Game machine
The gaming machine addresses the lack of interest in conventional gaming machines by implementing a dynamic lottery system with a special period and variable display times, enhancing player engagement and privilege distribution.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023205116
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-17
AI Technical Summary
Conventional gaming machines lack features to enhance player interest, with winning lotteries determining privileges but offering limited variability and engagement.
A gaming machine that introduces a winning or losing lottery system, allowing players to earn privileges based on ball entry, with a special period triggered by meeting a predetermined condition, such as a set number of lottery executions within a specific time. During this special period, the machine executes multiple lotteries, offering higher privilege rates for specific results and allowing for variable display times and notification effects.
The gaming machine significantly enhances player interest by introducing variability in privilege distribution, creating a more engaging experience through the special period and enhanced notification effects.
Smart Images
Figure 2025090106000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as ball-bouncing gaming machines (also referred to as pachinko machines) and rotary gaming machines (also referred to as pachislot machines).
Background Art
[0002] As a conventional gaming machine, a winning lottery is executed upon a gaming ball entering a predetermined starting winning opening and winning, and a privilege is granted according to the lottery result. In such a gaming machine, the interest of the game is improved by devising the granting of privileges.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the interest of conventional gaming machines. The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine provided with means capable of executing a winning or losing lottery for determining whether or not to give a privilege to a player based on the ball entry into the ball entry means. When it is determined not to be the specific result in the winning or losing lottery, means capable of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, means capable of setting a special period. The predetermined condition includes that at least the number of executions of the winning or losing lottery during the specific period is a predetermined number determined in advance. The gaming machine has means capable of executing a plurality of the winning or losing lotteries during the special period, and when it is determined to be the specific result in the winning or losing lottery during the special period, a specific privilege can be given at a higher rate than when it is determined to be the specific result during a predetermined period different from the special period. When it is determined not to be the specific result in the winning or losing lottery during the specific period and it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, means capable of setting a special time as the variation time of the variable display executed based on the winning or losing lottery or the stop time from the end of the variable display to the start of the next variable display. When the special time is set as the variation time or the stop time, means capable of executing a notification effect for notifying the transition to the special period at the special time. When it is determined not to be the specific result in the winning or losing lottery during the specific period, means capable of selecting and setting a time corresponding to the result of the winning or losing lottery different from the special time from a plurality of times as the variation time or the stop time. When a variation time or a stop time different from the special time is set, means capable of executing an effect for notifying the result of the winning or losing lottery without executing the notification effect.
Effect of the Invention
[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interestingness.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007]
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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0008] The basic configurations of various gaming machines to which the above present invention can be applied are shown below.
[0009] [Pinball Game Machine] A gaming machine including an operation means (launch handle 41) operated by a player, a ball launching means (gaming ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a gaming ball by hitting it based on the operation of the operation means, a ball passage (inner rail 101 and outer rail 102) for guiding the launched gaming ball to a predetermined gaming area 104, and various gaming components (general winning opening 82, nails, etc.) arranged in the gaming area 104.
[0010] [Pachinko Machine Equipped with Special Display Means and Variable Display Device] An operation means operated by a player, a ball launching means for launching a game ball by hitting it based on the operation of the operation means, a ball passage for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area 104, first and second start openings 84a, 84b arranged in the game area 104, a main display device 98, a variable display unit 86, and a variable winning device 83. When the entry of the game ball into the first and second start openings 84a, 84b is detected, the display content displayed on the main display device 98 is variably displayed, and when the display content at the stop is a specific display content, the variable winning device 83 is opened in a predetermined manner.
[0011] [Rotary Reel Gaming Machine such as Slot Machine] Equipped with variable display means for variably displaying a symbol sequence composed of a plurality of symbols and then finally stopping and displaying the symbol sequence. The variation of the symbols is started due to the operation of the start operation means, and the variation of the symbols is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means or after a predetermined time has elapsed. A gaming machine configured to generate a gaming state (such as a bonus game) advantageous to the player on the condition that the final stop symbol at the stop is a specific symbol.
[0012] [Ball-Using Belt-Type Gaming Machine] Equipped with variable display means for variably displaying a symbol sequence composed of a plurality of symbols and then finally stopping and displaying the symbol sequence. The variation of the symbols is started due to the operation of the start operation means, and the variation of the symbols is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means or after a predetermined time has elapsed. A gaming machine configured to generate a gaming state (such as a bonus game) advantageous to the player on the condition that the final stop symbol at the stop is a specific symbol. Further, it is provided with a ball tray, an input device for performing an input process of taking in a game ball from the ball tray, and a payout device for paying out a game ball to the ball tray. The operation of the start operation means becomes effective when a game ball is input by the input device.
[0013] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, as a gaming machine, a general pachinko machine will be described as an example. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions such as up, down, left, and right are specified based on the front view of the pachinko machine 10. For example, the front side in FIG. 2 is the front side, and the back side is the rear side.
[0014] [First Embodiment] <Pachinko Machine>
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has a front door frame 14, and the front door frame 14 opens so as to face the right side (see FIG. 1(a)) or the left side (see FIG. 1(b)) of the upper body of the player U. As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, the pachinko machine 10) includes a rectangular outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell, and a gaming machine main body 12 rotatably attached to the front of the outer frame 11.
[0016] The outer frame 11 is a fixed frame formed in a rectangular frame shape that opens front and back and is installed in a vertical posture on an installation frame base (so-called island equipment) in a game parlor. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13 (frame body) rotatably supported by the outer frame 11 toward the front side (player side), a front door frame 14 (frame body) rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 toward the front side (player side), and a back pack unit 15 (box-shaped body) rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 toward the rear side (farther from the player), and has a configuration that is locked by a locking device 131 (see FIG. 4). In this way, the front and rear refer to the directions that are front and rear with respect to the player, and are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the game board 81. Note that a prepaid card type ball lending device (CR unit) (not shown) is provided on the left side of the outer frame 11.
[0017] The inner frame 13 is supported on one of the right side or the left side of the outer frame 11 with one of the right side or the left side as the support side. The front door frame 14 is supported on one of the right side or the left side of the inner frame 13 (the left side in FIGS. 3 and 4) with one of the right side or the left side (the left side in FIGS. 3 and 4) as the support side. The back pack unit 15 is supported on one of the right side or the left side of the inner frame 13 (the left side in FIGS. 3 and 4) with one of the right side or the left side as the support side. The locking device 131 has a cylinder lock 75 provided at the lower part of one of the right side or the left side of the gaming machine main body 12 (the lower right side in FIG. 2), and has a function of making the inner frame 13 (gaming machine main body 12) unable to be opened with respect to the outer frame 11 and a function of making the front door frame 14 unable to be opened with respect to the inner frame 13. In the pachinko machine 10, when a key is inserted into the cylinder lock 75 (see FIG. 7) and rotated clockwise, the function of making the inner frame 13 unable to be opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is released, and when rotated counterclockwise, the function of making the front door frame 14 unable to be opened with respect to the inner frame 13 is released. The locking device 131 will be described in detail also in FIG. 13.
[0018] The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the front side of the inner frame 13, and has an elliptical window portion 21 that opens in the thickness direction and a window panel 22 formed of a transparent glass plate, synthetic resin material, etc. fitted into the window portion 21 (see FIG. 3).
[0019] Further, the front door frame 14 includes a display lamp device 23A as a light-emitting means disposed on the right side of the window portion 21, a display lamp device 23B as a light-emitting means disposed on the left side of the window portion 21, an error display lamp portion 24 provided at the uppermost part of the pachinko machine 10, and speaker portions 26A and 26B as voice output means and navigation means disposed on the upper right side (speaker portion 26A) and the upper left side (speaker portion 26B) of the gaming machine body 12. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 includes two speaker portions 26A and 26B, but it may include one or more speaker portions, for example, three or more speaker portions. The display lamp devices 23A and 23B have a light-emitting body (not shown) such as a light bulb in which a light-emitting element such as an LED (light-emitting diode), a filament, or a discharge element is enclosed in a glass spherical shell, and are turned on or blink according to changes in the gaming state at the time of a big win or a predetermined reach. The error display lamp portion 24 lights up at the time of a predetermined error. Also, the speaker portions 26A and 26B can output voices, sound effects, etc. Then, by turning on and blinking the display lamp devices 23A and 23B (light-emitting effect) in accordance with the symbol variation effect in the symbol display device 91 which is a display device, and outputting voices and sound effects from the speaker portions 26A and 26B (voice effect), the display lamp devices 23A and 23B and the speaker portions 26A and 26B are configured to function as effect execution means.
[0020] In addition, the front door frame 14 has an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 that bulge forward (towards the player side) below the window portion 21. The upper bulging portion 31 and the lower bulging portion 32 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The upper bulging portion 31 is provided inside so as to open upward and has an upper tray 33 that serves as a tray for storing game balls. Further, the lower bulging portion 32 is provided inside so as to open upward and has a lower tray 34 that serves as a tray for storing game balls. The bottom surface of the upper tray 33 is configured to gently incline from the left side to the right side and taper at the right side portion, and has a function of guiding the stored game balls one by one to the game ball launching mechanism 110 (see FIG. 7), which is the game ball launching position. Note that the game ball launching position may be a predetermined position (predetermined first position) where the game ball launching mechanism 110 can launch the game balls.
[0021] When there are excess game balls in the upper tray 33, the game balls are discharged to the lower tray 34. That is, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing the game balls that are in excess in the upper tray 33. Further, a lever (not shown) that can slide in the left-right direction is provided in the lower bulging portion 32, and the game balls stored in the lower tray 34 are configured to be discharged from the lower part of the lower tray 34 when the player slides the lever. In the present embodiment, the upper bulging portion 31 and the lower bulging portion 32 are integrally formed with the front door frame 14 at the lower position of the front door frame 14, and are configured to open and close in accordance with the opening and closing of the front door frame 14.
[0022] In addition, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a firing handle 41 as a firing means at the lower right position of the game machine main body 12. The firing handle 41 is biased counterclockwise (leftward), and when the player rotates the firing handle 41 clockwise (rightward), a game ball firing mechanism 110, which is an operating member for moving the game ball, is activated, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 33 are fired one by one toward the game area 104 of the game board 81 (see FIG. 8). In the present embodiment, the firing operation of the game balls by the game ball firing mechanism 110 is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 0.6 sec). Also, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls fired by the game ball firing mechanism 110 is controlled so as not to exceed 100 balls per minute.
[0023] The firing handle 41 is configured such that the hitting force of the game ball by the game ball firing mechanism 110 changes according to the amount of its rotation. As the player rotates the firing handle 41 clockwise (rightward), the hitting force of the game ball by the game ball firing mechanism 110 gradually increases, and as the player rotates the firing handle 41 counterclockwise (leftward), the hitting force of the game ball by the game ball firing mechanism 110 gradually decreases. That is, the ball is a moving member that moves on the game board 81, and as the player rotates the firing handle 41 clockwise (rightward), the amount of movement of the game ball hit by the game ball firing mechanism 110 on the game board 81 moves from the left side to the right side.
[0024] Further, the firing handle 41 is provided with a touch sensor 41a for detecting that the player is touching the handle and a firing stop switch 41b for temporarily stopping the firing of the game ball (see FIGS. 2 and 20). The firing of the game ball by the game ball firing mechanism 110 is performed when the firing handle 41 is rotated and the touch sensor 41a is on and the firing stop switch 41b is off. When the touch sensor 41a is off or the firing stop switch 41b is on, the game ball is not fired.
[0025] On the upper surface of the upper bulging portion 31, an operation button 35 as an operation means is provided. The operation button 35 is used when selecting an effect type (effect category), and the player can select the effect type by operating the operation button 35. As shown in FIG. 21, the operation button 35 includes a determination button 35a arranged at the center, a left-direction button 35b arranged on the left side of the determination button 35a, and a right-direction button 35c arranged on the right side of the determination button 35a. When selecting an effect type, the player can select the effect type by pressing the left-direction button 35b and the right-direction button 35c, and determine the effect type by pressing the determination button 35a arranged at the center. Further, on the upper surface of the upper bulging portion 31, a ball lending button (not shown) for instructing the lending of game balls within the range of the value remaining amount (valuable remaining amount) of the card inserted into the CR unit and a return button (not shown) for instructing the return of the card inserted into the CR unit, buttons (not shown) for setting the volume and light amount of the pachinko machine 10, etc. are arranged.
[0026] On the back surface of the front door frame 14, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a passage forming unit 50 is attached. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of synthetic resin, and a front door side upper dish passage 51 leading to the upper dish 33 and a front door side lower dish passage 52 leading to the lower dish 34 are formed. In the passage forming unit 50, a receiving portion 53 protruding rearward and open upward is formed at its upper corner portion, and by partitioning the receiving portion 53 left and right by a partition wall 54, the entrance portions of the front door side upper dish passage 51 and the front door side lower dish passage 52 are formed. The upstream sides of the front door side upper dish passage 51 and the front door side lower dish passage 52 communicate with the game ball distribution portion 225. The game balls that enter the front door side upper dish passage 51 are guided to the upper dish 33, and the game balls that enter the front door side lower dish passage 52 are guided to the lower dish 34.
[0027] On the back surface of the front door frame 14 at the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 6), protruding shafts 61 and 62 are provided at its upper and lower ends. These protruding shafts 61 and 62 constitute an assembling mechanism for the inner frame 13. Further, on the back surface of the front door frame 14 at the rotation tip end side (the left side in FIG. 6), as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of hook fittings 63 extending rearward are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. These hook fittings 63 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.
[0028] Next, the inner frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 71 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. On the front surface of the resin base 71 at the rotation base end side (the left side in FIG. 7), support fittings 72 and 73 are attached to its upper and lower ends. Although not shown in the figure, shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 72 and 73, and the protruding shafts 61 and 62 of the front door frame 14 are inserted into these shaft holes, whereby the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13.
[0029] On the front surface of the resin base 71 at the rotation tip end side (the right side in FIG. 7), insertion holes 74 for inserting the hook fittings 63 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are respectively provided. In the pachinko machine 10, a locking device for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is configured to be hidden and arranged on the back side of the inner frame 13. Therefore, when the hook fittings 63 are locked to the locking device through the insertion holes 74, the front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened.
[0030] At the lower right corner of the resin base 71, a cylinder lock 75 for unlocking the locking device is installed. The cylinder lock 75 is integrated with the locking device. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned to the left, the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned to the right, the inner frame 13 is unlocked from the outer frame 11. At the upper right corner of the resin base 71, that is, on the rotation tip side of the front door frame 14, a substantially rectangular opening 71b penetrating in the inner and outer (i.e., front-rear direction) is formed. A first monitoring device 250 for monitoring the opening of the front door frame 14 is provided in this opening 71b.
[0031] A substantially elliptical window hole 76 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 71. A game board 81 is detachably attached to the resin base 71. The game board 81 is made of plywood, and a game area 104 (see FIG. 8) formed on the front surface of the game board 81 is exposed on the front surface side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 76 of the resin base 71.
[0032] <Game board 81> As shown in FIG. 8, the game board 81 is a substantially rectangular plate member formed of a veneer material or a synthetic resin material. The game board 81 has a guide portion 103 (hereinafter also referred to as a guide rail) composed of two rails (inner rail 101 and outer rail 102) that are curved in a substantially circular shape and provided on the front side (player side). The guide rail 103 has a function of guiding the game ball launched by the game ball launching mechanism 110 to the upper left portion of the game board 81. The player operates the launch handle 41 to launch the game ball into the substantially circular game area 104 defined by the guide rail 103 to play the game. In addition, at the end of the guide rail 103, a return portion 103a is provided so that the game ball launched into the game area 104 does not return into the guide rail 103. The game ball that has been driven into the game area 104 is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) provided in the back pack unit 15 (not shown), and the ball detection signal of the detection sensor is configured to be output to a hall computer (not shown). In the present embodiment, the detection sensor is provided in the back pack unit 15, but it may be provided at other locations, for example, on the game board 81.
[0033] In addition, the game board 81 has a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the plate thickness direction formed at appropriate positions by router processing. Further, a plurality of winning openings and out openings 87 such as a general winning opening 82, a first starting opening 84a, a second starting opening 84b, and a variable winning device 83 are provided at predetermined positions in each opening of the game board 81. Note that the positions and numbers of the openings formed in the game area 104 of the game board 81 can be appropriately changed as necessary. Through gates 85 are provided on the left side and the right side of the central portion of the game board 81. A main display device 98 is provided at a position visible to the player of the game board 81. A variable display unit 86 is provided at the central portion of the game board 81. A large number of game pins 89 are provided in the game area 104 of the game board 81, and a rotating guide member 88 (so-called "windmill") is disposed on the right side of the game board 81. The rotating guide member 88 is disposed on the game board 81 so as to freely rotate by contact with a game ball flowing down in the game area 104. For this reason, when the game ball flowing down in the game area 104 contacts the game pins 89 or the rotating guide member 88, the flowing direction of the game ball changes irregularly (randomly).
[0034] In this embodiment, the entry of a game ball means that the game ball passes through an opening, and includes not only the mode of being discharged from the game area 104 after passing through the opening, but also the mode of continuing to flow down in the game area 104 without being discharged from the game area 104 after passing through the opening. Further, in order to clearly distinguish from the entry of a game ball into the out opening 87, the entry of a game ball into various winning openings is also referred to as a win. In addition, the entry into the through gate 85 means continuing to flow down in the game area 104 without being discharged from the game area 104 after passing through a gate provided in the game area 104. The entry into this through gate 85 is also referred to as a win in the same manner as the entry into various winning openings. Further, the rolling of a game ball while flowing down in the game area 104 while contacting the game pins 89 and / or the rotating guide member 88 or the like is also referred to as rolling.
[0035] <Starting winning opening> As shown in FIG. 8, the first starting port 84a and the second starting port 84b are in an up-and-down positional relationship, that is, they are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Here, the first starting port 84a located on the upper side is a prize-winning port of the always-open type that always opens upward within the game area 104. Also, on both the left and right sides sandwiching the second starting port 84b located on the lower side, there is provided an electric accessory (so-called electric tulip (electric tulip)) composed of a pair of opening and closing members 84b1 configured to be able to open and close the second starting port 84b. An electric accessory drive unit 84b2 is connected to the pair of opening and closing members 84b1, and the pair of opening and closing members 84b1 are configured to be displaced between a closed position where the second starting port 84b is closed and an open position where it is opened as the electric accessory drive unit 84b2 is driven. In the present embodiment, the pair of opening and closing members 84b1 that open and close the second starting port 84b are arranged on the left and right side portions sandwiching the second starting port 84b, and are driven so that the mutual positions of the pair of opening and closing members 84b1 approach and separate as the electric accessory drive unit 84b2 is driven.
[0036] That is, in the present embodiment, the first starting port 84a is configured such that game balls flowing down in the game area 104 can always win a prize with a certain probability, and the second starting port 84b is configured such that the prize-winning probability of game balls becomes variable by driving the electric accessory drive unit 84b2. Here, in a state where the opening and closing members 84b1 provided on both the left and right sides sandwiching the second starting port 84b are displaced to the closed position (hereinafter, the electric accessory closed state), the entry of game balls into the second starting port 84b is blocked, and the probability of game balls winning a prize in the second starting port 84b becomes lower than the probability of game balls winning a prize in the first starting port 84a. Also, in a state where the opening and closing members 84b1 are displaced to the open position (hereinafter, the electric accessory open state), the game balls received by the opening and closing members 84b1 are guided to the second starting port 84b, and the probability of game balls winning a prize in the second starting port 84b becomes higher than the probability of game balls winning a prize in the first starting port 84a.
[0037] Note that the electric accessory may be configured to switch between a state where it is difficult for game balls to win a prize in the second starting port 84b (a state where game balls can enter but is different from the electric accessory closed state) and a state where it is easy for game balls to win a prize in the second starting port 84b, instead of the electric accessory closed state and the electric accessory open state described above.
[0038] <Variable prize device> As shown in FIG. 8, the variable prize device 83 includes an opening / closing door (opening / closing member, opening / closing means) 83b formed in a rectangular plate shape that opens and closes the special prize opening 83a (hereinafter, the large prize opening) as special prize means that opens into the game area 104. The opening / closing door 83b is a passive object configured to be in a closed state where it closes and an open state where it opens in accordance with the drive of the variable prize drive unit 83c as an operating member. The variable prize drive unit 83c is configured by, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid or the like. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing door 83b is configured to open and close the special prize opening 83a by moving back and forth with respect to the game board 81 along a predetermined movement locus. In FIG. 8, a state where the large prize opening 83a is closed by the opening / closing door 83b is shown.
[0039] In this embodiment, the opening / closing door 83b is set to a closed state, which is a first state where it is located at the closed position in the normal state and the game ball cannot win because it contacts the opening / closing door 83b. When winning the transition to the opening / closing execution mode in the internal lottery and transitioning to the opening / closing execution mode, the opening / closing door 83b is set to an open state, which is a second state where it is located at the open position and the game ball can win because it does not contact the opening / closing door 83b. The opening / closing execution mode (specific control state) refers to a mode in which the opening / closing door 83b is set to the open state and game balls can enter the big winning opening 83a. When the opening / closing door 83b is in the closed state or the opening / closing door 83b is in the open state, the opening / closing door 83b and the game ball are in a non-interfering state where they cannot interfere with each other. Also, when the closed state of the opening / closing door 83b and the open state of the opening / closing door 83b alternate in the opening / closing execution mode, the opening / closing door 83b and the game ball are in an interfering state where they can interfere with each other. Thus, the opening / closing door 83b also functions as a contact member that determines the presence or absence of winning according to whether it contacts the game ball. In this embodiment, in the opening / closing execution mode, after setting the opening / closing door 83b to the open state and until it is set to the closed state again is defined as one round of the round game, but the number of times the opening / closing door 83b opens and closes in one round of the round game is arbitrary. For example, the number of times the opening / closing door 83b opens and closes in one round of the round game may be multiple times (two or more times). In this case, the open state and the closed state of the opening / closing door 83b are set multiple times in one round of the round game.
[0040] The player can guide the game ball to the variable winning device 83 while avoiding the variable display unit 86 and the like by maximizing the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 41 and shifting the reaching position of the game ball in the upper part of the game area 104 from the side where the outlet portion of the guide rail 103 is formed to the opposite side (so-called hitting to the right).
[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration and operation of the variable winning device 83. Hereinafter, the variable winning device 83 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. The variable winning device 83 is provided so as to protrude forward (the player side) of the game board 81 so as to be visible to the player. The variable winning device 83 is surrounded by four sides located in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10, and a bottom side, and an opening is formed at the upper part. And the opening formed at the upper part of this variable winning device 83 becomes the special winning port 83a. An opening / closing door 83b is provided at the upper part of the variable winning device 83. Usually, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the opening / closing door 83b is maintained in a visible closed state that closes the special winning port 83a.
[0042] As described above, since the variable winning device 83 is provided so as to protrude forward (the player side) of the game board 81, when the opening / closing door 83b is maintained in a closed state that closes the special winning port 83a, the game balls flowing down in the game area 104 fall on the opening / closing door 83b, so that the opening / closing door 83b and the game balls are in a non-interfering state, for example, a state where a game ball is sandwiched between the opening / closing doors 83b of the variable winning device 83, cannot occur. Here, the bottom side of the variable winning device 83 is substantially parallel in the horizontal direction, and the right side surface of the pachinko machine 10 has a dimensional relationship that is slightly longer in the height direction than the left side surface. Therefore, the special winning port 83a is slightly lower on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 than on the right side, and the opening / closing door 83b maintained in the closed state is also inclined so that the left side of the pachinko machine 10 is at a slightly lower position than the right side. For this reason, when the special winning port 83a is maintained in a closed state, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9(a), the game balls roll from right to left on the opening / closing door 83b.
[0043] On the other hand, when winning the transition to the opening / closing execution mode in the internal lottery and transitioning to the opening / closing execution mode, as shown in Fig. 9(b), when the opening / closing door 83b moves parallel (slides) backward (away from the player) to an open state where the game ball can win the special winning hole 83a, the game balls flowing down the game area 104 of the game board 81 fall into the special winning hole 83a (win the special winning hole 83a). Also in this case, a state where the opening / closing door 83b and the game ball can interfere, for example, a state where the game ball is sandwiched between the opening / closing door 83b of the variable winning device 83, cannot occur. Note that when the opening / closing door 83b moves to the position where it is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special winning hole 83a. When the game ball enters the special winning hole 83a, a predetermined number of bonus balls are paid out to the player by the bonus provision means with the bonus balls as a privilege. As shown in Fig. 9(c), when the opening / closing door 83b of the variable winning device 83 changes from the open state to the closed state, an interference state such as the game ball being sandwiched between the opening / closing door 83b may occur. Since the game ball is spherical, the width by which the opening / closing door 83b opens and closes, that is, the moving width by which the opening / closing door 83b can move, varies depending on the position where it contacts the game ball.
[0044] The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes detectors S1 and S2 that detect whether the opening / closing door 83b is in the closed state or the open state. When the opening / closing door 83b is in the closed state, both detectors S1 and S2 are in the ON or OFF state. When the opening / closing door 83b is in the open state, both detectors S1 and S2 are in the OFF or ON state. Also, when the opening / closing door 83b is in a state that is neither the closed state nor the open state, for example, in the above interference state, either one of the detectors S1 and S2 is in the ON or ON state. The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment notifies an abnormality when either one of the detectors S1 and S2 is in the ON or ON state for a predetermined time.
[0045] Also, the variable prize device 83 may be provided on the game board 81 in a state where it is not parallel to the main surface of the game board 81 and is non-parallel in the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, the lengths of the sides 831 and 832 located in the front-rear direction of the variable prize device 83 are different. Specifically, the side 832 located on the left side is slightly shorter than the side 831 located on the right side of the pachinko machine 10 in terms of dimensions. Therefore, the special winning opening 83a and the opening / closing door 83b that closes the special winning opening 83a are also shorter on the right side than on the left side of the pachinko machine 10. Since the opening / closing door 83b that closes the special winning opening 83a and the special winning opening 83a are non-parallel in this way, the width by which the opening / closing door 83b opens and closes, that is, the moving width by which the opening / closing door 83b can move, differs depending on where the game ball is pinched between the opening / closing door 83b.
[0046] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the detectors S1 and S2. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, the configuration of the detectors S1 and S2 will be described. Note that the detectors S1 and S2 have the same configuration. The detectors S1 and S2 are U-shaped sensors configured by a light-emitting element mounting portion 311a to which a light-emitting element (not shown) is attached, a light-receiving element mounting portion 311b to which a light-receiving element (not shown) is attached, and a connecting portion 311c that connects one end of the light-emitting element mounting portion 311a and one end of the light-receiving element mounting portion 311b so that the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are opposed to each other with a predetermined distance therebetween. A detection groove 311d is formed by the light-emitting element mounting portion 311a, the light-receiving element mounting portion 311b, and the connecting portion 311c.
[0047] When there is no insert, such as the opening / closing door 83b, in the detection groove 311d, the light irradiated from the light emitting element attached to the light emitting element mounting portion 311a is directly received by the light receiving element attached to the light receiving element mounting portion 311b. On the other hand, when the opening / closing door 83b is inserted into the detection groove 311d, the light irradiated from the light emitting element attached to the light emitting element mounting portion 311a is blocked, and the light receiving element attached to the light receiving element mounting portion 311b cannot receive the light. The detector S1 outputs an off signal when the light receiving element receives light and an on signal when it does not receive light. By receiving this signal, the main control device 300 can determine whether or not any insert (opening / closing door 83b) is inserted into the detection groove 311d.
[0048] The detectors S1 and S2 are attached such that when the opening / closing door 83b is inserted into the detection groove 311d, the light irradiated from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is blocked. Therefore, when it is detected in the detector S1 that the light irradiated from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is blocked, by outputting an on signal from the detectors S1 and S2, the voice and light control device 400 can determine that the opening / closing door 83b is in the open state, and by outputting an off signal from the detectors S1 and S2, the voice and light control device 400 can determine that the opening / closing door 83b is in the closed state. By outputting an on signal from the detector S1 and an off signal from the detector S2, it can be determined that the opening / closing door 83b is in a state that is neither the closed state nor the open state. It should be noted that whether to output an off signal when the light receiving element receives light and an on signal when it does not receive light, or to output an on signal when the light receiving element receives light and an off signal when it does not receive light, is arbitrary, and either configuration may be used.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a variable prize-winning device 83 according to another form. The variable prize-winning device 83 illustrated in FIG. 11 differs from the variable prize-winning device 83 described with reference to FIG. 9 in the opening / closing method of the opening / closing door. In the variable prize-winning device 83 illustrated in FIG. 9, the opening / closing door 83b is configured to open and close the special prize-winning opening 83a by swinging in the front-rear direction. However, in the variable prize-winning device 83 illustrated in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), with one side located on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 as the rotation axis, one side on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is moved downward to shift from the closed state to the open state. Also, in the variable prize-winning device 83 illustrated in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), with one side located on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 as the rotation axis, one side on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is moved downward to shift from the closed state to the open state.
[0050] Similar to the variable prize-winning device 83 shown in FIG. 9, an opening / closing door 83b is provided at the upper part of the variable prize-winning device 83 in the variable prize-winning device 83 illustrated in FIG. 11. Usually, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the opening / closing door 83b is maintained in a closed state that closes the variable prize-winning device 83. Since the variable prize-winning device 83 illustrated in FIG. 11 is provided so as to protrude forward (towards the player side) of the game board 81, when the opening / closing door 83b is maintained in a closed state that closes the special prize-winning opening 83a, the game balls flowing down in the game area 104 fall onto the opening / closing door 83b. Here, the bottom side of the variable prize-winning device 83 is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction, and the right side surface of the pachinko machine 10 has a dimensional relationship that is slightly longer in the height direction than the left side surface. Therefore, the special prize-winning opening 83a is slightly lower on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 than on the right side, and the opening / closing door 83b maintained in the closed state is also inclined so that the left side of the pachinko machine 10 is at a slightly lower position than the right side. For this reason, when the special prize-winning opening 83a is maintained in a closed state, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11(a), the game balls roll from right to left on the opening / closing door 83b.
[0051] On the one hand, when winning the transition to the opening and closing execution mode in the internal lottery and transitioning to the opening and closing execution mode, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the opening and closing door 83b rotates with one side located on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 as the rotation axis, and when the game ball can enter the special winning hole 83a in an open state where one side on the back side of the pachinko machine 10 is moved downward, the game balls flowing down the game area 104 of the game board 81 fall into the special winning hole 83a (win the special winning hole 83a). When a game ball enters the special winning hole 83a, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. A plurality of winning holes such as the variable winning device 83, the first starting hole 84a, and the second starting hole 84b are at a predetermined second position where the game ball enters.
[0052] <Detection sensor> The game board 81 is provided with detection sensors 152 to 154b for detecting the entry of game balls in the vicinity of various winning holes such as the provided general winning hole 82, the first starting hole 84a, the second starting hole 84b, and the large winning hole 83a of the variable winning device 83 (see Fig. 20). These detection sensors 152 to 154b are arranged on the back side of the game board 81. The detection sensor 152 detects the entry of game balls into the general winning hole 82, the detection sensor 154a detects the entry of game balls into the first starting hole 84a, the detection sensor 154b detects the entry of game balls into the second starting hole 84b, and the detection sensor 153 detects the entry of game balls into the large winning hole 83a of the variable winning device 83. The detection sensors 152 to 154b are wired and connected to the main control board 301 arranged on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. When the detection sensors 152 to 154b detect the entry of game balls (winning of game balls into various winning holes such as the general winning hole 82, the first starting hole 84a, the second starting hole 84b, and the large winning hole 83a of the variable winning device 83), a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls obtained by winning) are paid out. That is, when the detection sensors 152 to 154b detect the winning of game balls into various winning holes such as the general winning hole 82, the first starting hole 84a, the second starting hole 84b, and the large winning hole 83a of the variable winning device 83, benefits are given to the player.
[0053] In this embodiment, when the detection sensor 152 detects that a game ball has entered the general winning opening 82, the pachinko machine 10 pays out 10 prize balls; when the detection sensor 154a detects that a game ball has entered the first starting opening 84a, the pachinko machine 10 pays out 3 prize balls; when the detection sensor 154b detects that a game ball has entered the second starting opening 84b, the pachinko machine 10 pays out 2 prize balls; and when the detection sensor 153 detects that a game ball has entered the big winning opening 83a of the variable winning device 83, the pachinko machine 10 pays out 13 prize balls. Note that the number of prize balls paid out due to the winning of game balls in various winning openings is not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of prize balls paid out due to the winning of a game ball in the first starting opening 84a and the number of prize balls paid out due to the winning of a game ball in the second starting opening 84b may be the same. Also, a plurality (two or more) of variable winning devices 83 may be provided in the game area 104 of the game board 81, and the number of prize balls paid out for each winning in the big winning openings 83a of these plurality of variable winning devices 83 may be made different. For example, when two variable winning devices 83 are provided, the number of prize balls paid out for the winning in the big winning opening 83a of each variable winning device 83 may be 13 and 14, respectively.
[0054] The out opening 87 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 104 of the game board 81, and game balls that have not entered various winning openings or the like are discharged from the game area 104 through this out opening 87. The out opening 87 is disposed on the back side of the game board 81 and includes a detection sensor 156 that detects the entry of game balls (see FIG. 20).
[0055] Also, each through gate 85 is disposed on the back side of the game board 81 and includes a detection sensor 155 that detects the entry of game balls (see FIG. 20). The detection sensors 155 and 156 are connected by wiring to the main control board 301 disposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. However, unlike when a game ball enters various winning openings, when a game ball enters the out opening 87 or each through gate 85, the pachinko machine 10 does not pay out prize balls.
[0056] Note that each of the detection sensors 152 to 156 only needs to be able to individually detect the entry of the game balls into various winning openings. For example, an electromagnetic induction sensor, a transmissive photosensor, or the like can be used.
[0057] <Symbol display> The main display device 98 includes a main display section 93, a device display section 94, and a round display section 97, and is configured by arranging a plurality of display devices such as a segment display device in which a plurality of segment light-emitting sections are arranged in a predetermined manner and a dot display device. The main display device 98 is provided on the game board 81 so as to bulge toward the window panel 22 provided on the front surface side thereof, and can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 22. Further, the distance (gap) between the main display device 98 and the window panel 22 is narrower than the outer diameter of the game ball. For this reason, the flow of the game ball is prevented in the gap between the main display device 98 and the window panel 22, that is, in front of the main display device 98.
[0058] <Main display section 93> The main display section 93 includes a first result display section 93a for displaying the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning in the first start opening 84a, and a second result display section 93b for displaying the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning in the second start opening 84b (see FIG. 20).
[0059] <First result display section 93a> The first result display unit 93a executes a variable display of symbols triggered by winning a prize at the first start port 84a, and as a stop result of the variable display, displays the result of an internal lottery conducted based on winning a prize at the first start port 84a. Specifically, triggered by the winning of a game ball at the first start port 84a, a variable display is performed in which the first result display unit 93a sequentially lights up and goes out, and finally, a plurality of types (categories) of special symbols (hereinafter also referred to as the first special symbol (sometimes simply referred to as the special symbol)) are displayed according to the lighting position (stop result) where the first result display unit 93a finally lights up determinately. When the result of this internal lottery corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the first result display unit 93a displays a predetermined stop result, and then, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to the opening / closing execution mode.
[0060] <The second result display unit 93b> The second result display unit 93b executes a variable display of symbols triggered by winning a prize at the second start port 84b, and as a stop result of the variable display, displays the result of an internal lottery conducted based on winning a prize at the second start port 84b. Specifically, triggered by the winning of a game ball at the second start port 84b, a variable display is performed in which the second result display unit 93b sequentially lights up and goes out, and finally, a plurality of types (categories) of special symbols (hereinafter also referred to as the second special symbol (sometimes simply referred to as the special symbol)) are displayed according to the lighting position (stop result) where the second result display unit 93b finally lights up determinately. When the result of this internal lottery corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the second result display unit 93b displays a predetermined stop result, and then, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to the opening / closing execution mode.
[0061] Here, the special symbol is a notification symbol indicating the result of an internal lottery such as whether it is a jackpot (special game) or not. In the first result display section 93a and the second result display section 93b, a plurality of types of special symbols can be displayed depending on the lighting position of an LED or the like. Specifically, as the special symbols that can be displayed in the first result display section 93a and the second result display section 93b, a plurality of types of special symbols as jackpot display results that can recognize a jackpot and one type of special symbol as a non-winning display result that can recognize a non-win are set. Then, one special symbol is determined according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and as the stop result of the variable display, the previously determined special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first result display section 93a or the second result display section 93b.
[0062] In the following description, the variable display performed on the first result display section 93a is referred to as "special symbol 1 variable display", and the special symbol that is definitely stopped and displayed on the first result display section 93a as a result of the special symbol 1 variable display is also referred to as special symbol 1. Similarly, the variable display performed on the second result display section 93b is referred to as "second special symbol variable display", and the special symbol that is definitely stopped and displayed on the second result display section 93b as a result of the second special symbol variable display is also referred to as special symbol 2.
[0063] <Accessory display section 94> The accessory display section 94 executes a variable display of symbols triggered by winning a prize in each through gate 85, and as the stop result of the variable display, it displays the result of an internal lottery conducted based on winning a prize in each through gate 85. Specifically, triggered by the winning of a game ball in each through gate 85, a variable display in which the accessory display section 94 sequentially lights up and goes out and blinks is performed, and finally, a plurality of types of normal symbols (hereinafter also referred to as general symbols) are displayed according to the lighting position (stop result) where the accessory display section 94 finally lights up definitely. When the result of the internal lottery is a result corresponding to a transition to the electric accessory release state, the accessory display section 94 displays a predetermined stop result, and then, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to the electric accessory release state. In this electric accessory release state, the opening and closing member 84b1 of the electric accessory provided at the second start port 84b is in an open state.
[0064] <Round display section 97> In addition, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when a jackpot determination is won, one jackpot game is determined from among a plurality of types of jackpot games (special games). A plurality of types of these jackpot games with different numbers of rounds are set, and the number of rounds of the selected jackpot game is notified by the round display unit 97. In the present embodiment, two types, "15 times" and "2 times", are set as the number of rounds of the jackpot game, and the number of rounds is notified by the lighting pattern of the LEDs provided in the round display unit 97. During the jackpot game, a predetermined effect, for example, a promotion effect, may be performed. In this promotion effect, the MUP402 of the audio-visual control device 400 divides it into an introductory effect including an effect suggesting the start of the promotion effect and a suggestive effect including an effect suggesting the result of the presence or absence of promotion, and within a predetermined period from the start of the introductory effect, when a predetermined condition, for example, an operation by the player cannot be received by the operation button 35, a command for causing the suggestive effect (second suggestive effect) to be executed according to the elapse of the predetermined period is transmitted to the display control device 500. Also, when a predetermined condition, for example, an operation by the player is received by the operation button 35 within a predetermined period from the start of the introductory effect, a command for causing the suggestive effect (first suggestive effect) to be executed before the elapse of the predetermined period is transmitted to the display control device 500. When the display control device 500 receives a command transmitted from the audio-visual control device 400, it executes the corresponding effect. Specifically, when receiving a command for executing the introductory effect, it executes an introductory effect including an effect suggesting the start, and when receiving a command for executing the suggestive effect, it executes a suggestive effect including an effect suggesting the result. Note that whether it is during the jackpot game, in other words, not during the variable period, is determined by the MPU402 of the audio-visual control device 400. Also, depending on the result, at least one or more effects executed after a predetermined effect or the occurrence frequency of one or more effects may be changed. In the present embodiment, the round display unit 97 includes two LEDs arranged left and right. When the left LED lights up, it is notified that the jackpot game has 15 rounds, and when the right LED lights up, it is notified that the jackpot game has 2 rounds. Also, for example, suggestive effect A may be included in the first suggestive effect, and for example, suggestive effect B may be included in the second suggestive effect.
[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, the main display unit 93 and the accessory display unit 94 are configured by arranging a plurality of display devices such as a segment display and a dot display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, and a dot matrix may be used. Further, as the symbols to be variably displayed on the main display unit 93 and the accessory display unit 94, a configuration for variably displaying a plurality of types of characters, a configuration for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, a configuration for variably displaying a plurality of types of characters, or a configuration for switching and displaying a plurality of types of colors can be adopted. In addition, in this embodiment, the round display unit 97 notifies the number of rounds of the round game by light emission display using an LED. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of rounds of the round game may be notified by other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, and a dot matrix. Note that the display areas of the main display unit 93, the accessory display unit 94, and the round display unit 97 are set to be extremely small compared to the display areas of the notification effects and the like described later executed by the symbol display device 91. For a player who pays attention to the various effects executed by the symbol display device 91 on which the effect is displayed, it is difficult to easily recognize each piece of information in the lit state of the main display unit 93, the accessory display unit 94, and the round display unit 97.
[0066] Further, the variable display unit 86 includes a symbol display device 91 that variably displays (variable display or switching display) a symbol that is a type of symbol. The variable display unit 86 also includes a center frame 92 disposed so as to surround the symbol display device 91. The upper part of the center frame 92 is provided so as to bulge toward the window panel 22 provided on the front side thereof. Thereby, the pachinko machine 10 is configured to prevent the game ball from falling in front of the display screen G of the symbol display device 91, and does not cause inconveniences such as a decrease in the visibility of the display screen G due to the fall of the game ball.
[0067] <Symbol display device 91> The symbol display device 91, which is a display device, is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and is detachably assembled to the game board 81 such that the display screen G of the symbol display device 91 faces the front side (the player side) of the game board 81. This symbol display device 91 starts the variable display of a decorative symbol (hereinafter also referred to as a decoration symbol) for effect when a predetermined condition is satisfied (winning of a game ball in the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b). That is, the symbol display device 91 executes variable display in accordance with it when executing variable display in the first result display section 93a of the main display section 93 and when executing variable display in the second result display section 93b of the main display section 93. Note that the symbol display device 91 is not limited to being a liquid crystal display device, and various conventionally known display devices capable of stopping and variably displaying various symbols such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, a drum-type symbol display device, and a dot matrix-type symbol display device can be adopted.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 12, in the symbol display device 91 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3 capable of variably displaying decoration symbols are set, and when winning in the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b occurs, the decoration symbols start to vary in each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3. In addition, valid stop positions of the decoration symbols are set in each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3, and a symbol combination of the decoration symbols stopped and displayed on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5 obtained by combining the valid stop positions of each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3 is derived by a symbol variation effect. Valid stop positions of the decoration symbols are set in each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3, and a symbol combination of the decoration symbols stopped and displayed on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5 obtained by combining the valid stop positions of each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3 is derived by a symbol variation effect. That is, five stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5 are set in the symbol display device 91 of the present embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, five lines, namely, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, an upper right rising line L4, and an upper left rising line L5, are set as valid lines. In the following description, the symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3 may be referred to in order from the upper side of the drawing.
[0069] Also, the display area of the decorative diagrams in each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 of the symbol display device 91 is configured to be a larger area compared to the first result display unit 93a and the second result display unit 93b, and the decorative diagrams are displayed much larger compared to the special drawings. For this reason, the player can visually recognize whether it is a big win or a miss from the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5 of the symbol display device 91.
[0070] The symbol display device 91 is configured to perform variable display such that the decorative diagrams move along a predetermined variable direction (in this embodiment, the horizontal direction from the left side to the right side of FIG. 12 and / or the horizontal direction from the right side to the left side of FIG. 12) along with the start of the symbol variable effect, and the decorative diagrams being variably displayed are stopped and displayed in a predetermined stop order at the valid stop positions of each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3. Also, the symbol display device 91 temporarily displays the decorative diagrams in a temporary stop state at the valid stop positions of each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 before the symbol variable effect ends, and one symbol variable effect ends by stopping and displaying the decorative diagrams of each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3. That is, the symbol variable effect (the first special drawing variable display and the second special drawing variable display) is executed once from the start of the variation of the decorative diagrams (the first special drawing and the second special drawing) based on one start hold information until the definite stop.
[0071] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the decorative symbols are displayed in three rows, left, middle, and right, for each of the upper, middle, and lower symbol columns Z1 to Z3 on the display screen G of the symbol display device 91. When a winning occurs in the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b, a variable display of the decorative symbols is performed, and after a certain period of time according to the variable pattern selected by the main control device 300, the variable display stops, and nine decorative symbols arranged vertically three by horizontally three are displayed as the display result on the symbol display device 91. In the variable display that wins the jackpot lottery, the display control device 500 controls so that three or more identical main symbols (symbols of numbers with characters) are aligned in a horizontal or diagonal straight line among the nine decorative symbols, indicating the occurrence of a jackpot to the player. On the other hand, in the variable display that fails to win the jackpot lottery, the display control device 500 controls so that three or more identical main symbols are not aligned in either horizontal or diagonal directions among the nine decorative symbols, indicating the occurrence of a miss to the player.
[0072] Here, the decorative symbols displayed on the symbol display device 91 of the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment are composed of ten types of main symbols corresponding to the numbers from "0" to "9" (ten types of character symbols such as a turtle, a shark, a dugong, an angel fish, etc.) and one type of sub-symbol formed smaller than this main symbol (in the present embodiment, a shell picture symbol). These main symbols and sub-symbols constitute a symbol column by arranging the main symbols in ascending or descending order of numbers and arranging the sub-symbols between each main symbol. Although details will be described later, each character symbol is associated with a unique voice. That is, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, voice data with different tones and colors is prepared for each main symbol of the decorative symbols (ten types of character symbols corresponding to the numbers from "0" to "9").
[0073] As voice data, for example, when a normal reach occurs with the main symbol of "0" as the reach symbol (a jackpot where the win / loss lottery mode results in a low-probability outcome when the symbols match up (in this embodiment, a "low-probability outcome")), the 0th symbol normal reach voice data, which is voice data for reproducing the voice of "Reach!" in the voice of the character symbol corresponding to the main symbol of "0" (for example, "Kasago"), is stored in the common ROM 404 of the voice light emission control device 400 described later. Also, when a probability-variable reach occurs with the main symbol of "1" as the reach symbol (a jackpot where the win / loss lottery mode results in a high-probability outcome when the symbols match up (in this embodiment, an "explicitly few-round high-probability outcome" and a "most advantageous outcome")), the 1st symbol probability-variable reach voice data, which is voice data for reproducing the voice of "Reach!" in the voice of the character symbol corresponding to the main symbol of "1" (for example, "Tako"), is stored in the common ROM 404 of the voice light emission control device 400 described later.
[0074] Also, for each of the main symbols from "2" to "9", when a normal reach or a probability-variable reach occurs with that main symbol as the reach symbol, voice data for reproducing voices such as "Reach!", "Reach!", and "Reach!" in the voice of the character symbol corresponding to that main symbol is stored in the common ROM 404 of the voice light emission control device 400 described later as the 2nd symbol normal reach voice data to the 9th symbol probability-variable reach voice data, respectively.
[0075] Note that the voice data of the character symbols corresponding to the main symbols stored in the common ROM 404 of the voice light emission control device 400 described later is not limited to only the voice data for reproducing voices during a reach. Voice data for reproducing voices at various timings (the various timings will be described later) is prepared for each character symbol corresponding to the main symbol and is stored in the common ROM 404 of the voice light emission control device 400 described later.
[0076] Here, various timings include the timing when a decorative figure is stopped and displayed on any one of the stop symbol effective lines L1 to L5, other than when reaching as described above. Further, various timings may be during a symbol variation effect (hereinafter, also referred to as the corresponding symbol variation effect) in which a decorative figure is stopped and displayed on any one of the stop symbol effective lines L1 to L5. Furthermore, various timings may be during the symbol variation effects before and after the symbol variation effect in which a decorative figure is stopped and displayed on any one of the stop symbol effective lines L1 to L5 (for example, during the symbol variation effect one before the corresponding symbol variation effect (hereinafter, also referred to as the previous symbol variation effect of the corresponding symbol variation effect), or during the symbol variation effect one after the corresponding symbol variation effect (hereinafter, also referred to as the subsequent symbol variation effect of the corresponding symbol variation effect), etc.).
[0077] In addition, the decorative figures displayed in each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, and Z3 of the symbol display device 91 according to the present embodiment are such that among the symbol columns Z1 to Z3, the upper symbol column and the lower symbol columns Z1 and Z3 are formed by arranging 18 symbols vertically in a row. Also, the middle symbol column Z2 is formed by arranging 20 symbols vertically in a row. Each symbol column is variably displayed so as to scroll from right to left periodically simultaneously with the start of the variation of the special symbol during normal times, and the variation of all the symbol columns stops before the special symbol stops. Also, each of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3 scrolls from right to left and is variably displayed during normal times. In the symbol column Z1, since the numbers are arranged in ascending order toward the left, the numbers of the main symbols appear in ascending order. In the symbol column Z3, since the numbers are arranged in descending order toward the left, the numbers of the main symbols appear in descending order.
[0078] Here, "variable display" means a state in which the decorative figures displayed at the effective stop positions in each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 change in a predetermined order. Also, "definite stop" of the decorative figure means a state in which the decorative figure is continuously stopped and displayed at the effective stop position in each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 for a predetermined special figure variation interval time (for example, 600 ms (milliseconds)). Further, "temporary stop" of the decorative figure means a state in which the decorative figure displayed to stay at the effective stop position in each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 does not continuously stop during the special figure variation interval time. That is, the temporary stop of the decorative figure includes a state in which the decorative figure is displayed in a swaying variation state at the effective stop position and a state in which the decorative figure is stopped and displayed for a time shorter than the special figure variation interval time.
[0079] Also, in the first result display section 93a and the symbol display device 91, the first special figure variable display and the symbol variation effect related to the first special figure variable display are started, and the first special figure and the decorative figure are definitely stopped and displayed. Similarly, in the second result display section 93b and the symbol display device 91, the second special figure variable display and the symbol variation effect related to the second special figure variable display are started, and the second special figure and the decorative figure are definitely stopped and displayed. Note that the first result display section 93a and the second result display section 93b do not perform the special figure variable display simultaneously. When the special figure variable display is being performed by either the first result display section 93a or the second result display section 93b, the other special figure variable display is not performed.
[0080] Here, in the symbol display device 91 according to the present embodiment, ten types of numbers from "0" to "9" are set as basic decorative figures for each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3, and the decorative figures are variably displayed in order in each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3. Note that the mode of variable display of symbols in the symbol display device 91 is not limited to this and is arbitrary. For example, the number of symbol columns, the scroll direction of each symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. can be changed as appropriate. Also, the symbols in each symbol column may be in a mode combining pictures and numbers instead of a mode of only numbers, or may be in a mode of only pictures. Further, the decorative figures are classified into a first identification figure that allows the player to definitely recognize that a probability variation state (described later) is given after the end of the big win game, and a second identification figure that allows the player to non - definitely recognize that there is a possibility of being given a probability variation state after the end of the big win game.
[0081] Here, as the first identification figure, it can be appropriately set from among the basic decorative figures, or a special decorative figure defined other than the basic decorative figures can also be used. For example, odd - numbered figures such as "1", "3", "5", "7", "9" or even - numbered figures such as "0", "2", "4", "6", "8" can be used as the first identification figure, and even - numbered figures such as "0", "2", "4", "6", "8" can be used as the second identification figure. In this way, the player can grasp whether a winning game is given or not based on the decorative figures of each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 that are fixedly stopped and displayed at the effective stop positions (stop symbol effective lines L1 to L5) of each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 in the symbol display device 91. In the present embodiment, as a winning symbol combination, a symbol combination in which the same decorative figure is fixedly stopped and displayed at the effective stop positions of each symbol column (for example, "1·1·1", "2·2·2", etc.) is set.
[0082] The combination of symbols in the decorative figure that can recognize this big win becomes the win display result, and after the symbol variation effect ends, a big win game advantageous to the player is given. On the other hand, when even one of the symbols in all the columns definitely stopped at the effective stop positions of the symbol display device 91 is of a different type, it can be recognized that it is a "miss" where, in principle, a big win game is not given from that symbol combination. The combination of symbols in the decorative figure that can recognize this miss becomes the miss display result.
[0083] Also, on the symbol display device 91, according to the result of the special symbol variation display on the first result display section 93a and the second result display section 93b, a combination of symbols in the decorative figure corresponding to the displayed special symbol is displayed. That is, the special symbols displayed on the first result display section 93a and the second result display section 93b respectively correspond to the combination of symbols in the decorative figure displayed on the symbol display device 91. When the symbol variation effect ends, the special symbols are definitely stopped on the first result display section 93a and the second result display section 93b, and at the same time, the decorative figures are definitely stopped and displayed on each symbol column Z1, Z2, Z3 of the symbol display device 91. Note that it is not necessarily required that the combination of symbols in the decorative figure for the special symbol be one-to-one, and a combination of symbols with a plurality of decorative figures may be made to correspond to one special symbol. Note that the introduction effect constitutes the first effect, and the suggestion effect constitutes the second effect.
[0084] The center frame 92 includes a first hold lamp section 95a provided in the lower left region of the symbol display device 91, a second hold lamp section 95b provided in the lower right region of the symbol display device 91, and a third hold lamp section 96 provided in the upper region of the symbol display device 91.
[0085] <Hold Lamp> The first holding lamp section 95a includes LEDs that display the number of game balls held after winning in the first start port 84a, and the same number of LEDs as the number of game balls held light up. The pachinko machine 10 can hold up to 4 game balls. For this reason, the number of LEDs included in the first holding lamp section 95a is also 4, the same as the maximum number of game balls that can be held. Also, the first holding lamp section 95a corresponds to the variable display of the first result display section 93a and the symbol display device 91. That is, the number of held balls displayed in the first holding lamp section 95a is incremented by 1 when a game ball wins in the first start port 84a, and decremented by 1 each time the variable display of the first result display section 93a is performed.
[0086] The second holding lamp section 95b includes LEDs that display the number of game balls held after winning in the second start port 84b, and the same number of LEDs as the number of game balls held light up. The pachinko machine 10 can hold up to 4 game balls. For this reason, the number of LEDs included in the second holding lamp section 95b is also 4, the same as the maximum number of game balls that can be held. Also, the second holding lamp section 95b corresponds to the variable display of the second result display section 93b and the symbol display device 91. That is, the number of held balls displayed in the second holding lamp section 95b is incremented by 1 when a game ball wins in the second start port 84b, and decremented by 1 each time the variable display of the second result display section 93b is performed.
[0087] The third holding lamp section 96 includes LEDs that display the number of game balls held after winning in each through gate 85, and the LEDs light up according to the number of game balls held. This third holding lamp section 96, the pachinko machine 10 can hold up to 4 game balls. For this reason, the number of LEDs included in the third holding lamp section 96 is also 4, the same as the maximum number of game balls that can be held. Also, the second holding lamp section 95b corresponds to the variable display of the accessory display section 94. That is, the number of held balls displayed in the third holding lamp section 96 is incremented by 1 when a game ball wins in each through gate 85, and decremented by 1 each time the variable display of the accessory display section 94 is performed.
[0088] Incidentally, the pachinko machine 10 is configured to notify the number of balls on hold by lighting the LEDs of each hold lamp unit 95a, 95b, 96. However, other configurations may be adopted, such as notifying, as an image on the symbol display device 91, the number of balls on hold that have won the first start port 84a, the second start port 84b, and each through gate 85. Also, in the pachinko machine 10, the number of LEDs provided in each hold lamp unit 95a to 96 is four corresponding to the maximum number of balls on hold, which is four. For example, two LEDs may be arranged side by side, and when the number of balls on hold is "1" to "2", the LEDs may be "lit" in order from the left or right, and when the number of balls on hold is "3" to "4", they may be "flashed" in order from the left or right to notify the player of the number of balls on hold.
[0089] The game ball launching mechanism 110 is a mechanism for launching a game ball from a predetermined position to a different predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 7, it is attached below the window hole 76 in the resin base 71. The game ball launching mechanism 110 as an operating member includes an electromagnetic solenoid 111, a launching rail 112, and a ball feeding mechanism 113. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 moves in the telescopic direction and abuts against the game ball, which is also a contact member placed on the launching rail 112 by the ball feeding mechanism 113, so as to be launched toward the game area.
[0090] There is a gap with a predetermined interval between the launch rail 112 and the inner and outer rails 101 and 102 attached to the game board 81. Below this gap, a far ball passage 55 formed in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14 is disposed (see Fig. 3). Therefore, if the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 reverses along the guiding rail constituted by the inner and outer rails 101 and 102 without reaching the upper part of the game area, the far ball enters the far ball passage 55. The far ball passage 55 communicates with the front door side lower dish passage 52, and the game ball that has entered the far ball passage 55 is discharged to the lower dish 34. In addition, when the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 enters the openings of a plurality of winning openings such as the variable winning device 83, the first start port 84a, and the second start port 84b, there can be a first state in which the game ball abuts against the periphery of the opening and enters the opening, and a second state in which the game ball enters the opening without abutting against the periphery of the opening.
[0091] Below the launch rail 112 in the resin base 71, a substantially rectangular opening 71c penetrating in the inner and outer (i.e., front-rear direction) is formed (see Fig. 5). A second monitoring device 290 for monitoring the opening of the inner frame 13 is fitted in this opening 71c.
[0092] On the left side of the launch rail 112 in the resin base 71, a passage forming portion (see Fig. 3) 121 is provided by penetrating the resin base 71 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 13, a main body side upper dish passage 122 and a main body side lower dish passage 123 are formed in the passage forming portion 121. The upstream sides of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicate with the game ball distribution portion 225. In addition, the receiving portion 53 of the passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming portion 121, the front door side upper dish passage 51 is disposed below the main body side upper dish passage 122, and the front door side upper dish passage 51 is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage 123 (see Fig. 6).
[0093] In the resin base 71, below the passage forming portion 121, an opening and closing member 124 (see FIG. 13) for opening and closing the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 is attached. The opening and closing member 124 is supported so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction by a support shaft provided at its lower end, and further, a biasing member (not shown) for biasing it to the forward position for closing the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is open with respect to the inner frame 13, the opening and closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure, and closes the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state where game balls are stored in the main body side upper dish passage 122 or the main body side lower dish passage 123, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the stored balls spilling out. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening and closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper dish passage 122 communicates with the front door side upper dish passage 51, and further, the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with the front door side lower dish passage 52.
[0094] Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the inner frame 13. On the rotation tip side (the left side in FIG. 13) of the back surface of the resin base 71, a locking device 131 is provided. The locking device 131 interlocks with the key operation of the cylinder lock 75, and the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 are unlocked. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 13, on the upper left side portion of the back surface of the inner frame 13, a back pack unit opening detector S3 for detecting the opening of the back pack unit 15 is provided.
[0095] On the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 13) of the back surface of the resin base 71, a bearing fitting 132 is attached. The bearing fitting 132 is formed with bearing portions 133 spaced apart vertically, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Also, on the back surface of the resin base 71, a fastening hole 134 for fastening the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame 13 is provided.
[0096] On the back surface of the resin base 71, a plurality of locking fittings 135 are provided, and the game board 81 is attached to the resin base 71 by these locking fittings 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 81 will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the game board 81 viewed from the rear, and FIG. 15 is a rear view showing a state in which the main control device unit 160 is removed from the game board 81.
[0097] A variable display unit 86 disposed at the center of the game board 81 is provided with a synthetic resin frame cover 141 that covers the center frame 92 from behind and protrudes rearward. The symbol display device 91 described above is attached to the frame cover 141 from the rear side, and a display control device for driving the symbol display device is attached (not shown). These symbol display device 91 and display control device are arranged one on top of the other in the front-rear direction (the symbol display device is in the front and the display control device is in the rear), and further, an audio lamp control device unit 142 is mounted behind them. The audio lamp control device unit 142 includes an audio light emission control device 400 (not shown in FIGS. 13 to 15) and a mounting base 144, and the audio light emission control device 400 is mounted on the mounting base 144.
[0098] The audio light emission control device 400 includes an audio lamp control board that controls audio, lamp display, and the control of the display control device 500 according to instructions from the main control device 300. The audio lamp control board is housed in a board box 145 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The audio light emission control device 400 mainly controls the effect operations of the game.
[0099] On the back surface of the game board 81, a collective plate unit (not shown) is provided below the variable display unit 86. The collective plate unit is provided with a game ball recovery mechanism for recovering game balls that have won in various winning holes, a winning detection mechanism for detecting the winning of game balls in various winning holes, and the like.
[0100] The gaming ball collection mechanism will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the assembly plate unit, a collection passage 151 is formed at one location on the downstream side corresponding to the game board openings of the general winning opening 82, variable winning device 83, and operation openings 84 (first and second start openings 84a, 84b). Therefore, all the gaming balls that have won through the general winning opening 82 or the like are collected below the game board 81 via the collection passage 151. There is a discharge passage below the game board 81, and the gaming balls collected below the game board 81 by the collection passage 151 are led into the discharge passage. Note that the out opening 87 also communicates with the discharge passage, and the gaming balls that have not won through any winning opening are also led into the discharge passage via the out opening 87.
[0101] Similarly, the winning detection mechanism will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In the assembly plate unit, detection sensors 152 are provided at positions corresponding to the respective general winning openings 82 on the front side of the game board 81. Further, a detection sensor 153 is provided at a position corresponding to the variable winning device 83, and detection sensors 154a and 154b are provided at positions corresponding to the first and second start openings 84a and 84b. The winning of the gaming balls is detected by these detection sensors 152 to 154b. Further, a detection sensor 155 for detecting the gaming balls passing through the through gate 85 is provided on the right side of the variable display unit 86 outside the assembly plate unit. Also, a detection sensor 156 (see Fig. 7) is provided at a position corresponding to the out opening 87.
[0102] As shown in Fig. 14, a main control device unit 160 is mounted on the back surface of the game board 81 so as to cover the assembly plate unit from the rear side. The configuration of the main control device unit 160 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main control device unit 160. The main control device unit 160 has a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin, and a main control device 300 (not shown in Fig. 16) is mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 300 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) for mainly controlling the basic operations of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) for monitoring the power supply, and the main control board is housed in a board box 163 made of a transparent resin material or the like.
[0103] The substrate box 163 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (rear case body) covering the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected in a non-openable manner by a sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of sealing portions 164 are provided on the long side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for performing the sealing process.
[0104] Any configuration can be applied as long as the sealing portion 164 is configured to non-openably couple the box base and the box cover. However, the box base and the box cover are non-openably coupled by inserting a locking claw into the long hole constituting the sealing portion 164. The sealing process by the sealing portion 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, such a situation can be discovered early and easily. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after once opening. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one of the long holes of the plurality of sealing portions 164. When opening the substrate box 163, such as when a defect occurs in the housed main control board or during inspection of the main control board, the connection portion between the sealing portion into which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing portions is cut. Thereby, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control board can be taken out. Thereafter, when performing the sealing process again, a locking claw is inserted into the long hole of another sealing portion. If a history of opening the substrate box 163 is left on the substrate box 163, it can be easily discovered that unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.
[0105] A plurality of coupling pieces 165 are provided on one short side portion of the substrate box 163 so as to protrude laterally therefrom. These coupling pieces 165 correspond one-to-one with a plurality of coupled pieces 166 formed on the mounting base 161, and a sealing process is performed between the substrate box 163 and the mounting base 161 by the coupling pieces 165 and the coupled pieces 166.
[0106] Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described. FIG. 17 is a front view of the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board 203 (see FIG. 4), and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and has a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism unit 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 86.
[0107] A pair of upper and lower latching pins 214 are provided at the right end portion as viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10 on the base portion 211. By inserting the latching pins 214 into the bearing portions 133 provided on the inner frame 13, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13. Further, a fastener 215 for fastening to the fastened hole 134 provided on the inner frame 13 is provided on the base portion 211. By fitting the fastener 215 into the fastened hole 134, the back pack unit 15 is fixed with respect to the inner frame 13.
[0108] The payout mechanism unit 202 is disposed on the base portion 211 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. That is, a tank 221 that opens upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 201, and game balls supplied from the island facilities in the game hall are sequentially replenished in the tank 221. A tank rail 222 that gently slopes downward is connected below the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to a game ball distribution portion 225 provided on the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.
[0109] The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage. The inner opening communicates with the upper tray 33 through the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage 51 described above. The central opening communicates with the lower tray 34 through the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage 52. The outer opening is formed to communicate with the discharge passage.
[0110] A back pack substrate (power receiving unit or external power receiving unit) 229 is installed in the payout mechanism unit 202. For example, a main power supply of 24 volts AC is supplied to the back pack substrate 229, and it can be turned on or off by switching the power switch 229a.
[0111] At the lower end of the base part 211, a discharge passage board 203 (see FIG. 4) and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached so as to sandwich the lower end part front and back. The discharge passage board 203 has a discharge passage formed on the surface facing the control device assembly unit 204 and open to the rear. The open part of the discharge passage is blocked by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed to discharge game balls to the island equipment in the game hall etc. The game balls led out from the recovery passage 151 etc. described above to the discharge passage are discharged outside the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.
[0112] The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply and launch control device 243 (hereinafter also referred to as the power supply · launch control device 243) are mounted on the mounting base 241. These payout control device 242 and power supply · launch control device 243 are arranged one on top of the other front and back so that the payout control device 242 is at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.
[0113] The payout control device 242 houses a payout control board that controls the payout device 224 within the substrate box 244. Note that the signal of the payout command from the payout control device 242 to the payout device 224 is relayed by the aforementioned back-pack substrate 229. Further, the payout control device 242 is provided with a state return switch 245. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed during the occurrence of a payout error such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is to be resolved.
[0114] An external terminal board 213 is provided on the right side of the substrate box 244. The external terminal board 213 is provided with output terminals for outputting various error (alarm) information generated in the pachinko machine 10, output terminals for outputting a signal when the inner frame 13 is opened, output terminals for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and the like. Then, through these output terminals, a signal regarding the state of the frame side is output to the management control device (or hall computer) on the game hall side.
[0115] The power supply and launch control device 243 houses a power supply and launch control board within the substrate box 246. By means of this board, predetermined power required by various control devices and the like is generated and output, and further, control of the launching of the game balls accompanying the operation of the launch handle 41 by the player is performed. Also, the power supply and launch control device 243 is provided with a RAM erase switch 247. The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a function of storing and holding various data, and can hold the state at the time of a power outage even if a power outage occurs, and can return to the state at the time of the power outage when resuming from the power outage. Therefore, for example, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure as in the case of the end of business in the game hall, the state before the shutdown is stored and held, but when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247, the RAM data is initialized.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 13, etc., a first monitoring device 250 and a second monitoring device 290 are mounted on a resin base 71 of the inner frame 13. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 13, a back pack unit opening detector S3 for detecting the opening of the back pack unit 15 is provided at the upper left side of the back surface of the inner frame 13. The first monitoring device 250 is arranged at the upper part of the opening / closing tip side of the inner frame 13, and the opening of the front door frame 14 is monitored by this first monitoring device 250. On the other hand, the second monitoring device 290 is arranged at the lower part of the inner frame 13. Specifically, it is arranged below the lower edge of the back pack unit 15 in the closed state of the back pack unit 15 and is visible from the rear of the pachinko machine 10 (see FIG. 5). The opening of the inner frame 13 is monitored by this second monitoring device 290. Also, the opening of the back pack unit 15 is detected by the back pack unit opening detector S3.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 13, etc., the first monitoring device 250 and the second monitoring device 290 are mounted on the resin base 71 of the inner frame 13. The first monitoring device 250 is arranged at the upper part of the opening / closing tip side of the inner frame 13, and the opening of the front door frame 14 is monitored by this first monitoring device 250. On the other hand, the second monitoring device 290 is arranged at the lower part of the inner frame 13. Specifically, the second monitoring device 290 is arranged below the lower edge of the back pack unit 15 in the closed state of the back pack unit 15, and the opening of the gaming machine body 12, in other words, the opening of the inner frame 13 is monitored.
[0118] The first monitoring device 250 and the second monitoring device 290 have the same configuration, but the mounting direction and the accompanying provided configuration are different. Therefore, here, only the configuration of the first monitoring device 250 will be described, and the configuration of the second monitoring device 290 will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first monitoring device 250 includes a housing case body 251 and a lid case body 280, and the housing 252 is formed by fixing both case bodies 251 and 280 with fasteners such as screws. The housing 252 (both case bodies 251 and 280) is made of a material such as a transparent synthetic resin material having light transmissibility, and the inside of the housing 252 is visible. For this reason, the inside of the first monitoring device 250 can be easily confirmed, and facilitation of maintenance and the like is achieved. Thus, since it is easy to confirm the inside of the first monitoring device 250, it is easy to detect illegal acts such as inhibiting the monitoring function of the first monitoring device 250.
[0119] The first monitoring device 250 is disposed at the upper corner of the resin base 71 with the housing case body 251 on the front side and the lid case body 280 on the rear side. In this arranged state, it is fixed to the back surface of the resin base 71 by a fastener such as a bolt. The housing case body 251 has a top plate portion 253, a bottom plate portion 254, a front plate portion 255, a left side plate portion 256, and a right side plate portion 257, and is formed in a box shape in which the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 is opened when attached to the upper part of the opening / closing front end side of the inner frame 13. The front plate portion 255 is substantially parallel to the back surface of the resin base 71. On the front plate portion 255, an upper extending portion 258 extending upward from the boundary with the top plate portion 253 and a lower extending portion 259 extending downward from the boundary with the bottom plate portion 254 are formed, and both extending portions 258 and 259 are in contact with the back surface of the resin base 71.
[0120] Round holes 258a and 259a into which columnar boss portions formed on the resin base 71 are fitted are respectively provided in both extending portions 258 and 259. And by fitting the columnar boss portions into the round holes 258a and 259a respectively, the positioning of the first monitoring device 250 in the vertical and horizontal directions is achieved.
[0121] In addition, a protruding portion 260 that protrudes forward in a stepped manner is formed at the lower part of the front plate portion 255, and an opening 71b corresponding to the protruding portion 260 is formed in the resin base 71. Further, the opening 71b is a through-hole that penetrates in the front-rear direction, and its inner peripheral shape is substantially the same as the outer peripheral shape of the protruding portion 260. When the protruding portion 260 fits into the opening 71b, the boundary portion between the resin base 71 and the first monitoring device 250 has a crank-like configuration. Thereby, inconveniences such as the insertion of an illegal tool or the like from the boundary portion between the opening 71b and the protruding portion 260 are suppressed. Furthermore, the dimensions of the front surface of the resin base 71 and the front surface of the protruding portion 260 are set so as to be substantially on the same plane, and the protruding portion 260 is configured not to protrude forward from the resin base 71. For this reason, inconveniences such as the displacement of the arrangement position of the first monitoring device 250 due to the protruding portion 260 being caught during maintenance work or the like are prevented.
[0122] Inside the housing 252 (more specifically, inside the housing body 251), a detection device 265 for detecting the open / closed state of the front door frame 14 and an operating mechanism 275 that continuously operates when power is supplied are installed.
[0123] The detection device 265 is disposed behind the opening 71b of the resin base 71, that is, behind the protruding portion 260. More specifically, it is disposed on the rotation tip side of the front door frame 14 inside the housing body 251. The detection device 265 includes a light-emitting element 266 (photodiode) that emits light, a light-receiving element 267 (phototransistor) that receives the light from the light-emitting element 266, and a housing 268 that houses the light-emitting element 266 and the light-receiving element 267.
[0124] The housing 268 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 269 and protruding portions 269a and 269b that protrude in the left - right direction at the lower part of the main body 269. The housing 268 is arranged such that the front surface is parallel to the front plate portion 255. Each of the protruding portions 269a and 269b is formed in a plate shape parallel to the bottom plate portion 254, and the detection device 265 is attached to the housing case body 251 by fitting (inserting) each of the protruding portions 269a and 269b into the first guide groove 270 formed in the housing case body 251. The first guide grooves 270 face each other and extend in the front - rear direction, and the rear end portion thereof is open to the rear of the pachinko machine 10. When the protruding portions 269a and 269b are inserted into the first guide grooves 270, the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portions 269a and 269b comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first guide grooves 270, and the movement of the detection device 265 in the vertical and horizontal directions is restricted.
[0125] Also, a contact portion 271 against which the housing 268 abuts is provided at the front portion of the first guide groove 270. The contact portion 271 bulges inward of the housing case body 251 and has an upper contact surface 271a parallel to the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 254 and a rear contact surface 271b parallel to the inner surface of the front plate portion 255. When the detection device 265 is pushed along the first guide groove 270, the housing 268 abuts against the rear contact surface 271b. Thereby, the forward movement of the detection device 265 is restricted. In a state where the forward movement is restricted in this way, a predetermined gap is secured between the front plate portion 255 of the housing case body 251 and the detection device 265. The housing 268 is fixed to the housing case body 251 by a fastening tool such as a screw in a state where the movement in the front, left - right, and vertical directions is restricted as described above.
[0126] In the main body 269 of the housing 268, through holes 269c and 269d penetrating in the front-rear direction are arranged side by side left and right at a predetermined interval. In each of the through holes 269c and 269d, a light-emitting element 266 and a light-receiving element 267 are fitted with their light-emitting portions and light-receiving portions facing forward. Each of the through holes 269c and 269d is disposed above the upper contact surface 271a (contact portion 271) so that the passage of light between the elements 272 and 273 is not blocked by the contact portion 271. More specifically, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 266 is emitted from the housing case body 251 without being blocked by the contact portion 271 and is irradiated toward the back surface of the front door frame 14. Also, the central axes of the through holes 269c and 269d are orthogonal to the front plate portion 255, and the central axes of both elements 266 and 267 are also orthogonal to the front plate portion 255. For this reason, when the light from the light-emitting element 266 enters the front plate portion 255, it is less likely to be refracted or reflected.
[0127] As shown in FIG. 6, in front of the detection device 265, that is, on the back side of the front door frame 14, a light reflection member 274 that reflects the light from the light-emitting element 266 toward the light-receiving element 267 is provided. The light reflection member 274 is fixed to the front door frame 14 by a fastening tool such as a screw while being housed in a housing recess 14a formed in the front door frame 14, and its protrusion from the back surface of the front door frame 14 is suppressed. The light reflection member 274 is constituted by a glass prism having light transmissibility. In a state where the front door frame 14 is not opened, in other words, in a state where the front door frame 14 is closed, the light from the light-emitting element 266 is reflected by the light reflection member 274, and the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element 267. On the other hand, in a state where the front door frame 14 is opened, in other words, in a state where the front door frame 14 is not closed, when the front door frame 14 is opened, the position of the light reflection member 274 is displaced. For this reason, the direction in which the light from the light-emitting element 266 is reflected by the light reflection member 274 is displaced, and the reflected light is not received by the light-receiving element 267.
[0128] Next, the operating mechanism 275 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the operating mechanism 275 is disposed laterally of the detection device 265, and its main components include a solenoid 276 provided as a power source of the operating mechanism 275, and an operating shaft 277 inserted through the solenoid 276.
[0129] The solenoid 276 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and a mounting portion 278 to the housing case body 251 is provided at its upper portion. The mounting portion 278 is formed in a plate shape parallel to the top plate portion 253 of the housing case body 251, and is fitted into second guide grooves 279 formed in the top plate portion 253 and the left side plate portion 256. These second guide grooves 279 face each other and extend in the front-rear direction, and the rear end portion thereof is open to the rear of the pachinko machine 10. By inserting the mounting portion 278 from the rear end side of the second guide groove 279 and pushing in the solenoid 276, the operating mechanism 275 is mounted. In this way, when the mounting portion 278 is inserted into the second guide groove 279, the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 278 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second guide groove 279. Thereby, the movement of the operating mechanism 275 in the vertical direction and the left-right direction is restricted. By pushing the operating mechanism 275 along the second guide groove 279, the mounting portion 278 abuts against the front plate portion 255 of the housing case body 251, and the movement of the pachinko machine 10 forward is restricted. The operating mechanism 275 is fixed to the housing case body 251 by a fastening tool such as a screw in a state where the movement in each direction is restricted in this way. In the present embodiment, for the purpose of improving the mounting workability of the operating mechanism 275, the second guide grooves 279 are provided, but they may not be provided.
[0130] The operating shaft 277 has an iron cylindrical portion 277a extending in the vertical direction. Most of the cylindrical portion 277a is accommodated inside the solenoid 276. The central axis of the cylindrical portion 277a coincides with the central axis of the solenoid 276, and the operating shaft 277 is movable in the central axis direction of the solenoid 276. The lower end portion of the operating shaft 277 protrudes outside the solenoid 276, and a plate-shaped shielding portion 277b and a crank portion 277c that offsets the shielding portion 277b from the operating shaft 277 forward of the pachinko machine 10 are integrally formed at the lower end portion. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 277a, the shielding portion 277b, and the crank portion 277c of the operating shaft 277 are integrally formed, but they can also be formed individually. For example, only the cylindrical portion 277a may be made of iron, and the shielding portion 277b and the crank portion 277c may be made of synthetic resin.
[0131] The shielding portion 277b is formed substantially parallel to the front plate portion 255 and moves parallel to the front plate portion 255 following the vertical movement of the operating shaft 277. Further, the shielding portion 277b is arranged by the crank portion 277c to be on the front side of the detection device 265, and a clearance (operating clearance) for its operation is secured by the space formed between the detection device 265 and the front plate portion 255. The lower end portion of the shielding portion 277b abuts on the upper contact surface 271a at its lower limit position. In such an abutting state, the shielding portion 277b is configured to overlap the light receiving element 267 in a front view of the pachinko machine 10. In other words, it is in a state of covering the front side of the light receiving element 267. On the other hand, in a state where the shielding portion 277b is at the upper limit position, the lower end portion of the shielding portion 277b is set to be above the light receiving element 267. In other words, it is in a state of not covering the front side of the light receiving element 267. A paint that absorbs light (a paint with a low light reflectance) is applied to the shielding portion 277b so that problems such as light from other light sources being reflected by the shielding portion 277b and reaching the light receiving element 267 do not occur. In this embodiment, the shielding portion 277b is configured to overlap only the light receiving element 267, but it may be configured to overlap the light emitting element 266, or may be configured to overlap both the light receiving element 267 and the light emitting element 266.
[0132] In this embodiment, the operating shaft 277 is held at the upper limit position of the operating range, in other words, at a position that does not cover the front surface of the detection device 265 (hereinafter also referred to as the first position) while power is being supplied to the solenoid 276. Here, the output of the solenoid 276 is set to be large enough to lift the operating shaft 277 against gravity in the energized state. On the other hand, when the power supply is stopped, the operating shaft 277 descends under its own weight and is held at the lower limit position of the operating range, in other words, at a position that covers the front surface of the detection device 265 (hereinafter also referred to as the second position). More specifically, when the shielding portion 277b abuts against the upper contact surface 271a, the operating shaft 277 is held in the second position. That is, in the operating shaft 277, its holding position changes between the first position and the second position depending on the presence or absence of power supply. In other words, as the position of the operating shaft 277 is switched, the position of the shielding portion 277b switches between the first position and the second position.
[0133] A predetermined gap region is set between the lower end portion of the shielding portion 277b in the first position and the upper end portion of the shielding portion 277b in the second position. In other words, the operating distance dimension of the operating shaft 277 is set to be larger than the axial length dimension of the shielding portion 277b, and an insertion hole 260a that penetrates inside and outside (that is, in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10) is formed in a part of the front plate portion 255 (specifically, the overhanging portion 260) that overlaps the gap region in the front view of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion 14b that can be inserted into the insertion hole 260a is provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14. The protrusion 14b is integrally formed with the front door frame 14 and extends rearward of the pachinko machine 10. The tip of the protrusion 14b is located slightly rearward of the rear end portion of the shielding portion 277b. Since the protrusion 14b is provided on the front door frame 14 as described above, it moves as the front door frame 14 rotates. That is, the protrusion 14b is inserted into the insertion hole 260a when the front door frame 14 is closed to the inner frame 13, and is not inserted into the insertion hole 260a when the front door frame 14 is opened by a predetermined amount or more.
[0134] In a state where the protrusion 14b is inserted into the insertion hole 260a, that is, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the shielding portion 277b and the protrusion 14b come into contact with each other, thereby restricting the movement of the shielding portion 277b between both the first position and the second position. More specifically, when the protrusion 14b is inserted into the insertion hole 260a with the shielding portion 277b in the first position, the movement of the shielding portion 277b to the second position is restricted. Further, when the protrusion 14b is inserted with the shielding portion 277b in the second position, the movement of the shielding portion 277b to the first position is restricted.
[0135] Note that as described above, the front door frame 14 is provided rotatably with respect to the inner frame 13. Therefore, before the hook fitting 63 of the front door frame 14 and the bearing fitting 132 are engaged, the relative positions of the protrusion 14b, the shielding portion 277b, and the insertion hole 260a may vary. For this reason, there is a concern that the closing operation of the front door frame 14 may be hindered by these protrusions 14b etc. being caught. However, the protrusion 14b has a predetermined gap with the shielding portion 277b in both positions, and the insertion hole 260a has a tapered shape that widens toward the front of the pachinko machine 10. As a result, the catching during the insertion of the protrusion 14b is suppressed, and the workability when the front door frame 14 is closed is ensured.
[0136] Next, the relative relationship between the protrusion 14b and the shielding portion 277b will be described in detail. In a state where the front door frame 14 is closed, the rear end of the protrusion 14b protrudes slightly rearward from the rear end portion of the shielding portion 277b. For this reason, even if the front-rear position of the front door frame 14 varies slightly, the function of the protrusion 14b is ensured. When opening the front door frame 14, by opening it by a predetermined angle or more, the protrusion 14b moves to a position where it does not overlap with the shielding portion 277b in a plan view of the pachinko machine 10. Thereby, the movement restriction (regulation) of the shielding portion 277b is released.
[0137] In addition, an opening flange 13a extending toward the front of the pachinko machine 10, that is, toward the front door frame 14, is integrally formed at the peripheral edge of the inner frame 13. Due to this opening flange 13a, the peripheral edge of the inner frame 13 and the peripheral edge of the front door frame 14 overlap in the side view and plan view of the pachinko machine 10. By configuring them to overlap in this way, inconveniences such as the insertion of illegal tools from the boundary between the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 are suppressed. Note that the overlapping amount between the protrusion 14b and the shielding portion 277b is set to be smaller than the overlapping amount between the opening flange 13a and the front door frame 14. More specifically, the distance dimension in the front-rear direction from the front surface of the shielding portion 277b to the rear end portion of the protrusion 14b is set to be smaller than the distance dimension in the front-rear direction from the front edge of the opening flange 13a to the rear edge of the front door frame 14. For this reason, when the front door frame 14 rotates and the protrusion 14b and the shielding portion 277b move to a non-overlapping state, the boundary between the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is not exposed by the opening flange 13a. That is, at a position where the front surface of the inner frame 13 is visible from the boundary between the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14, the movement restriction of the shielding portion 277b by the protrusion 14b is configured to be released.
[0138] Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the main configuration of the lid case body 280 will be described. The lid case body 280 has a top plate portion 281, a bottom plate portion 282, a back plate portion 283, a left side plate portion 284, and a right side plate portion 285, and has a box shape that is open in front of the pachinko machine 10. The rear end opening edge of the housing case body 251 is housed in the open portion of the lid case body 280. Inside the lid case body 280, a relay substrate 286 that is electrically connected to the detection device 265 and the like by a harness (not shown) is arranged. The relay substrate 286 has a substantially plate shape parallel to the back plate portion 283 and is fixed to the inner surface of the back plate portion 283 by a fastening tool such as a screw.
[0139] Behind the relay board 286, that is, at the portion of the back plate portion 283 facing the relay board 286, a through hole 287 penetrating inside and outside is formed. A connector 288 is disposed behind the through hole 287. In other words, the relay board 286 and the connector 288 are provided to face each other with the through hole 287 therebetween, and the relay board 286 and the connector 288 are electrically connected by a harness or the like (not shown). The connector 288 is fixed to the back surface of the back plate portion 283 by a fastening tool such as a screw with its insertion port facing the rear of the pachinko machine 10. Then, the first monitoring device 250 and the main control device 300 are electrically connected by a harness (not shown) via the connector 288. In the present embodiment, as described above, the lid case body 280 has a light transmissive configuration, making it easy to confirm any irregularities with respect to the first monitoring device 250. However, it is also possible to configure the lid case body 280 to be non-light transmissive. In this case, the lid case body 280 may be formed of, for example, a synthetic resin material having opacity or a light metal material such as aluminum.
[0140] Next, the detection of the opening of the front door frame 14 in a state where power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10 will be described. In a state where power is supplied to the first monitoring device 250, that is, in a state where the solenoid 276 is energized, the solenoid 276 is excited. As a result, the operating shaft 277 is held in the first position. In such a state, the shielding portion 277b does not exist in front of the light receiving element 267, and the light emitted from the light emitting element 266 reaches the light receiving element 267 via the light reflecting member 274. When light reaches the light receiving element 267, a light receiving signal is output to the relay board 286, and by reading this light receiving signal, it is detected that the front door frame 14 is in a closed state.
[0141] When the front door frame 14 is opened while power is being supplied to the first monitoring device 250, the relative positions of both elements 266, 267 and the light reflecting member 274 change. In this case, the light emitted from the light emitting element 266 either does not reach the light reflecting member 274, or even if it reaches the light reflecting member 274, the reflected light is emitted toward a part other than the light receiving element 267. For this reason, the light from the light emitting element 266 does not reach the light receiving element 267. Therefore, a predetermined light receiving signal is not output. By reading this change in the light receiving signal, it is detected that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state.
[0142] In this way, by making it possible to detect the opening of the front door frame 14 while power is being supplied, it is possible to suppress unauthorized opening of the front door frame 14 during the operation of the pachinko hall. As a result, it is possible to contribute to suppressing fraud against the pachinko machine 10.
[0143] Also, when the power supply to the first monitoring device 250 stops due to closing of the store or power outage, etc., the power supply to the solenoid 276 stops, so the excited state is released. In this case, the operating shaft 277 and the shielding portion 277b move downward due to their own weight and abut against the protrusion 14b. The shielding portion 277b abuts against the protrusion 14b, so that its downward movement is restricted, and the movement to the second position is restricted. If the power supply is started again while in this state, the solenoid 276 becomes excited, and the operating shaft 277 is lifted upward by overcoming the action of its own weight. In this case, since the light from the light emitting element 266 can reach the light receiving element 267, it is possible to detect that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. In this way, it is detected that the front door frame 14 was not opened while the power supply was stopped.
[0144] Next, the case where the front door frame 14 is opened and closed while the power supply is stopped will be described. As the projection 14b moves away from the first monitoring device 250 with the opening of the front door frame 14, the shielding portion 277b loses support and moves downward (i.e., to the second position) due to its own weight. When the shielding portion 277b moves downward, it abuts against the upper contact surface 271a, and further downward movement is restricted. When the front door frame 14 is closed again in this state, since the projection 14b returns to its original position (the state where the projection 14b is inserted into the insertion hole 260a), the upward movement of the shielding portion 277b is restricted. In this state, the shielding portion 277b is positioned in front of the light receiving element 267, and its vertical movement is restricted by the projection 14b and the upper contact surface 271a. By making the shielding portion 277b immovable from the second position in this way, the fact that the front door frame 14 has been opened is mechanically preserved.
[0145] When the power supply is started with the movement of the shielding portion 277b restricted from the second position, the solenoid 276 is excited and the shielding portion 277b attempts to move upward (i.e., to the first position). However, the shielding portion 277b hits the projection 14b, and its movement is blocked. That is, the state where the light receiving element 267 remains covered by the shielding portion 277b continues. When the power supply is started, the light emitting element 266 starts emitting light. The light emitted from the light emitting element 266 is irradiated toward the light receiving element 267 via the light reflecting member 274. However, the light reaching the light receiving element 267 is blocked by the shielding portion 277b positioned in front of the light receiving element 267. For this reason, the output of the light receiving signal is suppressed, and it is detected that the front door frame 14 is in the open state. Actually, although the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, it is detected that it was opened when the power was cut off.
[0146] As described above, in a state where the opening of the front door frame 14 when power is cut off is detected, by opening the front door frame 14 again, the protrusion 14b moves away from the first monitoring device 250, and the shielding portion 277b moves to the first position. That is, the movement restriction of the shielding portion 277b is released. By operating the front door frame 14 in this way, the unauthorized opening detection state is released and the normal state is restored. Also, with such a configuration, since the unauthorized opening detection state is reset when the front door frame 14 is opened, there is no need to provide a reset switch or the like, contributing to the simplification of the configuration. Further, since the opening of the front door frame 14 is performed by a predetermined operation (locking and unlocking operation), inconveniences such as the unauthorized opening detection state being illegally released can be suppressed.
[0147] Note that the second monitoring device 290 also includes a housing case body 251, a lid case body 280, a detection device 265, an operating mechanism 275, a relay substrate 286, and a connector 288, similar to the first monitoring device 250, and a protrusion and a light reflecting member corresponding to the second monitoring device 290 are provided on the outer frame 11.
[0148] In the above description, the first monitoring device 250 and the second monitoring device 290 are configured to detect that the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13 are opened even when the power is cut off and no power is supplied (specifically, they include the operating mechanism 275). However, the configuration for detecting that the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13 are opened when the power is cut off and no power is supplied is not an essential configuration of this embodiment, and it may be configured to detect that the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13 are opened when the power is supplied. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first monitoring device 250 and the second monitoring device 290 only need to include a detection device 265 for detecting the open / closed state of the front door frame 14 or the inner frame 13.
[0149] In the above description, the detection device 265 includes a light-emitting element 266 and a light-receiving element 267, and whether the light emitted by the light-emitting element 266 can be reflected by the light reflection member 274 and received by the light-receiving element 267 is used to detect the open / closed state of the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13. However, in this embodiment, it is only necessary to be able to detect the open / closed state of the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13. Therefore, for example, the light-emitting element 266 and the light-receiving element 267 may be provided at opposite positions on the back side of the resin base 71 and the front door frame 14, respectively. When the front door frame 14 is closed, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 266 can be received by the light-receiving element 267, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 266 cannot be received by the light-receiving element 267. Regarding the detection of the opening and closing of the inner frame 13 as well, the light-emitting element 266 and the light-receiving element 267 may be provided at opposite positions on the front side of the resin base 71 and the inner frame 13, respectively. When the inner frame 13 is closed, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 266 can be received by the light-receiving element 267, and when the inner frame 13 is opened, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 266 cannot be received by the light-receiving element 267.
[0150] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the opening and closing of the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13 are detected using the optical elements of the light emitting element 266 and the light receiving element 267. However, the opening and closing of the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13 may be detected by other methods. For example, an ultrasonic oscillator may be provided instead of the light emitting element 266, and an ultrasonic receiver may be provided instead of the light receiving element 267 to detect the opening and closing of the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13. Furthermore, a magnet may be provided instead of the light emitting element 266, and a magnetic sensor may be provided instead of the light receiving element 267 to detect the opening and closing of the front door frame 14 and the inner frame 13. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 13, the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a back pack unit opening detector S3 for detecting the opening of the back pack unit 15. However, various mechanisms for detecting the opening of the back pack unit 15 can be adopted. For example, similar to the first monitoring device 250 and the second monitoring device 290, the optical elements of the light emitting element 266 and the light receiving element 267 may be used to detect the opening and closing of the back pack unit 15. Alternatively, an ultrasonic oscillator may be provided instead of the light emitting element 266, and an ultrasonic receiver may be provided instead of the light receiving element 267 to detect the opening and closing of the back pack unit 15. Furthermore, a magnet may be provided instead of the light emitting element 266, and a magnetic sensor may be provided instead of the light receiving element 267 to detect the opening and closing of the back pack unit 15. Or a mechanical contact sensor may be provided.
[0151] <Electrical Configuration> FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. As shown in FIG. 20, the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control device 300, an audio-visual control device 400, and a display control device 500. These devices are mounted on the back side of the inner frame 13. The pachinko machine 10 also includes a payout control device 242 that executes payout control to cause the payout device 224 described above to pay out game balls, and a power supply / launch control device 243 that supplies necessary power to the pachinko machine 10 and controls the game ball launch mechanism 110. These devices are mounted on the back pack unit 15.
[0152] The main control device 300 includes a main control board 301 that controls the main control (primary control) of the pachinko machine 10, and a power failure monitoring board 303 that monitors the power supply. The main control device 300 includes a board box that houses the main control board 301 and the like. This board box may have a trace structure that leaves a trace when it is opened. Specifically, as the trace means, the board box is configured by coupling a plurality of case bodies, and a coupling part (caulking part) that requires the destruction of a predetermined part when the case bodies are separated is provided, or a sealing tape that leaves a trace of being peeled off because the adhesive layer remains on the adhesion target when peeled off is pasted so as to straddle the boundary between the plurality of case bodies. As the trace structure, a configuration in which an adhesive is applied to the boundary between these case bodies can be adopted.
[0153] The main control board 301 includes an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) 302 mounted on the main control board 301, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 312 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 that constitute this MPU 302. The MPU 302 is a semiconductor element in which a CPU, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and a counter circuit as a random number generator are integrated into one chip, and is so-called one-chip microcomputer. In this embodiment, the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 302, but the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 may be individually chipped. Also, although the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 are physically separate individual memories, they may be one memory that is not physically separated, and regions of the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 may be provided by logical addresses. In this case, for example, a specific area in the RAM may be made write-protected to have the function of the ROM. The same applies to the MPU of other control devices other than the main control device 300.
[0154] The ROM 312 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed-value data, and is used as the main memory device of the MPU 302. The ROM 312 is a non-volatile memory that does not require external power supply for retaining the stored information (data), and is a semiconductor element that cannot be written to. This ROM 312 has a plurality of areas (regions) logically separated by logical addresses, and stores programs for game control and tables necessary for various games. For example, there are various areas such as a win / loss table storage area referred to in the jackpot lottery, a distribution table storage area, a stop symbol data storage area referred to when displaying the result of an internal lottery conducted based on winning in the first and second start ports 84a and 84b and the through gate 85, a reach table storage area, and a variable table storage area. These areas will be described in detail later. Note that the tables listed here are only a part, and a larger number of tables are provided.
[0155] The RAM 313 is a semiconductor memory that can arbitrarily write and erase information. When reading and executing the control program stored in the ROM 312, the RAM 313 is a memory for temporarily storing various data, etc., and is a volatile memory that requires external power supply for retaining the stored information. This RAM 313 has a plurality of areas (regions) logically separated by logical addresses, and has various areas such as various counter areas, hold ball storage areas, power supply hold areas, stop result storage areas, etc. These areas will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is used as the RAM 313, but a non-volatile memory such as an MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) may be used as the RAM 313. In this embodiment, the RAM 313 is configured such that data is retained by being supplied with data storage retention power from the power supply / emission control board provided in the power supply / emission control device 243 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.
[0156] The MPU 302 is provided with an input port (not shown) and an output port (not shown). The input port of the MPU 302 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 303 provided in the main control device 300 and a plurality of detection sensors 152 to 156. The output port of the MPU 302 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 303, the payout control device 242, and the audio / light emission control device 400. The audio / light emission control device 400 and the display control device 500 connected to the audio / light emission control device 400 will be described in detail later. Also, the output port of the MPU 302 is connected to the electric accessory drive unit 84b2 that opens and closes the opening / closing member 84b1 of the second start port 84b, the variable winning device drive unit 83c that opens and closes the opening / closing door 83b of the variable winning device 83, the main display unit 93, the accessory display unit 94, and the round display unit 97.
[0157] Here, the main control board 301 has a driver circuit (not shown), and the MPU 302 executes drive control of various drive units and the like through this driver circuit. Specifically, in the power-off release state, the MPU 302 executes drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 84b2 to open and close the opening / closing member 84b1. Also, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 302 executes drive control of the variable winning drive unit 83c to open and close the opening / closing door 83b of the variable winning device 83. Further, in each game round, the MPU 302 executes display control of the main display unit 93 to display the result of the internal lottery performed based on winning at each start port 84a, 84b. Furthermore, the MPU 302 executes display control of the accessory display unit 94 to display the result of the internal lottery performed based on winning at each through gate 85.
[0158] The power failure monitoring board 303 relays between the main control board 301 and the power supply / transmission control device 243 having a function of supplying operating power, and monitors the DC stabilized 24-volt voltage output from the power supply / transmission control device 243. The MPU 302 receives and supplies power (DC24V) via the power failure monitoring board 303. Also, the MPU 302 performs winning determination (ball entry determination) for various winning ports 82 to 84b, the out port 87, and each through gate 85 based on the detection results of the detection sensors 152 to 156. The MPU 302 executes an internal lottery based on the winning determination for the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b.
[0159] The payout control device 242 executes payout control to cause the payout device 224 to pay out prize balls (game balls obtained by winning) and loan balls (game balls lent to the player) based on a command (control instruction) transmitted from the main control device 300.
[0160] The power supply and emission control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a pachinko parlor or the like. The power supply and emission control device 243 includes an AC-DC converter that generates the necessary operating power for each of the main control board 301, the payout control device 242, etc. based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, and supplies the generated operating power to each device. Note that the power supply and emission control device 243 includes a power supply unit for power failure such as a backup capacitor. This power supply unit for power failure supplies power for storage retention to the RAM 313 of the main control device 300 when a power failure occurs in which the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.
[0161] The power supply and emission control device 243 executes emission control to cause the game ball emission mechanism 110 to emit game balls. Here, the game ball emission mechanism 110 includes an emission rail extending toward the guide rail 103 of the game board 81, a ball feeder that supplies the game balls stored in the upper tray 33 onto the emission rail, and a solenoid which is an electric actuator that emits the game balls supplied onto the emission rail toward the guide rail 103. When the power supply and emission control device 243 and predetermined emission conditions (when the emission handle 41 is rotated, the touch sensor 41a is on, and the emission stop switch 41b is off) are met, a drive signal (emission permission signal) is supplied to this solenoid to emit the game balls.
[0162] In this embodiment, the game ball launching mechanism 110 of the pachinko machine 10 adopts a method of launching game balls by the linear expansion and contraction operation of a plunger-type solenoid. However, it may also be a form in which a hitting hammer directly connected to the rotating shaft of a rotary solenoid operates to launch the game ball, or a form in which a hitting hammer supported at a separate position operates to launch the game ball with respect to the rotation of a motor. Specifically, in the method of launching game balls by a motor, the motor and the hitting hammer are supported at separate positions, and the hitting hammer is operated by the rotation of a cam connected to the motor. The hitting hammer operated by the motor (cam) hits the game ball in the reverse direction by the elasticity of a connected spring or the like, and launches the game ball into the game area 104 of the game board 81. Also, in the method of launching game balls by a rotary solenoid, the game ball is hit by rotating the rotating shaft in response to a pulse from the power supply / launch control device 243, and the game ball is launched into the game area 104 of the game board 81. The hitting hammer directly connected to the rotating shaft of the rotary solenoid rotates to the support position of the game ball, hits the game ball on the launch rail, and the game ball is launched. After hitting the ball, the torque of the rotary solenoid disappears, and the hitting hammer rotates in the reverse direction due to the reaction of hitting the stopper and its own weight, and stops at the position before operation by the stopper. Also, in the method of launching game balls by a plunger-type solenoid, the hitting hammer is directly connected to the movable iron core of the plunger-type solenoid, and the game ball is hit by the linear reciprocating motion of this, and the game ball is launched into the game area 104 of the game board 81. Also, the plunger-type solenoid may be used in either a type that launches the hitting hammer by energizing the solenoid or a type that compresses the spring by retreating the hitting hammer by energization and advances the hitting hammer by the elasticity of the spring to hit the game ball.
[0163] Also, the ball feeder of the game ball launching mechanism 110 may be either mechanical or magnetic. In the case of the mechanical type, the power of the motor that drives the hitting hammer is used to operate the ball feeder. In the case of the mechanical type, since the driving source of the hitting hammer and the ball feeder is the same, it has a simple structure and can supply game balls one by one onto the launching rail according to the timing of hitting the ball. Also, in the case of the magnetic type, separately from the operation of the hitting hammer, the ball feeding is operated by an independent solenoid, and game balls are supplied one by one onto the launching rail. The magnetic type is preferably adopted when the game ball launching mechanism 110 launches game balls using a rotary solenoid or a plunger type solenoid.
[0164] The first monitoring device 250, the second monitoring device 290, and the detectors S1 to S3 are connected to the main control board 301 via a built-in relay board (not shown). The first monitoring device 250, the second monitoring device 290, and the detectors S1 to S3 operate by receiving power supply from the main control board 301.
[0165] <Internal lottery> FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the contents of each counter used for internal lottery. "Internal lottery" refers to a lottery as to whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot game state) triggered by the winning of a game ball into the start winning openings (the first and second start openings 84a and 84b) provided on the game board. Note that a game state advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot game state) is also referred to as a special game. As shown in FIG. 22, the MPU 302 executes an internal lottery or the like by using the values (information) of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4. Specifically, the MPU 302 uses the jackpot random number counter C1 for the lottery of jackpot occurrence, uses the jackpot type counter C2 for the lottery of the type of the jackpot when the jackpot occurs, and uses the reach random number counter C3 for the lottery as to whether or not to generate a reach display. Further, the MPU 302 uses the random number initial value counter CINI for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and uses the variation type counter CS for determining the display duration in the main display unit 93 and the symbol display device 91. Furthermore, the MPU 302 uses the electric accessory opening counter C4 for the lottery as to whether or not to open the opening and closing member 84b1 of the second start opening 84b. Note that the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in various counter areas (see FIG. 22) of the RAM 313.
[0166] Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that is incremented by 1 to the previous value each time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching a predetermined maximum value. Each counter is updated periodically (for example, every 4 msec). The updated value is stored in a lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. Among the values stored in the lottery counter buffer, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in a held ball storage area (see FIG. 22) provided as acquisition information storage means in the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins the first start opening 84a or the second start opening 84b. Also, among the values stored in the lottery counter buffer, the value of the electric accessory opening counter C4 is stored in the electric accessory hold area (see FIG. 22) of the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins each through gate 85.
[0167] The hold area includes a hold area Ra for the first result display unit, a hold area Rb for the second result display unit, and an execution area AE.
[0168] The hold area Ra for the first result display unit provided as the first acquisition information storage means includes four storage areas: a first area Ra1 to a fourth area Ra4. Each of the areas Ra1 to Ra4 is set to a storage capacity capable of storing one set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3. The MPU 302 stores the sets of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 as hold information in the areas Ra1 to Ra4 in time series, that is, sequentially from the previously acquired values, in accordance with the winning of a game ball at the first start port 84a. Specifically, when the winning at the first start port 84a occurs continuously multiple times, the MPU 302 stores the hold information in the order of the first area Ra1 → the second area Ra2 → the third area Ra3 → the fourth area Ra4.
[0169] In the present embodiment, since the hold area Ra for the first result display unit includes four storage areas, the winning of a game ball at the first start port 84a can be held up to a maximum of four. Further, the hold area Ra for the first result display unit is provided with a storage area for writing the number of holds, which is the number of sets of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 that are held. Note that the number of holds related to the first start port 84a is not limited to four and can be arbitrary. For example, it may be any one of 1 to 3, or 5 or more.
[0170] The hold area Rb for the second result display unit provided as the second acquired information storage means includes four storage areas, namely, the first area Rb1 to the fourth area Rb4. Each of the areas Rb1 to Rb4 is set to a storage capacity capable of storing one set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3, respectively. The MPU 302 stores the sets of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 as hold information in each of the areas Rb1 to Rb4 in time series, that is, sequentially from the previously acquired values, in accordance with the winning of the game ball into the second start port 84b. Specifically, when the winning of the game ball into the second start port 84b occurs continuously multiple times, the MPU 302 stores the hold information in time series in the order of the first area Rb1 → the second area Rb2 → the third area Rb3 → the fourth area Rb4.
[0171] In the present embodiment, since the hold area Rb for the second result display unit includes four storage areas, the winning of the game ball into the second start port 84b can be held up to a maximum of four times. Further, the hold area Rb for the second result display unit is provided with a storage area for writing the number of holds, which is the number of sets of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 that are held. Note that the number of holds related to the second start port 84b is not limited to four and can be arbitrary, for example, any one of 1 to 3, or 5 or more.
[0172] The execution area AE is an area for moving the hold information stored in the storage area of the hold area Ra for the first result display unit or the hold area Rb for the second result display unit when starting the variable display of each of the result display units 461 and 462.
[0173] Since the electric winning hold area has four storage areas, the winning of game balls into each through gate 85 is held up to a maximum of four balls. Note that the pachinko machine 10 has two through gates 85, and regardless of which through gate 85 the ball wins into, if a ball wins into one of the through gates 85, the winning of the game ball into the through gate 85 is held in the electric winning hold area. Note that the number of balls held up for the second start port 84b is not limited to four and is arbitrary. For example, it may be any one of 1 to 3 balls, or 5 or more balls.
[0174] <Explanation of each counter> Next, the details of each counter will be explained. <Electric accessory release counter C4> First, the electric accessory release counter C4 will be explained. The electric accessory release counter C4 is, for example, a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 250 by having 1 added to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching the maximum value of 250. The electric accessory release counter C4 is updated periodically (for example, every 4 msec), and the updated value is stored in the electric winning hold area of the RAM 313 via the lottery counter buffer at the timing when a game ball wins into each through gate 85. The MPU 302 executes a lottery (electric accessory release lottery) to determine whether to open the opening / closing member 84b1 of the second start port 84b based on the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 stored in the electric winning hold area.
[0175] <Support mode> Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a plurality (two or more) of modes (hereinafter referred to as support modes) in which the frequencies of the opening state of the opening / closing member 84b1 that enables the winning of game balls into the second start port 84b are different from each other. Specifically, the pachinko machine 10 has a low-frequency support mode in which the frequency of setting the opening / closing member 84b1 to the open state is relatively low, and a high-frequency support mode in which the frequency of setting the opening / closing member 84b1 to the open state is relatively high.
[0176] In the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, in the electric accessory opening lottery, the probability of winning the electric accessory open state is the same (for example, both are 4 / 5). However, compared with the low-frequency support mode, in the high-frequency support mode, when winning the electric accessory open state, the number of times the opening / closing member 84b1 is set to the open state is more, and the opening time per time the opening / closing member 84b1 is set to the open state is also longer. Also, in the high-frequency support mode, between each opening in one electric accessory open state, the closing time for setting the opening / closing member 84b1 to the closed state is shorter than the opening time per time. Furthermore, compared with the low-frequency support mode, the high-frequency support mode has a shorter guaranteed time (the continuous time of one change display on the accessory display unit 94) as the minimum time guaranteed to wait from the end of the electric accessory opening lottery to the next electric accessory opening lottery.
[0177] In the high-frequency support mode, compared with the low-frequency support mode, the game balls are in a state where they are more likely to win the second start port 84b. That is, in the low-frequency support mode, the game balls have a higher probability of winning the first start port 84a than the second start port 84b, and in the high-frequency support mode, the game balls are in a state where they have a higher probability of winning the second start port 84b than the first start port 84a. Also, when the winning of the second start port 84b is detected by the detection sensor 154b, a predetermined number (for example, 2) of prize balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high-frequency support mode, the player can play the game with hardly any reduction in the game balls.
[0178] Note that the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are not limited to the above. For example, the high-frequency support mode may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric component release state in the electric component release lottery as compared with the low-frequency support mode. Also, for example, a plurality of types of guaranteed times may be prepared, and the high-frequency support mode may be configured to be more likely to select a short guaranteed time as compared with the low-frequency support mode, or may be configured to shorten the average of the selected guaranteed times. Further, by combining each condition of the number of times of setting the opening / closing member 84b1 to the open state, the opening time, and the guaranteed time, the high-frequency support mode may be configured to relatively increase the frequency of setting the opening / closing member 84b1 to the open state as compared with the low-frequency support mode. Also, the number of types of support modes is not limited to two types and is arbitrary, and may be, for example, three or more types.
[0179] <Jackpot random number counter> Next, the jackpot random number counter C1 will be described. The jackpot random number counter C1 is, for example, a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 599 by adding 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching the maximum value of 599. Also, the jackpot random number counter C1 reads the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time as the initial value each time it loops once. Note that the random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 599 in the same manner as the jackpot random number counter C1.
[0180] That is, the pachinko machine 10 performs a jackpot lottery by a plus method that determines the next value (initial value) when the final value of a random number sequence appears by using a jackpot random number counter C1 and a random number initial value counter CINI with a value having randomness. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 advances a random number from an initial value of 0 when the power is turned on, and when the count advances to the maximum value of 599, the next value does not become 0, and the value obtained from the random number initial value counter CINI becomes the initial value. Here, assuming that 100 is obtained from the random number initial value counter CINI as the initial value, the jackpot random number counter C1 advances the count as 100, 101, 102 and counts up to 599, then returns to 0 and advances the count up to 99, and then obtains the initial value randomly from the random number initial value counter CINI again. That is, in this method, since the initial value is changed every time the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, periodicity does not appear in the timing when a specific random number appears.
[0181] The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (for example, every 4 msec), and the updated value is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 313 via a lottery counter buffer at the timing when a game ball wins the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b. Specifically, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the first result display part reserved area Ra of the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins the first start port 84a, and is stored in the second result display part reserved area Rb of the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins the second start port 84b. Then, the MPU 302 executes a lottery (win / loss lottery) for jackpot occurrence based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area.
[0182] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the values of random numbers that win for jackpot occurrence. Among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the values of random numbers that win for jackpot occurrence are stored as a win / loss table (win / loss information group) in the win / loss table storage area of the ROM 312 provided as win / loss information group storage means, as shown in FIG. 23.
[0183] Here, the pachinko machine 10 has two win / loss lottery modes: a low-probability mode (hereinafter also referred to as a low-probability state) in which it is difficult to win a jackpot, and a high-probability mode (hereinafter also referred to as a high-probability state or a probability-variable state) in which it is easy to win a jackpot. Also, the win / loss table includes a win / loss table for the low-probability mode (win / loss information group for low probability (normal)) shown in FIG. 23(a) and a win / loss table for the high-probability mode (win / loss information group for high probability (probability-variable)) shown in FIG. 23(b). The MPU 302 executes a lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot by comparing these win / loss tables with the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the reserved ball storage area.
[0184] These win / loss tables have a plurality of lottery results (win / loss results) for the occurrence of a jackpot, such as "jackpot win", "special loss result", and "normal loss result". Specifically, in a game state (low-probability state) where the win / loss table for the low-probability mode is referred to during the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the number of random number values that result in a "jackpot win" is two. Also, in a game state (probability-variable state) where the win / loss table for the high-probability mode is referred to during the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 23(b), the number of random number values that result in a "jackpot win" is 21. Here, the random number values that result in a jackpot win stored in the win / loss table for the low-probability mode are included in the random number values that result in a "jackpot win" stored in the win / loss table for the high-probability mode.
[0185] Note that the random number values and the number of them stored in each win / loss table are arbitrary, and the high-probability mode only needs to have a higher probability of "jackpot win" compared to the low-probability mode. Also, the random number values that result in a "jackpot win" stored in the win / loss table for the high-probability mode do not necessarily include the random number values that result in a "jackpot win" stored in the win / loss table for the low-probability mode, and may include a part of the random number values that result in a "jackpot win" stored in the win / loss table for the low-probability mode.
[0186] Also, in each win / loss lottery mode, except for the value of the random number that results in a "big win", it will result in a non-winning outcome and a miss. Here, as described above, the pachinko machine 10 has two types of miss outcomes: a "special miss outcome" and a "normal miss outcome". These miss outcomes are common in that neither of them triggers a transition to the win / loss lottery mode or the support mode. However, the "special miss outcome" triggers a transition to the opening / closing execution mode, while the "normal miss outcome" does not trigger a transition to the opening / closing execution mode.
[0187] Next, the big win type counter C2 will be described. The big win type counter C2 is, for example, a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 29 by having 1 added to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching the maximum value of 29. The big win type counter C2 is updated periodically (e.g., every 4 msec), and the updated value is stored in the held ball storage area of the RAM 313 via the lottery counter buffer at the timing when a game ball wins at the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b. Specifically, the value of the big win type counter C2 is stored in the first result display section held area Ra of the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins at the first start port 84a, and is stored in the second result display section held area Rb of the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins at the second start port 84b. Then, based on the value of the big win type counter C2 stored in the held ball storage area, the MPU 302 executes a lottery (distribution lottery) for the type of the big win when the big win occurs.
[0188] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the values of the random numbers related to the distribution destination of the type of big win. As shown in FIG. 24, the values of the random numbers related to the distribution destination of the type of big win are stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area (see FIG. 20) of the ROM 312 provided as the distribution information group storage means. The distribution table includes a first distribution table (first distribution information group) shown in FIG. 24(a) and a second distribution table (second distribution information group) shown in FIG. 24(b). The MPU 302 performs a lottery for the type of jackpot by comparing these distribution tables with the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the hold ball storage area.
[0189] The first distribution table is a table referred to when performing a lottery for the type of jackpot with respect to the value of the jackpot type counter C2 shifted from the first result display unit hold area Ra to the execution area AE, that is, the value of the jackpot type counter C2 based on winning in the first start port 84a. As shown in FIG. 24(a), the first distribution table has a plurality of distribution results of "low probability result (special distribution result corresponding to low probability)", "non-explicit few-round high probability result (latent high probability result corresponding to few rounds)", "explicit few-round high probability result (high probability result corresponding to few rounds)", and "most advantageous result (special distribution result corresponding to high probability)" as the distribution destinations. Specifically, in the first distribution table, among the values "0 to 29" of the jackpot type counter C2, "0 to 9" (probability 1 / 3) are distributed to the "low probability result", "10 to 14" (probability 1 / 6) are distributed to the "non-explicit few-round high probability result", "15 to 19" (probability 1 / 6) are distributed to the "explicit few-round high probability result", and "20 to 29" (probability 1 / 3) are distributed to the "most advantageous result".
[0190] The second distribution table is a table referred to when performing a lottery for the type of jackpot with respect to the value of the jackpot type counter C2 shifted from the second result display unit hold area Rb to the execution area AE, that is, the value of the jackpot type counter C2 based on winning in the second start port 84b. As shown in FIG. 24(b), the second distribution table has two distribution results of "low probability result" and "most advantageous result" as the distribution destinations. Specifically, in the second distribution table, among the values "0 to 29" of the jackpot type counter C2, "0 to 9" (probability 1 / 3) are distributed to the "low probability result", and "10 to 29" (probability 2 / 3) are distributed to the "most advantageous result".
[0191] Each distribution result has a difference in at least any one of the following conditions (1) to (3). (1) The win / loss lottery mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode (2) Support mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode (3) Modes of opening / closing control of the variable prize device 83 in the opening / closing execution mode
[0192] First, the differences in the win / loss lottery mode of (1) will be described. "Low probability result" is the allocation result in which the win / loss lottery mode is set to the low probability mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode regardless of the win / loss lottery mode before the end of the opening / closing execution mode. This low probability mode continues until at least a "big win" occurs in the win / loss lottery. "Non-explicit few-round high probability result", "explicit few-round high probability result", and "most favorable result" are the allocation results in which the win / loss lottery mode is set to the high probability mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode regardless of the win / loss lottery mode before the end of the opening / closing execution mode.
[0193] Next, the differences in the support mode of (2) will be described. "Low probability result", "explicit few-round high probability result", and "most favorable result" are the allocation results in which the support mode is set to the high-frequency support mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode regardless of the support mode before the end of the opening / closing execution mode. In the "explicit few-round high probability result" and "most favorable result", this high-frequency support mode continues until the next big win in the win / loss lottery. Also, in the "low probability result", when the number of game rounds reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 rounds), it shifts to the low-frequency support mode.
[0194] "Non-explicit few-round high probability result" is the allocation result that maintains the support mode before the end of the opening / closing execution mode as it is. Here, if the support mode before the end of the opening / closing execution mode is the high-frequency support mode, the high-frequency support mode is maintained as it is. This high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of game rounds reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 rounds).
[0195] When the distribution result that makes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 have a high probability or the number of rounds of the jackpot game reaches the maximum (for example, 10 times) after a jackpot, if a suggestion or notification to that effect (the fact that the distribution result that makes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 have a high probability or the number of rounds of the jackpot game reaches the maximum (for example, 10 times)) is given (for example, when it is a distribution result with a high probability, "odd symbols" are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 91, and when the number of rounds reaches the maximum, "7 symbols" are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 91, etc.), at the timing (the first timing) when the jackpot game is started, a suggestion or notification (such as "Chance!" (in the case of a high probability), "Great!" (in the case when the number of rounds is the maximum), etc.) of the fact that the distribution result that makes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 have a high probability or the number of rounds of the jackpot game reaches the maximum (for example, 10 times) is output from the speaker units 26A and 26B or displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 91 (suggestion effect A). When, after a jackpot, no suggestion or notification to that effect is given when the distribution result that makes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 have a high probability or the number of rounds of the jackpot game reaches the maximum (for example, 10 times), at the timing (the first timing) when the jackpot game is started, no suggestion or notification of the fact that the distribution result that makes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 have a high probability or the number of rounds of the jackpot game reaches the maximum (for example, 10 times) is given, and a suggestion or notification (suggestion effect B) of the fact that the distribution result that makes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 have a high probability or the number of rounds of the jackpot game reaches the maximum (for example, 10 times) is given during the round game (the second timing) or at the timing after the jackpot game ends (the second timing).
[0196] Regarding the differences in the opening and closing control modes of the variable winning device 83 in the opening and closing execution mode of (3), it will be described in detail later.
[0197] <Reach random number counter> Next, the reach random number counter C3 will be described. The reach random number counter C3 is, for example, a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 238 by adding 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching the maximum value of 238. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically (for example, every 4 msec), and the updated value is stored in the hold ball storage area of the RAM 313 via the lottery counter buffer at the timing when a game ball wins at the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b. Specifically, the value of the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the first result display part hold area Ra of the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins at the first start port 84a, and is stored in the second result display part hold area Rb of the RAM 313 at the timing when a game ball wins at the second start port 84b. Then, the MPU 302 executes a lottery (reach occurrence lottery) to determine whether to generate a reach display based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the hold ball storage area.
[0198] When the MPU 302 results in a "normal miss result" without winning a "big hit" in the win / loss lottery, it executes a lottery to determine whether to generate a reach display by comparing the reach table with the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the hold ball storage area. If it is determined to generate a reach display in this lottery, a reach display is generated. The reach table is information on the value of the random number related to the generation of the reach display and is stored in the reach table storage area (see FIG. 20) of the ROM 312.
[0199] Here, when a "big win" occurs in the win / loss lottery and it is allocated to the "most favorable result" in the allocation lottery, the symbol display device 91 stops and displays, as the stop result, a combination of symbols having the same odd number or the same even number on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5. Also, when a "big win" occurs in the win / loss lottery and it is allocated to the "low probability result" in the allocation lottery, the symbol display device 91 stops and displays, as the stop result, a combination of symbols having the same even number on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5. Further, when a "big win" occurs in the win / loss lottery and it is allocated to the "non-explicit few-round high probability result" or "explicit few-round high probability result" in the allocation lottery, or when a "special loss result" occurs without a "big win" in the win / loss lottery, the symbol display device 91 stops and displays, as the stop result, not a combination of symbols having the same number, but a special combination of symbols having different numbers that are not selected when a "normal loss result" occurs in the win / loss lottery, on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5.
[0200] The reach display occurs regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 when a combination of symbols having the same number is finally stopped and displayed (when a "big win" occurs in the win / loss lottery and it is allocated to the "most favorable result" or "low probability result" in the allocation lottery). Also, the reach display does not occur regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 when a special combination of symbols is finally stopped and displayed (when a "big win" occurs in the win / loss lottery and it is allocated to the "non-explicit few-round high probability result" or "explicit few-round high probability result" in the allocation lottery, or when a "special loss result" occurs without a "big win" in the win / loss lottery).
[0201] The reach display mode is configured such that the player can recognize that a reach state (reach) has occurred by causing a reach display, in which specific symbol columns (in this embodiment, symbol columns Z1 and Z3) among the plurality of symbol columns Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 91 are stopped and displayed on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5, and the remaining symbol columns (in this embodiment, symbol column Z2) are variably displayed. Specifically, the reach display is a symbol combination in which the same decoration is stopped and displayed in symbol columns Z1 and Z3, for example, "1·↓·1", "2·↓·2" (where "↓" indicates that it is in a variable state), etc. Further, the symbols in the specific symbol columns (symbol columns Z1 and Z3) that form the reach display are in a temporarily stopped display state, and after the decoration is stopped and displayed (temporarily stopped display) in the remaining symbol column (symbol column Z2), the decorations in all the symbol columns are finally stopped and displayed.
[0202] By generating a reach display, the pachinko machine 10 can make the player expect that, after the variable display is started by the symbol display device 91 and before a predetermined stop result is displayed, the player has won a "big hit" in the win / loss lottery and has been allocated to a "low probability result" or "most advantageous result" in the distribution lottery. Note that the mode of the reach display is not limited to this, and after stopping and displaying some of the symbol columns, the remaining symbol columns may be variably displayed, and a predetermined character or the like may be displayed as a moving image in the background. Also, after reducing or hiding each symbol column, a predetermined character or the like may be displayed as a moving image over substantially the entire display screen G.
[0203] In this embodiment, the main control board 301 of the main control device 300 is provided with a reach random number counter C3, and the MPU 302 compares the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 312 with the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the hold ball storage area to execute a lottery on whether to generate a reach display. That is, in this embodiment, the lottery on whether to generate a reach display is executed by the main control device 300, but the lottery on whether to generate this reach display may be configured to be executed by the audio-visual control device 400.
[0204] <Anticipated performance> Incidentally, the pachinko machine 10 has an anticipated performance as a type of variable display on the symbol display device 91. The anticipated performance refers to an effect that makes the player anticipate that they may have won a "big win" in the win / loss lottery after the variable display starts on the symbol display device 91 and before the predetermined stop result is displayed. The above-mentioned reach display is also an anticipated performance that occurs when the result is a "normal loss" without winning a "big win" in the win / loss lottery. The pachinko machine 10 has two types of anticipated performances: the above-mentioned reach display and the advance notice display. Since the reach display has already been explained, the advance notice display will be explained below.
[0205] <Advance notice display> The advance notice display is an anticipated performance that makes it easier to generate an effect when winning a "big win" in the win / loss lottery or when getting a "special loss" without winning a "big win" in the win / loss lottery, compared to when getting a "normal loss" without winning a "big win" in the win / loss lottery. Instead of making it easier to generate an effect, this advance notice display may be set to make it easier to select an effect with a low appearance rate, or a combination of both may be used. In this embodiment, the lottery for whether to generate the reach display is executed by the main control device 300, while the lottery for whether to generate the advance notice display is executed by the sound and light control device 400.
[0206] The preview display mode is such that, among the plurality of symbol columns Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 91, all of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are variably displayed, or a part of the symbol columns (for example, symbol column Z1) is stopped and displayed on the stop symbol valid lines L1 to L5, and then a plurality of symbol columns (for example, symbol columns Z2, Z3) are variably displayed. In this situation, a predetermined character or the like is displayed on the display screen G as a moving image. This preview display occurs in both the case where a reach display is generated and the case where a reach display is not generated, but it is set to be more likely to occur in the case where a reach display is generated than in the case where a reach display is not generated. Note that the preview display is not limited to this, and for example, the background may be changed and displayed, or the forms of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3 may be changed and displayed.
[0207] Finally, the variation type counter CS will be described. The variation type counter CS is, for example, a loop counter that loops within the range of 0 to 198 by having 1 added to the previous value each time it is updated and returning to 0 after reaching the maximum value of 198. The variation type counter CS is updated at least once each time normal processing is executed, and each time it is updated, it is stored in the lottery counter buffer. Then, the MPU 302 determines the symbol display duration in the main display unit 93 and the symbol display duration in the symbol display device 91 based on a comparison between the variation table and the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the lottery counter buffer. The variation table is information on the values of random numbers related to the display duration, and as described above, it is stored in the variation table storage area of the ROM 312 (see FIG. 20).
[0208] In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, random numbers are generated by counter circuits (counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, C4) which are random number generation ICs, and it is possible to count at extremely high speed compared to program control by software (so-called soft random numbers). Also, in the case of soft random numbers, since they are processed as part of the program control of the gaming machine, it becomes a software burden under limited memory space. However, in the case of hard random numbers, by generating random numbers with hardware, it is possible to generate random numbers having a count value several times that of soft random numbers without imposing a software burden.
[0209] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a variation pattern table that stores the duration of the variable display of the pachinko machine 10. The variation pattern of the first special symbol (first special figure) in the non-time-shortening (non-frequency support mode) is illustrated in FIG. 25(a). In pattern 1, the duration of the variable display is 4 seconds. In pattern 2, the duration of the variable display is 8 seconds. In pattern 3, the duration of the variable display is 12 seconds. In pattern 4, the duration of the variable display is 40 seconds. In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, at the time of a big win, the long variation of pattern 4 is selected. Also, in pattern 1, the value of the variation type counter CS is 0 to 80. In pattern 2, the value of the variation type counter CS is 81 to 120. In pattern 3, the value of the variation type counter CS is 121 to 150. In pattern 4, the value of the variation type counter CS is 151 to 198. That is, when the value of the variation type counter CS is 0 to 80, pattern 1 is selected; when the value of the variation type counter CS is 81 to 120, pattern 2 is selected; when the value of the variation type counter CS is 121 to 150, pattern 3 is selected; and when the value of the variation type counter CS is 151 to 198, pattern 4 is selected.
[0210] The variation pattern of the first special symbol (the first special figure) in the short-time (high-frequency support mode) is illustrated in Fig. 25(b). In pattern 5, the duration of the variation display is 1 second. In pattern 6, the duration of the variation display is 2 seconds. In pattern 7, the duration of the variation display is 3 seconds. In pattern 8, the duration of the variation display is 10 seconds. Also, in pattern 5, the value of the variation type counter CS is 0 to 80. In pattern 6, the value of the variation type counter CS is 81 to 120. In pattern 7, the value of the variation type counter CS is 121 to 150. In pattern 8, the value of the variation type counter CS is 151 to 198. That is, when the value of the variation type counter CS is 0 to 80, pattern 5 is selected; when the value of the variation type counter CS is 81 to 120, pattern 6 is selected; when the value of the variation type counter CS is 121 to 150, pattern 7 is selected; and when the value of the variation type counter CS is 151 to 198, pattern 8 is selected.
[0211] The variation pattern of the second special symbol (the second special figure) is illustrated in Fig. 25(c). In the pachinko machine 10 according to this embodiment, in the second special symbol (the second special figure), there is a common variation pattern table for both the non-short-time (non-frequency support mode) and the short-time (high-frequency support mode). However, similar to the first special symbol (the first special figure), different variation pattern tables may be selected for the non-short-time (non-frequency support mode) and the short-time (high-frequency support mode). In pattern 9, the duration of the variation display is 1 second. In pattern 10, the duration of the variation display is 2 seconds. In pattern 11, the duration of the variation display is 3 seconds. In pattern 12, the duration of the variation display is 10 seconds. Also, in Pattern 9, the value of the variation type counter CS is 0 to 80. In Pattern 10, the value of the variation type counter CS is 81 to 120. In Pattern 11, the value of the variation type counter CS is 121 to 150. In Pattern 12, the value of the variation type counter CS is 151 to 198. That is, when the value of the variation type counter CS is 0 to 80, Pattern 9 is selected; when the value of the variation type counter CS is 81 to 120, Pattern 10 is selected; when the value of the variation type counter CS is 121 to 150, Pattern 11 is selected; and when the value of the variation type counter CS is 151 to 198, Pattern 12 is selected.
[0212] In the normal game state, since it is premised on performing so-called "left hitting", the determination of the first special symbol is made based on the winning in the first start port 84a. At this time, when the result of the special symbol determination is "big win", the variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number. On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol determination is "miss", the variation pattern is determined based on the number of reserved balls, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number. On the other hand, in the sure-variation game state, since it is premised on performing "right hitting", the determination of the first special symbol and the determination of the second special symbol are made based on the winning in the first start port 84a and the second start port 84b.
[0213] <Regarding the various processes executed by the main control device 300> The MPU 302 of the main control device 300 executes the timer interrupt process and the normal process for advancing the game, and the main process that starts when the power is turned on. Hereinafter, the main process, the timer interrupt process, and the normal process will be described in order. Note that the MPU 302 executes the NMI interrupt process that starts when a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal) in addition to the main process, the timer interrupt process, and the normal process, but the description of this process is omitted.
[0214] <Main process> FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the main process. (Step S101) The MPU 302 executes a startup process when power is turned on. This startup process is provided with a waiting time for waiting until the sub-control board (such as the control board of the voice and light control device 400) becomes operable. Specifically, the MPU 302 waits until a predetermined time (for example, about 500 msec) elapses after power is turned on.
[0215] (Step S102) The MPU 302 determines whether 1 second, which is a period during which access to the RAM 313 is prohibited (hereinafter referred to as the permission-prohibition period), has elapsed. The MPU 302 repeatedly executes the process of step S102 until it determines in step S102 that 1 second has elapsed. That is, when the MPU 302 does not determine in step S102 that 1 second has elapsed, it repeatedly executes the process of step S102, and when it determines in step S102 that 1 second has elapsed, it executes the processes after step S103.
[0216] In the present embodiment, the MPU 302 determines whether 1 second has elapsed by counting the number of executions of the process of step S102. For example, when the interval for repeatedly executing the process of step S102 is 0.1 msec, the MPU 302 determines that 1 second has elapsed when the number of executions of the process of step S102 reaches 10,000. Note that the configuration for measuring the permission-prohibition period is arbitrary, and for example, a real-time clock (RTC) may be used to measure the permission-prohibition period.
[0217] (Step S103) The MPU 302 permits access to the RAM 313.
[0218] (Step S104) The MPU 302 determines whether or not the RAM erase switch (not shown) provided in the power supply and transmission control device 243 is on. When the MPU 302 determines in step S104 that the RAM erase switch is on (YES), it executes the processes after step S109. Also, when the MPU 302 does not determine in step S104 that the RAM erase switch is on (NO), it executes the process of step S105.
[0219] (Step S105) In step S105, the MPU 302 determines whether or not a power failure flag is set in the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 313. When it does not determine that the power failure flag is set (NO), the MPU 302 executes the processes after step S109. Also, when the MPU 302 determines in step S105 that the power failure flag is set (YES), it executes the process of step S106.
[0220] (Step S106) The MPU 302 calculates a RAM determination value (checksum).
[0221] (Step S107) The MPU 302 checks the validity of the data stored in the RAM 313 by determining whether or not the RAM determination value calculated in step S106 is normal. Specifically, the MPU 302 compares the RAM determination value (checksum) calculated in step S106 with the RAM determination value (checksum) stored in step S211 (power-off process) of the normal process. When they match, the RAM determination value is determined to be normal, and when they do not match, the RAM determination value is determined to be abnormal.
[0222] When the MPU 302 determines in step S107 that the RAM determination value is not normal (NO), that is, when it determines that the checksum values do not match, it executes the processes after step S109. Also, when the MPU 302 determines in step S107 that the RAM determination value is normal (YES), that is, when it determines that the checksum values match, it executes the process of step S108.
[0223] (Step S108) The MPU 302 clears the power-off flag stored in the power-off flag storage area of the RAM 313.
[0224] In this embodiment, the checksum is used to confirm the validity of the data stored in the RAM 313. However, the validity of the data stored in the RAM 313 may be determined by a method different from the method of confirming the integrity of the checksum value. For example, a keyword may be written in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 during the power-off process, and the validity of the data stored in the RAM 313 may be confirmed by determining in the main process whether this keyword has been written normally. Also, hash values of CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) or MD5 (Hash Function) may be used to confirm the validity of the data stored in the RAM 313. Note that the calculation method of the checksum is very simple. For example, the lower 1 word of the total of the individual words in the word sequence may be used as the sign value as it is. Therefore, although the validity of data confirmation by the checksum is less reliable compared to other error detection codes, since the algorithm is very simple, it can be calculated without imposing a burden on the MPU 302 even under limited memory space.
[0225] When the MPU 302 determines in step S104 that the RAM erase switch is on (YES), when it determines in step S105 that the power-off flag is not set (NO), or when it determines in step S107 that the RAM determination value is not normal (NO), it executes the processes after step S109.
[0226] (Step S109) In step S109, the MPU 302 outputs an audio lamp initialization command to the audio light control device 400. Thereby, initialization of the RAM data and abnormalities in the data stored and held based on the RAM determination value are notified.
[0227] (Step S110) In step S110, the MPU 302 outputs a payout initialization command or the like in order to initialize the payout control board or the like which is the control board on the slave side.
[0228] (Step S111) In step S111, the MPU 302 clears the working area of the RAM 313.
[0229] (Step S112) In step S112, the MPU 302 executes initialization (initial setting) of the RAM 313.
[0230] Therefore, for example, the manager of the game arcade can initialize the data stored in the RAM 313 by turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10 while pressing the RAM erase switch at the start of business of the game arcade. Also, the pachinko machine 10 initializes the data stored in the RAM 313 when the power failure monitoring board 303 has not confirmed the occurrence of a power failure or when the RAM determination value is abnormal.
[0231] (Step S113) In step S113, the MPU 302 permits the occurrence of timer interrupt processing. Thereafter, the MPU 302 shifts to the normal processing described with reference to FIG. 27. Thereby, it returns to the state before the power-off.
[0232] <Normal processing> Figure 27 is a diagram showing the flowchart of the normal process. The normal process is the main process for advancing the game. Specifically, the MPU 302 periodically executes steps S201 to S209 at a cycle of 4 msec, repeatedly executes steps S208 to S211 when remaining time occurs, and executes steps S212 and subsequent steps according to the determination result of step S208. Note that the "remaining time" is the remaining time obtained by subtracting the time taken for the processes of steps S201 to S209 from the cycle time (4 msec).
[0233] (Step S201) The MPU 302 executes an external output process of transmitting a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process to each control device on the sub side. For example, the MPU 302 determines whether a prize ball command is set, and when it determines that the prize ball command is set, it transmits the prize ball command to the sound and light control device 400 and the payout control device 242. Further, the MPU 302 determines whether an effect command corresponding to the effect of the game machine use, an effect command corresponding to the effect of the opening / closing execution mode, etc. is set, and when it determines that the effect command is set, it transmits the effect command to the sound and light control device 400. Further, the MPU 302 determines whether a high probability command indicating that the pachinko machine 10 is in a high probability state, a low probability command indicating that the pachinko machine 10 is in a low probability state, a high frequency support mode command indicating that it is in the high frequency support mode, a low frequency support mode command indicating that it is in the low frequency support mode, an electric accessory opening lottery result command indicating the lottery result of the electric accessory opening lottery, etc. are set, and when it determines that the command is set, it transmits the command to the sound and light control device 400. Note that when a command is set in addition to the above, the MPU 302 transmits the command to the sound and light control device 400.
[0234] (Step S202) The MPU 302 updates the variable type counter CS. Specifically, the MPU 302 updates by adding 1 to the previous value of the variable type counter CS, and stores the updated value in the lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. When the MPU 302 reaches the maximum value when adding 1 to the previous value of the variable type counter CS, the value of the variable type counter CS is reset to 0.
[0235] (Step S203) The MPU 302 executes game round control processing for advancing the game round. Specifically, the MPU 302 executes a win / loss lottery and a distribution lottery, and executes determination of information related to the symbol finally stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 91 and determination of information related to the symbol finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 93, etc. The game round control processing in step S203 will be described in detail later.
[0236] (Step S204) The MPU 302 executes game state transition processing for transitioning the game state. Specifically, the MPU 302 executes transition processing to each game state such as an open / close execution mode, a high probability mode, and a high frequency support mode. The game state transition processing in step S204 will be described in detail later.
[0237] (Step S205) The MPU 302 executes a demo display execution determination process. Specifically, the MPU 302 determines whether or not a predetermined start waiting period (for example, 3 sec) for starting a demo has elapsed without a new game round being started after the end of the game round. When it is determined that the start waiting period has elapsed, the MPU 302 transmits a demo command for starting a demo display to the audio-visual control device 400. The audio-visual control device 400 starts a demo display execution process based on the demo command transmitted from the MPU 302.
[0238] Here, the MPU 302 determines whether the start waiting period has elapsed by counting the number of executions of the process in step S205. For example, if the start waiting period is 3 seconds and the interval at which the process in step S205 is repeatedly executed is 0.1 msec, the MPU 302 determines that the start waiting period has elapsed when the number of executions of the process in step S205 reaches 3000 times by counting. Note that the configuration for measuring the start waiting period is arbitrary. For example, the start waiting period may be measured using a real-time clock (RTC). Also, when a new game round starts while the MPU 302 is counting the number of executions of the process in step S205, the value of that count is reset.
[0239] (Step S206) The MPU 302 executes a process for controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing member 84b1 provided in the second start port 84b (hereinafter, the process for electric role support). Specifically, the MPU 302 executes an electric role object opening lottery based on the value of the electric role object opening counter C4 stored in the electric role reservation area of the RAM 313, and when winning the electric role object opening lottery, executes the opening and closing process of the opening and closing member 84b1. Also, the MPU 302 executes the display control of the accessory display unit 94 so as to display the result of the electric role object opening lottery.
[0240] (Step S207) The MPU 302 executes game ball launch control processing. Specifically, based on the player's rotational operation such that the player rotates the launch handle 41 clockwise (rightward), the MPU 302 causes the power / launch control device 243 to execute launch control for launching a game ball. More specifically, the power / launch control device 243 energizes the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 110 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 0.6 sec) to launch a game ball with the game ball launch mechanism 110. Note that the solenoid is energized so as to launch a game ball with a launch intensity corresponding to the amount of rotational operation of the launch handle 41. Specifically, the greater the amount of rotational operation of the launch handle 41, the stronger the energization, and thus the stronger the launch intensity of the game ball. The power / launch control device 243 outputs a drive signal to the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 110 to launch a game ball when predetermined launch conditions (when the launch handle 41 is rotationally operated, the touch sensor 41a is on, and the launch stop switch 41b is off) are met.
[0241] (Step S208) The MPU 302 determines whether a power failure flag is set in a power failure flag storage area (not shown) of the RAM 313. If it is determined that the power failure flag is set (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S212. If it is not determined that the power failure flag is set (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S209. The power failure flag is set in the RAM 313 when a power failure signal is input from the power failure monitoring board 303 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 302. The power failure monitoring board 303 outputs this power failure signal when it confirms the occurrence of a power failure. Note that this power failure flag is cleared when the next main process is executed.
[0242] Here, the pachinko machine 10 sets various flags by substituting 1 into a predetermined area such as the RAM 313, and clears various flags by substituting 0. For example, the pachinko machine 10 sets the power failure flag by substituting 1 into the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 313, and clears the power failure flag by substituting 0 into the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 313.
[0243] (Step S209) The MPU 302 determines whether the timing for executing the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (for example, 4 msec) has elapsed since the start of the current normal process. If it is determined that 4 msec has elapsed (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S201. If it is not determined that 4 msec has elapsed (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S210.
[0244] (Step S210) When the MPU 302 determines in step S209 that the timing for executing the next normal process has not arrived (NO), that is, when the cycle time of 4 msec has not elapsed and a remaining time has occurred, in step S210, the MPU 302 updates the random number initial value counter CINI.
[0245] (Step S211) The MPU 302 updates the variation type counter CS. Note that the MPU 302 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S208 to S211 until it determines in step S209 that the timing for executing the next normal process has arrived (the cycle time of 4 msec has elapsed).
[0246] (Step S212) The MPU 302 prohibits the occurrence of timer interrupt processing.
[0247] (Step S213) The MPU 302 calculates and stores (saves) the RAM determination value (checksum of RAM 313).
[0248] (Step S214) The MPU 302 prohibits access to RAM 313. Thereafter, the MPU 302 continues an infinite loop until the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.
[0249] <Timer interrupt processing> FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the timer interrupt process. In the timer interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 28, the MPU 302 periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec) executes steps S301 to S306.
[0250] (Step S301) The MPU 302 reads the states (detection states) of the plurality of detection sensors 152 to 156, determines the states, and stores them in the RAM 313 as winning detection information. When the MPU 302 determines that the detection sensors 152 to 154b provided at various winning ports such as the general winning port 82, the first start port 84a, the second start port 84b, and the big winning port 83a detect the winning of a game ball, the MPU 302 sets a prize ball command for instructing the payout of the prize ball and transmits the set command to the payout control device 242. For example, when the MPU 302 determines that the detection sensor 153 corresponding to the variable winning device 83 detects the winning of a game ball, the MPU 302 transmits a prize ball command for instructing the payout of 13 prize balls to the payout control device 242.
[0251] (Step S302) The MPU 302 updates the random number initial value counter CINI. Specifically, the MPU 302 adds 1 to the previous value of the random number initial value counter CINI for updating and stores the updated value in the lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. When the MPU 302 reaches the maximum value when adding 1 to the previous value of the random number initial value counter CINI, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI is reset to 0.
[0252] (Step S303) The MPU 302 updates the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the Pachinko accessory release counter C4. Specifically, as described above, the MPU 302 updates by adding 1 to the previous values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the Pachinko accessory release counter C4 respectively, and stores the updated values in the lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. Note that when the maximum value is reached when adding 1 to the previous values of each counter C1 to C4, the MPU 302 resets the values of each counter C1 to C4 to 0. Also, every time the jackpot random number counter C1 completes one loop, it reads the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time as the initial value.
[0253] (Step S304) The MPU 302 executes the winning process for the through holes. Specifically, when the MPU 302 determines that the detection sensor 155 provided in each through gate 85 has detected the winning of a game ball, it stores the value of the Pachinko accessory release counter C4 updated in step S303 in the electric accessory hold area. Also, the MPU 302 sets a command to execute the variable display of the symbols on the accessory display unit 94, and causes the accessory display unit 94 to display the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the winning in each through gate 85. On the accessory display unit 94, based on the command instruction from the MPU 302, a variable display that sequentially lights up and goes out with a blinking variation is performed, and finally the general pattern is displayed according to the lighting position (stop result) where the accessory display unit 94 finally lights up definitely. Also, the MPU 302 sets a command to instruct the lighting of the third hold lamp unit 96, and transmits this set command to the audio and light emission control device 400. Note that the audio and light emission control device 400 lights up the third hold lamp unit 96 based on the command transmitted from the MPU 302. The maximum number of game balls held for winning through the through gate 85 is 4, and the third hold lamp unit 96 lights up the same number as the number of held balls.
[0254] (Step S305) The MPU 302 executes the winning process for the start port.
[0255] (Step S306) The MPU 302 executes a monitoring process. Details of the monitoring process will be described later.
[0256] <The winning process for the start port executed by the main control device 300> FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the winning process for the start port. (Step S401) Based on whether the detection sensor 154a provided at the first start port 84a detects the entry of a game ball, the MPU 302 determines whether a game ball has won (start winning) at the first start port 84a. When the MPU 302 determines that a game ball has won at the first start port 84a (YES), it executes the process of step S402. Also, when the MPU 302 does not determine in step S401 that a game ball has won at the first start port 84a (NO), it executes the process of step S403.
[0257] (Step S402) The MPU 302 grasps the number of holds stored in the hold area Ra for the first result display unit, and sets that number of holds as the first start hold memory number RaN in a predetermined storage area in the hold area Ra for the first result display unit.
[0258] (Step S403) When the MPU 302 determines in step S401 that a game ball has not won at the first start port 84a (NO), based on whether the detection sensor 154b provided at the second start port 84b detects the entry of a game ball, the MPU 302 determines whether a game ball has won (start winning) at the second start port 84b. When the MPU 302 does not determine that a game ball has won at the second start port 84b (NO), it ends the winning process for the start port. Also, when the MPU 302 determines that a game ball has won at the second start port 84b (YES), it executes the process of step S404.
[0259] (Step S404) The MPU 302 grasps the number of holds stored in the hold area Rb for the second result display section, and sets that number of holds as the second start hold memory number RbN in a predetermined memory area in the hold area Rb for the second result display section.
[0260] (Step S405) The MPU 302 determines whether the start hold memory number N (RaN or RbN) set in step S402 or step S404 is less than the upper limit value (in this embodiment, 4). When the MPU 302 determines that the start hold memory number N is not less than the upper limit value (NO), the winning process for the start port is terminated. Also, when the MPU 302 determines that the start hold memory number N is less than the upper limit value (YES), the process of step S406 is executed.
[0261] (Step S406) The MPU 302 updates by adding 1 to the value of the start hold memory number N (RaN or RbN).
[0262] (Step S407) The MPU 302 stores, as hold information, the set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and variation type counter CS updated in step S303 of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 28) in the first memory area among the free memory areas of the hold area for the result display section, that is, the memory area corresponding to the start hold memory number N updated in step S406.
[0263] For example, when the MPU 302 sets the first start hold memory number RaN in step S402, it stores, as hold information, the set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and variation type counter CS updated in step S303 (see FIG. 28) of the timer interrupt process in the first memory area of the free memory area of the first result display unit hold area Ra, that is, the memory area corresponding to the first start hold memory number RaN updated in step S406. When the MPU 302 sets "3" in the first start hold memory number RaN in step S402, it stores the hold information in the fourth area Ra4, which is the memory area corresponding to "4" of the first start hold memory number RaN updated in step S406.
[0264] Also, for example, when the MPU 302 sets the second start hold memory number RbN in step S404, it stores, as hold information, the set of values of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and variation type counter CS updated in step S303 of the timer interrupt process in the first memory area of the free memory area of the second result display unit hold area Rb, that is, the memory area corresponding to the second start hold memory number RbN updated in step S406. When the MPU 302 sets "3" in the second start hold memory number RbN in step S404, it stores the hold information in the fourth area Rb4, which is the memory area corresponding to "4" of the second start hold memory number RbN updated in step S406.
[0265] Also, the MPU 302 sets a command for instructing the lighting of the first hold lamp unit 95a or the second hold lamp unit 95b, and transmits the set command to the audio and light control device 400. Note that the audio and light control device 400 lights the first hold lamp unit 95a or the second hold lamp unit 95b based on the command transmitted from the MPU 302. Also, in the present embodiment, the maximum number of game balls held when winning in the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b is four. Also, the first hold lamp unit 95a or the second hold lamp unit 95b lights the same (corresponding) number as the number of held balls.
[0266] (Step S408) The MPU 302 performs preliminary determination. Specifically, the MPU 302 performs jackpot determination, determination of the jackpot type, and selection of the variation pattern in advance.
[0267] (Step S409) The MPU 302 sets a hold command. The hold command includes information (start port data) for distinguishing whether it is a hold related to the first special figure or a hold related to the second special figure, jackpot type, and information (stop symbol data) of the stop symbol indicating a miss, and information of the variation pattern (variation pattern data) indicating the variation pattern, etc. of the results. In the following description, the hold command related to the first special figure is also referred to as the first hold command. Also, the hold command related to the second special figure is also referred to as the second hold command. Note that the hold command set in Step S409 is output to the audio - light control device 400 in the external output process (Step S201 in FIG. 27) of the normal process.
[0268] ><Prize - winning process of the preliminary determination process executed by the main control device 300> FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the preliminary determination process. Specifically, it is a diagram showing the flowchart of the preliminary determination process in Step S408 of FIG. 29.
[0269] (Step S501) In Step S501, the MPU 302 determines whether the win - loss lottery mode is the high - probability mode. If it is determined that the win - loss lottery mode is the high - probability mode (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of Step S503. If it is not determined that the win - loss lottery mode is the high - probability mode (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of Step S502.
[0270] (Step S502) The MPU 302 reads out the win - loss table for the low - probability mode (see FIG. 23(a)) from the win - loss table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0271] (Step S503) The MPU 302 reads a pass / fail table for the high-probability mode (see Fig. 23(b)) from the pass / fail table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0272] (Step S504) After executing the process of Step S502 or Step S503, the MPU 302 executes a pass / fail determination process in Step S504. Specifically, the MPU 302 determines the result (pass / fail result) of the pass / fail lottery by comparing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE with the pass / fail table for the low-probability mode read in Step S502 or the pass / fail table for the high-probability mode read in Step S503.
[0273] (Step S505) The MPU 302 determines whether the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313. If it is determined that the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313 (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of Step S507. If it is determined that the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313 (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of Step S506.
[0274] (Step S506) When the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313, it indicates starting variable display on the first result display unit 93a based on winning of a game ball at the first start port 84a. Therefore, if it is determined in Step S505 that the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313 (NO), the MPU 302 reads the first payout table (see Fig. 24(a)) from the payout table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0275] (Step S507) When the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313, it indicates that variable display is started on the second result display unit 93b based on the winning of a game ball into the second start port 84b. Therefore, when it is determined in step S505 that the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313 (YES), the MPU 302 reads out the second distribution table (see FIG. 24(b)) from the distribution table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0276] (Step S508) After executing the process of step S506 or step S507, the MPU 302 executes a distribution determination process. In this distribution determination process, the MPU 302 determines the result of the distribution lottery (distribution result) by comparing the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE with the distribution table read out in step S506 or step S507.
[0277] (Step S509) The MPU 302 executes a stop result determination process. In this stop result determination process for the jackpot result, the MPU 302 determines the information (stop symbol data) related to the symbol that is finally stopped and displayed on the first result display unit 93a or the second result display unit 93b of the main display unit 93. Here, the MPU 302 determines the information (stop symbol data) related to the symbol that is finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 93 by comparing the distribution result determined in step S508 with the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the ROM 312. This stop result table for the jackpot result defines the mode of the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the main display unit 93 to be different for each distribution result.
[0278] (Step S510) Determine the display duration (variable time). Note that the determination process of the display duration is the same as the process in FIG. 35, so the description is omitted.
[0279] <Continuous winning count process executed by the main control device 300> FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a flowchart of consecutive winning count processing. Specifically, it is a diagram showing the flowchart of the consecutive winning count processing in step S905 of FIG. 34.
[0280] (Step S601) The MPU 302 determines whether the pass / fail result in step S904 of FIG. 34 is a "big win". If the pass / fail result is a "big win" (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S602. If the pass / fail result is not a "big win" (NO), the MPU 302 ends the consecutive winning count processing.
[0281] (Step S602) The MPU 302 determines whether the pachinko machine 10 is in the high-probability mode, in other words, whether the high-probability mode flag is set in the RAM 313 (is "ON"). If the pachinko machine 10 is in the high-probability mode (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S603. If the pachinko machine 10 is not in the high-probability mode (NO), the MPU 302 ends the consecutive winning count processing.
[0282] (Step S603) The MPU 302 performs a process of adding "1" to the value of the limit counter C12. In other words, the MPU 302 increments the value of the limit counter C12 by "1".
[0283] (Step S604) The MPU 302 sets a consecutive winning command in various command storage areas of the RAM 313. This consecutive winning command is a command for notifying the value (consecutive winning count) of the limit counter C12. The set command is output to the audio / light emission control device 400 in the external output process of the normal process (step S201 of FIG. 27).
[0284] Note that in FIG. 31, the number of consecutive wins is counted based on whether the high-probability mode of the pachinko machine 10 continues. However, it may be configured to count the number of consecutive wins based on whether the high-frequency support mode continues. In this case, in step S602 of FIG. 31, the MPU 302 determines whether the pachinko machine 10 is in the high-frequency support mode, in other words, whether the high-frequency support mode flag is set in the RAM 313 (i.e., whether it is "ON"). If the pachinko machine 10 is in the high-frequency support mode (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S603. If the pachinko machine 10 is not in the high-frequency support mode (NO), the MPU 302 ends the consecutive win count process.
[0285] <Game turn control process> FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the game turn control process. (Step S701) The MPU 302 determines whether it is in the opening / closing execution mode. If the MPU 302 determines in step S701 that it is in the opening / closing execution mode (YES), the game turn control process ends. That is, if it is determined that it is in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 302 does not start the progress of the game turn regardless of whether it detects the winning of game balls into each start port 84a, 84b. Also, if the MPU 302 does not determine in step S701 that it is in the opening / closing execution mode (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S702.
[0286] Here, the MPU 302 determines whether it is in the opening / closing execution mode by referring to the flag during opening / closing execution mode stored in the RAM 313. The same applies to the following steps. Also, the MPU 302 sets the flag during opening / closing execution mode when shifting to the opening / closing execution mode and clears the flag during opening / closing execution mode when the opening / closing execution mode ends.
[0287] (Step S702) The MPU 302 determines whether the main display unit 93 is in variable display, that is, whether the game round is in progress. When the MPU 302 determines that the main display unit 93 is not in variable display (NO), it executes the game round start processing in steps S703 to S705. Also, when the MPU 302 determines that the main display unit 93 is in variable display (YES), it executes the game round progress processing in steps S706 to S710.
[0288] (Step S703) In step S703, the MPU 302 recognizes the number of holds stored in the hold area Ra for the first result display unit and the number of holds stored in the hold area Rb for the second result display unit, and determines whether the total number CRN of these holds is "0" or less. When the MPU 302 determines that the total number CRN is "0" or less (YES), it ends the game round control process. Also, when the MPU 302 determines that the total number CRN is not "0" or less (NO), it executes the process of step S704.
[0289] (Step S704) The MPU 302 executes data setting processing for setting the hold information stored in the hold area Ra for the first result display unit or the hold area Rb for the second result display unit for consumption in the game round. Note that the data setting process in step S704 will be described later with reference to FIG. 33.
[0290] (Step S705) In step S705, the MPU 302 executes variable start processing for starting variable display on the main display unit 93 and the symbol display device 91 to consume the game round, and ends the game round control process. Note that the variable start process in step S705 will be described later with reference to FIG. 34.
[0291] (Step S706) The MPU 302 determines whether the display duration set in step S917 of the variation start process (see FIG. 34) described later has elapsed. Specifically, the MPU 302 determines whether the value set in the display duration counter in the RAM 313 has become "0" or less. Note that the value of this display duration counter is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed. If it is determined that the display duration has not elapsed (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S707. Also, if it is determined that the display duration has elapsed (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S708.
[0292] (Step S707) The MPU 302 executes a variation display process. In this variation display process, the MPU 302 updates the display of the main display unit 93 during variation display. Then, the MPU 302 ends the game turn control process.
[0293] (Step S708) The MPU 302 executes a variation end process. In this variation end process, the MPU 302 specifies the information (information related to the symbol to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 93) stored in the RAM 313 in any one of the processes of step S911, step S914, and step S916 of the variation start process (see FIG. 34) described later. Then, when the game turn ends, the MPU 302 executes display control of the main display unit 93 so that the symbol corresponding to this specified information is displayed on the main display unit 93 during variation display.
[0294] Here, the symbol to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 93 differs for each type of game result. Therefore, the manager of the game parlor or the like can confirm the game result by visually observing the main display unit 93 at the end of the game turn. According to this, the manager of the game parlor or the like can easily confirm whether an improper act is being committed, such as trying to make the pachinko machine 10 perform the same behavior as when winning the jackpot lottery.
[0295] The main display unit 93 has a smaller display area compared to the display screen G of the symbol display device 91, and the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the main display unit 93 are less recognizable to the player compared to the symbol sequences Z1 to Z3 to be stopped and displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 91. Therefore, at the end of a game round, the player will determine whether they have won a big hit or not by checking the display screen G of the symbol display device 91 instead of the main display unit 93, so the degree of attention to the display screen G increases.
[0296] (Step S709) The MPU 302 sets a variation end command. In step S201 of the normal process, the MPU 302 transmits the variation end command set in step S709 to the audio-visual control device 400. After that, the MPU 302 ends the game round control process. Note that the audio-visual control device 400 executes a process for ending the production of that game round based on the variation end command transmitted from the MPU 302. Here, the audio-visual control device 400 may be configured to independently end the production of the game round without the need to receive the variation end command.
[0297] (Step S710) The MPU 302 performs a process of updating the value of the game round counter provided in each counter area of the RAM 313. Specifically, the MPU 302 determines whether the game round counter (see step S1410 in FIG. 39 described later) is set. If it is set, the MPU 302 updates the value of the game round counter to a value obtained by subtracting "1". The MPU 302 sets the updated value as a game round remaining number command in each command storage area of the RAM 313. The set command is output to the audio-visual control device 400 in the external output process (step S201 in FIG. 27) of the normal process.
[0298] <Data setting process> FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the data setting process. FIG. 33(a) is the data setting process due to winning at the first start port 84a, and FIG. 33(b) is the data setting process due to winning at the second start port 84b.
[0299] First, with reference to FIG. 33(a), the data setting process for the first result display will be described. (Step S801) The MPU 302 subtracts 1 from the value of the first start hold memory number RaN in the first result display part hold area Ra, and updates the value of the first start hold memory number RaN stored in the first result display part hold area Ra.
[0300] (Step S802) The MPU 302 moves the hold information stored in the first area Ra1 of the first result display part hold area Ra to the execution area AE.
[0301] (Step S803) The MPU 302 executes a data shift process for shifting the hold information stored in the storage area of the first result display part hold area Ra. This data shift process is a process of shifting the hold information stored in each of the areas Ra1 to Ra4 in order to the first area Ra1 side. Specifically, the MPU 302 shifts the hold information of the second area Ra2 to the first area Ra1, shifts the hold information of the third area Ra3 to the second area Ra2, and shifts the hold information of the fourth area Ra4 to the third area Ra3. That is, in steps S802 and S803, a shift process of the data stored in the first result display part hold area Ra is executed by the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.
[0302] (Step S804) The MPU 302 clears the second result display part flag stored in the RAM 313. This second result display part flag is a flag for specifying which of the first result display part 93a and the second result display part 93b starts the variable display during the progress of the game turn. In this step S805, since the MPU 302 clears the second result display part flag, it indicates that the variable display is started on the first result display part 93a based on the winning of the game ball in the first start port 84a during the progress of the game turn.
[0303] (Step S805) The MPU 302 sets a shift command for causing recognition of the execution of the shift of the held information, transmits the set shift command to the audio-visual control device 400, and ends the data setting process. This shift command includes information for causing the audio-visual control device 400 to recognize that the shift of the held information has been executed for the held information stored in the held information area Ra for the first result display unit based on the winning of a game ball in the first start port 84a.
[0304] Note that the audio-visual control device 400 changes the lighting state of the first held lamp unit 95a based on the shift command transmitted from the MPU 302. Specifically, the audio-visual control device 400 decreases the number of lit lamps in the first held lamp unit 95a as the number of held game balls winning in the first start port 84a decreases, that is, as the value of the first start held memory number RaN stored in the held information area Ra for the first result display unit decreases.
[0305] Next, with reference to FIG. 33(b), the data setting process for the second result display will be described. (Step S811) The MPU 302 subtracts 1 from the value of the second start held memory number RbN in the held information area Rb for the second result display unit, and updates the value of the second start held memory number RbN stored in the held information area Rb for the second result display unit.
[0306] (Step S812) The MPU 302 moves the held information stored in the second area Rb2 of the held information area Rb for the second result display unit to the execution area AE.
[0307] (Step S813) The MPU 302 executes a data shift process for shifting the hold information stored in the storage area of the hold area Rb for the second result display unit. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the hold information stored in each of the areas Rb1 to Rb4 toward the first area Rb1. Specifically, the MPU 302 shifts the hold information of the second area Rb2 to the first area Rb1, shifts the hold information of the third area Rb3 to the second area Rb2, and shifts the hold information of the fourth area Rb4 to the third area Rb3. That is, in steps S812 and S813, a shift process of the data stored in the hold area Rb for the second result display unit is executed by the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.
[0308] (Step S814) The MPU 302 sets the second result display unit flag in the RAM 313. In this step S814, since the MPU 302 sets the second result display unit flag, it indicates that when the game turns are completed, a variable display is started on the second result display unit 93b based on the winning of a game ball in the second start port 84b.
[0309] (Step S815) The MPU 302 sets a shift command for recognizing that the hold information has been shifted, transmits the set shift command to the audio and light emission control device 400, and ends the data setting process. This shift command includes information for causing the audio and light emission control device 400 to recognize that the shift of the hold information has been executed for the hold information stored in the hold area Rb for the second result display unit based on the winning of a game ball in the second start port 84b. Note that the audio and light emission control device 400 changes the lighting state of the second hold lamp unit 95b based on the shift command transmitted from the MPU 302. Specifically, the audio and light emission control device 400 decreases the number of lit lamps in the second hold lamp unit 95b as the number of held game balls winning in the second start port 84b decreases, that is, as the second start hold storage number RbN stored in the hold area Rb for the second result display unit decreases.
[0310] As described above, in the data setting process shown in FIG. 33, there are a data setting process (S801 to S805) for the first result display unit (for the first start port 84a) that sets the reservation information stored in the reservation area Ra for the first result display unit for use in the consumption of game rounds, and a data setting process (S811 to S815) for the second result display unit (for the second start port 84b) that sets the reservation information stored in the reservation area Rb for the second result display unit for use in the consumption of game rounds.
[0311] <Variable disclosure process> FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the variable start process. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 34, the variable start process in step S705 of FIG. 32 will be described in detail.
[0312] (Step S901) The MPU 302 determines whether the pass / fail lottery mode is the high probability mode. If it is determined in step S901 that the pass / fail lottery mode is not the high probability mode (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S902. Also, if it is determined in step S901 that the pass / fail lottery mode is the high probability mode (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S903.
[0313] (Step S902) The MPU 302 reads out the pass / fail table for the low probability mode (see FIG. 23(a)) from the pass / fail table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0314] (Step S903) The MPU 302 reads out the pass / fail table for the high probability mode (see FIG. 23(b)) from the pass / fail table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0315] (Step S904) After executing the process of step S902 or step S903, the MPU 302 executes a pass / fail determination process in step S904. Specifically, the MPU 302 determines the result of pass / fail lottery (pass / fail result) by comparing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE with the pass / fail table for the low probability mode read in step S902 or the pass / fail table for the high probability mode read in step S903. Note that the pass / fail result is one of "jackpot win", "special loss result", and "normal loss result", and the pass / fail result is one of "jackpot win", "special loss result", and "normal loss result" regardless of whether it is the low probability mode or the high probability mode.
[0316] (Step S905) The MPU 302 executes a consecutive win count process (see FIG. 31).
[0317] (Step S906) In step S906, the MPU 302 determines whether or not the pass / fail result determined in step S904 is "jackpot win". When the MPU 302 determines in step S906 that the pass / fail result is "jackpot win" (YES), it executes the processes after step S907. When the MPU 302 does not determine in step S906 that the pass / fail result is "jackpot win" (NO), it executes the processes after step S913.
[0318] (Step S907) When the MPU 302 determines in step S906 that the pass / fail result is "jackpot win" (YES), in step S907, it determines whether or not the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313. When it determines that the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313 (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S908. When it determines that the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313 (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S909.
[0319] (Step S908) When the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313, it indicates that the variable display is started on the first result display unit 93a based on the winning of the game ball into the first start port 84a. Therefore, when the MPU 302 determines in step S907 that the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313 (NO), in step S908, the first distribution table (see FIG. 24(a)) is read from the distribution table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0320] (Step S909) When the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313, it indicates that the variable display is started on the second result display unit 93b based on the winning of the game ball into the second start port 84b. Therefore, when the MPU 302 determines in step S907 that the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313 (YES), in step S909, the second distribution table (see FIG. 24(b)) is read from the distribution table storage area of the ROM 312.
[0321] (Step S910) After executing the process of step S908 or step S909, the MPU 302 executes a distribution determination process in step S910. In this distribution determination process, the MPU 302 determines the result of the distribution lottery (distribution result) by comparing the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE with the distribution table read in step S908 or step S909.
[0322] (Step S911) The MPU 302 executes a stop result setting process for the jackpot result. In this stop result setting process for the jackpot result, the MPU 302 determines information related to the symbol that is finally to be stopped and displayed on the first result display section 93a or the second result display section 93b of the main display section 93, and stores the determined information, that is, the information related to the symbol to be stopped and displayed, in the RAM 313. Here, the MPU 302 determines the information related to the symbol that is finally to be stopped and displayed on the main display section 93 by comparing the distribution result determined in step S910 with the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the ROM 312. This stop result table for the jackpot result defines the mode of the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the main display section 93 to be different for each distribution result.
[0323] (Step S912) The MPU 302 sets a flag corresponding to the distribution result determined in step S910 in the RAM 313. Specifically, when the MPU 302 identifies that the distribution result is a "low probability result", it sets the low probability result flag, when it identifies that the result is a "non-explicit few-round high probability result", it sets the non-explicit few-round high probability result flag, when it identifies that the result is an "explicit few-round high probability result", it sets the explicit few-round high probability result flag, and when it identifies that the result is the "most advantageous result", it sets the most advantageous result flag. Thereafter, the MPU 302 executes the processes after step S917. In the processes of each of the following steps, the MPU 302 determines the distribution result with reference to the presence or absence of the flag set in the RAM 313.
[0324] (Step S913) When the MPU 302 determines in step S906 that the win / loss result is not a "jackpot win" (NO), in step S913, it determines whether the win / loss result determined in step S904 is a "special loss result". When the MPU 302 determines in step S913 that the win / loss result is a "special loss result" (YES), it executes the processes after step S914, and when the MPU 302 determines in step S913 that the win / loss result is not a "special loss result" (NO), it executes the processes after step S916.
[0325] (Step S914) In step S914, the MPU 302 executes stop result setting processing for a special losing result. In this stop result setting processing for a special losing result, the MPU 302 determines information related to a symbol that will finally be stopped and displayed on the first result display section 93a or the second result display section 93b of the main display section 93, and stores the determined information, that is, the information related to the symbol to be stopped and displayed, in the RAM 313. Here, the MPU 302 determines the information related to the symbol that will finally be stopped and displayed on the main display section 93 by referring to a stop result table for a special losing result stored in advance in the ROM 312. The symbol pattern set in this stop result table for a special losing result is different from the symbol pattern set in the stop result table for a jackpot result.
[0326] (Step S915) In step S915, the MPU 302 sets a special losing flag in the RAM 313. In each of the following processes, the MPU 302 refers to the presence or absence of the special losing flag set in the RAM 313 to determine whether the pass / fail result is a "special losing result".
[0327] (Step S916) In step S916, the MPU 302 executes stop result setting processing for a normal losing result. In this stop result setting processing for a normal losing result, the MPU 302 determines information related to a symbol that will finally be stopped and displayed on the first result display section 93a or the second result display section 93b of the main display section 93, and stores the determined information in the RAM 313. Here, the MPU 302 determines the information related to the symbol that will finally be stopped and displayed on the main display section 93 by referring to a stop result table for a normal losing result stored in advance in the ROM 312. Note that the symbol pattern set in the stop result table for a normal losing result is different from the symbol patterns set in the stop result table for a jackpot result and the stop result table for a special losing result.
[0328] (Step S917) After executing any one of the processes in step S912, step S915, and step S916, the MPU 302 executes a setting process for the display duration (display continuation period) in step S917. Note that the setting process for the display duration (display continuation period) will be described in detail later.
[0329] (Step S918) In step S918, the MPU 302 sets a variation start command (variation command) and a type command. In step S201 of the normal process (see FIG. 27) described above, the MPU 302 transmits the variation start command and the type command set in step S918 to the audio-visual control device 400. The audio-visual control device 400 executes a predetermined process based on the variation start command and the type command transmitted from the MPU 302. This process will be described in detail later.
[0330] Note that the variation start command includes information related to the display duration, but does not include information on whether reach display occurs. Also, the type command includes information related to the pass / fail result and the distribution result. More specifically, the type command includes, as information related to the pass / fail result, information related to "big win", "special loss result", and "normal loss result". Also, the type command includes, as information related to the distribution result, information related to "low probability result", "non-explicit few-round high probability result", "explicit few-round high probability result", and "most advantageous result". In the following description, the pass / fail result and the distribution result are collectively referred to as game results. That is, the type command includes information related to game results.
[0331] (Step S919) In step S919, the MPU 302 determines whether the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313, and based on the determination result, starts the variable display on the main display unit 93. Here, when the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313, it indicates that when the game round is completed, the variable display is started on the first result display unit 93a based on the winning of the game ball into the first start port 84a.
[0332] Therefore, when the MPU 302 determines that the second result display unit flag is not set in the RAM 313, in step S919, the MPU 302 starts the variable display on the first result display unit 93a. Also, when the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313, it indicates that when the game round is completed, the variable display is started on the second result display unit 93b based on the winning of the game ball into the second start port 84b. Therefore, when the MPU 302 determines that the second result display unit flag is set in the RAM 313, the MPU 302 starts the variable display on the second result display unit 93b in step S919.
[0333] <Setting process of display duration> FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the setting process of the display duration.
[0334] (Step S1001) The MPU 302 determines whether the high-frequency support mode is ON. When it is determined that the high-frequency support mode is not ON (NO), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1002. When it is determined that the high-frequency support mode is ON (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1003.
[0335] (Step S1002) The MPU 302 reads the variable pattern table for non-time shortening as the display duration. Specifically, when based on the winning into the first start port 84a, it reads the variable pattern table of FIG. 25(a), and when based on the winning into the second start port 84b, it reads the variable pattern table of FIG. 25(c) (common for non-time shortening and time shortening).
[0336] (Step S1003) The MPU 302 reads out a variable pattern table for short-time use as the display duration. Specifically, when based on winning at the first start port 84a, it reads out the variable pattern table in Fig. 25(b), and when based on winning at the second start port 84b, it reads out the variable pattern table (common for non-short-time / short-time) in Fig. 25(c).
[0337] (Step S1004) The MPU 302 obtains the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the buffer for the variation type counter in the buffer for the lottery counter in the RAM 313.
[0338] (Step S1005) The MPU 302 determines the display duration. Specifically, the MPU 302 determines the display duration corresponding to the value of the variation type counter CS obtained from the buffer for the variation type counter based on the variable pattern table of the display duration of the variable display read out in Step S1002 or Step S1003. Also, the MPU 302 sets the determined display duration in the display duration counter provided in each counter area of the RAM 313. Note that the data of the display duration set in the RAM 313, together with data such as jackpot win / loss result data, jackpot type data, and stop symbol data, is output to the audio-visual control device 400 in the external output process (Step S201 in Fig. 27) of the normal process as variable pattern data.
[0339] Note that the MPU 302 stores in the ROM 312 a variation pattern table for when a reach occurs and a variation pattern table for when a reach does not occur, and compares the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 312 with the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the hold ball storage area, so as to refer to either the variation pattern table for when a reach occurs or the variation pattern table for when a reach does not occur according to whether to generate a reach display or not. Also, the lottery for whether to generate a reach display may be executed by the audio and light control device 400.
[0340] Further, the variation pattern may be set such that the display duration becomes shorter as the number of holds increases. That is, the display duration when digesting the hold information related to the first start port 84a may be set to be shorter as the number of holds related to the first start port 84a increases. Also, the display duration when digesting the hold information related to the second start port 84b may be set to be shorter as the number of holds related to the second start port 84b increases. When winning at the first start port 84a or the second start port 84b exceeding the maximum value (4) of the number of holds, a prize ball payout can be received but a jackpot lottery cannot be received. However, as in this embodiment, by shortening the display duration as the number of holds increases and accelerating the digestion of game turns, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a state where winning occurs exceeding the maximum value of the number of holds (a state where a prize ball payout can be received but a jackpot lottery cannot be received), and it is possible to provide a game state advantageous to the player.
[0341] Note that, in the variable pattern table for non-occurrence of reach described above, the display duration becomes shorter as the number of holds increases. However, it may be set in a relationship opposite to that of the present embodiment, such as the display duration becoming longer as the number of holds increases, or it may be configured such that the display duration does not vary (change) according to the number of holds or the support mode. Also, as in the present embodiment, the variable pattern table for occurrence of reach and the variable pattern table for non-occurrence of reach may be the same. In this case, regardless of whether reach occurs or not, the same variable pattern table is referred to, and the display duration corresponding to the value of the variable type counter CS acquired from the buffer for the movement type counter is determined and set in the display duration counter provided in each counter area of the RAM 313. Further, a display duration table may be set individually for each of the pass / fail result and the distribution result.
[0342] <Game state transition process> FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the game state transition process. (Step S1101) The MPU 302 determines whether it is in the opening / closing execution mode. If the MPU 302 determines that it is not in the opening / closing execution mode (NO), it executes the process of step S1102. Also, if the MPU 302 determines that it is in the opening / closing execution mode (YES), it executes the process of step S1111.
[0343] (Step S1102) The MPU 302 determines whether the variable display on the main display unit 93 has ended. If the MPU 302 determines that the variable display on the main display unit 93 has not ended (NO), the MPU 302 ends the game state transition process. Also, if the MPU 302 determines that the variable display on the main display unit 93 has ended (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1103.
[0344] (Step S1103) Further, the MPU 302 determines whether or not the win / loss result corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, the MPU 302 determines whether or not the win / loss result is a "big win" or a "special losing result". If it is determined that the win / loss result does not correspond to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode (NO), that is, if it is determined that the win / loss result is a "normal losing result", the MPU 302 ends the game state transition process. Also, if it is determined that the win / loss result corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1104.
[0345] (Step S1104) After setting the opening / closing execution mode flag in the RAM 313, the MPU 302 determines whether or not the win / loss result is a "special losing result". If it is determined that the win / loss result is a "special losing result" (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1105. Also, if it is determined that the win / loss result is not a "special losing result" (NO), that is, if it is determined that the win / loss result is a "big win", the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1106.
[0346] (Step S1105) The MPU 302 sets "2" in the opening / closing counter SOC provided in each counter area of the RAM 313. This opening / closing counter SOC is a counter for the MPU 302 to specify the total number of times of opening and closing the big winning opening 83a of the variable winning device 83 when transitioning to the opening / closing execution mode.
[0347] (Step S1106) The MPU 302 determines whether or not the allocation result is a few-round high-probability result ("non-explicit few-round high-probability result" or "explicit few-round high-probability result"). If it is determined that the allocation result is a few-round high-probability result (YES), the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1107. Also, if it is determined that the allocation result is not a few-round high-probability result (NO), that is, if it is determined that the allocation result is a "low-probability result" or a "most advantageous result", the MPU 302 executes the process of step S1108.
[0348] (Step S1107) The MPU 302 sets "2" in the round counter RC provided in each counter area of the RAM 313.
[0349] (Step S1108) The MPU 302 sets "15" in the round counter RC. This round counter RC is a counter for the MPU 302 to specify the number of times of round games when shifting to the opening / closing execution mode.
[0350] In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 has a plurality of opening / closing execution modes with different end conditions. Specifically, the pachinko machine 10 has, as the opening / closing execution modes, a round number regulation mode that shifts when the win / loss result is "big win winning" and an opening / closing number regulation mode that shifts when the win / loss result is "special loss result".
[0351] The round number regulation mode ends on the condition that a predetermined number of round games have been executed. Here, the number of times of round games corresponds to the value set in the round counter RC. The opening / closing number regulation mode ends on the condition that the opening / closing of the big winning opening 83a has been executed a predetermined total number of times or a predetermined number of game balls have won in the big winning opening 83a. Here, the total number of times of opening / closing of the big winning opening 83a corresponds to the value set in the opening / closing counter SOC. This opening / closing number regulation mode does not end on the condition of the number of times of execution of round games.
[0352] Note that in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 executes the opening / closing of the big winning opening 83a once for each round game. Also, each round game continues until one of the following two conditions (1) and (2) is satisfied. That is, the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment sets the opening / closing door 83b to the open state and then sets the opening / closing door 83b to the closed state again by satisfying one of the following two conditions (1) and (2). (1) The elapse of a predetermined upper limit continuous time (upper limit continuous period). (2) The total number of winning game balls entering the big winning opening 83a reaches a predetermined upper limit number.
[0353] (Step S1109) After the MPU302 executes any one of the processes in Step S1105, Step S1107, or Step S1108, in Step S1109, "1000" is set as the waiting time (waiting period) for opening in the timer counter T provided in each counter area of the RAM313. The value set in this timer counter T is updated by subtracting 1 from the previous value each time the timer interrupt process is executed. Here, the timer interrupt process is performed at a 2 msec cycle. Therefore, the waiting time for opening is 2 sec. Note that the waiting time for opening is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily determined according to the game state and the combination of winning symbols (special symbols).
[0354] In this way, when the MPU302 determines in Step S1103 that the pass / fail result corresponds to the transition to the opening execution mode, it sets the waiting time for opening in the timer counter T regardless of the type of game result. In other words, the waiting time for opening is the same regardless of the type of game result. Note that the waiting time for opening is not limited to this and may be configured to be slightly different according to the type of game result to such an extent that it is recognized as the same by the player, for example. Also, for example, the waiting time for opening may be configured to be significantly different according to the type of game result, such as when the game result is a "low probability result" or a "most advantageous result" and when it is a game result other than these.
[0355] (Step S1110) The MPU 302 sets an opening command. Thereafter, the MPU 302 ends the game state transition process. Here, the opening command includes information on the game result that triggered the transition to the opening / closing execution mode. In step S201 of the normal process (see FIG. 27) described above, the MPU 302 transmits the opening command set in step S1110 to the audio / light emission control device 400. Note that the audio / light emission control device 400 recognizes the transition to the opening / closing execution mode based on the opening command transmitted from the MPU 302 and executes a predetermined process. This process will be described in detail later.
[0356] (Step S1111) The MPU 302 ...
Claims
【Claim 1】 In a gaming machine comprising means capable of executing a winning or losing lottery for determining whether to give a privilege to a player based on the ball entry into the ball entry means, means capable of determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when it is determined in the winning or losing lottery that the specific result is not obtained; means capable of setting a special period when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and comprising: The predetermined condition includes that the number of executions of the winning or losing lottery in at least a specific period is a predetermined number determined in advance. The gaming machine means capable of executing a plurality of the winning or losing lotteries during the special period; means capable of giving a specific privilege at a higher rate when it is determined that the specific result is obtained in the winning or losing lottery during the special period than when it is determined that the specific result is obtained during a predetermined period different from the special period; means capable of setting a special time as the variation time of the variable display executed based on the winning or losing lottery or the stop time from the end of the variable display to the start of the next variable display when it is determined in the winning or losing lottery during the specific period that the specific result is not obtained and it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied; means capable of executing a notification effect for notifying the transition to the special period at the special time when the special time is set as the variation time or the stop time; means capable of selecting and setting, as the variation time or the stop time, a time corresponding to the result of the winning or losing lottery different from the special time from a plurality of times when it is determined in the winning or losing lottery during the specific period that the specific result is not obtained; means capable of executing an effect for notifying the result of the winning or losing lottery without executing the notification effect when a variation time or a stop time different from the special time is set; A gaming machine characterized by comprising the above.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Game machine
JP2023064108A