Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine for enhancing interest.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 10 includes a first game state and a second game state in a game state in which a player can execute a game, and includes storage means that is referenced when setting the game state, and stores information showing a corresponding state when the game state is changed, and setting means capable of setting the game state according to a state shown by the storage means when a specific condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A pachinko machine is one type of gaming machine. In a pachinko machine, when a gaming ball shot out by a launching means enters a starting ball entry means provided on a gaming board, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a special gaming state advantageous to a player will be generated, and a variable display is performed by a variable display means to inform the player of the result of the lottery (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP2003-154110A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Moreover, gaming machines are constantly being required to provide new gameplay features in order to increase entertainment value.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming machine of the present invention is A first gaming state and a second gaming state are provided in a gaming state in which a player can play a game, A storage means for storing information that is referred to when setting the game state and indicates a state corresponding to the game state being changed; The game device is characterized by comprising a setting means capable of setting the game state according to the state indicated by the storage means when a specific condition is established. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve interest. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] An oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 4] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Diagram 5] A cross-sectional view of the right-hit winning unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 7] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing the pass / fail determination process. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a type determination process. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 22] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Diagram 23] 13 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 24] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Diagram 25] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 26] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Figure 28] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Figure 29] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Diagram 31] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Diagram 32] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Diagram 33] A flowchart showing the start winning device control process. [Diagram 34] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Diagram 35] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 37] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 39] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Diagram 40] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Diagram 41] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Diagram 42] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Diagram 43] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Diagram 44] A flowchart showing the second performance change display setting process. [Diagram 45] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stopping process. [Figure 46] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 47] 13 is a flowchart showing an opening effect setting process. [Figure 48] 13 is a flowchart showing an ending performance setting process. [Figure 49] A flowchart showing the big win display ending process. [Figure 50] A front view showing the visual appearance of the decorative pattern display device. [Figure 51] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the specifications of a pachinko machine. [Figure 52] This is a diagram to explain the specifications of the pachinko machine (allocation of variable time in Special Chart 2, settings regarding the uninstructed remaining time according to the remaining time display in the time-saving mode). [Diagram 53] 13 is a time chart at the start of the time-saving mode and during the time-saving mode. [Figure 54] This is a time chart for when the time-saving mode ends {returning to the time-saving mode with the special chart 2 change (second change display) that ends during the special chart 1 confirmed display period}. [Figure 55]This is a time chart at the end of the time-saving mode (time-saving mode → normal mode). [Figure 56] This is a time chart at the end of the time-saving mode (returning to the time-saving mode due to the change in special chart 2 that was on hold during the time-saving mode). [Figure 57] This is a time chart at the end of the time-saving mode (time-saving mode → normal mode). [Figure 58] This is a time chart for when the time-saving mode ends (when the time-saving mode is returned to by the special chart 2 change that was on hold during the time-saving mode, and when it is not returned to). [Figure 59] This is a time chart when the time-saving mode ends (time-saving mode is returned when special chart 2 changes across the period when special chart 1 is confirmed). [Figure 60] This is a time chart at the end of the time-saving mode (time-saving mode → normal mode). [Figure 61] This is a time chart for when the time-saving mode ends (when the time-saving mode is returned to by the special chart 2 change that was on hold during the time-saving mode, and when it is not returned to). [Figure 62] This is a time chart at the end of the time-saving mode (time-saving mode → normal mode). [Figure 63] This is a time chart for when the time-saving mode ends (when the time-saving mode is returned to by the special chart 2 change that was on hold during the time-saving mode, and when it is not returned to). [Figure 64] This is a time chart when the special chart 1 change (first change display) in the time-saving mode is a hit with time-saving. [Figure 65] This is a time chart at the end of the time-saving mode (time-saving mode → normal mode). [Figure 66] This is a time chart for when the time-saving mode ends (when the time-saving mode is returned to by the special chart 2 change that was on hold during the time-saving mode, and when it is not returned to). [Figure 67] A cross-sectional view of the right-hit winning unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 68] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of a pachinko machine in a second embodiment. [Figure 69]13 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used for game control in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 70] A flowchart showing the start winning processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 71] 13 is a flowchart showing the correct / incorrect determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 72] 13 is a flowchart showing a type determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 73] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 74] 13 is a flowchart showing a through-gate passing process in the second embodiment. [Figure 75] 10 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process in the second embodiment. [Figure 76] A flowchart showing the first variable display setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 77] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 78] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 79] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 80] 13 is a flowchart showing specific prize-winning processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 81] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 82] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process in the second embodiment. [Figure 83] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process in the second embodiment. [Figure 84] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map variation setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 85] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map discrimination information setting process in the second embodiment. [Figure 86]A flowchart showing the start winning device control processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 87] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used for determining decorative symbols in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 88] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process in the second embodiment. [Figure 89] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process in the second embodiment. [Figure 90] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation start process in the second embodiment. [Figure 91] 13 is a time chart of the processing for setting performance variations during stock time in the second embodiment. [Figure 92] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process in the second embodiment. [Figure 93] 10 is a time chart showing a confirmation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 94] 13 is a flowchart showing the big win display end processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 95] A front view showing the viewing mode of the decorative pattern display device in the second embodiment. [Figure 96] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a display of a stock time effect in the second embodiment. [Figure 97] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the specifications of a pachinko machine in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, one embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 3 etc., a pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 as a fixed frame constituting the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 as a game board mounting frame is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. For convenience, Fig. 3 omits game members (nails, accessories, etc.) arranged on the game board 30 surface, a glass unit 137 attached to a front frame 14 as a front frame, etc.

[0010] As shown in Figure 7, the outer frame 11 is made up of wooden boards at the upper side frame component 11a and the lower side frame component 11b, and made up of an aluminum alloy extrusion material at the left side frame component 11c and the right side frame component 11d, and these frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together into a rectangular frame shape as a whole by removable fasteners such as screws.

[0011] An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left-side frame component 11c, respectively (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower parts of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, allowing the inner frame 12 to be opened and closed. The inner frame 12 and the like are housed in a space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0012] Further, the right-side frame component 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of its rear end in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to a locking device 600 (see FIG. 7) provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 6). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 to which a locking member of the locking device 600 is engaged are provided on the front side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts against an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 to protrude toward the inside of the outer frame 11.

[0013] Furthermore, a resin-made front panel decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. An upwardly protruding rib 88 is integrally formed on the inner part of the upper surface of the front panel decoration 87. This makes it difficult for a gap to form between the front panel decoration 87 and the inner frame 12.

[0014] 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with this opening / closing axis as its axis. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the center of the resin base 38.

[0015] A front frame 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be able to open and close. The front frame 14, like the inner frame 12, is designed to be able to open forward about an opening and closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The front frame 14 may be configured so as to be directly supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be able to open and close, rather than via the inner frame 12.

[0016] The front frame 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 when closed. A substantially elliptical window 101 is formed in the center of the front frame 14. This makes it possible to view the game board 30 (a game area in which game balls can move) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 from the outside through the window 101 of the front frame 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a lower tray 15 is provided as a ball receiving tray at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame 14, and game balls discharged from the lower payout outlet 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging game balls from the lower tray 15 is provided on the front side of the lower tray 15.

[0018] A game ball launching handle (hereinafter referred to as "handle 18") is provided on the right side of the lower tray 15 as an operation means (launching operation means) protruding toward the front side. The handle 18 is provided with a rotary operation body 18a as an operation part that is rotatably provided, and is provided with a touch sensor as a touch detection means that can detect the touch of a human hand on the handle 18 and a variable resistor as an operation amount detection means for detecting the operation amount of the operation part of the handle 18 at a position not shown. When the handle 18 is rotated clockwise, the game ball is launched by a launching device 60 as a launching means described later with a strength according to the rotation operation amount. The handle 18 is also provided with a stop lever 18b as a stop operation means that can be pressed by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 18. When the stop lever 18b is pressed, the launching of game balls by the launching device 60 is prohibited even if the handle 18 is being held. Therefore, the handle 18 can be rotated while prohibiting the launch of game balls, or the launch of game balls can be temporarily stopped while gripping the handle 18. The handle 18 may be configured to incorporate a light-emitting means such as an LED whose light-emitting state can be seen through a transparent front cover, and to change the light-emitting state according to the performance, etc. Furthermore, a vent may be provided in the handle 18 or in its vicinity to allow air to be blown out from the vent, or a vibration means (vibrator, speaker, etc.) may be provided to vibrate the handle 18 (the hand operating the handle 18).

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, an upper tray 19 capable of storing game balls paid out (given to a player) from the upper payout opening 17 is provided above the lower tray 15. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores the game balls and guides them toward the launching device 60 described below while aligning them in a line. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the paid-out game balls are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and a lower payout opening 16 described below.

[0020] A loan switch 121, a return switch 122, and a balance display unit 124 are provided on the top surface of the upper tray 19. When the loan switch 121 is operated in a state where a gaming card with a balance is inserted into a CR unit arranged on the (left) side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, loan balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in response to the operation. On the other hand, the return switch 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card inserted into the CR unit. In addition, the balance display unit 124 displays the remaining balance of the card inserted into the CR unit.

[0021] Furthermore, a ball removal button 123 is provided on the top surface of the upper tray 19. The ball removal button 123 is configured to be able to protrude from the top surface of the upper tray 19, and is always biased by a biasing means (not shown) in the direction protruding from the top surface of the upper tray 19. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, the space between the upper tray 19 and the lower tray 15 is opened, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided (moved) to the lower tray 15. In other words, the player can move the game balls in the upper tray 19 to the lower tray 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

[0022] In addition, the upper surface of the upper tray 19 is provided with a performance button 125 and a cross button 126 as performance operation means. The performance button 125 is a cylindrical transparent operating body with a closed top that can be displaced up and down, and is always biased upward (in the direction protruding from the mounting surface) by a spring. It has a built-in light-emitting means (e.g., an LED), and the upper surface of the operating body is provided with letters and patterns (e.g., letters such as PUSH and border decoration). By pressing the performance button 125 and the cross button 126, it is possible to perform a corresponding performance (button performance) in the decorative pattern display device 42 described later, or to change various settings.

[0023] For example, as a button effect, a display may be displayed in the decorative pattern display device 42 described below that indicates a predetermined result (for example, whether or not a jackpot state described below will occur), and a display may be derived that prompts the player to operate the effect button 125 (and a display indicating the valid period for button operation) at a stage before the predetermined result is indicated in the effect display, and when the effect button 125 is operated, a suggestive effect display may be derived that suggests whether or not the predetermined result will be a desirable result for the player. Also, for example, by operating the effect button 125 when no game is being played (for example, when no variable display is being performed on the special pattern display devices 43a, 43b described below), a menu screen may be displayed on a specified display means (for example, the decorative pattern display device 42 described below) that displays items that the player can set regarding effects, etc. (changing the effect pattern on the decorative pattern display device 42, changing the volume, changing the brightness, entering a password (in the case of mobile-linked play in which information is exchanged between the pachinko machine 10 and the gaming machine manufacturer's server via a mobile communication terminal), outputting a two-dimensional code, etc.), and the corresponding setting can be made by selecting each item.

[0024] Also, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front of the front frame 14. These light emitting means play a role in enhancing the performance effect during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode according to the change of the game state. For example, a circular illumination part 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided around the periphery of the window part 101. Also, error display lamps 104 that light up when a predetermined error occurs are provided on both sides of the circular illumination part 102. Incidentally, a large number of fine through holes are formed in the upper part of each error display lamp 104 of the circular illumination part 102 in correspondence with the speaker SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the rear of the front frame 14. Also, in the pachinko machine 10, in order to enhance the design, the area visible to the player is appropriately decorated. For example, a design (decoration) based on the motif of the pachinko machine 10 is applied to the surface side (front side) of the front frame 14, the periphery of the upper tray 19, the surface (front, etc.) of the handle 18, etc.

[0025] A glass unit 137 is attached to the rear side of the front frame 14. The glass unit 137 is equipped with a pair of front and rear transparent bodies (not limited to plate glass (reinforced glass), but can be made of other transparent and strong materials such as transparent resin) and a frame part that holds the pair of transparent bodies, has a round shape as a whole, and is attached after assembly. Note that a sticker or the like for information teaching or decoration may be attached (pasted) to a part of the glass unit 137 (at least one of the pair of front and rear transparent bodies). The sticker has letters, pictures, etc. printed on a transparent or semi-transparent sheet in a required place so that the rear area of ​​the part to which the sticker is attached (the playing area when the sticker overlaps the front of a part of the playing area) can be as easily seen as possible.

[0026] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12 in a state where it abuts against the back side of the resin base 38 behind the window hole 39. Therefore, a roughly central portion of the front surface of the game board 30 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39.

[0027] Also, a launching device 60 and a launching rail 61 that guides the game balls immediately after they are launched by the launching device 60 are attached to the lower front part of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), i.e., below the window hole 39. In this embodiment, a solenoid-type launching device is used as the launching device 60. Furthermore, above the launching device 60, a ball feeding device 63 is provided that guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 to the launch position of the launching device 60 one ball at a time by driving a built-in driving means (e.g., a solenoid).

[0028] Next, the configuration of the game board 30 (game area) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. On the game board 30, a general winning device 31, a first normal start winning device 33a, a through gate 34, a variable display unit 35, a right-hit winning unit 37, etc. are arranged. As will be described in detail later, the right-hit winning unit 37 (see Fig. 6) includes a first variable winning device 32a, a second variable winning device 32b, a first auxiliary start winning device 33b, and a second start winning device 33c, and is configured to allow game balls to efficiently enter the first variable winning device 32a, the second variable winning device 32b, and the second start winning device 33c. As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) any of the various winning ports such as the general winning device 31, the variable winning devices 32a, 32b, the start winning devices 33a, 33b, 33c, etc., it is detected by various detection switches, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 or the lower tray 15. In this embodiment, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b constitute a variable ball entry means, the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b constitute a start ball entry means (first start ball entry means), and the second start winning device 33c constitutes a second start ball entry means.

[0029] The game board 30 of this embodiment is made of transparent resin, and various decorations are applied to the rear of the range excluding the openings corresponding to the various winning devices. The decorations include printed stickers attached to the rear surface of the game board 30, and decorative accessories (three-dimensional objects in accordance with the motif of the pachinko machine 10) installed (attached) to the rear of the game board 30. In addition, a light-emitting means is provided behind the game board 30 (behind or to the side of the decorative members, or diagonally forward) to irradiate the decorative members with light. The game board 30 does not have to be made of transparent resin, and may be made of, for example, opaque resin or wood (plywood).

[0030] In this embodiment, three game balls are paid out when the first normal start winning device 33a wins, one game ball is paid out when the first auxiliary start winning device 33b and the second start winning device 33c win, five game balls are paid out when the general winning device 31 wins, and ten game balls are paid out when the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b win. In addition, even if a game ball passes through a through gate 34 in the game area through which the game ball only passes (it is not discharged to the back side of the game board 30), the game ball is not paid out.

[0031] As will be described in more detail later, the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b and the second start winning device 33c are each provided with a first normal start winning switch 224a, a first auxiliary start winning switch 224b and a second start winning switch 224c as a first start ball winning detection means for detecting a winning game ball. When a game ball enters the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, and the game ball is detected by the first normal start winning switch 224a and the first auxiliary start winning switch 224b (when the first condition is established), a lottery for determining whether or not a big win state (special game state) in which the first variable winning device 32a is opened is performed, and a variable display (first display) is performed on the first special symbol display device 43a (first display means) described later. If the lottery for determining whether or not a big win is won, the big win state is granted. Hereinafter, the winning / losing lottery (jackpot winning / losing lottery) performed based on the game ball entering the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b and the game ball being detected by the first normal start winning switch 224a and the first auxiliary start winning switch 224b is referred to as the "first winning / losing lottery." In this embodiment, the "time-saving mode" described later corresponds to the "specific state," and the function of determining whether to grant the time-saving mode (the function of determining whether to generate a winning state based on the detection of the first normal start winning switch 224a and the first auxiliary start winning switch 224b, and determining whether to set the winning type to grant the time-saving mode when the winning state is generated) constitutes the specific state generating means.

[0032] In addition, when a game ball enters the second start winning device 33c and is detected by the second start winning switch 224c (when the second condition is established), a lottery for determining whether or not a big win will occur and a lottery for determining whether or not a small win state in which the second variable winning device 32b is opened are performed (the function for performing the lottery constitutes the special game generating means), and a variable display (second display) is performed on the second special pattern display device 43b (second display means) described later. If the big win lottery is won, the big win state is granted, and if the small win lottery is won, the small win state is granted. Hereinafter, the lottery for determining whether or not a big win will occur (lottery for determining whether or not a big win will occur and lottery for determining whether or not a small win will occur) performed based on the game ball entering the second start winning device 33c and being detected by the second start winning switch 224c is referred to as the "second lottery." In this embodiment, if the lottery for determining whether or not a big win has been won based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning device 33c results in a negative win, a lottery for determining whether or not a small win has been won is held. On the other hand, if the lottery for determining whether or not a big win has been won based on the entry of a game ball into the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b results in a negative win, a lottery for determining whether or not a small win has been won is not held.

[0033] Although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of winning states are provided. The types of winning states can be appropriately set for each machine type, including whether or not to provide a big winning state and whether or not to provide a small winning state. In addition, the types of winning states are associated with the game mode to which the game is transferred after the big winning state, and by winning a specific winning state, not only the right to generate the specific winning state is granted, but also the right to transfer to the game mode associated with the specific winning state after the specific winning state (in the case of a small winning state, a specific condition described later in detail is established during the small winning state to continue the big winning state, and after the big winning state) (this is not only a condition for transferring to a specific winning state, but also a condition for transferring to a specific game mode). Furthermore, the type of winning state is selected according to the game situation when the winning state is won.

[0034] In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an outlet 36 corresponding to the bottom of the game area, and game balls that do not win in the various winning ports of the general winning device 31 and the like are discharged to the outside of the game area through this outlet 36. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails (game nails) for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game balls, and various components (gimmicks) such as windmills are also provided.

[0035] A variable display unit 35 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area. A center frame 47 is disposed in the variable display unit 35 so as to surround a decorative pattern display device 42, which will be described later. A ball entrance 151 through which a game ball can enter is provided in the left part of the center frame 47, and a game ball that enters the inside of the center frame 47 through the ball entrance 151 is guided onto a stage 153 formed below the decorative pattern display device 42 through a warp flow path 152 that extends vertically along the left side of the decorative pattern display device 42. A guide groove 154 that extends in the front-rear direction and is inclined downward toward the front is provided in the center of the stage 153, and a game ball guided by the guide groove 154 is designed to enter a first normal start winning device 33a, which will be described later, with a relatively high probability compared to a game ball that is not guided.

[0036] In addition, the warp flow path 152 has transparent or semi-transparent parts extending along its extension direction, and the light-emitting means provided at the rear of the warp flow path 152 is constantly emitting light, allowing the player to see the game ball moving through the warp flow path 152. The shape of the center frame 47 is also designed for each model, and various decorations are applied, and some models are equipped with light-emitting bodies and movable parts that give predetermined instructions to the player.

[0037] A first normal start winning device 33a is disposed below the variable display unit 35. The first normal start winning device 33a is provided so as to protrude forward from the front part of the game board 30, and a winning hole (start winning hole) through which game balls can always win is opened on the upper side of the first normal start winning device 33a. Note that the first normal start winning device 33a of this embodiment is not provided with a configuration that changes the ease with which game balls can enter the first normal start winning device 33a.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, due to the arrangement of game nails etc. provided in the game area, in order for a game ball to enter the first normal start winning device 33a, the game ball must be passed (hit to the left) through an area of ​​the game area located to the left of the variable display unit 35 (left side area); even if the game ball is passed (hit to the right) through an area (right side area) located to the right of the variable display unit 35, the game ball will not be able to enter the first normal start winning device 33a.

[0039] At the bottom of the left side area (to the left of the first normal start winning device 33a), a general winning device 31 is disposed along the periphery of the game area. The general winning device 31 protrudes forward from the front part of the game board 30, and has a winning hole on the upper side through which game balls can always win.

[0040] A right-hit winning unit 37 is provided to the right of the first normal start winning device 33a. As shown in FIG. 5, the right-hit winning unit 37 includes, from the upstream side of the game area, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the second variable winning device 32b, the second start winning device 33c, and the first variable winning device 32a. The right-hit winning unit 37 further includes a ball entry section 111 that opens upward and allows game balls to enter, a first guide passage 112 that guides game balls that have entered the ball entry section 111 and have not entered the first auxiliary start winning device 33b to the second variable winning device 32b, a second guide passage 113 that guides game balls that have been guided by the first guide passage 112 and have not entered the second variable winning device 32b to the second start winning device 33c, and a second guide passage 113 that guides game balls that have been guided by the second guide passage 113 to the second start winning device 33c. The right-hit winning unit 37 is provided with a third guide passage 114 for guiding game balls that did not enter the right-hit winning unit 37 to the first variable winning device 32a, a discharge section 116 for discharging game balls moving through the right-hit winning unit 37 to the outside of the right-hit winning unit 37 (in this example, it opens to the left and discharges game balls to a game area outside the right-hit winning unit 37), and a fourth guide passage 115 for guiding game balls that were guided by the third guide passage 114 and did not enter the first variable winning device 32a to the discharge section 116. An opening is provided in the game board 30 corresponding to the installation position of the right-hit winning unit 37, and the right-hit winning unit 37 is attached to the game board 30 in such a manner as to close the opening.

[0041] In addition, the right-hit winning unit 37 (case body) is formed of a colorless and transparent resin (for example, polypropylene). Furthermore, a decorative body (for example, a decorated panel installed in front of the right-hit winning unit 37, or a decorative sticker attached to the front of the right-hit winning unit 37, etc.) is provided in front of the right-hit winning unit 37, and the decorative body is configured to be colored and transparent, or has a large number of relatively fine transparent parts (holes). For this reason, the inside of the right-hit winning unit 37 (the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the second variable winning device 32b, the second start winning device 33c, and the state of the game ball entering the first variable winning device 32a, and the state of the game ball entering the second variable winning device 32b entering the specific ball entry section 145 described later) can be seen from the front of the right-hit winning unit 37.

[0042] In addition, a lighting means (for example, a surface-emitting light) is provided behind the right-hit winning unit 37. The pachinko machine in this example has a sea motif, and a sticker with a printed image of marine life is attached to the front side of the right-hit winning unit 37. The lighting means of the right-hit winning unit 37 basically emits blue light with white light (similar to the reflection of light on the sea surface) in a standby state where no game is being played and in a normal mode state. In the time-saving mode, the lighting means is transparent (or white), and when a game ball enters the second start winning device 33c (until the upper limit of the reserved memory number of the second variable display described later is reached), the lighting means is switched to an orange / white lighting state (returning to the lighting state corresponding to the time-saving mode after 1 second), and when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 145, the lighting means is switched to an orange / white lighting state (returning to the lighting state corresponding to the winning state after 5 seconds). Furthermore, the first guide passage 112, the second guide passage 113, and the third guide passage 114 are provided with delay protrusions (not shown) that delay the moving speed of the game ball. However, the delay protrusions are configured not to impede the movement of the game ball.

[0043] The first auxiliary start-up winning device 33b is configured to be able to slide back and forth, and is equipped with a first start-up shutter 171 that can be displaced between a closed position that restricts the entry of game balls into the first auxiliary start-up winning device 33b and an open position that retreats rearward from the playing area above the first auxiliary start-up winning device 33b and allows game balls to enter the first auxiliary start-up winning device 33b, a first auxiliary start-up winning switch 224b that can detect all game balls that have entered the first auxiliary start-up winning device 33b, and a solenoid (not shown) that opens and closes the first start-up shutter 171.

[0044] Moreover, the first start shutter 171 of this embodiment is inclined downward toward the right, and the downstream edge of the game area of ​​the first start shutter 171 in the closed state is continuous with the upstream edge of the game area of ​​the first guide passage 112. The ball entry section 111 is formed as an opening above the first start shutter 171 in the closed position and the first guide passage 112, and a game ball that enters the ball entry section 111 falls into the first start shutter 171 in the closed position and the first guide passage 112, and when it falls into the first start shutter 171 in the closed position, it is guided to the first guide passage 112 by the first start shutter 171. Furthermore, if a game ball falls into the first auxiliary start winning device 33b when the first start shutter 171 is in the open position, or if a game ball is on the first start shutter 171 when the first start shutter 171 is set to the open position, the game ball will enter the first auxiliary start winning device 33b.

[0045] In addition, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b of this embodiment is configured so that the first start shutter 171 is always in the open position for a certain period at a certain interval. When the game ball is "hit to the right", the game ball can also enter the first auxiliary start winning device 33b (for example, during a period of four rounds of winning, at least two or three balls can be expected to enter). However, the rate at which the game ball enters the first auxiliary start winning device 33b when the game ball is "hit to the right" is set lower than the rate at which the game ball enters the first normal start winning device 33a when the game ball is "hit to the left" (the same rate is also possible). In addition, even if the game ball is "hit to the right" in the normal mode, which will be described later in detail, it is not expected that the game ball will enter the second variable winning device 32b, the second start winning device 33c, and the first variable winning device 32a, whereas if the game ball is "hit to the left", the game ball may enter the general winning device 31. Furthermore, when the game ball enters the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the prize ball is one, whereas when the game ball enters the first normal start winning device 33a, the prize ball is three. Therefore, in the normal mode, it is more advantageous for the player to "hit to the left" than to "hit to the right", and "hitting to the right" of the game ball in the normal mode is suppressed. Furthermore, the first start shutter 171 may be omitted and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b may be always open (however, the percentage of game balls entering the first auxiliary start winning device 33b when hit from the right in normal mode is configured to be less than the percentage of game balls entering the first normal start winning device 33a when hit from the left in normal mode).

[0046] The second variable winning device 32b includes a second variable specific area 141 into which the game ball guided to the first guide passage 112 can enter, a second variable shutter 142 that is configured to be slidable back and forth and is located above the second variable specific area 141 and can be displaced between a closed position that restricts the game ball from entering the second variable specific area 141 and an open position that retreats rearward from the upper position of the second variable specific area 141 and allows the game ball to enter the second variable specific area 141, and a solenoid (not shown) that opens and closes the second variable shutter 142. The second variable winning device 32b is normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter, and is in an open state in which the game ball can enter when the second variable winning device 32b is in an open state and in a winning state.

[0047] Furthermore, an LED is provided as a ball entry teaching means and a mode teaching means corresponding to the second variable winning device 32b (for example, directly below the second variable specific area 141, particularly the second variable shutter 142), and is configured to emit light when the second variable winning device 32b is in an open state (for example, only during the period when the second variable winning device 32b is in an open state). Also, when a game ball enters the second variable winning device 32b, the lighting mode of the LED changes (for example, it flashes, the light color changes, etc.). Note that instead of or in addition to the LED, a movable device or the like may be provided to make it easier to recognize that the second variable winning device 32b is in an open state.

[0048] In addition, the second variable shutter 142 of this embodiment is inclined downward toward the left, and the first guide passage 112 guides the game ball to the upper right portion of the second variable shutter 142. When the game ball is guided to the first guide passage 112 and reaches the second variable winning device 32b, if the second variable shutter 142 is in the closed position, the game ball rests on the upper surface of the second variable shutter 142 and is guided to the second guide passage 113 on the left by the second variable shutter 142. If the game ball rests on the second variable shutter 142 when the second variable shutter 142 is in the open position, the game ball will enter the second variable specific area 141.

[0049] Furthermore, the second variable winning device 32b is equipped with a second count switch 223b capable of detecting all game balls that enter the second variable specific area 141, a specific ball entry section 145 into which game balls that have entered the second variable specific area 141 and are detected by the second count switch 223b can enter, and a non-specific ball entry section 146, a specific ball entry detection switch 226a that detects game balls that have entered the specific ball entry section 145, a non-specific ball entry detection switch 226b that detects game balls that have entered the non-specific ball entry section 146, and a distribution device 147 that guides game balls detected by the second count switch 223b to either the specific ball entry section 145 or the non-specific ball entry section 146.

[0050] The allocating device 147 includes a slide piece 148 that is displaced between a closed position that restricts balls from entering the specific ball entry section 145 and an open position that allows balls to enter the specific ball entry section 145, and a solenoid (not shown) that displaces the slide piece 148 to the open position at a predetermined interval. If the slide piece 148 is in the open position when a game ball that has entered the second variable specific area 141 reaches the allocating device 147, the game ball enters the specific ball entry section 145, and if the slide piece 148 is in the closed position, the game ball enters the non-specific ball entry section 146. In this embodiment, when a game ball that has entered the second variable specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b in a small winning state enters the specific ball entry section 145, a "big winning state" is given (the big winning state continues). In addition, in this embodiment, the displacement status of the distribution device 147, the passage of the game ball to the second count switch 223b, and the state of the balls entering the specific ball entry detection switch 226a and the non-specific ball entry detection switch 226b can be visually observed from the front of the right-hit winning unit 37 (pachinko machine 10).

[0051] Furthermore, an LED (not shown) is provided as a ball entry teaching means and a mode teaching means corresponding to the specific ball entry section 145 (for example, directly below the slide piece 148 of the distribution device 147), and is configured to emit light when the specific ball entry section 145 is in an open state (for example, only during the period when the specific ball entry section 145 is in an open state), and is turned off during other periods. When a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 145, the lighting mode of the LED changes (for example, blinks, changes the light color, etc.), and returns to the basic lighting mode (lighting mode when the specific ball entry section 145 is open, and turning off mode when it is closed) one second after the ball entry detection. In addition, the letter "V" is attached to the front of the specific ball entry section 145 so that it can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The LED may be provided on the side of the passage in the right-hitting winning unit 37, or may be provided behind the passage. In addition, instead of or in addition to the LED, a movable prop or the like may be provided to make it easier to recognize that the specific ball entry section 145 is in the open state.

[0052] In addition, an LED (not shown) is provided as a ball entry teaching means and a mode teaching means corresponding to the non-specific ball entry section 146, and when a game ball enters the non-specific ball entry section 146, the LED lights up and goes out one second after the ball entry is detected.

[0053] The second start winning device 33c is configured to be slidable back and forth, and is equipped with a second start shutter 172 that can be displaced between a closed position that restricts the entry of game balls into the second start winning device 33c and an open position that allows the game balls to enter the second start winning device 33c by retreating backward from the game area at the upper position of the second start winning device 33c, a second start winning switch 224c that can detect all game balls that have entered the second start winning device 33c, and a solenoid (not shown) that opens and closes the second start shutter 172. The second start winning device 33c is usually in a closed state in which game balls cannot enter, and is in an open state in which game balls can enter if a game ball entry support lottery, which will be described in detail later, is won.

[0054] In addition, the second start shutter 172 of this embodiment is inclined downward toward the right, and the second guide passage 113 guides (allows the game ball to fall and reach) the upper left portion of the second start shutter 172. When the game ball is guided by the second guide passage 113 and reaches the second start winning device 33c, if the second start shutter 172 is in the closed position, the game ball rests on the upper surface of the second start shutter 172 and is guided by the second start shutter 172 to the third guide passage 114 on the right. Note that if the game ball is on the second start shutter 172 when the second start shutter 172 is in the open position, the game ball will enter the second start winning device 33c.

[0055] Furthermore, an LED (not shown) is provided as a ball entry teaching means and a mode teaching means corresponding to the second start winning device 33c (for example, directly below the second start shutter 172), and is configured to emit light when the second start winning device 33c is in an open state, and to be turned off otherwise. When a game ball enters the second start winning device 33c, the lighting mode of the LED changes (for example, blinks, changes the light color, etc.), and returns to the basic lighting mode (lighting mode if the second start winning device 33c is open, and turning off mode if it is closed) one second after the ball entry detection. Note that instead of or in addition to the LED, a movable device or the like may be provided to make it easier to recognize that the second start winning device 33c is in an open state.

[0056] The first variable winning device 32a includes a first variable specific area 161 into which the game balls guided to the third guide passage 114 can enter, a first variable shutter 162 that is configured to be slidable back and forth and is located above the first variable specific area 161 and can be displaced between a closed position that restricts the game balls from entering the first variable specific area 161 and an open position that retreats from the upper position of the first variable specific area 161 to allow the game balls to enter the first variable specific area 161, a first count switch 223a that can detect all game balls that have entered the first variable specific area 161, and a solenoid (not shown) that opens and closes the second start shutter 172. The first variable winning device 32a is normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot enter, and is in an open state in which game balls can enter when the first variable winning device 32a is in an open state, i.e., in a winning state in which the first variable winning device 32a is in an open state.

[0057] In addition, the first variable shutter 162 of this embodiment is inclined downward toward the left, and the third guide passage 114 guides the game ball to the upper right portion of the first variable shutter 162. When the game ball is guided to the third guide passage 114 and reaches the first variable winning device 32a, if the first variable shutter 162 is in the closed position, the game ball rests on the upper surface of the first variable shutter 162 and is guided to the fourth guide passage 115 on the left by the first variable shutter 162. If the game ball rests on the first variable shutter 162 when the first variable shutter 162 is in the open position, the game ball will enter the first variable specific area 161.

[0058] Furthermore, an LED (not shown) is provided as a ball entry instruction means or mode instruction means corresponding to the first variable winning device 32a (for example, directly below the first variable shutter 162), and the LED is configured to emit light only when the first variable winning device 32a is in an open state (for example, only during the period when the first variable winning device 32b is in an open state, from the start to the end of the big win state, or from the start of the first round to the end of the final round), and is turned off during other periods. In addition, when a game ball enters the first variable winning device 32a, the lighting mode of the LED changes (for example, blinks, changes the light color, etc.), and returns to the basic lighting mode (lighting mode if the first variable winning device 32a is open, and turning off mode if it is closed) one second after the ball entry detection. In addition, instead of or in addition to the LED, a movable device or the like may be provided to make it easier to recognize that the first variable winning device 32a is in an open state.

[0059] In the right-hit winning unit 37 of this embodiment, when the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the second variable winning device 32b, the second start winning device 33c, and the first variable winning device 32a are in a closed state, the game ball that entered the ball entry section 111 is arranged in a line by the first auxiliary start winning device 33b (first start shutter 171) and the first guide passage 112, and is guided in a line to the discharge section 116 via the second variable shutter 142, the second start shutter 172, and the first variable shutter 162. In addition, when the game ball is to enter the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the second variable winning device 32b, the second start winning device 33c, and the first variable winning device 32a, it is necessary to enter the game ball into the right-hit winning unit 37. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is configured so that (almost) all of the gaming balls shot into the right side area enter the right-hit winning unit 37.

[0060] In the right-hitting winning unit 37, the first guide passage 112, the second guide passage 113, the third guide passage 114, the fourth guide passage 115, the area above the first start shutter 171 of the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the area above the second variable shutter 142 of the second variable winning device 32b, the area above the second start shutter 172 of the second start winning device 33c, and the area above the first variable shutter 162 of the first variable winning device 32a are included in the game area. In addition, in any one of the first guide passage 112, the second guide passage 113, and the third guide passage 114, or a combination of these, a branch passage (which may be arranged so that the game ball does not pass through) that guides the game ball to the outside of the right-hitting winning unit 37 (the back side of the game board 30) may be provided.

[0061] In addition, the opening and closing members that switch the first auxiliary start-up winning device 33b, the second start-up winning device 33c, the first variable winning device 32a, and the second variable winning device 32b in this embodiment between an open state and a closed state are composed of shutters 172, 162, 142 that slide in the forward and backward directions, but are not limited to such a configuration. For example, in the second start-up winning device 33c, a blade member serving as an opening / closing member that is rotatably displaceable is provided adjacent to the right side of the winning port (start-up winning port) through which the game ball can enter, and the second start-up winning device 33c is positioned a predetermined distance to the left of the left end, which is the downstream end of the second guide passage 113, and when the blade member is in the open position, the tip of the blade member comes close to the left end of the second guide passage 113, so that the game ball that has passed through the second guide passage 113 is guided by the blade member to enter the start winning port, and on the other hand, when the blade member is in the open position, the start winning port is closed by the blade member, and a gap through which the game ball can pass is formed between the second start-up winning device 33c (blade member) and the second guide passage 113, and the game ball enters the third guide passage 114 by passing through the gap.

[0062] In this embodiment, the right-hit winning unit 37 is configured to include the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the first variable winning device 32a, the second variable winning device 32b, and the second start winning device 33c, but the winning devices included in the right-hit winning unit 37 are not particularly limited, and may be configured to include, for example, a through gate 34 or a general winning device 31, or the first auxiliary start winning device 33b and the first variable winning device 32a may be separated. Note that the configuration in which multiple winning devices are connected by a single road, as in the right-hit winning unit 37, may be omitted. Furthermore, the first variable winning device 32a may be omitted, and the second variable winning device 32b may be used in all winning states, and the specific winning section 145 may be opened only in the small winning state (the slide piece 148 of the distribution device 147 may be opened).

[0063] A through gate 34 is provided above the right-hand hit winning unit 37, through which game balls flowing down the game area can pass one by one. As will be described in detail later, the through gate 34 is provided with a through gate switch 225 capable of detecting game balls passing through the through gate 34. In this embodiment, the through gate 34 is not provided in the left side area of ​​the game area.

[0064] In addition, when a game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, a ball entry support lottery (open lottery) is performed to determine whether or not the second start winning device 33c is opened, and a variable display is performed on the normal pattern display device 41 described later to inform the result of the ball entry support lottery. Then, when the ball entry support lottery is won, the second start winning device 33c is opened for a specified time after the variable display ends.

[0065] In this embodiment, there is a "high ball entry state" in which the second start winning device 33c (second start shutter 172) is opened relatively frequently, making it easier for game balls to enter the second start winning device 33c, and a "low ball entry state" in which the time period during which the second start winning device 33c is opened is reduced compared to the high ball entry state. Hereinafter, the state in which the winning / losing lottery is performed in the low ball entry state (the variable display of the special pattern display devices 43a and 43b described below is executed) is referred to as the "normal mode," and the state in which the winning / losing lottery is performed in the high ball entry state is referred to as the "time-saving mode (or time-saving mode)." In this embodiment, the time-saving mode corresponds to the specific state.

[0066] In addition, examples of the high ball entry state include (1) a state in which the variable display time (variable time) in the normal symbol display device 41 is shorter than in the low ball entry state, (2) a state in which the second start winning device 33c is opened for a longer period per winning of the ball entry support lottery than in the low ball entry state (longer opening time, more openings, etc.), (3) a state in which the winning probability of the ball entry support lottery is higher than in the low ball entry state, and (4) a state in which the upper limit number of game balls that can be entered per opening of the second start winning device 33c is higher than in the low ball entry state. The high ball entry state in this embodiment employs the above configurations (1) to (3). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and any one of the configurations (1) to (4) or any combination of these configurations (1) to (4) may be employed as the "high ball entry state".

[0067] In addition, adjacent to the upper right portion of the substantially elliptical game area and at a position visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, there is a normal pattern display device 41 as a normal display means for performing a variable display for informing the result of a ball entry support lottery performed based on the passage of a game ball into the through gate 34, and a variable display (hereinafter referred to as a "1st display") for informing the result of a first win / loss lottery (a big win win / loss lottery) performed in response to a game ball entering the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b. The first display means and the first special display means are provided with a first special pattern display device 43a, which performs a first variable display (hereinafter referred to as a "first variable display (special pattern 1 variable)") and a second special display means, which performs a variable display (hereinafter referred to as a "second variable display (special pattern 2 variable)") as a first display to inform the result of the second winning / losing lottery (a winning / losing lottery for a big win and a winning / losing lottery for a small win) which is performed in response to the entry of a game ball into the second start winning device 33c. The display mode of the first special pattern display device 43a is also referred to as a "special pattern 1", and the display mode of the second special pattern display device 43b is also referred to as a "special pattern 2".

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b during the execution of the first variable display and during the winning state, the first variable display corresponding to the ball is reserved and stored, and the reserved first variable display is started after the first variable display being executed is stopped or after the winning state ends. Also, when a game ball enters the second start winning device 33c during the execution of the second variable display and during the winning state, the second variable display corresponding to the ball is reserved and stored, and after the second variable display being executed is stopped or after the winning state ends, the reserved second variable display is started. In addition, when a game ball passes through the through gate 34 during the execution of the variable display in the normal pattern display device 41, the variable display corresponding to the passage is reserved and stored, and after the variable display being executed is stopped, the reserved variable display is started.

[0069] In this embodiment, a first reserved display device 46a as a first reserved display means indicating that the first variable display is reserved (the right to execute the variable display is obtained) is provided adjacent to the normal pattern display device 41, the first special pattern display device 43a, and the second special pattern display device 43b, a second reserved display device 46b as a second reserved display means indicating that the second variable display is reserved, and a normal reserved display device 44 indicating that the variable display in the normal pattern display device 41 is reserved. In addition, a time-saving lamp 48 is provided adjacent to the normal pattern display device 41, the normal reserved display device 44, etc., which is turned on when the time-saving mode is switched to and turned off when the game mode is switched to a game mode other than the time-saving mode. In this embodiment, the first special pattern display device 43a, the second special pattern display device 43b, the first hold display device 46a, the second hold display device 46b, the normal pattern display device 41, the normal hold display device 44, and the time-saving lamp 48 are directly displayed and controlled by the main control device 261, which serves as a special game generating means and main control means, as described later.

[0070] The first special symbol display device 43a is composed of four LEDs (first special symbol lamps). When a game ball enters the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, the first special symbol display device 43a switches the display of the first special symbol lamp (first variable display).

[0071] The second special symbol display device 43b is composed of four LEDs (second special symbol lamps). And, when the game ball enters the second start winning device 33c, the second special symbol display device 43b switches the display of the second special symbol lamp (second variable display).

[0072] In addition, after the first and second variable displays are displayed for a predetermined time on the first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b, the first and second variable displays are stopped based on the results of the lottery for winning or losing a big win or the lottery for winning or losing a small win. In other words, the lighting state (combination of the lit special pattern lamps) when the first and second variable displays are stopped corresponds to various results of the lottery for winning or losing a big win or the lottery for winning or losing a small win, and the lighting state when the first and second variable displays are stopped definitely displays the result of the lottery for winning or losing a big win or the lottery for winning or losing a small win, that is, "big win", "small win", or "miss".

[0073] Furthermore, the first special symbol display device 43a and the second special symbol display device 43b also indicate the type of big win by the lighting mode (stop mode) at which they are stopped. Also, there are not one but multiple stop modes of the first special symbol display device 43a and the second special symbol display device 43b that indicate various big win types, small wins, and misses, and one of them is selected and displayed as a stop mode.

[0074] The types of big wins in this embodiment include 10-round probability win (hereinafter referred to as "10RS"), 4-round probability win (hereinafter referred to as "4RS"), 4-round normal win (hereinafter referred to as "4RN"), and 4-round state maintenance win (hereinafter referred to as "4RC"). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the allocation of the big win types is different when the first winning lottery is won and when the second winning lottery is won. As shown in FIG. 51, when the first winning lottery is won, the allocation is 5% to "10RS", 55% to "4RS", and 40% to "4RN". On the other hand, when the second winning lottery is won, the allocation is 5% to "10RS", 15% to "4RS", and 80% to "4RC". In this embodiment, the big win state or the small win state corresponding to "10RS", "4RS", and "4RC" corresponds to the special game state. "10RS" and "4RS" correspond to a specific condition-granting special game state and a second special game state, and "4RC" corresponds to the first special game state.

[0075] Regarding "10RS", the winning state ends when the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b is opened for 30 seconds, or when eight game balls enter the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b, and this is repeated 10 times as one round. After the winning state of "10RS" ends, a "time-saving mode" is given with an upper limit of "until the first variable display is displayed once or the second variable display is displayed 100 times", or "until a big win state occurs".

[0076] The second variable winning device 32b of this embodiment is configured to be in an open state in the small winning state, and when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 145 of the second variable winning device 32b (when a game ball is detected by the specific ball entry detection switch 226a), the state transitions (continues) to a big winning state (second round). In addition, even if a small winning state is won, a winning type is determined, and when the small winning state transitions to a big winning state, the state transitions to the winning state of that type. However, when the small winning state ends without transitioning to a big winning state while remaining in the small winning state, the game mode corresponding to the big winning type is not changed, and the game mode after the small winning state becomes the game mode before the small winning state. In addition, even if a game ball enters the second variable specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b in a state other than the small winning state, the slide piece 148 of the distribution device 147 is in the closed position, so that the ball does not enter the specific ball entry section 145. In addition, the behavior of whether or not a gaming ball that enters the second variable winning device 32b will enter the specific winning section 145 is also referred to as the "gimmick lottery," and in this embodiment, if a gaming ball enters the second variable winning device 32b in a small winning state, there is an extremely high probability (almost 100%) that the gaming ball will enter the specific winning section 145.

[0077] In the case of "4RS", the big win state ends when the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b is opened for 30 seconds or when eight game balls enter the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b, and this is repeated four times as one round. After the winning state of "4RS" ends, a "time-saving mode" is given with an upper limit of "until the first variable display is displayed once or the second variable display is displayed 100 times" or "until the big win state occurs".

[0078] Regarding "4RN", the big win state ends when the first variable winning device 32a is open for 30 seconds or when eight game balls enter the first variable winning device 32a, and this is repeated four times as one round. After the big win state of "4RN" ends, a "time-saving mode" is provided.

[0079] Regarding "4RC", the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b is opened for 30 seconds, or eight game balls enter the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b, and this is repeated four times as one round, and the big win state ends. After the big win state of "4RC" in the time-saving mode ends, a "time-saving mode" is given with an upper limit of "until the first variable display is displayed once or the second variable display is displayed 100 times", or "until the big win state occurs". On the other hand, after the big win state of "4RC" in the normal mode ends, a "time-saving mode" is given with an upper limit of "until the first variable display is displayed 0 times or the second variable display is displayed 100 times", or "until the big win state occurs".

[0080] The first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b are configured to maintain the stop display for a specified time (a "confirmation display" in which the stop pattern is displayed for a specified time is performed), and the next change display can be started after the specified time has elapsed (after the change interval). Furthermore, if the next change display is not performed even after the specified time has elapsed after the stop display on the first special pattern display device 43a or the second special pattern display device 43b, the first special pattern display device 43a or the second special pattern display device 43b is configured to switch from a lighting state indicating the result of the win / lose lottery to a lighting state indicating a standby state in which no change display is being performed. The lighting state indicating the result of the win / lose lottery may be configured to be maintained as it is.

[0081] The first reserved display device 46a is composed of two LEDs (first reserved lamps). In this embodiment, the first variable display based on the entry of a game ball into the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b can be reserved and stored up to four times. For example, when one first variable display is reserved, the first reserved lamp on the left side (inner circumference side of the game area) lights up, when two first variable displays are reserved, the first reserved lamps on the left and right sides light up, when three first variable displays are reserved, the first reserved lamp on the left side flashes and the first reserved lamp on the right side lights up, and when four first variable displays are reserved, the first reserved lamps on the left and right sides flash. When multiple first variable displays are reserved and stored, the first variable displays are consumed in order of reservation (starting from the first reserved display).

[0082] The second reserved display device 46b is composed of two LEDs (second reserved lamps). In this embodiment, the second variable display based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning device 33c is configured to be able to be reserved and stored up to four times. For example, when one second variable display is reserved, the second reserved lamp on the left side (inner circumference side of the game area) lights up, when two second variable displays are reserved, the second reserved lamps on the left and right sides light up, when three second variable displays are reserved, the second reserved lamp on the left side flashes and the second reserved lamp on the right side lights up, and when four second variable displays are reserved, the second reserved lamps on the left and right sides flash. When multiple second variable displays are reserved and stored, the second variable displays are consumed in order of reservation (starting from the first reserved display).

[0083] The normal pattern display device 41 is composed of two LEDs (normal pattern lamps). In addition, in the normal pattern display device 41, for example, the normal pattern lamp on the right side (outer circumference of the game area) is flashed (displayed variably) when the game ball passes through the through gate 34. After the variable display is performed for a predetermined time on the normal pattern display device 41, the variable display is stopped based on the result of the ball entry support lottery. In other words, the lighting state (combination of lit normal pattern lamps) when the variable display is stopped corresponds to various results of the ball entry support lottery, and the result of the ball entry support lottery is definitively displayed depending on the lighting state when the variable display is stopped. For example, lighting both the left and right normal pattern lamps indicates a "win", and lighting only the left normal pattern lamp indicates a "lose".

[0084] The normal reserve display device 44 is composed of two LEDs (normal reserve lamps). In this embodiment, the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41, which is performed based on the passage of the game ball to the through gate 34, can be reserved and stored up to four times. For example, when one variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 is reserved, the normal reserve lamp on the left side (inner circumference side of the game area) is lit, when two times are reserved, the normal reserve lamps on the left and right are lit, when three times are reserved, the normal reserve lamp on the left side flashes and the normal reserve lamp on the right side is lit, when four times are reserved, the normal reserve lamps on the left and right are flashed. In addition, when a new game ball passes through the through gate 34 during a big win state, the variable display for that amount is also reserved.

[0085] Furthermore, the configurations of the normal pattern display device 41, the first special pattern display device 43a, the second special pattern display device 43b, the normal hold display device 44, the first hold display device 46a, the second hold display device 46b, and the time-saving lamp 48 are not particularly limited, and can be modified as appropriate, for example, by configuring them with more lamps (to make it more difficult to distinguish the content), by configuring them with display means such as a segment display device or liquid crystal display device, or by configuring them with a movable switching display member.

[0086] Now, in this embodiment, even if one of the variable display (first variable display) of the first special symbol display device 43a and the variable display (second variable display) of the second special symbol display device 43b is being performed, the other variable display is started, and both variable displays can be executed in parallel. Furthermore, when a jackpot (10RS, 4RS, 4RN) is won in the first winning / losing lottery and a stop display is performed in a manner instructing a jackpot in the first variable display (the first variable display is ended / completed), the second variable display is forcibly stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to a "miss" (forced to end, stopped), and after the jackpot state based on the first winning / losing lottery ends, the next first variable display and second variable display (stored and stored in each reserved first area of ​​the first special variable reserve area and the second special variable reserve area described later) are newly started. In other words, if the first variable display is stopped in a manner that indicates a jackpot, the second variable display that is being executed will be erased (regardless of its content).

[0087] In addition, when a big win or small win is won in the second winning / losing lottery and the big win type is "10RS" or "4RS", when the stop display is performed in a manner that teaches a big win or small win in the second variable display (when the second variable display is finished / completed), the first variable display is forcibly stopped (ended, stopped) in a manner that corresponds to "miss", and after the end of the big win state based on the second winning / losing lottery (and the role lottery), the next first variable display and second variable display (stored and stored in the first reserved area of ​​the first special variable reserved area and the second special variable reserved area described later) are newly started. In other words, when the stop display is performed in a manner that teaches a big win of "10RS" or "4RS" in the second variable display, the first variable display being executed is erased (regardless of its content).

[0088] On the other hand, when a big win or small win is won in the second winning / losing lottery and the big win type is "4RC", when the stop display is performed in a manner in which a big win or small win is taught in the second variable display (the second variable display is finished / completed), the first variable display is interrupted (progress is temporarily stopped), and after the big win state based on the second winning / losing lottery (and the role lottery) ends, the interrupted first variable display is started. In other words, when the stop display is performed in a manner in which a "4RC" big win is taught in the second variable display, a process is performed to prevent the first variable display being executed from progressing any further (to prevent the time until the stop display is reduced), and after the big win state ends, the first variable display is resumed (without being erased). In this embodiment, when the second variable display indicating the occurrence of a big win or small win corresponding to "4RC" is stopped, the time until the first variable display being executed is stopped is not decreased, but the display of the first special pattern display device 43a is such that the display mode (switching display) of the first variable display is continued as it is until the big win state or small win state ends (this is a transitional mode that shows that the state of the first variable display is maintained, and although it is a display on the first special pattern display device 43a, it is not a first variable display in the original sense (a first variable display whose variable time is determined at the start of the variable display based on a numerical value obtained based on the entry of the game ball into the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b)), and after the big win state or small win state ends, the first variable display (progression) is resumed in such a manner that the display mode (switching display) of the first variable display is continued as it is. Here, the first variable display that is resumed is not necessarily limited to being resumed in the manner displayed at the time of interruption, and the manner at the time of resumption may be changed as long as the remaining time until the stopped display and the content of the instruction are consistent.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, at least in the time-saving mode, the second variable display is configured to be executed multiple times during the period in which the first variable display is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 52(a), in the time-saving mode, the time of the first variable display (special chart 1 variable time as the first variable time) is uniformly set to 180 seconds, whereas the time of the second variable display (special chart 2 variable time as the second variable time) is set between 5 and 40 seconds. In particular, in this embodiment, the result of the second winning / losing lottery in the time-saving mode and the selected jackpot type (special chart 2 variable type of "10RS", "4RS", "4RC", or "miss") are associated with the special chart 2 variable time, and when "4RC" is won, the special chart 2 variable time is set between 15 and 25 seconds. When "10RS" is won, the special chart 2 variable time is set between 30 and 40 seconds. When "4RS" is won, if the value of CS1 is "0-149", the special chart 2 change time is set between 15 and 25 seconds, and if the value of CS1 is "150-255", the special chart 2 change time is set between 30 and 40 seconds. When "missing", if the value of CS1 is "0-19", the special chart 2 change time is set between 30 and 40 seconds, and if the value of CS1 is "20-255", the special chart 2 change time is set between 5 and 13 seconds. In other words, if the special chart 2 change time exceeds 13 seconds, the expectation of winning the winning state increases significantly. Furthermore, if the special chart 2 change time exceeds 13 seconds and ends in 25 seconds or less, either "4RC" or "4RS" is confirmed as a win. In addition, if the Special Chart 2 fluctuation time exceeds 30 seconds, it is confirmed that the player will win "10RS" and "4RS", which correspond to the granting of the time-saving mode, or that the player will lose (will not win "4RC").

[0090] That is, in the time-saving mode, the player can measure the special chart 2 change time of the second change display (the measurement of the special chart 2 change time can be performed by referring to the remaining time display displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 described later in detail), and can guess the content of the second change display in more detail. In addition, there is a time lag of about 2 seconds (a time period not set as the special chart 2 change time) between the special chart 2 change time corresponding to "miss" and the special chart 2 change time corresponding to either "4RC" or "4RS", and there is a time lag of about 5 seconds (a time period not set as the special chart 2 change time) between the special chart 2 change time corresponding to either "4RC" or "4RS" and the special chart 2 change time that can win "10RS". For this reason, even if the measurement is somewhat inaccurate or is based on bodily sensation, it is relatively easy to grasp the division of the special chart 2 change time.

[0091] In this embodiment, the special chart 1 change time of the first change display on the first rotation after switching from the time-saving mode to the normal mode is set to a uniform 40 seconds (other times may be set, or any time longer than the specified time). The special chart 1 change time for other times of the first change display in the normal mode is set between 10 and 60 seconds. Also, the special chart 2 change time in the normal mode is set to a uniform 1 second. However, in the normal mode, the second change display is basically not newly reserved and stored.

[0092] The variable display unit 35 is provided with a decorative pattern display device 42, which is configured with a liquid crystal display device and serves as a performance display means and a special performance display means capable of displaying decorative patterns. The decorative pattern display device 42 is configured to perform a performance variable display (first performance variable display, second performance variable display) as a performance display (first display, second display) that matches the variable display by the first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b (variably displaying decorative patterns). Furthermore, the display contents of the decorative pattern display device 42 are controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45, which will be described later. That is, in the decorative pattern display device 42, auxiliary display contents are determined by the sub-control device 262 based on a command from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the results displayed by the first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b, and the display is performed by the display control device 45 based on the determination. In addition, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is on, the decorative pattern display device 42 displays some kind of information, and when the game is in a winning state, a display corresponding to the winning state (special display) is displayed, and when the game is not in a winning state and no variable display is being performed, a display corresponding to the game standby state (waiting for customers) (demo screen display) is displayed.

[0093] As shown in Figure 50 (a), the decorative pattern display device 42 is provided with, for example, three pattern display areas, upper, middle and lower (upper pattern display area, middle pattern display area, lower pattern display area), and multiple types of decorative patterns 455 (for example, number patterns numbered 1 to 9) are displayed sequentially (variably displayed) in each pattern display area, and then the decorative patterns 455 are displayed in a stopped state in each pattern display area in order (for example, in the order of upper pattern display area → lower pattern display area → middle pattern display area). For example, when the occurrence of a jackpot state is determined by the main control device 261, a display corresponding to a jackpot is made on the first special pattern display device 43a or the second special pattern display device 43b, and the decorative pattern display device 42 displays decorative patterns 455 in a combination corresponding to a jackpot (for example, the same decorative patterns 455 are displayed stopped in a line on a predetermined effective line in the upper pattern display area, middle pattern display area, and lower pattern display area), and the jackpot state begins.

[0094] Also, when the decorative symbols 455 are displayed in a combination corresponding to a big win, the same decorative symbols 455 are displayed on a predetermined effective line in the upper and lower symbol display areas as a preliminary step. In this way, the same symbols are displayed on a predetermined effective line in the upper and lower symbol display areas, and the state in which the variable display is still being performed in the middle symbol display area is a reach state. Of course, the occurrence of a reach state does not necessarily mean that a big win will occur, and there are also cases where it will not occur.

[0095] In this embodiment, after the reach state occurs, when the same decorative pattern 455 (reach pattern) as the decorative pattern 455 stopped and displayed in the upper and lower pattern display areas is displayed on the same effective line in the middle pattern display area (when a double number is displayed), the big win state is given. In addition, when the double number is an odd number, "10RS" or "4RS" occurs, and when the double number is an even number, one of "10RS", "4RS", "4RN", and "4RC" occurs.

[0096] In this embodiment, a plurality of presentation stages (with different backgrounds, etc.) are prepared in the decorative pattern display device 42 as presentations that teach or suggest the game mode in which the player is currently playing. More specifically, there is a "normal stage" that confirms that the player is currently playing in the normal mode, and a "time-saving stage" that suggests that the player is currently playing in the time-saving mode. In other words, if "10RS" or "4RS" is won in the normal mode, the player will move to the "time-saving stage" after the jackpot state ends. In addition, if the upper limit of the number of variations in the time-saving mode is reached (details will be described later, but in this example, if the first variation display is performed once (or 0 times) in the time-saving mode, or the second variation display is performed 100 times), or if "4RN" is won, the player will move to the "normal stage" after the variation display ends or after the jackpot state ends.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the first and second variable displays are performed in parallel, but the main performance display (the variable display of the decorative pattern 455; performance variable display) of the decorative pattern display device 42 is basically designed to derive a performance variable display corresponding to either the first or second variable display. That is, in the normal mode, the first performance variable display corresponding to the first variable display is basically derived, and in the time-saving mode, the second performance variable display corresponding to the second variable display is basically derived. Note that, as will be described later in detail, in the case where the second variable display corresponding to the winning of the second winning / losing lottery is performed across the timing of the transition from the time-saving mode to the normal mode, or when the reserved memory of the second variable display corresponding to the winning of the second winning / losing lottery exists at the time when the time-saving mode ends, the second performance variable display is derived even in the normal mode.

[0098] In this embodiment, the decorative pattern display device 42 is also basically instructed (outside of the execution period of the reserved winning / losing performance that may be performed when the time-saving mode is switched to the normal mode) that the first variable display and the second variable display are reserved. For example, as shown in FIG. 50(a), a reserved icon 461 is displayed as a ball-entry detection-compatible display indicating that the variable display is reserved and stored in the lower part of the decorative pattern display device 42 (reserved display area 462; ball-entry detection-compatible display means). The reserved icon 461 is in a state corresponding to the detection of the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, and the second start winning device 33c, and is in a state corresponding to the execution of the variable display of the special pattern display devices 43a and 43b when the variable display is executed, and is configured to be capable of suggesting or instructing the result of the winning / losing lottery.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first auxiliary performance display that displays a first auxiliary pattern 471 corresponding to the first variable display and a second auxiliary performance display that displays a second auxiliary pattern 472 corresponding to the second variable display are performed at the lower right of the decorative pattern display device 42. The auxiliary patterns 471 and 472 are each composed of numbers 1 to 9 that are switched and displayed in a pair of pattern display areas on the left and right, and a winning is indicated when the numbers on the left and right are aligned. Note that the timing of the start and end (completion) of the first variable display and the second variable display may not coincide with the timing of the start and end of the performance display of the decorative pattern 455. In contrast to this, the timing of the start and end (completion) of the first auxiliary performance change display and the second auxiliary performance change display are configured to match the timing of the start and end (completion) of the first change display and the second change display, so that even in the time-saving mode, as long as you are viewing the first auxiliary performance change display and the second auxiliary performance change display, you can understand the timing of the start and end (completion) of the first change display and the second change display even while viewing other performances of the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0100] In addition, a rail 50 consisting of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52 is attached to the game board 30, and guides the game balls launched from the launching device 60 to the upper part of the game board 30. As a result, the game balls launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 are guided through the launching rail 61 and the rail 50 into the game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

[0101] A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left in FIG. 4) of the inner rail component 51. This prevents a game ball that has been guided from the rail 50 into the play area from returning back into the rail 50. In addition, a return rubber 54 is attached to approximately the tip portion (upper right in FIG. 4) of the outer rail component 52. A game ball that is launched with a force greater than a predetermined value hits the return rubber 54 and is returned, for example, toward approximately the center of the game board 30.

[0102] In this embodiment, the outer rail component 52 ends at the upper right part of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 ends at the lower right part of the game board 30. Therefore, the game area is defined by the rail 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since the game ball shot out by the launching device 60 may flow back along the rail 50 until it passes through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portion of the inner and outer rail components 51, 52 is excluded from the game area.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the rear side of the front frame 14 below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray connecting passage 71 that connects the payout mechanism 352 described later to the lower payout outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray connecting passage 73 that connects the payout mechanism 352 to the upper tray 19. In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined distance between the launch rail 61 provided on the front side of the inner frame 12 and the rail 50 (outer rail component 52), and the ball passage unit 70 of the front frame 14 is formed with a foul ball passage 72 that guides the game ball that has fallen through the gap to the lower tray 15. As a result, if the game ball launched from the launch device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns back along the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged to the lower tray 15 through the foul ball passage 72.

[0104] Furthermore, a launching ball passage 74 is provided that connects the upper tray 19 and the ball delivery device 63 and guides the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 to the ball delivery device 63. In addition, a communication hole (not shown) that communicates with the lower tray communication passage 71 is formed in the launching ball passage 74 (which may be downstream of the upper tray 19), and a first shutter (not shown) that opens and closes the communication hole is provided. The first shutter is normally biased toward a closed position side that closes the communication hole by a biasing means (not shown). Furthermore, the first shutter is configured to be linked to the ball removal button 123, and to be displaced to an open position that opens the communication hole when the ball removal button 123 is pressed.

[0105] 2, the lower tray 15 is formed with a discharge port 15a through which game balls stored in the lower tray 15 can be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, and is provided with a second shutter 15b for opening and closing the discharge port 15a. The second shutter 15b is always biased toward a closed position side that closes the discharge port 15a by a biasing means (not shown). Furthermore, the second shutter 15b is configured to work in conjunction with the ball removal lever 25 (for example, connected or integrally formed), and is configured to be displaced to an open position that opens the discharge port 15a when the ball removal lever 25 is pressed (to the left).

[0106] Also, the reference numeral 67 in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 denotes a payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out by the payout mechanism 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and is divided into a passage leading to the upper tray communication passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray communication passage 71 (lower tray 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67, and when the front frame 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by the biasing force of a spring or the like to almost close the outlet of the payout passage 67. When the front frame 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end of the inlet side of the lower tray communication passage 71. The inlets (ball inlet portions) of the lower tray communication passage 71 and the upper tray communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and when the front frame 14 is closed, the inlets and the payout passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance, allowing the game balls to pass through the gap between them. Therefore, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 become full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out will flow toward the lower tray connecting passage 71 (overflowing into the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71) and be paid out through the lower tray connecting passage 71 to the lower tray 15.

[0107] In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects game balls located in the lower tray communication passage 71. The presence of the full detection switch makes it possible to know that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls (the lower tray 15 is full of game balls and game balls are stuck in the lower tray communication passage 71). In this embodiment, based on the game balls being continuously detected for a predetermined time by the full detection switch, an error notification is controlled to inform the user that the lower tray 15 is full using a display or sound on the decorative pattern display device 42. Note that when the retention of game balls in the lower tray communication passage 71 is eliminated and the game balls are no longer detected by the full detection switch (when they are not detected for a predetermined time), the error notification state is released.

[0108] Next, the rear structure of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6, 7, etc. On the rear of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, with some parts overlapping front to back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) that supplies game balls, a resin protective cover, etc. are attached. The payout mechanism and protective cover are integrated into one unit, and since the resin part is generally sometimes called the back pack, this unit will be referred to as the "back pack unit 203" here.

[0109] First, the rear structure of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, a resin frame cover 213 that covers the center frame 47 from behind is provided protruding rearward on the rear side of the variable display unit 35 (see Fig. 4) that is disposed corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30. Also, on the rear side of the frame cover 213, the decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, the display control device 45, and the sub-control device 262 are detachably attached in a state of being stacked in the front and rear.

[0110] The decorative symbol display device 42 is accommodated in a storage box 42a having an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is fixed to the rear side of the frame cover 213. The display control device 45 is accommodated in a board box 45a and is fixed to the rear side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (storage box 42a). The sub-control device 262 is accommodated in a board box 262a and is fixed to the rear side of the display control device 45 (board box 45a). An LED control board for driving the LEDs and the like built into the center frame 47 is disposed inside the frame cover 213. The storage box 42a and the board boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material, and the insides are visible.

[0111] Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning device 31, the right-hand winning unit 37, etc. from behind. The back frame set 215 is equipped with a ball recovery mechanism (not shown) for recovering the game balls that have won in the various winning holes. The game balls recovered by this ball recovery mechanism are guided to a discharge passage section 217, which will be described later, and discharged from a discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0112] In this embodiment, the back frame set 215 also functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, the board box 263 on which the main control device 261 is mounted is rotatably supported by the back frame set 215 and can be opened toward the rear.

[0113] The main control device 261 is housed in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 comprises a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board box 263 connected by the sealing member is configured so that it cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left behind. This makes it easy to discover whether the board box 263 has been tampered with.

[0114] In addition, the game board 30 is provided with ball entry detection switches corresponding to various winning ports such as the general winning device 31, which detect game balls that have entered the various winning ports. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a general winning switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning device 31, a first count switch 223a is provided at the first variable winning device 32a, and a second count switch 223b, a specific winning ball detection switch 226a, and a non-specific winning ball detection switch 226b are provided at the second variable winning device 32b. In addition, a first normal start winning switch 224a, a first auxiliary start winning switch 224b, and a second start winning switch 224c are provided at the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, and the second start winning device 33c. Furthermore, a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

[0115] Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected to the general winning switch 221, the first count switch 223a, the second count switch 223b, the specific winning ball detection switch 226a, the non-specific winning ball detection switch 226b, and the through gate switch 225 via a cable connector. This first board relay board relays between the general winning switch 221 and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector. In contrast, the first normal start winning switch 224a, the first auxiliary start winning switch 224b, and the second start winning switch 224c are directly connected to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without passing through a relay board.

[0116] The detection results detected by the various ball entry detection switches are input to the main control device 261. Then, the main control device 261 transmits a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning situation at each time to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the output signal from the payout control device 311 (except when detected by the through gate switch 225).

[0117] In addition, although not shown, the back surface of the game board 30 is provided with a large prize opening solenoid for opening the first variable prize device 32a and the second variable prize device 32b, and a solenoid for opening and closing the first auxiliary start prize device 33b and the second start prize device 33c. Furthermore, the back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board relay board (not shown) that relays these solenoids and motors to the main control device 261.

[0118] Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352. The back pack unit 203 is supported openably and closably on the left side (right side in Fig. 6) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened backwards around an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, an external terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left part (upper right part in Fig. 6) of the back pack unit 203.

[0119] The external terminal board 240 is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals for relaying various information transmissions to the hall computer of the game hall, etc. For convenience, no reference numerals are attached, but for example, terminals for outputting information on the current game state (various information indicating the occurrence of a winning state, the occurrence of a winning state in which a time-saving mode is applied, the end of a winning state, the start and end of the fluctuation of the first and second variable displays, the start and end of the time-saving mode, etc.), terminals for outputting information on the opening of the front frame 14 and the inner frame 12 detected by the opening detection switches 91 and 92 described later, terminals for outputting information on various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower tray full error, a tank ball no error, and a payout error, and terminals for outputting information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control device 311 are provided.

[0120] The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes toward the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top are closed and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in this embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to also cover the upper and right parts (the left part in FIG. 6) of the board box 263. As a result, when the back pack unit 203 is in the closed state, the sealing member provided on the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0121] The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 is provided with an opening on the upper side, and the tank 355 is successively replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 having, for example, two horizontal rows of ball passages and gently inclining toward the downstream side is connected, and a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

[0122] In addition, the dispensing mechanism 352 is provided with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays a dispensing command signal from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in a main power source from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with a main power source of, for example, 24V AC via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

[0123] Below the back pack unit 203 (board box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided, which is pivoted on the left side (right side in FIG. 6) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened backward. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage section 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism flow, and a discharge chute (not shown) for discharging the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed at the most downstream part of the discharge passage section 217. That is, the game balls that have won in each winning port of the general winning device 31 etc. are collected through the ball collection mechanism of the back frame set 215, and are further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217. The out port 36 is also connected to the discharge passage section 217, and game balls that have not won in any winning port are also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate entities and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may also be formed integrally.

[0124] 6, the power supply / launch control device 310, the dispensing control device 311, and the CR unit connection board 314 are stacked front to back and removably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251. The power supply / launch control device 310 includes a launch control circuit 312 and a power supply circuit 313, and is housed in a board box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251.

[0125] The dispensing control device 311 is housed in a board box 311a and fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (power supply / launch control device 310). The board box 311a housing the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a sealing member, similar to the board box 263 housing the main control device 261 described above, so that evidence that the board box 311a has been opened remains.

[0126] In addition, the CR unit connection board 314 is housed in a board box 314a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (power supply / launch control device 310). Each of the board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the inside can be seen.

[0127] In addition, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the base box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed in the event of a dispensing error, such as a ball jam in the dispensing motor, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and backward to eliminate the ball jam (return to the normal state).

[0128] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when the power is restored (power is restored), the state before the power outage is restored. Therefore, when the power is cut off in the normal procedure (for example, when the game hall closes), the state before the power outage is stored and retained, so if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while pressing the RAM erase switch 323.

[0129] 7, a locking device 600 is provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 has a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame 14, and the inner frame 12 can be unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 700 and turning it in one direction, and the front frame 14 can be unlocked by turning it in the other direction. In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

[0130] As described above, the right frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 has an extended wall portion 83 formed thereon that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 6). This makes it difficult to insert a wire or the like from the rear side of the outer frame 11 and operate the locking device 600 with the wire or the like. As a result, it is possible to improve defensive performance. Furthermore, the extended wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 6) of the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, and when the inner frame 12 is in the closed state, the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame 14 is provided at the lower right of the front side of the inner frame 12 (to the right of the launching device 60), and as shown in FIG. 6, an inner frame open detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided at the lower right of the rear side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in FIG. 6). The front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can be protruded and retracted from the switch main body, and the front frame open detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame open detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces backward. When the detection unit is in a state where it protrudes from the switch main body, it outputs an ON signal to the main control device 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and retracted into the switch main body, it outputs an OFF signal to the main control device 261. In other words, when the front frame 14 is closed, the detection portion of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back surface of the front frame 14, turning it to the OFF state, and when the front frame 14 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection portion of the inner frame open detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11, turning it to the OFF state, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state.

[0132] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 as the main control means is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is a calculation device. The CPU 501 has a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 502 are executed, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit built in. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into a single chip, and each function may be integrated into a chip.

[0133] The RAM 503 includes a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 501 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 503a.

[0134] In addition, the RAM 503 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply circuit 313, and all data stored in the stack area, working area, and backup area 503a is backed up.

[0135] The backup area 503a is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power off (including the time of power off, same below) so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned on (including the power on when the power is turned on due to the recovery of the power outage, same below). Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 described later when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when a power outage occurs, a power outage process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed.

[0136] Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, and data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0137] The CPU 501 having the built-in ROM 502 and RAM 503 is connected to an input / output port 505 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, the first and second special symbol display devices 43a and 43b, and a normal symbol display device 41, which will be described later. With this configuration, the above-mentioned special symbol display devices 43a and 43b and the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

[0138] In addition, for convenience, various relay boards and the like are not shown, but the input / output port 505 is connected to various detection switches such as the general winning switch 221, the count switches 223a, 223b, the start winning switches 224a, 224b, 224c, the through gate switch 225, the specific winning detection switch 226a, the non-specific winning detection switch 226b, various boards such as the power supply / launch control device 310, the payout control device 311, the sub-control device 262, information display devices such as the reserve display devices 46a, 46b, the normal reserve display device 44, solenoids for opening and closing the variable winning devices 32a, 32b, and a motor for opening and closing the first auxiliary start winning device 33b (wing member 37). In other words, the main control device 261 is provided with multiple terminal parts (board side connectors) for connecting the connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is composed of these terminal parts and the like.

[0139] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) as a sub-control means includes a CPU 551 which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 552 which stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 551, a RAM 553 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 552, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, and also includes various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0140] The input / output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551, the ROM 552, and the RAM 553 via the bus line 555, and is also connected to the display control device 45. Furthermore, the input / output port 554 is connected to the speaker SP, the performance button 125, the cross button 126, the circular illumination unit 102, the error display lamp 104, and the like.

[0141] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on a command signal (e.g., a variable pattern command) sent from the main control device 261, and causes the decorative pattern display device 42 to display. As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second special pattern display devices 43a and 43b controlled by the main control device 261 are configured to inform the player that they have won the jackpot, and the decorative pattern display device 42 controlled by the sub-control device 262 performs a variable display of the decorative pattern 455 as a performance display in accordance with the variable display of the special pattern on the special pattern display devices 43a and 43b.

[0142] The payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511, which is a calculation device, includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0143] The RAM 513 of the dispensing control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 511 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 513a.

[0144] The RAM 513 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from the power supply circuit 313 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all data stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a is backed up. Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a may be backed up, and data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

[0145] The backup area 513a is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc., at the time of power off in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned on. Note that, like the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, an NMI interrupt processing as a power outage processing is immediately executed.

[0146] The working area is provided with a payout permission flag that sets permission for the payout control device 311 to pay out winning balls, a command reception flag that is set when a command sent from the main control device 261 is received, and a command buffer in which commands sent from the main control device 261 are stored.

[0147] The payout permission flag is a flag that sets the payout permission of prize balls, and is turned on when a specific command that permits the payout of prize balls is transmitted from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is turned off when the initial setting process or the state before the power supply is cut off is restored. In this embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command that instructs the initial process of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command that instructs the payout of prize balls, and a payout return command that is transmitted when the main control device 261 is powered back on.

[0148] The command reception flag is a flag that checks whether the dispensing control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Like the dispensing permission flag, it is turned off when the initial setting process is performed or the state is returned to before the power was cut off, and is also turned off when the received command is judged by the command judgment process.

[0149] The command buffer is configured as a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a specified storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area, and when commands have been stored in all of the storage area, the command is updated by returning to the beginning of the storage area. Therefore, when a command is stored or read, the storage pointer and read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and commands are stored and read based on the respective pointers.

[0150] An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and RAM 513 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 515 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a power supply / launch control device 310 (launch control circuit 312), a payout device 358, a CR unit connection board 314, etc.

[0151] The CR unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit (lending switch 121 and return switch 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10, the CR unit (card reader unit, ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like, and the payout control device 311. When information on the ball lending operation by the player to the ball lending operation unit or the CR unit is input to the CR unit and the balance of the game value is stored in a card, which is a recording medium inserted in the CR unit, the balance of the card is subtracted and a payout request signal for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtraction is output to the payout control device 311. The recording medium of the CR unit is not limited to a card type, and may be a coin type or a stick type.

[0152] In addition, the dispensing control device 311 is configured to periodically (e.g., every 2 msec) output a CR unit connection signal indicating that the CR unit connection board 314 and the CR unit are electrically connected to the launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310.

[0153] The launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310 permits or prohibits the launch of game balls by the launch device 60. The launch control circuit 312 is electrically connected to the handle 18, the payout control device 311, and the main control device 261. The launch control circuit 312 is configured to be able to input, from the handle 18, a dial position signal from a variable resistor indicating the rotation operation amount (rotation angle) of the handle 18 (rotation operation body 18a), a touch signal from a touch sensor indicating that the player is touching the handle 18, and a launch switch signal indicating that the player is not operating the stop lever 18b. The launch control circuit 312 is also configured to be able to input, from the payout control device 311, a CR unit connection signal indicating that the CR unit connection board 314 and the CR unit are electrically connected.

[0154] The launch control circuit 312 outputs a launch state signal to the main control device 261 on condition that the touch signal, the launch switch signal, and the CR unit connection signal are input, and the main control device 261 outputs a launch permission signal and a ball feed signal to the launch control circuit 312 on condition that the launch state signal is input. When the launch state signal is input, the main control device 261 outputs a launch permission signal at 0.6 second intervals.

[0155] The launch control circuit 312 is configured to drive the ball sending device 63 and send the game ball to the launch position when a ball sending signal is input. Note that when a preparation ball detection sensor, which is provided in the ball sending device 63 and can detect whether a game ball is present at the launch position, detects that a game ball is already present at the launch position, the ball sending device 63 is not driven (the game ball is not sent to the launch position even if a ball sending signal is received).

[0156] Furthermore, the launch control circuit 312 is configured to drive the launch device 60 (launch solenoid) on the condition that the touch signal, launch switch signal, CR unit connection signal, (dial position signal), and launch permission signal are input. As a result, the game ball set at the launch position is launched by the launch device 60 with a strength based on the dial position signal.

[0157] In addition, the power supply circuit 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power supply interruptions due to power outages or the like, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erasure switch 323.

[0158] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 541 takes in an externally supplied 24-volt AC power supply, generates a +12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supplies to the main control device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. Note that operating power is supplied to the various switches, motors, etc. through the control devices to which they are connected.

[0159] The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and when this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SK1 to the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0160] In addition, the power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the power failure processing, even after the voltage of the DC stable 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

[0161] The RAM clearing switch circuit 543 is a circuit that receives the switch signal of the RAM clearing switch 323 and clears the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM clearing switch 323 is pressed, the RAM clearing switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM clearing signal SK2 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM clearing switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to recovery from a power outage), the data of the RAMs 503, 513 of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 are cleared.

[0162] The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern 455 in the decorative pattern display device 42 according to an instruction from the sub-control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. The input port 527 is connected to an input / output port 554 of the sub-control device 262. The input port 527 is also connected to the CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 via the bus line 530. The VDP 526 is also connected to an output port 529 via the bus line 531, and the output port 529 is connected to the decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device.

[0163] The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, and performs control of the VDP 526 (generation of an internal command for the VDP 526) by analyzing the received command or performing a predetermined calculation process based on the received command. This allows display control in the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0164] The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes the various programs.

[0165] The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42, and the display contents of the decorative pattern display device 42 are changed by rewriting the contents of this video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as patterns to be displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0166] The VDP526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) built into the decorative pattern display device 42. The VDP526 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its actual substance should be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP526 adjusts the timing of the CPU521, video RAM524, etc., and mediates data reading and writing, and reads display data stored in the video RAM524 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0167] Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 as the main control means performs a lottery using various counter information during a game. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, a win / loss random number counter C1 as a win / loss random number generating means used for a big win win / loss lottery to determine whether a big win state is generated, a small win win / loss random number counter C1' as a win / loss random number generating means used for a small win win / loss lottery to determine whether a small win state is generated, a type determination counter C2 used for determining a big win type (type lottery), a variable selection counter C3 used for determining whether a reach state is generated in the decorative pattern display device 42, an initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the win / loss random number counter C1, a first variable type counter CS1 and a second variable type counter CS2 used for determining the variable display time of the first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b, and a normal pattern random number counter C4 used for a winning support lottery to determine whether the second start winning device 33c is opened. The variable selection counter C3 is also used for a lottery of a reach pattern when the decorative pattern display device 42 is changed to a miss state. The fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are also used for selecting a fluctuation pattern (selecting a performance pattern) of the decorative pattern display device 42. In addition, the first fluctuation type counter CS1 and the second fluctuation type counter CS2 may be provided separately for the first fluctuation display and the second fluctuation display.

[0168] Counters C1, C1', C2, C3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and C4 are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value each time they are updated, and return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 (except for random number initial value counter CINI).

[0169] The RAM 503 is provided with a special variable reserve area as a reserve storage means in which the values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1, the small win win / loss random number counter C1', the type determination counter C2, and the variable selection counter C3 are stored, and a normal variable reserve area in which the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 is stored. In this embodiment, the values ​​of the first variable type counter CS1 and the second variable type counter CS2 are also stored in the special variable reserve area. The normal variable reserve area has four reserve areas (reservation 1 to reserve 4 areas) and one execution area. In each reserve area of ​​the normal variable reserve area, the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 is stored in chronological order according to the passing history of the game ball to the through gate 34. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to reserve the variable display in the normal pattern display device 41 up to four times.

[0170] The special variable reserve area includes a first special variable reserve area having four reserve areas (reserve 1 to reserve 4 areas) and one execution area, and a second special variable reserve area having four reserve areas (reserve 1 to reserve 4 areas) and one execution area. In the reserve area of ​​the first special variable reserve area, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, the variation selection counter C3, the first variation type counter CS1, and the second variation type counter CS2 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the game balls in the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b. In the reserve area of ​​the second special variable reserve area, the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1, the small win / lose random number counter C1', the type determination counter C2, the variable selection counter C3, the first variable type counter CS1, and the second variable type counter CS2 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the game balls in the second start winning device 33c. By adopting this configuration, the first variable display can be reserved and stored up to four times, and the second variable display can be reserved and stored up to four times.

[0171] To explain each counter in detail, the win / no-win random number counter C1 is configured to increment by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 596, and after reaching the upper limit value as the closing value (i.e., 596), it returns to the lower limit value of 0 as the opening value. Normally, when the win / no-win random number counter C1 goes through one cycle, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the win / no-win random number counter C1. Note that the initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the win / no-win random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 596), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. Meanwhile, the win / no-win random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the win / no-win random number counter C1 is stored in the win / no-win random number counter buffer. Then, at the time when the game ball wins the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, or the second start winning device 33c, the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer is stored in the special variable holding area.

[0172] In this embodiment, the winning probability of the jackpot lottery does not change depending on the game mode, and the number of values ​​of the winning / losing random number counter C1 that result in a jackpot is three, and the value is "7,207,407." Therefore, the ROM 502 is provided with a winning / losing determination table that stores "7,207,407" as a jackpot value as a winning value storage means that is referenced when determining whether the value of the winning / losing random number counter C1 corresponds to a jackpot.

[0173] The small win / no win random number counter C1' is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 299, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 299) as the closing value, it returns to the lower limit value of 0 as the opening value. The small win / no win random number counter C1' is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the small win / no win random number counter C1' is stored in the small win / no win random number counter buffer. In this embodiment, the small win / no win lottery is not performed when the game ball enters (wins) the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, but is performed when the game ball enters (wins) the second start winning device 33c. Then, at the timing when the game ball enters the second start winning device 33c, the value of the small win / no win random number counter C1' stored in the small win / no win random number counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area.

[0174] In this embodiment, the value of the small win random number counter C1' that becomes a small win is 100, and the value is "50 to 99, 150 to 199". Therefore, the ROM 502 is provided with one small win win judgment table that stores "50 to 99, 150 to 199" as a small win value as a winning value storage means that is referenced when determining whether the value of the small win random number counter C1' corresponds to a small win.

[0175] The type determination counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 19, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 19). In addition, the ROM 502 is provided with a first type determination table and a second type determination table that are referenced when determining which big win type the value of the type determination counter C2 corresponds to. Then, when a big win or a small win is won in the win / lose lottery, the type of win state to be awarded is determined based on the value of the type determination counter C2 (a type lottery is held), and the determined type of win state is awarded.

[0176] The type determination counter C2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the type determination counter C2 is stored in the type determination counter buffer. Then, when the game ball wins the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, or the second start winning device 33c, the value of the type determination counter C2 stored in the type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0177] The variable selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 238). In this embodiment, the variable selection counter C3 is configured to draw a "reach before or after miss" in which the final stop pattern stops just one before or after the reach pattern after the reach state occurs with respect to the decorative pattern 455, a "reach other than before or after miss" in which the final stop pattern stops other than before or after the reach pattern after the reach state occurs, and a "miss (complete miss)" in which the reach state does not occur.

[0178] The variable selection counter C3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the variable selection counter C3 is stored in the variable selection counter buffer. Then, when the game ball wins the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, or the second start winning device 33c, the value of the variable selection counter C3 stored in the variable selection counter buffer is stored in the special variable reservation area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0179] The first variation type counter CS1 is configured to be incremented by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 255, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 255), and the second variation type counter CS2 is configured to be incremented by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 31, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 31). In this embodiment, the variation time is set based on the value of the variation selection counter CS1, and the stop display mode in the special symbol display devices 43a and 43b is determined by the variation type counter CS2.

[0180] The fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time the normal processing described below is executed, and are repeatedly updated during the remaining time of the normal processing. Each time the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated, the values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the first fluctuation type counter buffer and the second fluctuation type counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, or the second start winning device 33c, the values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the first fluctuation type counter buffer and the second fluctuation type counter buffer are stored in the special fluctuation holding area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0181] In this way, by acquiring the value of the variation type counter CS1 at the timing of the start winning, the reserved and stored special chart 1 variation time and special chart 2 variation time of the first variation display or the second variation display can be grasped (pre-read) before the variation starts, and various performances can be performed using the information. In addition, when a configuration in which the variation time is read in advance to perform a performance is not required, the buffer values ​​of CS1 and CS2 may be acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation of the decorative pattern 455 by the decorative pattern display device 42. In addition, the counters used to determine the variation time and variation pattern are not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed for each model.

[0182] The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. In addition, the sizes of the winning / losing random number counter C1, the small winning / losing random number counter C1', the type determination counter C2, the variable selection counter C3, and the variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are all preferably different prime numbers, and are not synchronized in any case.

[0183] The normal symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by 1 within the range of, for example, 0 to 277, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 277). The normal symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through either the left or right through gate 34. In this embodiment, the number of random numbers that win in the low ball entry state is 1, and the range is "0". On the other hand, the number of random numbers that win in the high ball entry state is 277, and the range is "1 to 277". Then, when the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 that wins is acquired, the normal symbol display device 41 displays a variable display for a predetermined time (after the normal symbol lamp constituting the normal symbol display device 41 flashes alternately), and then the display is stopped in a mode (lighting pattern) corresponding to the win, and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b is opened in a pattern corresponding to the game mode at that time.

[0184] Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processes of the CPU 501 are roughly divided into main processing which is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing which is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing which is started by inputting a stop signal to an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing and NMI interrupt processing will be described first, and then the main processing will be described.

[0185] 12 is a flow chart showing the timer interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, for example, every 2 msec. First, in step S301, the process of reading various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main control device 261 is read, and the state of the switch is judged and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved. On the other hand, if there is no detection information, the process proceeds directly to the next process.

[0186] When there is detection information from various winning switches, the value of the corresponding prize ball counter is incremented. In addition, in the external output process of the normal process described later, a prize ball command based on the value of each prize ball counter is output to the payout control device 311, and prize balls are awarded (game balls are paid out) based on the prize ball command. Furthermore, when this prize ball command is output, the value of each prize ball counter is reset.

[0187] In step S302, a random number initial value update process is executed. Specifically, a random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches a maximum value, the counter is cleared to 0.

[0188] In step S303, a random number update process is executed. Specifically, the winning / losing random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, the variable selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of each counter C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0189] Then, in step S304, a start winning process is executed in response to the entry (winning) of the game ball into the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, and the second start winning device 33c, and in step S305, a through gate passing process is executed in response to the passage of the game ball into the through gate 34. In the following step S306, a launch permission command setting process is executed to perform a process such as sending a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310. Furthermore, in step S307, a remaining ball monitoring process is executed to confirm whether or not a game ball remains in the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b. Then, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

[0190] Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 14. The RAM 503 is provided with a first hold counter Na for counting the number of holds of the first variable display triggered by winning the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, and a second hold counter Nb for counting the number of holds of the second variable display triggered by winning the second start winning device 33c.

[0191] In addition, the execution area and each pending area of ​​the first and second special variable pending areas are provided with a win / lose random number memory area which stores the value of the win / lose random number counter C1, a win type random number memory area which stores the value of the type determination counter C2, a reach random number memory area which stores the value of the variable selection counter C3, and first and second variable type random number memory areas which store the values ​​of the first and second variable type counters CS1, CS2.

[0192] First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (won) the second start winning device 33c based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 224c. If the determination in step S501 is affirmative, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the value of the second reserved counter Nb is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the determination in step S501 or S502 is negative, the process proceeds to step S510. On the other hand, if the determination in step S502 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S503, where the second reserved counter Nb is incremented by one.

[0193] In the next step S504, an addition display process is performed on the second hold display device 46b (second hold lamp) corresponding to the hold number of the second variable display being increased by 1. That is, when both of the pair of left and right second hold lamps are turned off, the left second hold lamp is turned on, when the left second hold lamp is turned on and the right second hold lamp is turned off, both the left and right second hold lamps are turned on, when both the left and right second hold lamps are turned on, the left second hold lamp is blinked while the right second hold lamp is turned on, and when the left second hold lamp is blinking and the right second hold lamp is turned on, both the left and right second hold lamps are blinked.

[0194] After step S504, in step S505, the win / loss random number counter C1, the small win / loss random number counter C1', the type determination counter C2, the variable selection counter C3, and the variable type counters CS1 and CS2 (each value stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer, the small win / loss random number counter buffer, the type determination counter buffer, the variable selection counter buffer, and the variable type counter buffer) are stored in the first (smallest numbered) reserved area among the empty reserved areas in the second special variable reserved area (in this example, the win / loss random number storage area, the winning type random number storage area, the reach random number storage area, and the first and second variable type random number storage areas of the reserved first area). After step S505, proceed to step S506.

[0195] In step S506, a win / loss determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area corresponds to a big win or a small win. The details of the win / loss determination process will be described later.

[0196] In the next step S507, when it is determined in step S506 that the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the big win, a second type determination process is performed to determine the type of the big win based on the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area. The details of the second type determination process will be described later.

[0197] Here, the details of the pass / fail determination process in step S506 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0198] First, in step S5101, it is determined whether the value (0 to 596) of the win / lose random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable reserved area matches any of the values ​​"7, 207, 407" stored in the win / lose judgment table. If the result is affirmative in step S5101, the jackpot expected flag of the corresponding reserved area in the special variable reserved area is turned on in step S5102, and then this process is terminated.

[0199] On the other hand, if the result of step S5101 is negative, then in step S5103, it is determined whether the newly stored variation information is the second variation display. If the result of step S5103 is negative, that is, if the newly stored variation information is the reserved storage of the first variation display, then this process ends.

[0200] On the other hand, if the result of step S5103 is affirmative, then in step S5104, it is determined whether the value (0-299) of the small win random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable reserved area matches any of the values ​​"50-99, 150-199" stored in the win / loss determination table. If the result of step S5104 is negative, then this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S5105 is affirmative, then the small win scheduled flag of the corresponding reserved area among the special variable reserved areas is set to on, and then this process ends.

[0201] Next, the second type determination process in step S507 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0202] First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not either the big win scheduled flag or the small win scheduled flag was set to ON in the immediately preceding hit / miss determination process. If the result of step S5301 is NO, this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S5301 is YES, it is determined in step S5302 whether or not the value (0-19) of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches the value "19" corresponding to "10RS". If the result of step S5302 is YES, in step S5303, the "10RS flag" of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variable reserve area is turned ON, and then this process ends.

[0203] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S5302, a judgment is made in step S5304 as to whether the value of the type determination counter C2 is "16 to 18" corresponding to "4RS". If a positive judgment is made in step S5304, the "4RS flag" of the corresponding holding area among the second special variable holding areas is turned on in step S5305, and then this process is terminated.

[0204] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S5304, i.e., if the value of the type determination counter C2 is "0 to 15", in step S5306, the "4RC flag" of the corresponding holding area among the second special variable holding areas is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0205] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 14, in step S508 following step S507, a change time determination process is performed to determine the special chart 2 change time of the second change display. That is, at the timing of the start winning, the change time determination table corresponding to the game mode is referenced, and the special chart 2 change time is grasped based on the value of the first change type counter CS1. The grasped special chart 2 change time is stored in the corresponding reserve area of ​​the second special change reserve area (the value of the first change type counter CS1 in the reserve area is not erased).

[0206] In this embodiment, a mode memory area is provided for reference when determining the game mode. The mode memory area stores either the value "11" or "12," with "11" corresponding to the normal mode and "12" corresponding to the time-saving mode.

[0207] In step S509 following step S508, a setting process of the preceding command is performed. The preceding command includes fluctuation information (information used to determine the contents of the fluctuation display) showing the results of the pass / fail judgment process, the type judgment process, and the fluctuation time judgment process, and information showing whether the fluctuation information corresponds to the first fluctuation display or the second fluctuation display, and is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step S201).

[0208] After the process of step S509, or if the result of step S501 or step S502 is negative, in step S510, whether or not the game ball has won the first normal start winning device 33 and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b is determined based on the detection information of the first normal start winning switch 224a and the first auxiliary start winning switch 224b. If the result of step S510 is negative, this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S510 is positive, in step S511, it is determined whether or not the value of the first reserved counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the winning of the first normal start winning switch 224a and the first auxiliary start winning switch 224b, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the result of step S511 is negative, this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S511 is positive, the process proceeds to step S512, and the first reserved counter Na is incremented by one.

[0209] In the next step S513, an addition display process is performed on the first hold display device 46a (first hold lamp) corresponding to the hold number of the first variable display being increased by one. That is, when both of the pair of left and right first hold lamps are turned off, the left first hold lamp is turned on, when the left first hold lamp is turned on and the right first hold lamp is turned off, both the left and right first hold lamps are turned on, when both the left and right first hold lamps are turned on, the left first hold lamp is blinked while the right first hold lamp is turned on, and when the left first hold lamp is blinking and the right first hold lamp is turned on, both the left and right first hold lamps are blinked.

[0210] After step S513, in step S514, the values ​​of the winning / losing random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, the variable selection counter C3, and the variable type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the empty reserve areas (winning / losing random number storage area, winning type random number storage area, reach random number storage area, and first and second variable type random number storage areas) of the first special variable reserve area. After step S514, proceed to step S515.

[0211] In step S515, a win / loss determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area corresponds to a big win. The details of the win / loss determination process have already been described above.

[0212] In the following step S516, if it is determined in step S515 that the value of the win / lose random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a first type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable pending area.

[0213] Here, the first type determination process of step S516 will be described with reference to Fig. 16(a). First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the big win scheduled flag was set to ON in the immediately preceding hit / miss determination process. If the result of step S5201 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0214] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S5201, the first type determination table is referred to in step S5202 to determine whether the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable reservation area matches the value "19" corresponding to "10RS". If the answer is YES in step S5202, the 10RS flag is turned on in step S5203, and then this process is terminated.

[0215] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S5202, then in step S5204 it is judged whether or not the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable pending area matches the value "0 to 7" corresponding to "4RN". If a positive judgment is made in step S5204, then in step S5205 the 4RN flag is turned on and then this process is terminated. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S5204, then in step S5206 the 4RS flag is turned on and then this process is terminated.

[0216] Returning to the explanation of Figure 14, in step S517 following step S516, if it is determined in step S515 that the value of the hit / miss random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot (is a miss), a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the variable selection counter C3 newly stored in the first special variable pending area.

[0217] Here, the reach judgment process of step S517 will be explained with reference to Fig. 17. First, in step S5401, it is determined whether or not the big win expected flag was set in the hit / miss judgment process performed immediately before. If the result of the judgment in step S5401 is affirmative, this process is terminated.

[0218] On the other hand, if the result of step S5401 is negative, i.e., if it is a miss, then in step S5402, the reach determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 newly stored in the special fluctuation pending area matches either the value "0, 1" corresponding to the "front or rear miss reach." If the result of step S5402 is positive, then in step S5403, the front or rear flag indicating the occurrence of a front or rear miss reach is turned on, and then this process ends.

[0219] On the other hand, if the result of step S5402 is negative, then in step S5404, the reach determination table is referred to and it is determined whether the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 newly stored in the special fluctuation reserve area matches any of the values ​​"2 to 21" corresponding to the "reach other than front and rear misses." If the result of step S5404 is positive, then in step S5405, the non-front and rear flag is turned on and the process is terminated.

[0220] Also, if a negative judgment is made in step S5404, that is, if a "complete miss" occurs in which the variable display ends without going through a reach state, this process is terminated.

[0221] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 14, in step S518 following step S517, a setting process of the first command is performed, and this process ends. The first command includes change information indicating the results of the hit / miss determination process, the type determination process, and the reach determination process, and information indicating whether it is the first change display or the second change display, and is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step S201).

[0222] In this embodiment, the special chart 2 change time of the second change display in the time-saving mode is uniformly set to 180 seconds, but it may be determined by lottery. In that case, after step S517, a change time determination process for determining the special chart 1 change time of the first change display may be performed. That is, the change time determination table corresponding to the game mode is referred to, and the special chart 1 change time is grasped based on the value of the first change type counter CS1. The grasped change time is stored in the corresponding reserve area of ​​the first special change reserve area (the value of the first change type counter CS1 of the reserve area is not erased). Furthermore, in the subsequent setting process of the advance command, the result of the change time determination process is included in the advance command.

[0223] In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first normal start winning device 33a, the first auxiliary start winning switch 224b, or the second start winning device 33c, the value of the winning / losing random number counter C1 and the like are directly stored in the special variable reserve area, and then the winning / losing judgment process and the like are executed, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a temporary storage area may be provided to temporarily store the winning / losing random number counter C1 and the like when the winning / losing random number counter C1 is acquired, and the information stored in the temporary storage area may be stored in the reserve area of ​​the corresponding special variable reserve area after the winning / losing judgment process and the like are executed.

[0224] The process of extracting the values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1, etc. in steps S505 and S514 constitutes the discrimination value extraction process, and the process of storing the extracted values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1, etc. in the special variable reservation area in steps S505 and S514 constitutes the discrimination value storage process. Furthermore, the function of extracting and storing the values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1, etc. constitutes the information acquisition means. Also, the process of determining whether the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 in steps S506 and S515 (steps S5101 and S5104) corresponds to a win or not constitutes the first win / loss discrimination process, and the process of steps S5102 and S5105 that store the discrimination result (set the corresponding flag) constitutes the result storage process.

[0225] Next, the through gate passing process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 18. In step S601, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34 based on the detection information of the through gate switch 225. If a negative determination is made in step S601, this process is terminated.

[0226] On the other hand, if the result of step S601 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34, then in step S602, it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of reserved variable displays performed by the normal symbol display device 41, is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If the result of this determination is negative, then this process ends as is. On the other hand, if the result of step S602 is affirmative, that is, if it is confirmed that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34, and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is less than 4, then the process proceeds to step S603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

[0227] In the next step S604, the normal hold display device 44 (normal hold lamp) performs an addition display process corresponding to the increase of the number of holds in the variable display in the normal pattern display device 41 by one. In other words, when both of the pair of left and right normal hold lamps are off, the left normal hold lamp is turned on, when the left normal hold lamp is on and the right normal hold lamp is off, both left and right normal hold lamps are turned on, when both left and right normal hold lamps are on, the left normal hold lamp is blinked while the right normal hold lamp is turned on, and when the left normal hold lamp is blinking and the right normal hold lamp is on, both left and right normal hold lamps are blinked.

[0228] After step S604, in step S605, a random number related to winning or losing is obtained. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated in the random number update process in step S303 is stored in the first area of ​​the free memory area of ​​the normal variable reserve area of ​​RAM 503. After that, the through gate passing process is terminated.

[0229] Next, the launch permission command setting process in step S306 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0230] First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the firing permission flag indicating that a firing state signal is being received from the firing control circuit 312 is set to ON. The firing state signal is transmitted from the firing control circuit 312 to the main control device 261 when the firing control circuit 312 receives a touch signal from the handle 18, a firing switch signal, and a CR unit connection signal from the payout control device 311.

[0231] If the answer in step S701 is YES, then in step S702, it is determined whether or not a launch state signal has been received. If the answer in step S702 is NO, then in step S703, the launch permission flag is turned off, and then this process is terminated.

[0232] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S702, then in step S704, it is determined whether the value of the launch timer used to measure the interval between launches of the game balls is 0. If the answer is NO in step S704, then in step S707, the value of the launch timer is decremented by 1, and then this process is terminated.

[0233] On the other hand, if the result of step S704 is YES, then in step S705, the main control device 261 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 312. In the following step S706, the launch permission flag is turned off. After step S706, this process ends.

[0234] If the answer in step S701 is NO, then in step S708 it is determined whether or not a launch state signal has been received. If the answer in step S708 is NO, then this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the answer in step S708 is YES, then in step S709 the launch permission flag is set ON.

[0235] In the next step S710, a ball feed signal is sent to the launch control circuit 312. Furthermore, in step S711, the launch timer is set to "300", which corresponds to 0.6 seconds. This allows the game ball to be shot by the launch device 60 after the ball feed device 63 has reliably set the game ball at the launch position, and while the main control device 261 continues to receive a launch state signal from the launch control circuit 312, a launch permission signal is sent from the main control device 261 at 0.6 second intervals, and the game ball is launched by the launch device 60 at 0.6 second intervals. After step S711, this process ends.

[0236] When the launch control circuit 312 receives a launch permission signal from the main control device 261, it determines whether or not it has received all of the touch signal, launch switch signal, and CR unit connection signal from the handle 18 and the payout control device 311, and if the determination is affirmative, it drives the launch device 60 (launch solenoid) and performs a launch process to launch the game ball. The launch control circuit 312 adjusts and controls the launch device 60 with respect to the launch strength (launch speed) of the game ball based on the dial position signal. This allows the game ball to be shot out by the launch device 60 with the adjusted strength.

[0237] In addition, when the launch control circuit 312 receives a ball feeding signal from the main control unit 261, it checks the preparation ball detection sensor which detects whether a game ball has been set at the launch position on the launch rail 61 where the game ball will be launched by the launch device 60, and if it is confirmed that a game ball is not set at the launch position, it drives the ball feeding device 63 and performs a ball feeding process to set the game ball at the launch position.

[0238] 13 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of the main control device 261 at the time of the power outage is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

[0239] That is, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts NMI interrupt processing, and in step S401, stores the power outage occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power outage occurrence information, and ends the NMI interrupt processing.

[0240] The above-mentioned NMI interrupt processing is also executed in the payout control device 311, and the occurrence information of the power outage is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing of Fig. 13. The contents are as described above.

[0241] Next, the flow of main processing executed by CPU 501 in main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 10. This main processing is started in response to a reset when power is turned on.

[0242] First, in step S101, the initial setting process is performed when the power is turned on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and a wait process is performed for about one second, for example, to wait for the sub-side control devices (sub-control device 262, dispensing control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step S102, RAM access is permitted.

[0243] Then, data backup processing is performed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply circuit 313 of the power supply / launch control device 310 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S112 to clear (delete) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S104 to determine whether or not power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If it is not set, the backup data is not stored, and in this case, the process proceeds to step S112 as well. If the power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step S105, and in the next step S106, it is determined whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power interruption, that is, the validity of the backup. If the calculated RAM judgment value does not match the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power interruption, the backed up data is destroyed, and in this case, the process proceeds to step S112 as well.

[0244] In the process of step S112, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-control device 262 and the dispensing control device 311, etc. Then, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step S113, etc.). The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 503. Instead of this RAM judgment value, it is also possible to judge the validity of the backup by whether or not the keyword written in a specified area of ​​the RAM 503 is correctly saved.

[0245] As described above, in the present pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall opens for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM clear switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step S113, etc.). In addition, if the power interruption occurrence information is not set, or if an abnormality in the backup is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to the RAM 503 initialization process (step S113, etc.). That is, in step S113, the used area of ​​the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step S114, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, in step S111, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal process described later.

[0246] On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step S103: NO), the process at the time of power recovery (process at the time of recovery from power failure) is executed on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, and in step S108, the power failure occurrence information is cleared.

[0247] In step S109, a command is sent to restore the sub-side control device to the gaming state at the time of power off. In step S110, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. After that, in step S111, interrupt permission is set and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0248] Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 11. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S201 to S211 is executed as a regular processing with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S212 and S213 is executed in the remaining time.

[0249] First, in step S201, external output processing is executed to transmit control signals to each device based on the settings of the special pattern display devices 43a, 43b and the start winning devices 33a, 33b, 33c, etc., updated in the previous normal processing, and to transmit output data such as commands to each control device on the sub side.

[0250] For example, when starting a variable display on the special pattern display devices 43a and 43b, a variable pattern command is sent to the sub-control device 262 to start a performance variable display such as a variable display of the decorative pattern 455 on the decorative pattern display device 42. The sub-control device 262 that inputs the variable pattern command determines the display mode (variation time, performance pattern, etc.) of the decorative pattern display device 42 based on the various commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display the display mode on the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0251] The fluctuation pattern command includes fluctuation information (information used to determine the contents of the fluctuation display) indicating the results of the hit / miss judgment process, the type judgment process, the reach judgment process, and the fluctuation time judgment process, and information indicating whether the fluctuation information corresponds to the first fluctuation display or the second fluctuation display. In other words, information specifying the fluctuation pattern of the decorative pattern 455, such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach, is included. Meanwhile, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these fluctuation pattern commands and the fluctuation pattern of the decorative pattern 455 in a table. Then, the sub-control device 262 determines the fluctuation pattern of the decorative pattern 455 based on the fluctuation pattern command, and controls the display control device 45, sound, and the like.

[0252] Here, the variation pattern of the decorative pattern 455 will be explained. The "normal reach" is a reach pattern in which no special performance display is made other than the variation display of the decorative pattern 455. The "super reach" is a reach pattern in which characters and the like are displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 in addition to the decorative pattern 455 during the variation display of the decorative pattern 455 (after the reach state is established), thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. The "premium reach" is a performance mode that can be derived only when a big win state occurs, and is performed in a mode in which characters and the like of a different pattern from the super reach are displayed in addition to the decorative pattern 455 during the variation display of the decorative pattern 455 (after the reach state is established), thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. In addition, the "complete miss" is a variation pattern in which the variation display of the decorative pattern 455 is stopped and displayed without entering any reach state.

[0253] In addition, the sub-control device 262 determines the stop pattern (combination of stop patterns) of the variable display of the decorative pattern 455 on the decorative pattern display device 42 based on the information on the variable pattern and the variable time included in the variable pattern command, and stops and displays the display after the variable time has elapsed. In other words, when a time-saving jackpot ("10RS", "4RS") that grants a time-saving mode after the jackpot state ends is won, the variable display is stopped and displayed with a combination of the decorative pattern 455 (combination of winning patterns with time-saving) consisting of any of the repeated numbers 1 to 9. When a normal jackpot ("4RN") that grants a normal mode after the jackpot state ends is won, the variable display is stopped and displayed with a combination of the decorative pattern 455 (combination of winning patterns) consisting of any of the repeated numbers of even numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8. Furthermore, as will be described later in detail, if the time-saving mode is selected, the time-saving mode is set after the jackpot state ends, and if the normal mode is selected, the state-maintaining jackpot ("4RC") is set to the normal mode after the jackpot state ends, and the variable display is stopped and displayed with a combination of decorative symbols 455 (a combination of winning symbols) consisting of an even number of any of 2, 4, 6, or 8. In other words, only when a time-saving jackpot is selected, the variable display can be stopped and displayed with a combination of decorative symbols 455 (a combination of winning symbols) consisting of an odd number of any of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.

[0254] The combination of the front and rear miss symbols corresponds to a "front and rear miss reach" in which the final stop symbol stops with only one symbol shifted before and after the reach symbol after the reach occurs. The combination of symbols other than the front and rear miss corresponds to a "reach other than the front and rear miss" in which the final stop symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol after the reach occurs. The combination of the complete miss symbol corresponds to a "complete miss" in which the reach does not even occur. In addition, the main control device 261 may be configured to set a symbol command specifying any one of a combination of winning symbols, a combination of winning symbols with time reduction, a combination of winning symbols, a combination of front and rear miss symbols, a combination of symbols other than front and rear miss, and a combination of complete miss symbols, and output it to the sub control device 262 together with a variation pattern command. In addition, in this embodiment, the variation display of the decorative symbols 455 with the passage of time is not performed in the time-saving mode, and when the result of the variation display is displayed, the combination of the decorative symbols 455 is displayed as stopped so that the player can easily recognize whether or not he has won.

[0255] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 11, in step S202, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like other counters, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values ​​(255 and 31 in this embodiment), they are cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503.

[0256] In the next step S203, the winning ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

[0257] After that, in step S205, the second special display control process is executed. In this process, the control related to the second special symbol display device 43b is performed, and the determination of the big win or small win, the setting of the variable display in the second special symbol display device 43b and the decorative symbol display device 42, etc. are performed. The details of this second special display control process will be described later.

[0258] In the next step S206, a first special display control process is executed. In this process, control is performed on the first special symbol display device 43a, and a jackpot is determined and variable display settings are made on the first special symbol display device 43a and the decorative symbol display device 42. The details of this first special display control process will be described later.

[0259] In step S207, a variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32a are controlled. The details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

[0260] In step S208, a normal display control process is executed. In this process, control is performed regarding the normal symbol display device 41. The details of this normal display control process will be described later.

[0261] In step S209, a start winning device control process is executed. In this process, control is performed on the second start winning device 33c and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b. The details of this start winning device control process will be described later.

[0262] Thereafter, in step S210, it is determined whether or not power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If power interruption occurrence information is not set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S211 whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this example) has passed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step S201, and the processes from step S201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0263] On the other hand, if the specified time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing (steps S212 and S213).

[0264] That is, in step S212, the random-number initial-value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random-number initial-value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (596 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0265] In step S213, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their maximum values ​​(255 and 31 in this example), they are cleared to 0. The changed values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503.

[0266] Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S210 changes according to the game state, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the win / lose random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the change type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

[0267] If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S210: YES), the power has been cut off, and the processes from step S214 onward are performed as power failure processing when the power is lost. The power failure processing first prohibits the occurrence of each interrupt process in step S214, saves the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 in a stack area in step S215, and stores the value of the stack pointer in the backup area 503a in step S216.

[0268] Then, in step S217, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is sent to other control devices (such as the dispensing control device 311). Then, in step S218, a RAM judgment value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 503. Then, in step S219, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be executed.

[0269] The process of step S210 is executed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed in steps S201 to S209, or at the end of one cycle of the processes of steps S212 and S213 performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in the normal process of the main control device 261, the power interruption occurrence information is confirmed at the end of each process, so the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is smaller than when each process is in the middle, and the data can be stored easily. In addition, when returning to the state before the power interruption, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, so the data can be easily returned, and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the occurrence of an interrupt process is prohibited before the data is stored (step S214), the data at the time of the power interruption can be prevented from being changed, and the state before the power interruption can be reliably stored.

[0270] Next, the first special display control process in step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 20. First, in step S801, it is determined whether the value of a first variable interval timer for measuring the remaining time of a variable interval (a period of time left until the next first variable display is started) set after the first variable display of the first special symbol display device 43a is "0" or not.

[0271] If the result of the positive judgment in step S801 is that it is not a variation interval, in step S802, the progress of the first variation display itself is interrupted, and it is judged whether or not the connection display flag indicating that the first special symbol display device 43a is in a state in which the variation display is continued is set to ON. In this embodiment, when the second variation display that teaches the 4RC big win is stopped and displayed, the first variation display is interrupted, and the interrupted first variation display is resumed after the 4RC big win state ends.

[0272] If the result of step S802 is negative, then in step S803, a win status storage area, which will be described in detail later, is referenced to determine whether the current status is other than the big win status or the small win status.

[0273] In addition, during a winning state (jackpot state, small win state), there is an opening period from when the display mode corresponding to a winning is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 43a or the second special pattern display device 43b until the variable winning devices 32a, 32b are opened, a round period during which the variable winning devices 32a, 32b are in an open state, an interval period during which the variable winning devices 32a, 32b are in a closed state, and an ending period after the final round until the first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b can start changing their display.

[0274] In the hit status memory area of ​​this embodiment, "0" is stored in a state other than the big win state or the small win state, and in the big win state, "1" is stored in the opening period and the interval period, "2" is stored in the round period, and "3" is stored in the ending period. In addition, in the small win state, "4" is stored in the opening period, and "5" is stored in the first round. That is, in the step S803, it is determined whether "0" is stored in the hit status memory area and whether it is in the big win state or the small win state. If the negative determination is made in step S803, that is, if it is in the big win state or the small win state, this process is terminated as it is.

[0275] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S803 is affirmative, in step S804, it is determined whether or not the special symbol 1 display flag indicating that the first variable display is being performed in the first special symbol display device 43a is set to ON. If the result of the determination in step S804 is negative, that is, if the state is not a big win state or a small win state, it is not during the period from the big win instruction of 4RC to the resumption of the first variable display {the period in which an interval (determined display period) is provided after the second variable display}, and it is not during the first variable display, it proceeds to step S805, and it is determined whether or not the first pending counter Na, which counts the number of pending first variable displays triggered by balls entering the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, is greater than 0.

[0276] If the answer in step S805 is YES, in step S806, 1 is subtracted from the first reservation counter Na. In the following step S807, a process of shifting the data stored in the first special variable reservation area is executed. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the reservation areas 1 to 4 of the first special variable reservation area to the execution area side in order, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: reservation area 1 → execution area, reservation area 2 → reservation area 1, reservation area 3 → reservation area 2, reservation area 4 → reservation area 3.

[0277] After step S807, in step S808, a subtraction display process is performed on the first hold display device 46a (first hold lamp) corresponding to the hold number of the first variable display being reduced by one. That is, when both of the pair of left and right first hold lamps are in a blinking state, the left first hold lamp is kept blinking while the right first hold lamp is turned on, when the left first hold lamp is in a blinking state and the right first hold lamp is turned on, when both the left and right first hold lamps are in a turned on state, the right first hold lamp is turned off while the left first hold lamp is kept on, and when the left first hold lamp is turned on and the right first hold lamp is turned off, a process is performed to turn off both the left and right first hold lamps. After step S808, in step S809, a first variable display setting process is performed, and then this process is terminated. Details of the first variable display setting process will be described later.

[0278] Also, if a negative judgment is made in step S805, in step S810, the setting status of the special pattern 2 display flag, which indicates that the second variable display is being performed on the second special pattern display device 43b, is checked to determine whether or not the second variable display is being performed on the second special pattern display device 43b.

[0279] If the result of the positive judgment in step S810 is positive, that is, if the second variation display is in progress, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the result of the negative judgment in step S810 is negative, in step S811, the first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b perform standby display setting (setting of standby display command output to the sub-control device 262, etc.) to derive a display mode corresponding to a variation standby state in which variation display is not being performed (for example, a mode in which only the first and second first special pattern lamps from the right in the lower row or the second special pattern lamp are lit). In other words, the first special pattern display device 43a and the second special pattern display device 43b of this embodiment maintain the stopped mode (in a mode in which the result of the winning / losing lottery is shown) during the variation interval after the variation is stopped, but when the variation interval ends, the display mode is switched to a display mode indicating a variation standby state. After step S811, the process is terminated.

[0280] In addition, the display mode indicating that the decorative pattern display device 42 is in a variable standby state includes a first standby display mode and a second standby display mode, and the sub-control device 262 that has received a standby display command may be configured to first set the decorative pattern display device 42 to the first standby display mode in which the brightness of the decorative pattern display device 42 is maintained and the stop display mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern 455 is maintained almost as it is, and to set a value corresponding to a predetermined time (for example, a value corresponding to 30 seconds) to a standby time measurement timer that measures the time from when the first standby display mode is derived. Furthermore, when the value of the standby time measurement timer is subtracted every predetermined time and becomes "0", the brightness of the decorative pattern display device 42 is darkened and the display mode is simplified (for example, the decorative pattern 455 is not displayed, etc.), and to set the second standby display mode.

[0281] Here, details of the first variable display setting process in step S809 will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0282] First, in step S901, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of ​​the first special variable reserve area is "7,207,407" corresponding to a big win. In step S901, it may be determined whether the first variable display corresponding to a big win is displayed by determining whether the big win scheduled flag of the execution area of ​​the first special variable reserve area is set to ON. In this embodiment, a lottery is performed to determine whether a big win will be generated based on the ball entering the first normal start winning device 33a and the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, but a lottery is not performed to determine whether a small win will be generated.

[0283] If the result of the positive judgment in step S901 is positive, in step S902, the special chart 1 big win confirmation flag indicating that the first variation display corresponding to the big win is being performed is set to ON. In the following step S903, it is judged whether the 10RS flag is set to ON in the execution area of ​​the first special variation reservation area. If the result of the positive judgment in step S903 is positive, the 10RS pattern setting process is performed in step S904. Note that, instead of determining the variation pattern based on flag information such as the 10RS flag in step S903, the variation pattern may be determined by referring to the corresponding table again based on the values ​​of the type determination counter C2 and the variation selection counter C3.

[0284] The pattern setting process is a process for executing a variable display corresponding to the variable information stored in the execution area in the special pattern display devices 43a, 43b and the decorative pattern display device 42, and determines the variable pattern (variable display time, stop mode, presentation pattern, etc.) of the special pattern display devices 43a, 43b and the decorative pattern display device 42, and sets the variable pattern command, etc.

[0285] More specifically, in step S904, first, the mode storage area is checked to grasp the game mode, and the special chart 1 variation time determination table to be referenced is selected. Then, the selected special chart 1 variation time determination table is referenced, and the special chart 1 variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the first special variation reservation area. In addition, the determined special chart 1 variation time is stored (associated) with the execution area of ​​the first special variation reservation area. In this embodiment, the special chart 1 variation time of the time-saving mode is uniformly 180 seconds, but a special chart 1 variation time determination table corresponding to the time-saving mode may be provided and the special chart 1 variation time may be determined by referring to the special chart 1 variation time determination table.

[0286] Furthermore, a reach pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern and the special chart 1 fluctuation time. Then, information including the first fluctuation display, 10RS, the determined reach pattern, and the fluctuation time is set in a fluctuation pattern command (first fluctuation pattern command). In this embodiment, the main control device 261 determines the reach pattern of the decorative pattern display device 42, but in order to reduce the burden on the main control device 261, the main control device 261 does not determine the reach pattern, and the fluctuation pattern command may be configured to include information on whether it is the first fluctuation display or the second fluctuation display, information indicating the fluctuation pattern (information that can be determined as to whether it is a big win, a small win, 10RS, 4RS, 4RN, 4RC, a reach that misses before and after, a reach that does not miss before and after, or a complete miss), and information indicating the fluctuation time.

[0287] After step S904, in step S913, a special pattern 1 display in progress flag is set to on, indicating that the first variable display is in progress in the first special pattern display device 43a, and in step S914, the remaining time (remaining period) of the first variable display (first display) is set to a value corresponding to the special pattern 1 variable time in the special pattern 1 display timer, and then this processing is terminated.

[0288] Also, if the result of step S903 is negative, in step S905, it is determined whether or not the 4RS flag is set on in the execution area of ​​the first special variable pending area. If the result of step S905 is positive, in step S906, the 4RS pattern setting process is performed. After step S906, in step S913, the special chart 1 display flag is set on, and in step S914, a value corresponding to the special chart 1 variable time is set for the special chart 1 display timer, and then this process is terminated.

[0289] Also, if the result of step S905 is negative, a 4RN pattern setting process is performed in step S907. After step S907, in step S913, the special chart 1 display flag is set to on, and in step S914, a value corresponding to the special chart 1 variable time is set for the special chart 1 display timer, and then this process is terminated.

[0290] If the result of step S901 is negative, then in step S908, the execution area of ​​the first special variable pending area is taken into consideration and it is determined whether the front and rear flag (see reach determination process in FIG. 17) is on. If the result of step S908 is positive, that is, if it is a "front and rear missed reach", then the front and rear reach pattern setting process is performed in step S909, and then this process is terminated via steps S913 and S914.

[0291] If the result of step S908 is negative, the execution area of ​​the first special variable reserve area is taken into consideration and it is determined in step S910 whether the non-front / back flag is on. If the result of step S910 is positive, that is, if it is a "reach other than front / back miss", a non-front / back reach pattern setting process is performed in step S911, and then this process is terminated via steps S913 and S914.

[0292] Also, if the result of step S910 is negative, that is, if the result is a "complete miss", then a miss fluctuation pattern setting process is performed in step S912, and then this process is terminated via steps S913 and S914.

[0293] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 20, if the result of step S804 is affirmative, that is, if the first variable display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S812, where the subtraction process of the special chart 1 display timer is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the special chart 1 display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, if the variable time is 6 seconds (6000 msec), "1500" is set for the special chart 1 display timer, and 1 is subtracted every 4 msec.

[0294] Next, proceed to step S813, and determine whether the special chart 1 variable time has elapsed by taking into consideration the value of the special chart 1 display timer after the above subtraction. At this time, when the special chart 1 variable time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the special chart 1 display timer becomes "0", step S813 is judged to be positive.

[0295] If the result of step S813 is negative, then in step S818, a switching display setting is performed to continue the switching display (variable display) of the first special symbol display device 43a. Also, if the result of step S802 is positive, then the process proceeds to step S818. The situation in which a positive determination is made in step S802 is during the 4RC jackpot state, during which the variable display of the first special symbol display device 43a is continued, and the variable display of the first special symbol display device 43a is continued from the first variable display before the 4RC jackpot state, and is continued to the first variable display after the 4RC jackpot state.

[0296] In addition, based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, in the external output process in the next normal process, a control signal to switch display is output to the first special symbol display device 43a. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the first special symbol display device 43a at the timing of the first special display control process, that is, every 4 ms. After step S818, this process ends.

[0297] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S813 is affirmative, the special symbol 1 display flag is turned off in step S814, and the special symbol 1 stop display setting is performed in step S815 to perform a stop display on the first special symbol display device 43a. Based on the setting contents of this special symbol 1 stop display setting, a control signal to perform a stop display is output to the first special symbol display device 43a in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, in the first special symbol display device 43a, the mode corresponding to each big win type, loss, etc. set in the first variable display setting process is stopped and displayed.

[0298] After step S815, in step S816, the sub-control device 262 is set to a special symbol 1 stop command that causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to stop display. This makes it possible to more reliably synchronize the stop timing of the first special symbol display device 43a and the decorative symbol display device 42. However, since the stop mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 has already been determined by the sub-control device 262 by the variable pattern command output at the start of the variable display, there is no need to add information regarding the stop mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 again. Also, to repeat, the stop display by the special symbol display devices 43a and 43b is the main display, and the display of the decorative symbol 455 by the decorative symbol display device 42 is merely auxiliary (for performance). Next, in step S817, a special symbol 1 discrimination information setting process is performed to set the initial setting of the winning state and the switching setting of the game mode, and then this process is terminated.

[0299] Here, the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process in step S817 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. First, in step S1001, the execution area of ​​the first special variable reserve area is referenced to determine whether the special chart 1 jackpot confirmation flag is set to on. If the result of the positive determination in step S1001 is affirmative, the special chart 1 jackpot confirmation flag is turned off in step S1002, and a jackpot in progress flag indicating that the jackpot state is in progress (a special chart 1 jackpot in progress flag indicating that a jackpot has been achieved in the first variable display stored in the first special variable reserve area) is turned on in step S1003.

[0300] In the next step S1004, the execution area of ​​the first special variable reserve area is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the 10RS flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S1004 is affirmative, in step S1005, "10" is set to a round number counter for determining the number of rounds executed during the big win state (the number of times the first variable winning device 32a is opened).

[0301] On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step S1004, the round number counter is set to "4" in step S1006.

[0302] After step S1005 or step S1006, in step S1007, "1" is set in the winning status storage area. Furthermore, in step S1008, a value "2000" corresponding to an opening period of, for example, 8 seconds is set in a special variable timer used for control during the winning state (opening / closing control of the first variable winning device 32a). Next, in step S1009, "8" indicating the maximum number of balls that enter per round is set in a winning counter for counting the number of game balls that enter the first variable winning device 32a. Furthermore, during the switch reading process of the timer interrupt processing (see Figure 12), the value of the winning counter is determined based on the detection information of the first count switch 223a or the second count switch 223b to determine whether or not a ball has entered the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b corresponding to the relevant round, and is decremented by one if it is determined that a ball has entered the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b.

[0303] After that, in step S1010, an opening command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of the winning state. The opening command includes information on the winning type, etc., so that the sub-control device 262 can also grasp the total number of rounds in the winning state, etc.

[0304] After step S1010, in step S1011, it is determined whether or not the special chart 2 display flag is set to on. If a negative determination is made in step S1011, in step S1022, the value of the second variation interval is set to "0", and then this process is terminated.

[0305] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S1011 is affirmative, in step S1012, the special symbol 2 display flag is turned off, and in step S1013, a process is performed to forcibly stop and display the second variable display of the second special symbol display device 43b in a manner corresponding to a "miss" (forcibly terminate and stop). In other words, when the first variable display is stopped and displayed in a manner that indicates a big win, the second variable display that is changing is forcibly terminated (erased) regardless of its content, so that after the big win state ends, a new variable display is also started for the second variable display.

[0306] Furthermore, in step S1014, the value of the special chart 2 display timer is set to "0." In addition, in order to inform the sub-control device 262 side to stop displaying the second variable display, in step S1015, a special chart 2 forced stop command is set, and then this process is terminated.

[0307] Also, if the result of the negative determination in step S1001 is negative, in step S1016, a value corresponding to the variable interval (fixed display period) is set for the first variable interval timer. In this embodiment, the variable interval (fixed display period) of the first variable display is set to "1 second" in the normal mode, and "5 seconds" in the time-saving mode. In the variable interval, the special pattern display devices 43a and 43b maintain the state of being stopped during the variable interval, the decorative pattern 455 of the decorative pattern display device 42 basically maintains the state of being stopped during the variable interval (the state of being slightly oscillated is continued), and the auxiliary patterns 471 and 472 of the decorative pattern display device 42 continue to fluctuate until the end of the variable interval (fixed display period) of the corresponding variable display, and are displayed stopped at the timing of the end of the variable interval. When the variable interval ends and the variable display is reserved and stored, the variable display in the special pattern display devices 43a and 43b, the performance variable display in the decorative pattern display device 42, and the auxiliary variable display are simultaneously started. On the other hand, if the variable display is not reserved and stored even after the variable interval ends, the stop state of the decorative pattern 455 and auxiliary patterns 471 and 472 of the decorative pattern display device 42 continues to be derived for a while, and then it switches to a display waiting for the game (demo screen display). Also, if the decorative pattern 455 is displayed as a combination of even numbers in the variable display of the decorative pattern display device 42, a re-draw performance may be performed during the variable interval (including the variable interval) in which the combination of the decorative pattern 455 may be converted to an odd number (it may be configured to always be converted when derived).

[0308] After step S1016, in step S1017, it is determined whether or not "12" is stored in the mode storage area, that is, whether or not the game mode is the time-saving mode. If the determination in step S1017 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0309] On the other hand, if the result of step S1017 is affirmative, the value of the fluctuation counter is decremented by 1 in step S1018 to measure the duration of the time-saving mode (the number of fluctuations remaining until the upper limit is reached). In this embodiment, the upper limit of the time-saving mode is set to the time when the first fluctuation display is performed once (or 0 times in some cases) or the second fluctuation display is performed 100 times (basically, the first fluctuation display ends once and the time-saving mode ends before the second fluctuation display reaches 100).

[0310] In the next step S1019, it is determined whether the value of the fluctuation counter is "0". If the result of the negative determination in step S1019 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the positive determination in step S1019 is positive, the mode storage area is set to "11" in step S1020, which indicates that the mode is normal. That is, since the upper limit of the time-saving mode has been reached, the time-saving mode is ended and the mode is switched to normal. After the step S1020, in step S1021, the time-saving lamp 48 is turned off, and in step S1022, a support end command is set to notify the sub-control device 262 of the transition to the normal mode (the end of the high ball entry mode), and then the process ends. Note that the configuration of the time-saving lamp 48 and the mode corresponding to the game mode are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately changed for each model. For example, the time-saving mode may be lighting and the normal mode may be flashing, or the normal mode may be turning the light off for 2 seconds and turning it on for 1 second repeatedly, and the time-saving mode may be turning the light off for 1 second and turning it on for 2 seconds repeatedly.

[0311] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 20, if the result of step S801 is negative, that is, if it is within the period of the fluctuation interval, then in step S819, the value of the first fluctuation interval timer is subtracted by 1. For example, if the fluctuation interval is 1 second (1000 msec) and the first fluctuation interval timer is set to "249 (or "250" if step S819 is configured to be performed before step S801), then in this process, the value of the first fluctuation interval timer is subtracted by "1" every 4 msec, and becomes "0" after 1 second.

[0312] After step S819, in step S820, it is determined whether the value of the first variable interval timer is "0." If the result of step S820 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S820 is positive, the process sets the first confirmed display command in step S821, and then ends the process.

[0313] Next, the second special display control process (step S205) of the normal process (see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG. 23. In this embodiment, the second special symbol display device 43b is configured to set the variation interval of the second variation display, but it may be configured not to set it.

[0314] First, in step S1601, it is determined whether the value of the second variable interval timer for measuring the remaining time of the variable interval set after the second variable display of the second special symbol display device 43b is "0". If the result of the negative determination in step S1601 is that the time is within the period of the variable interval of the second variable display, the value of the second variable interval timer is decremented by 1 in step S1616. Furthermore, in step S1617, it is determined whether the value of the second variable interval timer is "0" or not. If the result of the negative determination in step S1617 is that the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the result of the positive determination in step S1617 is that the second fixed display command indicating that the interval period (fixed display period) of the second variable display has ended is set to the sub-control device 262 in step S1618, and then the process ends.

[0315] On the other hand, if the result of step S1601 is affirmative, that is, if it is not the second variable display variation interval, then in step S1602, it is determined whether the value of the win status storage area is "0", that is, whether it is in a state other than the big win state or the small win state. If the result of step S1602 is negative, that is, if it is in the big win state or the small win state, then this process ends.

[0316] On the other hand, if the result of step S1602 is affirmative, in step S1603, it is determined whether or not the special symbol 2 display flag indicating that the second variable display is in progress is set to on in the second special symbol display device 43b. If the result of step S1603 is negative, that is, if the state is not a big win or small win state and the second variable display is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S1604, where it is determined whether or not the second pending counter Nb, which counts the number of pending second variable displays triggered by the ball entering the second start winning device 33c, is greater than 0.

[0317] If the result of step S1604 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S1604 is positive, one is subtracted from the second reserved counter Nb in step S1605. In the following step S1606, a process of shifting the data stored in the second special variable reserved area is executed. In this data shift process, the data stored in the reserved first area of ​​the second special variable reserved area is shifted to the execution area, the data stored in the reserved second area is shifted to the reserved first area, the data stored in the reserved third area is shifted to the reserved second area, and the data stored in the reserved fourth area is shifted to the reserved third area.

[0318] After step S1606, in step S1607, a subtraction display process is performed on the second hold display device 46b (second hold lamp) corresponding to the hold number in the second variable display being reduced by one. In other words, a process is performed to turn off the second hold lamp. After step S1607, in step S1608, a second variable display setting process is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0319] Here, details of the second variable display setting process of step S1608 will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0320] First, in step S1701, it is determined whether the value of the win / lose random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of ​​the second special variable reservation area is "7, 207, 407" corresponding to a big win. In step S1701, it may be determined whether the second variable display corresponding to a big win is displayed by determining whether the big win scheduled flag of the execution area of ​​the second special variable reservation area is set to on.

[0321] If the result of the determination in step S1701 is affirmative, a special chart 2 big win confirmation flag indicating that the second variable display corresponding to the big win is being performed is set to ON in step S1702. In the following step S1703, it is determined whether or not the 10RS flag is set to ON in the execution area of ​​the second special variable reserve area. If the result of the determination in step S1703 is affirmative, a 10RS pattern setting process is performed in step S1704.

[0322] If the answer at step S1703 is NO, then at step S1705 it is determined whether or not the 4RS flag is set to ON. If the answer at step S1705 is YES, then at step S1706 a 4RS pattern setting process is performed, and if the answer at step S1705 is NO, then at step S1707 a 4RC pattern setting process is performed.

[0323] As described above, the pattern setting process is a process for executing a variable display corresponding to the variable information stored in the execution area in the special pattern display devices 43a, 43b and the decorative pattern display device 42, and determines the variable pattern (variable display time, stop mode, presentation pattern, etc.) of the special pattern display devices 43a, 43b and the decorative pattern display device 42, and sets the variable pattern command, etc.

[0324] However, as will be described in more detail later, in the time-saving mode of this embodiment, the time of the second performance display corresponding to the second variable display may be associated with the content of the variable display (win / lose in the win / lose lottery and the type of win), and basically, the special chart 2 variable time is set according to the content of the variable display, as shown in Figure 52(a). In other words, if the second fluctuation display is "10RS", it is set to one of the fluctuation patterns of 30 to 40 seconds; if it is "4RC", it is set to one of the fluctuation patterns of 15 to 25 seconds; if it is "4RS", it is set to one of the fluctuation patterns of 15 to 25 seconds (if the CS1 value is "0 to 149") and 30 to 40 seconds (if the CS1 value is "150 to 255"); if it is "completely off", it is set to one of the fluctuation patterns of 5 to 13 seconds; if it is "other than off before or after", it is set to one of the fluctuation patterns of 5 to 13 seconds (if the CS1 value is "20 to 255") and 30 to 40 seconds (if the CS1 value is "0 to 19"); and if it is "off before or after", it is set to one of the fluctuation patterns of 30 to 40 seconds.

[0325] In the time-saving mode of this embodiment, the decorative pattern display device 42 basically performs a performance display corresponding to the second variable display. In the time-saving mode, the decorative pattern 455 is derived (displayed) at least when the second variable display is stopped, but there are patterns in which the decorative pattern is not derived from the start of the second variable display until just before its end. In the time-saving mode, the decorative pattern display device 42 may be configured to start the variable display of the decorative pattern based on the start of the second variable display, and end (stop display) the variable display of the decorative pattern based on the end of the second variable display.

[0326] After step S1704, step S1706, or step S1707, in step S1712, a special pattern 2 display flag indicating that the second variable display is in progress in the second special pattern display device 43b is set to on, and in step S1713, a value corresponding to the special pattern 2 variable time is set to the special pattern 2 display timer, which measures the remaining time of the second variable display, and then this processing is terminated.

[0327] Also, if the result of the negative judgment in step S1701 is negative, in step S1708, it is judged whether the value of the small win win / no win random number counter C1' stored in the execution area of ​​the second special variable hold area is "77-91, 177-191" corresponding to a small win. If the result of the positive judgment in step S1708 is positive, in step S1709, a small win confirmation flag indicating that the second variable display corresponding to a small win is being performed is set to ON. In the following step S1710, a small win pattern setting process is performed. In the small win pattern setting process, as in the various pattern setting processes described above, the variable patterns (variable display time, stop mode, performance pattern, etc.) of the special symbol display devices 43a, 43b and the decorative symbol display device 42 are determined, and a variable pattern command including information indicating that it is the second variable display, the variable pattern (small win), and information on the variable time are set.

[0328] After steps S1710 and S1711, the special chart 2 display flag is turned off in step S1712, and the special chart 2 display timer is set in step S1713, after which this processing is terminated.

[0329] Returning to the explanation of Figure 23, if a positive judgment is made in step S1603, i.e., if the second variable display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1609, where a subtraction process is performed on the special chart 2 display timer.

[0330] Next, proceed to step S1610, and determine whether the special chart 2 variable time has elapsed by taking into consideration the value of the special chart 2 display timer after the above subtraction. At this time, when the special chart 2 variable time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the special chart 2 display timer becomes "0", step S1610 is judged to be positive.

[0331] If the result of step S1610 is negative, in step S1615, a switching display setting is performed to continue the switching display (second variable display) of the second special symbol display device 43b. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal to perform switching display is output to the second special symbol display device 43b in the external output process in the next normal process. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the second special symbol display device 43b at the timing of the second special display control process, that is, every 4 ms. After step S1615, this process ends.

[0332] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S1610 is affirmative, the special symbol 2 display flag is turned off in step S1611, and the special symbol 2 stop display setting is performed in step S1612 to perform a stop display on the second special symbol display device 43b. Based on the setting contents of this special symbol 2 stop display setting, a control signal to perform a stop display is output to the second special symbol display device 43b in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, in the second special symbol display device 43b, the mode corresponding to each big win type, small win, miss, etc. set in the second variable display setting process is stopped and displayed.

[0333] In addition, after step S1612, in step S1613, a special symbol 2 stop command is set to the sub-control device 262 to stop displaying the decorative symbol display device 42. This makes it possible to more reliably synchronize the stop timing of the second special symbol display device 43b and the decorative symbol display device 42.

[0334] Next, in step S1614, a special chart 2 discrimination information setting process is performed to set the initial winning state and the game mode switching setting, and then this process is terminated.

[0335] Here, the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process in step S1614 will be described with reference to Fig. 25. First, in step S1801, the execution area of ​​the second special variable reserve area is referenced to determine whether or not the small win confirmation flag is set to ON. If the result of the positive determination in step S1801 is affirmative, the small win confirmation flag is turned OFF in step S1802, and the small win in progress flag indicating that the small win state is in progress is turned ON in step S1803. Furthermore, in step S1804, "4" is set in the win status storage area, indicating that the small win state is in the opening period.

[0336] In the next step S1805, the execution area of ​​the second special variable reserve area is referenced to determine whether the 10RS flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S1805 is affirmative, then in step S1806, the round number counter for determining the number of rounds executed during the winning state is set to "10". On the other hand, if the determination in step S1805 is negative, then in step S1807, the round number counter is set to "4".

[0337] After steps S1806 and S1807, in step S1808, a value "2000" corresponding to the opening period of the small winning state (8 seconds in this example) is set to the special variable timer used for control during the winning state (opening and closing control of the variable winning devices 32a and 32b). Furthermore, in step S1809, "8" indicating the maximum number of balls that enter per round is set to the winning counter for counting the number of game balls that enter the variable winning devices 32a and 32b.

[0338] Then, in step S1810, the value of the second variation counter is decremented by 1. In this embodiment, since the game mode is not changed only by winning a small win, the remaining number of times in the time-saving mode is decremented by 1 even when the variation display of the small win is finished. The decrement process of the variation counter may be configured to be performed only when "12" is stored in the mode storage area, or may be configured to be performed at the end of the small win state. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls that can be obtained is the same in the first round of the small win state and in the rounds of other big win states, but the number of prize balls that can be obtained in the first round of the small win state may be configured to be relatively small.

[0339] In the next step S1811, a small win opening command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of the small win state. The small win opening command includes information indicating the type of small win (whether it will be 10RS, 4RS, or 4RC when it transitions to the big win state) or information indicating the opening time of the first round, so that the sub-control device 262 can also grasp the progress of the small win state.

[0340] After step S1811, in step S1812, it is determined whether the special chart 1 display flag is set to ON. If the result is negative in step S1812, that is, if a winning instruction is given in the second variable display while the first variable display is not being performed, the value of the special chart 1 variable interval timer is set to "0" in step S1821 so that there is no remaining first variable interval period after the end of the jackpot state, assuming that the player has won the second winning / losing lottery during the first variable interval period, and then this process is terminated. When switching from the normal mode to the time-saving mode, a jackpot state of four or more rounds is sandwiched between the two, and by going through the four-round jackpot state in which the player hits the right, at least two or three balls can be expected to enter the first auxiliary start winning device 33b, which opens and closes at regular intervals, during the jackpot state. For this reason, if the game is played normally, the time-saving mode will start with the first variable display on hold. Of course, taking into consideration the fact that if the player does not hit the game ball to the right in the jackpot state, he or she will not receive the prize balls that were in the jackpot state and will be at a disadvantage, that the player will not transition to the jackpot state unless the game ball is hit to the right during the small jackpot state and made to enter the specific ball entry section 145, and that the time-saving mode will not progress unless the game ball is hit to the right during the time-saving mode and made to enter the second start winning device 33c, there will be almost no situation in which the time-saving mode progresses without the first variable display being executed.

[0341] On the other hand, if the result of step S1812 is affirmative, the execution area of ​​the second special variation pending area is referenced in step S1813 to determine whether the 4RC flag is set to on. If the result of step S1813 is negative, that is, if it corresponds to "10RS" or "4RS", the special chart 1 display flag is turned off in step S1814. In other words, regardless of the remaining time or content of the first variation display (whether the winning or losing lottery was successful, etc.), the first variation display is (forced) to end. Note that the content of the forcedly terminated first variation display (the result of the first winning or losing lottery) is not reflected in the game.

[0342] Furthermore, in step S1815, the value of the special chart 1 display timer is stored in the time storage area at the time of the end of the variation. In this embodiment, the time-saving mode does not reveal whether "4RS" or "4RC" has been won, and has a performance and playability that makes the player think that the remaining time of the time-saving mode may be longer than the time instructed. In other words, the time-saving mode of this embodiment basically ends (transitions to normal mode) when one first variation display set as the upper limit is executed to the end and ends (completion). In addition, the special chart 1 variation time of the time-saving mode is uniformly 180 seconds. Here, if "4RS" is won in response to the second variation display of the time-saving mode, the first variation display being executed is forcibly terminated, and a new first variation display is set after the big win ends, and the time-saving mode is also reset. As a result, after the big win ends, the time-saving mode with the remaining 180 seconds will start. On the other hand, if you win "4RC" in response to the second variable display of the time-saving mode, the first variable display is only temporarily suspended, and after the big win state ends, the first variable display that was being executed until the big win state is executed is resumed. In other words, for example, if the big win state of "4RC" is executed when the special chart 1 variable time, and therefore the time-saving mode, is 60 seconds remaining, the first variable display for the remaining 60 seconds will be resumed after the big win state ends, in other words, the time-saving mode for the remaining 60 seconds will be started.

[0343] Here, a longer remaining time in the time-saving mode is more advantageous for the player, and the player is interested in whether the remaining time in the time-saving mode has been reset based on the occurrence of the jackpot state. In this embodiment, even if "4RS" is won, the decorative pattern display device 42 does not provide any information, and after the jackpot state ends, a presentation pattern is provided in which the remaining time display that informs the player of the remaining time in the time-saving mode after the jackpot state ends displays not the actual reset time, but the remaining time that was displayed before the jackpot state was executed, in the same way as when "4RC" is won (as if "4RC" was won). The information stored in the variable end time storage area is used when executing such a presentation pattern.

[0344] Following step S1815, in step S1816, a process is performed to forcibly stop (forcefully terminate / stop) the first variable display of the first special symbol display device 43a in a manner corresponding to a "miss". In other words, when the second variable display is stopped in a manner that indicates a win, the first variable display being changed is forcibly terminated (erased) regardless of the content (win or lose of the first win / lose lottery, etc.), so that a new variable display is started for the first variable display after the win state ends.

[0345] After that, in step S1817, the value of the special chart display timer is set to "0". Furthermore, in order to inform the sub-control device 262 side that the first variable display is forcibly terminated (stopped), in step S1818, a special chart 1 forced stop command is set, and then this process is terminated. The special chart 1 forced stop command also includes information on the remaining time (for fake) of the first variable display stored in the variable end time storage area.

[0346] Also, if the result of the positive judgment in step S1813, that is, if the result corresponds to "4RC", in step S1819, a connection display flag indicating that the display mode of the first special symbol display device 43a is to be the mode in which the first variable display remains variable (keeps the switching display) is set to ON. Furthermore, in order to inform the sub-control device 262 side that the first variable display is temporarily stopped (interrupted), a special symbol 1 interruption command is set in step S1820, and then this process is terminated.

[0347] Also, if the result of step S1801 is negative, in step S1822, the execution area of ​​the second special variable reserve area is referenced to determine whether the special chart 2 big win confirmation flag is set to on. If the result of step S1822 is positive, in step S1823, the special chart 2 big win confirmation flag is turned off, and in step S1824, the special chart 2 big win flag indicating that the big win state is in progress is turned on. Furthermore, in step S1825, the execution area of ​​the second special variable reserve area is referenced to determine whether the 10RS flag is set.

[0348] If an affirmative decision is made in step S1825, then in step S1826 the round number counter is set to "10." On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step S1825, then in step S1827 the round number counter is set to "4."

[0349] After step S1826 and step S1827, in step S1828, the winning status storage area is set to "1", which indicates a state of waiting for the opening of the first variable winning device 32a. Furthermore, in step S1829, the special variable timer is set to a value of "2000", which corresponds to the opening period of the big win state (8 seconds in this example). Then, in step S1830, the winning counter is set to "8".

[0350] After that, in step S1831, an opening command is set. After step S1831, the processes in and after step S1812 are executed, and then this process ends.

[0351] Furthermore, if a negative judgment is made in step S1822, then in step S1832, a value equivalent to the variable interval (determined display period) is set for the second variable interval timer. In this embodiment, the variable interval (determined display period) for the second variable display is set to 0.4 seconds during time-saving mode and 0.1 seconds during normal mode. Next, in step S1833, it is determined whether or not "12" is stored in the mode memory area, i.e., whether or not the time-saving mode is selected. If a negative judgment is made in step S1833, then this process is terminated.

[0352] On the other hand, if the result of the step S1833 is affirmative, the value of the second variation counter is decremented by 1 in step S1834. In the following step S1835, it is determined whether the value of the second variation counter is "0". If the result of the step S1835 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the step S1835 is affirmative, that is, if the upper limit of the variation of the second variation display in the time-saving mode is reached after the end of the big win state, "11" indicating the normal mode is set in the mode storage area in step S1836. After the step S1836, the process of turning off the time-saving lamp is performed in step S1837, and in step S1838, a support end command is set to notify the sub-control device 262 of the transition to the normal mode (the end of the high ball entry mode), and then the process ends.

[0353] Next, the variable winning device control process for opening and closing the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b in step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0354] First, in step S1201, it is determined whether the value set in the winning status storage area is "0" or not, thereby determining whether the state is other than the winning state. If the determination in step S1201 is affirmative, that is, if the state is not a winning state, this process ends as it is. Incidentally, at the start of the big win state or the small win state, "1" or "4" is set in the winning status storage area in the first and second determination information setting processes.

[0355] On the other hand, if the result of step S1201 is negative, that is, if the player is in a winning state (if any of "1" to "5" is set in the winning status memory area), the process proceeds to step S1202, where the value of the special variable timer is decremented by 1. In the following step S1203, it is determined whether the value of the special variable timer is "0." If the result of step S1203 is positive, it is determined in step S1204 whether "1" is set in the winning status memory area.

[0356] If the result of step S1204 is affirmative, then in step S1205, the winning status storage area is set to "2." In the following step S1206, the special variable timer is set to a value of "7500" corresponding to the time (30 seconds) for which the first variable winning device 32a is to be kept open.

[0357] After step S1206, in step S1207, a first opening process is performed to open the first variable winning device 32a, and in step S1208, a round command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of a round. Then, this process is terminated.

[0358] If the result of step S1204 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1209, where it is determined whether or not "4" is set in the winning status storage area. In this embodiment, "4" is set in the winning status storage area during the opening period of the small winning state.

[0359] If the result of step S1209 is negative, then in step S1210, it is determined whether or not "3" is set in the win status memory area. Note that, as will be described in detail later, when all rounds in the big win state end and the ending period starts, "3" is set in the win status memory area. If the result of step S1210 is negative, that is, if it is not yet time to end the big win state, then in step S1211, the value of the round number counter is decremented by 1.

[0360] In the next step S1212, it is determined whether or not "5" is set in the winning status storage area. In this embodiment, "5" is set in the winning status storage area during the round period (first round) in the small winning state.

[0361] If the result of step S1212 is negative, then in step S1213 it is determined whether the value of the round number counter is "0." If the result of step S1213 is negative, i.e., if there are still rounds to be played, then in step S1214 "1" is set in the win status storage area. Then, in step S1215, a value of "250" corresponding to the interval time (1 second) is set in the special variable timer.

[0362] In the next step S1216, the winning counter is set to "8". Furthermore, in step S1217, a first closing process is performed to close the first variable winning device 32a, and in step S1218, an interval command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of an interval. After that, this process is terminated.

[0363] Also, if the result of the positive determination in step S1209 is that the opening period of the small win state has ended, "5" is set in the win status storage area in step S1219. After that, in step S1220, a value "7500" corresponding to the time of the round period (30 seconds) is set in the special variable timer.

[0364] In the next step S1221, a second opening process is performed to open the second variable winning device 32b. Furthermore, in step S1222, the distribution device 147 of the second variable winning device 32b is opened (the slide piece 148 is set to the open position), and the specific winning section 145 is opened. Furthermore, in step S1223, a small win round command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of a round in a small win state. After that, this process is terminated.

[0365] Also, if the result of step S1203 is negative, that is, if the time (open time or closed time) for maintaining the open or closed state of the first variable winning device 32a or the second variable winning device 32b remains, the process proceeds to step S1224, and it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the specific ball entry section 145 provided in the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b. In addition, although details will be described later, in this process, it is determined whether or not a specific winning flag, which is set to ON when a game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section 145 is detected by the specific ball entry detection switch 226a, is set to ON, thereby determining whether or not a game ball has entered the specific ball entry section 145.

[0366] If the result of step S1224 is negative, in step S1225, it is determined whether the value of the winning counter that counts the number of balls that enter the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b is "0". The winning counter is set to "8", which is the upper limit (prescribed number) of the number of winnings per round, at the start of the big win state and at the start of the interval. Then, one is subtracted from the winning counter every time one game ball enters the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b.

[0367] If the result of step S1225 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S1225 is positive, that is, if the timing for ending the round occurs without waiting for the lapse of the set period of the round, the process proceeds to step S1211. As a result, if the game balls enter the first variable winning device 32a and the second variable winning device 32b up to the upper limit (8 balls) during one round, the round ends promptly at that point even if the upper limit (30 seconds) of the opening period has not yet elapsed.

[0368] Also, if the result of the positive determination in step S1224 is that in the small win state, the game ball entering the specific winning portion 145 triggers the occurrence of a big win state (transition to or continuation of the big win state), then in step S1226, a specific winning process for generating the big win state is performed, and then this process is terminated. The specific winning process will be described in detail later.

[0369] Also, if the result of step S1213 is affirmative, that is, if all rounds in the big win state have been played, the process proceeds to step S1227, and the win status storage area is set to "3." After step S1227, in step S1228, the special variable timer is set to a value of "2500" corresponding to the ending time (10 seconds).

[0370] After step S1228, in step S1229, the winning counter is set to "7". When the process of setting the ending from step S1227 onwards is performed in the flow after the affirmative decision in step S1225, the value of the winning counter is set to "0". If the value of the winning counter is left at "0" at the start of the ending period, the variable winning device control process 4 msec later will suddenly make an affirmative decision in step S1225, and the ending period will not be completed. For this reason, a temporary value other than "0" ("7" in this example) is set in the winning counter in step S1229 to complete the ending period. Of course, the ending period may be completed in another way.

[0371] After step S1229, in step S1230, a first closing process is performed to close the first variable winning device 32a, and in the following step S1231, an ending command is set to convey information to the sub-control device 262 that an ending is to start. Then, this process is terminated.

[0372] If the result of step S1210 is YES, that is, if the ending period has ended and it is time to end the big win state, the process proceeds to step S1232, where an end setting process is performed. In the end setting process, the mode storage area and the change count counter are set.

[0373] Here, the end setting process will be described with reference to Fig. 28. First, in step S1401, the execution area corresponding to the current winning state of either the first special variable reserve area or the second special variable reserve area is referenced, and it is determined whether or not either the special chart 1 big win flag or the special chart 2 big win flag is set to ON. If the result of the affirmative determination in step S1401 is affirmative, in step S1402, the corresponding execution area is referenced, and it is determined whether or not either the 10RS flag or the 4RS flag is set to ON.

[0374] If the result of step S1402 is affirmative, a value "12" corresponding to the time-saving mode is set in the mode storage area in step S1403. This means that the time-saving mode is granted after the end of the jackpot state. In the following step S1404, the first fluctuation counter is set to "1" and the second fluctuation counter is set to "100" as the upper limit of the time-saving mode. Furthermore, in step S1405, a process is performed to light up the time-saving lamp, and in step S1406, a time-saving jackpot end command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 to start the time-saving mode.

[0375] Thereafter, in step S1407, the big win flag is turned off, and in step S1408, the win status storage area is set to "0" indicating that the game is not in a win state, and then this process is terminated.

[0376] On the other hand, if the result of step S1402 is negative, the corresponding execution area is referenced in step S1409 to determine whether the 4RN flag is set to ON. If the result of step S1409 is positive, the value "11" corresponding to the normal mode is set in the mode storage area in step S1410. This means that the normal mode is given after the end of the jackpot state. In the following step S1411, the time-saving lamp is turned off, and further, in step S1412, a normal jackpot end command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 to start the normal mode. After that, the jackpot flag is turned off in the above step S1407, and "0" is set in the win status storage area in step S1408, and then this process is terminated.

[0377] Also, if the result of step S1409 is negative, that is, if the "4RC flag" is set to ON in the corresponding execution area, the process proceeds to step S1413, where the link display flag for switching the display mode of the first special symbol display device 43a until the end of the big win state is turned OFF. Furthermore, in step S1414, it is determined whether the value of the mode storage area is "12", which indicates the time-saving mode.

[0378] If the result of the positive determination in step S1414 is positive, in step S1415, it is confirmed whether the value of the second variation counter is "0". The subtraction of the second variation counter accompanying the execution of the second variation display corresponding to the 4RC jackpot is executed at the end of the second variation display. In addition, in this embodiment, the values ​​of the first variation counter and the second variation counter are reset even if the 4RC jackpot state occurs, but at least the value of the second variation counter may be reset (the value of the first variation counter is not reset in this embodiment, since the first variation display that was executed when the 4RC jackpot state started is continued in the 4RC jackpot state and resumes when the 4RC jackpot state ends).

[0379] If the result of the negative judgment in step S1415 is that the upper limit of the number of executions of the second variable display in the time-saving mode has not yet been reached, a time-saving maintenance jackpot end command is set in step S1416 to inform the sub-control device 262 that the time-saving mode is to be started in the same time-saving mode as the time-saving mode before the jackpot state. In addition to when the first variable display is forcibly terminated (stopped), the remaining time of the interrupted first variable display may be stored, and the stored time-saving may be compared with the time of the special chart 1 display timer (if they are different, the value of the storage area is set to the first display timer), or other processing may be performed. After that, the jackpot flag is turned off in the above step S1407, and "0" is set in the hit status storage area in the above step S1408, and then this processing is terminated.

[0380] Also, if a positive judgment is made in step S1415 (in this example, the upper limit of the number of times the second variable display is executed is set to 100 times, and basically the upper limit is never reached), "11" is set in the mode storage area in step S1417, the time-saving lamp is turned off in step S1418, and a normal jackpot end command is set in step S1419 to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of normal mode. Thereafter, the jackpot in progress flag is turned off in step S1407, and "0" is set in the winning status storage area in step S1408, and then this process is terminated.

[0381] Also, if the result of the negative judgment in step S1414 is that "4RC" is won in response to the second variable display executed in the normal mode (the second variable display that was reserved in the time-saving mode) and the jackpot state of "4RC" ends, in step S1424, a normal jackpot end command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 to start the normal mode. After that, in the above step S1407, the jackpot flag is turned off, and in step S1408, "0" is set in the winning status storage area, and then this process ends.

[0382] In this example, when "4RC" is selected, the first and second change counters and the mode storage area are not reset, but when "4RC" is selected in the time-saving mode, the first change counter is set to "1" to continue the time-saving mode, and when "4RC" is selected in the normal mode, the first change counter is set to "0" to continue the normal mode. That is, for example, when a positive determination is made in step S1414, instead of the processing of steps S1415 to S1419, the first change counter is set to "1" and the second change counter is set to "100" (the mode storage area may be set to "12" again). Furthermore, after the negative decision in step S1414, before setting the normal big win end command in step S1424, the mode storage area may be temporarily set to "12", the first change count counter may be set to "0", the second change count counter may be set to "100", and then it may be determined whether the value of the first change count counter is "0" or not, and if it is "0" (it will be "0" since "0" was set immediately before), "11" may be set in the mode storage area. In this case, even if 4RC is won in the normal mode, the mode will essentially transition to the normal mode (if the second change display that was reserved and stored at the time of the time-saving mode end does not correspond to either 10RS or 4RS, the time-saving mode will not be restored).

[0383] Also, if the result of step S1401 is negative, that is, if the player has won a small prize, then in step S1425, the ball entry counter that counts the number of game balls present in the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b is checked to determine whether the number of game balls present in the specific area 141 is "0." If the result of step S1425 is positive, then in step S1426, the corresponding execution area is referenced to determine whether the 4RC flag is set to ON. If the result of step S1426 is positive, then in step S1427, the connection display flag is turned OFF.

[0384] After step S1427, or if a negative judgment is made in step S1426, in step S1428, it is judged whether or not the value of the second fluctuation counter is "0." Note that even when the variable display instructing the winning of a small win ends, the value of the second fluctuation counter is subtracted by "1," and the upper limit of the fluctuation count in the time-saving mode is not reset simply because a small win state has occurred.

[0385] If the result of step S1428 is negative, in step S1429, a small win end command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that the small win state is ending. After that, in step S1430, the small win flag is turned off, and in step S1431, "0" is set in the win status storage area, and then this process is terminated.

[0386] Also, if the result of step S1428 is affirmative, in step S1432, the value "11" corresponding to the normal mode is set in the mode storage area, in step S1433, the time-saving lamp is turned off, and in step S1434, a support end small win end command is set to inform the player that the upper limit of the time-saving mode has been reached by the variable display that taught the small win. After that, in step S1430, the small win in progress flag is turned off, and in step S1431, "0" is set in the win status storage area, and then this process is terminated.

[0387] Also, if the result of step S1425 is negative, in step S1435, a remaining ball monitoring flag for continuing to monitor the game balls in the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b is set to ON, and then this process is terminated. In other words, if game balls remain in the specific area 141, the small win state is configured not to end even when it is time for the small win state to end.

[0388] Here, the remaining ball monitoring process (step S307) of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG. 29. First, in step S1301, whether or not a game ball has entered the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b is determined based on detection information from the second count switch 223b installed near the entrance of the specific area 141. If the determination in step S1301 is affirmative, in step S1302, the value of the ball entry counter that counts the game balls present in the specific area 141 is incremented by 1. In the following step S1303, a value corresponding to a predetermined time during which the game ball currently detected by the second count switch 223b should have been discharged from the specific area 141 is set for the monitoring timer used in the remaining ball monitoring process. In this embodiment, the system is configured so that the time it takes for a game ball that has entered the specific area 141 to be discharged from the specific area 141 will not exceed two seconds unless there is a malfunction, and in step S1303, the monitoring timer is set to "750", which corresponds to three seconds.

[0389] After step S1303, or if a negative judgment is made in step S1301, in step S1304, it is judged whether or not a game ball has entered the specific ball entry section 145 based on the detection information of the specific ball entry detection switch 226a. If a positive judgment is made in step S1304, in step S1305, a specific winning flag is set to ON. In the following step S1306, the value of the ball entry counter is decremented by one.

[0390] After step S1306, or if a negative judgment is made in step S1304, in step S1307, it is judged whether or not a game ball has entered the non-specific ball entry section 146 based on the detection information of the non-specific ball entry detection switch 226b. If a positive judgment is made in step S1307, in step S1308, the value of the ball entry counter is decremented by one.

[0391] After step S1308, or if a negative judgment is made in step S1307, a judgment is made in step S1309 as to whether or not the value of the goal counter is "0". If a negative judgment is made in step S1309, a judgment is made in step S1310 as to whether or not the value of the monitoring timer is "0". If a negative judgment is made in step S1310, the value of the monitoring timer is decremented by 1 in step S1311, and then this process is terminated.

[0392] On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S1310, that is, if it is judged that there are still game balls remaining even when all game balls should have been discharged from the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b, error processing is performed in step S1312 (for example, turning on the error indicator lamp 104, displaying an error on the data lamp, notifying the hall computer, etc.), and then this processing is terminated.

[0393] If the result of step S1309 is affirmative, then in step S1313, it is determined whether or not a remaining ball monitoring flag, which may be set when the small win state is ended (when the win state ends while the small win state is still in the small win state, or when the state transitions to the big win state), is turned on. If the result of step S1313 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0394] On the other hand, if the result of step S1313 is affirmative, the remaining ball monitoring flag is turned off in step S1314. In the following step S1315, it is determined whether the special chart 1 big win flag or the special chart 2 big win flag is set to on. If the result of step S1315 is affirmative, that is, if a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 145 in a small win state and a big win state occurs, in step S1316, "1" is stored in the win status storage area, and in step S1317, a value "250" corresponding to the interval time (1 second) is set in the special variable timer.

[0395] Then, in step S1318, the prize counter is set to "8." Furthermore, in step S1319, an interval command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of an interval. Then, this process ends.

[0396] Also, if the result of step S1315 is negative, the process of ending the small win state has not yet been performed, so the small win in progress flag is turned off in step S1320, and "0" is stored in the win status storage area in step S1321.

[0397] Then, in step S1322, the execution area corresponding to the current winning state is referenced to determine whether or not the 4RC flag is set to ON. If the answer is YES in step S1322, the connection display flag is turned OFF in step S1323. After step S1323, or if the answer is NO in step S1322, the process determines whether or not the value of the second variation counter is "0" in step S1324. If the answer is NO in step S1324, the small winning end command is set in step S1325, and then the process ends.

[0398] On the other hand, if the result of step S1324 is affirmative, the value "11" corresponding to the normal mode is set in the mode memory area in step S1326, and the support end small win end command is set in step S1327, after which the process is terminated.

[0399] Returning to the explanation of the variable winning device control process in FIG. 26, if the result of the affirmative determination is made in step S1212, that is, if the round (first round) in the small winning state is over, in step S1233, a second closing process is performed to close the second variable winning device 32b. Then, in step S1234, it is determined whether or not the big winning flag is set to ON. If the result of the negative determination is made in step S1234, that is, if the game ball could not be made to enter the specific ball entry section 145 of the second variable winning device 32b during the small winning state, in step S1241, the distribution device 147 of the second variable winning device 32b is closed (the slide piece 148 is set to the closed position, and the specific ball entry section 145 is set to the closed state). After that, the end setting process of the above step S1232 to end the winning state is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0400] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S1234 is affirmative, that is, if the state is to transition (continue) to the big win state, in step S1235, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball entry counter indicating the number of game balls present in the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b is "0". If the result of the determination in step S1235 is affirmative, in step S1236, "1" is stored in the winning status storage area, and in step S1237, a value "250" corresponding to the interval time (1 second) is set in the special variable timer. Furthermore, in step S1238, "8" is set in the winning counter, and in step S1239, an interval command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of the interval. After that, this process is terminated.

[0401] On the other hand, if the result of step S1235 is negative, i.e., if it is determined that the small win state has ended but game balls remain in the specific area 141 of the second variable winning device 32b, the remaining ball monitoring flag is set to on in step S1240, and then this process is terminated.

[0402] Next, with reference to Figure 27, we will explain the specific winning processing that is performed when it is determined in the variable winning device control processing (step S1224 in Figure 26) that the specific winning flag, indicating that a ball has entered the specific winning section 145, is set on.

[0403] First, in step S1901, the specific winning flag is turned off. In the following step S1902, it is determined whether the big win flag is set to on (in this example, when two game balls enter the specific ball entry section 145 in succession during a small win, the special chart 2 big win flag may be turned on). If the result is affirmative in step S1902, this process is terminated.

[0404] On the other hand, if the result of step S1902 is negative, the allocation device 147 is closed in step S1903 (the slide piece 148 is placed in the closed position, and the specific ball entry section 145 is placed in the closed state). Furthermore, in step S1904, the small win flag is turned off, and in step S1905, the special chart 2 big win flag is turned on.

[0405] Then, in step S1906, a specific winning command is set to the sub-control device 262 to inform the sub-control device 262 that a big win state has occurred due to the game ball entering the specific ball entry section 145, and then this process is terminated.

[0406] In addition, when a transition to a jackpot state (a jackpot with special features) occurs based on a ball entering the specific ball entry section 145, the decorative pattern display device 42 displays a display instructing a transition to the jackpot state in preference to other displays. In addition, in this embodiment, when the second variable winning device 32b is opened in the small winning state, the specific ball entry section 145 is also opened at the same time, and if there is no ball entering the specific ball entry section 145, the second variable winning device 32b remains open during the period when it is opened, and if even one game ball can be made to enter the second variable winning device 32b that is opened in the small winning state, the game ball can be made to enter the specific ball entry section 145, generating a jackpot state. However, the specific ball entry section 145 may be configured to open and close even during the period when the second variable winning device 32b is in the open state (the opening periods do not necessarily have to coincide), or a distribution mechanism may be provided separate from the distribution device 147 to distribute game balls that have entered the second variable winning device 32b to the specific ball entry section 145 and the non-specific ball entry section 146, so that even if a game ball enters the second variable winning device 32b that is in the open state during a small win state, a big win state may not occur.

[0407] Next, the normal display control process of step S208 of the normal process (FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG. 30. First, in step S2101, it is determined whether the value of the normal pattern interval timer for measuring the remaining time of the interval (normal pattern interval) set after the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 is "0". If the negative determination is made in step S2101, that is, if it is a normal pattern interval, the value of the normal pattern interval timer is subtracted in step S2116, and then this process is terminated. In other words, for example, if the normal pattern interval is 1 second (1000 msec) and the normal pattern interval timer is set to "249 ("250" if the configuration is such that step S2116 is performed before step S2101), in this process, the value of the normal pattern interval timer is subtracted by "1" every 4 msec, and becomes "0" after 1 second.

[0408] On the other hand, if the result of step S2101 is affirmative, that is, if it is not a normal interval period, in step S2102, it is determined whether or not the open / close control flag indicating that the second start winning device 33c is in the middle of the open / close control is set to ON. If the result of step S2102 is affirmative, this process is terminated.

[0409] On the other hand, if the result of step S2102 is negative, in step S2103, it is determined whether or not a normal pattern display flag indicating whether or not a variable display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41 is on. If the normal pattern display flag is on, it is considered that a variable display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41.

[0410] If the result of the negative judgment in step S2103 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2104, where it is judged whether the value of the normal reserved counter Nc is greater than 0. If the result of the negative judgment in step S2104 is negative, that is, if no variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 is reserved, the process ends as it is. For example, if the result of the negative judgment in step S2104 is negative, the normal pattern display device 41 may perform a standby display setting to derive a display mode corresponding to a variable standby state in which no variable display is being performed. In other words, after the variable is stopped, the normal pattern display device 41 may be configured to maintain the stopped mode (in a mode showing the result of the ball entry support lottery) during the normal pattern interval period, but when the normal pattern interval period ends, to switch to a display mode indicating a variable standby state.

[0411] On the other hand, if the answer in step S2104 is YES, in step S2105, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In the following step S2106, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the normal variable hold area. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the normal variable hold area to the execution area side in order, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: hold area 1 → execution area, hold area 2 → hold area 1, hold area 3 → hold area 2, hold area 4 → hold area 3.

[0412] Then, in step S2107, a normal pattern change setting process is executed to set and start the change display of the normal pattern display device 41.

[0413] Here, the normal pattern change setting process will be described with reference to Fig. 31. First, in step S2301, a normal pattern display flag is set to ON, which indicates that the normal pattern is being displayed in the normal pattern display device 41. In the following step S2302, it is determined whether "12" is stored in the mode storage area, that is, whether the high ball entry state (time-saving mode) is in effect.

[0414] If the result of step S2302 is affirmative, then in step S2306, it is determined whether the value of the winning status memory area is "0." If the result of step S2306 is affirmative, that is, if the player is not in a winning state, then the process proceeds to step S2303. In step S2303, the normal symbol display timer, which measures the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed by the normal symbol display device 41, is set to "100" so that the variable display time of the normal symbol is 0.4 seconds.

[0415] Then, in step S2304, it is determined whether the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 in the execution area of ​​the normal variable pending area is "0" or not.

[0416] If the result of step S2304 is affirmative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S2304 is negative, that is, if the player wins the ball-scoring support lottery to determine whether the second start winning device 33c is opened or not, the ball-scoring support flag indicating that the ball-scoring support lottery has been won is set to ON in step S2305. After step S2305, the process ends.

[0417] Also, if the result of step S2302 is negative, that is, if the ball is in a low ball state, or if the result of step S2306 is negative, that is, if the ball is in a winning state, the process proceeds to step S2307. In step S2307, the normal symbol display timer is set to "15000" to set the variable display time of the normal symbol to 60 seconds.

[0418] Furthermore, in step S2308, it is determined whether the normal symbol random number counter C4 in the execution area of ​​the normal variable reserve area is "0" or not, and if it is determined to be negative, this process is terminated as it is, and if it is determined to be positive, in the above step S2309, the ball entry support flag is set to ON, and then this process is terminated. That is, in this embodiment, the variable display time of the normal symbol during the winning state is set relatively long like the time-saving mode, and it is difficult to win the ball entry support lottery during the winning state. In addition, the time for which the normal symbols change display and the probability of winning in the ball entry support lottery can be set appropriately for each model of pachinko machine.

[0419] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 30, after step S2107, in step S2108, a subtraction display process is performed on the normal hold display device 44 (normal hold lamp) corresponding to the reduction of the number of holds in the variable display of the normal symbol display device 41 by one. In other words, if both of the pair of left and right normal hold lamps are in a blinking state, the right normal hold lamp is turned on while the left normal hold lamp is blinking, if the left normal hold lamp is in a blinking state and the right normal hold lamp is turned on, both left and right normal hold lamps are turned on, if both left and right normal hold lamps are turned on, the right normal hold lamp is turned off while the left normal hold lamp is turned on, and if the left normal hold lamp is turned on and the right normal hold lamp is turned off, both left and right normal hold lamps are turned off. After step S2108, this process is terminated.

[0420] Also, if the result of step S2103 is affirmative, that is, if the normal symbol display device 41 is displaying a variable symbol, the process proceeds to step S2109, where the process of decrementing the normal symbol display timer is performed. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the normal symbol display timer is decremented by one.

[0421] Next, the process proceeds to step S2110, where it is determined whether the count value of the normal map display timer is "0", i.e., whether the variable time has elapsed. If the determination in step S2110 is affirmative, the normal map display flag is turned off in step S2111, and the normal map stop display setting is performed in step S2112 to perform a stop display on the normal pattern display device 41. In other words, if the winning ball support lottery is won (if the winning ball support flag is set on), both of the pair of normal map lamps on the left and right of the normal pattern display device 41 are lit, and if the winning ball support lottery is lost, only the left normal map lamp is lit.

[0422] Next, the process proceeds to step S2113, where a general map discrimination information setting process is performed. Here, the general map discrimination information setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0423] First, in step S2401, it is determined whether or not the winning support flag is set to ON. If the result of step S2401 is NO, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S2401 is YES, in step S2402, a normal variable flag is set to ON to determine whether or not the second start winning device 33c is in an open state.

[0424] In the next step S2403, it is determined whether or not "12" is stored in the mode memory area, i.e., whether or not the ball is in a high winning state. If the determination in step S2403 is affirmative, it is determined in step S2404 whether or not the value in the winning status memory area is "0." If the determination in step S2404 is negative, i.e., if the ball is not in a winning state, in step S2405, the normal variable timer for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the second start winning device 33c is set to "450" ​​so that the opening time of the second start winning device 33c is 1.8 seconds.

[0425] Furthermore, in step S2406, the opening number counter, which counts the number of times (remaining number of times) the second start winning device 33c is opened, is set to "2" so that the second start winning device 33c is opened twice. After step S2406, in step S2409, the winning support flag is turned off, and in step S2410, the open / close control flag is turned on. Furthermore, in step S2411, the second start winning device 33c is set to the open state, and then this process is terminated.

[0426] Also, if the result of step S2403 is negative (if the ball is in a low ball winning state) or if the result of step S2404 is positive (if the ball is in a winning state), then in step S2407, the normal variable timer is set to "50" so that the opening time of the second start winning device 33c is 0.2 seconds. In the following step S2408, the opening number counter is set to "2" so that the second start winning device 33c is opened twice. After step S2408, in step S2409, the winning support flag is turned off, in step S2410, the open / close control flag is turned on, and in step S2411, the second start winning device 33c is set to an open state, and then this process is terminated.

[0427] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 30, after step S2113, in step S2114, a value equivalent to a regular interval period (for example, 1 second) is set in the regular interval timer, and then this process ends.

[0428] Also, if a negative judgment is made in step S2110, in step S2115, a switching display setting is made to continue the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 (a switching display in which a pair of normal lamps on the left and right are alternately lit). Based on the contents of the switching display setting, a control signal to perform a switching display is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process in the next normal process. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the normal pattern display device 41 at the timing of the normal display control process, that is, every 4 ms. After step S2115, this process ends.

[0429] In this embodiment, the normal pattern change display (normal pattern change display) is performed even during the winning state, and the normal pattern change display during the winning state has the same length as the change time in the time-saving mode, and the winning probability of the ball entry support lottery during the winning state is also the same as the winning probability in the time-saving mode. However, the opening manner of the second start winning device 33c when the ball entry support lottery is won during the winning state is the same as when the ball entry support lottery is won during the normal mode (although the change display of the normal pattern display device 41 is consumed quickly, it is relatively difficult to get the game ball to enter the second start winning device 33c).

[0430] Next, the start winning device control process in step S209 of the normal process (FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0431] First, in step S2201, it is determined whether the open / close control flag is on. If the answer is negative in step S2201, the process ends. On the other hand, if the answer is positive in step S2201, the value of the normal variable timer is decremented by 1 in step S2202.

[0432] In the next step S2203, it is determined whether the value of the normal variable timer is "0". If the result is negative in step S2203, that is, if it is the period during which the second start winning device 33c is kept open or closed, the process ends.

[0433] On the other hand, if the result of step S2203 is affirmative, then in step S2204, it is determined whether the normal variable flag is on. If the result of step S2204 is affirmative, that is, if the second start winning device 33c is currently in the open state and the timing for closing the device has arrived, then in step S2205, the normal variable flag is turned off. In the following step S2206, the value of the opening count counter is decremented by 1, and in step S2207, the second start winning device 33c is set to the closed state.

[0434] Then, in step S2208, it is determined whether the value of the opening number counter is 0. If the determination in step S2208 is affirmative, the opening / closing control in progress flag is turned off in step S2209, and the flow proceeds to step S2216, which will be described later.

[0435] On the other hand, if the result of step S2208 is negative, i.e., if there are remaining times among the multiple times the second start winning device 33c has been opened, then in step S2210 a value equivalent to the interval time (e.g., "250") is set for the normal variable timer, and then the process proceeds to step S2216, which will be described later.

[0436] Also, if the result of step S2204 is negative, that is, if the second start winning device 33c is in an interval period during which the second start winning device 33c is opened multiple times (the second start winning device 33c is in a closed state) and the timing for ending the interval period has arrived, the normal variable flag is set to ON in step S2211. Furthermore, in step S2212, it is determined whether or not "12" is stored in the mode storage area. If the result of step S2212 is positive, in step S2213, the normal variable timer is set to a value "450" ​​corresponding to an opening time of 1.8 seconds. On the other hand, if the result of step S2212 is negative, in step S2214, the normal variable timer is set to a value "50" corresponding to an opening time of 0.2 seconds.

[0437] After steps S2213 and S2214, in step S2215, the second start winning device 33c is set to the open ...

Claims

[Claim 1] A first gaming state and a second gaming state are provided in a gaming state in which a player can play a game, A storage means for storing information that is referred to when setting the game state and indicates a state corresponding to the game state being changed; A gaming machine comprising: a setting means for setting the game state according to the state indicated by the storage means when a specific condition is established.

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