Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing types of display modes.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: a display area in which a display relating to performances can be executed; and right shooting notification means that is provided on a game component, is an area different from the display area, and makes a notification by operation of light emitting means. Light emitted by the light emitting means passes through a sheet member to be visibly confirmed, the light-transmissible sheet member is detachable without changing a specific design applied to a game board, and a predetermined design different from the specific design is applied thereto. The right shooting notification means also operates in a ball entry easy state where a game ball is at least at a first operation ball entry part or a second operation ball entry part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that variably displays identification information. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine is provided that includes a gaming area in which a launched gaming ball can roll, a starting area provided in the gaming area, a display device, and a variable display control means for controlling the display device. In such a gaming machine, when a predetermined condition is met, such as the passing of a gaming ball through the starting area, the variable display control means controls the display device to variably display identification information on the display area of ​​the display device, and to cause the variably displayed identification information to be derived and displayed. Then, when the derived and displayed identification information forms a predetermined combination (a specific display mode), the gaming state transitions to a jackpot gaming state (so-called "jackpot") that is advantageous to the player.

[0003] In the jackpot game state, a round game is played at least once in which the jackpot opening is kept open until a predetermined condition is met. When a game ball enters the open jackpot opening, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. When multiple round games are played during the jackpot game state, the jackpot opening is kept closed between round games.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that includes a sheet on which characters are drawn and a translucent member arranged in front of the sheet. In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the character drawn on the sheet becomes visible by irradiating the sheet with light from behind. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-113912 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, only one type of display image consisting of characters or the like is displayed, and it is not possible to increase the variety of display modes using sheets.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a gaming machine that can easily increase the variety of display modes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration.

[0009] A game board (e.g., game board 12 described below); A game area (for example, a game area 12a described later) provided on the game board and through which the game ball can pass; A game component (for example, a performance panel member 52 described later) provided on the game board and equipped with an electrical component; A display area (for example, display area 13a) capable of executing display related to the performance; A right-hit notification means (for example, a first LED 362a and a guide display 56 described later) that is provided in the game component and is an area different from the display area and that notifies by the operation of a light-emitting means; A first passage portion (for example, upstream of a first shutter 761 on a first upper surface 871a described later) that is formed longer than the diameter of the game ball in the flow direction of the game ball and through which the game ball can pass; A first ball entry section (for example, a first large winning hole 873 described later) into which the game ball that has passed through the first passing section can enter and which is provided in the right area of ​​the game area and into which the game ball can enter; A second passage portion formed downstream of the first ball entrance portion and through which the game ball can pass (for example, the upstream side of the second shutter 762 on the second upper surface 871b described later and the inclined surface between the first upper surface 871a and the second upper surface 871b), A second ball entry section (for example, a second large winning opening 874 described later) is formed downstream of the second passing section, provided in the right area of ​​the game area, into which the game ball can enter, and is formed downstream of the flow direction of the game ball with respect to the first ball entry section; A first displacement unit (for example, a first shutter 761 described later) capable of changing the first ball entry unit into an easy ball entry state in which the game ball is easy to enter and a difficult ball entry state in which the game ball is difficult to enter; A second displacement unit (e.g., a second shutter 762 described later) capable of changing the second ball entry unit between an easy ball entry state in which the game ball is easy to enter and a difficult ball entry state in which the game ball is difficult to enter; the first passing portion has a flow path structure through which the air flows downward toward the first displacement portion, The first displacement section is provided so as to allow the game balls that have passed through the first passage section to flow down to the second passage section, The second passage portion is provided so as to be capable of guiding the game ball to the second displacement portion, and has a flow path portion (e.g., upstream side of the second shutter 762 of the second upper surface 871b described later) through which the game ball that has passed through the first displacement portion can flow down toward the second displacement portion, and a guide portion (e.g., an inclined surface 871c described later) that guides the game ball that has passed through the first displacement portion to the flow path portion, The light emitted by the light emitting means can be confirmed by transmitting the light through a sheet member (for example, a display sheet 354 described later). The sheet member is translucent, can be attached and detached without changing a specific design applied to the game board, and has a predetermined design (e.g., a character design, a symbol, or other character design) different from the specific design, which will be described later; The right hit notification means is activated at least when the game ball is in an easy-to-enter state in the first entry section or the second entry section. A gaming machine characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the variety of display modes can be increased, and the entertainment value of the presentation can be enhanced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a functional flow in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view of a game board in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a front view showing an LED unit including first and second special symbol display devices in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a seven-segment counter for performance in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded oblique view of a seven-segment counter for presentation in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an optical filter is superimposed on an LED board of a seven-segment counter for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a performance panel member in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a performance panel member in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a front view of a performance panel member in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an upper part of a game board in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of a first movable unit for performance in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 2 is a rear view of the first movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first movable unit for performance in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 18] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 19] FIG. 19A is a front view showing a closed state of a first movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 19A. [Figure 20] FIG. 20A is a front view showing a state in which a first movable unit for performance in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is in the process of being changed from a closed state to an open state, and FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view along the line DD shown in FIG. 20A. [Figure 21] FIG. 21A is a front view showing an open state of a first movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE shown in FIG. 21A. [Figure 22] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a first movable unit for performance is attached to a game board in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 23] 2 is a perspective view of a second movable unit for effect in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 24] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 25] 2 is an exploded oblique view of the imitation light member associated with the second performance movable unit in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from one side. FIG. [Figure 26] 1 is an exploded oblique view of the imitation light member associated with the second performance movable unit in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from the other side. FIG. [Figure 27] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating base for an imitation light member in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 28]1 is a perspective view showing a standby state of a second movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 29] 2 is a perspective view showing a driving state of a second movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 30] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the driving state of a second movable unit for performance in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the gaming board. FIG. [Diagram 31] 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] 2 is a diagram showing a transition flow of game states in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 33] 1 is a diagram showing the specifications of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 34] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main variation time determination table (for losing) in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main variation pattern determination table (for winning) in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] 1 is a diagram showing a reserve effect selection table when a jackpot random number is obtained in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 37] A figure showing a reserve effect selection table when a losing random number is obtained in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] A figure showing a reserve effect selection table when a falling random number is obtained in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sub-effect content determination table (for losing) in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 40] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sub-effect content determination table (for winning) in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 41] 2 is a diagram showing a sub-reservation effect selection table in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 42] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a lottery table for the continuation of the first special probability game state 33G in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] A figure showing a lottery table for the continuation of the first special game state 66G in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 44] A diagram showing the transition of presentations during the first special probability game state in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 45] 3 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a main CPU in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] 3 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a main CPU in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] 4 is a flowchart showing a special symbol control process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] 4 is a flowchart showing a special symbol memory check process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] 4 is a flowchart showing a fall determination process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] 4 is a flowchart showing a special symbol determination process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] 4 is a flowchart showing a special symbol variation time management process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] 4 is a flowchart showing a special symbol display time management process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] 4 is a flowchart showing a winning start interval management process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54]4 is a flowchart showing a special prize opening waiting time management process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] 4 is a flowchart showing a special prize opening process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 56] 4 is a flowchart showing a winning end interval process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 57] 5 is a flowchart showing a special symbol game end process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 58] 4 is a flowchart showing a system timer interrupt process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 59] 4 is a flowchart showing a timer update process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 60] 4 is a flowchart showing a switch input process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 61] 4 is a flowchart showing a special symbol related switch check process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 62] 5 is a flowchart showing a winning effect determination process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 63] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a sub CPU in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 64] 4 is a flowchart showing a command analysis process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 65] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a special symbol effect start command is received. [Figure 66]5 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a special symbol effect stop command is received. [Figure 67] 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a special symbol winning end interval display command is received. [Figure 68] 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention when a start hole winning command is received. [Figure 69] 4 is a flowchart showing a presentation control process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 70] 4 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 71] 4 is a flowchart showing a command interrupt process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 72] 4 is a time chart relating to the operation of a special prize opening in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 73] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation that is performed when the presentation button is pressed on the 33rd and 66th games during the first special probability game state in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 74] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation that is performed when the presentation button is pressed on the 99th game during the first special probability game state in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 75] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a reserved effect in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 76] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a reserved effect in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 77] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a reserved effect in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 78] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the fall and big win effects in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 79] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the fall and big win effects in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 80] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the fall and big win effects in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 81] 1 is a time chart comparing the fall and big win effects in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention with the case where the fall effect and the big win effect are performed consecutively. [Figure 82] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a count effect in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 83] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a big win determination table in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 84] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a table for selecting effects when a jackpot random number of 0 to 99 is obtained in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 85] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table for selecting effects when a jackpot random number of 100 to 233 is obtained in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 86] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table for selecting effects when a jackpot random number of 234 to 1499 is obtained in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 87] A figure showing a presentation selection table when a losing random number is obtained in a pachinko gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 88] A figure showing a presentation selection table when a falling random number is obtained in a pachinko gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 89] A figure showing a sub-reserved effect selection table in a pachinko gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 90] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a fall reserve change presentation in a pachinko gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 91] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a fall reserve change presentation in a pachinko gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 92]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a big win determination table in the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 93] A figure showing a presentation selection table when a jackpot random number is obtained in a pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 94] A figure showing a presentation selection table when a specific jackpot random number is obtained in a pachinko gaming machine of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 95] A figure showing a presentation selection table when a losing random number is obtained in a pachinko gaming machine of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 96] A figure showing a presentation selection table when a fall expected random number is obtained in a pachinko gaming machine of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 97] A figure showing a sub-reserved effect selection table in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 98] 13 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a main CPU in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 99] 13 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a main CPU in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 100] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning end interval process executed in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 101] 13 is a flowchart showing a process executed in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention when a special symbol effect start command is received. [Figure 102] 13 is a flowchart showing a re-judgment process executed in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 103] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a fall prediction performance in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 104] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a fall prediction performance in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 105]FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a fall prediction performance in a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 106] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of a game board in a pachinko gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 107] FIG. 11 is an oblique view of a big prize opening block in a pachinko gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 108] 13 is an oblique view showing a state in which a first big prize opening of a big prize opening block in a pachinko gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is open. FIG. [Fig. 109] FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 83. [Figure 110] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the shutter drive mechanism of the special prize opening block in the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 111] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the first special prize opening is opened by the shutter drive mechanism of the special prize opening block in the pachinko gaming machine of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 112] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modified example of the big prize opening block in the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 113] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a second modified example of the big prize opening block in the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 114] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a third modified example of the big prize opening block in the pachinko gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 115] 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a game board in a pachinko gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Fig. 116] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the special prize opening rotation mechanism in a pachinko gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. [Fig. 117] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the big prize opening rotation mechanism in the pachinko gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from behind. FIG. [Fig. 118] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the first big prize opening is open in the pachinko gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1. First embodiment of pachinko game machine <Function flow> First, functions of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional flow in a pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko game is a game in which game balls are shot in response to a user's operation, and payout control of the game balls is performed by the game balls winning various prizes.

[0015] Pachinko games also include special symbol games using special symbols and normal symbol games using normal symbols. When a jackpot is hit in a special symbol game or when a jackpot is hit in a normal symbol game, the possibility of the game ball winning increases relatively, and payout control of the game balls becomes easier to carry out.

[0016] In addition, the various types of winning include a special pattern start winning, which is one of the conditions for the variable display of special patterns in a special pattern game, and a normal pattern start winning, which is one of the conditions for the variable display of normal patterns in a normal pattern game.

[0017] When a special symbol start winning occurs, random numbers are sampled from a big win judgment counter and a symbol determination counter, and the sampled random numbers are stored.

[0018] In the special symbol game, first, it is determined whether or not the condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol is established. In this determination process, it is determined whether or not a random number value is stored by the special symbol start winning, and if a random number value is stored, it is determined that the condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol is established.

[0019] Next, the random number value for determining whether or not a jackpot has been determined is referenced, and a jackpot determination is made as to whether or not a jackpot has been determined. Then, a process for determining a symbol to be stopped is performed. In this process, the random number value for determining a symbol extracted from the counter for determining a symbol and the result of the jackpot determination described above are referenced, and a special symbol to be displayed is determined.

[0020] Next, a variation pattern determination process is performed. In this process, a random number is extracted from the variation pattern determination counter, and the random number, the jackpot determination result, and the stop symbols are referenced to determine the variation pattern of the special symbols.

[0021] Next, a presentation pattern determination process is performed. In this process, a random number is extracted from the presentation pattern determination counter, and the random number, the jackpot determination result, the stopped symbols, and the variable patterns are referenced to determine a presentation pattern to be executed in association with the variable display of the special symbols.

[0022] Then, based on the result of the determined jackpot determination, the special pattern to be stopped and displayed, the variation pattern of the special pattern, and the presentation pattern associated with the special pattern are referenced, and variable display control that controls the display of the variable display of the special pattern and presentation control that performs a predetermined presentation are executed.

[0023] Then, when the variable display control and the performance display control are finished, it is determined whether or not a jackpot has been hit. If it is determined in this determination process that a jackpot has been hit, the jackpot game control for playing a jackpot game is executed. In the jackpot game control, the possibility of winning the various prizes described above increases. On the other hand, if it is determined that a jackpot has not been hit, the jackpot game control is not executed.

[0024] When it is determined that the jackpot will not be reached or when the jackpot game control is terminated, a game state transition control is performed to transition the game state. In this game state transition control, a normal game state different from the jackpot game state is managed. Examples of the normal game state include a probability game state in which the probability of being determined as a jackpot increases in the above-mentioned jackpot determination, and a time-saving game state in which the variable display time of special and normal symbols is reduced. Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not to start the variable display of the special symbols.

[0025] On the other hand, when a normal symbol start winning occurs, a random number is sampled from a winning judgment counter and the random number is stored.

[0026] In the normal symbol game, first, it is judged whether the condition for starting the variable display of the normal symbol is established. In this judgment process, it is referred to whether a random number value is stored by the normal symbol start winning, and it is judged that the condition for starting the variable display of the normal symbol is established if the random number value is stored as one condition.

[0027] Next, the random number extracted from the winning judgment counter is referred to, and a winning judgment is made as to whether or not it is a winning. Next, a variation pattern determination process is performed. In this process, the result of the winning judgment is referred to, and the variation pattern of the normal symbol is determined.

[0028] Thereafter, based on the result of the determined winning judgment, the variable pattern of the normal symbols is referred to, and variable display control for controlling the variable display of the normal symbols and presentation control for performing a predetermined presentation are executed.

[0029] When the variable display control and the performance display control are completed, it is determined whether or not a win has been obtained. If it is determined in this determination process that a win has been obtained, a win game control for playing a win game is executed. In the win game control, the possibility of the above-mentioned various wins, particularly the possibility of a special symbol start win in the special symbol game, increases. On the other hand, if it is determined that a win has not been obtained, the win game control is not executed. Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not to start variable display of normal symbols again.

[0030] In this way, in a pachinko game, payout control of game balls can be easily performed depending on whether or not a jackpot is hit in the special symbol game, the transition state of the game state, and whether or not a hit is hit in the normal symbol game.

[0031] In this embodiment, various random numbers are extracted using a software random number system that generates random numbers by executing a program. However, the gaming machine of the present invention may also be equipped with a random number generator that updates random numbers at a predetermined interval, and use a hard random number system that extracts random numbers from a counter (so-called ring counter) in the random number generator. In addition, when using the hard random number method, the initial value of the random number value is determined at a timing different from the predetermined cycle, thereby making it possible to prevent the same random number value from being extracted in a predetermined cycle.

[0032] <The structure of a pachinko machine> Next, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pachinko game machine 1 comprises a main body 2, a base door 3 pivotally attached to the main body 2 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a glass door 4 pivotally attached to the base door 3 so as to be freely opened and closed.

[0034] [Main unit] The main body 2 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having an opening 2a (see FIG. 3). The main body 2 may be made of, for example, wood.

[0035] [Base door] The base door 3 is formed in a rectangular shape with an outer shape approximately equal to that of the main body 2. The base door 3 is disposed in front of the main body 2, and opens and closes an opening 2a of the main body 2. The base door 3 is provided with an opening 3a. The opening 3a is formed in a quadrangle with a size that occupies most of the upper side of the base door 3 from approximately the center.

[0036] In addition, a speaker 11, a game board 12, a display device 13, a tray unit 14, a launching device 15, a payout device 16, and a board unit 17 are attached to the base door 3. The display device 13 is a specific example of the performance execution means, display means, and display unit of the gaming machine of the present invention.

[0037] The speaker 11 is disposed at the top of the base door 3 . The game board 12 is disposed in front of the base door 3 and covers the opening 3a of the base door 3. The entire game board 12 is formed of a plate-shaped resin having permeability (a member having permeability). Examples of the resin having permeability include acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin.

[0038] In addition, a play area 12a is formed on the front surface of the game board 12, where game balls launched from the launching device 15 roll. This play area 12a is an area surrounded by a guide rail 31 (specifically, an outer rail 31a shown in FIG. 4 described later). A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the play area 12a.

[0039] The display device 13 is disposed so as to overlap the rear side of the game board 12. The display device 13 has a display area 13a for displaying images. The display area 13a is set to a size that overlaps all or part of the game board 12. The display area 13a of the display device 13 displays various images, such as identification symbols for performance, performance images, and decorative images for decoration. The player can view the images displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13 through the game board 12.

[0040] For example, a liquid crystal display device can be used as the display device 13. However, the display device according to the present invention is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be a plasma display, a rear projection display, or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display.

[0041] A spacer 19 is disposed on the back side of the game board 12. This spacer 19 forms a space between the back side of the game board 12 and the front side of the display device 13, which serves as a flow path for the game balls that roll in the game area 12a of the game board 12. The spacer 19 is formed of a material having transparency. Note that the spacer according to the present invention is not limited to being formed of a material having transparency, and may be formed of a material having transparency in part, for example. It may also be formed of a material having no transparency.

[0042] The tray unit 14 is disposed below the game board 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the tray unit 14 has an upper tray 21 and a lower tray 22, and the lower tray 22 is located below the upper tray 21. The upper tray 21 and the lower tray 22 are formed with payout openings 21a and 22a, respectively, for lending game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls). When a predetermined payout condition is met, game balls are discharged from the payout openings 21a and 22a and stored in the upper tray 21 and the lower tray 22. In addition, the game balls stored in the upper tray 21 are launched into the game area 12a by the launching device 15.

[0043] The tray unit 14 is provided with a performance button 23. This performance button 23 is arranged on the upper tray 21. A dial operation unit (jog dial) 24 is rotatably fitted to the periphery of the performance button 23. When a predetermined performance is to be performed, an image prompting the user to operate the performance button 23 and the dial operation unit 24 is displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13.

[0044] The launching device 15 is disposed at the lower right part of the base door 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the launching device 15 is equipped with a launching handle 25 that can be operated by a player, and a panel body 26 that engages with the lower right part of the plate unit 14. The launching handle 25 is disposed on the front side of the panel body 26 and is rotatably supported by the panel body 26. In addition, a solenoid actuator (not shown), which is a specific example of a drive device that launches game balls, is disposed on the back side of the panel body 26.

[0045] A touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the firing handle 25, and a firing volume is provided inside the firing handle 25. The firing volume changes its resistance value according to the amount of rotation of the firing handle 25, thereby changing the power supplied to the solenoid actuator.

[0046] When the player's hand touches the touch sensor of the launch handle 25, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal, which detects that the player is gripping the launch handle 25, and enables the solenoid actuator to launch the game ball.

[0047] When a player grips the launch handle 25 and turns it clockwise, the resistance value of the launch volume changes according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 25, and power corresponding to the resistance value is supplied to the solenoid actuator. As a result, the game balls stored in the upper tray 21 are launched one by one, and the launched game balls are guided by the guide rail 31 and released into the game area 12a of the game board 12.

[0048] In addition, a launch stop button (not shown) is provided on the side of the launch handle 25. The launch stop button is provided to stop the launch of game balls by the solenoid actuator. When a player presses the launch stop button, the launch of game balls is stopped even if the player is holding and rotating the launch handle 25.

[0049] The payout device 16 and the base unit 17 are arranged on the rear side of the base door 3. Gaming balls are supplied to the payout device 16 from a storage unit (not shown). The payout device 16 pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls supplied to the storage unit to the upper tray 21 or the lower tray 22 based on the establishment of a payout condition. The base unit 17 has various control boards. The various control boards are provided with a main control circuit 70 and a sub-control circuit 200, which will be described later.

[0050] [Glass door] The glass door 4 is disposed in front of the game board 12, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape large enough to cover the game board 12. A speaker cover 29 facing the speaker 11 is provided on the upper portion of the glass door 4.

[0051] In addition, an opening 4a is formed in the center of the glass door 4, the opening 4a being large enough to expose at least the playing area 12a of the game board 12. The opening 4a of the glass door 4 is closed by a transparent protective glass 28. Therefore, when the glass door 4 is closed against the base door 3, the protective glass 28 faces at least the playing area 12a of the game board 12.

[0052] [Game board] Next, the configuration of the game board 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 12.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, the front surface of the game board 12 is provided with a guide rail 31, a passing gate 33, a first start port 34, a second start port 35, and a normal electric accessory 36. The front surface of the game board 12 is also provided with general winning ports 41, 42, 43, a first large winning port 44, a second large winning port 45, and an outlet port 46. The game board 12 is further provided with a seven-segment counter 51 for performance, a panel member 52 for performance, a first movable unit 53 for performance, a second movable unit 54 for performance, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) unit 61. The second starting opening 35 represents a specific example of a starting area in the gaming machine of the present invention, and the normal electric device 36 represents a specific example of an opening and closing member.

[0054] The guide rail 31 is composed of an outer rail 31a that divides the play area 12a, and an inner rail 31b that is disposed inside the outer rail 31a. The play area 12a is formed inside the outer rail 31a. The outer rail 31a and the inner rail 31b face each other on the left side of the play area 12a, and form a guide path 31c that guides the game balls launched by the launching device 15 to the upper part of the play area 12a.

[0055] The tip of the inner rail 31b is located at the upper left side of the play area 12a, and forms a ball discharge port 31d together with the middle part of the outer rail 31a. A ball return prevention piece 32 is provided at the tip of the inner rail 31b. This ball return prevention piece 32 prevents the game ball discharged from the ball discharge port 31d from passing through the ball discharge port 31d again and entering the guide path 31c.

[0056] The game balls released from the ball release port 31d flow down from the upper part to the lower part of the game area 12a. At this time, the game balls collide with the members provided in the game area 12a, such as multiple game nails (not shown), the first start port 34, the second start port 35, etc., and flow down toward the lower part of the game area 12a while changing their traveling direction.

[0057] A display area 13a of the display device 13 is exposed in the approximate center of the game area 12a. An obstacle 37 is provided above the display area 13a. By providing the obstacle 37, the game ball does not pass through the area of ​​the game area 12a that overlaps with the display area 13a.

[0058] The passing gate 33 is disposed on the left side of the display area 13a. A passing gate switch 115 (see FIG. 31) is provided at the passing gate 33. The passing gate switch 115 detects a gaming ball passing through the passing gate 33.

[0059] The first start hole 34 is disposed below the display area 13a, and the second start hole 35 is disposed below the first start hole 34. The first start hole 34 and the second start hole 35 are configured to be able to receive game balls. Hereinafter, the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 34 or the second start hole 35 is referred to as a "winning". When a game ball enters the first and second start holes 34 and 35, a first predetermined number of game balls (three in this embodiment) are paid out.

[0060] A first start hole switch 116 (see FIG. 31) is provided in the first start hole 34. The first start hole switch 116 detects a game ball that has entered the first start hole 34. In addition, a second start hole switch 117 (see FIG. 31) is provided in the second start hole 35. The second start hole switch 117 detects a game ball that has entered the second start hole 35. The game balls that enter the first starting hole 34 and the second starting hole 35 pass through a recovery port (not shown) provided in the game board 12 and are transported to a recovery section.

[0061] The normal electric device 36 is provided in the second starting hole 35. The normal electric device 36 has a pair of wing members rotatably attached to both sides of the second starting hole 35, and a solenoid actuator that drives the pair of wing members. The normal electric device 36 is in an open state in which the pair of wing members are spread to make it easier for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 35, and in a closed state in which the pair of wing members are closed to make it impossible for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 35. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention may be configured so that when the normal electric device 36 is closed, it becomes difficult for the gaming ball to win a prize.

[0062] The general winning openings 41, 42, 43 are disposed below the passing gate 33. These general winning openings 41, 42, 43 are configured to be able to receive game balls. Hereinafter, the entry of a game ball into the general winning openings 41, 42, 43 is referred to as a "win." When a game ball enters the general winning openings 41, 42, 43, a second predetermined number of game balls (10 in this embodiment) are paid out.

[0063] A general winning port switch 112 (see FIG. 31) is provided in the general winning port 41, and a general winning port switch 113 (see FIG. 31) is provided in the general winning port 42. In addition, a general winning port switch 114 (see FIG. 31) is provided in the general winning port 43. The general winning port switch 112 detects a game ball that has won in the general winning port 41, and the general winning port switch 113 detects a game ball that has won in the general winning port 42. And the general winning port switch 114 detects a game ball that has won in the general winning port 43.

[0064] The first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 are disposed to the right of the first starting opening 34 and the second starting opening 35, and are aligned vertically. The first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 are so-called attacker-type opening and closing devices, and have an openable and closable shutter and a solenoid actuator that drives the shutter.

[0065] The first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 receive game balls when the shutter is in an open state and do not receive game balls when the shutter is in a closed state and do not receive game balls. Hereinafter, the term "winning" refers to a game ball entering the first large winning hole 44 or the second large winning hole 45. When a game ball enters the first and second large winning holes 44 and 45, a third predetermined number of game balls (14 in this embodiment) are paid out.

[0066] A count switch 104 (see FIG. 31) is provided in the first large prize opening 44, and a count switch 105 (see FIG. 31) is provided in the second large prize opening 45. The count switch 104 counts the number of game balls that have won in the first large prize opening 44, and the count switch 105 counts the number of game balls that have won in the second large prize opening 45.

[0067] The outlet 46 is provided at the bottom of the game area 12a. The outlet 46 receives game balls that have not won in any of the first start opening 34, the second start opening 35, the general winning openings 41, 42, 43, the first big winning opening 44, and the second big winning opening 45.

[0068] The seven-segment counter 51 for performance is disposed diagonally above and to the right of the display area 13a. The seven-segment counter 51 for performance is configured to be able to display two digits or two English letters, and is used when performing a seven-segment counter performance for performance, which will be described later.

[0069] The performance panel member 52 is provided at the top of the play area 12a. The performance panel member 52 is configured to emit light to make it easier to see the performance characters, images, character designs, symbols, etc. That is, the performance panel 52 changes the way it is seen by emitting light. For example, at least one of the performance characters, images, character designs, symbols, etc. becomes easier to see when the performance panel member 52 emits light, and becomes harder to see when the performance panel member 52 does not emit light.

[0070] The first performance movable unit 53 has an upper member 381 and a lower member 382 stacked in the vertical direction, and the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The first performance movable unit 53 is also configured so that the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 can move in the vertical direction. The upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are usually arranged above the display area 13a.

[0071] The second performance movable unit 54 is disposed diagonally below and to the right of the display area 13a. The second performance movable unit 54 is, for example, shaped like a searchlight and is configured to be rotatable. The second performance movable unit 54 works in conjunction with the performance image displayed in the display area 13a to enhance the performance effect.

[0072] The LED unit 61 is disposed outside the game area 12a of the game board 12, and is disposed below the second big winning opening 45.

[0073] [LED unit] Next, the LED unit 61 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view showing an LED unit 61 provided on the game board 12. As shown in FIG.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, the LED unit 61 includes a special pattern display device 62, a normal pattern display device 63, a first special pattern reserve display LED 65a, 65b, a second special pattern reserve display LED 65c, 65d, and a normal pattern reserve display LED 67a, 67b, etc.

[0075] The special symbol display device 62 has 16 LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). These 16 LEDs are divided into two groups. One group is a first special symbol display device 62a (see FIG. 31) having eight LEDs, and the other group is a second special symbol display device 62b (see FIG. 31) having the remaining eight LEDs. The first and second special symbol display devices 62a and 62b display a display pattern formed by turning on and off the eight LEDs as a special symbol.

[0076] When the game ball enters the first starting hole 34 (special pattern start winning), the first special pattern display device 62a repeatedly turns on and off the eight LEDs to variably display the special patterns (also called identification patterns). Then, the LEDs are turned on or off to display the special patterns stationary. Hereinafter, the special patterns variably displayed on the first special pattern display device 62a are referred to as the first special patterns.

[0077] In addition, the second special symbol display device 62b, when the game ball enters the second starting hole 35 (special symbol start winning), repeatedly turns on and off the eight LEDs to perform a variable display of the special symbols. Then, by turning on or off each LED, the special symbols are displayed stationary. Hereinafter, the special symbols variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 62b are referred to as second special symbols.

[0078] When the first and second special symbols displayed in a stopped state on the first and second special symbol display devices 62a and 62b are in a specific state, the game state is shifted from the normal game state to a jackpot game state (special game state) which is advantageous to the player. In other words, a jackpot occurs when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in a stopped state on the first special symbol display device 62a or the second special symbol display device 62b in a manner that shifts to a jackpot game state.

[0079] In the jackpot game state, the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 (see FIG. 4) alternately become open. The first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 remain open until a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the game or until a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed. When any of the above conditions is met, the first large prize opening 44 or the second large prize opening 45, which was open, becomes closed.

[0080] A game in which either the first or second large prize opening 44, 45 is in a state in which it is easy to receive game balls is called a round game. Between each round game, both the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 are in a closed state. In addition, round games are counted as the number of rounds, such as 1 round, 2 rounds, etc. For example, the first round game is called the 1st round, and the second round game is called the 2nd round.

[0081] The round game of this embodiment is configured to maintain an open state of either the first or second large prize opening 44, 45. However, the round game according to the present invention may be configured to open either the first or second large prize opening 44, 45 multiple times.

[0082] On the other hand, when the first and second special symbols displayed in a stopped state on the first and second special symbol display devices 62a and 62b are not in a specific state (a losing state), the game state does not change unless a fall is won by a fall lottery described later. Hereinafter, a game in which the first and second special symbols are displayed in a variably manner and then stopped and the game state is changed or maintained depending on the result is referred to as a "special symbol game."

[0083] If a game ball enters the first starting hole 34 while the first and second special symbols are being displayed, the execution (start) of the display of the first special symbol is put on hold. Then, when the first and second special symbols that were being displayed are stopped, the display of the reserved first special symbol is started. In this embodiment, the number of times the display of the reserved first special symbol is displayed (so-called "reserved number", "reserved number of first special symbols") is set to a maximum of four times (pieces).

[0084] Furthermore, if a game ball enters the second starting hole 35 while the first and second special symbols are being displayed in a variable manner, the execution (start) of the display of the second special symbol is put on hold. Then, when the first and second special symbols that were being displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed, the display of the second special symbol that was put on hold is started. In this embodiment, the number of times that the display of the second special symbol that is put on hold (so-called "reserved number", "reserved number of second special symbols") is executed is set to a maximum of four times (pieces). Therefore, the maximum number of reserved first and second special symbols is eight.

[0085] The first special symbol display device 62a and the second special symbol display device 62b are not displayed simultaneously. In this embodiment, when a reserve for the first special symbol and a reserve for the second special symbol are mixed, the display of the first and second special symbols is performed in the order of reservation. However, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the display of one special symbol may be displayed preferentially over the display of the other special symbol.

[0086] The normal symbol display device 63 is provided below the special symbol display device 62. This normal symbol display device 63 has normal symbol display LEDs 63a and 63b. The normal symbol display device 63 displays a display pattern formed by turning on and off the normal symbol display LEDs 63a and 63b as a normal symbol.

[0087] The normal symbol display device 63 alternately turns on and off the normal symbol display LEDs 63a and 63b to display the normal symbol in a variable manner when the game ball passes through the passage gate 33. Then, the normal symbol display LEDs 63a and 63b are turned on or off to display the normal symbol in a stationary manner.

[0088] In the normal symbol display device 63, when the normal symbol displayed as stopped is in a predetermined state, the normal electric device 36 goes from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined period of time. On the other hand, when the normal symbol displayed as stopped is in a state other than the predetermined state (missing state), the normal electric device 36 maintains the closed state. Hereinafter, a game in which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner, then stopped, and the normal electric device 36 operates according to the result is referred to as a "normal symbol game."

[0089] If the game ball passes through the passage gate 33 while the normal symbol is being displayed, the execution (start) of the normal symbol display is put on hold. Then, when the normal symbol that was being displayed is stopped, the display of the reserved normal symbol starts. In this embodiment, the number of times the display of the reserved normal symbol is to be executed (so-called "reserved number", "reserved number of normal symbols") is set to a maximum of four times (pieces).

[0090] The normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a and 67b are provided below the normal symbol display LEDs 63a and 63b. The normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a and 67b are turned on, turned off, or blinking to display the number of reserved normal symbols related to the variable display.

[0091] Specifically, when the number of reserved normal symbols is one, the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67a is lit and the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67b is turned off. When the number of reserved normal symbols is two, the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67a is lit and the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67b is lit. When the number of reserved normal symbols is three, the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67a flashes and the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67b is lit. When the number of reserved normal symbols is four, the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67a flashes and the normal symbol reserved indicator LED 67b flashes.

[0092] The first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a and 65b are provided below the normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a and 67b. The first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a and 65b turn on, turn off, or blink to display the reserved number of the first special symbol. The display mode of the reserved number of the first special symbol by the first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a and 65b is the same as the display mode of the normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a and 67b.

[0093] The second special symbol reserved display LEDs 65c and 65d are provided below the first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a and 65b. The second special symbol reserved display LEDs 65c and 65d turn on, turn off or blink to display the reserved number of the second special symbol variable display. The display mode of the reserved number of the second special symbol by the second special symbol reserved display LEDs 65c and 65d is the same as the display mode of the normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a and 67b.

[0094] On the side of the first special symbol display device 62a, there are provided an annunciation LED that lights up when the result of the stopped display of the special symbol is a jackpot, and a round number display LED that displays the number of rounds.

[0095] In the display area 13a of the display device 13 (see FIG. 4), a performance image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 62 is displayed. For example, when a special symbol is being variably displayed on the special symbol display device 62, a plurality of performance identification symbols (identification information) consisting of numbers, for example, from 1 to 8, are variably displayed in the display area 13a, except in certain cases. Then, when a special symbol is statically displayed on the special symbol display device 62, the performance identification symbols are statically displayed in the display area 13a.

[0096] When the special symbols displayed in a stopped state on the special symbol display device 62 are in a specific form (the result of the stopped display is a jackpot), an effect image that lets the player know that it is a jackpot is displayed in the display area 13a. An example of an effect image that lets the player know that it is a jackpot is one in which multiple stop-displayed identification symbols for effect take a specific form (for example, the same identification symbols for effect are lined up in a predetermined direction), and then an image announcing the jackpot is displayed.

[0097] In addition, the display area 13a of the display device 13 displays the display of the first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a, 65b and the second special symbol reserved display LEDs 65c, 65d and related performance images. That is, the display area 13a displays reserved information notifying the reserved number of special symbols (for example, reserved symbols in the same number as the reserved number).

[0098] Furthermore, when the normal symbol displayed in a stopped state on the normal symbol display device 63 is in a predetermined form, a presentation image that allows the player to understand this information may be displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13.

[0099] [7-segment counter for presentation] Next, the performance 7-segment counter 51 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0100] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the seven-segment counter for performance 51. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the seven-segment counter for performance 51. The seven-segment counter for performance 51 shows one specific example of a light-emitting unit according to the gaming machine of the present invention.

[0101] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the performance 7-segment counter 51 has a board mounting base 301, an LED board 302, an optical filter 303, a reflector 304, a light diffusion sheet 305, a counter cover 306, and a decorative frame 307.

[0102] 7, the board mounting base 301 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape that is long in the vertical direction, and has a board mounting surface 301a on which the LED board 302 is mounted, and a back surface 301b opposite the board mounting surface 301a. A notch 301c is provided on one long side of the board mounting base 301. A connection terminal 313 of the LED board 302, which will be described later, is disposed in this notch 301c.

[0103] Examples of materials for the substrate mounting base 301 include synthetic resins such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The substrate mounting base 301 also blocks light. Therefore, light emitted from a plurality of LEDs 312 (described later) on the LED substrate does not pass through the substrate mounting base 301 to the rear surface 301b side.

[0104] The LED board 302 includes a board body 311, a plurality of LEDs 312, and a connection terminal 313. The board body 311 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and has a mounting surface 311a on which the plurality of LEDs 312 are mounted, and a back surface 311b that faces the board placement surface 301a of the board mounting base 301.

[0105] The connection terminal 313 is mounted on the back surface 311b of the board body 311. One end of a wire (not shown) that electrically connects the LED board 302 and the lamp control circuit 207 (see FIG. 31) is connected to the connection terminal 313. The connection terminal 313 is disposed in the notch 301c of the board mounting base 301.

[0106] The optical filter 303 is interposed between the LED substrate 302 and the reflector 304. The optical filter 303 is formed in a substantially circular film shape that covers the multiple LEDs 312 of the LED substrate 302. The optical filter 303 has a light shielding portion 315 that reflects or absorbs the light emitted from the LEDs 312, and a light transmitting portion 316 that transmits the light emitted from the LEDs 312.

[0107] The light transmitting portions 316 are made up of 14 substantially rectangular shapes facing the LEDs 312 of the LED substrate 302, and are formed so as to be capable of digitally displaying a two-digit number or two English letters. The light transmitting portions 316 are processed to be transparent or semi-transparent. The light transmitting portions 316 face an opening 323 (described later) of the reflector 304. Therefore, of the light emitted from the LEDs 312, the light that has passed through the light transmitting portions 316 of the optical filter 303 passes through the opening 323 of the reflector 304. In this embodiment, the light transmitting portion 316 is formed by processing to make it transparent or semi-transparent. However, in the optical filter according to the present invention, the light transmitting portion may be formed by cutting out the portion.

[0108] The light shielding portion 315 is provided in all areas of the optical filter 303 except the light transmitting portion 316. The light shielding portion 315 is processed to reflect or absorb light. Therefore, of the light emitted from the LED 312, the light irradiated to the light shielding portion 315 is reflected or absorbed and does not pass through the optical filter 303. In other words, the light emitted from the LED 312 is not irradiated to the portion other than the opening 323 of the reflector 304.

[0109] The reflector 304 represents one specific example of a light-guiding member according to the present invention, and has a base plate 321 having substantially the same shape as the optical filter 303, a light-guiding section 322 protruding from the base plate 321, and a plurality of openings 323 provided in the light-guiding section 322 and the base plate 321. The plurality of openings 323 are formed in the same shape as the light-transmitting section 316 of the optical filter 303, and face the light-transmitting section 316 of the optical filter 303.

[0110] Light guiding section 322 protrudes from the surface of base plate 321 opposite to the surface facing optical filter 303. Light guiding section 322 guides light that has entered multiple openings 323 toward light diffusion sheet 305. In other words, light that has entered openings 323 of reflector 304 travels toward light diffusion sheet 305 while being reflected by the inner surface of light guiding section 322.

[0111] The light diffusion sheet 305 is interposed between the reflector 304 and the counter cover 306. The light diffusion sheet 305 is formed in the same shape as the optical filter 303, and has a light shielding portion 326 and a light diffusion portion 327.

[0112] The light diffusion portion 327 faces the opening 323 of the reflector 304, and is formed in the same shape as the light transmission portion 316 of the optical filter 303 and the opening 323 of the reflector 304. The light that passes through the opening 323 of the reflector 304 is diffused by the light diffusion portion 327, and travels toward the counter cover 306.

[0113] Light shielding portion 326 is provided in a portion other than light diffusion portion 327. Light shielding portion 326 is treated to reflect or absorb light. Therefore, light irradiated to shielding portion 325 is reflected or absorbed and does not pass through light diffusion sheet 305. This makes it possible to reliably separate the area that emits light in front of counter cover 306 (the area that displays a two-digit number or two English letters) from the area that does not emit light, and prevents the outline of the illuminated portion from becoming blurred.

[0114] The counter cover 306 is formed to a size sufficient to cover the optical filter 303, the reflector 304, and the light diffusion sheet 305, and has a dome-shaped display unit 331 facing the light diffusion sheet 305, and a side wall unit 332 continuous with the periphery of the display unit 331. The display unit 331 is convex on the side opposite to the side facing the light diffusion sheet 305.

[0115] The inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 332 engages with the LED board 302, and the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 332 engages with the decorative frame 307. Two engagement protrusions 333, 334 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 332. The two engagement protrusions 333, 334 are provided with engagement holes, and a locking pin (not shown) of the decorative frame 307 is inserted into the engagement holes.

[0116] Counter cover 306 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent resin, and transmits light that has passed through the light diffusion portion of the opposing light diffusion portion 327. Examples of materials for counter cover 306 include synthetic resins such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0117] The decorative frame 307 has an opening 307a that exposes the display section 331 of the counter cover 306. The opening 307a is formed with an outline corresponding to the side wall section 332 of the counter cover 306, and the counter cover 306 fits into it. The decorative frame 307 is then fixed to the board mounting base 301 using fixing means such as screws or adhesive. Examples of materials for the decorative frame 307 include synthetic resins such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0118] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an optical filter 303 is superimposed on an LED board 302 in the performance 7-segment counter 51. As shown in FIG.

[0119] 8, the LEDs 312 mounted on the substrate body 311 of the LED substrate 302 are formed in a substantially square shape. The diagonal distance of each LED 312 is longer than the distance between opposing long sides of the light transmitting portion 316 of the optical filter 303. Therefore, a part of each LED 312 does not face the light transmitting portion 316 (the opening 323 of the reflector 304).

[0120] Light emitted from a portion of each LED 312 that does not face the light transmitting portion 316 is irradiated to the light shielding portion 315 and is reflected or absorbed. As a result, even if a portion of each LED 312 does not face the light transmitting portion 316, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from each LED 312 from being irradiated to any portion other than the opening 323 of the reflector 304. As a result, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from each LED 312 from leaking from the reflector 304, and it is possible to prevent unintended portions of the performance 7-segment counter 51 from emitting light.

[0121] Furthermore, the cost of the LEDs increases as they are made smaller. However, in this embodiment, the size of the seven-segment counter for performance 51 can be reduced without increasing the cost of the LEDs. In this embodiment, a configuration is provided with a plurality of LEDs 312 and a plurality of light transmitting sections 316 facing the plurality of LEDs 312. However, the light emitting unit according to the present invention may be configured to have one light source (LED) and one light transmitting section facing the one light source.

[0122] In this embodiment, the diagonal distance of each LED 312 is longer than the distance between opposing long sides of the light transmitting portion 316 (opening 323 of the reflector 304), and therefore a part of each LED 312 does not face the light transmitting portion 316. However, the size of the LED (light source) according to the present invention may be smaller than the light transmitting portion 316 (opening 323 of the reflector 304).

[0123] In this case, even if the position of the LED is misaligned with respect to the light transmitting portion of the optical filter (the opening of the reflector) when the LED board and the reflector are overlapped, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the LED from being irradiated to any part other than the opening of the reflector. As a result, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the LED from leaking out of the reflector, and to prevent unintended parts of the seven-segment counter for presentation from emitting light.

[0124] [Performance panel materials] Next, the performance panel member 52 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0125] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the performance panel member 52. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the performance panel member 52. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the performance panel member 52 has a panel LED board 351, a panel reflector 352, a light diffusion sheet 353, and a display sheet 354.

[0126] The panel LED board 351 includes a board body 361 formed in an arc shape having an appropriate width, a plurality of first LEDs 362 and a plurality of second LEDs 363 mounted on the board body 361. The board body 361 has a mounting surface 361a on which the plurality of first LEDs 362 and the plurality of second LEDs 363 are mounted, and two arc sides 361b, 361c with different radii of curvature. The radius of curvature of the arc side 361b is larger than that of the arc side 361c.

[0127] Nine first LEDs 362a among the plurality of first LEDs 362 are arranged at appropriate intervals along the arc side 361b. These nine first LEDs 362a are turned on in sequence during a jackpot game, and guide the direction in which the game ball should move (so-called right hit). The number of first LEDs 362a can be set arbitrarily, and may be eight or less, or ten or more.

[0128] The panel reflector 352 includes a base plate 365 having a planar shape substantially equal to that of the panel LED board 351, a rising piece 366 provided on the periphery of the base plate 365, and a partition piece 367.

[0129] The base plate 365 has a sheet facing surface 365a facing the light diffusion sheet 353 and a board contact surface 365b against which the panel LED board 351 contacts. The base plate 365 is provided with a plurality of through holes 365c that expose the plurality of LEDs 362, 363 mounted on the panel LED board 351. That is, the plurality of LEDs 362, 363 are inserted into the through holes 365c of the base plate 365 and face the light diffusion sheet 353.

[0130] In this embodiment, the LEDs 362 and 363 are inserted into the through-holes 365c of the base plate 365. However, by using an optical filter similar to the optical filter 303 in the performance 7-segment counter 51 described above, it is possible to reduce the size of the performance panel member.

[0131] The rising piece 366 protrudes from the sheet-facing surface 365a of the base plate 365, and continues along the periphery of the base plate 365. One flat surface of the light diffusion sheet 353 abuts against the rising piece 366. Therefore, a closed space 368 is formed between the panel reflector 352 and the light diffusion sheet 353 (see FIG. 11).

[0132] 10, the partition piece 367 protrudes from the sheet-facing surface 365a of the base plate 365. Both ends of the partition piece 367 are continuous with the rising piece 366. One flat surface of the light diffusion sheet 353 abuts against the partition piece 367. As a result, the partition piece 367 divides the space 368 formed between the panel reflector 352 and the light diffusion sheet 353 into a first space 368a and a second space 368b. A plurality of first LEDs 362 are arranged in the first space 368a, and a plurality of second LEDs 363 are arranged in the second space 368b.

[0133] In this embodiment, both ends of the partition piece 367 are continuous with the rising piece 366. However, the partition piece of the panel reflector according to the present invention may be formed in an endless shape (frame shape) on the inside of the rising piece 366. Even in this case, the partition piece can divide the space formed between the panel reflector and the light diffusion sheet.

[0134] The light diffusion sheet 353 is interposed between the panel reflector 352 and the display sheet 354. The planar shape of this light diffusion sheet 353 is approximately the same as that of the panel LED board 351 and the base plate 365. The light diffusion sheet 353 diffuses light passing therethrough to form a surface light source.

[0135] The display sheet 354 is overlaid on the light diffusion sheet 353 and fixed to the panel reflector 352 using screws. The planar shape of this display sheet 354 is substantially the same as that of the light diffusion sheet 353. The display sheet 354 is provided with display for performance such as characters, images, character designs, symbols, etc. When light is irradiated onto the display sheet 354 from behind (the light diffusion sheet 353 side), the display for performance becomes clear. The display for performance can be formed, for example, by printing.

[0136] FIG. 12 is a front view of the performance panel member 52. FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, on the display sheet 354, a first effect display area 371 and a second effect display area 372 are formed.

[0137] The first performance display area 371 is an area facing the first space 368a in the display sheet 354. The first performance display area 371 is provided with a design of buildings and a design of flames (not shown). The design of the flames (not shown) is made clear when the first LEDs 362 are turned on by red silk screen printing or printing using polarized pearl ink. On the other hand, when the first LEDs 362 are turned off, it is difficult to see the design of the flames (not shown). The design of the buildings is easy to see regardless of whether the first LEDs 362 are turned on or off. Therefore, the first performance display area 371 has a different display mode (appearance) when the first LEDs 362 are turned on and off. In this embodiment, during a big win game and a first highly likely variable game state described later, a plurality of first LEDs 362 (including the first LED 362a) are lit up, and an effect is performed in which the first effect display area 371 is clearly displayed.

[0138] The second effect display area 372 is an area facing the second space 368b in the display sheet 354. A character pattern is applied to the second effect display area 372. The second effect display area 372 becomes clear when the multiple second LEDs 363 are lit up. In this embodiment, the second LED 363 facing the second performance display area 372 is turned on except when a specific performance is being executed.

[0139] As described above, the partition piece 367 of the performance panel member 52 divides the space 368 into the first space 368a and the second space 368b. As a result, even if the plurality of second LEDs 363 facing the second performance display area 372 are turned on in normal play, the light emitted from the plurality of second LEDs 363 is not guided to the first space 368a. As a result, it is possible to prevent a part of the first performance display area 371 from becoming clear when it is not intended (for example, in a game state other than the jackpot game state and the first probability variation game state).

[0140] In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a display mode that makes the second performance display area 372 clear, and a display mode that makes the first performance display area 371 and the second performance display area 372 clear. Therefore, it is possible to increase the variety of display modes of the performance panel member 52, and to increase the interest of the performance. As the display mode of the performance panel member 52, a display mode that makes only the first performance display area 371 clear may be adopted.

[0141] In this embodiment, the multiple first LEDs 362 are turned on when a jackpot game is played, and the multiple second LEDs 363 are turned on when a normal game is played and when a jackpot game is played. However, the time and period when the multiple first LEDs 362 and the multiple second LEDs 363 are turned on can be set arbitrarily, and for example, the multiple second LEDs 363 may be turned on only when a normal game is played.

[0142] In this embodiment, the space 368 in the performance panel member 52 is configured to be divided into two by the partition piece 367. However, the partition piece 367 according to the present invention may be configured to divide the space in the performance panel member into three or more. By dividing the space in the performance panel member into three or more, the variety of display modes of the performance panel member can be increased compared to this embodiment.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light diffusion sheet 353 is interposed between the panel reflector 352 and the display sheet 354, but the light diffusion sheet 353 may be omitted.

[0144] Furthermore, the light diffusion sheet for the performance panel member 52 may be provided with a light shielding portion in an area facing the partition piece 367. This light shielding portion is treated to reflect or absorb light, and light cannot pass through the light shielding portion. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent light in the first space 368a from leaking into the second space 368b, and light in the second space 368a from leaking into the first space 368b.

[0145] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the upper part of the game board 12. As shown in FIG. 13, the performance panel member 52 forms the uppermost left side of the play area 12a of the game board 12. The multiple first LEDs 362a of the performance panel member 52 are aligned along the outer rail 31a.

[0146] A plurality of guide signs 56 are provided from the right side of the performance panel member 52 to the right end of the game area 12a to guide the path along which the game ball should roll (so-called right hit). The plurality of guide signs 56 are lined up along the outer rail 31a, and have an LED and a display cover that transmits the light emitted from the LED.

[0147] In this embodiment, in a jackpot game state, the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 (see FIG. 4) are alternately opened to make it easier for either the first or second large prize opening 44, 45 to receive a gaming ball.

[0148] Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, in the case of a jackpot game state, the path along which the game ball should roll is guided so that the game ball heads toward the first big prize opening 44 and the second big prize opening 45. That is, the first LEDs 362a of the performance panel member 52 and the LEDs of the guide displays 56 are turned on in sequence from the left side to inform the player that the game ball should be rolled along the right end of the game area.

[0149] Here, the lighting of the first LEDs 362a and the LEDs of the guidance displays 56 will be described in detail. When the big win game state is started, the first LED 362a1 on the left side of the first LEDs 362a is first lit. Next, the first LED 362a1 is turned off, and the first LED 362a2 on the right side of the first LED 362a1 is turned on. Then, the turning off of one first LED 362a and the lighting of the first LED 362a on the right side are repeated, and the first LED 362a9 on the right side of the first LEDs 362a is turned on.

[0150] Next, the first LED 362a9 is turned off, and the LED of the leftmost guide indicator 56a (the one adjacent to the right of the first LED 362a9) among the multiple guide indicators 56 is turned on. Then, the LED of the first guide indicator 56 is turned off and the LED of the guide indicator 56 adjacent to the first and second large prize openings 44, 45 is turned on repeatedly, and the LED of the guide indicator 56 located closest to the first and second large prize openings 44, 45 is turned on. After that, the LEDs of the guide indicators 56 located on the first and second big winning ports 44, 45 side are turned off, and the first LED 362a1 is turned on. Then, the above-mentioned lighting operation is repeated.

[0151] In this manner, in this embodiment, some of the LEDs (the first LEDs 362a) of the performance panel member 52 also serve as components that guide or notify the path along which the game ball should roll. This allows the number of components of the pachinko game machine 1 to be reduced while still providing the function of guiding or notifying the path along which the game ball should roll.

[0152] In this embodiment, when a big win game state is started, the first LEDs 362 and the LEDs of the guide displays 56 are linked to notify the player of the path along which the game ball should roll from the ball discharge port 31d to the vicinity of the first and second big winning ports 44, 45. This allows the player to recognize the path along which the game ball should roll to the first and second big winning ports 44, 45.

[0153] [First movable unit for performance] Next, the first performance movable unit 53 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0154] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the first movable unit for performance 53. Fig. 15 is a front view of the first movable unit for performance 53, and Fig. 16 is a rear view of the first movable unit for performance 53. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the first movable unit for performance 53. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB shown in Fig. 15.

[0155] 14 to 17, first performance movable unit 53 includes upper member 381, lower member 382, ​​a rotation mechanism 383 that rotates upper member 381 and lower member 382, ​​and a lifting mechanism 384 that raises and lowers upper member 381 and lower member 382. Upper member 381, lower member 382, ​​and rotation mechanism 382 represent one specific example of movable members according to the present invention.

[0156] The upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are configured to be rotatable within a range from a closed state (see Figs. 15 and 19) to an open state (see Fig. 21) (a range of approximately 90 degrees in this embodiment). The upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are also configured to be able to move up and down (up and down) within a range from a standby position, which is the uppermost position, to a performance position, which is the lowermost position.

[0157] The upper member 381 includes a hollow upper housing 391, an upper LED board 392 (see FIG. 18) disposed within the upper housing 391, and an upper rotating shaft 393 attached to the hollow upper housing 391. The upper housing 391 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, and includes a first plate portion 391a, a second plate portion 391b, a third plate portion 391c, and a fourth plate portion 391d.

[0158] The inner surface of the first plate portion 391a faces the inner surface of the second plate portion 391b, and the inner surface of the third plate portion 391c faces the inner surface of the fourth plate portion 391d. When the upper member 381 is in the closed state, the first plate portion 391a faces the front (player side), and the third plate portion 391c faces the lower member 382. On the other hand, when the upper member 381 is in the open state, the first plate portion 391a faces upward, and the third plate portion 391c faces the front (player side).

[0159] The first plate portion 391a is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent resin. An upper decorative protrusion (upper first decorative portion) 395 is provided on the surface of the first plate portion 391a. The upper decorative protrusion 395 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent resin, similar to the first plate portion 391a. Examples of materials for the first plate portion 391a and the upper decorative protrusion 395 include synthetic resins such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0160] When the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the closed state, the upper decorative protrusion 395 is vertically adjacent to the lower decorative protrusion (lower first decorative part) 405 of the lower member 382, ​​which will be described later. The upper decorative protrusion 395, together with the lower decorative protrusion 405, forms a performance decorative part 386 (see Figures 14 and 15). In other words, the performance decorative part 386 is a single decorative part formed by the upper member 381 and the lower member 382, ​​and faces the front (towards the player) when the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the closed state. A character design or a mark related to a character can be used as the performance decorative part 386.

[0161] The third plate portion 391c is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent resin. As shown in Fig. 18, an upper character protrusion (upper second decorative portion) 396 is formed on the surface of the third plate portion 391c. The upper character protrusion 396 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent resin, similar to the third plate portion 391c. Examples of materials for the third plate portion 391c and the upper character protrusion 396 include synthetic resins such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0162] When the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the open state, the upper character protrusion 396 is vertically adjacent to the lower character protrusion (lower second decorative portion) 406 of the lower member 382, ​​which will be described later. The upper character protrusion 396 and the lower character protrusion 406 form the performance character portion 387 (see FIG. 21 ). That is, the performance character portion 387 is one decorative portion formed by the upper member 381 and the lower member 382, ​​and faces the front (the player side) when the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the open state. In this embodiment, "BONUS" is adopted as the performance character portion 387, but any character string can be adopted as the character portion according to the present invention. In addition, the performance character portion 387 (one decorative portion formed by the upper second decorative portion and the lower second decorative portion) can be a character pattern, a mark related to a character, or the like.

[0163] The upper LED board 392 has a board body 398 and a plurality of LEDs 399 mounted on the board body 398. The board body 398 is inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first plate portion 391a and the inner surface of the third plate portion 391c, and has a mounting surface 398a facing the inner surfaces of the first plate portion 391a and the third plate portion 391c. In other words, both a line extending perpendicular to the inner surface of the first plate portion 391a and a line extending perpendicular to the inner surface of the third plate portion 391c intersect with the mounting surface 398a.

[0164] The multiple LEDs 399 are mounted on a mounting surface 398a of the board body 398. Light emitted from the multiple LEDs 399 is irradiated onto the inner surface of the first plate portion 391a and the inner surface of the third plate portion 391c, and passes through the first plate portion 391a, the third plate portion 391c, the upper decorative projection 395, and the upper character projection 396. This causes the first plate portion 391a, the third plate portion 391c, the upper decorative projection 395, and the upper character projection 396 to emit light.

[0165] In this manner, in this embodiment, the mounting surface 398a of the upper LED substrate 392 faces the inner surface of the first plate portion 391a and the inner surface of the third plate portion 391c. This allows the single upper LED substrate 392 to irradiate light onto the first plate portion 391a and the third plate portion 391c. As a result, the number of parts of the first performance movable unit 53 can be reduced.

[0166] The upper rotating shaft 393 is fixed to the upper housing 391, and the upper housing 391 rotates together with the upper rotating shaft 393. The axial direction of the upper rotating shaft 393 extends in a direction (left-right direction) parallel to the inner surface of the first plate portion 391a and the inner surface of the third plate portion 391c. An upper driven gear 434 (described later) of the rotation mechanism 383 is fixed to one end of the upper rotating shaft 393.

[0167] The lower member 382 includes a hollow lower housing 401, a lower LED board 402 (see FIG. 18) disposed in the lower housing 401, and a lower rotating shaft 403 attached to the hollow lower housing 401. The lower housing 401 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, and includes a first plate portion 401a, a second plate portion 401b, a third plate portion 401c, and a fourth plate portion 401d.

[0168] The inner surface of the first plate portion 401a faces the inner surface of the second plate portion 401b, and the inner surface of the third plate portion 401c faces the inner surface of the fourth plate portion 401d. When the lower member 382 is in the closed state, the first plate portion 401a faces the front (player side), and the third plate portion 401c faces the upper member 381. On the other hand, when the lower member 382 is in the open state, the first plate portion 401a faces upward, and the third plate portion 401c faces the front (player side).

[0169] The first plate portion 401a is made of a transparent or translucent resin. A lower decorative protrusion 405 is provided on the surface of the first plate portion 401a. When the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the closed state, the lower decorative protrusion 405 is adjacent to (opposes) the upper decorative protrusion 395 of the upper member 381 in the vertical direction.

[0170] The lower decorative protrusion 405 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent resin, similar to the first plate portion 401a. Examples of materials for the first plate portion 401a and the lower decorative protrusion 405 include synthetic resins such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0171] The third plate portion 401c is made of a transparent or semi-transparent resin. As shown in Fig. 18, a lower character protrusion 406 is formed on the surface of the third plate portion 401c. When the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the open state, the lower character protrusion 406 is adjacent to the upper character protrusion 396 of the upper member 381 in the vertical direction.

[0172] The lower character protrusion 406 is made of a transparent or semi-transparent resin, similar to the third plate portion 401c. Examples of materials for the third plate portion 401c and the lower character protrusion 406 include synthetic resins such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0173] The lower LED substrate 402 has a substrate body 408 and a plurality of LEDs 409 mounted on the substrate body 408. The substrate body 408 is inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first plate portion 401a and the inner surface of the third plate portion 401c, and has a mounting surface 408a facing the inner surfaces of the first plate portion 401a and the third plate portion 401c. In other words, both a line extending perpendicular to the inner surface of the first plate portion 401a and a line extending perpendicular to the inner surface of the third plate portion 401c intersect with the mounting surface 408a.

[0174] The multiple LEDs 409 are mounted on the mounting surface 408a of the substrate body 408. Light emitted from the multiple LEDs 409 is irradiated onto the inner surface of the first plate portion 401a and the inner surface of the third plate portion 401c, and passes through the first plate portion 401a, the third plate portion 401c, the lower decorative protrusion 405, and the lower character protrusion 406. This causes the first plate portion 401a, the third plate portion 401c, the lower decorative protrusion 405, and the lower character protrusion 406 to emit light.

[0175] In this manner, in this embodiment, the mounting surface 408a of the lower LED substrate 402 faces the inner surface of the first plate portion 401a and the inner surface of the third plate portion 401c. This allows the single lower LED substrate 402 to irradiate light onto the first plate portion 401a and the third plate portion 401c. As a result, the number of parts of the first performance movable unit 53 can be reduced.

[0176] Lower rotating shaft 403 is fixed to lower housing 401, and lower housing 401 rotates together with lower rotating shaft 403. The axial direction of lower rotating shaft 403 extends in a direction (left-right direction) parallel to the inner surface of first plate portion 401a and the inner surface of third plate portion 401c. A lower driven gear 435 (described later) of rotation mechanism 383 is fixed to one end of lower rotating shaft 403.

[0177] 17, the rotation mechanism 383 includes a bearing member 431, a rotation motor 432, a drive gear 433, an upper driven gear 434, and a lower driven gear 435. The bearing member 431 includes a bearing portion 441, a motor fixing portion 442 continuous with the bearing portion 441, a right attachment portion 443 continuous with the motor fixing portion 442, and a left attachment portion 444 continuous with the bearing portion 441.

[0178] The bearing portion 441 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above, and is composed of bearing pieces 441a and 441b facing each other in the left-right direction, and a connection piece 441c continuing to the bearing pieces 441a and 441b.

[0179] The bearing pieces 441a and 441b are made of rectangular plates that are long in the vertical direction and have bearing holes through which the upper rotating shaft 393 and the lower rotating shaft 403 pass. The connection piece 441c is made of a rectangular plate that is long in the horizontal direction. An optical sensor 451 that detects whether the upper member 381 is in the closed state is attached to the bearing piece 441a.

[0180] The optical sensor 451 is a so-called transmission type photosensor, and has a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The optical sensor 451 detects that the upper member 381 is in the closed state by interposing an engagement protrusion 434b (described later) of the upper driven gear 434 between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0181] The motor fixing part 442 is composed of a connecting piece 442a continuing to the bearing piece 441a of the bearing part 441, and a fixed piece 442b continuing to the connecting piece 442a. The connecting piece 442a is made of a plate parallel to the connection piece 441c of the bearing part 441, and the fixed piece 442b is made of a plate facing the bearing piece 441a. The rotation motor 432 is fixed to the surface of the fixed piece 442b opposite to the surface facing the bearing piece 441a by using a screw.

[0182] The right mounting portion 443 is formed in a crank shape when viewed from above, and is composed of a first connecting piece 443a continuing from the fixed piece 442b, a second connecting piece 443b continuing from the first connecting piece 443a, and a mounting piece 443c continuing from the second connecting piece 443b.

[0183] The first connecting piece 443a is made of a plate parallel to the connection piece 441c of the bearing part 441. A tip of a control spring 485 of the lifting mechanism 384 (described later) and a detection piece 452 of the optical sensors 491, 492 (described later) are attached to the first connecting piece 443a. The second connecting piece 443b is made of a plate facing the fixed piece 442b. The mounting piece 443c is made of a plate parallel to the first connecting piece 443a. The mounting piece 443c is fixed to a rack 484 of the lifting mechanism 384 (described later) using a screw.

[0184] The left attachment portion 444 has an attachment piece 444a made of a plate parallel to the connection piece 441c of the bearing portion 441. This attachment piece 444a is fixed to a slider 502 (described later) of the lifting mechanism 384 by using a screw.

[0185] The rotation motor 432 is fixed to the fixed piece 442b of the bearing member 431, and is disposed between the second connecting piece 443b and the fixed piece 442b. For example, a stepping motor can be used as the rotation motor 432. A rotation shaft (not shown) of the rotation motor 432 extends in the left-right direction and penetrates the fixed piece 442b and the bearing piece 441a.

[0186] The driving gear 433 is fixed to a tip end portion of the rotating shaft of the rotation motor 432, the tip end portion passing through the fixed piece 442b and the bearing piece 441a. The driving gear 433 has a tooth portion 433a.

[0187] As described above, the upper driven gear 434 is fixed to one end of the upper rotating shaft 393. The upper driven gear 434 has a toothed portion 434a and an engaging protrusion 434b. The engaging protrusion 434b engages with the upper end of the connecting piece 441c to regulate the rotation of the upper driven gear 434 (upper member 381). The engaging protrusion 434b also serves as a detection piece interposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 451 described above.

[0188] The lower driven gear 435 is fixed to one end of the lower rotating shaft 403. The lower driven gear 435 has a toothed portion 435a and an engaging protrusion 435b. The engaging protrusion 434b engages with the lower end of the connecting piece 441c to regulate the rotation of the lower driven gear 435 (lower member 382).

[0189] The teeth 434a of the upper driven gear 434 mesh with the teeth 435a of the lower driven gear 435 (see FIG. 19B). The teeth 435a of the lower driven gear 435 mesh with the teeth 433a of the drive gear 433.

[0190] As a result, the drive gear 433 rotates together with the rotary shaft of the rotation motor 432, and the lower driven gear 435 meshing with the drive gear 433 rotates. The rotation of the lower driven gear 435 rotates the lower member 382 to which the lower driven gear 435 is fixed. The rotation of the lower driven gear 435 rotates the upper driven gear 434, and the upper member 381 rotates.

[0191] In this embodiment, the teeth 433a of the drive gear 433 mesh with the teeth 435a of the lower driven gear 435. This makes it possible to prevent the lower member 382 from rotating in the direction toward the open state due to its own weight, even when no current is flowing through the rotation motor 432.

[0192] The direction in which the upper member 381 rotates due to its own weight is the direction toward the closed state, and the rotation toward the closed state is prevented or suppressed by the lower member 382. On the other hand, the upper member 381 must rotate toward the open state against its own weight. Therefore, even if no current is flowing through the rotation motor 432, the upper member 381 will not rotate toward the open state.

[0193] In this manner, in this embodiment, the backlash (a gap intentionally provided in the rotational direction) that occurs between the lower driven gear 435 and the upper driven gear 434 can prevent the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 from rotating.

[0194] Moreover, the upper driven gear and the lower driven gear according to the present invention may be scissors gears. In this case, backlash occurring between the lower driven gear 435 and the upper driven gear 434 can be suppressed.

[0195] The lifting mechanism 384 lifts and lowers the rotating mechanism 383, the upper member 381, and the lower member 382 together. As shown in FIG.

[0196] The first guide block 471 includes a first guide base 481, a lifting motor 482, a drive gear (pinion) 483, a rack 484, and a constant spring 485. The lifting motor 482, the drive gear 483, and the rack 484 represent a specific example of a drive means according to the present invention. The first guide base 481 includes a base plate 481a having a substantially L-shaped planar shape as viewed from the front, and a side wall 481b rising from the front surface of the base plate 481a toward the front side.

[0197] The base plate 481a is fixed to the game board 12 using screws. A guide portion 487 that guides the rack 484 in the vertical direction is provided on the front surface of the base plate 481a. In addition, a spring support portion 488 that rotatably supports the control spring 485 is provided on the upper portion of the base plate 481a.

[0198] 16, an elevation motor 482 and optical sensors 491, 492 are fixed to the rear surface of a base plate 481a. For example, a stepping motor can be used as the elevation motor 482. A rotation shaft (not shown) of the elevation motor 482 extends in the front-rear direction (a direction perpendicular to the left-right and up-down directions) and penetrates the base plate 481a.

[0199] The optical sensors 491 and 492 are so-called transmissive photosensors and have a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The optical sensor 491 is disposed in the middle in the vertical direction on the rear surface of the base plate 481a, and the optical sensor 492 is disposed in the lower part in the vertical direction on the rear surface of the base plate 481a.

[0200] The optical sensor 491 detects that the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are located at the standby position by the detection piece 452 being interposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The optical sensor 492 detects that the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are located at the performance position by the detection piece 452 being interposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0201] The drive gear 483 is fixed to the tip of the rotation shaft of the lift motor 482, which penetrates the base plate 481a. The drive gear 483 has teeth 483a. The rack 484 is made of a substantially rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction, and has teeth 484a on one long side. The mounting piece 443c of the bearing member 431 is fixed to the rack 484 with a screw.

[0202] Teeth 484a of the rack 484 mesh with teeth 483a of the drive gear 483 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Thus, when the drive gear 483 rotates together with the rotating shaft of the lifting motor 482, the rack 484 meshing with the drive gear 483 moves up and down. As a result, the bearing member 431 fixed to the rack 484 and the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 rotatably supported by the bearing member 431 move up and down.

[0203] The constant-force spring 485 is a so-called constant-force spring, and has a band-shaped spring portion 485a wound around a drum. The constant-force spring 485 has a constant force (torque) with which the spring portion 485a returns to its original position, regardless of the drawn-out length (stroke) of the spring portion 485a. As shown in FIG. 16, the tip of the spring portion 485a in the constant-force spring 485 is fixed to the first connecting piece 443a of the bearing portion 441.

[0204] The Constone spring 485 biases the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 (the rotation mechanism 383) to the standby position. That is, the Constone spring 485 represents one specific example of a biasing member that biases the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 to the standby position.

[0205] 17, the second guide block 472 includes a second guide base 501, a slider 502, a guide cover 503, and a control spring 504. The second guide base 501 includes a base plate 511 having a generally rectangular shape elongated in the vertical direction when viewed from the front, and a wall plate 512 rising from the front surface of the base plate 501a toward the front side.

[0206] The base plate 511 of the second guide base 501 is fixed to the game board 12 with screws. A guide portion 513 that guides the slider 502 in the up and down direction is provided on the front surface of the base plate 511. The guide portion 513 has a stopper protrusion 513a that limits the downward movement of the slider 502.

[0207] The wall plate 512 has an upper plate portion 512a that forms the upper portion of the second guide base 501, a lower plate portion 512b that forms the lower portion of the second guide base 501, and a left side plate portion 512c that forms the side wall of the second guide base 501. A spring support portion 514 that rotatably supports the constone spring 504 is provided on the upper plate portion 512a.

[0208] The slider 502 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The slider 502 is engaged with a guide portion 513 of the second guide base 501. An engagement piece 516 that engages with the guide cover 503 is provided on the left side of the slider 502. In addition, a bearing fixing portion 517 is provided on the right side of the slider 502. The bearing fixing portion 517 is fixed to the mounting piece 444a of the bearing portion 441 using a screw.

[0209] The guide cover 503 has a cover body 503a and a wiring holder 503b. The cover body 503a is fixed to the left side plate portion 512c of the second guide base 501 using a screw. This cover body 503a engages with an engagement piece 516 of the slider 502 to lock the slider 502 against movement in the front-rear direction. This allows the slider 502 to move only in the up-down direction.

[0210] The wiring presser 503a is formed in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction and protrudes from the left side of the cover body 503a. The wiring presser 503a presses the multiple wirings 250 passing through the left side of the first performance movable unit 53 (see FIG. 22). That is, the guide cover 503 stops the slider 502 from moving in the front-rear direction and presses the multiple wirings 250 passing through the left side of the first performance movable unit 53.

[0211] The Constone spring 504 is a so-called constant force spring, and has a band-shaped spring portion 504a wound around a drum (see Figs. 14 and 16). The Constone spring 504 has a constant force (torque) with which the spring portion 504a returns to its original position, regardless of the drawn-out length (stroke) of the spring portion 504a. As shown in Fig. 16, the tip of the spring portion 504a in the Constone spring 504 is fixed to the bearing fixing portion 517 of the slider 502.

[0212] Fig. 19A is a front view showing the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 in a closed state, and Fig. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in Fig. 19A. Fig. 20A is a front view showing the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 in the middle of being changed from a closed state to an open state, and Fig. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in Fig. 20A. Fig. 21A is a front view showing the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 in an open state, and Fig. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE shown in Fig. 21A.

[0213] The upper member 381 and the lower member 382 of the first performance movable unit 53 are usually in a closed state as shown in Fig. 19. In this embodiment, when the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the rotational operation of the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 by the rotation mechanism 383 and the lifting and lowering operation of the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 by the lifting and lowering mechanism 384 are confirmed. The upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are placed in a standby position (initial position) detected by the optical sensor 451 and the optical sensor 491, and are in a closed state. That is, the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 in the closed state are placed in a standby position, which is the uppermost position, and are located above the display area 13a (see Fig. 4).

[0214] In the closed state, the first plate portion 391a of the upper member 381 and the first plate portion 401a of the lower member 382 face forward. An upper decorative protrusion 395 is provided on the first plate portion 391a of the upper member 381, and a lower decorative protrusion 405 is provided on the first plate portion 401a of the lower member 382. The upper decorative protrusion 395 and the lower decorative protrusion 405 form a decorative portion 386 for presentation.

[0215] In the first performance movable unit 53 in the closed state, the direction in which the lower member 382 rotates due to its own weight is the direction in which the lower member 382 is in the open state. However, as shown in FIG. 19B, the teeth 433a of the drive gear 433 in the rotation mechanism 383 mesh with the teeth 435a of the lower driven gear 435, so that the rotation of the lower member 382 in the open state is stopped by the drive gear 433. This makes it possible to prevent the lower member 382 from rotating due to its own weight in the direction in which the lower member 382 is in the open state even when no current is flowing through the rotation motor 432. As a result, the lower member 382 is not half-open.

[0216] For example, when the teeth 433a of the drive gear 433 are meshed with the teeth 435a of the upper driven gear 434, the rotation of the lower member 382 in the direction to the open state is not stopped by the drive gear 433. Therefore, there is a risk that the lower member 382 will rotate in the direction to the open state due to its own weight and become half-open.

[0217] On the other hand, since the rotation of the upper member 381 in the direction to open the upper member 381 must be performed against its own weight, the upper member 381 will not rotate in the direction to open the upper member 381 even if no current is flowing to the rotation motor 432.

[0218] 19B, when the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the closed state, the engagement protrusion 434b of the upper driven gear 434 is interposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 451. As a result, the optical sensor 451 detects that the upper member 381 (and the lower member 382) is in the closed state.

[0219] In this embodiment, when a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are moved from the standby position to the performance position while the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are changed from the closed state to the open state. Note that, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 may be moved from the standby position to the performance position, and then the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 may be changed from the closed state to the open state.

[0220] When the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are moved from the standby position to the performance position, the lifting motor 482 of the lifting mechanism 384 is rotated in one direction. This causes the drive gear 483 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front, and the rack 484 moves downward against the spring force of the control springs 485, 504. As a result, the bearing member 431 fixed to the rack 484 and the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 rotatably supported by the bearing member 431 move downward.

[0221] When the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are changed from the closed state to the open state, the rotation motor 432 of the rotation mechanism 383 is rotated in one direction. This causes the drive gear 433 to rotate in the R1 direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 20B), and the lower driven gear 435 to rotate in the R2 direction (clockwise in FIG. 20B). As a result, the lower member 382 rotates in the direction to the open state.

[0222] On the other hand, when the lower driven gear 435 rotates in the R2 direction, the upper driven gear 434 meshing with the lower driven gear 435 rotates in the R1 direction. As a result, the upper member 381 rotates in a direction to enter the open state.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 20A, when the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the process of being changed from a closed state to an open state, the first plate portion 391a and the third plate portion 391c of the upper member 381 and the first plate portion 401a and the third plate portion 401c of the lower member 382 become visible from the front.

[0224] 20B, while the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are being changed from the closed state to the open state, the engagement protrusion 434b of the upper driven gear 434 is not interposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 451. As a result, the optical sensor 451 detects that the upper member 381 (and the lower member 382) are not in the closed state.

[0225] 20A and 20B, the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are further lowered to be disposed in the performance position (see FIGS. 21A and 21B). In addition, in the standby position, the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are in the open state.

[0226] In the open state, the third plate portion 391c of the upper member 381 and the third plate portion 401c of the lower member 382 face forward. As shown in Fig. 21A, the third plate portion 391c of the upper member 381 is provided with an upper character protrusion 396, and the third plate portion 401c of the lower member 382 is provided with a lower character protrusion 406. The upper character protrusion 396 and the lower character protrusion 406 form the character portion 387 for presentation.

[0227] 21B, the engagement projection 434b of the upper driven gear 434 abuts against the upper end of the connection piece 441c of the bearing portion 441. This prevents the upper driven gear 434 from rotating in the R1 direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 21B). As a result, rotation in the direction that brings the upper member 381 into the open state is prohibited.

[0228] On the other hand, the engagement projection 435b of the lower driven gear 435 abuts against the lower end of the connection piece 441c of the bearing portion 441. This prevents the lower driven gear 435 from rotating in the R2 direction (clockwise in FIG. 21B). As a result, rotation in the direction in which the lower member 382 is in the open state is prohibited.

[0229] When the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are moved from the performance position to the standby position, the lifting motor 482 of the lifting mechanism 384 is rotated in the other direction. This causes the drive gear 483 to rotate clockwise when viewed from the front, the rack 484 to move upward, and the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 move upward together with the rack 484.

[0230] Furthermore, when the upper member 381 and the lower member 382 are changed from the open state to the closed state, the rotation motor 432 of the rotation mechanism 383 is rotated in the other direction. This causes the drive gear 433 to rotate in the R2 direction, and the lower driven gear 435 to rotate in the R1 direction. As a result, the lower member 382 rotates in a direction toward the closed state. On the other hand, when the lower driven gear 435 rotates in the R1 direction, the upper driven gear 434 meshing with the lower driven gear 435 rotates in the R2 direction. As a result, the upper member 381 rotates in a direction toward the closed state.

[0231] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first performance movable unit 53 is attached to the game board 12. As shown in FIG.

[0232] 22, in a state where the first performance movable unit 53 is attached to the game board 12, the wiring presser 503a of the second guide block 472 presses the multiple wirings 250 passing on the left side of the first performance movable unit 53. This wiring presser 503a fulfills two functions to stop the slider 502 from moving forward and backward. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced, leading to cost reduction.

[0233] In the first performance movable unit 53 of this embodiment, both sides of the movable member consisting of the upper member 381, the lower member 382, ​​and the rotating mechanism 382 are movably supported by the first guide block 471 and the second guide block 472. Therefore, the lifting and lowering operation of the movable member can be stabilized. Moreover, by providing the driving means for moving the movable member only in the first guide block 471, the number of parts can be reduced and costs can be reduced.

[0234] In addition, in the first performance movable unit 53 of this embodiment, the constant springs 485, 504 are used as biasing members for biasing the movable member upward. This makes it possible to reduce the force (motor torque) required to move the movable member upward against gravity. Moreover, the constant springs 485, 504 have a constant force (torque) for biasing the movable member upward regardless of the drawn-out length (stroke) of the spring parts 485a, 504a, so that the lifting and lowering operation of the movable member can be stabilized.

[0235] In this embodiment, the driving means for moving the movable member in the vertical direction is composed of the lifting motor 482, the driving gear 483, and the rack 484. However, various mechanisms for moving the movable member in the vertical direction can be used as the driving means according to the present invention. The driving means according to the present invention may be composed of, for example, a motor and a belt mechanism or a chain mechanism for converting the rotational force of the rotating shaft of the motor into linear power.

[0236] [Second movable unit for performance] Next, the second performance movable unit 54 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0237] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the second performance movable unit 54. Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the second performance movable unit 54.

[0238] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the second performance movable unit 54 includes an imitation light member 521, a guide member 522, and a gear train member 523. The imitation light member 521 has a shape imitating a searchlight, and is rotated by a gear train member 523. This imitation light member 521 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

[0239] 24, the guide member 522 has a cover portion 531 and a light motor 532 fixed to the cover portion 531. The cover portion 531 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open bottom surface. The cover portion 531 closes an opening of a case portion 541 of the gear train member 523, which will be described later.

[0240] Lid portion 531 has a notch 534. This notch 534 is provided on a side surface forming one of the long sides of lid portion 531, and is formed in a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the top and bottom direction. In addition, a guide groove 535 and an engagement protrusion piece 536 are provided on the upper surface of lid portion 531.

[0241] The guide groove 535 is provided in the approximate center of the upper surface of the cover portion 531. An engagement pin 586 (described later) of the imitation light member 521 engages with this guide groove 535. The engagement protrusion piece 536 is formed in an arc shape so as to surround the notch 534. A rotating plate 585 (described later) of the imitation light member 521 engages with the upper surface of this engagement protrusion piece 536.

[0242] The light motor 532 is attached to the upper surface of the lid portion 531 using a screw. For example, a stepping motor can be used as the light motor 532. The rotation shaft (not shown) of the light motor 532 extends in the vertical direction and penetrates the lid portion 531.

[0243] The gear train member 523 has a case 541, and a gear train 542 and an optical sensor 543 housed in the case 541. The case 541 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open upper surface. The gear train 542 and the light motor 532 described above represent one specific example of an ornament rotation mechanism according to the present invention.

[0244] The gear train 542 has a drive gear 545 fixed to the rotation shaft of the light motor 532, a first driven gear 546, a second driven gear 547, and a third driven gear 548. The drive gear 545 has a tooth portion 545a. The first driven gear 546 has a tooth portion 546a that meshes with the tooth portion 545a of the drive gear 545.

[0245] The second driven gear 547 has a tooth portion 547a that meshes with the tooth portion 546a of the first driven gear 546. The third driven gear 548 has a tooth portion 548a that meshes with the tooth portion 547a of the second driven gear 547, and a detection piece 548b.

[0246] The optical sensor 543 is a so-called transmission type photosensor, and has a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The optical sensor 543 detects that the imitation light member 521 is disposed at the standby position by interposing the detection piece 548b of the third driven gear 548 between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0247] Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the imitation light member 521 as seen from one side. Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the imitation light member 521 as seen from the other side.

[0248] 25 and 26, the imitation light member 521 includes a rotating base 551, a light exterior body 552, an LED board 554, a lens cover 555, a light diffusion sheet 556, and a display sheet 557. The imitation light member 521 represents one specific example of a decorative member according to the present invention.

[0249] The rotating base 551 is fixed to the third driven gear 548 (see FIG. 24) of the gear train member 523. The rotating base 551 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 27. The light exterior body 552 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. One axial end face of the light exterior body 552 is open, and the other axial end face is closed (see FIG. 28).

[0250] The light exterior body 552 is rotatably supported by the rotation base 551. The light exterior body 552 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a first light exterior part 561 and a second light exterior part 562. The first light exterior part 561 has an arc-shaped cross section, and constitutes the left half of the light exterior body 552. A bearing 564 and an engagement protrusion 565 are provided inside the first light exterior part 561.

[0251] The bearing 564 is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the first light exterior part 561. The bearing 564 is rotatably fitted to a horizontal rotation shaft 587 (described later) of the rotation base 551. The engagement protrusion 565 is located below the bearing 564, and is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the first light exterior part 561. The engagement protrusion 565 engages with a transmission rod 583 (described later) of the rotation base 551.

[0252] The second light exterior part 562 has an arc-shaped cross section and constitutes the right half of the light exterior body 552. The second light exterior part 562 is fixed to the first light exterior part 561 using screws. The second light exterior part 562 is provided with three openings 566. The three openings 566 are arranged at appropriate intervals along one peripheral edge in the axial direction of the second light exterior part 562. Three cover pieces 572 of the lens cover 555, which will be described later, fit into these three openings 566.

[0253] The LED board 554 is sandwiched between the first light exterior part 561 and the second light exterior part 562. The LED board 554 includes a board body 567, a plurality of LEDs 568, and a connection terminal 569. The board body 567 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape, and has a mounting surface 567a on which the plurality of LEDs 568 are mounted, and a back surface 567b facing the rotating base 551. The board body 567 closes the opening of the light exterior body 552.

[0254] The LEDs 568 are configured to be capable of emitting light of a plurality of colors. The connection terminal 569 is mounted on the back surface 567b of the board body 567. One end of a wire (not shown) that electrically connects the LED board 554 and the lamp control circuit 207 (see FIG. 31) is connected to the connection terminal 569. The connection terminal 569 is disposed inside the light exterior body 552.

[0255] The lens cover 555 includes a lens body 571 and three cover pieces 572. The lens body 571 is made of a plate having a planar shape substantially equal to that of the substrate body 567 of the LED substrate 554, and has a front surface 571a facing the light diffusion sheet 556 and a back surface 571b facing the mounting surface 567a of the LED substrate 554. The three cover pieces 572 protrude from the periphery of the lens body 571. The three cover pieces 572 fit into the three openings 566 of the light exterior body 552.

[0256] The lens body 571 and the three cover pieces 572 are formed of a transparent or translucent resin. The lens cover 555 guides the light emitted from the multiple LEDs 568 and irradiated onto the back surface 571b of the lens body 571 to the front surface 571a and the cover pieces 572. The light guided to the front surface 571a and the cover pieces 572 passes through the front surface 571a and the cover pieces 572.

[0257] The lens body 571 and the three cover pieces 572 may be made of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0258] The light diffusion sheet 556 is interposed between the lens cover 555 and the display sheet 557. The planar shape of the light diffusion sheet 556 is approximately the same as that of the substrate body 567 and the lens body 571. The light diffusion sheet 556 diffuses light passing therethrough to form a surface light source. It should be noted that the second movable unit for presentation according to the present invention does not necessarily need to be provided with the second light diffusion sheet 556 .

[0259] The display sheet 557 is exposed from the cylindrical hole of the light exterior body 552, and forms the front surface of the imitation light member 521. That is, the display sheet 557 represents one specific example of a front light emitting portion according to the present invention. This display sheet 557 is superimposed on the light diffusion sheet 353, and is formed in a planar shape substantially equal to that of the light diffusion sheet 556. The display sheet 557, the light diffusion sheet 556, and the lens cover 555 are sandwiched between the first light exterior part 561 and the second light exterior part 562 in a superimposed state.

[0260] Display sheet 557 is provided with display for performance such as characters, images, character designs, symbols, etc. When light is irradiated onto display sheet 557 from behind (the light diffusion sheet 556 side), the display for performance becomes clear. Specifically, a first print (design imitating a searchlight slit) is applied to the front surface of display sheet 557, and a second print (character design) is applied to the rear surface. The second print is, for example, silk screen printing or printing with polarized pearl ink, and becomes clear when multiple LEDs 568 are lit up.

[0261] Therefore, when the multiple LEDs 568 are turned off, the first printing is visible, and it is difficult to see the second printing. On the other hand, when the multiple LEDs 568 are turned on, the first printing and the second printing are visible. This makes it possible to make the display mode (visual display) different when the multiple LEDs 568 are turned on and off, thereby improving the interest of the presentation in which the front light-emitting section is illuminated.

[0262] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation base 551. FIG. 27, the rotating base 551 includes a stand 581, a vertical rotating shaft 582, a transmission rod 583, a link 584, a rotating plate 585, an engagement pin 586, and a horizontal rotating shaft 587. The transmission rod 583 and the link 584 represent one specific example of a link mechanism according to the present invention.

[0263] The stand 581 has a stand body 591, a shaft fixing portion 592, and a rod attachment portion 593. The stand body 591 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with two opposing side surfaces open. The stand body 591 is fixed to the rotating plate 585 using screws.

[0264] The shaft fixing part 592 is provided on the upper part of the stand main body 591. The shaft fixing part 592 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a cylindrical hole. The rod attachment part 593 protrudes from the open side surface of the stand main body 591. The rod attachment part 593 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in a direction parallel to the cylindrical hole in the shaft fixing part 592, and fits into a fitting protrusion 602 of the transmission rod 583, which will be described later.

[0265] The vertical rotation shaft 582 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is fixed to a shaft fixing part 592 of the stand 581. That is, the vertical rotation shaft 582 passes through a cylindrical hole of the shaft fixing part 592, and is fixed to the shaft fixing part 592 by using a retaining ring 595 (see FIG. 25). The axial direction of the vertical rotation shaft 582 fixed to the shaft fixing part 592 is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0266] The transmission rod 583 has a rod main body 601, a fitting protrusion 602, an exterior body engaging portion 603, and a link engaging portion 604. The rod main body 601 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape.

[0267] The fitting protrusion 602 is provided in the center in the longitudinal direction on one plane of the rod main body 601. The fitting protrusion 602 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a cylindrical hole. The inner diameter of the fitting protrusion 602 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the rod attachment portion 593 of the stand 581. The rod attachment portion 593 is rotatably fitted into the inner periphery of the fitting protrusion 602. The transmission rod 583 is rotatably attached to the stand 581 by a screw that passes through the fitting projection 602 and is screwed into the rod attachment portion 593 .

[0268] The exterior body engagement portion 603 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction on the other plane of the rod main body 601. This exterior body engagement portion 603 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a substantially elliptical cross section in the vertical direction. The minor axis of the exterior body engagement portion 603 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the engagement protrusion 565 (see FIG. 25) of the light exterior body 552. The engagement protrusion 565 rotatably engages with the inner peripheral portion of the exterior body engagement portion 603.

[0269] The link engagement portion 604 is provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction on the other plane of the rod body 601. This link engagement portion 604 is provided by forming a substantially elliptical through hole in the rod body 601. A connecting shaft portion 612 of the link 584, which will be described later, is rotatably engaged with the inner periphery of the link engagement portion 604.

[0270] The link 584 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The link 584 has a shaft through hole 611 extending in the vertical direction. The engagement pin 586 passes through the shaft through hole 611. The link 584 is also provided with a connecting shaft portion 612 and an engagement protrusion 613.

[0271] The connecting shaft portion 612 protrudes from the side surface of the link 584, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of this connecting shaft portion 612 is substantially equal to the minor diameter of the link engaging portion 604 of the transmission rod 583. The connecting shaft portion 612 rotatably engages with the link engaging portion 604. The engaging protrusion 613 protrudes from the side surface of the link 584, and is formed in a substantially cross-shaped cross section in the horizontal direction. This engaging protrusion 613 engages with a second guide groove 617 of the rotating plate 585, which will be described later.

[0272] The rotating plate 585 is formed in a plate shape having an appropriate thickness, and has a shaft through hole 615, a first guide groove 616, and a second guide groove 617. The shaft through hole 615 is formed in a circular shape. A horizontal rotating shaft 587 is attached to this shaft through hole 615. That is, the horizontal rotating shaft 587 passes through the shaft through hole 615, and is fixed to the rotating plate 585 by using a retaining ring (not shown). The rotating plate 585 and the horizontal rotating shaft 587 are then fixed to the third driven gear 548 (see FIG. 24) of the gear train member 523.

[0273] The first guide groove 616 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape. The minor axis of the first guide groove 616 is larger than the diameter of the engagement pin 586. The engagement pin 586 engages with the first guide groove 616. That is, the engagement pin 586 passes through the first guide groove 616 of the rotating plate 585 and the shaft through hole 611 of the link 584, and is prevented from coming off the first guide groove 616 and the shaft through hole 611 by using the retaining ring 621.

[0274] The engagement pin 586 passes through the first bush 622 and the second bush 623. The first bush 622 is interposed between the link 584 and the rotating plate 585, and the second bush 623 is disposed below the rotating plate 585. The first bush 622 and the second bush 623 have the same shape and include an engagement cylindrical portion 625 that engages with the first guide groove 616 and a large diameter cylindrical portion 626 having an outer diameter larger than that of the engagement cylindrical portion 625.

[0275] The inner diameter of the engagement tube portion 625 is approximately equal to the diameter of the engagement pin 586, and the outer diameter of the engagement tube portion 625 is approximately equal to the minor diameter of the first guide groove 616. The engagement tube portion 625 of the first bushing 622 engages with the first guide groove 616 of the rotating plate 585. In addition, the second bushing 623 engages with the guide groove 535 of the guide member 522. As a result, rattling of the engagement pin 586 can be suppressed.

[0276] The second guide groove 617 is formed in a generally elliptical shape smaller than the first guide groove 616. The minor axis of the second guide groove 617 is generally equal to the distance between the opposing end faces of the engaging protrusion 613 of the link 584. The major axis of the second guide groove 617 is parallel to the major axis of the first guide groove 616, and the minor axis of the second guide groove 617 is parallel to the minor axis of the first guide groove 616. The engaging protrusion 613 engages with the second guide groove 617. That is, the engaging protrusion 613 is inserted into the second guide groove 617.

[0277] Next, the operation of the second performance movable unit 54 will be described with reference to Figs. Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing the standby state of the second performance movable unit 54. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the drive state of the second performance movable unit 54. Fig. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the drive state of the second performance movable unit 54 as viewed from the front of the game board 12.

[0278] The second performance movable unit 54 is usually in a standby state as shown in FIG. 28. In this standby state, the display sheet 557 (front light emitting portion) of the imitation light member 521 faces the player (front) (see FIG. 4). Therefore, when the display sheet 557 is illuminated during normal times, the player can easily see the illumination of the display sheet 557. In this embodiment, the color of the illumination of the display sheet 557 is changed according to the expected value of the big win symbol being stopped and displayed. Therefore, it is important that the illumination of the display sheet 557 is visible to the player.

[0279] On the other hand, the second performance movable unit 54 is driven in conjunction with the performance image displayed in the display area 13a. In this driving state, the display sheet 557 (front light emitting part) of the imitation light member 521 faces the display area 13a (see FIG. 30). In this case, for example, by displaying an image of a character in a night city illuminated by a searchlight in the display area 13a, it is possible to perform a performance in which the night city on the display area 13a is illuminated by the light of the imitation light member 521. This can enhance the performance effect.

[0280] When the second performance movable unit 54 is changed from the standby state to the driving state, the light motor 532 is rotated in one direction. This rotates the driving gear 545 (see FIG. 24), which rotates the first driven gear 546, the second driven gear 547, and the third driven gear 548. A rotating plate 585 of the imitation light member 521 is fixed to the third driven gear 548. Therefore, when the third driven gear 548 rotates, the imitation light member 521 rotates in the R3 direction (clockwise in FIG. 28) around the horizontal rotation shaft 587.

[0281] When the imitation light member 521 rotates in the R3 direction, the engagement pin 586 moves along the guide groove 535 of the guide member 522. The engagement pin 586 is engaged with the first guide groove 616 of the rotating plate 585. Therefore, the engagement pin 586 moving along the guide groove 535 of the guide member 522 pulls the link 584 along the major axis of the first guide groove 616.

[0282] As a result, link 584 moves in the X1 direction (see FIG. 28) along the major axis of first guide groove 616. At this time, engagement protrusion 613 of link 584 moves in the X1 direction along second guide groove 617. In this way, the movement of link 584 in the X1 direction is guided by two guide grooves 616, 617, so that rattling when link 584 moves in the X1 direction can be prevented or suppressed.

[0283] The connecting shaft portion 612 of the link 584 is rotatably engaged with the link engagement portion 604 of the transmission rod 583. As a result, the link 584 moving in the X1 direction pulls the link engagement portion 604 of the transmission rod 583 in the X1 direction. As a result, the transmission rod 583 rotates in the R4 direction (clockwise in FIG. 28) around the fitting protrusion 602.

[0284] When the transmission rod 583 rotates in the R4 direction around the fitting protrusion 602, the position of the exterior body engagement portion 603 (see FIG. 27) of the transmission rod 583 is displaced in the R4 direction. This exterior body engagement portion 603 is rotatably engaged with the engagement protrusion 565 (see FIG. 25) of the light exterior body 552.

[0285] As a result, when the transmission rod 583 rotates in the R4 direction around the fitting protrusion 602, the exterior body engagement portion 603 presses the engagement protrusion 565, and the light exterior body 552 rotates in the R5 direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 28) around the up-down rotation shaft 582. As a result, the display sheet 557 (front light-emitting portion) of the imitation light member 521 faces the display area 13a of the display device 13.

[0286] In this way, when the light motor 532 is rotated, the rotation base 551 of the imitation light member 521 rotates in the R3 direction around the horizontal rotation shaft 587, and the light exterior body 552 of the imitation light member 521 rotates in the R5 direction around the vertical rotation shaft 582. As a result, the display sheet 557 (front light emitting part) that faces the front in the standby state can be directed toward the display area 13a of the display device 13. That is, the direction in which the display sheet 557 (front light emitting part) faces can be changed. This can improve the interest of the performance using the imitation light member 521 (second performance movable unit 54).

[0287] In this embodiment, the link 584 and the transmission rod 583 operate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating base 551, causing the light exterior body 552 to rotate. This makes it possible to rotate two members (the rotating base 551 and the light exterior body 552) with one driving source (the light motor 532). As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and make the second performance movable unit 54 lighter.

[0288] When the second performance movable unit 54 is changed from the driving state to the standby state, the light motor 532 is rotated in the other direction. This rotates the driving gear 545 (see FIG. 24), which rotates the first driven gear 546, the second driven gear 547, and the third driven gear 548. When the third driven gear 548 rotates, the imitation light member 521 rotates in the opposite direction to the R3 direction around the horizontal rotation shaft 587.

[0289] When the imitation light member 521 rotates in the direction opposite to the R3 direction, the link 584 moves in the direction opposite to the X1 direction along the major axis of the first guide groove 616, and the transmission rod 583 rotates in the direction opposite to the R4 direction around the fitting protrusion 602. Then, when the transmission rod 583 rotates in the direction opposite to the R4 direction, the light exterior body 552 rotates in the direction opposite to the R5 direction around the vertical rotation shaft 582.

[0290] As a result, the imitation light member 521 rotates in the direction opposite to the R3 direction around the horizontal rotation shaft 587, and the light exterior body 552 of the imitation light member 521 rotates in the direction opposite to the R5 direction around the vertical rotation shaft 582. As a result, the second performance movable unit 54 enters a standby state and faces the front of the display sheet 557 (front light-emitting part).

[0291] 30, when the second performance movable unit 54 is in the driving state, the display sheet 557 (front light emitting portion) faces the display area 13a of the display device 13. Therefore, when the player looks at the game board 12 from the front, it is difficult for the player to see the display sheet 557 (front light emitting portion).

[0292] However, when the second performance movable unit 54 is driven, the three cover pieces 572 exposed from the opening 566 of the imitation light member 521 face forward. This allows the player to visually confirm the presence or absence and color of light emitted by the imitation light member 521 (light emitted from the light source) even when looking at the game board 12 from the front.

[0293] <Circuit configuration of pachinko machines> Next, the configuration of a control circuit provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0294] As shown in FIG. 31, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a main control circuit 70 that mainly controls the game, and a sub-control circuit 200 that controls the presentation according to the progress of the game.

[0295] [Main control circuit] The main control circuit 70 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, and a main RAM (Random Access Memory) 73. The main control circuit 70 also includes an initial reset circuit 75, an I / O (Input / Output) port 76, a command output port 77, and a backup capacitor 78.

[0296] The main CPU 71 is connected to a main ROM 72, a main RAM 73, an initial reset circuit 75, an I / O port 76, a command output port 77, etc. The main ROM 72 stores programs (see Figs. 45 to 62) for controlling the operation of the pachinko game machine 1 by the main CPU 71, various data tables (see Figs. 34 to 38), etc.

[0297] The main CPU 71 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the main ROM 72. The main RAM 73 stores various flags and variable values ​​as a temporary storage area for the main CPU 71. Note that, in this embodiment, the main RAM 73 is used as the temporary storage area for the main CPU 71, but the temporary storage area according to the present invention is not limited to this and may be any readable and writable storage medium.

[0298] The initial reset circuit 75 generates a reset signal when power is turned on. The I / O port 76 receives input signals sent from various devices and transmits them to the main CPU 71. It also receives output signals sent from the main CPU 71 and transmits them to various devices. The command output port 77 transmits commands sent from the main CPU 71 to the sub-control circuit 200.

[0299] In the event of a power outage, the backup capacitor 78 quickly supplies power to, for example, the main RAM 73. This makes it possible to retain various data stored in the main RAM 73 in the event of a power outage.

[0300] As shown in Fig. 31, various devices that operate according to the output signal sent from the main control circuit 70 are connected to the main control circuit 70. The various devices include the first special symbol display device 62a and the second special symbol display device 62b, the normal symbol display device 63, the first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a and 65b and the second special symbol reserved display LEDs 65c and 65d, and the normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a and 67b. The various devices also include the normal electric role device 36, the first large prize opening 44, and the second large prize opening 45.

[0301] As described above, the first special symbol display device 62a and the second special symbol display device 62b display the variation of special symbols in the special symbol game. The normal symbol display device 63 displays the variation of normal symbols as identification symbols in the normal symbol game. The first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a, 65b and the second special symbol reserved display LEDs 65c, 65d display the number of reserved symbols related to the variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game. The normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a, 67b display the number of reserved symbols related to the variable display of normal symbols in the normal symbol game.

[0302] A solenoid actuator (not shown) of the normal electric role 36 is connected to the main control circuit 70. The main control circuit 70 controls the driving of the solenoid actuator in the normal electric role 36, and sets a pair of wing members of the normal electric role 36 in an open state and a closed state. The main control circuit 70 represents one specific example of an opening / closing member control means and a variable time determination means related to the gaming machine of the present invention.

[0303] Also, solenoid actuators (not shown) for the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 are connected to the main control circuit 70. The main control circuit 70 controls the driving of the solenoid actuators for the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45, and sets the first and second large prize openings 44, 45 in an open state and a closed state. In other words, the main control circuit 70 represents one specific example of a variable member control means according to the present invention.

[0304] In addition, count switches 104, 105, general winning port switches 112, 113, a passing gate switch 115, a first start port switch 116, a second start port switch 117, and a backup clear switch 121 are connected to the main control circuit 70.

[0305] The count switch 104 counts the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 44 and supplies the result to the main control circuit 70. The count switch 105 counts the number of game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 45 and supplies the result to the main control circuit 70. The general prize opening switch 112 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when a game ball has entered the general prize opening 41, and the general prize opening switch 113 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when a game ball has entered the general prize opening 42.

[0306] The passing gate switch 115 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when the gaming ball passes through the passing gate 33. The first start port switch 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when the gaming ball enters the first start port 34. The second start port switch 117 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when the gaming ball enters the second start port 35. The backup clear switch 121 clears the backup data in the event of a power outage, etc., in response to an operation by the manager of the gaming facility.

[0307] In addition, an external terminal board 122 and a calling device (not shown) are connected to the main control circuit 70. The external terminal board 122 is used to transmit data to a hall computer that manages all the pachinko gaming machines in the hall (pachinko parlor). The calling device has a function to call a hall attendant and a function to display the number of wins.

[0308] A payout / launch control circuit 123 is also connected to the main control circuit 70. A payout device 16 that pays out game balls, a launch device 15 that launches game balls, and a card unit 150 are connected to this payout / launch control circuit 123. The card unit 150 can transmit and receive signals to and from a ball lending operation panel 151.

[0309] When operated by a player, the ball lending operation panel 151 outputs a signal requesting the lending of game balls to the card unit 150. When the card unit 150 receives a signal requesting the lending of game balls from the ball lending operation panel 151, it transmits a lending ball control signal to the payout / launch control circuit 123.

[0310] The payout / launch control circuit 123 receives the prize ball control command transmitted from the main control circuit 70 and the loan ball control signal transmitted from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 16. This causes the payout device 16 to pay out game balls. In addition, when the launch handle 25 is gripped by a player and rotated clockwise, the payout / launch control circuit 123 supplies power to the solenoid actuator of the launch device 15 according to the rotation angle. This causes the launch device 15 to launch the game balls.

[0311] [Sub-control circuit] The sub-control circuit 200 is connected to a command output port 77 of the main control circuit 70. In response to various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 70, the sub-control circuit 200 performs display control on the display device 13, control related to the sound generated from the speaker 11, control of lamps including decorative lamps, etc. In other words, the sub-control circuit 200 executes presentations according to the progress of the game in response to commands from the main control circuit 70. This sub-control circuit 200 represents one specific example of a reserve display control means related to the gaming machine of the present invention.

[0312] In this embodiment, the sub-control circuit 200 is not configured to supply a signal to the main control circuit 70. However, the pachinko game machine of the present invention may be configured to transmit a signal from the sub-control circuit to the main control circuit.

[0313] The sub-control circuit 200 includes a sub-CPU 201 , a program ROM 202 , a work RAM 203 , a display control circuit 205 , a sound control circuit 206 , a lamp control circuit 207 , and a command input port 208 .

[0314] The sub-CPU 201 is connected to a program ROM 202, a work RAM 203, a display control circuit 205, a sound control circuit 206, a lamp control circuit 207, and a command input port 208. The command input port 208 receives commands sent from the command output port 77 of the main control circuit 70, and supplies the commands to the sub-CPU 201.

[0315] The program ROM 202 stores programs (see FIGS. 63 to 71) for controlling the effects of the pachinko gaming machine 1 by the sub-CPU 201, and various data tables (see FIGS. 39 to 43).

[0316] The sub CPU 201 executes various processes in accordance with the programs stored in the program ROM 202. In particular, the sub CPU 201 controls the entire sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands transmitted from the main control circuit .

[0317] In this embodiment, the main ROM 72 and the program ROM 202 are used as storage means for storing programs, various tables, and the like. However, the storage means according to the present invention may be another type of storage medium that can be read by a computer equipped with a control means, and may be, for example, a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a ROM cartridge, or other storage medium. Also, each program may be recorded in a separate storage medium. Furthermore, the program according to the present invention may be downloaded after power is turned on and recorded in the main RAM and the work RAM 203, etc.

[0318] The work RAM 203 stores various flags and variable values ​​as a temporary storage area for the sub CPU 201. In this embodiment, the work RAM 203 is used as the temporary storage area for the sub CPU 201, but the temporary storage area according to the present invention is not limited to this and may be any readable and writable storage medium.

[0319] The display control circuit 205 controls the display of images related to the performance on the display device 13. This display control circuit 205 has an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP), an image data ROM, a frame buffer, a D / A converter, etc. The image data ROM stores data for generating various image data. The frame buffer temporarily stores image data. The D / A converter converts image data (digital electrical signal) into an image signal (analog electrical signal).

[0320] The display control circuit 205 performs various processes for displaying an image in the display area 13a of the display device 13 in response to data supplied from the sub CPU 201. In response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 201, the display control circuit 205 temporarily stores image data such as identification pattern image data showing an identification pattern, background image data, and performance image data in a frame buffer.

[0321] Then, the display control circuit 205 supplies the image data stored in the frame buffer to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts the image data into an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the display device 13 at a predetermined timing. As a result, an image is displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13.

[0322] The audio control circuit 206 includes a sound source IC that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM that stores various types of audio data, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals, and the like.

[0323] The sound source IC controls the sound generated from the speaker 11. In response to a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 201, the sound source IC selects one piece of sound data from a plurality of pieces of sound data stored in the sound data ROM. The sound source IC then reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the read sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies it to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speaker 11.

[0324] The lamp control circuit 207 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a lamp data ROM in which a plurality of types of lamp lighting patterns are stored, and the like. The drive circuit selects one lamp lighting pattern from a plurality of lamp lighting patterns stored in the lamp data ROM in response to a lamp lighting command supplied from the sub-CPU 201. Then, the drive circuit reads out the selected lamp lighting pattern from the lamp data ROM, converts the read-out voice data into a predetermined lamp control signal, and turns on and off the lamp group 18 including decorative lamps, etc.

[0325] In addition, a performance button switch 118 that is turned on and off by operating the performance button 23 is connected to the sub-control circuit 200.

[0326] <Game state transition> Next, the transition of the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a transition flow of the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0327] The pachinko game machine 1 is played in any one of a normal game state, a big win game state, a first probability variation game state, a second probability variation game state, and a time-saving game state.

[0328] When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, if the backup is normal, the pachinko gaming machine 1 takes over the gaming state before the power was turned off and enters the normal gaming state. Also, when the power is initially turned on or when the power is turned on while operating the backup clear switch 121 described below, the entire area of ​​the main RAM 73 is cleared and the game enters the normal gaming state. In the normal game state, the probability that the first and second special symbols are stopped and displayed in a specific manner (the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed) is set to the first jackpot probability. In the normal game state, the probability that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner (the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed) is set to the first hit probability.

[0329] Hereinafter, the probability that the first and second special symbols are displayed in a specific manner (the winning symbol is displayed) is called the special symbol probability. Also, the probability that the normal symbol is displayed in a specific manner (the winning symbol is displayed) is called the normal symbol probability.

[0330] In the jackpot game state, the special probability is set to the first jackpot probability (low), and the normal probability is set to the first hit probability (low). In addition, in the jackpot game state, as described above, a round game is started in which either the first or second big winning port 44, 45 is in a state in which it is easy to receive a game ball.

[0331] In this embodiment, a jackpot symbol for playing a round game 16 times (16 rounds) and a jackpot symbol for playing a round game 4 times (4 rounds) are set. Hereinafter, the jackpot pattern with 16 round games will be called the special jackpot pattern, and the jackpot pattern with 4 round games will be called the normal jackpot pattern.

[0332] In the first probability variation game state, the special symbol probability is set to a second jackpot probability (high) higher than the first jackpot probability (low), and the normal symbol probability is set to a second jackpot probability (high) higher than the first jackpot probability (low). Therefore, during the first probability variation game state, the probability that the jackpot symbol and the winning symbol are stopped and displayed is higher than during the normal game state.

[0333] In the second probability variation game state, the special symbol probability is set to the second jackpot probability (high) and the normal symbol probability is set to the second hit probability (high) in the same manner as in the first probability variation game state. Therefore, during the second probability variation game state, the probability that the jackpot symbol and the hit symbol are stopped and displayed is higher than during the normal game state.

[0334] In the first and second probability variation game states in this embodiment, a drop lottery is held every time the special symbol changes. The drop lottery is a lottery that extracts a random number from a drop determination counter to determine whether or not the drop is won. If the drop lottery results in a drop win, the probability variation game state ends (drops). In other words, if a drop win is determined during the first or second probability variation game state, the probability variation game state ends.

[0335] In the time-saving game state, the special symbol probability is set to the first jackpot probability (low), and the normal symbol probability is set to the second jackpot probability (high). Also, the time for the special symbol to fluctuate is shortened, and the number of times the special symbol fluctuates per unit time is increased. Therefore, during the time-saving game state, the probability that the winning symbol will be stopped and displayed is higher than during the normal game state.

[0336] When a jackpot pattern is displayed stationary during the normal game state, the first special probability game state, the second special probability game state, or the time-limited game state, the game state transitions from the normal game state to the jackpot game state (A shown in FIG. 32).

[0337] When a special jackpot symbol is displayed and the jackpot game state that started afterwards ends, the game state transitions from the jackpot game state to the first probability variable game state (B shown in FIG. 32). Also, when a jackpot symbol is displayed and stopped during a game state in which the normal probability is set to the second probability (high), and the jackpot game state that started afterwards ends, the game state transitions from the jackpot game state to the first probability variable game state (B shown in FIG. 32). In other words, during the first high probability game state, the second high probability game state or the time-saving game state, the jackpot pattern is displayed stationary, and then when the started jackpot game state ends, the game state transitions from the jackpot game state to the first high probability game state.

[0338] During a game state in which the normal winning probability is set to the first winning probability (low), a normal winning symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol, and when the winning game state that started thereafter ends, the game state transitions from the winning game state to the second probability variation game state (C shown in FIG. 32).

[0339] If the player wins the fall lottery during the first special probability game state before the special pattern changing display is executed (consumed) a predetermined number of times (99 times in this embodiment), the game state will transition from the first special probability game state to a time-saving game state (D shown in Figure 32).

[0340] In the first probability variation game state, if the player wins the falling lottery after the variable display of the special symbol is executed (consumed) a predetermined number of times, the game state transitions from the first probability variation game state to the normal game state (E shown in FIG. 32). In other words, the first probability variation game state continues until the player wins the falling lottery.

[0341] During the time-saving game state, after the variable display of the special pattern has been executed (consumed) a predetermined number of times (99 times in this embodiment), including during the first special probability game state, the game state transitions from the time-saving game state to the normal game state (F shown in Figure 32).

[0342] When the falling lottery is won during the second probability variation gaming state, the gaming state transitions from the second probability variation gaming state to the normal gaming state (G shown in FIG. 32).

[0343] <Pachinko game specifications> Next, the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 33A is a diagram showing basic specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Fig. 33B is a diagram showing the transition of the gaming state after a big win in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Fig. 33C is a diagram showing specifications of a normal symbol game. The data of the tables shown in Figs. 33A to 33C are stored as tables in the main ROM 72.

[0344] As shown in Fig. 33A, the first jackpot probability (low probability) in the special symbol game is set to 1 / 280.07, and the second jackpot probability (high probability) is set to 1 / 46.81. The first jackpot probability and the second jackpot probability are the same value regardless of whether the special symbol start winning is made at the first start hole 34 or the second start hole 35.

[0345] In the pachinko game machine 1, a random number value for determining a jackpot is extracted from the counter for determining a jackpot, and if the random number value corresponds to a winning jackpot, the special symbol display device 62 (see FIG. 5) stops and displays the jackpot symbol (a jackpot occurs). In this embodiment, the number of all random numbers for determining a jackpot that may be extracted from the counter for determining a jackpot is set to 65,536. During a game in which the special symbol probability is set to the first jackpot probability, the number of lottery values ​​corresponding to a winning jackpot is 234. On the other hand, during a game in which the special symbol probability is set to the second jackpot probability, the number of lottery values ​​corresponding to a winning jackpot is 1,400.

[0346] In the fall lottery during the first and second probability variation game states, the probability of winning the fall is set to 1 / 77.10. In the pachinko game machine 1, a random number is extracted from the fall determination counter, and if the random number is a random number that determines the win of the fall, the win of the fall is determined. In this embodiment, the number of all random numbers that may be extracted from the fall determination counter is set to 65536, and the number of random numbers corresponding to the win of the fall is set to 850.

[0347] The number of winning balls for winning into the first start opening 34 and the second start opening 35 is set to 3 balls, and the number of winning balls for winning into the general winning openings 41, 42, 43 is set to 10 balls. Furthermore, the number of winning balls for winning into the first large winning opening 44 and the second large winning opening 45 is set to 14 balls. And, the maximum winning count number per opening of the first large winning opening 44 and the second large winning opening 45 during the big win game state is set to 10 counts.

[0348] As shown in Fig. 33B, the first winning probability in the normal symbol game is set to 1 / 256, and the second winning probability is set to 255 / 256. In the pachinko game machine 1, a random number is extracted from the winning judgment counter, and when the random number corresponds to a big win, the normal symbol display device 63 stops and displays the winning symbol (a win occurs).

[0349] In this embodiment, the number of all random numbers that may be extracted from the winning judgment counter is set to 256. During a game in which the normal probability is set to the first winning probability, the number of lottery values ​​corresponding to a winning win is 1. When a winning win is won during a game in which the normal probability is set to the first winning probability, the normal electric role 36 opens once for 0.3 seconds.

[0350] On the other hand, during a game in which the normal probability is set to the second winning probability, the number of lottery values ​​corresponding to a winning win is 255. When a winning win is won during a game in which the normal probability is set to the second winning probability, the normal electric device 36 opens for 1.5 seconds three times.

[0351] That is, during a game in which the normal probability is set to the second winning probability, the normal electric accessory 36 is more likely to be in an open state and the open state is maintained for a longer period of time than during a game in which the normal probability is set to the first winning probability. As a result, the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole 35, and the special symbol games are played continuously, so that many special symbol games can be played in a short period of time.

[0352] Therefore, the time during which the probability of winning is set to the second probability is called the time-saving period, and the time during which the probability of winning is set to the first probability is called the time-saving period. In this embodiment, the first probability of winning state, the second probability of winning state, and the time-saving state are the time-saving states, and the normal state and the big win state are the time-saving states.

[0353] In addition, the time-saving state indicates an advantageous state in the gaming machine of the present invention, and the non-time-saving state indicates an unfavorable state. The time-saving state in the present invention is a state in which the probability of winning is higher than that of the non-time-saving state. However, the time-saving state in the gaming machine of the present invention may be a state in which the opening time of the normal electric device 36 is longer than that of the non-time-saving state, or a state in which the fluctuation time (driving time) of the normal electric device 36 is longer than that of the non-time-saving state.

[0354] As shown in FIG. 33C, the types of jackpots determined based on winning the first starting hole 34 and the second starting hole 35 are 16R (rounds) and 4R (rounds). When a 16R jackpot is determined, 16 round games are played during the jackpot gaming state. On the other hand, when a 4R jackpot is determined, 4 round games are played during the jackpot gaming state.

[0355] The probability of winning a 16R jackpot during non-time-saving is set to 50%, and the probability of winning a 4R jackpot is set to 50%. When a 16R jackpot is won during non-time-saving and the jackpot game state that started thereafter ends, the game state transitions to the first probability variable game state. Also, when a 4R jackpot is determined during non-time-saving and the jackpot game state that started thereafter ends, the game state transitions to the second probability variable game state. In other words, when a jackpot is won during non-time-saving and the jackpot game state that started thereafter ends, the game state transitions to the first probability variable game state or the second probability variable game state depending on the type of jackpot.

[0356] The probability of winning a 16R jackpot during time-saving is set to 50%, and the probability of winning a 4R jackpot is set to 50%. When a 16R jackpot is won during time-saving and the jackpot game state that started afterwards ends, the game state transitions to the first probability variable game state. Also, when a 4R jackpot is won during time-saving and the jackpot game state that started afterwards ends, the game state transitions to the first probability variable game state. In other words, when a jackpot is won during non-time-saving and the jackpot game state that started afterwards ends, the game state transitions to the first probability variable game state regardless of the type of jackpot.

[0357] <Data table configuration stored in main ROM> Next, the configurations of various data tables stored in the main ROM 72 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0358] [Special pattern change table (for losing)] First, the special symbol variation pattern determination table (for losing) will be described with reference to FIG. The special symbol variation pattern determination table (for loss) is referred to when a loss is won in the special symbol game. This special symbol variation pattern determination table (for loss) specifies the relationship between the game state, the random number value for reach judgment, the random number value for performance selection, the variation pattern, the variation pattern command, and the variation time.

[0359] In the main variation time determination table (for losing), the game state is classified into a normal game state, a first probability variation game state (including a time-saving game state), and a second probability variation game state. Furthermore, the first probability variation game state is divided into five states according to the number of games played and the presence or absence of a falling-down winning, and the second probability variation game state is divided into two states: a state other than a falling-down winning state and a falling-down winning state.

[0360] The reach determination random number range specifies the range of reach determination random numbers that determine the reach variable time and do not determine the reach variable time. The reach determination random number value is extracted from the reach determination counter when the game ball enters the first and second starting holes 34 and 35 in each game state, and is stored in the main RAM 73. The reach determination random number value extracted from the reach determination counter in this embodiment is set to 0 to 250.

[0361] For example, the range of the reach determination random number that determines the reach variable time during the normal game state is regulated to 0 to 25. Therefore, when the game state is the normal game state and "1" is extracted as the reach determination random number value, the reach variable time (any of 20000 msec, 30000 msec, or 40000 msec) is determined.

[0362] In addition, when the game state is the first probability change game state and the number of games is 33G (games), 66G, or 99G, the extracted random number value for reach judgment is not referred to, and the dedicated variable time is determined. Also, when the game state is the first probability change game state and the number of games is 100G or later and a fall win is won, or when the game state is the second probability change game state and a fall win is won, the variable time is determined without referring to the extracted random number value for reach judgment.

[0363] The range of random numbers for main side performance selection specifies the range of random numbers for main side performance selection corresponding to the range of random numbers for reach judgment, the variation time, and the performance content. The random number value for main side performance selection is extracted from the counter for main side performance selection when the game ball enters the first and second starting holes 34 and 35 in each game state. The random number value for main side performance selection extracted from the counter for main side performance selection in this embodiment is set to 0 to 99.

[0364] For example, the range of the main side performance selection random number that determines the variable time of 20000 msec (normal reach as the performance content) during the normal gaming state is stipulated as 0 to 59. Therefore, when the gaming state is the normal gaming state, "1" is extracted as the random number value for reach determination, and "1" is extracted as the random number value for main side performance selection, the variable time of 20000 msec (normal reach as the performance content) is determined.

[0365] The fluctuation pattern is data representing the performance content. For example, the fluctuation pattern 02H represents a normal reach. The fluctuation pattern command is data representing the win / loss, the fluctuation time, and the performance content, and is transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the sub-control circuit 200. When the fluctuation pattern command is transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the sub-control circuit 200, a parameter specifying the game state is also transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200.

[0366] [Special pattern change table (for big wins)] Next, the special symbol variation pattern determination table (for big win) will be explained with reference to FIG. The special symbol variation pattern determination table (for jackpot) is referred to when a jackpot is won in the special symbol game. This special symbol variation pattern determination table (for jackpot) specifies the relationship between the game state, the jackpot type, the random number value for performance selection, the variation pattern, the variation pattern command, and the variation time.

[0367] The identification of the game state in the special symbol variation pattern determination table (for big win) is the same as that in the special symbol variation pattern determination table (for miss). As mentioned above, there are two types of big wins: 16R and 4R. The big win type is referenced when the number of plays in the first probability variation game state is 100G (games) and a fall win occurs, or when a fall win occurs in the second probability variation game state.

[0368] The random number range, change pattern, change pattern command, and change time for selecting the main side performance are the same as those in the special pattern change pattern determination table (for misses).

[0369] For example, when the first probability change game state is 100G or more, the fall win occurs, and the type of the big win is 4R, the fluctuation time is determined to be 65010msec (the performance content is a one-time fall re-variation big win) regardless of whether the main side performance selection random number value is 0 to 99. The performance content of this one-time fall re-variation big win will be explained later with reference to FIG.

[0370] [Table for selecting reserved effects when winning random number is obtained] Next, the table for selecting the reserved effects when a jackpot random number is obtained will be explained with reference to FIG. The reserved effect selection table when the random number for jackpot is acquired is referenced when the random number for jackpot determination extracted from the counter for jackpot determination is a random number corresponding to a jackpot win. This reserved effect selection table when the random number for jackpot is acquired specifies the relationship between the range of the random number for reserved effect selection and the effect content.

[0371] The reserved effect selection random number range specifies the range of reserved effect selection random numbers corresponding to the effect contents. The reserved effect selection random number value is extracted from the reserved effect selection counter when the game ball enters the first and second start holes 34 and 35. The reserved effect selection random number value extracted from the reserved effect selection counter in this embodiment is set to 0 to 99.

[0372] For example, when the random number value for determining a jackpot corresponding to a jackpot is extracted and the random number value for selecting a reserved effect is "51", the reserved effect is determined as the content of the reserved effect. The reserved effect is an effect that displays the reserved number of the special symbol game in the display area 13a of the display device 13 and changes the display mode.

[0373] The jackpot prediction performance when a jackpot is confirmed is a performance that predicts a jackpot, and the fall prediction performance when a jackpot is confirmed is a performance that predicts a false fall. In addition, the fall notice effect when a jackpot is confirmed is determined during 100G or more during the first special probability game state and during the second special probability game state, and is invalid in any other state even if a win is obtained.

[0374] [Table for selecting effects when a losing random number is obtained] Next, the table for selecting the reserved effect when a losing random number is obtained will be explained with reference to FIG. The reserve effect selection table when a miss random number is acquired is referenced when the random number value for jackpot determination extracted from the jackpot determination counter is not a random number value corresponding to a jackpot win (it is a random number value corresponding to a miss win). This reserve effect selection table when a miss random number is acquired specifies the relationship between the range of the reserve effect selection random number and the effect content.

[0375] The random number range for selecting a reserved effect specifies the range of random numbers for selecting a reserved effect that corresponds to the effect content. For example, when a random number value for jackpot determination corresponding to a miss is extracted and "76" is extracted as a random number value for selecting a reserved effect, the reserved effect is determined to be a missed-time jackpot notice effect. The missed-time jackpot notice effect is an effect that notifies a false jackpot, and the missed-time fall notice effect is an effect that notifies a false fall.

[0376] In addition, the fall notice effect when a loss is confirmed is determined during 100G or more during the first special probability game state and during the second special probability game state, and is invalid even if you win in any other state.

[0377] [Table for selecting effects when falling random number is obtained] Next, the pending effect selection table when a falling random number is obtained will be explained with reference to FIG. The table for selecting reserved effects when a falling random number is acquired is referenced when the random number extracted from the counter for determining a falling is a random number corresponding to a winning fall. The table for selecting reserved effects when a falling random number is acquired defines the relationship between the random number range for selecting reserved effects and the contents of the effects.

[0378] The random number range for selecting a reserved effect specifies the range of random numbers for selecting a reserved effect that corresponds to the effect content. For example, when a random number corresponding to a fall win is extracted from the fall judgment counter, the fall notice when a fall is confirmed is determined as the content of the reserved effect, regardless of the random number for selecting the reserved effect. The fall notice when a fall is confirmed is an effect that notifies a fall. This fall notice when a fall is confirmed is determined for 100G or more during the first probability variation game state and during the second probability variation game state, and is invalid even if it is won in other states.

[0379] The jackpot determination counter and the fall determination counter are provided independently. Therefore, a random number value for jackpot determination corresponding to the winning of a jackpot may be extracted from the jackpot determination counter, and a random number value for fall determination corresponding to the winning of a fall may be extracted from the fall determination counter. In this case, the reserved effect determined by the reserved effect selection table when the fall random number is obtained is prioritized.

[0380] <Data table configuration stored in program ROM> Next, the configurations of various data tables stored in the program ROM 202 of the sub-control circuit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0381] [Sub-performance content decision table (for losing)] Next, the sub-effect content determination table (for loss) will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-performance content determination table (for loss) is referenced when the winning / losing content in the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the sub-control circuit 200 is a loss.

[0382] The sub-performance content determination table (for misses) specifies the relationship between the variable pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the sub-control circuit 200, the random number range for sub-side performance selection, the performance stage, and the sub-performance content.

[0383] The range of random numbers for selecting the sub-side performance specifies the range of random numbers for selecting the sub-side performance corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command (including the fluctuation pattern, the main fluctuation time, and the main performance content) and the sub-side performance content. The random number value for selecting the sub-side performance is extracted from the counter for selecting the sub-side performance when the game ball enters the first and second starting holes 34 and 35. The random number value for selecting the sub-side performance extracted from the counter for selecting the sub-side performance in this embodiment is set to 0 to 99.

[0384] The presentation stage is provided according to each game state and is used to make the composition of the presentation different. For example, each stage has a different background displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13. In the normal game state, normal stage 1 or normal stage 2 is executed.

[0385] In addition, after transitioning to the first probability change game state, if the number of times the special symbol game is played is 1G to 99G, a first probability change exclusive stage is executed, and if the number of times the special symbol game is played is 100G or more, a first probability change exclusive special stage is executed.

[0386] For example, if the variable pattern command in the normal game state is "83H02H" and "1" is extracted as the random number value for selecting the sub-side performance, normal reach 1 (miss) is determined as the sub-performance content. Specifically, in the case of normal stage 1, normal reach 1 (miss) for normal stage 1 is determined, and in the case of normal stage 2, normal reach 1 (miss) for normal stage 2 is determined.

[0387] In addition, if the fluctuation pattern command for the 30th game after transitioning to the first probability change game state is "83H06H", the shortened fluctuation performance B for the first probability change exclusive stage is determined regardless of whether the extracted random number value for selecting the sub-side performance is 0 to 99.

[0388] As the effect corresponding to the reserved special symbol game, the first probability variable exclusive stage shortened variation effect B may be determined two or more times in succession, and the effect related to the reach may be determined after the successive first probability variable exclusive stage shortened variation effect B. In this case, the effect of the first probability variable exclusive stage shortened variation effect B is changed to a count effect. The count effect will be explained later with reference to FIG.

[0389] [Sub-performance content determination table (for big wins)] Next, the sub-effect content determination table (for big win) will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-performance content determination table (for big win) is referenced when the winning / losing content in the variable pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the sub-control circuit 200 is a winning combination.

[0390] The sub-performance content determination table (for big wins) specifies the relationship between the variable pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the sub-control circuit 200, the random number range for selecting the sub-side performance, the performance stage, and the sub-performance content.

[0391] For example, if the variable pattern command in the normal game state is "83H12H" and "1" is extracted as the random number value for selecting the sub-side performance, normal reach 1 (win) is determined as the sub-performance content. Specifically, in the case of normal stage 1, normal reach 1 (win) for normal stage 1 is determined, and in the case of normal stage 2, normal reach 1 (win) for normal stage 2 is determined.

[0392] [Sub-hold performance selection table] Next, the sub-hold performance selection table will be explained with reference to FIG. The sub-reserved performance selection table defines the relationship between the performance stage, the main determination content, the sub-performance content determination random number range, and the sub-performance content.

[0393] The main decision content is the presentation content determined by referring to the hold presentation selection table when a jackpot random number is obtained (see Figure 36), the hold presentation selection table when a losing random number is obtained (see Figure 37), and the hold presentation selection table when a falling random number is obtained (see Figure 38).

[0394] The sub-performance content determination random number range specifies the range of the sub-performance content determination random number corresponding to the sub-performance content. The sub-performance content determination random number value is extracted from the sub-performance content determination counter when the performance content is determined by referring to the reserved performance selection table when the jackpot random number is obtained, for example, and is stored in the work RAM 203. The sub-performance content determination random number value extracted from the sub-performance content determination counter in this embodiment is set to 0 to 99.

[0395] For example, when the performance stage is normal stage 1, 2 and the main determination content is the big win notice performance when the big win is confirmed, if "1" is extracted as the sub performance content determination random number, "blue reservation" is determined as the sub performance content. In this embodiment, when there is a reservation related to the special symbol game, the symbols representing the reservation (reserved symbols) are displayed in the display area 13a by the number of reservations. Then, the color of the reserved symbols is changed as the sub performance content (reserved performance), and the expected value of the big win symbol being stopped and displayed is expressed by the type of color of the reserved symbols. The reserved pattern shows one specific example of reserved display information related to the gaming machine of the present invention.

[0396] When the performance stage is the first probability special stage or the second probability special stage and the main decision content is the fall notice performance when the fall is confirmed, the sub performance content is determined to be "Danger Reserve" even if the sub performance content decision random number value is any value from 0 to 99. The danger reserve in this embodiment is a performance that suggests a fall by changing the reserved pattern.

[0397] In this embodiment, when a fall is won in the first special stage or the second special stage, a reserved effect suggesting a fall is always performed. However, the pachinko game machine according to the present invention may be configured to fall (end the first and second probability game states) without performing a reserved effect suggesting a fall.

[0398] When the performance stage is the first special stage or the second special stage and the main decision content is the fall notice performance when the jackpot is confirmed, the sub performance content is determined to be "Danger Hold" even if the sub performance content decision random number is 0 to 99. In this case, a hold performance suggesting a fall is performed, but in the special symbol game corresponding to the hold that suggests the fall, a performance that notifies the jackpot (a reversal performance) is performed. Therefore, even if a hold performance suggesting a fall is performed, the player can expect a reversal afterwards.

[0399] The first special probability change stage is executed from 1G to 99G of the first special probability change game state or during the time-saving game state. That is, the first special probability change stage is executed from 1G to 99G after the transition to the first special probability change game state. Then, in the 33G and 66G performances of the first special probability change stage, a performance is performed to suggest the continuation or fall of the first special probability change game state, and in the 99G, a performance is performed to notify the continuation or fall of the first special probability change game state. This allows the player to play while hoping that the first special probability change game state will continue until the end of 99G of the first special probability change stage. Therefore, in the first special probability change stage, the reserved pattern (danger reserved) of the fall notice is not displayed as the sub-performance content (reserved performance).

[0400] [1st probability game state 33G continuation lottery table] Next, the 33G continuation lottery table for the first probability change gaming state will be described with reference to FIG. The 33rd game continuation lottery table for the first probability change game state is referenced when there is a special symbol start winning (the game ball enters the first and second start holes 34, 35) corresponding to 33G after the transition to the first probability change game state.

[0401] The 33rd G continuation lottery table for the first probability change game state specifies the relationship between the game state at the start of the 33rd G, the presentation stage before the start of the 33rd G, the random number range for stage lottery, the presentation content, and the presentation stage from the 34th G.

[0402] The stage selection random number range specifies the range of stage selection random numbers corresponding to the performance contents and the performance stage from the 34th game. For example, when there is a special symbol start winning corresponding to the 33rd game of the first probability variation game state, the stage selection random number value is extracted from the stage selection counter and stored in the work RAM 203. In this embodiment, the stage selection random number value extracted from the stage selection counter is set to 0 to 99.

[0403] The performance contents prescribe continuation and end as a performance using the display device 13. When continuation is determined as the performance contents, an image suggesting the continuation of the performance stage before the start of the 33rd game is displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13. Then, the first probability variable state exclusive stage A, which is the performance stage before the start of the 33rd game, is continued after the 34th game.

[0404] When the end is decided as the performance content, an image suggesting the end of the performance stage before the start of the 33rd game is displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13. Then, the first probability variable state exclusive stage A, which is the performance stage before the start of the 33rd game, ends, and the first probability variable exclusive stage B is executed from the 34th game onwards.

[0405] The first probability change exclusive stage consists of the first probability change exclusive stage A and the first probability change exclusive stage B. The first probability change exclusive stage A suggests the continuation of the first probability change game state, and the first probability change exclusive stage B suggests the fall of the first probability change game state.

[0406] If the game state at the start of the 33rd game after the transition to the first probability variation game state is the time-saving game state, the fall is won in the fall lottery held between the start of the 1st game and the start of the 33rd game. Therefore, if the game state at the start of the 33rd game is the time-saving game state, the performance content is determined to be "end" regardless of whether the stage lottery random number value is 0 to 99.

[0407] In addition, if the game state at the start of the 33rd game after the transition to the first probability variation game state is the first probability variation game state, the fall has not been won in the fall lottery performed from the start of the 1st game to the start of the 33rd game. However, even if the game state at the start of the 33rd game is the first probability variation game state, for example, if "91" is extracted as the random number value for stage lottery, "end" is determined as the performance content.

[0408] As a result, even if the player has not actually fallen (even if the first probability variation game state continues), the performance stage from the 34th game onwards is changed to the first probability variation exclusive stage B, which suggests a fall. As a result, it is possible to make the player appear to have fallen even if they have not actually fallen (the first probability variation game state has ended).

[0409] [1st probability game state 66G continuation lottery table] Next, the 66th Game continuation lottery table for the first special probability game state will be described with reference to FIG. The 66th G continuation lottery table for the first probability change game state is referenced when there is a special symbol start winning (the game ball enters the first and second start holes 34, 35) corresponding to 66G after the transition to the first probability change game state.

[0410] The first probability change game state 66th G continuation lottery table specifies the relationship between the game state at the start of the 66th G, the presentation stage before the start of the 66th G, the random number range for stage lottery, the presentation content, and the presentation stage from the 67th G.

[0411] The performance contents prescribe continuation, termination, and revival as performances using the display device 13. When continuation is determined as the performance contents, an image suggesting the continuation of the performance stage before the start of the 66th game is displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13. Then, the performance stage before the start of the 66th game is continued from the 67th game onwards.

[0412] When revival is decided as the performance content, an image suggesting that the performance stage before the start of the 33rd game will be revived is displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13. Then, the second probability variable state exclusive stage B, which is the performance stage before the start of the 66th game, ends, and the first probability variable exclusive stage A is executed from the 67th game onwards.

[0413] In addition, when the end is determined as the performance content, an image suggesting the end of the performance stage before the start of the 66th game is displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13. Then, the first special stage A, which is the performance stage before the start of the 66th game, ends, and the first special stage B is executed from the 67th game onwards.

[0414] When the game state at the start of the 66th game after the transition to the 1st probability variation game state is the 1st probability variation game state, and the performance stage before the start of the 66th game is the 1st probability variation exclusive stage A, if "96" is extracted as the stage lottery random number, the performance content is determined to be "end". As a result, even if the player does not actually fall (even if the 1st probability variation game state continues), the performance stage from the 67th game onwards is changed to the 1st probability variation exclusive stage B, which suggests a fall.

[0415] In addition, the probability (1 / 20) that the performance stage will be changed to the 1st special stage B from the 67th game onwards, even if the player has not actually fallen, is lower than the probability (1 / 10) that the performance stage will be changed to the 1st special stage B from the 34th game onwards, even if the player has not actually fallen.

[0416] If the game state at the start of the 66th game after the transition to the 1st probability change game state is the 1st probability change game state, and the performance stage before the start of the 66th game is the 1st probability change exclusive stage B, the performance content will be determined as "Revival" regardless of whether the stage lottery random number value is 0 to 99. As a result, the performance stage from the 67th game onwards will be changed from the 1st probability change exclusive stage B to the 1st probability change exclusive stage A.

[0417] That is, even if the player has not actually fallen, the performance stage after the 34th game is changed to the first probability change exclusive stage B, and if the player has not fallen until the start of the 66th game, the stage will always return to the first probability change exclusive stage A, which suggests that the player has not fallen. This makes it possible to realize a performance effect in which the player has recovered from a disadvantageous state to a favorable state, which increases the interest of the game.

[0418] [Transition of effects after transitioning to the first probability change game state] Next, the transition of the presentation using the display device 13 after the transition to the first probability variation gaming state will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 44, from the 1st game to the 32nd game after the transition to the 1st probability variation game state, a specific performance is executed in the 1st probability variation exclusive stage A.

[0419] In the 33rd game, a judgment performance is performed to indicate whether the probability of the game falling has fallen. If the judgment performance in the 33rd game is successful, a specific performance is performed in the first probability of the game stage A from the 34th game to the 65th game. In this case, the game has not fallen from the first probability of the game.

[0420] On the other hand, if a failure is displayed in the 33rd G judgment performance, the time-saving performance is executed in the 1st probability variation exclusive stage B from the 34th G to the 65th G. During the execution of the time-saving performance, there are cases where the player has not fallen from the 1st probability variation game state and cases where the player has fallen from the 1st probability variation game state.

[0421] In the 66th game, a judgment effect is performed to indicate whether the probability of the game falling has fallen. If the judgment effect in the 66th game is successful, a specific effect is performed in the first probability of the game stage A from the 67th game to the 98th game. In this case, the game has not fallen from the first probability of the game.

[0422] On the other hand, if a failure is displayed in the 66th judgment performance, the time-saving performance is executed in the 1st probability variation exclusive stage B from the 67th to 98th games. During the execution of the time-saving performance, there are cases where the player has not fallen from the 1st probability variation game state and cases where the player has fallen from the 1st probability variation game state.

[0423] In the 99th game, a judgment effect is performed to indicate whether the probability of the game falling out of ...

[0424] On the other hand, if failure is displayed in the 99th judgment performance, the performance in the normal game state (normal stages 1 and 2) is executed in the special symbol game from the 100th game onwards. In other words, if the player falls from the first probability variation game state by the 99th game, failure is always displayed in the 99th judgment performance.

[0425] In addition, if a fall is won in the special symbol game after the 100th game, the fall is notified in the special effect corresponding to the special symbol game in which the fall was won. Then, in the special symbol game next to the special symbol game in which the fall was won, the effect in the normal game state (normal stages 1 and 2) is executed.

[0426] In this embodiment, since judgment effects are executed in the 33rd, 66th, and 99th games to suggest whether the probability of the game has fallen or not, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous for 99 games after the transition to the first probability of the game state. Also, when a success that suggests a failure to fall into the probability of the game is displayed in the judgment effect, the player can be made to recognize that the fall has not been won in the previous game, so that the player's sense of expectation can be maintained.

[0427] In this embodiment, when success is expressed in the judgment effects of the 33rd and 66th games, a specific effect is then executed in the first special probability variation stage A. Therefore, while the specific effect is being executed in the first special probability variation stage A, the player can be made to recognize that the probability variation game state is likely to continue.

[0428] In addition, when the 99th judgment performance in this embodiment is successful, the special symbol game from the 100th game onwards will have a special performance in the first special stage for the special symbol game. This allows the player to recognize that the special symbol game state (time reduction) will end if the fall is won.

[0429] <Operation of the main control circuit> Next, the contents of the program executed by the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0430] [Main processing] First, the main processing under the control of the main CPU 71 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0431] When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, first, the main CPU 71 performs a process of disabling the watchdog timer (S1). In this process, the value of the watchdog timer is reset.

[0432] Next, the main CPU 71 performs input / output port setting processing (S2). Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not it is in a power interruption detection state (S3). In this processing, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the power interruption detection signal is HI (high level). Then, if the power interruption detection signal is HI, it determines that it is in a power interruption detection state, and if the power interruption detection signal is not HI, it determines that it is not in a power interruption detection state.

[0433] When it is determined in the process of S3 that the power interruption detection state is present (YES), the main CPU 71 repeats the process of S3. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S3 that the power interruption detection state is not present (NO), the main CPU 71 performs a sub-control reception reception wait process (S4). In this process, the main CPU 71 performs a process of waiting until the sub-control circuit 200 is able to receive a signal.

[0434] Next, the main CPU 71 permits writing to the RAM (S5). In this process, the main CPU 71 performs a process for permitting writing to the main RAM 73. Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the backup clear switch 121 (see FIG. 31) is on (S6).

[0435] When it is determined in the process of S6 that the backup clear switch 121 is not on (NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether or not there is a power interruption detection flag (S7). When it is determined that there is a power interruption detection flag (YES), the main CPU 71 calculates a work damage check value (S8). In this process, the main CPU 71 checks for damage in the work area and calculates the work damage check value.

[0436] Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether the work damage check value is normal or not (S9). If it is determined that the work damage check value is normal (YES), the main CPU 71 sets 7FFEH to the stack pointer (S10). Next, the main CPU 71 performs initial setting of the work area when power is restored (S11).

[0437] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a high probability game state display notification process when power is restored (S12). In this process, if the game state when power is restored is a game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot in the special symbol game is high (first and second probability game states), the main CPU 71 displays a display notifying that the game state is in a high probability state when power is restored in the display area 13a of the display device 13. The display to notify may be configured to end at the start or end of the first fluctuation after power is turned on (power is restored).

[0438] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a command for when power is restored (S13). In this process, the main CPU 71 stores a command for returning to the gaming state at the time of power failure in the main RAM 73. The command for returning to the gaming state at the time of power failure stored in the main RAM 73 is then transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200.

[0439] Next, the main CPU 71 performs the initial setting of the CPU peripheral devices (S14). When this process is completed, the program address is restored to the address before the power was cut off. In other words, it is restored to the program address indicated by the program counter restored from the stack area.

[0440] When the processing of S6 determines that the backup clear switch 121 is on (YES), when the processing of S7 determines that the power interruption detection flag is not present (NO), or when the processing of S9 determines that the work damage check value is not a normal value (NO), the main CPU 71 sets the stack pointer to 8000H (S15).

[0441] Next, the main CPU 71 acquires the initial value of the random number related to the jackpot determination (S16). Then, the main CPU 71 clears all the working areas (S17). Then, the main CPU 71 sets the initial value of the random number related to the jackpot determination (S18).

[0442] Thereafter, the main CPU 71 performs initial settings of a working area for initializing the RAM (S19). Next, the main CPU 71 sets a command for initializing the RAM (S20). That is, the command for initializing the RAM is stored in the main RAM 73. The command for initializing the RAM stored in the main RAM 73 is then transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200.

[0443] Next, the main CPU 71 performs initial setting of the CPU peripheral devices (S21), and prohibits system timer interrupt processing (S22). The system timer interrupt processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0444] Next, the main CPU 71 updates the initial random number (S23). That is, the initial random number counter value is updated. After that, the main CPU 71 permits system timer interrupt processing (S24). Next, the main CPU 71 updates the random number for performance (S25). That is, the random number counter value for performance is updated.

[0445] Next, the main CPU 71 refers to the system timer monitoring timer value stored in the main RAM 73, and determines whether the system timer monitoring timer value is 3 or greater (S26). When it is determined that the system timer monitoring timer value is 3 or greater (YES), the main CPU 71 subtracts 3 from the value of the system timer monitoring timer (S27).

[0446] After that, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol control process (S28). In this process, the main CPU 71 extracts a random number value for determining a big win and a random number value for determining a winning symbol in response to detection signals from the first start hole switch 116 and the second start hole switch 117. Then, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol lottery by referring to a winning determination table stored in the main ROM 72. Next, it is determined whether or not a big win has been won in the special symbol lottery, and the result of the determination is stored in the main RAM 73.

[0447] Next, the main CPU 71 performs normal symbol control processing (S29). In this processing, the main CPU 71 extracts a random number value in response to a detection signal from the passage gate switch 115. Then, the main CPU 71 refers to a normal symbol winning table stored in the main ROM 72 and performs a normal symbol lottery. Next, it is determined whether or not a winning symbol has been won in the normal symbol lottery, and the result of the determination is stored in the main RAM 73. If a winning symbol has been won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal electric role 36 is opened, and it becomes easier for the game ball to enter (enter) the second starting hole 35.

[0448] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a symbol display device control process (S30). In this process, the main CPU 71 stores in the main RAM 73 a control signal for driving the first special symbol display device 62a or the second special symbol display device 62b and the normal symbol display device 63. This control signal is generated based on the result of the special symbol control process stored in the main RAM 73 in the processes of S28 and S29 and the result of the normal symbol control process. After that, the main CPU 71 transmits the control signal stored in the main RAM 73 to the special symbol display device 62 and the normal symbol display device 63. The first special symbol display device 62a or the second special symbol display device 62b variably displays the special symbol based on the received control signal, and then displays it stationary. The normal symbol display device 63 variably displays the normal symbol based on the received control signal, and then displays it stationary.

[0449] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a game information data generation process (S31). In this process, the main CPU 71 generates data related to a game information signal to be transmitted to the machine computer or the hall computer, and stores the data in the main RAM 73.

[0450] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a reserved symbol number data generation process (S32). In this process, the main CPU 71 stores control signals for driving the first special symbol reserved display LEDs 65a and 65b, the second special symbol reserved display LEDs 65c and 65d, and the normal symbol reserved display LEDs 67a and 67b in the main RAM 73. These control signals are generated based on detection signals from the first start port switch 116, the second start port switch 117, and the passage gate switch 115, and on the update results of the reserved number data updated in response to the execution of the variable display of the special symbol and the normal symbol.

[0451] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a port output process (S33). In this process, the main CPU 71 outputs the control signals stored in the main RAM 73 in the processes of S30, S31, S32, etc., from each port. Specifically, power is supplied to the LED power supply (common signal) for turning on the LEDs, and to the solenoid actuators that open and close the first and second big winning ports 44, 45 and the normal electric role 36.

[0452] Thereafter, the main CPU 71 performs a winning port-related command control process (S34). Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout process (S35). In this process, the main CPU 71 checks whether or not game balls have won in the first large winning port 44, the second large winning port 45, the first starting port 34, the second starting port 35, and the general winning ports 41, 42, and 43. If a winning port has been won, the main CPU 71 transmits a payout request command corresponding to each winning port to the payout / launch control circuit 123.

[0453] [Special symbol control processing] Next, the special symbol control process performed in S28 of the main process (see FIG. 46) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0454] First, the main CPU 71 loads the control status flag stored in the main RAM 73 (S41). That is, the main CPU 71 reads the control status flag from the main RAM 73.

[0455] 47, the numbers shown below S42 to S49 indicate the control status flags corresponding to those steps. These control status flags are stored in a storage area that functions as a control status flag in the main RAM 73. The main CPU 71 progresses the special symbol game by executing each step corresponding to the numerical value of the control status flag.

[0456] The main CPU 71 determines whether to execute various processes from S42 to S49 based on the value of the control status flag. The control status flag indicates the state of the special symbol game, and allows any of the processes from step S42 to step S49 to be executed.

[0457] Furthermore, the main CPU 71 executes the process of each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer set for each step of S42 to S49. Note that before reaching this predetermined timing, the main CPU 71 executes other subroutines without executing the process of each step. Of course, the main CPU 71 also executes system timer interrupt processing at a predetermined cycle.

[0458] When the process of S41 is completed, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol memory check process (S42). In this process, the main CPU 71 sets the value "01H" indicating the special symbol change time management to the control status flag. Then, the main CPU 71 performs a fall judgment, a win judgment, a determination of the special symbol, a determination of the change pattern of the special symbol, a determination of the change time of the special symbol, etc.

[0459] Next, the main CPU 71 performs special symbol variation time management processing (S43). In this processing, when the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, the main CPU 71 sets the value "02H" indicating the special symbol display time management to the control status flag.

[0460] Next, the main CPU 71 performs special symbol display time management processing (S44). In this processing, if the result of the hit determination is a jackpot, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to a value "03H" indicating the hit start interval management. Also, if the result of the hit determination is not a jackpot, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to a value "07H" indicating the end of the special symbol game.

[0461] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a win start interval management process (S45). In this process, when the time corresponding to the win start interval has elapsed, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to the value "04H" which indicates that the large prize opening is open.

[0462] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a waiting time management process before the large prize opening is reopened (S46). In this process, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to the value "04H" indicating that the large prize opening is open when a time corresponding to the round interval has elapsed.

[0463] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a special prize opening process (S47). In this process, if the number of times the special prize opening has been opened has not reached the upper limit, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to a value "05H" indicating the waiting time before the special prize opening is reopened. If the number of times the special prize opening has been opened has reached the upper limit, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to a value "06H" indicating the winning end interval.

[0464] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a winning end interval process (S48). In this process, when the time corresponding to the winning end interval has elapsed, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to the value "07H" which indicates the end of the special symbol game.

[0465] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol game end process (S49). In this process, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to a value "00H" which indicates a special symbol memory check.

[0466] As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control status flag. Specifically, when the game is not in a big win game state and the result of the win determination is a miss, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flags to "00H", "01H", "02H", and "07H" in that order. This causes the main CPU 71 to execute the processes of S42, S43, S44, and S49 at a predetermined timing.

[0467] Also, when the game is not in a big win game state and the result of the win determination is a big win, the main CPU 71 sets the control state flags to "00H", "01H", "02H", and "03H" in that order. As a result, the main CPU 71 executes the processes of S42, S43, S44, and S45 at a predetermined timing, and executes control to a big win or small win game state.

[0468] When executing control to the big win game state, the main CPU 71 sets the control state flags to "04H" and "05H" in that order. As a result, the main CPU 71 executes the processes of S47 and S46 at a predetermined timing to execute the big win game.

[0469] In addition, when the conditions for ending the big win game are met, the main CPU 71 sets "04H", "06H", and "07H" in that order. As a result, the main CPU 71 executes the processes of steps S46, S48, and S49 at predetermined timings to end the big win game.

[0470] As described above, the special symbol control process branches depending on the status. Although not described in detail, the normal symbol control process (S29 in FIG. 46) also branches depending on the status, like the special symbol control process.

[0471] The program of this embodiment is programmed so that a call command can be used to branch processing according to the status, allowing a simple return process from a small module to a parent module. As a result, the size of the program can be reduced compared to when a jump table is used.

[0472] [Special pattern memory check process] Next, the special symbol memory check process performed in S42 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0473] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control status flag is "00H", which is a value indicating the special symbol memory check process (S61). When it is determined that the control status flag is not "00H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol memory check process and shifts the process to the special symbol control process.

[0474] When it is determined in the process of S61 that the control status flag is "00H", the main CPU 71 determines whether or not there is a start memory of a special symbol game (S62).

[0475] In the process of S62, the main CPU 71 determines whether data is stored in the first special symbol start memory area (0) to the first special symbol start memory area (4) or the second special symbol start memory area (0) to the second special symbol start memory area (4) provided in the main RAM 73. If data is stored in each of the first special symbol start memory areas or each of the second special symbol start memory areas, the main CPU 71 determines that there is a start memory of a special symbol game. On the other hand, if no data is stored in any of the special symbol start memory areas, the main CPU 71 determines that there is no start memory of a special symbol game.

[0476] In the first special symbol start memory area (0), data (information) of the special symbol game corresponding to the first special symbol being changed is stored as a start memory. In the first special symbol start memory area (1) to the first special symbol start memory area (4), data (information) of the special symbol game corresponding to the four reserved first special symbols are stored as a start memory. In the second special symbol start memory area (0), data (information) of the special symbol game corresponding to the changing second special symbol is stored as a start memory. In the second special symbol start memory area (1) to the second special symbol start memory area (4), data (information) of the special symbol game corresponding to the four reserved second special symbols is stored as a start memory.

[0477] The first special symbol start memory area (1) to the first special symbol start memory area (4) and the second special symbol start memory area (1) to the second special symbol start memory area (4) show a specific example of the reserved information storage means in the gaming machine of the present invention. Also, storing the data (information) of the special symbol game as start memory in the first special symbol start memory area (0) or the second special symbol start memory area (0) shows a specific example of the lottery start condition in the gaming machine of the present invention being established.

[0478] When it is determined in the process of S62 that there is no memory of starting the special symbol game (NO), the main CPU 71 performs a demo display process (S63). After that, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol memory check process and shifts the process to the special symbol control process.

[0479] In the demo display process, the main CPU 71 sets a demo display permission value in the main RAM 73. That is, when the state in which the start memory of the special symbol game (the special symbol start memory area in which the random number value for jackpot determination is stored) is set to 0 is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds), the main CPU 71 sets a predetermined value as the demo display permission value.

[0480] Furthermore, when the demo display permission value is a predetermined value, the main CPU 71 sets demo display command data in the main RAM 73. The demo display command data is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. Upon receiving the demo display command data, the sub-control circuit 200 displays a demo screen in the display area 13a of the display device 13.

[0481] When it is determined in the process of S62 that there is a start memory of the special symbol game (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the first reserved is a start memory corresponding to the second special symbol (S64). When it is determined that the first reserved is a start memory corresponding to the second special symbol (YES), the main CPU 71 sets "02H" as the variable state number in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73 (S65). "02H" is a value indicating that the second special symbol is currently variable.

[0482] When it is determined in the process of S62 that there is no memory of the start of the special symbol game (NO), the main CPU 71 sets "01H" as the variable state number in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73 (S66). "01H" is a value indicating that the first special symbol is currently variable.

[0483] After the process of S65 or after the process of S66, the main CPU 71 sets the value "01H" indicating the special symbol variable time management to the control state flag (S67). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the special symbol storage transfer process (S68).

[0484] In the special symbol storage transfer process, when the special symbol to be variably displayed is the first special symbol, the main CPU 71 shifts (stores) each of the data in the first special symbol start memory areas (1) to (4) to the first special symbol start memory areas (0) to (3). Also, when the special symbol to be variably displayed is the second special symbol, the main CPU 71 shifts (stores) each of the data in the second special symbol start memory areas (1) to (4) to the second special symbol start memory areas (0) to (3).

[0485] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a fall determination process (S69). In this process, the main CPU 71 performs a fall lottery. The fall lottery is a lottery in which a random number value is extracted from a fall determination counter to determine whether or not a fall has been won.

[0486] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a jackpot determination process (S70). This jackpot determination process corresponds to the jackpot lottery means of the gaming machine of the present invention. In this process, the main CPU 71 reads out the high probability flag, and selects one of the multiple jackpot determination tables based on the read out high probability flag. The multiple jackpot determination tables have different numbers of determination values ​​(jackpot determination values) that result in a jackpot.

[0487] When the high probability flag is a predetermined value, the main CPU 71 selects a high probability hit determination table with a large number of big hit determination values, and when the high probability flag is not a predetermined value, the main CPU 71 selects a normal hit determination table with a small number of big hit determination values. As a result, when the game state flag is a predetermined value, that is, when the game state is a high probability state (variable game state), the probability of transitioning to a big hit game state is higher than when it is a low probability state (normal game state, time-saving game state).

[0488] After that, the main CPU 71 refers to the random number value for jackpot determination, which was extracted at the time of the special symbol start winning and was previously set in the first special symbol start memory area (0) and the second special symbol start memory area (0), and the selected win determination table. Then, the main CPU 71 determines that a jackpot has occurred when the random number value for jackpot determination and the jackpot determination value match.

[0489] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol determination process (S71). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines a jackpot symbol as the special symbol when the result of the hit determination is a jackpot. On the other hand, the main CPU 71 determines a miss symbol as the special symbol when the result of the hit determination is not a jackpot (miss).

[0490] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol variation pattern determination process (S72). In this process, the main CPU 71 selects a special symbol variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 34 and FIG. 35) based on the result of the big win determination determined in the process of step S70. Then, the main CPU 71 refers to the selected special symbol variation pattern determination table, determines a variation pattern based on the game state and the random number value for main side performance selection (random number value for reach determination), and stores the variation pattern in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73.

[0491] The data indicating the variation pattern stored in the main RAM 73 is supplied to the first special symbol display device 62a or the second special symbol display device 62b. As a result, the first special symbol display device 62a or the second special symbol display device 62b varies and displays the special symbol according to the determined variation pattern, and then stops and displays the special symbol determined in the process of S71.

[0492] Moreover, the data indicating the fluctuation pattern stored in the main RAM 73 is transmitted as a fluctuation pattern command from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200 determines the content of the performance display based on the received fluctuation pattern command, and executes the performance display.

[0493] Next, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol variation time setting process (S73). In this process, the main CPU 71 sets the variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol in the first timer, and clears the memory area used for the current variation display. In the first timer according to this embodiment, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol described above, the variation start waiting time, the winning start interval time, the big prize opening time, the round interval time, the winning end interval time, etc. are set at appropriate timing.

[0494] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a special symbol effect start command in the main RAM 73 (S74). The special symbol effect start command is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200 performs control to start the effect based on the received special symbol effect start command.

[0495] Next, the main CPU 71 clears the value of the special symbol start memory area (0) used for the current variable display (S75). After completing the process of S75, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol memory check process and shifts the process to the special symbol control process.

[0496] [Fall detection process] Next, the fall determination process performed in S69 of the special symbol memory check process (see FIG. 48) will be described with reference to FIG. The fall determination process corresponds to the fall lottery means and the game state transition means of the gaming machine of the present invention.

[0497] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the game state is any of the probability variation game states (S81). When it is determined that the game state is not any of the probability variation game states (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the fall judgment process and shifts the process to the special symbol memory check process.

[0498] In the process of S81, when it is determined that the game state is any of the probability variation game states (YES), the main CPU 71 performs a fall lottery and determines whether or not the result is a win for a fall (S82). When it is determined that the win for a fall is not a win (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the fall determination process and moves the process to the special symbol memory check process.

[0499] When it is determined in the process of S82 that the falling has been won (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the game state is the first probability variable game state (S83). When it is determined that the game state is the first probability variable game state (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (S84).

[0500] When the main CPU 71 determines in the processing of S84 that the value of the time-saving counter is "0", or when the main CPU 71 determines in the processing of S83 that the game state is not the first special probability game state (NO), the main CPU 71 clears the special probability game state flag and sets the normal game state flag (S85).

[0501] When the value of the time-saving counter is "0" in the first probability variation game state, the 99th special symbol game has started in the first probability variation game state. If a fall has been won between the first special symbol game and the 99th special symbol game, the game state will transition from the time-saving game state to the normal game state after the 99th special symbol game ends. In addition, when the game state is the second probability variation game state, after the special symbol game in which the falling down is won ends, the game state shifts from the second probability variation game state to the normal game state.

[0502] When it is determined in the process of S84 that the value of the time-saving count counter is not "0" (NO), the main CPU 71 clears the first probability variable game state flag and sets the time-saving game state flag (S86). If a fall is won in the first special symbol game to the 98th special symbol game in the first probability variable game state, the game state transitions from the first probability variable game state to the time-saving game state.

[0503] After the process of S86 or after the process of S85, the main CPU 71 sets a game state transition command in the main RAM 73 (S87). The game state transition command is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200 recognizes the game state based on the received game state transition command, and executes a presentation according to the game state. After the process of S87, the main CPU 71 ends the fall determination process, and shifts the process to the special symbol memory check process.

[0504] [Special design determination process] Next, the special symbol determination process performed in S71 of the special symbol memory check process (see FIG. 48) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0505] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the result of the jackpot determination process (S70 in FIG. 48) is a jackpot (S91). When the result of the jackpot determination process is determined to be a jackpot (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the variable state number is "01H" (S92).

[0506] In the process of S92, when it is determined that the variable state number is "01H" (YES), the main CPU 71 determines the jackpot pattern for the first special pattern based on the random number value for pattern determination extracted from the counter for pattern determination (S93). After that, the main CPU 71 sets the data of the jackpot pattern for the determined first special pattern, and sets the command for the jackpot pattern (S94).

[0507] In the process of S94, the main CPU 71 sets the data of the jackpot pattern of the first special pattern in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73, and supplies it to the first special pattern display device 62a. The first special pattern display device 62a variably displays the first special pattern, and stops and displays the first special pattern in a manner based on the data of the jackpot pattern of the first special pattern.

[0508] In addition, the command of the big win pattern in the first special pattern set in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73 is transmitted as a special pattern designation command from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 causes the big win mode of the identification pattern to be derived and displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13.

[0509] In the process of S92, the main CPU 71 determines the jackpot symbol in the second special symbol based on the symbol determination random number value extracted from the symbol determination counter (S95). After that, the main CPU 71 sets the data of the jackpot symbol in the determined second special symbol, and sets the command of the jackpot symbol (S96).

[0510] In the process of S96, the main CPU 71 sets the data of the jackpot pattern of the second special pattern in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73, and supplies it to the second special pattern display device 62b. The second special pattern display device 62b variably displays the second special pattern, and stops and displays the second special pattern in a manner based on the data of the jackpot pattern of the second special pattern.

[0511] In addition, the command of the big win pattern in the second special pattern set in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73 is transmitted as a special pattern designation command from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 causes the big win mode of the identification pattern to be derived and displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13.

[0512] After the process of S96 or after the process of S94, the main CPU 71 sets the winning start interval display time data corresponding to the winning symbol (big winning symbol) in the main RAM 73 (S97).

[0513] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the data relating to the number of times the large prize opening is performed in the main RAM 73 (S98). There are two types of the large prize in this embodiment: a 4R large prize and a 16R large prize. When the type of the large prize is a 4R large prize, the main CPU 71 sets the data relating to the number of times the large prize opening is performed to "4". When the type of the large prize is a 16R large prize, the main CPU 71 sets the data relating to the number of times the large prize opening is performed to "16". When the process of S98 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol determination process, and shifts the process to the special symbol memory check process (see FIG. 48).

[0514] In the process of S91, when it is determined that the result of the big win determination process is not a big win (NO), the main CPU 71 sets data of a losing symbol and sets a command of the losing symbol in the main RAM 73 (S99).

[0515] In the process of S99, the main CPU 71 sets the data of the losing symbol in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73. Then, depending on whether the changing special symbol is the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the main CPU 71 supplies the data of the losing symbol to the first special symbol display device 62a or the second special symbol display device 62b.

[0516] When the data of the losing symbol is supplied to the first special symbol display device 62a, the first special symbol display device 62a variably displays the first special symbol and displays the first special symbol in a static manner based on the data of the losing symbol. When the data of the losing symbol is supplied to the second special symbol display device 62b, the second special symbol display device 62b variably displays the second special symbol and displays the second special symbol in a static manner based on the data of the losing symbol.

[0517] In addition, the command of the losing symbol set in a predetermined area of ​​the main RAM 73 is transmitted as a special symbol designation command from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 causes the losing mode of the identification symbol to be derived and displayed in the display area 13a of the display device 13. When the process of S99 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol determination process, and shifts the process to the special symbol memory check process (see FIG. 48).

[0518] [Special pattern change time management process] Next, the special symbol variation time management process performed in S43 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0519] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control status flag is "01H", which is a value indicating the special symbol variation time management process (S111). When it is determined that the control status flag is not "01H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol variation time management process and transfers the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0520] When it is determined in the process of S111 that the control status flag is "01H" (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the first timer is "0" (S112). In other words, the main CPU 71 determines whether the variable time set in the first timer has elapsed.

[0521] In the processing of S112, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is not "0" (NO), that is, that the variable time set in the first timer has not expired, the main CPU71 terminates the special pattern variable time management processing, and transfers the processing to the special pattern control processing (see FIG. 47). On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is "0" (YES), that is, that the variable time set in the first timer has expired, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to the value "02H", which indicates special pattern display time management (S113).

[0522] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a symbol stop command in the main RAM 73 (S114). The symbol stop command set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. When the sub-control circuit 200 receives the symbol stop command, it recognizes that the special symbol is to be stopped.

[0523] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a variation start waiting time (for example, 10 msec) in the first timer (S115). The variation start waiting time is a waiting time from the end of the variable display of the special symbol to the start of the variable display of the next special symbol.

[0524] [Special pattern display time management process] Next, the special symbol display time management process performed in S44 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0525] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control status flag is "02H" which is a value indicating the special symbol display time management process (S121). When it is determined that the control status flag is not "02H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process and transfers the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0526] When it is determined in the process of S121 that the control status flag is "02H", the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the first timer is "0" (S122). That is, the main CPU 71 determines whether the fluctuation start waiting time set in the first timer has elapsed.

[0527] In the process of S122, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is not "0" (NO), that is, the variation start waiting time set in the first timer has not elapsed, the main CPU71 determines whether the special game is a big win or not (S123). When it is determined that the special game is not a big win (NO), the main CPU71 ends the special symbol display time management process and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0528] When it is determined in the process of S123 that the special game is a jackpot (YES), the main CPU 71 clears the game state flag (S124). In the jackpot game state, the normal game probability and the special game probability are set to a low state. Therefore, the first probability variable game state flag, the second probability variable game state flag, and the time-saving game state flag are turned off. In addition, a jackpot game state flag may be provided to turn on the jackpot game state flag. When the process of S124 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0529] In the process of S122, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is "0" (YES), that is, the fluctuation start waiting time set in the first timer has elapsed, the main CPU 71 determines whether the special game is a big win or not (S125). When it is determined that the special game is not a big win (NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" or not (S126).

[0530] When it is determined in the process of S126 that the value of the time-saving count counter is not "0" (NO), the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving count counter (S127). Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the time-saving count counter is "0" (S128).

[0531] When it is determined in the process of S128 that the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (YES), the main CPU 71 clears the time-saving counter flag (S129). Then, the main CPU 71 sets a time-saving counter end command in the main RAM 73 (S130). The time-saving counter end command set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-control circuit 200, which has received the time-saving counter end command, recognizes that a transition to a normal game state will occur when a fall is won.

[0532] When it is determined in the process of S125 that the special game is a big win (YES), the main CPU 71 sets the control state flag to "03H", which is a value indicating the win start interval management process (S131).

[0533] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a winning start interval time (e.g., 300 msec) corresponding to the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) in the first timer (S132). Next, the main CPU 71 sets "FFH" in the main RAM 73 as the value of the big prize opening counter (S133).

[0534] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a special symbol effect stop command in the main RAM 73 (S134). The special symbol effect stop command set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-control circuit 200 that receives the special symbol effect stop command recognizes the stop of the special symbol effect.

[0535] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a jackpot start command corresponding to the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) in the main RAM 73 (S135). The jackpot start command set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-control circuit 200 that receives the jackpot start command recognizes the start of a jackpot game. When the process of S135 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0536] When the processing of S126 determines that the value of the time-saving count counter is "0" (YES), and when the processing of S128 determines that the value of the time-saving count counter is not "0" (NO), after the processing of S130, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to "07H", which is a value indicating the special pattern game end processing (S136).

[0537] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a special symbol effect stop command in the main RAM 73 (S137). After completing the process of S137, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0538] [Hit start interval management process] Next, the winning start interval management process performed in S45 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0539] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control status flag is "03H", which is a value indicating the winning start interval management process (S151). When it is determined that the control status flag is not "03H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the winning start interval management process and transfers the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0540] When it is determined in the process of S151 that the control status flag is "03H" (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the first timer is "0" (S152). In other words, the main CPU 71 determines whether the hit start interval time set in the first timer has elapsed.

[0541] In the processing of S152, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is not "0" (NO), that is, that the winning start interval time has not elapsed, the main CPU71 terminates the winning start interval management processing and transfers the processing to the special pattern control processing (see Figure 47). On the other hand, in the processing of S152, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is "0" (YES), that is, that the winning start interval time has elapsed, the main CPU 71 sets the upper limit value of the large prize opening count counter in the main RAM 73 (S153).

[0542] The upper limit value in the process of S153 is the special prize opening number related data set in the main RAM 73 in the process of S98 of the special symbol determination process (see FIG. 50). That is, in the process of S153, the main CPU 71 sets "4" or "16" as the special prize opening number counter upper limit value. The value of the large prize opening count counter is synonymous with the number of rounds.

[0543] According to this embodiment, the processing order is to set the upper limit value of the large prize opening counter (S153 in FIG. 53) after the stop display of the symbols (S114 in FIG. 51). However, the setting of the upper limit value of the large prize opening counter according to the present invention may be performed in the next processing if the result of the lottery in the special symbol determination processing (S71 in FIG. 48) is a big win.

[0544] Next, the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the value of the large prize opening count counter in the main RAM 73 (S154). As described above, in the process of S133 of the special symbol display time management process (see FIG. 52), the value of the large prize opening count counter is set to "FFH (i.e. -1)". Therefore, when the process of S153 is performed, the value of the large prize opening count counter becomes "0". In this embodiment, the first round (first round) of a jackpot is associated with "0" as the value of the large prize opening count counter, and the number of rounds is managed.

[0545] If the value of the large prize opening count counter is set to "0" from the beginning, after the opening process of the first round, it is determined whether the round number is the final round (N-1). If the final round number is not N-1, an inter-round interval process is performed, 1 is added to the large prize opening count counter, and opening processes for the second round onwards are performed. This process is repeated until the final round number becomes N-1. In other words, only the opening process for the first round needs to be performed separately.

[0546] On the other hand, if the value of the large prize opening counter is set to "FFH (i.e. -1)", the value of the large prize opening counter is set to "FFH (i.e. -1)" until the winning start interval management process. Therefore, the initial value (FFH) is not involved in the management of the actual number of rounds. As a result, it is possible to consolidate the opening processes from the 1st round to the Nth round into one process regardless of the type of the large prize, and the area used in the main ROM 72 can be reduced.

[0547] After the process of S154, the main CPU 71 sets the opening and closing pattern of the first and second big prize openings 44, 45 for each round according to the type of the big prize symbol (S155). Next, the main CPU 71 sets the big prize opening open display command data in the main RAM 73 (S156). The big prize opening open display command data set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200 as a big prize opening open display command.

[0548] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to a value "04H" indicating the waiting time management before the reopening of the special prize opening (S157). Next, the main CPU 71 clears the special prize opening winning counter in the main RAM 73 (S158). Then, the main CPU 71 sets the special prize opening opening time (for example, 300000 msec) in the first timer (S159).

[0549] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a first large prize opening operation signal (S160). The first large prize opening operation signal is data indicating that the first large prize opening 44 is open. In this process, the main CPU 71 updates variables located in the main RAM 73 based on data read from the main ROM 72 in order to open the first large prize opening 44. The variables thus updated are used to drive the solenoid actuator associated with the first large prize opening 44 by a port output process (S33 in FIG. 46) to open the first large prize opening 44. When the process of S160 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the winning start interval management process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0550] [Waiting time management process before reopening the main prize gate] Next, the waiting time management process before the reopening of the special winning port, which is performed in S46 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47), will be described with reference to FIG.

[0551] First, the main CPU 71 judges whether the control status flag is "05H" which is a value indicating the waiting time management process before the large prize opening is started (S171). When the control status flag is judged not to be "05H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the waiting time management process before the large prize opening is started, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0552] When it is determined in the process of S171 that the control status flag is "05H" (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the first timer is "0" (S172). In other words, the main CPU 71 determines whether the inter-round interval time set in the first timer has elapsed.

[0553] In the processing of S172, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is not "0" (NO), that is, that the interval time between rounds has not elapsed, the main CPU71 terminates the waiting time management processing before the large prize opening is reopened, and transfers the processing to the special pattern control processing (see Figure 47). On the other hand, in the processing of S172, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is "0" (YES), that is, that the inter-round interval time has elapsed, the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the value of the large prize opening count counter in the main RAM 73 (S173).

[0554] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the large prize opening open display command data in the main RAM 73 (S174). In this case, the large prize opening open display command data is data indicating the second round onward. The large prize opening open display command data is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200 as a large prize opening open display command. This large prize opening open display command includes an instruction to the sub-CPU 201 to add 1 to the round counter.

[0555] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the control state flag to "04H", which is a value indicating the special prize opening process (S175). Then, the main CPU 71 clears the special prize opening winning counter in the main RAM 73 (S176).

[0556] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the large prize opening opening time (e.g., 300,000 msec) in the first timer (S177). After that, the main CPU 71 sets the monitored large prize opening operation signal (first large prize opening operation signal or second large prize opening operation signal) in the main RAM 73 (S178). In this embodiment, the large prize opening to be opened in the odd-numbered round is the first large prize opening 44, and the large prize opening to be opened in the even-numbered round is the second large prize opening 45. When the process of S178 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the waiting time management process before the reopening of the special winning port, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0557] [Big prize opening process] Next, the big prize opening process performed in S47 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0558] First, the main CPU 71 judges whether the control status flag is "04H" which is a value indicating the big prize opening process (S191). When it is judged that the control status flag is not "04H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the big prize opening process and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0559] In the process of S191, when it is determined that the control state flag is "04H" (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the special prize opening counter is "10" or more (S192). When it is determined that the special prize opening counter is not "10" or more (NO), the main CPU 71 performs special prize opening opening / closing process according to the set opening / closing pattern for each round (S193).

[0560] In the process of S193, the main CPU 71 opens and closes the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 according to the opening and closing pattern for each round set in S155 of the winning start interval management process (see FIG. 53). Specifically, the main CPU 71 repeats a process of alternately closing and opening the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 after waiting for the interval time between rounds according to the opening and closing pattern for each round. The operation of the first large prize opening 44 and the second large prize opening 45 will be described later with reference to FIG. 72.

[0561] Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the first timer is "0" (S194). That is, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the special prize opening time set in the first timer has elapsed.

[0562] In the processing of S194, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is not "0" (NO), that is, that the large prize opening time has not elapsed, the main CPU71 terminates the large prize opening processing, and transfers the processing to the special pattern control processing (see Figure 47).

[0563] When the process of S194 determines that the value of the first timer is "0" (YES), that is, the special prize opening time has elapsed, or when the process of S192 determines that the special prize opening counter is "10" or more (YES), the main CPU 71 clears the first timer (S195). Then, the main CPU 71 sets special prize opening closing data (S196).

[0564] In the process of S196, in order to close the opened special prize opening, the main CPU 71 updates the variables located in the main RAM 73 based on the data read from the main ROM 72. The variables thus updated are used to drive the solenoid actuator associated with the opened special prize opening by the port output process (S33 in FIG. 46) to close the opened special prize opening.

[0565] Next, the main CPU 71 judges whether the value of the large prize opening counter is equal to or greater than the large prize opening count upper limit (S197). When it is judged that the value of the large prize opening counter is not equal to or greater than the large prize opening count upper limit (NO), the main CPU 71 sets the first timer to an inter-round interval time (e.g., 50 msec) (S198).

[0566] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the remaining monitoring time (for example, 1000 msec) for the closed big prize opening in the second timer (S199). The value of the second timer set in this process is subtracted in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 58).

[0567] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to "05H", which is a value indicating the waiting time management process before the reopening of the special prize opening (S200).

[0568] Thereafter, the main CPU 71 sets the inter-round display command data in the main RAM 73 (S201). The inter-round display command data set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200 as an inter-round display command. When the process of S201 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the big prize opening process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0569] When it is determined in the process of S197 that the value of the large prize opening counter is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the large prize opening count (YES), the main CPU 71 sets the remaining monitoring time (e.g., 1000 msec) for the closed large prize opening in the second timer (S202). If the value of the large prize opening counter is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the large prize opening count, it is the final round (4th round or 16th round) of the big win game. Therefore, in the process of S202, the closed large prize opening is the second large prize opening 45.

[0570] Next, the main CPU 71 sets the winning end interval time (for example, 800 msec) in the first timer (S203). Next, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to "06H", which is a value indicating the winning end interval process (S204).

[0571] After that, the main CPU 71 sets the special symbol hit interval end display command data in the main RAM 73 (S205). The special symbol hit interval end display command data is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200 as a special symbol hit interval end display command. When the process of S205 is completed, the main CPU 71 ends the big prize opening process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0572] [Hit end interval processing] Next, the winning end interval process performed in S48 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0573] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control status flag is "06H", which is a value indicating the winning end interval process (S211). When it is determined that the control status flag is not "06H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the winning end interval process and transfers the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0574] When it is determined in the process of S211 that the control status flag is "06H" (YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the first timer is "0" (S212). In other words, the main CPU 71 determines whether the hit end interval time set in the first timer has elapsed.

[0575] In the processing of S212, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is not "0" (NO), that is, that the winning end interval time has not elapsed, the main CPU71 ends the winning end interval processing and transfers the processing to the special pattern control processing (see Figure 47). On the other hand, in the processing of S212, when it is determined that the value of the first timer is "0" (YES), that is, that the winning end interval time has elapsed, the main CPU71 sets the control status flag to "07H", which is a value indicating the special pattern game end processing (S213).

[0576] After the process of S213, the main CPU 71 sets control data corresponding to the winning symbol and the game state at the time of winning in the main RAM 73 (S214). In this process, the main CPU 71 sets the first probability variable game state flag or the second probability variable game state flag as the control data. In addition, when the first probability variable game state flag is set as the control data, the time-saving counter is set to "99".

[0577] Specifically, when the type of the jackpot is a 16R jackpot, the main CPU 71 sets the first probability variable game state flag as the control data. Also, when the type of the jackpot is a 4R jackpot and the game state at the time of winning is either the first probability variable game state, the second probability variable game state, or the time-saving game state, the main CPU 71 sets the first probability variable game state flag as the control data. When the first probability variable game state flag is set as the control data, the game state is shifted from the jackpot game state to the first probability variable game state.

[0578] On the other hand, when the type of the jackpot is a 4R jackpot and the game state at the time of winning is a normal game state, the main CPU 71 sets the second probability variable game state flag as the control data. When the second probability variable game state flag is set as the control data, the game state is shifted from the jackpot game state to the second probability variable game state.

[0579] After the process of S214, the main CPU 71 ends the winning end interval process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0580] [Special symbol game end process] Next, the special symbol game ending process performed in S49 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0581] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control status flag is "07H" which is a value indicating the special symbol game end process (S221). When it is determined that the control status flag is not "07H" (NO), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol game end process and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0582] When it is determined in the process of S211 that the control status flag is "07H" (YES), the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to "00H", which is a value indicating the special symbol memory check process (S221). After the process of S214, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol game ending process, and shifts the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 47).

[0583] [System timer interrupt processing] Next, the system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. The main CPU 71 may interrupt the main processing being executed and execute a system timer interrupt processing.

[0584] First, the main CPU 71 saves registers (S231). Next, the main CPU 71 performs a timer update process (S232). In this process, the main CPU 71 updates various timers such as the first timer and the second timer.

[0585] Next, the main CPU 71 sets clear data to the watchdog output data (S233). In this process, the main CPU 71 sets clear data to the watchdog output data. Furthermore, the main CPU 71 transmits a control signal based on the watchdog output data to the initial reset circuit 75 of the main control circuit 70.

[0586] The initial reset circuit 75 releases the voltage of the capacitor based on the received control signal. After that, when a predetermined time (for example, 3100 msec) has elapsed, the initial reset circuit 75 transmits a system reset signal to the main CPU 71. When the main CPU 71 receives the system reset signal from the initial reset circuit 64, it enters a system reset state. The predetermined time is determined by the capacitance of a capacitor connected to the initial reset circuit 75 after the watchdog timer provided in the initial reset circuit 75 is cleared.

[0587] After the process of S233, the main CPU 71 performs a random number update process (S234). In this process, the main CPU 71 updates random numbers for the jackpot determination counter, the symbol determination counter, the hit determination counter, the fall determination counter, the variation pattern determination counter, the performance pattern determination counter, and the like. Note that the jackpot determination counter and the symbol determination counter lack fairness if the update timing of the counter value is indefinite. Therefore, the jackpot determination counter and the symbol determination counter are updated at a fixed timing of every 2 msec to ensure fairness.

[0588] After the process of S234, the main CPU 71 performs a switch input process (S235). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not there has been an input to the switch. The main CPU 71 receives detection signals transmitted from various switches such as the count switches 104, 105 and the general winning port switches 112, 113, and determines that there has been an input to the switch when the various switches detect a game ball.

[0589] After the process of S235, the main CPU 71 restores the registers (S236). In this process, the main CPU 71 restores the registers to the addresses before the interrupt process. After the process of S236, the main CPU 71 ends the system timer interrupt process.

[0590] [Timer update process] Next, the timer update process performed in S232 of the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 58) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0591] First, the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the value of the system timer monitoring timer (S241). The system timer monitoring timer is a timer for counting the number of times the system timer interrupt process is executed (activated). In this embodiment, when the number of times the system timer interrupt process is executed (activated) reaches a predetermined condition (3 times), a predetermined process (special symbol control process, etc.) is executed.

[0592] Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the value of the first timer (S242). In this process, if any value is set in the first timer, the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from that value. Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the value of the second timer (S243). In this process, if any value is set in the second timer, the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from that value.

[0593] Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the second timer is "0" or not (S244). That is, the main CPU 71 determines whether the remaining monitoring time has expired or not. In the process of S244, when it is determined that the value of the second timer is not "0" (NO), that is, that the remaining monitoring time has not expired, the main CPU 71 ends the timer update process and shifts the process to the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 58).

[0594] In the process of S244, when it is determined that the value of the second timer is "0" (YES), that is, that the remaining monitoring time has expired, the main CPU 71 ends the remaining ball monitoring process and turns off the operation signal of the monitored large prize opening (S245). Here, the second timer can be "0" anywhere from 00H to 07H. Therefore, by processing all at once in the timer interrupt process, it is not necessary to make a judgment in each process of 00H to 07H, and it is possible to reduce the control burden. After the process of S245, the main CPU 71 ends the timer update process, and shifts the process to the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 58).

[0595] [Switch input processing] Next, the switch input process performed in S235 of the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 58) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0596] First, the main CPU 71 performs a prize ball related switch check process (S251). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not there is an input from the count switches 104, 105, the general winning hole switches 112, 113, the first starting hole switch 116, or the second starting hole switch 117. In other words, it determines whether or not the count switches 104, 105, the general winning hole switches 112, 113, the first starting hole switch 116, or the second starting hole switch 117 detect a game ball.

[0597] Then, when the main CPU 71 determines that there has been an input from the count switches 104, 105, it adds 1 to the value of the special prize port counter. Also, when it determines that there has been an input from the general prize port switches 112, 113, it adds 1 to the value of the general prize port counter. Also, when it determines that there has been an input from the first start port switch 116 or the second start port switch 117, it adds 1 to the value of the start port counter.

[0598] After the process of S251, the main CPU 71 performs a special symbol related switch check process (S252). This special symbol related switch check process will be described later. Next, the main CPU 71 performs a normal symbol related switch check process (S253).

[0599] In the process of S253, the main CPU 71 judges whether or not there is an input of the pass gate switch 115, in other words, whether or not the pass gate switch 115 detects a game ball. When it is judged in this process that there is an input of the pass gate switch 115, the main CPU 71 judges whether or not the reserved number is the upper limit (for example, 4), and ends the normal symbol related switch check process when it judges that it is the upper limit.

[0600] On the other hand, when it is determined that the reserved number is not the upper limit, the main CPU 71 extracts a random number value for winning judgment from the winning judgment counter of the normal symbol game, and further extracts a random number value for winning symbol determination from the winning symbol determination counter. Then, the extracted random number value for winning judgment and the random number value for winning symbol determination are stored in the normal symbol storage area of ​​the main RAM 73.

[0601] After the process of S253, the main CPU 71 performs an abnormality-related switch check process (S254). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the input result of the abnormality-related switch indicates an abnormal state.

[0602] An example of the abnormality-related switch is the opening / closing switch of the glass door 4. When the opening / closing switch of the glass door 4 detects that the glass door 4 is open, the main CPU 71 determines that the input result of the abnormality-related switch indicates an abnormal state.

[0603] Another example of the abnormality-related switch is the count switches 104 and 105. When the first large prize opening operation signal is OFF and there is an input from the count switch 104, the main CPU 71 determines that the input result from the abnormality-related switch indicates an abnormal state. Also, when the second large prize opening operation signal is OFF and there is an input from the count switch 105, the main CPU 71 determines that the input result from the abnormality-related switch indicates an abnormal state.

[0604] When it is determined that the input result of the abnormality-related switch indicates an abnormal state, the main CPU 71 performs a process for notifying the abnormality. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input result of the abnormality-related switch does not indicate an abnormal state, the main CPU 71 ends the abnormality-related switch check process.

[0605] After the process of S254, the main CPU 71 ends the switch input process, and shifts the process to the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 58).

[0606] [Special pattern related switch check processing] Next, the special symbol related switch check process performed in S252 of the switch input process (see FIG. 60) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0607] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a special symbol start winning has been detected in the first start hole 34 (S261). That is, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not an input has been made to the first start hole switch 116.

[0608] In the process of S261, when it is determined that a special symbol start winning has been detected in the first start hole 34, that is, that the first start hole switch 116 has been input, the main CPU 71 determines whether the start memory of the first special symbol is 4 or more (S262). When it is determined that the start memory of the first special symbol is 4 or more (YES), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol related switch check process and moves the process to the switch input process (see FIG. 60).

[0609] When it is determined in the process of S262 that the start memory of the first special symbol is not 4 or more (NO), the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the start memory of the first special symbol (S263). Next, the main CPU 71 performs various random number acquisition processes (S264).

[0610] In the process of S264, the main CPU 71 extracts random numbers for jackpot determination, winning symbol determination, fall determination, reach determination, main side performance selection, and reserved performance selection from the respective counters. Then, the extracted random number groups are stored in the first special symbol start memory area of ​​the main RAM 73.

[0611] The first special symbol start memory area of ​​this embodiment has first special symbol start memory areas (0) to (4). The judgment result based on the random number value for jackpot judgment and the random number value for winning symbol determination stored in the first special symbol start memory area (0) is derived and displayed by the first special symbol display device 62a. In addition, various random number groups extracted by detecting the special symbol start winning during the fluctuation of the special symbols by the first and second special symbol display devices 62a and 62b are stored in order in the first special symbol start memory areas (1) to (4).

[0612] After the process of S264, the main CPU 71 sets the first special symbol variable state data in the main RAM 73 (S265). Then, the main CPU 71 performs a winning performance determination process (S266). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not to perform a reserved performance (pre-reading performance) based on a random number lottery.

[0613] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a start port winning command in the main RAM 73 (S267). The start port winning command set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-control circuit 200, which receives the start port winning command, recognizes that a start port winning has occurred and whether the jackpot lottery result is correct or not. The process here is to predict whether or not a jackpot has occurred based on the acquired random number, and this process makes it possible to make a judgment in advance about the game ball that has won the start port winning before the actual fluctuation begins. The actual jackpot judgment is performed in the process of S70 described above.

[0614] The start-port winning command includes data indicating the contents of the winning performance (for example, a performance that changes the display mode of the reserved ball displayed) when it is decided to perform the winning performance in the processing of S266. This enables the so-called "pre-reading performance (reserved performance)" in which the performance is performed based on the start memory information before the change execution.

[0615] After the process of S267, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol related switch check process, and shifts the process to the switch input process (see FIG. 60).

[0616] In the process of S261, when it is determined that the special symbol start winning in the first start hole 34 has not been detected (NO), that is, the first start hole switch 116 has not been input, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the special symbol start winning in the second start hole 35 has been detected (S268). In other words, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the second start hole switch 117 has been input.

[0617] In the process of S268, when it is determined that the special symbol start winning into the second start hole 35 has not been detected (NO), that is, there has been no input to the second start hole switch 117, the main CPU 71 determines whether the start memory of the second special symbol is 4 or more (S269). When it is determined that the start memory of the second special symbol is 4 or more (YES), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol related switch check process and moves the process to the switch input process (see FIG. 60).

[0618] When it is determined in the process of S269 that the start memory of the second special symbol is not 4 or more (NO), the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the start memory of the second special symbol (S270). Next, the main CPU 71 performs various random number acquisition processes (S271).

[0619] In the process of S271, the main CPU 71 extracts random numbers for jackpot determination, winning symbol determination, fall determination, reach determination, main side performance selection, and reserved performance selection from the respective counters. Then, the extracted random number groups are stored in the second special symbol start memory area of ​​the main RAM 73.

[0620] The second special symbol start memory area of ​​this embodiment is provided with second special symbol start memory areas (0) to (4). The judgment result based on the random number value for jackpot judgment and the random number value for winning symbol determination stored in the second special symbol start memory area (0) is derived and displayed by the second special symbol display device 62b. In addition, various random number groups extracted by detecting the special symbol start winning entry into the second start hole 35 during the fluctuation of the special symbols by the first and second special symbol display devices 62a and 62b are stored in the second special symbol start memory areas (1) to (4) in order.

[0621] After the process of S271, the main CPU 71 sets the second special symbol variable state data in the main RAM 73 (S272). Then, the main CPU 71 performs a winning performance determination process (S273). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not to perform a reserved performance (pre-reading performance) based on a random number lottery.

[0622] Next, the main CPU 71 sets a start port winning command in the main RAM 73 (S274). The start port winning command set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-control circuit 200 that receives the start port winning command recognizes that a start port winning has occurred and whether the big win lottery result has been won or not.

[0623] The start-port winning command includes data indicating the contents of the winning performance (for example, a performance that changes the display mode of the reserved ball displayed) when it is decided to perform the winning performance in the processing of S273. This enables the so-called "pre-reading performance (reserved performance)" in which the performance is performed based on the start memory information before the change execution.

[0624] After the process of S274, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol related switch check process, and shifts the process to the switch input process (see FIG. 60).

[0625] [Winning performance determination process] Next, the winning effect determination process performed in S266 and S273 of the special symbol related switch check process (see FIG. 61) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0626] First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the acquired random number value for jackpot determination is a random number value corresponding to a jackpot win (S281). In other words, the main CPU 71 determines whether the acquired random number value for jackpot determination matches a jackpot determination value defined in the win determination table.

[0627] In the process of S281, when it is determined that the random number value for jackpot determination is a random number value corresponding to a jackpot win (YES), the main CPU71 refers to the reserved performance selection table when a jackpot random number is obtained (see FIG. 36) to determine the reserved performance (S282). In this process, the main CPU71 determines the reserved performance by performing a random number lottery using the reserved performance selection random number value extracted in S264 or S271 of the special symbol related switch check process (see FIG. 61) and the reserved performance selection table when a jackpot random number ...

Claims

[Claim 1] A game board; A game area provided on the game board through which a game ball can pass; A game component provided on the game board and equipped with an electrical component; a display area capable of executing a display related to a performance; A right-hit notification means is provided in the game component, is an area different from the display area, and performs notification by activation of a light-emitting means; A first passage portion that is formed longer than the diameter of the game ball in the flow direction of the game ball and through which the game ball can pass; A first ball entry section, which is provided in a right area of ​​the game area and into which the game ball that has passed through the first passing section can enter, and into which the game ball can enter; A second passing portion formed downstream of the first ball entrance portion and through which the game ball can pass; A second ball entry section is formed downstream of the second passing section, provided in the right area of ​​the game area, into which the game ball can enter, and is formed downstream of the first ball entry section in the flow direction of the game ball; a first displacement unit capable of changing the first ball entry unit into an easy ball entry state in which the game ball is easy to enter and a difficult ball entry state in which the game ball is difficult to enter; a second displacement section capable of changing the second ball entry section between an easy ball entry state in which the game ball is easy to enter and a difficult ball entry state in which the game ball is difficult to enter; the first passing portion has a flow path structure through which the air flows downward toward the first displacement portion, The first displacement section is provided so as to allow the game balls that have passed through the first passing section to flow down to the second passing section, The second passage section is provided so as to be capable of guiding the game ball to the second displacement section, and has a flow path section through which the game ball that has passed through the first displacement section can flow down toward the second displacement section, and a guide section that guides the game ball that has passed through the first displacement section to the flow path section; The light emitted by the light emitting means can be confirmed by transmitting the light through the sheet member. The sheet member is translucent, can be attached and detached without changing a specific design applied to the game board, and has a predetermined design different from the specific design. The right hit notification means is activated at least when the game ball is in an easy-to-enter state in the first entry section or the second entry section. A gaming machine characterized by:

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