unit reserve display area Ga3, and the fourth unit reserve display area Ga4 are set in the first reserve display area Ga.

[0156] For example, when the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is one, a predetermined reserved image is displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Ga1, and when the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is four, a predetermined reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area Ga1 to the fourth unit reserved display area Ga4.

[0157] In addition, in the second reserve display area Gb, the same number of unit reserve display areas Gb1 to Gb4 as the maximum number of reserved balls when the game ball enters the second operating port 63 are displayed side by side in the left-right direction. Specifically, the maximum number of reserved balls when the game ball enters the second operating port 63 is four, and corresponding to this, the first unit reserve display area Gb1, the second unit reserve display area Gb2, the third unit reserve display area Gb3, and the fourth unit reserve display area Gb4 are set in the second reserve display area Gb.

[0158] For example, if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operating port 63 is one, a predetermined reserved image is displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Gb1, and if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operating port 63 is four, a predetermined reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area Gb1 to the fourth unit reserved display area Gb4.

[0159] Also, an execution display area D is set so as to be sandwiched between the first reserve display area Ga and the second reserve display area Gb. In the execution display area D, a reserve image corresponding to the game round to be executed (being executed) is displayed. For example, when a game round ends and the next game round starts, the reserve image displayed in the first unit reserve display area Ga1 of the first reserve display area Ga or the first unit reserve display area Gb1 of the second reserve display area Gb is moved and displayed in the execution display area D. This enables the player to recognize that the reserved game round will be executed.

[0160] <Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries using the MPU 312 of the main control device 162> Next, the electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0161] The MPU 312 uses various counter information during play to perform a lottery for a big win, setting the display of the special symbol display unit 43, setting the symbol display of the symbol display unit 75, setting the display of the normal symbol display unit 44, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, a winning random number counter C1 used for a lottery for a winning occurrence, a big win type counter C2 used for determining a big win type, a reach random number counter C3 used for a reach occurrence lottery when the symbol display unit 75 misses and varies, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the winning random number counter C1, and a variation type counter CS for determining the display duration time in the special symbol display unit 43 and the symbol display unit 75. Furthermore, a normal power role release counter C4 used for a lottery for whether or not the normal power role 63a of the second operating port 63 is in a normal power open state is used. The above counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the various counter areas 314b of the main RAM 314.

[0162] Each counter C1-C3, CINI, CS, C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals. Information corresponding to the winning random number counter C1, the big win type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the reserved storage area 314a provided as acquired information storage means in the main RAM 314 when a winning occurs in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63.

[0163] The reserved storage area 314a includes a reserved area RE and an execution area AE. The reserved area RE includes a first reserved area RE1, a second reserved area RE2, a third reserved area RE3, and a fourth reserved area RE4, and a combination of numerical information of the winning random number counter C1, the big win type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as reserved information in one of the reserved areas RE1 to RE4 according to the winning history of the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63.

[0164] In this case, in the first holding area RE1 to the fourth holding area RE4, when winning occurs multiple times in succession in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63, each piece of numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of the first holding area RE1 → the second holding area RE2 → the third holding area RE3 → the fourth holding area RE4. By providing the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 in this way, a maximum of four winning histories of game balls in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63 are reserved and stored.

[0165] In addition, the number of items that can be stored on hold is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other multiples such as two, three, or five or more, or may be singular.

[0166] The execution area AE is an area for moving each piece of numerical information stored in the first reserve area RE1 of the reserve area RE when the changing display of the special chart display section 43 begins, and when one game round begins, a win / loss determination, etc. is made based on the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

[0167] Each of the above counters will now be described in detail.

[0168] First, the normal power accessory opening counter C4 will be described. The normal power accessory opening counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 250, for example, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The normal power accessory opening counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the normal power reserve area 314c of the main RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the through gate 64. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to control the normal power accessory 63a to an open state based on the value of the stored normal power accessory opening counter C4.

[0169] In this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of support modes are set so that the manner of support by the normal power accessory 63a is different from each other. In detail, the support modes are set to a high frequency support mode and a low frequency support mode so that the frequency at which the normal power accessory 63a of the second operating port 63 is in an open state per unit time is relatively high and low when compared with a situation in which the launch of game balls continues in the same manner in the game area PA.

[0170] In the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the normal power opening state in the normal power opening lottery using the normal power role opening counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 4 / 5), but in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times that the normal power role 63a is in the open state when the normal power opening state is won is set to be more than in the low-frequency support mode, and the opening time for one time is set to be longer. In this case, when the normal power opening state is won in the high-frequency support mode and the open state of the normal power role 63a occurs multiple times, the closing time from the end of one opening state to the start of the next opening state is set to be shorter than the opening time for one time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum time to be secured between one normal power opening lottery and the next normal power opening lottery (i.e., the display duration of one time on the normal power display unit 44) is set to be shorter than in the low-frequency support mode.

[0171] As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the second actuation port 63 is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the first actuation port 62 is higher than in the second actuation port 63, but in the high frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the second actuation port 63 is higher than in the first actuation port 62. When a winning entry into the second actuation port 63 occurs, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high frequency support mode, the player can play without losing too many balls.

[0172] The configuration for increasing the frequency of the high-frequency support mode becoming in the normal power open state per unit time compared to the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a configuration for increasing the probability of winning the normal power open state in the normal power open lottery. In addition, in a configuration in which a plurality of types of secured time (for example, the time of variable display executed in the normal power display unit 44 based on winning the through gate 64) are provided for securing from one normal power open lottery to the next normal power open lottery, the high-frequency support mode may be set so that a shorter secured time is more likely to be selected or the average secured time is shorter than in the low-frequency support mode. Furthermore, the advantage of the high-frequency support mode over the low-frequency support mode may be increased by applying any one or any combination of conditions from increasing the number of openings, lengthening the opening time, shortening the secured time secured from one normal power open lottery to the next normal power open lottery, shortening the average secured time, and increasing the winning probability.

[0173] Here, as already explained, the pachinko machine 10 has the setting states of "setting 1" to "setting 6", but the opening frequency and opening mode of the normal power device 63a in the low frequency support mode are the same regardless of the setting value, and the opening frequency and opening mode of the normal power device 63a in the high frequency support mode are the same regardless of the setting value. However, this is not limited to this, and at least one of the opening frequency and opening mode of the normal power device 63a for at least one of the low frequency support mode and the high frequency support mode may be configured to vary depending on the setting state of the pachinko machine 10. For example, the higher the setting value, the higher the opening frequency of the normal power device 63a in the low frequency support mode, and the higher the probability of the game ball entering the second operating port 63 when the normal power device 63a is in a one-time opening state in the low frequency support mode. In addition, the configuration may be such that the higher the set value, the more frequently the normal power device 63a opens in the high-frequency support mode, and the probability of a game ball entering the second operating port 63 when the normal power device 63a is opened once in the high-frequency support mode becomes higher.

[0174] Next, the winning random number counter C1 will be described. The winning random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the winning random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the winning random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The winning random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved storage area 314a of the main RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63.

[0175] The value of the random number that results in a jackpot win is stored as a win / lose table in the main ROM 313. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various tables stored in the main ROM 313. The main ROM 313 is provided with an area 411 for setting 1, an area 412 for setting 2, an area 413 for setting 3, an area 414 for setting 4, an area 415 for setting 5, and an area 416 for setting 6.

[0176] The setting 1 area 411 stores a low-probability winning / losing table 411a for setting 1, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 1" and the winning / losing lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high-probability winning / losing table 411b for setting 1, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 1" and the winning / losing lottery mode is the high probability mode. The setting 2 area 412 stores a low-probability winning / losing table 412a for setting 2, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 2" and the winning / losing lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high-probability winning / losing table 412b for setting 2, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 2" and the winning / losing lottery mode is the high probability mode. The area 413 for setting 3 stores a low probability win / lose table 413a for setting 3 which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 3" and the win / lose selection mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / lose table 413b for setting 3 which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 3" and the win / lose selection mode is the high probability mode.

[0177] The area 414 for setting 4 stores a low-probability win / loss table 414a for setting 4, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 4" and the win / loss selection mode is the low probability mode, and a high-probability win / loss table 414b for setting 4, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 4" and the win / loss selection mode is the high probability mode. The area 415 for setting 5 stores a low-probability win / loss table 415a for setting 5, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 5" and the win / loss selection mode is the low probability mode, and a high-probability win / loss table 415b for setting 5, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 5" and the win / loss selection mode is the high probability mode. The area 416 for setting 6 stores a low probability win / lose table 416a for setting 6 which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 6" and the win / lose selection mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / lose table 416b for setting 6 which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 6" and the win / lose selection mode is the high probability mode.

[0178] The winning probabilities of the jackpot result set in each of the low-probability tables 411a to 416a are different from each other. For example, the winning probabilities of the jackpot when each of the low-probability tables 411a for setting 1 to the low-probability tables 416a for setting 6 is referred to are about 1 / 320, about 1 / 310, about 1 / 300, about 1 / 290, about 1 / 280, and about 1 / 270, respectively.

[0179] In addition, the winning probabilities of the jackpot results set in each of the high probability winning / losing tables 411b to 416b are also different from each other. For example, the winning probabilities of the jackpot when each of the high probability winning / losing tables 411b for setting 1 to the high probability winning / losing table 416b for setting 6 is referenced are approximately 1 / 45, approximately 1 / 40, approximately 1 / 35, approximately 1 / 30, approximately 1 / 25, and approximately 1 / 20, respectively.

[0180] In other words, the higher the setting value of the pachinko machine 10, the higher the probability of winning the jackpot result in the low probability mode as well as the probability of winning the jackpot result in the high probability mode. Therefore, in both the low probability mode and the high probability mode, the higher the setting value, the easier it is to win the jackpot, and the advantage of the high setting value is suitably increased for the player.

[0181] The big win type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of 0 to 29, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The big win type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved storage area 314a when a gaming ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63.

[0182] In this pachinko machine 10, multiple jackpot results are set. These multiple jackpot results are set by providing differences in three conditions: (1) the manner of opening and closing control of the variable winning device 65 in the opening and closing execution mode, (2) the lottery mode in the winning / losing lottery means after the opening and closing execution mode ends, and (3) the support mode in the normal power role 63a of the second operating port 63 after the opening and closing execution mode ends.

[0183] As the manner of opening and closing control of the variable winning device 65 in the opening and closing execution mode, a high frequency winning mode and a low frequency winning mode are set so that the frequency of winning in the variable winning device 65 from the start to the end of the opening and closing execution mode is relatively high and low. Specifically, in either the high frequency winning mode or the low frequency winning mode, a predetermined number of rounds are played up to the upper limit.

[0184] A round game is a game that continues until one of the following conditions is met: a predetermined upper limit duration time has elapsed, or a predetermined upper limit number of game balls have entered the variable winning device 65. In addition, the number of round games in the open / close execution mode triggered by a jackpot result is the same as the fixed number of rounds, regardless of the type of jackpot result that triggered the transition. Specifically, regardless of the jackpot result, the upper limit number of round games is set to 15 rounds.

[0185] In addition, in the present pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types are set for one opening mode of the variable winning device 65 by varying the duration of opening from when the variable winning device 65 is opened to when it is closed. In detail, a long-time mode in which the duration of opening is set to a long time of 29 seconds and a short-time mode in which the duration of opening is set to a short time of 0.06 seconds, which is shorter than the long-time mode, are set.

[0186] In this pachinko machine 10, when the game ball launching handle 41 is operated by the player, the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven and controlled so that one game ball is launched toward the game area PA every 0.6 seconds. In addition, the upper limit number of balls for the end condition of the round game is set to nine. Then, in the long-time mode among the above-mentioned opening modes, the opening duration is set to a time longer than the product of the game ball launching cycle and one round game. On the other hand, in the short-time mode, the opening duration is set to a time shorter than the product of the game ball launching cycle and one round game, more specifically, shorter than the game ball launching cycle. Therefore, when one opening is performed in the long-time mode, it is expected that the variable winning device 65 will win the maximum number of balls in one round game, and when one opening is performed in the short-time mode, it is expected that no winning will occur in the variable winning device 65, or that even if a winning occurs, it will be about one ball.

[0187] In the high frequency winning mode, the variable winning device 65 is opened once in each round of play in a long time mode. On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the variable winning device 65 is opened once in each round of play in a short time mode.

[0188] In addition, the number of times the variable winning device 65 is opened and closed, the number of rounds of play, the duration of opening for one opening, and the upper limit number of times in one round of play in the high-frequency winning mode and low-frequency winning mode are arbitrary and are not limited to the above values, so long as the frequency of winning in the variable winning device 65 between the start and end of the opening and closing execution mode is higher in the high-frequency winning mode than in the low-frequency winning mode.

[0189] The allocation destination of the jackpot result for the jackpot type counter C2 is stored in the main ROM 313 as an allocation table 387 as shown in Fig. 13. In the allocation table 387, a low probability jackpot result, a low winning high probability jackpot result, and a high winning jackpot result are set as the allocation destination of the jackpot result in the case of a jackpot result.

[0190] The low probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the open / close execution mode becomes the high frequency winning mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning / losing lottery mode becomes the low probability mode, and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. However, this high frequency support mode will transition to the low frequency support mode if the number of games played after the transition reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times).

[0191] The low-prize high-probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the open / close execution mode becomes the low-frequency prize mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the win / lose lottery mode becomes the high-probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode continue until the lottery result in the win / lose lottery becomes a jackpot state win and transitions to the jackpot state.

[0192] The high winning jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the open / close execution mode becomes a high-frequency winning mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the win / lose lottery mode becomes a high probability mode and the support mode becomes a high-frequency support mode. These high probability mode and high frequency support mode continue until the lottery result in the win / lose lottery becomes a jackpot state win and transitions to the jackpot state.

[0193] In relation to the above game states, the normal game state refers to a state in which the winning / losing lottery mode is a low probability mode, and the support mode is a low frequency support mode, rather than the open / close execution mode. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a low winning / high probability jackpot result is not set as a game result. Also, in the open / close execution mode in a low winning / high probability jackpot result, the number of rounds of play may be less than the number of rounds of play in the case of a low probability jackpot result and a high winning / high probability jackpot result.

[0194] In the distribution table 387, of the values ​​of the jackpot type counter C2 ranging from "0 to 29", "0 to 9" corresponds to a low probability jackpot result, "10 to 14" corresponds to a low probability jackpot result with a high probability of winning, and "15 to 29" corresponds to a high probability of winning a jackpot result.

[0195] Only one type of distribution table 387 is provided so that it is common to any of the setting states of "Setting 1" to "Setting 6." This makes it possible to prevent any advantage or disadvantage from arising in the distribution mode of the big win result depending on the setting state of the pachinko machine 10, and also makes it possible to reduce the storage capacity for storing the distribution table 387 in advance in the main ROM 313.

[0196] In addition, the allocation of the jackpot result may be different depending on the setting state of the pachinko machine 10. For example, the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of being allocated to a high winning jackpot result, or the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of being allocated to a high winning jackpot result or a low winning high probability jackpot result. In this case, the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of the high probability mode after the jackpot result. Also, the higher the setting value, the lower the probability of being allocated to a low winning high probability jackpot result, or the higher the setting value, the lower the probability of being allocated to a low winning high probability jackpot result. In this case, the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of the opening and closing execution mode of the high frequency winning mode occurring.

[0197] Next, the reach random number counter C3 will be described. The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. In this pachinko machine 10, an expectation effect is set as a type of display effect in the pattern display device 75. The expectation effect refers to a display state for making a player think that the variable display state is likely to result in the award corresponding result from the start of the variable display of the patterns in the pattern display device 75 and before the stop result is derived and displayed in a gaming machine equipped with the pattern display device 75 capable of performing a variable display of the patterns, in which the final stop result is the award corresponding result in a game round resulting in a predetermined jackpot result. Specifically, the award corresponding result is displayed by stopping a combination of patterns with the same number on any of the pay lines.

[0198] There are two types of expectation effects: a reach display and a notice display that creates anticipation for the occurrence of a reach display or a corresponding result before the reach display occurs.

[0199] The reach display includes a display state in which a combination of reach symbols is displayed by stopping and displaying symbols for some of the multiple symbol rows Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75, and in that state, the remaining symbol rows are displayed with varying symbols. Also included are a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on the background screen while displaying a reduced or hidden reach symbol combination and then displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on almost the entire display screen G.

[0200] The advance notice display includes a mode in which characters are displayed separately from the symbols on the symbol rows in a situation in which symbols are displayed variably in all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 after the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 starts displaying the symbols variably, or in a situation in which symbols are displayed variably in some symbol rows. It also includes a mode in which the background screen is displayed in a predetermined mode different from the previous mode, and a mode in which the symbols on the symbol rows are displayed in a predetermined mode different from the previous mode. Such an advance notice display can occur in both a game in which a reach display is performed and a game in which a reach display is not performed, but is set to occur with a higher probability when a reach display is performed than when a reach display is not performed.

[0201] The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in a game round where the same symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed. Also, in a game round corresponding to a big win result where the same symbol combination is not stopped and displayed, it is not executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. Also, in a game round corresponding to a miss result, it is executed when the reach random number counter C3 obtained at a predetermined timing by referring to the reach table stored in the main ROM 313 corresponds to the occurrence of the reach display.

[0202] On the other hand, the decision as to whether or not to display a notice is not made by the main control device 162 but by the performance control device 143. In this case, the performance control device 143 executes a lottery process for a notice display so that a game round corresponding to any jackpot result satisfies at least one of the conditions that a notice display is more likely to occur and that a notice display with a low occurrence rate is more likely to occur in the game round corresponding to any jackpot result than in the game round corresponding to a loss result. Incidentally, this lottery result is reflected when the performance for the game round is executed by the symbol display device 75.

[0203] Here, the probability of a reach display occurring in a game that results in a loss is the same regardless of the setting state of "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". This makes it possible to prevent any advantage or disadvantage from arising from the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the probability of a reach display occurring in a game that results in a loss. However, this is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of a reach display occurring in a game that results in a loss.

[0204] Next, the variation type counter CS will be described. The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS is used in determining the display duration in the special pattern display unit 43 and the display duration of the pattern in the pattern display device 75 in the MPU 312. The variation type counter CS is updated once each time the timer interruption process described later is executed, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next timer interruption process is executed. The buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when the variation pattern is determined at the start of the variation display in the special pattern display unit 43 and at the start of the variation of the pattern by the pattern display device 75.

[0205] Here, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, processing related to the base value is executed. The base value in this processing is not for all game states, but is a ratio of the total number of game balls dispensed to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (i.e., the total number of game balls supplied to the game area PA) for a period excluding the period during the open / close execution mode due to the big win result and the period during the high frequency support mode, in other words, it is a base value in normal times (when playing with the left hand).

[0206] In the process related to the base value, the base value is calculated and measured by the MPU 312 of the main control device 162. At that time, a measurement section is defined as a unit of a period until the total number of outs (total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 60,000 balls), and the current base value in the latest measurement section and the base value in the past measurement period are displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0207] As shown in Fig. 15(a), when displaying the base value, among the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b are used as identification display units, and the third notification display device 169c and the fourth notification display device 169d are used as ratio (base value) display units. The identification display units are used to indicate whether the base value displayed in the ratio display unit is a real-time base value or a past base value. Note that the fifth notification display device 169e is not used when displaying the base value.

[0208] 15(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display mode of the base values ​​in the first to fourth display devices 169a to 169d. The first to fourth display devices 169a to 169d switch between displaying the current base value, which is the real-time base value in the latest measurement section, the previous base value, which is the base value in the previous measurement section (the base value measured when the total number of OUTs reached 60,000 in the previous measurement section), the previous-before-previous base value, which is the base value in the measurement section before last, and the previous-before-previous base value, which is the base value in the measurement section before last, at predetermined intervals (e.g., 5 seconds).

[0209] In this case, when displaying the current base value, "bL." is displayed on the identification display section (first notification display device 169a and second notification display device 169b), and the current base value is displayed in two digits on the ratio display section (third notification display device 169c and fourth notification display device 169d). When displaying the previous base value, the base value before last, or the base value before last, "b1.", "b2.", or "b3." are displayed on the identification display section, and the base value for each measurement period (past base value) is displayed on the ratio display section. By displaying the base value in this way together with the identification display section, when the arcade manager or the like checks the base value, he or she can properly grasp what point in time the base value is.

[0210] In this way, the base value is displayed not only as the current base value, but also as the base values ​​of the past several times. Generally, in a game hall, about 10,000 to 20,000 game balls are shot per day for one pachinko machine 10, so the base value for every 60,000 total outs corresponds to the base value over several days, such as 3 to 6 days. By being able to check the current base value in comparison with such past base values, it becomes possible to appropriately judge whether the current base value is appropriate. Therefore, for example, if a fraudulent act is performed to increase the winning rate of the first operating port 62 or the general winning port 61, the possibility of the fraudulent act can be found.

[0211] In this case, for example, in the case where only the previous base value is displayed as the past value, if the base value at that time happens to be low, it may be difficult to determine whether or not there has been fraudulent activity by comparing it with the current base value. In this regard, by also displaying the base value before last and the base value before last, it becomes possible to compare with multiple past base values, making it easier to determine whether or not there has been fraudulent activity.

[0212] In the above configuration, the base values ​​are displayed for the past three measurement intervals, but the base values ​​for two intervals may be displayed, or the base values ​​for four or more intervals may be displayed. In other words, when displaying past base values ​​for multiple measurement intervals, the number of measurement intervals to be displayed can be determined arbitrarily.

[0213] In addition to the above-mentioned processing related to the base value, processing related to the difference in balls is executed in this embodiment. The difference in balls in this processing is obtained by subtracting the total number of outs (the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA) from the total number of game balls dispensed, regardless of the game state, in other words, it is the total difference in balls during the game period. In the processing related to the difference in balls, the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 calculates and measures the difference in balls, and executes processing to limit the game progress when the measured value becomes a specific number (for example, 100,000 balls) or more. Also, the difference in balls each time is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. These processing will be described in detail later.

[0214] As described above, in this embodiment, the control process for progressing the game based on the game operation by the player, as well as the process for the base value and the process for the difference in the number of balls, are performed, but in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162, these processes are executed by distinguishing between specific control and non-specific control. Specifically, the process for the base value and part of the process for the difference in the number of balls are considered to be non-specific control, and the control other than the non-specific control, including the control process for progressing the game based on the game operation by the player and the other part of the process for the difference in the number of balls, is considered to be specific control.

[0215] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the setting mode of the programs and data in the main ROM 313. In correspondence with the fact that the control executed by the MPU 312 is distinguished between specific control and non-specific control, as shown in Fig. 16, in the main ROM 313, the addresses of the areas storing the programs and data for specific control and the programs and data for non-specific control are clearly distinguished from each other.

[0216] Specifically, specific control programs are collectively stored in the area of ​​successive addresses within the range of addresses X(1) to X(k+2). In addition, addresses X(k+3) to X(k+5) successive to addresses X(1) to X(k+2) are unused area addresses where no data is stored, and following these, specific control data are collectively stored in the area of ​​successive addresses within the range of addresses X(k+6) to X(m+2).

[0217] In addition, addresses X(m+3) to X(m+5) consecutive to addresses X(k+6) to X(m+2) are unused area addresses where no data is stored, and programs for non-specific control are collectively stored in the areas of consecutive addresses in the range of addresses X(m+6) to X(n+2) that follow. In addition, addresses X(n+3) to X(n+5) consecutive to addresses X(m+6) to X(n+2) are unused area addresses where no data is stored, and programs for non-specific control are collectively stored in the areas of consecutive addresses in the range of addresses X(n+6) to X(p+2).

[0218] The relationship between the above-mentioned programs and data and addresses is set in both physical addresses in the main ROM 313 and logical addresses on a memory map recognized by the MPU 312.

[0219] As described above, the program for specific control and the data for specific control, and the program for non-specific control and the data for non-specific control are stored in different address ranges regardless of the execution order of the process for executing the corresponding control. Therefore, when checking only the program for specific control and the data for specific control, it is sufficient to check only the address range area in which the program for specific control and the data for specific control are stored, and when checking only the program for non-specific control and the data for non-specific control, it is sufficient to check only the address range area in which the program for non-specific control and the data for non-specific control are stored. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently check the program and data by distinguishing between specific control and non-specific control. In addition, it is possible to efficiently correct the program and data by distinguishing between specific control and non-specific control.

[0220] By setting an address range of an unused area in which no data is stored between the address range of the area in which a program for specific control and data for specific control are stored and the address range of the area in which a program for non-specific control and data for non-specific control are stored, it becomes easier to grasp the boundary between the address range for specific control and the address range for non-specific control when performing a checking operation.

[0221] In each of the address ranges for specific control and the address range for non-specific control, the programs and data are stored in areas of different ranges of addresses, regardless of the execution order of the processes for executing the corresponding controls, so that it is possible to efficiently perform work when checking programs and data separately. Also, since an address range of an unused area in which no data is stored is set between the address range of the area in which the programs are stored and the address range of the area in which the data is stored, it is easy to grasp the boundary between the address range of the programs and the address range of the data when checking.

[0222] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the setting manner of each area in the main RAM 314. In response to the distinction between specific control and non-specific control in the control executed by the MPU 312, as shown in Fig. 17, the address range of a work area 391 for specific control and a stack area 392 for specific control is also clearly distinguished from the address range of a work area 393 for non-specific control and a stack area 394 for non-specific control in the main RAM 314.

[0223] Specifically, the area of ​​successive addresses within the range of addresses Y(1) to Y(r+2) is set as a specific control work area 391. Furthermore, addresses Y(r+3) to Y(r+5) successive to addresses Y(1) to Y(r+2) are unused area addresses, and the area of ​​successive addresses following this within the range of addresses Y(r+6) to Y(s+2) is set as a specific control stack area 392.

[0224] Furthermore, addresses Y(s+3) to Y(s+5) subsequent to addresses Y(r+6) to Y(s+2) are unused area addresses, and the area of ​​each successive address within the range of addresses Y(s+6) to Y(t+2) thereafter is set as a non-specific control work area 393. Furthermore, addresses Y(t+3) to Y(t+5) subsequent to addresses Y(s+6) to Y(t+2) are unused area addresses, and the area of ​​each successive address within the range of addresses Y(t+6) to Y(u+2) thereafter is set as a non-specific control stack area 394.

[0225] The relationship between each area and address as described above is set in both the physical addresses in the main RAM 314 and the logical addresses on the memory map recognized by the MPU 312.

[0226] As described above, the work area 391 for specific control and the work area 393 for non-specific control are set separately, so that different areas of the main RAM 314 are used when performing various calculations and the like when the MPU 312 executes specific control and when it executes non-specific control. This makes it possible to prevent an event from occurring in which information in the main RAM 314 required for executing one of the specific control and the non-specific control is erased when the other is executed. Incidentally, a load command is issued by the MPU 312 when writing information to each of the work areas 391, 393 and reading information from each of the work areas 391, 393.

[0227] Since the stack area 392 for specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control are set separately, different areas of the main RAM 314 are used when saving information stored in the registers of the MPU 312 and when storing information of a return address in a program, depending on whether the specific control or the non-specific control is executed in the MPU 312. This makes it possible to prevent an event in which information used in the other control is erased when saving information stored in the registers of the MPU 312 and when storing information of a return address in a program while one of the specific control and the non-specific control is being executed. Incidentally, when writing information to each stack area 392, 394, a push command is issued by the MPU 312, and when reading information from each stack area 392, 394, a pop command is issued by the MPU 312. When reading information from each stack area 392, 394, the order of writing to the stack areas 392, 394 is such that the information to be read is written from the last information first.

[0228] Here, when the MPU 312 executes a process corresponding to a specific control, the MPU 312 can write information to the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control, and can read information from the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control. On the other hand, when the MPU 312 executes a process corresponding to a specific control, the MPU 312 can read information from the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control, but cannot write information to the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control. This makes it possible to prevent information used in the process corresponding to a non-specific control from being erroneously erased when the process corresponding to a specific control is being executed.

[0229] Furthermore, when the MPU 312 executes a process corresponding to non-specific control, the MPU 312 can write information to the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control, and can read information from the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control. On the other hand, when the MPU 312 executes a process corresponding to non-specific control, the MPU 312 can read information from the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control, but cannot write information to the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control. This makes it possible to prevent information used in the process corresponding to specific control from being erroneously erased when the process corresponding to non-specific control is being executed.

[0230] Incidentally, backup power is supplied to the main-side RAM 314 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off. The backup power is supplied to all of the dedicated control work area 391, the dedicated control stack area 392, the non-dedicated control work area 393, and the non-dedicated control stack area 394. As a result, the information stored in these dedicated control work area 391, dedicated control stack area 392, non-dedicated control work area 393, and non-dedicated control stack area 394 is retained while the backup power is being supplied even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.

[0231] <Regarding the processing configuration of the MPU 312> Next, each control process executed by the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 will be described. The processes of such MPU 312 are roughly classified into a main process that is started when the power is turned on and a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (for example, at a cycle of 4 msec).

[0232] <Main process> First, the main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18. The main process is started in a situation where the timer interrupt process is prohibited. The main process is basically executed by a dedicated control program, but some processes (step S115) are executed by a non-dedicated control program.

[0233] First, in step S101, power-on initial setting processing is executed. In the power-on initial setting processing, for example, the process waits without proceeding to the next process until a predetermined time for waiting (specifically, 1 sec) has elapsed since the main process was started. The operation start and initial setting of the symbol display device 75 are completed during this predetermined waiting period. Also, access to the main-side RAM 314 is permitted.

[0234] In step S102, an internal function register setting process is executed. In the internal function register setting process, the interrupt period of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 21), which is a process that periodically interrupts the main process and is started, is set to a predetermined period (e.g., 4 msec). In addition to setting the interrupt period of the timer interrupt process, the internal function register setting process also executes a process of setting the numerical range of various counters, such as the numerical range of the hit random number counter C1.

[0235] In step S103, it is determined whether the reset button 166c is pressed or not. In other words, it is determined whether the power supply to the MPU 312 is started by turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10 while the reset button 166c is pressed or not.

[0236] If the reset button 166c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S104, and a first initialization process is executed for the area for specific control. In the first initialization process, the work area 391 for specific control of the main RAM 314 is cleared to "0" except for the area (setting value counter) in which the setting value information indicating the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is set.

[0237] In the first initialization process, the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control are not cleared to "0." This makes it possible to prevent the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control from being cleared to "0" by a clearing operation by an employee of the game hall or the like.

[0238] In step S105, it is determined whether or not the setting key insertion section 166a has been turned on using the setting key. If the setting key insertion section 166a has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S106, where a setting value update process is executed.

[0239] The set value update process in step S106 will now be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 19. Note that the processes in steps S201 to S207 in the set value update process are executed by a program for specific control.

[0240] In the setting value update process, first, in step S201, the setting update display flag provided in the specific control work area 391 is set to "1." The setting update display flag is a flag for the MPU 312 to identify that the setting value of the pachinko machine 10 is being updated.

[0241] In step S202, it is determined whether the value of the setting value counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control is equal to or greater than 1 corresponding to "setting 1" and equal to or less than 6 corresponding to "setting 6." If the value of the setting value counter is "0" or equal to or greater than 7, the process proceeds to step S203, where the setting value counter is set to "1." This causes the setting value of the pachinko machine 10 to become "setting 1."

[0242] After execution of step S203 or if a positive judgment is made in step S202 (if the setting value is within the range of setting 1 to setting 6), in step S204, it is judged whether or not the setting key insertion unit 166a has been turned OFF using the setting key. In this case, it may be configured to judge whether or not the setting key insertion unit 166a has switched from an ON state to an OFF state, or it may be configured to judge whether or not the setting key insertion unit 166a is in the OFF state.

[0243] If the setting key insertion section 166a is not turned off, it is determined in step S205 whether the update button 166b is pressed. If the update button 166b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S206, where the value of the setting value counter in the work area 391 for specific control is incremented by 1. This updates the setting value to the next higher level.

[0244] After execution of step S206 or if a negative judgment is made in step S205 (if the update button 166b has not been pressed), the process returns to step S202. Thereafter, the processes of steps S202 to S206 are repeated until a positive judgment is made in step S204. If it is determined in step S202 that the value of the setting value counter is 7 or more, then "1" is set in the setting value counter in step S203. As a result, if the update button 166b is pressed once in the "setting 6" state, the state returns to "setting 1."

[0245] If the determination in step S204 is affirmative (if the setting key insertion section 166a is turned OFF), the process proceeds to step S207, where the setting update display flag in the specific control work area 391 is cleared to "0." After step S207 is executed, the setting value update process ends.

[0246] Returning to the explanation of the main processing (FIG. 18), if a negative judgment is made in step S103 (the reset button 166c is not pressed), the process proceeds to step S107, where it is judged whether or not the power failure flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". The power failure flag is set to "1" when power failure processing is executed in the power failure information storage processing (step S401) of the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 21) described later, and is a flag for the MPU 312 to determine whether or not the power failure processing was properly executed the previous time the power was shut off.

[0247] If the power failure flag is set to "1", in step S108, a checksum is calculated for the specific control work area 391 and the specific control stack area 392. In the following step S109, it is determined whether or not the checksum matches the checksum saved when the power was cut off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined.

[0248] If a negative judgment is made in either step S107 or step S109, an operation prohibition process is executed. In the operation prohibition process, an error notification process is executed to notify the hall manager or the like of the occurrence of an error (step S110), and then an infinite loop is executed. The operation prohibition process is released by executing the initialization process in step S104.

[0249] If the determination in step S109 is affirmative (if the checksum is normal), then in step S111 it is determined whether or not the setting key insertion unit 166a has been turned on. If the setting key insertion unit 166a has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S112, where a setting confirmation process is executed.

[0250] The setting confirmation process of step S112 will now be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 20. Note that the processes of steps S301 to S303 in the setting confirmation process are executed by a program for specific control.

[0251] In the setting confirmation process, first, in step S301, the setting confirmation display flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". The setting confirmation display flag is a flag for the MPU 312 to identify that the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10 is being confirmed. The current setting value is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. The process for this display will be described later.

[0252] In step S302, it is determined whether the setting key insertion unit 166a has been turned OFF. In this case, it may be determined whether the setting key insertion unit 166a has switched from an ON state to an OFF state, or it may be determined whether the setting key insertion unit 166a is in an OFF state. If the setting key insertion unit 166a has not been turned OFF, the process of step S302 is repeated.

[0253] If the setting key insertion section 166a is turned OFF, the setting confirmation display flag in the specific control work area 391 is cleared to "0", and then the setting confirmation process is terminated. This clears the setting value confirmation state (the display state of the setting value in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e).

[0254] Returning to the explanation of the main process (FIG. 18), after the setting confirmation process of step S112 is executed, and after the setting value update process of step S106 is executed, if a negative judgment is made in step S111 (if the setting key insertion section 166a is not ON in a situation where the power ON operation of the pachinko machine 10 is performed without pressing the reset button 166c) or if a negative judgment is made in step S105 (if the setting key insertion section 166a is not ON in a situation where the power ON operation of the pachinko machine 10 is performed while pressing the reset button 166c), a power-on setting process is executed in step S113. In the power-on setting process, a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 314, such as the initialization of a power outage flag, is set to an initial value, and a command corresponding to the current game state is sent to the performance control device 143. In the power-on setting process, it is determined whether or not the game is stopped, and if the game is stopped, it is released. That is, if the game stop flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1", it is cleared to "0" and initialized.

[0255] In step S114, an excess start-up process is executed, and in the following step S115, a partial clear process is executed. These processes relate to game play restrictions using the difference in the number of balls, and the details of these processes will be described later.

[0256] In step S116, an operation check process is performed on the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e. In this operation check process, all segments in the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e are turned on, and this state continues for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds). If any segment in the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e is not turned on due to a failure such as a broken wire, the base value, etc. will not be displayed correctly, which may cause problems in determining whether or not a fraudulent act has occurred. In this regard, by performing the operation check process, it is possible to check whether the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e are turned on normally each time the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, and the game is prevented from progressing in a state in which the base value, etc. is not displayed correctly.

[0257] In step S117, interrupt permission is set to permit occurrence of timer interrupt processing. Then, the process proceeds to the remaining processing of steps S118 to S121. That is, the MPU 312 is configured to periodically execute timer interrupt processing, but there is a remaining time between one timer interrupt processing and the next timer interrupt processing. This remaining time varies depending on the processing completion time of each timer interrupt processing, but this irregular time is utilized to repeatedly execute the remaining processing of steps S118 to S121. In this respect, the remaining processing of steps S118 to S121 can be said to be non-periodic processing that is executed non-periodically.

[0258] In the remaining process, first, in step S118, interrupt inhibition is set to inhibit occurrence of timer interrupt processing. In the following step S119, random number initial value update processing is executed to update the random number initial value counter CINI, and in step S120, fluctuation counter update processing is executed to update the fluctuation type counter CS. In these update processing, the current numerical value information is read from the corresponding counter in the work area 391 for specific control, and the read numerical value information is added by 1, and then the counter from which it was read is overwritten. In this case, when the counter value exceeds the maximum value, each is cleared to "0". After that, in step S121, interrupt permission is set to switch from a state in which the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is inhibited to a state in which it is permitted. When the processing of step S121 is executed, the process returns to step S118, and the processing of steps S118 to S121 is repeated.

[0259] <Timer interrupt processing> Next, the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 21. The timer interrupt process is executed periodically (for example, every 4 msec). Note that the program corresponding to the timer interrupt process is set in the program for specific control.

[0260] First, in step S401, a power failure information storage process is executed. In the power failure information storage process, it is monitored whether a power failure signal corresponding to the occurrence of a power interruption is received from the power failure monitoring unit 315, and if the occurrence of a power failure is identified, a power failure process is executed and then an infinite loop is entered. In the power failure process, the power failure flag provided in the specific control work area 391 is set to "1", and checksums are calculated for the specific control work area 391 and the specific control stack area 392, and the calculated checksum is saved.

[0261] In step S402, a random number update process for lottery is executed. In the random number update process for lottery, the winning random number counter C1, the big win type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the normal power role opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the current numerical information is read out sequentially from the winning random number counter C1, the big win type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the normal power role opening counter C4, and after executing a process of adding 1 to each of the read numerical information, a process of overwriting the counter from which it was read out is executed. In this case, when the counter value exceeds the maximum value, each is cleared to "0". After that, in step S403, a random number initial value update process is executed as in step S119, and in step S404, a variable counter update process is executed as in step S120.

[0262] In step S405, a fraud detection process is executed to monitor whether or not a specific event set as a monitoring target for fraud has occurred. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with anomaly detection sensors such as a vibration detection sensor, a magnet detection sensor, and a radio wave detection sensor, and the fraud detection process judges whether or not various anomalies have occurred based on the output of these detection sensors.

[0263] In step S406, a notification display process is executed to control the display of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. In the following step S407, a game stop determination process is executed to determine whether or not to enter a game stop state. The details of these processes will be described later.

[0264] In step S408, it is determined whether or not the game progress is stopped by determining whether or not "1" is set to the game stop flag provided in the specific control work area 391. If the game progress is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S409, and a port output process is executed.

[0265] In the port output process, when output information has been set in the previous timer interrupt process, a process is executed to output corresponding to the output information to the various drive units 63b, 65d. For example, when information is set to switch the variable winning device 65 to the open state, the output of a drive signal to the special power drive unit 65d is started, and when information is set to switch to the closed state, the output of the drive signal is stopped. Also, when information is set to switch the normal power role 63a of the second operating port 63 to the open state, the output of a drive signal to the normal power drive unit 63b is started, and when information is set to switch to the closed state, the output of the drive signal is stopped.

[0266] In step S410, a read process is executed. In the read process, signals other than the power failure signal and the winning signal are read, and the read information is stored for use in the subsequent processes.

[0267] In step S411, a ball entry detection process is executed. In the ball entry detection process, signals received from each ball entry detection sensor 91a to 97a are read, and based on the read results, the presence or absence of balls entering the out gate 68, the general winning gate 61, the variable winning device 65, the first operating gate 62, the second operating gate 63, and the through gate 64 is identified. Details of the ball entry detection process will be described later.

[0268] In step S412, a timer update process is executed to collectively update the numerical information of multiple types of timer counters provided in the main RAM 314. In this case, the timer counters in which the stored numerical information is updated by subtraction are handled collectively, but it is also possible to collectively update both the subtractive timer counters and the additive timer counters.

[0269] In step S413, a launch control process is executed to control the launch of the game ball. In a state where the launch operation to the game ball launch handle 41 is continued, one game ball is launched every 0.6 seconds, which is a predetermined launch cycle. In the following step S414, a special chart special electric control process is executed to control the execution of the game round and the execution of the open / close execution mode. The special chart special electric control process will be described in detail later.

[0270] In step S415, a normal map normal power control process is executed. In the normal map normal power control process, when a winning entry to the through gate 64 occurs, a process is executed to obtain reserved information on the normal map side, and when reserved information on the normal map side is stored, an opening judgment is made for the reserved information, and further, a process is executed to perform a performance for the normal map using the opening judgment as a trigger. In addition, based on the result of the opening judgment, a process is executed to open and close the normal power role 63a of the second operating port 63. In this case, if the support mode is the low frequency support mode, a corresponding process is executed, and if the support mode is the high frequency support mode, a corresponding process is executed. In addition, if the opening and closing execution mode is selected, the support mode immediately before that will be the low frequency support mode even if it was the high frequency support mode.

[0271] In step S416, based on the processing results of the previous steps S414 and S415, output information is set to reflect the increase / decrease in the reserved number display unit AM for the special drawing display unit 43, and output information is set to reflect the increase / decrease in the reserved number display unit FM for the reserved number of ordinary drawings for the ordinary drawing display unit 44. Also, in step S416, based on the processing results of the previous steps S414 and S415, output information is set to update the display contents of the special drawing display unit 43, and output information is set to update the display contents of the ordinary drawing display unit 44.

[0272] In step S417, the contents of the command and signal received from the payout control device 181 are confirmed, and a payout status receiving process is executed to perform processing corresponding to the confirmation result. In the following step S418, a payout output process is executed to set the prize ball command as an output target. In addition, in step S419, an external information setting process is executed to control the start and end of the output of an external signal according to the processing results of various processes executed in this timer interrupt process.

[0273] In step S420, a base value and ball difference process is executed to calculate a base value and a ball difference. Details of the base value and ball difference process will be described later. In addition, if a positive judgment is made in step S408 (if the game is stopped), in step S421, it is judged whether or not the excess flag is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", the payout status receiving process in step S417 is executed without executing various processes from step S409 to step S416, and if the excess flag is not set to "1", the base value and ball difference process in step S420 is executed without executing various processes from step S409 to step S419. In this way, the process not to be executed during the game stop is controlled to be different depending on the value of the excess flag, and details of the excess flag will be described later.

[0274] <Special diagram special signal control processing> The special picture special power control process in step S414 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0275] In the special chart special power control process, first, in step S501, a process of acquiring reserved information is executed. In the process of acquiring reserved information, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63, and if a winning has occurred, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the reserved ball storage area 314a is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the number of reserved balls is less than the upper limit value, the number of reserved balls is incremented by 1, and the numerical information of the winning random number counter C1, the big win type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in the previous step S402 is stored in the first reserved area among the empty reserved areas RE1 to RE4 in the reserved area RE.

[0276] If winnings occur simultaneously in the first actuation port 62 and the second actuation port 63, the process for acquiring the reserved information is executed multiple times within the range of one execution of the process for acquiring the reserved information. Also, when new reserved information is acquired, a corresponding acquisition command is sent to the performance control device 143. When the performance control device 143 receives the command, it updates the display of the image showing the number of reserved information pieces on the pattern display device 75 to a display content corresponding to the increase in the reserved information.

[0277] In step S502, the information of the special picture special electric counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control is read, and in step S503, the special picture special electric address table provided in the main ROM 313 is read. In the following step S504, a start address corresponding to the information of the special picture special electric counter is obtained from the special picture special electric address table, and in step S505, a jump is made to the process indicated by the obtained start address among the processes of steps S506 to S512. The special picture special electric counter is a counter for the MPU 312 to grasp which of the various processes of steps S506 to S512 should be executed, and the special picture special electric address table is set with the start address of the program for executing the processes of steps S506 to S512 in correspondence with the numerical information of the special picture special electric counter.

[0278] In step S506, a special chart change start process is executed. The special chart change start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0279] In the special chart change start process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether the number of reserved information stored in the reserved area RE is 1 or more. If the number of reserved information is 1 or more, a data setting process is executed in step S602.

[0280] In the data setting process, first, the number of reserved items is decreased by 1, and the data stored in the first reserved area RE1 of the reserved area RE is moved to the execution area AE. Then, a process is executed to shift the data stored in each reserved area RE1 to RE4 of the reserved area RE. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first reserved area RE1 to the fourth reserved area RE4 to the lower area side in order, and in detail, the data in each area is shifted from the second reserved area RE2 to the first reserved area RE1, the third reserved area RE3 to the second reserved area RE2, and the fourth reserved area RE4 to the third reserved area RE3, and then the fourth reserved area RE4 is cleared to "0". At this time, a shift command is sent to the performance control device 143 to recognize that the data in the reserved areas has been shifted. When the performance control device 143 receives the command, it updates the display of the image showing the number of reserved information items on the pattern display device 75 to the display content corresponding to the decrease in reserved information.

[0281] In step S603, a winning / losing table is read from the main ROM 313. Specifically, the value of the setting value counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control is first read, and the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is grasped. Then, the current winning / losing lottery mode is grasped, and if it is the high probability mode, the high probability winning / losing table corresponding to the grasped setting state is read, and if it is the low probability mode, the low probability winning / losing table corresponding to the grasped setting state is read.

[0282] In step S604, the hit / miss table read in step S603 is referenced to execute a hit / miss determination process. In the hit / miss determination process, it is determined whether the hit / miss determination information stored in the execution area AE, i.e., the numerical information related to the hit random number counter C1, matches the jackpot numerical information set in the hit / miss table read in step S603.

[0283] If the result of the win / loss determination process is a jackpot winning result (step S605: YES), an allocation determination process is executed in step S606. In the allocation determination process, information for allocation determination from the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, numerical information related to the jackpot type counter C2 is read. Then, by referring to the allocation table 387 provided in the main ROM 313, it is determined which jackpot result the numerical information related to the jackpot type counter C2 read out above corresponds to. Specifically, it is determined which jackpot result it corresponds to among a low probability jackpot result, a low prize high probability jackpot result, and a high prize high probability jackpot result.

[0284] In step S607, a stop result setting process for the big win result is executed. Specifically, the information on the form of the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the special chart display unit 43 in the game round related to the start of the current variation is specified from the stop result table for the big win result stored in advance in the main ROM 313, and the specified information is written in the work area 391 for specific control of the main RAM 314. In this stop result table for the big win result, the information on the form of the pattern to be stopped and displayed on the special chart display unit 43 is set differently for each type of big win result.

[0285] In step S608, a flag set process corresponding to the distribution determination result is executed. Specifically, flags corresponding to the types of each jackpot result are provided in the work area 391 for specific control, and in step S608, the flag corresponding to the result of the distribution determination process in step S606 is set to "1".

[0286] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that the result is not a jackpot win, a stop result setting process for a loss result is executed in step S609. Specifically, the information on the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the special pattern display unit 43 in the game round related to the start of the current variation is specified from the stop result table for loss results stored in advance in the main ROM 313, and the specified information is written in the work area 391 for specific control. The information on the pattern pattern selected in this case is different from the information on the pattern pattern selected in the case of a jackpot win.

[0287] After executing either the process of step S608 or step S609, a process of grasping the duration of the game round is executed in step S610. In this process, the numerical information of the fluctuation type counter CS is acquired. Also, it is determined whether or not a reach display occurs in the current game round on the pattern display device 75. Specifically, if the game round related to the start of the current fluctuation is a low probability jackpot result or a high probability jackpot result with high winning probability, it is determined that a reach display will occur. Also, if there is no jackpot result and furthermore the numerical information related to the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is numerical information corresponding to the reach occurrence, it is determined that a reach display will occur.

[0288] When it is determined that a reach display will occur, the duration of the game corresponding to the current numerical information of the variation type counter CS is obtained by referring to the reach occurrence duration table stored in the main ROM 313. On the other hand, when it is determined that a reach display will not occur, the duration of the game corresponding to the current numerical information of the variation type counter CS is obtained by referring to the reach non-occurrence duration table stored in the main ROM 313. Incidentally, the duration of the game that can be obtained by referring to the reach non-occurrence duration table is different from the duration of the game that can be obtained by referring to the reach occurrence duration table.

[0289] The duration of the game rounds when the reach does not occur is set so that the more the number of reserved information stored in the reserved area RE, the shorter the duration of the game rounds. In addition, the non-reach duration table is set so that a shorter duration of the game rounds is selected in a situation where the support mode is a high-frequency support mode than in a situation where the number of reserved information is the same, compared with a situation where the support mode is a low-frequency support mode. However, this is not limited to this, and the duration of the game rounds may not change depending on the number of reserved information or the support mode, and the above relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, the above configuration may be applied to the duration of the game rounds when the reach occurs. In addition, the duration table may be set separately for each of various jackpot results, the case of a miss reach, and the case of a miss result without the reach occurring. In this case, the duration of the game rounds is allocated according to each game result.

[0290] In step S611, the information on the duration of the game acquired in step S610 is set in the special chart special electricity timer counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control. The update of the numerical information set in the special chart special electricity timer counter is executed in the timer update process (step S412). Incidentally, as a performance for a game, the variable display of the pattern in the special chart display unit 43 and the variable display of the pattern in the pattern display device 75 are performed, and when each of these variable displays is ended, the final stop display is performed for the final stop period (for example, 0.5 seconds) in a state in which the stop result of the game is displayed (in the pattern display device 75, a predetermined combination of patterns is waiting on the effective line). In this case, the duration of the game acquired in step S610 is the total time for one game.

[0291] In step S612, the variation command and the type command are sent to the performance control device 143. The variation command includes information on the duration of the game round. Here, as described above, the duration of the game round obtained by referring to the non-reach duration table is different from the duration of the game round obtained by referring to the reach duration table. Therefore, even if the variation command does not include information on whether or not a reach has occurred, the performance control device 143 can identify whether or not a reach has occurred from the information on the duration of the game round. In this regard, it can be said that the variation command includes information indicating whether or not a reach has occurred. Note that the variation command may include information directly indicating whether or not a reach has occurred. Also, the type command includes information on the game result.

[0292] When the effect control device 143 receives the variation command and the type command from the MPU 312, it causes the lamp units 26-28, the speaker unit 29, and the pattern display device 75 to execute the effect for the game round. In this case, the effect for the game round is executed in a manner corresponding to the contents of the variation command and the type command. In addition, the pattern display device 75 performs a variation display of the patterns as the effect for the game round, and when the effect for the game round ends, a combination of patterns corresponding to the results of the win / loss judgment process and the allocation judgment process is stopped and displayed.

[0293] In step S613, the display of the pattern change is started in the special image display unit 43. In the following step S614, the special image special electric counter is incremented by 1. In this case, since the numerical information of the special image special electric counter is "0" when the special image change start process is executed, the numerical information of the special image special electric counter becomes "1".

[0294] Returning to the explanation of the special chart special electricity control process (FIG. 22), in step S507, a special chart change process is executed. In the special chart change process, it is determined whether or not it is during the duration of a game round and before the final stop display, and if it is before the final stop display, a process is executed to regularly change the display mode of the picture in the special chart display unit 43. When it is time to display the final stop, the numerical information of the special chart special electricity counter is incremented by 1, thereby updating the numerical information of the counter from that corresponding to the special chart change process to that corresponding to the special chart determination process. In this embodiment, a final stop command is not transmitted from the MPU 312 to the performance control device 143.

[0295] In step S508, a special chart determination process is executed. In the special chart determination process, the display mode of the image on the special chart display unit 43 is changed to a display mode corresponding to the lottery result of the current game round. In addition, in the special chart determination process, it is determined whether the final stop period has elapsed, and if the period has elapsed, it is determined whether a transition to the opening and closing execution mode will occur. If a transition to the opening and closing execution mode does not occur, the numerical information of the special chart special electricity counter is cleared to "0". If a transition to the opening and closing execution mode occurs, the numerical information of the special chart special electricity counter is incremented by 1, thereby updating the numerical information of the counter from that corresponding to the special chart determination process to that corresponding to the special electricity start process.

[0296] In step S509, the special power start process is executed. In the special power start process, if the process for starting the opening period in the current open / close execution mode has not yet been executed, the process for setting the opening period is executed. In addition, an opening command is sent to the performance control device 143. By receiving the opening command, the performance control device 143 causes the lamp units 26 to 28, the speaker unit 29, and the pattern display device 75 to execute the opening performance. If the opening period has elapsed, a start process for starting the first round of play is executed. In the start process, the variable winning device 65 is opened and the end condition of the round of play is set. When setting this end condition, the upper limit duration for continuing the variable winning device 65 in the open state in the current first round of play is set, and the upper limit number of game balls that can win the variable winning device 65 in the current first round of play is set in the winning number counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control.

[0297] In step S510, the special line open process is executed. In the special line open process, it is determined whether or not the end condition of the round game is satisfied. If the end condition is satisfied, the variable winning device 65 is closed. If the currently ended round game is not the last round game executed, the numerical information of the special chart special line counter is incremented by 1 to update the numerical information of the counter from that corresponding to the special line open process to that corresponding to the special line closed process, and if the currently ended round game is the last round game executed, the numerical information of the special chart special line counter is incremented by 2 to update the numerical information of the counter from that corresponding to the special line open process to that corresponding to the special line end process.

[0298] In step S511, special line closed processing is executed. In the special line closed processing, it is determined whether or not the interval period between rounds of play has elapsed. The interval period is set when the previous round of play ends. When the interval period has elapsed, the variable winning device 65 is opened and the end condition of the round of play is set. Then, the numerical information of the special chart special line counter is decremented by 1, thereby updating the numerical information of the counter from that corresponding to the special line closed processing to that corresponding to the special line open processing.

[0299] In step S512, a special call termination process is executed. In the special call termination process, if the process for starting the ending period in the current opening / closing execution mode has not yet been executed, the ending period (e.g., 5 seconds) is set and an ending command is sent to the performance control device 143. By receiving the ending command, the performance control device 143 causes the lamp units 26 to 28, the speaker unit 29, and the pattern display device 75 to execute an ending performance. When the ending period has elapsed, the win / lose lottery mode and the support mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode are set to modes corresponding to the jackpot result that triggered the start of the current opening / closing execution mode.

[0300] Next, a configuration will be described for determining whether or not game balls have entered the general winning opening 61, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, the variable winning device 65, the out opening 68, and the through gate 64 based on the detection results of each ball entry detection sensor 91a-97a in the MPU 312. Fig. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration for inputting the detection results of the ball entry detection sensors 91a-97a to the MPU 312.

[0301] The MPU 312 is provided with an input port 312a. The input port 312a is configured as an 8-bit parallel interface so that it can handle eight types of signals simultaneously. An area in which information "0" or "1" is stored according to the voltage of each signal is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each terminal. That is, the area includes the 0th bit D0 to the 7th bit D7. However, in this pachinko machine 10, the 7th bit D7 is not used, and the configuration is such that seven types of signals can be handled simultaneously. In addition, although more than eight types of signals are input to the input port 312a, in order to limit the number of signals that can be input simultaneously to eight types, the signal group that is the input target to the input port 312a is switched through switching control by a driver IC.

[0302] In the ball entry detection process (step S411) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 21), the signal group to be input to the input port 312a is set to the signal group from each ball entry detection sensor 91a-97a. In a situation where such a setting is made, the 0th bit D0 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the first winning opening detection sensor 91a, the 1st bit D1 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the second winning opening detection sensor 92a, the 2nd bit D2 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the first operation opening detection sensor 93a, the 3rd bit D3 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the second operation opening detection sensor 94a, the 4th bit D4 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the large winning opening detection sensor 95a, the 5th bit D5 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the out opening detection sensor 96a, and the 6th bit D6 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the gate detection sensor 97a.

[0303] When the ball entrance detection sensors 91a to 97a do not detect the passage of a game ball, they output a LOW level signal indicating that the ball is not being detected as a detection signal, and when the ball entrance detection sensors 91a to 97a detect the passage of a game ball, they output a HI level signal indicating that the ball is being detected as a detection signal. When the ball entrance detection sensors 91a to 97a receive a LOW level signal, they store "0" information in the corresponding bit, and when the ball entrance detection sensors 91a to 97a receive a HI level signal, they store "1" information in the corresponding bit, which corresponds to the information indicating that the ball is not being detected. In other words, when the ball entrance detection sensors 91a to 97a do not detect the passage of a game ball, they store "0" information in the corresponding bit, which corresponds to the information indicating that the ball is not being detected, and when the ball entrance detection sensors 91a to 97a detect the passage of a game ball, they store "1" information in the corresponding bit, which corresponds to the information indicating that the ball is being detected.

[0304] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the ball scoring detection process executed in step S411 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 21).

[0305] When it is confirmed that the 0th bit D0 or the 1st bit D1 has switched from a state in which "0" is stored to a state in which "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the first winning hole detection sensor 91a or the second winning hole detection sensor 92a (step S801: YES). In this case, in step S802, the general winning sensor flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1", and in step S803, the value of the 10 winning ball counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by 1.

[0306] The general winning sensor flag is a flag for the MPU 312 to identify the occurrence of a winning into the general winning port 61, and the 10 prize ball counter is a counter for identifying the number of times the MPU 312 should execute the payout of 10 game balls. If the value of the 10 prize ball counter is 1 or more, a 10 prize ball command is output to the payout control device 181 in the payout output process of step S418 in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 21), and the value of the 10 prize ball counter is decremented by 1 when the 10 prize ball command is output once. When the payout control device 181 receives the 10 prize ball command, it drives and controls the payout device 222 so that 10 game balls are paid out.

[0307] When it is confirmed that the second bit D2 has switched from a state in which "0" is stored to a state in which "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the first actuation port detection sensor 93a (step S804: YES). In this case, in step S805, the first actuation winning flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1", and in step S806, the value of the three-ball counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by one. The first actuation winning flag is a flag for specifying in the MPU 312 that a winning has occurred in the first actuation port 62, and the three-ball counter is a counter for specifying the number of times that the MPU 312 should pay out three game balls.

[0308] In the special chart special electric control process (step S414) of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 21), by confirming that the first operation winning flag is set to "1", a process for newly storing reserved information is executed on the condition that the number of reserved information stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved storage area 314a is less than the upper limit of 4. In the special chart special electric control process (step S414), it is confirmed that the first operation winning flag is set to "1", and when the process corresponding to the confirmation is executed, the first operation winning flag is cleared to "0".

[0309] When it is confirmed that the third bit D3 has switched from a state in which "0" is stored to a state in which "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the second actuation port detection sensor 94a (step S807: YES). In this case, in step S808, the second actuation winning flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1", and in step S809, the value of the one winning ball counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by one. The second actuation winning flag is a flag for specifying by the MPU 312 that a winning has occurred in the second actuation port 63, and the one winning ball counter is a counter for specifying the number of times that the MPU 312 should pay out one game ball.

[0310] In the special chart special electricity control process (step S414) of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 21), by confirming that the second operation winning flag is set to "1", a process for newly storing reserved information is executed on the condition that the number of reserved information stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved storage area 314a is less than the upper limit of 4. In the special chart special electricity control process (step S414), it is confirmed that the second operation winning flag is set to "1", and when the process corresponding to the confirmation is executed, the first operation winning flag is cleared to "0".

[0311] When it is confirmed that the fourth bit D4 has switched from a state in which "0" is stored to a state in which "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the large prize opening detection sensor 95a (step S810: YES). In this case, in step S811, the special electric prize flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1", and in step S812, the value of the 15 prize ball counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by 1. The special electric prize flag is a flag for the MPU 312 to specify that a prize has been won in the variable prize device 65, and the 15 prize ball counter is a counter for specifying the number of times the MPU 312 should pay out 15 game balls.

[0312] In the special chart special electric control process (step S414) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 21), by confirming that the special electric winning flag is set to "1", it is determined that one game ball has entered the variable winning device 65, and the remaining number of balls that can enter the variable winning device 65 in the round game is subtracted by 1. When the process of subtracting 1 from the number of balls that can enter is executed, the special electric winning flag is cleared to "0".

[0313] When it is confirmed that the fifth bit D5 has switched from a state in which "0" is stored to a state in which "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the outlet detection sensor 96a (step S813: YES). In this case, the out flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1". The out flag is a flag that allows the MPU 312 to identify the occurrence of a game ball entering the outlet 68.

[0314] When it is confirmed that the sixth bit D6 has switched from a state in which "0" is stored to a state in which "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the gate detection sensor 97a (step S815: YES). In this case, in step S816, the gate winning flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1". The gate winning flag is a flag for the MPU 312 to specify that one game ball has entered the through gate 64.

[0315] In the normal map normal power control process (step S415) of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 21), by confirming that the gate winning flag is set to "1", a process is executed to store the current numerical information of the normal power role release counter C4 as reserved information on the normal map side in the normal power reserve area 314c, provided that the number of reserved information on the normal map side stored in the normal power reserve area 314c is less than the upper limit of 4. In the normal map normal power control process (step S415), it is confirmed that the gate winning flag is set to "1", and when the process corresponding to that confirmation is executed, the gate winning flag is cleared to "0".

[0316] Next, a description will be given of the processing contents executed by the dispensing control device 181. First, the electrical configuration of the dispensing control device 181 and various devices that communicate with the dispensing control device 181 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0317] The dispensing control device 181 is equipped with an MPU 382. The MPU 382 has built-in dispensing side ROM 383, dispensing side RAM 384, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

[0318] The dispensing ROM 383 is a memory (i.e., a non-volatile memory means) that does not require an external power supply to retain memory such as a NOR type flash memory or a NAND type flash memory, and is used for read-only purposes. The dispensing ROM 383 stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the dispensing MPU 382.

[0319] The dispensing side RAM 384 is a memory (i.e., a volatile storage means) that requires an external power supply to retain memory such as SRAM and DRAM, and is used for both reading and writing. The dispensing side RAM 384 is randomly accessible, and takes less time to read data than the dispensing side ROM 383 when compared for the same data capacity. The dispensing side RAM 384 temporarily stores various data for the execution of the control program stored in the dispensing side ROM 383.

[0320] The payout side MPU 382 is capable of two-way communication with the MPU 312 of the main control device 162. By receiving a prize ball command from the MPU 312, the payout side MPU 382 drives and controls the payout device 222 so that the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command is paid out. The payout side MPU 382 also monitors whether or not the payout of game balls can be performed normally, and when it is determined that the payout is not possible, it stops the payout device 222 even if the payout side RAM 384 stores information on the number of prize balls that have not been paid out. The payout side MPU 382 also transmits a payout limit command to the MPU 312 indicating that the payout is not possible normally.

[0321] When the MPU 312 receives the payout restriction command, it transmits a notification command to the performance control device 143 so that a notification indicating that the state is such that the payout of game balls cannot be performed normally is executed by the pattern display device 75, the lamp units 26-28, and the speaker unit 29. The states in which the payout of game balls cannot be performed normally include a full state in which the lower tray 34 is full of game balls, a no-ball state in which the tank 221 is not refilled with game balls, an abnormal payout state in which the payout device 222 does not operate normally, a main body open state in which the gaming machine main body 12 is opened from the outer frame 11, and a front door open state in which the front door frame 14 is opened from the inner frame 13.

[0322] A full tank detection sensor (not shown) is provided in the middle of the game ball passage leading from the payout device 222 to the lower tray 34, and the detection result of the full tank detection sensor is input to the payout side MPU 382. The payout side MPU 382 determines that the tank is full when game balls are continuously detected by the full tank detection sensor, and determines that the full tank state has been released when the state in which game balls are continuously detected by the full tank detection sensor is released.

[0323] A no-ball detection sensor (not shown) is provided at a midpoint of the game ball passage leading from the tank 221 to the payout device 222, and the detection result of the no-ball detection sensor is input to the payout side MPU 382. The payout side MPU 382 determines that a no-ball state exists when the no-ball detection sensor continues to not detect a game ball, and determines that the no-ball state has been released when the state in which the no-ball detection sensor continues to not detect a game ball is released.

[0324] The payout device 222 is provided with a payout detection sensor (not shown) for detecting game balls paid out from the payout device 222, and the detection result of the payout detection sensor is input to the payout side MPU 382. When a game ball is detected by the payout detection sensor, the payout side MPU 382 determines that one game ball has been paid out from the payout device 222. Furthermore, the payout side MPU 382 determines that an abnormal payout state exists when a game ball is continuously not detected by the payout detection sensor despite driving and controlling the payout device 222 so that a game ball is paid out, and determines that the abnormal payout state has been released when the state in which a game ball is continuously not detected by the payout detection sensor is released.

[0325] A front door open sensor 232 is provided on the front portion of the inner frame 13, and the detection result of the front door open sensor 232 is input to the dispensing side MPU 382. In this case, when the front door frame 14 is closed relative to the inner frame 13, the front door open sensor 232 transmits a closed detection signal to the dispensing side MPU 382, ​​and when the front door frame 14 is open relative to the inner frame 13, the front door open sensor 232 transmits an open detection signal to the dispensing side MPU 382.

[0326] The dispensing side MPU 382 determines that the front door frame 14 is in a closed state when it receives a closed detection signal from the front door open sensor 232, and determines that the front door frame 14 is in an open state when it receives an open detection signal from the front door open sensor 232. In addition, the dispensing side MPU 382 transmits a front door open command to the MPU 312 when it determines that the front door frame 14 has changed from a closed state to an open state, and transmits a front door close command to the MPU 312 when it determines that the front door frame 14 has changed from an open state to a closed state. The MPU 312 determines that the front door frame 14 has changed to an open state when it receives a front door open command, and determines that the front door frame 14 has changed to a closed state when it receives a front door close command.

[0327] A main body open sensor 233 is provided on the front of the back pack unit 15, and the detection result of the main body open sensor 233 is input to the payout side MPU 382. In this case, when the gaming machine main body 12 is in a closed state relative to the outer frame 11, the main body open sensor 233 transmits a closed detection signal to the payout side MPU 382, ​​and when the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state relative to the outer frame 11, the main body open sensor 233 transmits an open detection signal to the payout side MPU 382.

[0328] The payout side MPU 382 determines that the gaming machine body 12 is in the closed state when it receives a closed detection signal from the body open sensor 233, and determines that the gaming machine body 12 is in the open state when it receives an open detection signal from the body open sensor 233. The payout side MPU 382 also transmits a main body open command to the MPU 312 at the timing when it determines that the gaming machine body 12 has changed from the closed state to the open state, and transmits a main body close command to the MPU 312 at the timing when it determines that the gaming machine body 12 has changed from the open state to the closed state. The MPU 312 determines that the gaming machine body 12 has changed to the open state when it receives the main body open command, and determines that the gaming machine body 12 has changed to the closed state when it receives the main body close command.

[0329] The timer interrupt process executed by the dispensing side MPU 382 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 27. The timer interrupt process is repeatedly started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec).

[0330] First, in step S901, a full tank process is executed. In the full tank process, it is determined whether the tank is full based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor, and if the tank is full, a process for stopping the payout of game balls is executed and a command indicating the full tank is sent to the MPU 312. If the full tank state is released, a process for enabling the payout of game balls is executed and a command indicating that the full tank state has been released is sent to the MPU 312.

[0331] In step S902, a no-ball process is executed. In the no-ball process, it is determined whether or not the game is in a no-ball state based on the detection result of the no-ball detection sensor, and if the game is in a no-ball state, a process is executed to stop the payout of game balls and a command indicating the no-ball state is sent to the MPU 312. In addition, if the no-ball state is released, a process is executed to enable the payout of game balls and a command indicating that the no-ball state has been released is sent to the MPU 312.

[0332] In step S903, a payout abnormality monitoring process is executed. In the payout abnormality monitoring process, it is determined whether or not a payout abnormality occurs based on the detection result of the payout detection sensor, and if a payout abnormality occurs, a process to stop the payout of game balls is executed and a command indicating that a payout abnormality occurs is sent to the MPU 312. In addition, if the payout abnormality is released, a process to enable the payout of game balls is executed and a command indicating that the payout abnormality has been released is sent to the MPU 312.

[0333] In step S904, a front door open monitoring process is executed. In the front door open monitoring process, it is determined whether the front door frame 14 is open or not based on the detection result of the front door open sensor 232, and if the front door frame 14 is open, a process to stop the payout of game balls is executed and a front door open command is sent to the MPU 312. In addition, if the front door frame 14 is closed, a process to enable the payout of game balls is executed and a front door close command is sent to the MPU 312.

[0334] In step S905, a main body open monitoring process is executed. In the main body open monitoring process, it is determined whether the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state based on the detection result of the main body open sensor 233, and if the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state, a process for stopping the payout of game balls is executed and a main body open command is sent to the MPU 312. In addition, if the gaming machine main body 12 is closed, a process for enabling the payout of game balls is executed and a main body close command is sent to the MPU 312.

[0335] In step S906, a command read process is executed. In the command read process, a process of reading the prize ball command sent by the MPU 312 is executed, and the prize ball command is stored in the payout side RAM 384. Then, after executing a prize ball setting process for adding the number of balls corresponding to the received prize ball command to the unpaid prize ball number information in the payout side RAM 384 (step S907), a payout control process for controlling the execution of the payout of game balls by the payout device 222 is executed (step S908).

[0336] In the payout control process, when the unpaid prize ball number information stored in the payout side RAM 384 is a value of 1 or more, the payout device 222 is driven and controlled, and when the payout detection sensor detects one game ball, the value of the prize ball number information is subtracted by 1. When the value of the prize ball number information becomes "0", the payout device 222 is stopped being driven and controlled. After that, an external information setting process is executed to control the start and end of the output of an external signal according to the processing results of various processes executed in this timer interrupt process (step S909).

[0337] <Base value and difference in number of balls> The base value and ball difference processing in step S420 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 28. Note that the processing in steps S1001 to S1005 in the base value and ball difference processing is executed in the MPU 312 by a program for specific control.

[0338] In the base value and ball difference processing, first, in step S1001, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (FIG. 21). In the following step S1002, a push command is used to write and save information stored in a flag register, one of multiple registers provided in MPU 312, to a specified area in work area 391 for specific control. The flag register includes a zero flag, a sign flag, and the like, and the information changes depending on the execution results of arithmetic instructions, rotate instructions, input / output instructions, and the like. By saving such flag register information before the program of a subroutine corresponding to the base value and ball difference processing (step S1003) is started, it becomes possible to save the information of the flag register in the state before it changes after the subroutine is called or the subroutine is started in work area 391 for specific control.

[0339] In step S1003, a call command is used to read out a subroutine program corresponding to the execution process for the base value and the difference in pitches set in the program for non-specific control, and the execution process is started. At this time, information for specifying a return address after the execution process is executed is written into the stack area 392 for specific control. Then, when the execution process for the base value and the difference in pitches is completed, the information for specifying the return address written into the stack area 392 is read out, and the program for the base value and the difference in pitches processing indicated by the return address is returned to.

[0340] After execution of step S1003, in step S1004, the saved flag register information is restored by a pop command. Specifically, the flag register information saved in specific control stack area 392 in step S1002 is read out and stored in the flag register of MPU 312. This restores the flag register information of MPU 312 to the information at the time step S1002 was executed.

[0341] In step S1005, interrupt permission is set to switch from a state in which the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (FIG. 21) is prohibited to a state in which it is permitted, thereby enabling new execution of timer interrupt processing.

[0342] Next, the execution process for the base value and the ball difference number, which is executed by reading the program for non-specific control in step S1103, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0343] In step S1101, a load command is issued to set address information of the start position in the non-specific control stack area 394 (specifically, address Y(u+2) in FIG. 17) in the stack pointer of the MPU 312. This causes the stack area to be used to be switched to the non-specific control stack area 394.

[0344] In step S1102, information stored in a register used in the base value calculation process (step S1103), the exceedance determination process (step S1104), and the display setting process (step S1105) described below among the multiple registers provided in MPU 312 is written to a specified area in work area 393 for non-specific control and saved.

[0345] After step S1102 is executed, the subroutine programs of steps S1103 to S1105 set in the program for non-specific control are read out by a call command and executed in sequence. Prior to these processes, by saving the information of the registers used in step S1102, even if the registers are overwritten when steps S1103 to S1105 are executed, the information saved in the work area 393 for non-specific control can be written back into these registers to restore them to the state before the overwriting. In other words, the information of the registers used during specific control can be protected.

[0346] When steps S1103 to S1105 are executed, information for identifying a return address after execution of each process is written to non-specific control stack area 394. Then, when steps S1103 to S1105 are completed, the information for identifying the return address written to area 394 is read, and the program returns to the execution process for the base value and ball difference indicated by the return address.

[0347] After executing the processes in steps S1103 to S1105, in step S1106, a fixed address in the specific control stack area 392 is set in the stack pointer of the MPU 312 by a load command. As a result, the stack area to be used is switched to the specific control stack area 392.

[0348] In addition, the base value and ball difference processing in step S420 including the base value and ball difference execution processing is executed after the control processing for progressing the game based on the game operation by the player in the timer interrupt processing is completed, so the information stored in the stack area 39 for specific control immediately before the processing of steps S1103 to S1105 is executed is always constant. Therefore, by determining the above-mentioned fixed address based on the constant amount of information, even if the information of the stack pointer in the MPU 312 is not saved in advance, the state of the stack pointer can be restored to the information immediately before the processing corresponding to the non-specific control is started. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load and it is not necessary to secure an area for saving in the main RAM 314.

[0349] In step S1107, the values ​​of each register saved in step S1102 to work area 393 for non-specific control are read out by a load command, and stored in each register of MPU 312. This causes the information in each register of MPU 312 to return to the information at the time step S1102 was executed.

[0350] Next, the base value calculation process in step S1103, the excess judgment process in step S1104, and the display setting process in step S1105 executed by reading out the subroutine program will be described. In these processes, information on the game history regarding the base value and the difference in the number of balls is calculated, and display data is set to display the results on the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e, and it is judged whether the calculated difference in the number of balls is a predetermined specific number (for example, 100,000) or more.

[0351] <Base value calculation process> First, the base value calculation process in step S1103 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0352] In the base value calculation process, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the general winning opening 61, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, the variable winning device 65, or the outlet 68. That is, the above determination is made based on the outputs of the first winning opening detection sensor 91a, the second winning opening detection sensor 92a, the first operating opening detection sensor 93a, the second operating opening detection sensor 94a, the large winning opening detection sensor 95a, and the outlet detection sensor 96a.

[0353] If a ball has entered the field, in step S1202, an update process of the out counter 501d for the measurement section is executed. As shown in Fig. 31, in the work area 393 for non-specific control, a base value counter area 501 is provided as an area corresponding to the calculation of the base value, and the out counter 501d for the measurement section is provided in this base value counter area 501.

[0354] The out counter 501d for the measurement section is a counter for measuring the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA. In this embodiment, since the out port detection sensor 96a is configured to detect only game balls that enter the out port 68 (FIG. 7), the out counter 501d for the measurement section is updated by adding 1 not only when a ball enters the out port 68 but also when a ball enters the general winning port 61, the first operating port 62, the second operating port 63, and the variable winning device 65. The value of the out counter 501d for the measurement section is used to grasp the measurement section for each predetermined number (for example, 60,000 balls).

[0355] In step S1203, it is determined whether the current gaming state is a normal gaming state (low probability mode and low frequency support mode). If it is a normal gaming state, the process proceeds to step S1204, and an update process is performed on the normal winning counter 501a, the normal first operation counter 501b, and the normal out counter 501c in the base value counter area 501. These counters 501a to 501c are for measuring the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 61, the number of game balls entering the first operation opening 62, and the number of game balls discharged from the gaming area PA, respectively, in the normal gaming state. In step S1204, if a ball enters the general winning opening 61 or the first operation opening 62, the value of the corresponding counter among the general winning counter 501a and the first operation counter 501b is incremented by 1. Furthermore, regardless of the type of ball entry section into which the ball entered, if a ball has entered, the value of the out counter 501c is incremented by 1.

[0356] After execution of step S1204 or if a negative judgment is made in step S1203 (the current gaming state is not the normal gaming state), a base value calculation process is executed in step S1205. In the base value calculation process, a base value in the normal gaming state is calculated using the values ​​of the normal counters 501a to 501c. When the values ​​of the normal general winning counter 501a, the normal first operation counter 501b, and the normal out counter 501c are K1 to K3, the base value is as follows. Base value: The total number of game balls dispensed (K1 x "number of prize balls for winning through the general winning port 61" + K2 x "number of prize balls for winning through the first operating port 62") / the ratio of the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K3).

[0357] In step S1206, a process is executed in which the information on the base value calculated in step S1205 is overwritten in current state area 504a provided in non-specific control work area 393. Note that, in non-specific control work area 393, a calculation result area 504 is provided as an area for storing calculation results, as shown in Fig. 31, and calculation result area 504 is provided with, in addition to current state area 504a, previous area 504b for storing information on the previous base value, area before last 504c for storing information on the base value before last, and area before last 504d for storing information on the base value before last.

[0358] After execution of step S1206 or if a negative judgment is made in step S1201 (no ball has been scored), a judgment is made in step S1207 as to whether or not the management start flag in the various flags area 507 (FIG. 31) provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1." The management start flag is a flag that allows the MPU 312 to identify a situation in which the calculated base value should be notified.

[0359] If the management start flag is not set to "1", the process proceeds to step S1208, where it is determined whether the value of the Out counter 501d for the measurement section is equal to or greater than a value corresponding to a predetermined management start reference value (e.g., 300). If the value of the Out counter 501d is equal to or greater than the value corresponding to the management start reference value, the process proceeds to step S1209, where the management start flag is set to "1". As a result, the calculated base value is subject to reporting.

[0360] In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 is manufactured so that the management start flag is cleared to "0". At the shipping stage of the pachinko machine 10, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 may be checked before shipping, and at that time, game balls are groomed into each ball entrance and the subsequent operation is checked. Under such circumstances, during the period from the manufacture of the pachinko machine 10 until the total number of game balls discharged from the play area PA reaches the management start reference value, the calculated base value is excluded from the subject of notification, thereby preventing the base value affected by the above-mentioned grooming from being notified.

[0361] In step S1210, all of the counters 501a to 501d provided in the base value counter area 501 are cleared to "0". As a result, the next base value calculation process is started with the values ​​of the counters 501a to 501d initialized, and in step S1205, the base value is calculated excluding the period before the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA reaches the management start reference value. After execution of step S1210 or if a negative judgment is made in step S1208 (the value of the out counter 501d for the measurement section is less than the management start reference value), the base value calculation process is terminated.

[0362] If the judgment in step S1207 is positive (the management start flag is "1"), proceed to step S1211, and determine whether the value of the out counter 501d for the measurement section is greater than or equal to a value corresponding to a predetermined number (e.g., 60,000) that defines the measurement section.

[0363] If the value of out counter 501d is equal to or greater than the value corresponding to the predetermined number, data shift processing is executed in step S1212. In the data shift processing, the base value information stored in current state area 504a, previous state area 504b, second previous state area 504c, and second previous state area 504d in calculation result area 504 of non-specific control work area 393 is shifted in the order of second previous state area 504c -> second previous state area 504d, previous state area 504b -> second previous state area 504c, and current state area 504a -> previous state area 504b. As a result, the final base value for the calculation period two periods ago (measurement section) is stored in area 504d for the period two periods ago as the final base value for the calculation period three periods ago, the final base value for the calculation period one period ago is stored in area 504c for the period two periods ago as the final base value for the calculation period two periods ago, and the base value last calculated in the current calculation period is stored in area 504b for the previous period as the final base value for the calculation period one period ago.

[0364] In step S1213, all of the counters 501a to 501d provided in the base value counter area 501 are cleared to "0." After step S1213 is executed or if a negative decision is made in step S1211 (if the value of the out counter 501d for the measurement section is less than the predetermined number), the base value calculation process ends.

[0365] <Excess judgment processing> In pachinko machines, the winning probability in actual play is expected to eventually converge to the winning probability set internally, but the actual winning probability varies greatly, for example, when viewed based on a single game by a player or a single business day of an amusement hall. For this reason, the so-called winning amount from the player's perspective may increase to a level that the machine designer did not anticipate. In such cases, not only the player who played the pachinko machine, but also those around him who were watching may be stimulated to be overly gambling.

[0366] In consideration of such circumstances, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 itself refers to the game history to monitor whether the plus amount seen from the player's side is within a predetermined range, and if the plus amount exceeds the range, the progress of the game is restricted. The excess judgment process in step S1104 is executed as a part of the process, and the process will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0367] In the excess determination process, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the general winning hole 61, the first operating hole 62, the second operating hole 63, the variable winning device 65, or the outlet hole 68. For this determination, the determination result in step S1201 in the base value calculation process (FIG. 30) is used.

[0368] If a ball has entered the game, in step S1302, the values ​​of various counters in the ball difference counter area 502 are updated. As shown in Fig. 31, the work area 393 for non-specific control is provided with a ball difference counter area 502 as an area corresponding to the calculation of the ball difference, and this ball difference counter area 502 is provided with a regular general winning counter 502a, a regular first operation counter 502b, a regular second operation counter 502c, a regular special power counter 502d, and a regular out counter 502e.

[0369] Among these counters, the general winning counter 502a, the first operation counter 502b, the second operation counter 502c, and the special electric counter 502d are counters for measuring the number of game balls entering the general winning port 61, the first operation port 62, the second operation port 63, and the variable winning device 65. The out counter 502e is a counter for measuring the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA. These counters 502a to 502e are for measuring each ball entering from a predetermined measurement start trigger regardless of the game state. In this embodiment, since there are normal game state, time-saving game state (low probability mode and high frequency support mode), high probability game state (high probability mode and high frequency support mode), and open / close execution mode as game states, the counters 502a to 502e measure the total number of balls entering for all of these game states.

[0370] In step S1302, among the counters 502a to 502e, the value of the counter corresponding to the ball entry portion determined to have entered in step S1301 is updated. For example, if it is determined that a ball has entered into the first operation port 62, the value of the first operation counter 502b is incremented by 1. As for the out counter 502e, the value is incremented by 1 if a ball has entered, regardless of the type of ball entry portion into which the ball entered.

[0371] In the next step S1303, a process of calculating the difference in balls is executed. In the process of calculating the difference in balls, the difference in balls is calculated using the values ​​of the counters 502a to 502e in the difference in balls counter area 502. When the values ​​of the regular winning counter 502a, the regular first action counter 502b, the regular second action counter 502c, the regular special power counter 502d, and the regular out counter 502e are K4 to K8, the difference in balls is as follows. Difference in number of balls: total number of game balls paid out (K4 x "number of prize balls for winning through the general winning port 61" + K5 x "number of prize balls for winning through the first operating port 62" + K6 x "number of prize balls for winning through the second operating port 63" + K7 x "number of prize balls for winning through the variable winning device 65") - total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K8).

[0372] The difference in the number of balls is derived as an index for measuring the plus (winning amount) amount. Note that, in the calculation of the base value in the base value calculation process (FIG. 30), the base value in the normal game state is calculated, but in the calculation of the difference in the number of balls in the excess judgment process, the total difference in the number of balls is calculated for all game states.

[0373] In step S1304, a process is executed in which the difference in pitches calculated in step S1303 is overwritten in the difference in pitches area 504e (FIG. 31) provided in the non-specific control work area 393. The excess determination process is started every 4 msec corresponding to the execution cycle of the timer interrupt cycle (FIG. 21), so that the difference in pitches information is updated every 4 msec and stored in the difference in pitches area 504e.

[0374] In step S1305, it is determined whether the difference in balls overwritten in the difference in balls area 504e in step S1304 (the difference in balls calculated in step S1303) is a specific number (for example, 100,000) or more. This determines whether the above-mentioned plus amount is within a certain range.

[0375] If the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than the specific number, the process proceeds to step S1306, where the excess flag in area 507 for various flags provided in work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1." The excess flag is a flag that allows MPU 312 to determine that the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than the specific number. After step S1306 is executed, if a negative judgment is made in step S1305 (if the difference in the number of balls is less than the specific number) or if a negative judgment is made in step S1301 (if no ball has been scored), the excess judgment process ends.

[0376] <Display setting process> Next, the display setting process of step S1105 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 33(a). This process is a setting process for notifying by display the base value derived in the base value calculation process of step S1103 and the ball difference number derived in the excess judgment process of step S1104.

[0377] In the display setting process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not a game is stopped. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the game stop flag is set to "1" by referring to the work area 391 for specific control in the main RAM 314.

[0378] If the game is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S1402, and it is determined whether or not it is time to switch the display contents on the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e for notification. In this embodiment, the base value derived in the base value calculation process in step S1103 and the base value derived in the base value calculation process in step S1103 are both displayed on the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e for notification. In addition, when displaying these values, as for the base value, as already described with reference to FIG. 15, the current base value, which is the current base value, the previous base value one time ago, the base value before the previous time two times ago, and the base value before the previous time three times ago are displayed in sequence every predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds), and as for the difference in balls, after the display of the base value before the previous time is completed, the difference in balls (current difference in balls) is displayed. The process in step S1402 is to determine whether or not it is time to switch the above-mentioned displays.

[0379] If the determination in step S1402 is affirmative (if it is the timing to switch), in step S1403, an update process is executed for the display type counter 505 (FIG. 31) provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control. The display type counter 505 is a counter for the MPU 312 to identify which of the game history such as the above-mentioned various base values ​​and the number of ball differences is currently being displayed.

[0380] As shown in FIG. 33(b), when the value of the display type counter 505 is "0", the current base value is displayed, when the value of the display type counter 505 is "1", the previous base value is displayed, when the display type counter 505 is "2", the base value before the previous time is displayed, and when the display type counter 505 is "3", the base value before the previous time is displayed. When the display type counter 505 is "4", the difference in balls is displayed. In the update process of the display type counter 505, the value of the display type counter 505 is incremented by 1, and when the value after the increment exceeds "4", the value of the display type counter 505 is set to "0". As a result, in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, the display of the current base value, the previous base value, the base value before the previous time, the difference in balls and the difference in balls are sequentially changed at each switching timing.

[0381] In this embodiment, the display of each of the above values ​​is switched at regular intervals, but is not limited to this. For example, the display period of some of the base values ​​(for example, the current base value) may be made different from the display period of the other base values ​​(for example, made longer), and the display period of the difference in pitches may be made different from the display period of each base value (for example, made shorter).

[0382] After execution of step S1403 or when a negative judgment is made in step S1402 (when it is not a switching timing), a process of setting display type data indicating a current display target is executed in step S1404. As shown in FIG. 31, the work area 393 for non-specific control is provided with a display target area 506 as an area corresponding to a current display target. The display target area 506 is provided with a type area 506a in which type data indicating a type of a game history to be displayed is stored, and a history area 506b in which history data indicating a value of a game history to be displayed is stored. In the process of setting display type data in step S1404, the type data of the game history corresponding to the value of the display type counter 505 is set in the type area 506a of the display target area 506. For example, when the value of the display type counter 505 is "2", a process of overwriting the type data corresponding to the base value before last in the type area 506a is executed.

[0383] In step S1405, it is determined whether the management start flag provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1". If the management start flag is set to "1" and it is a situation in which various base values ​​and the number of balls difference should be notified, a process of setting history value data is executed in step S1406. In the process of setting history value data, information on the base value or the number of balls difference is read from the area corresponding to the value of the display type counter 505 among the areas 504a to 504e of the calculation result area 504, and the history data is set in the history area 506b of the display target area 506. For example, if the value of the display type counter 505 is "2", a process of reading the history data of the base value before last from the area before last 504c and overwriting it in the history area 506b is executed.

[0384] If a negative judgment is made in step S1405 (the management start flag is not set to "1"), initial display data is set in the history area 506b of the display target area 506 in step S1407. The initial display data indicates the display contents from the time when the pachinko machine 10 is manufactured until the total number of game balls discharged from the play area PA reaches the management start reference value (e.g., 300). The initial display data is set, for example, so that "-" is flashed on the third notification display device 169c and the fourth notification display device 169d.

[0385] If a positive judgment is made in step S1401 (if the game is stopped), the process proceeds to step S1408, where display type data corresponding to the difference in balls is set in the type area 506a of the display object area 506. In the following step S1409, history data corresponding to the difference in balls is set in the history area 506b of the display object area 506. In other words, if the game is stopped, the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are set to display the difference in balls.

[0386] <Notification display processing> Next, the notification display process in step S406 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 34. The notification display process is for displaying output to the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, and is executed as part of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 21). This process is executed by the MPU 312 using a program for specific control.

[0387] In the notification display process, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the setting update display flag provided in the specific control work area 391 is set to "1." The setting update display flag is a flag for the MPU 312 to identify a situation in which the setting values ​​of the pachinko machine 10 are being updated, that is, a situation in which the setting value update process (FIG. 19) is being executed.

[0388] If the setting update display flag is set to "1", setting processing of display data for updating the setting value is executed in step S1502. A specific display data buffer is provided in the specific control work area 391 in which display data for causing the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e to perform a predetermined display is stored, and the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e control the lighting / extinguishing of each display segment in each of the notification display devices 169a to 169e based on the display data stored in the specific display data buffer.

[0389] In step S1502, display data for displaying the status that the setting value is being updated and the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10 on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e is stored in the specific display data buffer. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 35(a), the central display segment on the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b is turned on to display "-", the third notification display device 169c displays "H" corresponding to the setting value being updated, and the fourth notification display device 169d displays a numerical value indicating the setting value. Note that all display segments on the fifth notification display device 169e are turned off, and no display is being performed.

[0390] If a negative determination is made in step S1501 (the setting update display flag is not set to "1"), the process proceeds to step S1503, where it is determined whether or not the setting confirmation display flag provided in the specific control work area 391 is set to "1". The setting confirmation display flag is a flag for the MPU 312 to identify a situation in which the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10 is being confirmed, that is, a situation in which the setting confirmation process (FIG. 20) is being executed.

[0391] If the setting confirmation display flag is set to "1", a setting process for display data for setting confirmation is executed in step S1504. In the setting process for display data for setting confirmation, display data for displaying the state in which the current setting value is being confirmed and the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10 on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e is stored in the specific display data buffer in the work area 391 for specific control. In this case, for example, the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b display "-" similar to the case in which the setting value is being updated, the third notification display device 169c displays "C" corresponding to the setting value being confirmed, and the fourth notification display device 169d displays a numerical value indicating the setting value. In this case as well, all display segments of the fifth notification display device 169e are turned off, and no display is being performed.

[0392] If a negative judgment is made in step S1503 (the confirmation display flag is not set to "1"), this means that the setting value is neither updated nor confirmed. In this case, the processes of steps S1505 and S1506 are executed to display the various base values ​​and the number of balls difference on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0393] In step S1505, the display target area 506 provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is referenced to ascertain the type data and history data of the game history to be displayed at that time among the various base values ​​and ball difference numbers. Then, in step S1506, display data for displaying the type and calculated value of the game history to be displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e is stored in the specific display data buffer in the work area 391 for specific control.

[0394] At this time, in a situation where the current base value is the display target, for example, as shown in Fig. 35(b), "bL." corresponding to the current base value is displayed in the identification display unit consisting of the first and second notification display devices 169a and 169b, and a two-digit number indicating the current base value is displayed in the ratio display unit consisting of the third and fourth notification display devices 169c and 169d. Of these, the display in the identification display unit is based on the reference result of the type area 506a in the display target area 506 of the work area 393 for non-specific control, and the display in the ratio display unit is based on the reference result of the history area 506b in the display target area 506.

[0395] In addition, in a situation where the difference in pitches is the display target, for example, as shown in Fig. 35(c), a five-digit numerical value indicating the difference in pitches is displayed on the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e for notification. In addition, to show that the display corresponds to the difference in pitches, the display segment corresponding to the dot portion 197 on each of the display devices 169a to 169e for notification is turned on. Among these, the numerical value display on the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e is based on the reference result of the history area 506b in the display target area 506, and the display of the dot portion 197 on each of the display devices 169a to 169e for notification is based on the reference result of the type area 506a in the display target area 506.

[0396] At that time, if the difference in the number of balls at that time is a negative value, that is, if the total number of game balls dispensed from the start point of the calculation of the difference in the number of balls is less than the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA, the display data is set so that "00000" is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e as shown in Fig. 35(d). However, internally, the calculated difference in the number of balls is stored and managed as a negative value.

[0397] In addition, after the manufacture of the pachinko machine 10, in the situation before the total number of game balls discharged from the play area PA reaches the management start reference value, when the initial display data is the display target, for example, as shown in Fig. 35 (e), the identification display unit consisting of the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b displays based on the reference result of the type area 506a, and the central display segment is turned on in the ratio display unit consisting of the third notification display device 169c and the fourth notification display device 169d to display "--". In addition, in the situation after the total number of game balls discharged from the play area PA reaches the management start reference value, when the base value is the display target, the display on the identification display unit is turned on continuously, but when the initial display data is the display target, the display on the identification display unit is turned on in a flashing state, indicating that the total number of game balls discharged from the play area PA has not reached the management start reference value.

[0398] <Game stop determination process> Next, the game stop determination process in step S407 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 36. The game stop determination process determines whether or not to enter a game stop state, and transitions to the game stop state based on the result, and is executed as part of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 21). This process is executed by the MPU 312 using a program for specific control.

[0399] In the game stop determination process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a game stop flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1." The game stop flag is for the MPU 312 to determine that a game is stopped.

[0400] If the game stop flag is set to "1", the game stop determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if the game stop flag is not set to "1", that is, if the game is not stopped, in step S1602, the ball difference area 504e provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is referenced to grasp the current ball difference. In the following step S1603, a ball difference command for notifying the ball difference grasped in step S1602 is transmitted to the performance control device 143.

[0401] When the performance control device 143 receives the command, it controls the display control device 350 so that a predetermined notification image for notifying the current difference in number of coins is displayed on the symbol display device 75 to inform the player of the difference in number of coins. At this time, the notification image may be displayed in a position that does not overlap with the symbols displayed in a stopped state on the symbol display device 75, such as in a corner or near a corner of the display section (an area of ​​the display screen G that is visible when viewed from the front of the gaming machine) on the symbol display device 75. This makes it possible to prevent the notification image of the difference in number from impairing the visibility of each of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3.

[0402] The notification of the difference in the number of sheets on the symbol display device 75 may be always performed regardless of the size of the difference in the number of sheets, or may be performed when the difference in the number of sheets is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 95,000 sheets) that is less than the specific number. Also, instead of the difference in the number of sheets, the remaining number up to the specific number may be notified. In this case, the notification may be always performed regardless of the difference in the number of sheets at that time, or the notification may be started when the difference in the number of sheets becomes equal to or greater than the above-mentioned predetermined number.

[0403] The location where the difference in number of sheets is notified is not limited to the symbol display device 75, and the notification may be performed by a notification unit other than the symbol display device 75. In that case, the notification unit may be a notification unit dedicated to notifying the difference in number of sheets, or may be a notification unit shared with other notifications.

[0404] After execution of step S1603, in step S1604, it is determined whether or not cheating has been detected by the cheating detection process in step S405 (FIG. 21). If cheating has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1605, and the game stop flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". As a result, in the subsequent timer interrupt process (FIG. 21), the process for controlling the progress of the game in steps S409 to S419 is not executed (step S408: NO), and the progress of the game is restricted.

[0405] In step S1606, a closing control process is executed to close the variable winning device 65 and the normal power role 63a. As a result, if the variable winning device 65 or the normal power role 63a is open, it is forcibly closed.

[0406] In step S1607, a launch stop process is executed to switch the launch permission signal to the power supply and launch control device 191 to a LOW level. This restricts the launch of game balls, and game balls will not be launched even if the player operates the game ball launch handle 41.

[0407] In step S1608, a game stop command is output to the payout control device 181, and the payout of game balls by the payout device 222 is stopped. As a result, if an illegal act of paying out game balls is being performed, further payout of game balls is immediately restricted, and the damage to the game hall is prevented from increasing. In step S1608, a game stop command is also output to the performance control device 143, and the performance display on the symbol display device 75 is stopped, and an image or sound is issued to inform that the game is stopped.

[0408] In step S1609, an external information setting process is executed to output a predetermined external signal corresponding to the detection of fraud or the transition to a game stop state from the external output terminal 213. As a result, the predetermined external signal is output to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side, and a notification is given that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine 10. After execution of step S1609, the game stop determination process is terminated.

[0409] If a negative judgment is made in step S1604 (if no fraud is detected), the process proceeds to step S1610, where it is judged whether or not the excess flag provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", that is, if the calculated difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than the specific number, then in step S1611, the game stop flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". This process is the same as that in step S1605, and this causes a transition to a game stop state. That is, in this embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than the specific number, a transition to a game stop state is made, and the progress of the game thereafter is restricted.

[0410] In step S1612, a closing control process is executed to close the variable winning device 65 and the normal power device 63a, and in step S1613, a launch stop process is executed to switch the launch permission signal to the power supply and launch control device 191 to a LOW level. These processes are similar to those in steps S1606 and S1607.

[0411] In the next step S1614, an excess command is output to the performance control device 143. The excess command is for notifying the performance control device 143 that the number of balls difference has reached a specific number or more and that the game has been stopped. When the performance control device 143 receives the command, it controls the display control device 350 so that a notification image corresponding to the number of balls difference reaching a specific number or more and a notification image corresponding to the game being stopped are displayed on the pattern display device 75. In addition, it controls so that a voice notification corresponding to the number of balls difference reaching a specific number or more and the game being stopped is output from the speaker unit 29.

[0412] When the game is stopped in response to the detection of fraud, a game stop command is output to the payout control device 181 to restrict the payout of game balls from the payout device 222 (step S1608). However, when the game is stopped in response to the difference in the number of balls reaching a specific number or more, no game stop command or excess command is output to the payout control device 181, and the payout of game balls from the payout device 222 is not restricted. Also, in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 21), when a transition is made to a game stop state in response to the detection of fraud, i.e., when the game stop flag is set to "1" in the work area 391 for specific control and the excess flag is not set to "1", the processing of steps S409 to S419, including the processing for paying out game balls in steps S417 and S418, is controlled not to be executed (step S421: NO). However, when a transition is made to a game stop state in response to the difference in the number of balls becoming a specific number or more, i.e., when both the game stop flag and the excess flag are set to "1" in the work area 391 for specific control, the range of processing not to be executed is limited to steps S409 to S416, and the processing for paying out game balls in steps S417 and S418 is executed. In this manner, in this embodiment, when a game is stopped because the difference in the number of balls reaches a specific number or more, the system is configured to allow the payout of game balls, unlike when a game is stopped because fraud is detected.

[0413] In the case where many prize balls are generated, for example, when the lower tray 34 is in the open / close execution mode, if the player continues playing with the lower tray 34 in a full state where the game balls are filled up, the number of prize balls that have not been paid out will increase without the payout device 222 being able to pay out the game balls due to the full state. In such a situation, if the payout of the game balls is restricted when the difference in the number of balls reaches a specific number or more and the game is stopped, even if the player removes the game balls from the lower tray 34 during the game stop state to eliminate the full state, the payout of the game balls will not be resumed and the player may not be able to obtain the prize balls. In this regard, since the payout of the game balls is permitted in the game stop state, if the full state is eliminated and the payout device 222 is able to pay out the game balls corresponding to the prize balls that have not been paid out can be paid out.

[0414] In addition, in this embodiment, when the game is stopped in response to the difference in the number of balls being equal to or greater than a specific number, not only the processing for paying out game balls in step S417 and step S418 but also the external information setting processing for outputting an external signal to the outside of the gaming machine in step S419 are executed. In this case, when game balls are paid out in the game stopped state, it is possible to output an external signal corresponding thereto (a prize ball signal), and it becomes possible for the hall computer HC to appropriately grasp the number of game balls paid out in the game stopped state.

[0415] After execution of step S1614, in step S1615, an external information setting process is executed to output a predetermined external signal corresponding to the difference in the number of balls becoming a specific number or more from the external output terminal 213. As a result, the predetermined external signal is output to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side, notifying that the difference in the number of balls has become a specific number or more.

[0416] In this case, the external signal when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the specific number may be the same as the external signal when the game is stopped in response to the detection of fraud. Specifically, the external output terminal 213 may be configured to output the external signal when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the specific number from the same output terminal that outputs the external signal when fraud is detected. This makes it possible to output the external signal when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the specific number without adding a new output terminal or installing a new external output terminal 213, thereby simplifying the configuration.

[0417] In the above case, there is a risk that the hall computer HC of the gaming hall will not be able to distinguish from the external signal whether fraud has been detected or whether the difference in the number of balls has exceeded a certain number. However, even in such a case, the external signal is output to the hall computer HC, and an employee of the gaming hall will rush to underneath the pachinko machine 10 and be able to determine which of the above cases has occurred, so it is believed that there will be no operational problems.

[0418] After execution of step S1615 or if a negative judgment is made in step S1610 (the excess flag is not set to "1"), the game stop judgment process is terminated.

[0419] <Excess startup process, partial clear process> Next, the excess start-up process of step S114 and the partial clear process of step S115 will be described. These processes are executed as part of the main process (FIG. 18), and are executed when the power supply to the MPU 312 is started by turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10.

[0420] First, the excess start-up process in step S114 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 37(a). This process is executed by the MPU 312 according to a program for specific control.

[0421] In the excess start-up process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether the excess flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", it means that the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 was stopped with the excess flag set to "1" and then the supply of the operating power was resumed. An example of such a situation is assumed to be when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds a specific number and an external signal is output, and an employee of the game hall rushes to the pachinko machine 10, turns the power OFF for the pachinko machine 10, and then turns the power ON.

[0422] In the above case, the main RAM 314 of the MPU 312 is supplied with backup power from the power supply and launch control device 191, so the information stored in the main RAM 314 is retained. For this reason, for example, when the winning / losing lottery mode is in the high probability mode and the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number, and the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned OFF→ON in that situation, the area in the main RAM 314 indicating the high probability mode is set to "1."

[0423] Incidentally, in this embodiment, when the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, backup power is supplied to the main RAM 314 of the main control device 162, but backup power is not supplied to the payout RAM 384 of the payout control device 181. For this reason, the information stored in the main RAM 314 is retained even if the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, whereas the information written in the payout RAM 384 is erased when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off.

[0424] If the result of the judgment in step S1801 is affirmative (if the excess flag is set to "1"), the process proceeds to step S1802, where the second initialization process is executed for the area for specific control. In the second initialization process, the work area 391 for specific control of the main RAM 314 is cleared to "0", except for an area (setting value counter) in which setting value information indicating the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is set, and an area in which prize ball information (at least information regarding the number of unpaid prize balls) for causing the payout control device 181 (payout device 222) to pay out prize balls is stored.

[0425] In this way, the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0" except for the area of ​​the set value and the area of ​​the prize ball information, so that, for example, the area indicating whether the winning / losing lottery mode is a high probability mode is cleared to "0", and the winning / losing lottery mode becomes a low probability mode regardless of the winning / losing lottery mode immediately before the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped. In addition, the game round is not being executed, and the open / close execution mode is not being executed, and further, the normal map display unit 44 is not displaying a variable display, and the normal power role 63a is in a closed state. In addition, the reserved storage area 314a and the normal power reserved area 314c provided in the work area 391 for specific control are also cleared to "0", so that the special map reserved information and the normal map reserved information are erased.

[0426] On the other hand, the prize ball information is maintained in the state immediately before the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, so even if the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off while there are still unpaid prize balls, when the power is subsequently turned on, a prize ball command can be output to the payout control device 181 based on the stored information on the unpaid prize balls.

[0427] Therefore, when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds a specific number under the high probability mode, if an employee of the game hall turns off the power of the pachinko machine 10 while there are still prize balls left to be paid out, the lottery mode after the power-on operation is changed to the low probability mode, and the prize balls left to be paid out can be paid out in sequence after the power-on operation. This makes it possible to appropriately pay out the prize balls that the player should have received while appropriately suppressing further increases in the difference in the number of balls.

[0428] In the second initialization process, similarly to the first initialization process in step S104 (FIG. 18), the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control are not cleared to "0." This makes it possible to prevent the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control from being cleared to "0" by a clearing operation by an employee of the game hall or the like.

[0429] After step S1802 is executed, the excess start-up process is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S1801 (the excess flag is not set to "1"), the excess start-up process is terminated without executing the process of step S1802.

[0430] Next, the partial clearing process of step S115 will be described. The partial clearing process is a process for clearing a part of the information stored in the work area 393 for non-specific control to "0". The partial clearing process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 37(b). Note that the processes of steps S1901 to S1903 in the partial clearing process are executed by the MPU 312 using a program for specific control.

[0431] In the partial clear process, first, in step S1901, information stored in the flag register among the multiple registers provided in MPU 312 is written and saved in a predetermined area in work area 391 for specific control. This process is similar to step S1002 in the base value and ball difference calculation process (FIG. 28).

[0432] In step S1902, a call command is used to read out a subroutine program corresponding to the partial clear execution process set in the program for non-specific control, and the execution process is started. At this time, information for specifying a return address after the execution process is executed is written to stack area 392 for specific control. Then, when the execution process for partial clear is completed, the information for specifying the return address written in stack area 392 is read out, and the process returns to the program for the partial clear process indicated by the return address.

[0433] In step S1903, the information in the flag register that was saved is restored, and then the partial clear process is terminated. This process is the same as step S1004 in the base value and ball difference calculation process (FIG. 28).

[0434] Here, the partial clearing execution process that is executed by reading the program for non-specific control in step S1902 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0435] In step S2101, the stack area to be used is switched from the stack area 392 for specific control to the stack area 394 for non-specific control. This process is similar to step S1101 in the execution process for the base value and the ball difference number (FIG. 29).

[0436] In step S2102, information stored in some of the multiple registers provided in MPU 312 is saved in non-specific control work area 393. In subsequent steps S2103 to S2106, processing is executed using those registers in which the information has been saved.

[0437] After step S2102 is executed, the subroutine programs of steps S2103 to S2106 set in the program for non-specific control are read out by a call command and executed in sequence. In these processes, first, in step S2103, the information on the difference in the number of balls is cleared. Specifically, the area 504e for the difference in the number of balls (FIG. 31) in the calculation result area 504 provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is cleared to "0". This erases the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the area 504e for the difference in the number of balls when the power OFF operation of the pachinko machine 10 is performed.

[0438] After execution of step S2103, in step S2104, all of the counters 502a to 502e (FIG. 31) in the ball difference counter area 502 provided in the non-specific control work area 393 are cleared to "0." As a result, the count values ​​of the regular general winning counter 502a, the regular first operation counter 502b, the regular second operation counter 502c, the regular special power counter 502d, and the regular out counter 502e used to calculate the ball difference are changed to their initial values ​​("0").

[0439] In step S2105, it is determined whether the excess flag provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1", and if it is set to "1", the excess flag is cleared to "0" (step S2106).

[0440] In this embodiment, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the work area 393 for non-specific control, the collected values ​​of the game history used for the calculation (the measured value of the number of balls entering each ball entry section), and the information corresponding to the difference in the number of balls being equal to or greater than the specific number are erased. Therefore, a player who plays after the power supply is turned on starts playing without inheriting the information on the difference in the number of balls from the state before the power supply is turned on.

[0441] Even if the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the areas of the work area 393 for non-specific control other than the ball difference area 504e and the ball difference counter area 502 are not cleared to "0". Therefore, the information on the current base value and the base value for each inning stored in each area 504a to 504d of the calculation result area 504 and the information on each counter 501a to 501c in the base value counter area 501 are not erased and remain stored. Therefore, a player who plays after the power supply is turned on will start playing with the information on the base value in the state before the power supply is turned on.

[0442] After executing the processes of steps S2103 to S2106, in step S2107, the stack area to be used is switched from stack area 394 for non-specific control to stack area 392 for specific control. In the following step S2108, the values ​​of each register saved in work area 393 for non-specific control in step S2102 are restored to each register of MPU 312.

[0443] <About the flow of game restrictions using the difference in balls> Next, the flow of game restrictions using the difference in the number of balls will be explained with reference to Figures 39 and 40.

[0444] While a player is playing a game, the pachinko machine 10 executes ball entry judgment for the general winning hole 61, the first operating hole 62, the second operating hole 63, the variable winning device 65, and the out hole 68 by the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 (Fig. 39(a)). Specifically, it refers to the output of the ball entry detection sensors 91a-96 provided in the discharge passage parts 91-96 (Fig. 7) communicating with each of the ball entry parts 61-63, 65, 68, and judges whether or not a ball has entered each of the ball entry parts 61-63, 65, 68.

[0445] When it is determined that a ball has entered the ball entry sections 61-63, 65, 68, the values ​​of the regular general winning counter 502a, the first operation counter 502b, the second operation counter 502c, the special power counter 502d, and the out counter 502e, which are provided in the non-specific control work area 393 of the main RAM 314, are updated. Of these counters 502a-502e, the counters 502a-502d correspond to the general winning port 61, the first operation port 62, the second operation port 63, and the variable winning device 65, respectively, and when a ball has entered the ball entry section 61-63, 65, the value of the corresponding counter is incremented by one. In addition, the out counter 520e has the role of measuring the total number (total number) of game balls discharged from the game area PA, and if a ball enters any of the above-mentioned entry points 61-63, 65, 68, including the out hole 68, the value of the out counter 502e is incremented by 1.

[0446] After that, the MPU 312 calculates the difference in the number of balls by using the update results of the counters 502a to 502e. When calculating the difference in the number of balls, first, the total number of game balls to be paid out is calculated based on the values ​​of the counters 502a to 502d (the number of balls that entered each of the ball entry sections 61 to 63, 65) and the information on the number of winning balls in each of the ball entry sections 61 to 63, 65. Then, the value of the out counter 502e (the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA) is subtracted from the total number of balls to derive the difference in the number of balls.

[0447] The MPU 312 stores the calculated difference in ball number in the difference in ball number area 504e provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control, and then performs an excess judgment to determine whether the calculated difference in ball number is equal to or greater than a specific number (e.g., 100,000) set as a trigger for activating a game limit. If the difference in ball number is equal to or greater than the specific number, the excess flag provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1."

[0448] Here, the main RAM 314 is provided with a work area 391 and a stack area 392 for specific control, and a work area 393 and a stack area 394 for non-specific control. When the MPU 312 executes a process corresponding to non-specific control, both writing and reading of information is possible for the work area 393 and the stack area 394 for non-specific control, while information can be read from the work area 391 and the stack area 392 for specific control, but writing of information is not possible. The process for controlling the progress of the game is included in the process corresponding to the specific control, and each process from the ball entry determination to the overage determination is included in the process corresponding to the non-specific control. Therefore, by executing the process from the ball entry determination to the overage determination, it is possible to prevent information used in the process for controlling the progress of the game from being rewritten or erroneously erased.

[0449] In addition, when the process corresponding to the specific control is executed by the MPU 312 using the program and data for the specific control, both writing and reading of information is possible for the work area 391 and stack area 392 for the specific control, while information can be read from but not written to the work area 393 and stack area 394 for the non-specific control. Therefore, when executing the process for controlling the progress of the game, it is possible to prevent the values ​​of the counters 502a to 502e and the calculated ball difference information from being rewritten or erased by mistake.

[0450] The MPU 312 executes each process from the above-mentioned ball entry judgment to the overrun judgment as part of a timer interrupt process (FIG. 21) that is started in a 4 msec cycle. Therefore, the number of balls difference is calculated periodically in the above cycle, and each time, it is judged whether the number of balls difference has reached a specific number or more.

[0451] At that time, the difference in the number of balls each time is displayed on the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e provided in the main control device 162. Therefore, when an employee of the game hall needs to check the difference in the number of balls managed by the pachinko machine 10, he or she can do so by unlocking the locking device 55 and rotating the inner frame 13 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10. The first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e also display the base value calculated and managed by the pachinko machine 10, and the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e are used for both displaying the base value and displaying the difference in the number of balls. Therefore, there is no need to provide separate display devices for each of these displays, and the configuration is simplified, and the first to fifth display devices 169a to 169e can be effectively used.

[0452] The difference in balls each time is notified to the performance control device 143 through a difference in balls command output from the main control device 162. The performance control device 143 controls the display device 75 to display a notification image of the difference in balls all the time or when the difference in balls reaches a certain number or more, thereby notifying the player of the difference in balls.

[0453] For example, in a normal game state where the total number of game balls paid out is kept low and the total number of game balls discharged is greater than the total number of game balls paid out, the number of difference balls decreases, whereas in a situation where a large number of game balls are paid out and the total number of game balls paid out is greater than the total number of game balls discharged, the number of difference balls increases. However, if jackpots are hit more times than expected and the number of difference balls increases significantly to reach the above-mentioned specific number (timing t1 in Figure 39(b)), the MPU 312 sets the excess flag to "1" as described above and transitions to a game stop state in which game progress is not possible.

[0454] Although the probability of winning the jackpot is uniquely determined for each set value, the probability of winning in actual play varies, so the number of balls dispensed may increase beyond the assumption of the gaming machine designer, which may lead to an increase in gambling. In this respect, in this embodiment, the difference in the number of balls is monitored each time, and when the difference in the number of balls reaches a specific number or more, the game is stopped and the game cannot be continued, so that further balls entering each of the ball entry sections 61 to 63, 65 with prize balls can be suppressed. Therefore, the increase in the number of game balls acquired by the player is suppressed, and it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in gambling.

[0455] In the game stop state, the variable winning device 65 and the normal power device 63a are forcibly closed by executing a closing control process, and a launch stop process is executed to disable the launch of game balls by the game ball launching mechanism 110. Also, when a game round is being executed on the special picture display unit 43 or the normal picture display unit 44, the process for controlling the progress of the game round is interrupted, so that each game round is stopped.

[0456] Also, the MPU 312 outputs an excess command to the performance control device 143, and notifies the performance control device 143 that the number of difference balls has reached a specific number or more. It controls so that a notification image corresponding to the number of difference balls reaching a specific number or more, or a notification image requesting a call such as "please call an attendant", is displayed on the pattern display device 75. Note that the excess command corresponds not only to the number of difference balls reaching a specific number or more, but also to a transition to a game stop state, so the performance control device 143 stops the performance display on the pattern display device 75, or executes an image or audio notification that the game is stopped.

[0457] Furthermore, the MPU 312 outputs a predetermined external signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side through the external output terminal 213. At this time, the external signal is output from the same terminal as the output terminal from which the external signal is output when fraud is detected in the external output terminal 213. In this case, the external signal functions as a signal notifying that some abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine 10, and prompts a hall employee to rush to the pachinko machine 10. In this way, by outputting an external signal by using the same terminal for external output both when the difference in the number of balls becomes a specific number or more and when fraud is detected, it is possible to output an external signal when the difference in the number of balls becomes a specific number or more without adding a new output terminal, and furthermore, the gaming hall can receive the external signal by using existing equipment (external signal receiving equipment such as a data counter) in the gaming hall.

[0458] In addition, when the game is stopped because the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number, the game stop command is not output to the payout control device 181. In other words, the control process for driving the payout device 222 to pay out game balls is continued, and the payout of game balls during the game stop state is permitted. As a result, even if the game is stopped during a payout, the payout process is continued until the payout of game balls is completed, and the prize balls that the player should have received can be paid out appropriately.

[0459] In addition, when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than a specific number, the system transitions to a game stop state while permitting the output of an external signal under the game stop state, and enables the output of an external signal (a prize ball signal) when game balls are paid out under the game stop state. This makes it possible to notify the hall computer HC of the occurrence and number of payouts during a game stop, and makes it possible to suitably match the number of payouts managed by the hall computer HC with the number of balls actually paid out, even in a configuration in which payouts can be executed under a game stop state.

[0460] Incidentally, the game will be stopped when the difference in the number of balls reaches a specific number or more, and also when an abnormality such as magnetism or vibration is detected (Fig. 40(a)). In this case, a game stop command is output to the payout control device 181, and the payout of game balls by the payout device 222 is stopped. As a result, if an illegal act of paying out game balls is being performed, further payout of game balls is immediately restricted, and damage to the game hall is prevented from increasing.

[0461] In addition, if an abnormality such as magnetism or vibration is detected, the output of an external signal is also restricted. However, this is not necessarily limited to this, and the configuration may allow the output of an external output while the game is stopped.

[0462] After the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds the specific number and the above-mentioned predetermined external signal is output, the pachinko machine 10 is powered off by a hall employee who rushes to the pachinko machine 10 and the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 is stopped. In the MPU 312, the power failure flag provided in the specific control work area 391 is set to "1", and the checksum is calculated and stored for the specific control work area 391 and the specific control stack area 392. While the supply of operating power is stopped, the power supply and launch control device 191 supplies backup power to the main RAM 314, and the information stored in the specific control work area 391 and the specific control stack area 392 and the information stored in the non-specific control work area 393 and the non-specific control stack area 394 are held.

[0463] Thereafter, the hall employee turns on the power to the pachinko machine 10 without pressing the reset button 166c, and in this state the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 begins. The MPU 312 then calculates a checksum for the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control in the main RAM 314, and determines whether this checksum matches the checksum saved when the power was cut off.

[0464] If they match, the stored information is recognized as valid, and then it is determined whether the excess flag provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", it means that the power OFF operation of the pachinko machine 10 was performed in a situation where the difference number of balls is a specific number or more. In this case, a second initialization process is executed for the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control. In the second initialization process, the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0" except for the area in which the information of the current setting value in the pachinko machine 10 is stored and the area in which the prize ball information for making the payout control device 181 (payout device 222) pay out prize balls is stored (FIG. 40(b)).

[0465] By clearing the information in the work area 391 for specific control by the above-mentioned clearing process, the game stop flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0" and the game stop state is released. In addition, the lottery mode is set to the low probability mode, the open / close execution mode and the game round are not executed, and the special chart reservation information and the normal chart reservation information are erased. Therefore, for example, if the difference in the number of balls becomes a specific number or more during a series of jackpots in the high probability mode, the consecutive jackpot state is released, the win / loss lottery mode is changed to the low probability mode, and the game is resumed.

[0466] In addition, in the second initialization process, the prize ball information is excluded from the clear process, and the state of the prize ball information at the time of power off is carried over even after power is turned on. Therefore, even if the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off while there are still prize balls remaining that have not been paid out, the next payout can be performed by turning the power on afterwards.

[0467] After the second initialization process, the MPU 312 executes a partial clear process for the work area 393 for non-specific control. In the partial clear process, the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the area 504e for the difference in the number of balls in the work area 393 for non-specific control is erased, and the values ​​of the counters 502a-502e provided for collecting the history of balls entering the ball entry sections 61-63, 65, and 68 in the work area 393 are initialized. Therefore, when the pachinko machine 10 is restarted by the hall employee in a state where the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than the specific number, the excess state of the difference in the number of balls is released and the measurement of the difference in the number of balls is started from the initial state, and the pachinko machine 10 is started.

[0468] In addition, when the difference in the number of balls is less than the specific number, the excess flag is not set to "1", and the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on without pressing the reset button 166c, the second initialization process is not executed, and the information stored in the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control when the supply of operating power was stopped is retained as is.

[0469] On the other hand, a partial clear process is executed for the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control, the information on the difference in the number of balls is erased, and the values ​​of the counters 502a to 502e and the state of the excess flag are initialized. This allows the values ​​of the counters 502a to 502e updated by the previous day's games to be initialized and the information on the difference in the number of balls to be erased simply by turning off the power of the pachinko machine 10 when the game hall closes and turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10 when the game hall opens the next day. For example, if a reset operation is required to turn on the power of the pachinko machine 10 while pressing the reset button 166c to initialize the counters 502a to 502e and erase the information on the difference in the number of balls, the reset operation must be performed for each pachinko machine installed in the game hall one by one, which may significantly increase the work of the hall employees when preparing to open the game hall. In this regard, the above configuration can eliminate such work and reduce the work burden of the hall employees. In particular, in an amusement hall, multiple pachinko machines 10 are installed on an island equipment, and by turning on the power to the island equipment, it is possible to turn on the power to the multiple pachinko machines 10 installed on that island equipment all at once. Therefore, by turning on the power to the island equipment, it is possible to erase information on the difference in the number of balls, etc., for the multiple pachinko machines 10 all at once, which makes it possible to effectively reduce the effort required for opening preparations at the amusement hall.

[0470] When the power is turned on as described above, if the setting key insertion section 166a is in the ON operation position, the device transitions to a setting confirmation state. In the setting confirmation state, the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e display the setting values.

[0471] In addition, when the difference in the number of balls is less than the specific number and the excess flag is not set to "1", if the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the reset button 166c is pressed, the first initialization process is executed. In the first initialization process, the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0" except for the area in which the information of the current setting value in the pachinko machine 10 is stored. In addition, a partial clear process is executed for the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394, and the information of the difference in the number of balls stored in the specific number is erased, and the values ​​of the counters 502a to 502e and the state of the excess flag are initialized.

[0472] In the above case, if the power is turned on with the setting key insertion section 166a in the ON operation position, the first initialization process is executed, and then the pachinko machine 10 transitions to a setting update state in which the setting state can be changed. In the setting update state, the setting value can be switched within the range of "Setting 1" to "Setting 6" by pressing the update button 166b. At this time, the setting values ​​are displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. Note that the update button 166b may not be provided, and the setting value may be switched by operating the reset button 166c.

[0473] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0474] When a ball enters the general winning hole 61, the first operating hole 62, the second operating hole 63, the variable winning device 65, or the out hole 68, the counters 502a-502e corresponding to the ball entry sections 61-63, 65, and 68 are updated, and the difference in the number of balls is derived based on the information. This allows the pachinko machine 10 to collect the history of balls entering the ball entry sections 61-63, 65, and 68, and to monitor the difference in the number of balls each time. When the difference in the number of balls derived is equal to or greater than a specific number, the machine is configured to transition to a game stop state. This makes it possible to operate the pachinko machine 10 so that the increase in the number of prize balls acquired by the player is suppressed, and excessive gambling is suppressed.

[0475] In the main RAM 314, a work area 391 and a stack area 392 for specific control are provided as areas for reading and writing information when processing is executed by a program for specific control, and a work area 393 and a stack area 394 for specific control are provided as areas for reading and writing information when processing is executed by a program for non-specific control. When processing is executed by a program for specific control, information can be read from the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control, but information cannot be written to them. When processing is executed by a program for non-specific control, information can be read from the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control, but information cannot be written to them. The processing executed by the program for specific control includes the processing of steps S409 to S419 for controlling the progress of the game, and each counter 502a to 502e for collecting the history of balls entering each of the ball entry sections 61 to 63, 65, and 68, and a ball difference area 504e in which information on the derived ball difference is stored are provided within the work area 393 for non-specific control.

[0476] With this configuration, the information of each counter 502a to 502e and the information of the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls area 504e can be prevented from being rewritten or erased by the process for controlling the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately monitor whether the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number, and further, it is possible to appropriately control the transition to a game stop state based on the monitoring result.

[0477] The external information when the game is stopped because the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number is output using the same terminal as the external output terminal when the game is stopped because of fraud detection (abnormality detection). This eliminates the need to add a new external output terminal to the pachinko machine 10, and allows the game hall to use existing configurations for information receiving units such as data counters and management devices such as hall computers HC, making it possible to reduce costs on both sides.

[0478] In this case, the signal state (output period, etc.) of the external signal when the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number is made common to the signal state of the external information when fraud detection is performed, and the same signal is output in the former and latter cases. In this case, the pachinko machine 10 does not need to add a processing program for outputting a signal in a dedicated state corresponding to the case where the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number, and the game hall can analyze the external information when the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number using the existing hall computer HC, so there is no need to improve or add functions to the hall computer HC. However, since it is expected that it will be impossible or difficult for the hall computer HC to distinguish and recognize the external information when the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number and the external information when fraud detection is performed, it is preferable to make it function as a signal to call a hall employee.

[0479] When the game is stopped because the number of difference balls is equal to or greater than a specific number, the payout of game balls is permitted in the game stopped state. For example, if the number of difference balls is equal to or greater than a specific number during the payout of game balls, the payout of game balls may be terminated in the middle of the game when the game is stopped. In this respect, according to this configuration, the payout of game balls can be continued until the end even if the game is stopped during the payout.

[0480] In particular, as a situation where the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a specific number, it is assumed that the open / close execution mode is being executed, in which many prize balls are generated in a short period of time. At this time, if a full tank state occurs and the payout of game balls is stopped for a long period of time, many unpaid prize balls will accumulate internally. In this case, for example, in a configuration in which payout is restricted with a transition to a game stop state, even if a player removes game balls from the lower tray 34 to eliminate the full tank state, the payout of game balls will not be resumed, and it may become impossible to collect a large number of unpaid prize balls that have accumulated internally. In this regard, since the payout of game balls is permitted in a game stop state, if the full tank state is eliminated and the payout device 222 is able to pay out game balls, it is possible to pay out game balls corresponding to the unpaid prize balls, and it becomes possible to appropriately pay out the prize balls that the player should have obtained.

[0481] The configuration allows the output of external information corresponding to the payout of game balls in a game stop state when the difference in the number of balls becomes a specific number or more. In this case, even if game balls are paid out during a game stop state, the occurrence of the payout is appropriately notified to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side through the output of the above external information. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconsistencies between the number of game balls actually paid out in the pachinko machine 10 and the number grasped by the hall computer HC due to the payout of game balls during a game stop.

[0482] When the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 is stopped in a situation where the number of difference balls is equal to or greater than a specific number, and the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 is then started, the second initialization process is executed to erase the information stored in the work area 391 for specific control. As a result, for example, when a player wins a jackpot with a high probability when the winning / losing lottery mode is a high probability mode, and the number of difference balls becomes equal to or greater than a specific number during the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the jackpot with a high probability, the flag information corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode and the information corresponding to the transition to the high probability mode after the opening / closing execution mode (jackpot type information indicating that the jackpot is of a type corresponding to the transition to the high probability mode) are initialized, and the pachi...

Claims

[Claim 1] An information storage means that requires a supply of power to store and hold information; a means for executing specific control based on predetermined information when the predetermined information is stored in the information storage means; a means for supplying power for storing and holding information to the information storage means when the supply of operating power is stopped, thereby enabling information to be stored and held in the information storage means; a specifying means for causing the predetermined information to be erased in the information storage means when the supply of operating power is started, or causing the supply of operating power to be started in a state in which the predetermined information is erased in the information storage means; A gaming machine comprising:

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