Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably performing management of a game machine.SOLUTION: An MPU 62 includes not only a main-side CPU 63 but also a management IC 66. The main-side CPU 63 is electrically connected to the management IC 66, and a detection result of each ball entry detection sensor is transmitted from the main-side CPU 63 to the management IC 66. In this case, the detection result of each ball entry detection sensor is transmitted to the management IC 66 through each corresponding signal path, and a corresponding relationship between each ball entry detection sensor and the signal path is supplied from the main-side CPU 63 to the management IC 66 when starting to supply operating power. The management IC 66 stores information on the detection result of each ball entry detection sensor in a history memory 117 as history information. A management-side CPU 112 calculates each kind of parameter by utilizing history information of the history memory 117 in occurrence of an operation opportunity. The history information and each kind of parameter are outputted to the outside through a reading terminal 102.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Pachinko gaming machines and slot machines are known as gaming machines. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, a dish storage section for storing the game balls given to the player is provided in the front part of the gaming machine, and the game balls stored in the dish storage section are guided to a game ball launching device and launched toward the game area in response to the player's launching operation. Then, for example, when a game ball enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, game balls are paid out from a payout device to the dish storage section. Also, in a pachinko gaming machine, a configuration including an upper dish storage section and a lower dish storage section as dish storage sections is also known. In this case, the game balls stored in the upper dish storage section are guided to the game ball launching device, and the surplus game balls in the upper dish storage section are discharged to the lower dish storage section (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in a gaming machine such as the above example, it is necessary to appropriately manage the gaming machine, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately managing the gaming machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 executes a predetermined storage process for causing the storage of information corresponding to a predetermined event to be executed in a predetermined storage means when the predetermined event occurs as a result of a game, so that the predetermined information is stored in the predetermined storage means, a predetermined storage execution means; Information calculation means for calculating mode information corresponding to the result of a game in a predetermined period by using the predetermined information each time a predetermined calculation trigger occurs; Result storage execution means for sequentially storing the mode information obtained by the calculation by the information calculation means in a calculation result storage means; Comprising; The result storage execution means includes means for causing the mode information to be stored in the calculation result storage means to be in a state where the mode information to be stored among the mode information obtained by the calculation by the information calculation means is stored; The mode information that is not the storage target among the mode information obtained by the calculation by the information calculation means is not configured to be stored in the calculation result storage means; This gaming machine is Means for erasing the predetermined information in the predetermined storage means after the calculation of the mode information by the information calculation means is completed; Notification means capable of notifying the content corresponding to the mode information stored in the calculation result storage means; Comprising; Characterized in that when a specific event occurs that stops the progress control of the game, the predetermined storage process by the predetermined storage execution means is not executed.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to suitably manage a gaming machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 disassembled. For convenience, the components within the game area PA of the pachinko machine 10 are omitted in FIG. 2.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a game machine body 12 that is rotatably attached to the front of the outer frame 11. The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting wooden plates on four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in a game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. Note that the outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10, and it may be configured such that the outer frame 11 is provided in the island equipment of the game hall.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. Among them, the inner frame 13 of the game machine body 12 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 11. Specifically, when viewed from the front, with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip end side, the inner frame 13 can rotate forward.

[0012] The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and is rotatable forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip end side in a front view. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and is rotatable backward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip end side in a front view.

[0013] Note that the gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device at its rotation tip end portion, and has a function of locking the gaming machine main body 12 in a non-openable state with respect to the outer frame 11, and also has a function of locking the front door frame 14 in a non-openable state with respect to the inner frame 13. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation using an unlocking key on a cylinder lock 17 provided to be exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

[0014] Next, the configuration on the front side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be described.

[0015] The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 21 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. A substantially elliptical window hole 23 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 21. A game board 24 is detachably attached to the resin base 21. The game board 24 is made of plywood, and a game area PA formed on the front surface of the game board 24 is exposed on the front side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 23 of the resin base 21.

[0016] Here, the configuration of the game board 24 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 24.

[0017] An inner rail portion 25 and an outer rail portion 26 are attached to the game board 24 so as to partition a part of the outer edge of the game area PA, and an induction rail as an induction means is constituted by these inner rail portion 25 and outer rail portion 26. The game balls launched from a game ball launching mechanism 27 (see FIG. 2) attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21 are guided to the upper part of the game area PA by the induction rail.

[0018] Incidentally, the game ball launcher 27 includes a launch rail 27a extending toward the guide rail, a ball feeder 27b that supplies the game balls stored in an upper tray 55a, which will be described later, onto the launch rail 27a, and a solenoid 27c that is an electric actuator for launching the game balls supplied onto the launch rail 27a toward the guide rail. When a launch operation device (or operation handle) 28 provided on the front door frame 14 is rotationally operated, the solenoid 27c is driven and controlled, and the game balls are launched.

[0019] A plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction are formed in the game board 24. A general winning opening 31, a special winning device 32, a first operation opening 33, a second operation opening 34, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, a special drawing unit 37, a general drawing unit 38, etc. are respectively provided in each opening. A total of four general winning openings 31 are provided, and the others are each provided one by one.

[0020] Even if a game ball enters the through gate 35, the payout of the game ball is not executed. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the general winning opening 31, the special winning device 32, the first operation opening 33, or the second operation opening 34, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Specifically regarding the number of bonus balls, when one game ball enters the first operation opening 33 or when one game ball enters the second operation opening 34, one bonus ball is paid out. When one game ball enters the general winning opening 31, ten bonus balls are paid out. When one game ball enters the special winning device 32, fifteen bonus balls are paid out.

[0021] Note that the number of the above-mentioned bonus balls is arbitrary. For example, the second operation opening 34 may be configured to have a smaller number of bonus balls than the first operation opening 33, or the second operation opening 34 may be configured to have a larger number of bonus balls than the first operation opening 33.

[0022] In addition, an out port 24a is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 24, and game balls that do not enter various winning ports or the like are discharged from the game area PA through the out port 24a. Also, a large number of pins 24b are implanted in the game board 24 to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members such as windmills are arranged.

[0023] Here, "entering the ball" means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and it includes not only the mode of being discharged from the game area PA after passing through the opening, but also the mode of continuing to flow down in the game area PA without being discharged from the game area PA after passing through the opening. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the entering of the game ball into the out port 24a, the entering of the game ball into the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, the second operation port 34, and the through gate 35 is also expressed as "winning".

[0024] The variable display unit 36 includes a symbol display device 41 having a rectangular display surface, and a center frame 36a surrounding the periphery of the display surface of the symbol display device 41. In the center frame 36a, the portions along the upper side, left side, and right side of the display surface of the symbol display device 41 protrude forward from the board surface of the game board 24, and the variable display unit 36 is provided at the central portion of the game area PA. As a result, the game area PA is divided into an upper area PA1 located above the variable display unit 36, a left area PA2 located to the left of the variable display unit 36, a right area PA3 located to the right of the variable display unit 36, and a lower area PA4 located below the variable display unit 36. That is, the game ball launched into the game area PA first reaches the upper area PA1, but the game ball that reaches the upper area PA1 flows down in the order of upper area PA1 → left area PA2 → lower area PA4, or in the order of upper area PA1 → right area PA3 → lower area PA4, and the game ball flowing down one of the left area PA2 and the right area PA3 does not flow down the other.

[0025] The first operation port 33 and the second operation port 34 are installed in the lower area PA4, which is the area below the variable display unit 36 in the game area PA. The lower area PA4 is continuous with the left area PA2, which is the area to the left of the variable display unit 36 in the game area PA, downstream thereof, and is also continuous with the right area PA3, which is the area to the right of the variable display unit 36 in the game area PA, downstream thereof. Therefore, the game balls flowing out from any position in the upper area PA1, which is the area above the variable display unit 36 in the game area PA, can reach the first operation port 33 or the second operation port 34. For example, even when the rotation operation of the launch operation device 28 is performed to achieve the maximum operation amount, the game ball can reach the first operation port 33 or the second operation port 34. Further, when a launch operation is performed aiming for winning at the first operation port 33, not only can winning at the first operation port 33 occur, but winning at the second operation port 34 can also occur. When a launch operation is performed aiming for winning at the second operation port 34, not only can winning at the second operation port 34 occur, but winning at the first operation port 33 can also occur.

[0026] The first operation port 33 and the second operation port 34 are unitized as an operation port device in a state where they are arranged side by side in the vertical direction with the first operation port 33 above and the second operation port 34 below. No member for making the ball entry frequency into the first operation port 33 different is provided, and the probability of a game ball entering the first operation port 33 when comparing the left area PA2 in a predetermined manner in which the game ball flows down is the same in any game state. Therefore, the player can perform a launch operation aiming for a game ball to enter the first operation port 33 in any situation.

[0027] In the lower frame portion 36b, which is the portion below the display surface of the symbol display device 41 in the center frame 36a, a stage portion 36c is provided so as to extend horizontally above the first operation port 33. In the left frame portion 36d, which is the left portion of the symbol display device 41 in the variable display unit 36, an inlet portion 36e of a warp passage is formed that enables a game ball flowing down in the left region of the variable display unit 36 to be guided to the stage portion 36c. The horizontal central portion of the stage portion 36c exists directly above the first operation port 33, and a lead-out portion 36f for leading out the game ball downward by its own weight is formed in the central portion. In this case, it is difficult for the game ball led out to the stage portion 36c and led out from a region other than the lead-out portion 36f to enter the first operation port 33, but the game ball led out from the lead-out portion 36f to below the stage portion 36c has a high probability of entering the first operation port 33.

[0028] The second operation port 34 is provided with a general electric accessory 34a as a guide piece composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces. In the closed state of the general electric accessory 34a, the game ball cannot win the second operation port 34, and when the general electric accessory 34a is in the open state, winning the second operation port 34 becomes possible.

[0029] A through gate 35 is provided on the upstream side in the flowing-down direction of the game ball from the second operation port 34, more specifically, in the right region PA3. The through gate 35 has a through hole (not shown) penetrating in the vertical direction, and the game ball that wins the through gate 35 flows down the game area PA after winning. Thereby, it is possible for the game ball that wins the through gate 35 to win the second operation port 34.

[0030] Based on winning the through gate 35, the normal power role 34a of the second operating port 34 is switched from a closed state to an open state. Specifically, an internal lottery is performed with the winning of the through gate 35 as a trigger, and a variable picture display is performed on the normal map display section 38a of the normal map unit 38 provided in the lower right corner of the play area PA, which is an area where the game ball does not pass. Then, when the result of the internal lottery is a win for the electric role opening and the stop result corresponding to the result is displayed and the variable display of the normal map display section 38a is terminated, the state transitions to the normal power opening state. In the normal power opening state, the normal power role 34a is opened in a predetermined manner.

[0031] The map display unit 38a is composed of a segment display in which a plurality of segment light-emitting parts are arranged in a predetermined manner, but is not limited thereto, and may be composed of other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, or a dot matrix display device. As for the pattern displayed variably on the map display unit 38a, a configuration in which a plurality of characters are displayed variably, a configuration in which a plurality of symbols are displayed variably, a configuration in which a plurality of characters are displayed variably, or a configuration in which a plurality of colors are displayed in a switched manner may be considered.

[0032] In the normal map unit 38, a normal map reserve display section 38b is provided adjacent to the normal map display section 38a. The number of game balls that enter the through gate 35 is reserved up to a maximum of four, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by lighting up the normal map reserve display section 38b.

[0033] A winning lottery is held by triggering a winning entry into the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. The lottery result is then displayed clearly through the display effects on the special symbol unit 37 and the symbol display device 41 of the variable display unit 36.

[0034] Regarding the special figure unit 37 in detail, the special figure unit 37 is provided with a first special figure display unit 37a and a second special figure display unit 37b. In the first special figure display unit 37a, a winning lottery is conducted by using the winning at the first operation port 33 as a trigger, and a variable display of the pattern is performed. Then, the result corresponding to the lottery result is displayed. Also, in the second special figure display unit 37b, a winning lottery is conducted by using the winning at the second operation port 34 as a trigger, and a variable display of the pattern is performed. Then, the result corresponding to the lottery result is displayed. Note that the first special figure display unit 37a and the second special figure display unit 37b are constituted by a segment display device in which a plurality of segment light emitting units are arranged in a predetermined manner, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be constituted by other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT or a dot matrix display. Also, as the pattern displayed in the first special figure display unit 37a and the second special figure display unit 37b, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are displayed, or a configuration in which a plurality of types of colors are displayed, etc. are conceivable.

[0035] In the special figure unit 37, at positions adjacent to the first special figure display unit 37a and the second special figure display unit 37b, a first special figure hold display unit 37c and a second special figure hold display unit 37d are provided. The number of game balls that have won at the first operation port 33 is held up to a maximum of 4, and the held number is displayed by lighting the first special figure hold display unit 37c. Also, the number of game balls that have won at the second operation port 34 is held up to a maximum of 4, and the held number is displayed by lighting the second special figure hold display unit 37d.

[0036] Regarding the pattern display device 41 in detail, the pattern display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. Note that the pattern display device 41 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be other display devices having a display screen such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device or a CRT, or may be a dot matrix display.

[0037] In the symbol display device 41, when a winning occurs at the first operation port 33 and the first special symbol display section 37a performs a variable display of symbols, the symbol display device 41 performs a corresponding variable display of symbols. Also, when a winning occurs at the second operation port 34 and the second special symbol display section 37b performs a variable display of symbols, the symbol display device 41 performs a corresponding variable display of symbols. Note that in the symbol display device 41, not only display effects triggered by winning at the first operation port 33 or the second operation port 34 but also display effects during the open / close execution mode that transitions after a winning or a jackpot are performed.

[0038] The display content when the symbol display device 41 performs a variable display of symbols will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each symbol that is variably displayed by the symbol display device 41, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display surface of the symbol display device 41.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to (j), a symbol, which is a type of symbol pattern, is composed of nine main symbols each assigned with a number from "1" to "9" and sub - symbols in the shape of a shell - like picture symbol. More specifically, nine character symbols such as octopuses are each assigned with a number from "1" to "9" to form the main symbols.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5(a), on the display surface of the symbol display device 41, three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 in the upper, middle, and lower stages are set as a plurality of display areas. Each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is configured by arranging main symbols and sub - symbols in a predetermined order. Specifically, in the upper symbol row Z1, nine main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending order of numbers, and one sub - symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row Z3, nine main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and one sub - symbol is arranged between each main symbol.

[0041] That is, the upper symbol column Z1 and the lower symbol column Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. In contrast, in the middle symbol column Z2, nine main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and an additional main symbol "4" is arranged between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1", and a sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol column Z2, 10 main symbols are arranged and it is composed of 20 symbols. And on the display surface, the symbols of these symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are variably displayed so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the display surface is configured such that three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol column, and as a result, a total of nine symbols in a 3×3 arrangement are stopped and displayed. Also, on the display surface, as shown in FIG. 5(a), five effective lines, namely the left line L1, the middle line L2, the right line L3, the downward right diagonal line L4, and the upward right diagonal line L5 are set.

[0043] When the variable display of symbols is performed on the display surface based on winning at the first operation port 33 or the second operation port 34, the variable display is started so that the symbols in each symbol column Z1 to Z3 scroll in a predetermined direction periodically. Then, the variable display is switched to the standby display in the order of the upper symbol column Z1 → the lower symbol column Z3 → the middle symbol column Z2, and finally, it ends with the predetermined symbols stationary displayed in each symbol column Z1 to Z3. Further, when the variable display of the symbols ends, if the result of the internal lottery is the 16R high probability result described later, a combination of "7" symbols is formed on any of the valid lines. If the result of the internal lottery is any of the 2R high probability result, 4R high probability result, 6R high probability result, and 10R high probability result described later, a combination of the same odd symbols other than the "7" symbol is formed on any of the valid lines. If the result of the internal lottery is any of the 2R low probability result, 4R low probability result, 6R low probability result, 10R low probability result, and 16R low probability result described later, a combination of the same even symbols is formed on any of the valid lines. If the result of the internal lottery is any of the first small winning result, second small winning result, and third small winning result described later, a predetermined combination of symbols (for example, "3·4·1") that is not a combination of the same symbols and not a combination of reach symbols is formed on any of the valid lines.

[0044] Note that based on winning at any of the operation ports 33, 34, the display is started by any of the special symbol display units 37a, 37b and the symbol display device 41, and one game round corresponds to the period until a predetermined result is displayed and ended. Further, the mode of the variable display of the symbols in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above and is arbitrary, and the number of symbol columns, the direction of the variable display of the symbols in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. can be changed as appropriate. Also, the pictures variably displayed by the symbol display device 41 are not limited to the symbols as described above, and for example, a configuration in which only numbers are variably displayed as the pictures may be adopted.

[0045] When a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery based on winning the first operation port 33, the machine shifts to the opening / closing execution mode in which winning the special electric winning device 32 becomes possible. Also, when a jackpot or a minor jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery based on winning the second operation port 34, the machine also shifts to the opening / closing execution mode in which winning the special electric winning device 32 becomes possible. As shown in FIG. 3, the special electric winning device 32 is provided in the right region PA3 in the game area PA. Therefore, a game ball flowing down in the left region PA2 cannot win the special electric winning device 32, and winning the special electric winning device 32 becomes possible when the shooting operation is performed so that the game ball flows down in the right region PA3, for example, when the rotation operation of the shooting operation device 28 is performed to the maximum operation amount. The configuration of the special electric winning device 32 will be described in detail later.

[0046] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration regarding the discharge of game balls that have flowed down in the game area PA.

[0047] As already described, a game ball that has entered any of the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, the second operation port 34, and the out port 24a is discharged from the game area PA. In other words, a game ball that has been launched from the game ball launching mechanism 27 and has flowed into the game area PA is discharged from the game area PA by entering any of the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, the second operation port 34, and the out port 24a. A game ball that has entered any of the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, the second operation port 34, and the out port 24a is guided to the back side of the game board 24.

[0048] On the back of the game board 24, discharge passage portions 42 to 48 are formed corresponding to the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, the second operation port 34, and the out port 24a, respectively. The game balls that have flowed into the discharge passage portions 42 to 48 flow down the discharge passage portions 42 to 48 into which they have flowed, and are thus guided to the lower end portion of the game board 24 on the back side of the game board 24 and collected by a discharge ball collection portion (not shown). Then, the game balls collected by the discharge ball collection portion are discharged to a ball circulation device of the island facility where the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall.

[0049] Each of the discharge passage portions 42 to 48 is provided with various detection sensors 42a to 48a for detecting game balls. These discharge passage portions 42 to 48 and the detection sensors 42a to 48a will be described below. Since four general winning openings 31 are provided as already described, discharge passage portions 42 to 44 exist corresponding to each of those four. In this case, one detection sensor 42a, 43a is provided for each of the first discharge passage portion 42 corresponding to the leftmost general winning opening 31 and the second discharge passage portion 43 adjacent to the right of that general winning opening 31. Specifically, the first winning opening detection sensor 42a is provided at an intermediate position in the first discharge passage portion 42 such that a detection range exists, and the second winning opening detection sensor 43a is provided at an intermediate position in the second discharge passage portion 43 such that a detection range exists. A game ball that has entered the leftmost general winning opening 31 is detected by the first winning opening detection sensor 42a while passing through the first discharge passage portion 42, and a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 31 adjacent to the right of that is detected by the second winning opening detection sensor 43a while passing through the second discharge passage portion 43. Also, a third discharge passage portion 44 is provided which is formed to merge at an intermediate position with respect to the two general winning openings 31 on the right side. The third discharge passage portion 44 has an inlet-side region corresponding to each of the two general winning openings 31, and has one outlet-side region by the merging of those inlet-side regions in the middle. The third winning opening detection sensor 44a is provided at an intermediate position in the outlet-side region of the third discharge passage portion 44 such that a detection range exists. A game ball that has entered any of the two general winning openings 31 on the right side is detected by the third winning opening detection sensor 44a while passing through the third discharge passage portion 44.

[0050] There is a fourth discharge passage portion 45 corresponding to the special electric winning device 32. A special electric detection sensor 45a is provided such that a detection range exists at an intermediate position of the fourth discharge passage portion 45. A game ball that has entered the special electric winning device 32 is detected by the special electric detection sensor 45a while passing through the fourth discharge passage portion 45. There is a fifth discharge passage portion 46 corresponding to the first operation port 33. A first operation port detection sensor 46a is provided such that a detection range exists at an intermediate position of the fifth discharge passage portion 46. A game ball that has entered the first operation port 33 is detected by the first operation port detection sensor 46a while passing through the fifth discharge passage portion 46. There is a sixth discharge passage portion 47 corresponding to the second operation port 34. A second operation port detection sensor 47a is provided such that a detection range exists at an intermediate position of the sixth discharge passage portion 47. A game ball that has entered the second operation port 34 is detected by the second operation port detection sensor 47a while passing through the sixth discharge passage portion 47. There is a seventh discharge passage portion 48 corresponding to the out port 24a. An out port detection sensor 48a is provided such that a detection range exists at an intermediate position of the seventh discharge passage portion 48. A game ball that has entered the out port 24a is detected by the out port detection sensor 48a while passing through the seventh discharge passage portion 48.

[0051] Note that a game ball detected by any one of the various detection sensors 42a to 48a will not be detected by the other detection sensors 42a to 48a. Also, a gate detection sensor 49a is provided for the through gate 35, and a game ball passing through the through gate 35 while flowing down in the game area PA is detected by the gate detection sensor 49a.

[0052] As various detection sensors 42a to 49a, electromagnetic induction type proximity sensors are all used, but the sensors to be used are arbitrary as long as they can individually detect the pachinko balls. Further, the various detection sensors 42a to 49a are electrically connected to a main control device 60 described later, and the detection results of the various detection sensors 42a to 49a are output to the main control device 60. Specifically, the various detection sensors 42a to 49a output a LOW level signal in a situation where the pachinko balls are not detected, and output a HI level signal in a situation where the pachinko balls are detected. Note that it is not limited to this, and the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of an inner frame 13 in which the game board 24 having the above-described configuration is attached to a resin base 21. As shown in FIG. 1, a window portion 51 is formed in the front door frame 14 so that substantially the entire game area PA can be visually recognized from the front. The window portion 51 has a substantially elliptical shape, and a window panel 52 is fitted therein. The window panel 52 is formed of glass to be colorless and transparent, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be formed of synthetic resin to be colorless and transparent, or may be formed of colored transparent as long as the game area PA can be visually recognized through the window panel 52 from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0054] A display light emitting portion 53 is provided above the window portion 51. Also, a pair of left and right speaker portions 54 for outputting effect sounds and the like according to the game state are provided. Further, below the window portion 51, an upper bulging portion 55 bulging forward and a lower bulging portion 56 are arranged side by side vertically. An upper tray 55a opening upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 55, and a lower tray 56a also opening upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 56. The upper tray 55a has a function of temporarily storing the pachinko balls paid out from a payout device 76 described later and guiding them to the pachinko ball launching mechanism 27 side while aligning them in a row. Also, the lower tray 56a has a function of storing the surplus pachinko balls in the upper tray 55a.

[0055] Next, the configuration on the back side of the game machine main body 12 will be described.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, on the back surface of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24), a main control device 60 that controls the main game is mounted. The main control device 60 is formed by housing a main control board 61 in a board box 60a. Note that a trace means for leaving a trace of its opening or a trace structure for leaving a trace of its opening may be provided on the board box 60a. As the trace means, a configuration of a coupling part that inseparably couples a plurality of case bodies constituting the board box 60a and requires destruction of a predetermined part when separating them, or a seal that leaves a trace of being peeled off by leaving an adhesive layer on the adhesion target when peeling off, is pasted so as to straddle the boundary between the plurality of case bodies is conceivable. Further, as the trace structure, a configuration of applying an adhesive to the boundary between a plurality of case bodies constituting the board box 60a is conceivable.

[0057] A back pack unit 15 is installed so as to cover the back side of the inner frame 13 including the main control device 60. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 72 formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and a payout mechanism unit 73 and a control device assembly unit 74 are attached to the back pack 72.

[0058] The payout mechanism unit 73 includes a tank 75 to which game balls supplied from the island equipment in the game hall are sequentially replenished, and a payout device 76 for paying out the game balls stored in the tank 75. The game balls paid out from the payout device 76 are discharged to the upper tray 55a or the lower tray 56a through a payout passage provided on the downstream side of the payout device 76. Note that the payout mechanism unit 73 is supplied with, for example, a main power supply of 24 volts AC, and a back pack board having a power switch for performing ON operation and OFF operation of the power supply is mounted thereon.

[0059] The control device set unit 74 includes a payout control device 77 having a function of controlling the payout device 76, and a power supply / launch control device 78 that generates and outputs predetermined power required by various control devices and the like, and controls the launching of game balls accompanying the operation of the launch operation device 28 by the player. These payout control device 77 and power supply / launch control device 78 are arranged one on top of the other in the front-rear direction so that the payout control device 77 is at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0060] <Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 10> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

[0061] The main control device 60 includes a main control board 61 that controls the main game, and a power failure monitoring board 67 that monitors the power supply. An MPU 62 is mounted on the main control board 61. In addition to the main CPU 63 which is an arithmetic processing device including a control unit and an arithmetic unit, the MPU 62 incorporates a main side ROM 64, a main side RAM 65, and a management IC 66. In addition to the above elements, the MPU 62 incorporates an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and various counter circuits as random number generators.

[0062] The main side ROM 64 is a memory (that is, a non-volatile storage means) such as a NOR type flash memory and a NAND type flash memory that does not require external power supply for storage retention, and is used as read-only. The main side ROM 64 stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the main side CPU 63.

[0063] The main side RAM 65 is a memory (that is, a volatile storage means) such as an SRAM and a DRAM that requires external power supply for storage retention, and is used for both reading and writing. The main side RAM 65 allows random access, and has a shorter read time than the main side ROM 64 when compared with the same data capacity. The main side RAM 65 temporarily stores various data for the execution of the control program stored in the main side ROM 64.

[0064] The management IC 66 is a management device that manages the ball entry mode of game balls in the game area PA based on the information supplied from the main CPU 63. Although details will be described later, the management IC 66 grasps the ball entry history of game balls into the general winning opening 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation opening 33, the second operation opening 34, and the out opening 24a, and based on the grasped ball entry history, the ball entry frequencies into the general winning opening 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation opening 33, and the second operation opening 34 are grasped.

[0065] The MPU 62 is provided with an input port and an output port respectively. On the input side of the MPU 62, a power failure monitoring board 67 and a payout control device 77 provided in the main control device 60 are connected. A power supply / transmission control device 78 having a function of supplying operating power is connected to the power failure monitoring board 67, and operating power is supplied to the MPU 62 via the power failure monitoring board 67.

[0066] On the input side of the MPU 62, various sensors such as various ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a are connected. As already described, the various ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a are the first winning opening detection sensor 42a, the second winning opening detection sensor 43a, the third winning opening detection sensor 44a, the special electric detection sensor 45a, the first operation opening detection sensor 46a, the second operation opening detection sensor 47a, the out opening detection sensor 48a, and the gate detection sensor 49a. Based on the detection results of these ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a, the main CPU 63 makes a ball entry determination for each ball entry part. Also, in the main CPU 63, various lotteries are executed based on winning at the first operation opening 33, and various lotteries are executed based on winning at the second operation opening 34.

[0067] On the output side of the MPU 62, a power failure monitoring board 67, a payout control device 77, and an audio / light emission control device 81 are connected. To the payout control device 77, for example, a bonus ball command is output based on a game ball entering a bonus ball corresponding ball entry part among the above ball entry parts where the occurrence of ball entry corresponds to the payout of game balls. Various commands such as a variation command, a type command, and an opening command are output to the audio / light emission control device 81.

[0068] On the output side of the MPU62, a special-electric drive unit 32b for operating the opening / closing member 202 (described later) of the special-electric winning device 32, a general-electric drive unit 34b for operating the general-electric component 34a of the second operation port 34, a special-diagram unit 37, and a general-diagram unit 38 are connected. Incidentally, the special-diagram unit 37 is provided with a first special-diagram display unit 37a, a second special-diagram display unit 37b, a first special-diagram hold display unit 37c, and a second special-diagram hold display unit 37d, and all of these are connected to the output side of the MPU62. Similarly, the general-diagram unit 38 is provided with a general-diagram display unit 38a and a general-diagram hold display unit 38b, and all of these are connected to the output side of the MPU62. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 61, and through the driver circuits, the MPU62 executes drive control of various drive units and various display units.

[0069] That is, in the opening / closing execution mode, drive control of the special-electric drive unit 32b is executed in the main CPU63 so that the special-electric winning device 32 is opened and closed. Also, when the general-electric component 34a wins in the general-electric open state, drive control of the general-electric drive unit 34b is executed in the main CPU63 so that the general-electric component 34a is opened and closed. Also, in each game round, display control of the special-diagram display unit 37a is executed in the main CPU63. Also, when indicating the lottery result of whether to set the general-electric component 34a to the open state, display control of the general-diagram display unit 38a is executed in the main CPU63. Also, when a winning occurs at the first operation port 33 or the second operation port 34, or when variable display starts in the special-diagram display units 37a, 37b, display control of the special-diagram hold display units 37c, 37d is executed in the main CPU63, and when a winning occurs at the through gate 35, or when variable display starts in the general-diagram display unit 38a, display control of the general-diagram hold display unit 38b is executed in the main CPU63.

[0070] The power outage monitoring board 67 relays between the main control board 61 and the power supply / emission control device 78, and monitors the DC stabilized 24-volt voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / emission control device 78. The payout control device 77 controls the payout of prize balls and loaned balls by the payout device 76 based on the prize ball command received from the main control device 60.

[0071] The power supply / emission control device 78 is connected to a commercial power supply (external power supply) in, for example, a game hall. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, it generates the necessary operating power for the main control board 61, the payout control device 77, etc. respectively, and supplies the generated operating power. Incidentally, the power supply / emission control device 78 is provided with a power supply unit for power failure such as a backup capacitor. Even when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is in the OFF state, power for storage and retention is supplied from the power supply unit for power failure to the main side RAM 65 of the main control device 60 and the payout control device 77. Also, the power supply / emission control device 78 is responsible for the emission control of the game ball emission mechanism 27, and the game ball emission mechanism 27 is driven when predetermined emission conditions are met.

[0072] The audio-visual control device 81 drives and controls the display light-emitting unit 53 and the speaker unit 54 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands received from the main control device 60, and controls the display control device 82. The display control device 82 executes the display control of the symbol display device 41 based on the command received from the audio-visual control device 81.

[0073] <Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries by the main CPU 63> Next, the electrical configuration for performing various lotteries by the main CPU 63 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0074] During the game, the main CPU 63 uses various counter information to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, setting of the displays of the special figure display units 37a and 37b, setting of the symbol display of the symbol display device 41, setting of the display of the normal figure display unit 38a, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery of jackpot occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type, a reach random number counter C3 used for the reach occurrence lottery when the symbol display device 41 fluctuates out, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a variation type counter CS for determining the variation display period in the special figure display units 37a and 37b and the symbol display device 41 are used. Further, a normal power random number counter C4 used for the lottery of whether to set the normal power accessory 34a of the second operation port 34 to the normal power release state is used. Note that the above-mentioned counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in various counter areas 65b of the main RAM 65.

[0075] Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that has 1 added to the previous value each time it is updated and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals. Information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in a special figure holding area 65a provided as acquisition information storage means in the main RAM 65 when a winning occurs at the first operation port 33 or the second operation port 34. The special figure holding area 65a includes a first special figure holding area 85, a second special figure holding area 86, and an execution area 87 for special figures.

[0076] The first special drawing hold area 85 includes a first area 85a, a second area 85b, a third area 85c, and a fourth area 85d. In accordance with the winning history of the first operation port 33, each numerical information of the winning random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as hold information on the special drawing side in any one of the areas 85a to 85d. In this case, when a winning at the first operation port 33 occurs continuously multiple times, the numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of the first area 85a → the second area 85b → the third area 85c → the fourth area 85d in the first area 85a to the fourth area 85d. By providing the four areas 85a to 85d in this way, the winning history of the game balls at the first operation port 33 can be held and stored up to a maximum of four. Note that the number that can be held and stored in the first special drawing hold area 85 is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other plural numbers such as two, three, or five or more, or may be a single number.

[0077] The second special drawing hold area 86 includes a first area 86a, a second area 86b, a third area 86c, and a fourth area 86d. In accordance with the winning history of the second operation port 34, each numerical information of the winning random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as hold information on the special drawing side in any one of the areas 86a to 86d. In this case, when a winning at the second operation port 34 occurs continuously multiple times, the numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of the first area 86a → the second area 86b → the third area 86c → the fourth area 86d in the first area 86a to the fourth area 86d. By providing the four areas 86a to 86d in this way, the winning history of the game balls at the second operation port 34 can be held and stored up to a maximum of four. Note that the number that can be held and stored in the second special drawing hold area 86 is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other plural numbers such as two, three, or five or more, or may be a single number.

[0078] The execution area 87 for special diagrams is an area where hold information for objects such as success / failure determination and distribution determination for special diagrams is stored when starting the variable display in any of the special diagram display units 37a, 37b. Specifically, when starting the variable display of the first special diagram display unit 37a, the hold information stored in the first area 85a of the first special diagram hold area 85 is moved to the execution area 87 for special diagrams. On the other hand, when starting the variable display of the second special diagram display unit 37b, the hold information stored in the first area 86a of the second special diagram hold area 86 is moved to the execution area 87 for special diagrams.

[0079] The information corresponding to the general-purpose random number counter C4 is stored in the general-purpose diagram hold area 65c when a winning entry to the through gate 35 occurs. The general-purpose diagram hold area 65c includes a first area 88a, a second area 88b, a third area 88c, and a fourth area 88d. In accordance with the winning history of the through gate 35, the numerical information of the general-purpose random number counter C4 is stored as hold information on the general-purpose diagram side in any of the areas 88a to 88d. In this case, when a winning entry to the through gate 35 occurs continuously multiple times, the numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of the first area 88a → the second area 88b → the third area 88c → the fourth area 88d. By providing these four areas 88a to 88d in this way, the winning history of the game balls entering the through gate 35 can be held and memorized up to a maximum of four. Note that the number that can be held and memorized in the general-purpose diagram hold area 65c is not limited to four and can be arbitrary, and can be other plural numbers such as two, three, or five or more, or can be a single number. In the general-purpose diagram hold area 65c, an execution area 89 for general-purpose diagrams is provided. The execution area 89 for general-purpose diagrams is an area where hold information for objects to perform the general-purpose open lottery process is stored when starting the variable display in the general-purpose diagram display unit 38a. Specifically, when starting the variable display of the general-purpose diagram display unit 38a, the hold information stored in the first area 88a of the general-purpose diagram hold area 65c is moved to the execution area 89 for general-purpose diagrams.

[0080] The above-mentioned counters will be described in detail.

[0081] First, the general-purpose random number counter C4 will be described. The general-purpose random number counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 250, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to "0". The general-purpose random number counter C4 is updated periodically and is stored in the general-purpose diagram reservation area 65c of the main-side RAM 65 at the timing when a game ball wins in the through gate 35. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether to control the general-purpose accessory 34a to the open state based on the value of the stored general-purpose random number counter C4.

[0082] In this pachinko machine 10, there is only one type of support mode. Therefore, the probability of winning the general-purpose open state in the general-purpose open lottery process using the general-purpose random number counter C4 and the determination mode of the variation display period when the pattern variation display is executed on the general-purpose diagram display unit 38a are constant regardless of the game state. Also, the number of times the general-purpose accessory 34a becomes the open state in the general-purpose open state, the opening period of the general-purpose accessory 34a for one time, and the closing period from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state when the open state of the general-purpose accessory 34a occurs multiple times in the general-purpose open state, that is, the execution mode of the drive control of the general-purpose accessory 34a is also constant regardless of the game state. As a result, since it is not necessary to change the display control mode of the general-purpose diagram display unit 38a and the drive control mode of the general-purpose accessory 34a according to the type of support mode, it is possible to suppress the program capacity and data capacity for executing these controls. Note that since there is only one type of support mode, the normal game state in this embodiment is a game state where the win / loss lottery mode is the low-probability mode, and the high-probability state in this embodiment is a game state where the win / loss lottery mode is the high-probability mode.

[0083] Next, the winning random number counter C1 will be described. The winning random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 599, and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the winning random number counter C1 makes one full cycle, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the winning random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The winning random number counter C1 is updated periodically and stored in the special figure reservation area 65a of the main side RAM 65 at the timing when the game ball wins the first operating port 33 or the second operating port 34. Then, a winning or losing determination is made using the value of the stored winning random number counter C1.

[0084] The values of the random numbers that result in a win in the winning or losing determination are stored in the main side ROM 64 as a winning or losing table. In the winning or losing table, as the winning or losing results, a big win result, a small win result, and a losing result are set. The big win result is a winning or losing result that serves as an opportunity to shift to the opening / closing execution mode in which the special electric winning device 32 is controlled for opening and closing, and can also serve as an opportunity to shift to the winning or losing lottery mode. The small win result is a winning or losing result that serves as an opportunity to shift to the opening / closing execution mode in which the special electric winning device 32 is controlled for opening and closing, but does not serve as an opportunity to shift to the winning or losing lottery mode. The losing result is a winning or losing result that does not serve as an opportunity to shift to the opening / closing execution mode and furthermore does not serve as an opportunity to shift to the winning or losing lottery mode.

[0085] When a big win result occurs, the opening and closing execution mode to be executed is a round number regulation mode that is executed up to a predetermined number of rounds of the round game. The round game is a game that continues until either one of the conditions, that is, the number of openings and closings of the special electric winning device 32 reaches the upper limit number, and a predetermined upper limit number of game balls win in the special electric winning device 32, is satisfied. In the present embodiment, in one round game, the special electric winning device 32 is opened and closed once, and the opening continuation period in each round game is set to 29 seconds. Also, the upper limit number of winning balls for the special electric winning device 32 is set to 10. Since the game ball launching mechanism 27 is driven and controlled so that one game ball is launched toward the game area PA every 0.6 seconds in the situation where the launching operation device 28 is being operated by the player, the opening continuation period of the round game is set to a time longer than the product of the launching period of the game ball and the upper limit number of winning balls in one round game. Therefore, it can be expected that more than the upper limit number of game balls will win in the special electric winning device 32 in each round game. Also, the number of rounds of the round game executed in the round number regulation mode differs depending on the type of big win result.

[0086] When a small win result occurs, the opening and closing execution mode to be executed is an opening and closing number regulation mode that ends based on either one of the conditions that the round game is not set, the number of openings and closings of the special electric winning device 32 reaches the upper limit number, and a predetermined upper limit number of game balls win in the special electric winning device 32. A plurality of types of opening continuation periods in one opening of the special electric winning device 32 in the opening and closing number regulation mode are set. All of these opening continuation periods are set to be longer than the launching period of the game ball (specifically, 0.6 seconds), but there are a period less than the product of the launching period of the game ball and the upper limit number of winning balls (specifically, 10), and a period equal to or more than the product of the launching period of the game ball and the upper limit number of winning balls (specifically, 10). In the opening and closing execution mode executed when a small win result occurs, although the number is less than that in the opening and closing execution mode executed when a big win result occurs, it is possible to increase the number of balls held by the player.

[0087] As the win / loss tables, as shown in the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d), there are provided a win / loss table for the first special drawing used for determining the win / loss of the first held information stored in the first special drawing holding area 85 based on winning the first operation port 33, and a win / loss table for the second special drawing used for determining the win / loss of the second held information stored in the second special drawing holding area 86 based on winning the second operation port 34. Further, in the win / loss table for the first special drawing, there are a low-probability win / loss table and a high-probability win / loss table, and similarly, in the win / loss table for the second special drawing, there are also a low-probability win / loss table and a high-probability win / loss table. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, different win / loss tables are referred to for the first held information and the second held information, and in any case, there are a low-probability mode and a high-probability mode as the win / loss lottery modes in the win / loss determination.

[0088] Specifically explaining each win / loss table, as shown in FIG. 9(a), for the low-probability win / loss table for the first special drawing, the values of the random numbers resulting in a jackpot are two (for example, "5", "305"), and the values of the random numbers for the other cases are off-result values. That is, when the win / loss determination for the first held information is made in the low-probability mode of the win / loss lottery mode, it can be either a jackpot result or an off-result, but it will never be a minor jackpot result.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 9(b), for the high-probability win / loss table for the first special figure, the number of random number values resulting in a big win is set to be larger than that in the case of the low-probability win / loss table for the first special figure, specifically 20 (for example, "5", "34", "65", "130", "163", "192", "220", "245", "276", "305", "334", "365", "392", "420", "470", "495", "520", "558", "575", "599"). In this case, the value group of the winning random number counter C1 that results in a big win in the situation of the low-probability mode is included in the value group of the winning random number counter C1 that results in a big win in the situation of the high-probability mode. The values of the other random numbers are random number values resulting in a non-winning outcome. That is, when the win / loss lottery mode is in the high-probability mode and the win / loss determination is made for the first reserved information, it will result in either a big win or a non-winning outcome, but not a small win outcome.

[0090] In the low-probability win / loss table for the second special figure, as shown in Fig. 9(c), the random number values resulting in a big win are the same as those in the case of the low-probability win / loss table for the first special figure. On the other hand, the random number values other than the random number values resulting in a big win are random number values resulting in a small win. That is, when the win / loss lottery mode is in the low-probability mode and the win / loss determination process is performed for the second reserved information, it will result in either a big win or a small win. Also, the first small win result, the second small win result, and the third small win result are set as the small win results. The first small win result, the second small win result, and the third small win result have different execution modes of the opening / closing execution mode, which will be described in detail later. Also, the winning probabilities of these first to third small win results are all the same at 199 / 600.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 9(d), the high-probability win / loss table for the second special drawing is such that the values of the random numbers resulting in a jackpot are the same as those in the case of the high-probability win / loss table for the first special drawing. Therefore, the number of values of the random numbers resulting in a jackpot is larger than that in the case of the low-probability win / loss table for the second special drawing. On the other hand, the values of the random numbers other than those resulting in a jackpot are the values of the random numbers resulting in a minor win. That is, when the win / loss determination is made for the second hold information in the high-probability mode, either a jackpot result or a minor win result will occur. Similar to the low-probability win / loss table for the second special drawing, a first minor win result, a second minor win result, and a third minor win result are set as minor win results. The winning probabilities of these first to third minor win results are approximately the same at 193 / 600 or 194 / 600.

[0092] By adopting a configuration in which a minor win result can occur when the second hold information triggers the win / loss determination as described above, when a winning occurs in the second operation port 34, an opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the minor win result is likely to occur. And when the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the minor win result occurs, the player can slightly increase the number of balls in hand.

[0093] If the probability of getting a jackpot is higher in the high-probability mode than in the low-probability mode, the number and values of the winning random numbers can be arbitrary. Also, in the situation of the low-probability mode, the value group of the winning random number counter C1 that results in a jackpot may be configured such that only a part of it is included in the value group of the winning random number counter C1 that results in a jackpot win in the high-probability mode, or it may not be included.

[0094] The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The jackpot type counter C2 is updated periodically and is stored in the special drawing hold area 65a at the timing when the game ball wins in the first operation port 33 or the second operation port 34.

[0095] In this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of jackpot results are set. These plurality of jackpot results are set by providing differences in two conditions, namely, the number of times of execution of the round game in the open / close execution mode and the win / loss lottery mode in the win / loss lottery means after the end of the open / close execution mode.

[0096] As shown in the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), on the distribution table, as types of jackpot results, a 2R low probability result, a 2R high probability result, a 4R low probability result, a 4R high probability result, a 6R low probability result, a 6R high probability result, a 10R low probability result, a 10R high probability result, a 16R low probability result, and a 16R high probability result are set.

[0097] For the 2R low probability result and the 2R high probability result, the number of times of execution of the round game in the open / close execution mode is 2 times. For the 4R low probability result and the 4R high probability result, the number of times of execution of the round game in the open / close execution mode is 4 times. For the 6R low probability result and the 6R high probability result, the number of times of execution of the round game in the open / close execution mode is 6 times. For the 10R low probability result and the 10R high probability result, the number of times of execution of the round game in the open / close execution mode is 10 times. For the 16R low probability result and the 16R high probability result, the number of times of execution of the round game in the open / close execution mode is 16 times. Also, for the 2R low probability result, the 4R low probability result, the 6R low probability result, the 10R low probability result, and the 16R low probability result, the win / loss lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode is the low probability mode regardless of the win / loss lottery mode before the transition to the open / close execution mode. This low probability mode becomes the next jackpot result and continues at least until the transition to the open / close execution mode due to that. On the other hand, for the 2R high probability result, the 4R high probability result, the 6R high probability result, the 10R high probability result, and the 16R high probability result, the win / loss lottery mode after the end of the open / close execution mode is the high probability mode regardless of the win / loss lottery mode before the transition to the open / close execution mode. This high probability mode becomes the next jackpot result and continues at least until the transition to the open / close execution mode due to that.

[0098] As the distribution table, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), there are set a distribution table for the first special figure used for the distribution determination of the first hold information obtained based on winning at the first operation port 33, and a distribution table for the second special figure used for the distribution determination of the second hold information obtained based on winning at the second operation port 34.

[0099] Specifically explaining each allocation table, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the allocation table for the first special figure has the following types of jackpot results as the allocation targets: 2R low probability results, 2R high probability results, 4R low probability results, 4R high probability results, 6R low probability results, 6R high probability results, 10R low probability results, 10R high probability results, 16R low probability results, and 16R high probability results. In the allocation table for the first special figure, "0 to 1" corresponds to the 2R low probability result, "2 to 5" corresponds to the 2R high probability result, "6 to 7" corresponds to the 4R low probability result, "8 to 11" corresponds to the 4R high probability result, "12 to 13" corresponds to the 6R low probability result, "14 to 17" corresponds to the 6R high probability result, "18 to 19" corresponds to the 10R low probability result, "20 to 23" corresponds to the 10R high probability result, "24 to 25" corresponds to the 16R low probability result, and "26 to 29" corresponds to the 16R high probability result. In this case, the probabilities of the 2R low probability result, 4R low probability result, 6R low probability result, 10R low probability result, and 16R low probability result are each approximately 6.7%, and the probabilities of the 2R high probability result, 4R high probability result, 6R high probability result, 10R high probability result, and 16R high probability result are each approximately 13%. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the allocation table for the second special figure has the 16R low probability result and the 16R high probability result set as the types of jackpot results to be allocated. In the allocation table for the second special figure, "0 to 9" corresponds to the 16R low probability result, and "10 to 29" corresponds to the 16R high probability result. In this case, the probability of the 16R low probability result is approximately 33%, which is the same as the probability of any one of the 2R low probability result, 4R low probability result, 6R low probability result, 10R low probability result, and 16R low probability result being selected in the allocation table for the first special figure. Also, the probability of the 16R high probability result is approximately 67%, which is the same as the probability of any one of the 2R high probability result, 4R high probability result, 6R high probability result, 10R high probability result, and 16R high probability result being selected in the allocation table for the first special figure.

[0100] In the distribution table for the first special figure and the distribution table for the second special figure, the probability of entering the high-probability mode after the opening / closing execution mode is the same when a big win is selected. On the other hand, the average number of times the round game is executed is greater for the distribution table for the second special figure than for the distribution table for the first special figure. Therefore, as the types of big win results that can be selected when a big win is selected, winning at the second winning opening 34 and having an internal lottery conducted is more advantageous for the player than winning at the first winning opening 33 and having an internal lottery conducted.

[0101] Next, the reach random number counter C3 will be described. The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. Here, in the pachinko machine 10, an expected display is set as a type of display effect in the symbol display device 41. The expected display is a gaming machine that includes a symbol display device 41 capable of performing variable display of symbols, and in a game where a predetermined big win result is obtained, the final stop result becomes the result corresponding to the grant. It refers to a display state for making the player think that it is a variable display state in which the result corresponding to the grant is likely to occur in the stage before the stop result is derived and displayed after the variable display of the symbols in the symbol display device 41 is started. Specifically, for the result corresponding to the grant, a combination of symbols with the same number attached on any valid line is stopped and displayed.

[0102] Two types of expected displays are set: a reach display and a preview display for expecting the occurrence of the reach display or the occurrence of the result corresponding to the grant in the stage before the reach display occurs.

[0103] The reach display includes a display state in which, for some of the plurality of symbol columns displayed on the display surface of the symbol display device 41, symbols are stopped and displayed to show a combination of reach symbols, and in that state, variable display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol columns. Also, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, while performing variable display of symbols in the remaining symbol columns, a reach effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on the background screen, or after reducing or hiding the combination of reach symbols, a reach effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image over substantially the entire display surface.

[0104] The preview display includes a mode in which a character is displayed separately from the symbols on the symbol column in a situation where variable display of symbols has started on the display surface of the symbol display device 41, in a situation where symbols are being variably displayed in all symbol columns, or in a situation where symbols are being variably displayed in some of the symbol columns, i.e., a plurality of symbol columns. Also included are those in which the background screen is set to a predetermined mode different from the previous mode, and those in which the symbols on the symbol column are set to a predetermined mode different from the previous mode. Such a preview display can occur in any game round whether a reach display is performed or not, but is set to occur with a higher probability when a reach display is performed than when a reach display is not performed.

[0105] The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in a game round where ultimately the same combination of symbols is stopped and displayed. Also, in a game round corresponding to a small win result, it is not executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. Further, in a game round corresponding to a losing result, it is executed when the reach random number counter C3 obtained at a predetermined timing by referring to the reach table stored in the main side ROM 64 corresponds to the occurrence of the reach display.

[0106] On the other hand, the determination of whether to perform a pre-announcement display is not made by the main control device 60, but by the audio-visual control device 81. In this case, the audio-visual control device 81 executes a lottery process for the pre-announcement display so as to satisfy at least one of the conditions that a game round corresponding to any jackpot result is more likely to generate a pre-announcement display than a game round corresponding to a losing result, and that a pre-announcement display with a low appearance rate is more likely to occur. Incidentally, this lottery result is reflected when the effect for the game is executed by the symbol display device 41.

[0107] Next, the variable type counter CS will be described. The variable type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The variable type counter CS is used in determining, by the main CPU 63, the variable display period in the special figure display units 37a and 37b and the variable display period of the symbols in the symbol display device 41. The variable type counter CS is repeatedly updated and is acquired when determining the variable pattern at the start of the variable display in the special figure display units 37a and 37b and at the start of the symbol variation by the symbol display device 41.

[0108] <Regarding the processing configuration of the main CPU 63> Next, each process executed by the main CPU 63 to advance the game will be described. The processes of the main CPU 63 are roughly classified into a main process started with the power-on and a timer interrupt process started periodically (at a cycle of 4 msec in this embodiment).

[0109] <Main process> First, the main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11.

[0110] First, execute the power-on wait process (step S101). In this power-on wait process, for example, after the main process is started, it waits without proceeding to the next process until a predetermined time for waiting (specifically 1 second) has elapsed. During the execution period of such a power-on wait process, the operation start and initial settings of the symbol display device 41 will be completed. After that, access to the main-side RAM 65 is permitted (step S102), and the internal function registers of the main-side CPU 63 are set (step S103).

[0111] Thereafter, it is determined whether the RAM erase switch provided in the power / launch control device 78 has been manually operated (step S104), and further, it is determined whether a "1" is set in the power failure flag of the main-side RAM 65 (step S105). Also, a checksum calculation process for calculating the checksum is executed (step S106), and it is determined whether the checksum matches the checksum stored at the time of power-off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined (step S107).

[0112] In this pachinko machine 10, for example, when initializing the RAM data at the time of power-on, such as at the start of business in the game hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch is pressed, the process proceeds to step S108. Also, when the power-off occurrence information is not set or when an abnormality in the data stored and held by the checksum is confirmed, the process similarly proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the main-side RAM 65 is cleared. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0113] On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch is not pressed, if the power failure flag is set to "1" and the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step S109 without executing the process of step S108. In step S109, power-on setting processing is executed. In the power-on setting processing, a predetermined area of the main-side RAM 65 such as initialization of the power failure flag is set to an initial value, and a command corresponding to the current gaming state is transmitted to the audio-visual control device 81. Further, after executing the process of step S109, recognition processing (step S110) for causing the management IC 66 to recognize various information and data output processing for outputting various data to a reading device connected to the MPU 62 are executed (step S111). Details of these recognition processing and data output processing will be described later.

[0114] Note that the main-side CPU 63 is configured to periodically execute timer interrupt processing, but the generation of timer interrupt processing is prohibited at the stage when the main processing is started. The state in which the generation of this timer interrupt processing is prohibited is released at the timing before the process of step S111 is completed and the process of step S112 is executed, and the execution of timer interrupt processing is permitted. Thereby, when the supply of operating power to the main-side CPU 63 is started, the timer interrupt processing is not executed until the data output processing of step S111 is completed and before the process of step S112 is started. Therefore, until such a situation occurs, the process for advancing the game by the main-side CPU 63 is not started.

[0115] Thereafter, the process proceeds to the remaining processes of steps S112 to S115. That is, although the main-side CPU 63 is configured to periodically execute timer interrupt processing, a remaining time will occur between one timer interrupt processing and the next timer interrupt processing. This remaining time will vary according to the processing completion time of each timer interrupt processing, but such irregular time is used to repeatedly execute the remaining processes of steps S112 to S115. In this regard, it can be said that the remaining processes of steps S112 to S115 are non-periodic processes that are executed non-periodically.

[0116] In the residual process, first, in step S112, an interrupt disable setting is performed to prohibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing. In the subsequent step S113, a random number initial value update process for updating the random number initial value counter CINI is executed, and in step S114, a variable counter update process for updating the variation type counter CS is executed. In these update processes, the current numerical information is read from the corresponding counter in the main RAM 65, and after performing a process of adding 1 to the read numerical information, a process of overwriting the original counter is executed. In this case, when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to "0" respectively. Then, in step S115, an interrupt enable setting is performed to switch from the state where the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited to the enabled state. After executing the process of step S115, the process returns to step S112, and the processes of steps S112 to S115 are repeated.

[0117] <Timer interrupt processing> Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. The timer interrupt processing is executed periodically (for example, at a cycle of 4 msec).

[0118] First, a power failure information storage process is executed (step S201). In the power failure information storage process, it is monitored whether a power failure signal corresponding to the occurrence of power failure is received from the power failure monitoring board 67. When the occurrence of power failure is identified, after executing the power failure time process, it enters an infinite loop. In the power failure time process, "1" is set in the power failure flag of the main RAM 65, and a checksum is calculated and the calculated checksum is saved.

[0119] After that, a lottery random number update process is executed (step S202). In the lottery random number update process, updates of the winning random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and ordinary electric random number counter C4 are executed. Specifically, the current numerical information is sequentially read out from the winning random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and ordinary electric random number counter C4, and after executing the process of adding 1 to each of the read numerical information, the process of overwriting the original counter is executed. In this case, when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to "0" respectively. After that, in step S203, a random number initial value update process is executed in the same manner as in step S113, and in step S204, a variable counter update process is executed in the same manner as in step S114.

[0120] After that, an illegal detection process for monitoring whether or not a predetermined event set as a monitoring target for illegal use has occurred is executed (step S205). In the illegal detection process, the occurrence of a plurality of types of events is monitored, and by confirming that a predetermined event has occurred, "1" is set in the game stop flag provided in the main side RAM 65. In the subsequent step S206, by determining whether or not "1" is set in the game stop flag, it is determined whether or not the game is in a state of being stopped. When a negative determination is made in step S206, the processes after step S207 are executed.

[0121] In step S207, port output processing is executed. In the port output processing, when output information is set in the previous timer interrupt processing, processing for performing an output corresponding to the output information to various drive units 32b and 34b is executed. For example, when information for switching the special power winning device 32 to the open state is set, the output of a drive signal to the special power drive unit 32b is started, and when information for switching to the closed state is set, the output of the drive signal is stopped. Also, when information for switching the general power accessory 34a of the second operating port 34 to the open state is set, the output of a drive signal to the general power drive unit 34b is started, and when information for switching to the closed state is set, the output of the drive signal is stopped.

[0122] Thereafter, reading processing is executed (step S208). In the reading processing, signals other than the power failure signal and the winning signal are read, and the read information is stored for use in subsequent processing.

[0123] Thereafter, ball entry detection processing is executed (step S209). In the ball entry detection processing, signals received from the respective ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a are read, and based on the read results, the presence or absence of a ball entry to the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special power winning device 32, the first operating port 33, the second operating port 34, and the through gate 35 is specified. Details of the ball entry detection processing will be described later.

[0124] Thereafter, timer update processing for collectively updating the numerical information of a plurality of types of timer counters provided in the main side RAM 65 is executed (step S210). In this case, the timer counters whose stored numerical information is updated by subtraction are aggregated and handled, but it may also be configured to collectively perform both the update of the subtraction type timer counter and the update of the addition type timer counter.

[0125] After that, a launch control process for controlling the launch of game balls is executed (step S211). In a situation where the launch operation to the launch operation device 28 continues, one game ball is launched at a predetermined launch cycle of 0.6 seconds. In the subsequent step S212, as an input state monitoring process, based on the information read in the reading process of step S208, disconnection confirmation of each ball entry detection sensor 42a to 49a and opening confirmation of the game machine main body 12 and the front door frame 14 are performed.

[0126] After that, a special drawing and special power control process for executing the execution control of the game round and the execution control of the opening / closing execution mode is executed (step S213), and a general drawing and general power control process for performing the display control of the general drawing display unit 38a and the drive control of the general power accessory 34a is executed (step S214). The processing contents of these special drawing and special power control process and general drawing and general power control process will be described in detail later.

[0127] In the subsequent step S215, based on the processing results of the immediately preceding steps S213 and S214, output information is set to reflect the increase or decrease in the number of pending information related to the special drawing display units 37a and 37b in the special drawing pending display units 37c and 37d, and output information is set to reflect the increase or decrease in the number of pending information related to the general drawing display unit 38a in the general drawing pending display unit 38b. Also, in step S215, based on the processing results of the immediately preceding steps S213 and S214, output information is set to update the display content of the special drawing display units 37a and 37b, and output information is set to update the display content of the general drawing display unit 38a.

[0128] After that, the content of the commands and signals received from the payout control device 77 is confirmed, and a payout state reception process for performing processing corresponding to the confirmation result is executed (step S216). Further, a payout output process for setting a prize ball command as an output target is executed (step S217). Further, an external information setting process for controlling the start and end of output of an external signal according to the processing results of various processes executed in the current timer interrupt process is executed (step S218). After that, a management output process for outputting information corresponding to the result of the entry of game balls in the game area PA to the management IC 66 is executed (step S219). Details of the management output process will be described later.

[0129] <Ball Entry Detection Process> Next, the main CPU 63 will explain the configuration for specifying the presence or absence of game balls entering the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operating port 33, the second operating port 34, and the through gate 35 based on the detection results of the respective ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration in which the detection results of the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a are input to the main CPU 63.

[0130] The main CPU 63 is provided with an input port 63a. The input port 63a is configured as an 8-bit parallel interface so that it can handle 8 types of signals simultaneously. And an area where information of "0" or "1" is stored according to the voltage of each signal is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each terminal. That is, as the area, it has the 0th bit D0 to the 7th bit D7. Also, although more than 8 types of signals will be input to the input port 63a, in order to limit the number of signals input simultaneously to 8 types, the signal group to be input to the input port 63a is switched through the switching control by the driver IC.

[0131] In the ball entry detection process (step S209) of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 12), the signal group to be input to the input port 63a is set to the signal groups from the respective ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a. In such a set situation, the information corresponding to the detection signal from the first winning port detection sensor 42a is stored in the 0th bit D0, the information corresponding to the detection signal from the second winning port detection sensor 43a is stored in the 1st bit D1, the information corresponding to the detection signal from the third winning port detection sensor 44a is stored in the 2nd bit D2, the information corresponding to the special power detection sensor 45a is stored in the 3rd bit D3, the information corresponding to the detection signal from the first operation port detection sensor 46a is stored in the 4th bit D4, the information corresponding to the detection signal from the second operation port detection sensor 47a is stored in the 5th bit D5, the information corresponding to the detection signal from the out port detection sensor 48a is stored in the 6th bit D6, and the information corresponding to the detection signal from the gate detection sensor 49a is stored in the 7th bit D7.

[0132] Each of the above ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a outputs a LOW-level signal indicating non-detection as a detection signal when it does not detect the passage of a game ball, and outputs a HI-level signal indicating detection as a detection signal when it detects the passage of a game ball. Then, at the input port 63a, when a LOW-level signal is received, "0" information is stored in the corresponding bit, and when a HI-level signal is received, "1" information is stored in the corresponding bit. That is, in a situation where the passage of the game ball is not detected by the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a, "0" information corresponding to the information indicating non-detection is stored in the corresponding bit, and in a situation where the passage of the game ball is detected, "1" information corresponding to the information indicating detection is stored in the corresponding bit.

[0133] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the ball entry detection process executed in step S209 of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 12).

[0134] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the state where the information "0" is stored in the 0th bit D0 to the state where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the first winning port detection sensor 42a (step S301: YES). In this case, "1" is set in the first output flag provided in the main-side RAM 65 (step S302), and the value of the 10 prize ball counter provided in the main-side RAM 65 is incremented by 1 (step S303). The first output flag is a flag for the main CPU 63 to specify to the management IC 66 the information output indicating that one game ball has been detected by the first winning port detection sensor 42a. The 10 prize ball counter is a counter for the main CPU 63 to specify the number of times to execute the payout of 10 game balls. When the value of the 10 prize ball counter is 1 or more, in the payout output process of step S217 in the timer interrupt process (Figure 12), a 10 prize ball command is output to the payout control device 77, and when the 10 prize ball command is output once, the value of the 10 prize ball counter is decremented by 1. When the payout control device 77 receives the 10 prize ball command, it drives and controls the payout device 76 so that 10 game balls are paid out.

[0135] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the state where the information "0" is stored in the 1st bit D1 to the state where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the second winning port detection sensor 43a (step S304: YES). In this case, "1" is set in the second output flag provided in the main-side RAM 65 (step S305), and the value of the 10 prize ball counter provided in the main-side RAM 65 is incremented by 1 (step S306). The second output flag is a flag for the main CPU 63 to specify to the management IC 66 the information output indicating that one game ball has been detected by the second winning port detection sensor 43a.

[0136] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the situation where the information "0" is stored in the second bit D2 to the situation where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the third winning port detection sensor 44a (step S307: YES). In this case, "1" is set to the third output flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S308), and the value of the ten prize ball counter provided in the main side RAM 65 is incremented by 1 (step S309). The third output flag is a flag for the main CPU 63 to specify to the management IC 66 the information output indicating that one game ball has been detected by the third winning port detection sensor 44a and to be executed.

[0137] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the situation where the information "0" is stored in the third bit D3 to the situation where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the special power detection sensor 45a (step S310: YES). In this case, "1" is set in the special power winning flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S311), "1" is set in the fourth output flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S312), and further, the value of the 15 prize ball counter provided in the main side RAM 65 is incremented by 1 (step S313). The special power winning flag is a flag for the main side CPU 63 to specify that one game ball has entered the special power winning device 32 in the opening / closing execution mode. In the special power control process (step S213) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12), by confirming that "1" is set in the special power winning flag, it is specified that one game ball has entered the special power winning device 32, and the remaining number of balls that can enter the special power winning device 32 in the round game or the opening / closing execution mode is decremented by 1. When the process of decrementing the number of balls that can enter by 1 is executed, the special power winning flag is cleared to "0". The fourth output flag is a flag for the main side CPU 63 to specify that the information output indicating that one game ball has been detected by the special power detection sensor 45a should be executed for the management IC 66. The 15 prize ball counter is a counter for the main side CPU 63 to specify the number of times the payout of 15 game balls should be executed. When the value of the 15 prize ball counter is 1 or more, in the payout output process of step S217 in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12), a 15 prize ball command is output to the payout control device 77, and when the 15 prize ball command is output once, the value of the 15 prize ball counter is decremented by 1. When the payout control device 77 receives the 15 prize ball command, it drives and controls the payout device 76 so that 15 game balls are paid out.

[0138] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the situation where the information "0" is stored in the fourth bit D4 to the situation where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the first operation port detection sensor 46a (step S314: YES). In this case, "1" is set to the first operation winning flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S315), "1" is set to the fifth output flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S316), and further, the value of the one prize ball counter provided in the main side RAM 65 is incremented by 1 (step S317). The first operation winning flag is a flag for the main side CPU 63 to specify that one game ball has entered the first operation port 33. In the special drawing control process (step S213) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12), by confirming that "1" is set in the first operation winning flag, the number of stored information stored in the storage area RE of the special drawing reservation area 65a is less than the upper limit number of 4, and a process of newly storing the stored information is executed. When it is confirmed in the special drawing control process (step S213) that "1" is set in the first operation winning flag and the process corresponding to the confirmation is executed, the first operation winning flag is cleared to "0". The fifth output flag is a flag for the main side CPU 63 to specify that the information output indicating that one game ball has been detected by the first operation port detection sensor 46a should be executed for the management IC 66. The one prize ball counter is a counter for the main side CPU 63 to specify the number of times to execute the payout of one game ball. When the value of the one prize ball counter is 1 or more, in the payout output process of step S217 in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12), a one prize ball command is output to the payout control device 77, and when the one prize ball command is output once, the value of the one prize ball counter is decremented by 1. When the payout control device 77 receives the one prize ball command, it drives and controls the payout device 76 so that one game ball is paid out.

[0139] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the situation where the information "0" is stored in the 5th bit D5 to the situation where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the second operation port detection sensor 47a (step S318: YES). In this case, "1" is set in the second operation winning flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S319), "1" is set in the sixth output flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S320), and further, the value of the one prize ball counter provided in the main side RAM 65 is incremented by 1 (step S321). The second operation winning flag is a flag for the main side CPU 63 to identify that one game ball has entered the second operation port 34. In the special figure special power control process (step S213) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12), by confirming that "1" is set in the second operation winning flag, on the condition that the number of the reserved information stored in the reserved area RE of the special figure reserved area 65a is less than the upper limit number of 4, the process of newly storing the reserved information is executed. When it is confirmed in the special power special power control process (step S213) that "1" is set in the second operation winning flag and the process corresponding to the confirmation is executed, the second operation winning flag is cleared to "0". The sixth output flag is a flag for the main side CPU 63 to identify that the information output indicating that one game ball has been detected by the second operation port detection sensor 47a should be executed for the management IC 66.

[0140] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the situation where the information "0" is stored in the 6th bit D6 to the situation where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the out port detection sensor 48a (step S322: YES). In this case, "1" is set in the seventh output flag provided in the main side RAM 65 (step S323). The seventh output flag is a flag for the main side CPU 63 to identify that the information output indicating that one game ball has been detected by the out port detection sensor 48a should be executed for the management IC 66.

[0141] When it is confirmed that the situation has switched from the state where the information "0" is stored in the 7th bit D7 to the state where the information "1" is stored, it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the gate detection sensor 49a (step S324: YES). In this case, "1" is set in the gate winning flag provided in the main RAM 65 (step S325). The gate winning flag is a flag for the main CPU 63 to identify that one game ball has entered the through gate 35. In the general diagram general power control process (step S214) of the timer interrupt process (Fig. 12), by confirming that "1" is set in the gate winning flag, on the condition that the number of pieces of pending information on the general diagram side stored in the general diagram pending area 65c is less than the upper limit number of 4 pieces, the process of storing the numerical information of the current general power random number counter C4 as the pending information on the general diagram side in the general diagram pending area 65c is executed. When it is confirmed in the general diagram general power control process (step S214) that "1" is set in the gate winning flag and the process corresponding to the confirmation is executed, the gate winning flag is cleared to "0".

[0142] Note that since the timer interrupt process (Fig. 12) is activated at a cycle of 4 msec as already described, when the detection of one game ball is started by one of the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a, the main CPU 63 identifies that one game ball has been detected by the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a in the situation where the detection of that one game ball is being continued by the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 49a. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide one each of the first to seventh output flags.

[0143] <Configuration for paying out game balls> Next, the processing content executed by the payout control device 77 will be described. First, the electrical configuration of the payout control device 77 and various devices that communicate with the payout control device 77 will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 15.

[0144] The payout control device 77 includes an MPU 91. In addition to the payout-side CPU 92, which is an arithmetic processing unit including a control unit and an arithmetic unit, the MPU 91 incorporates a payout-side ROM 93, a payout-side RAM 94, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

[0145] The payout-side ROM 93 is a memory that does not require external power supply for memory retention, such as a NOR-type flash memory and a NAND-type flash memory (i.e., non-volatile memory means), and is used as read-only. The payout-side ROM 93 stores various control programs and fixed-value data executed by the payout-side CPU 92.

[0146] The payout-side RAM 94 is a memory that requires external power supply for memory retention, such as an SRAM and a DRAM (i.e., volatile memory means), and is used for both reading and writing. The payout-side RAM 94 allows random access and has a shorter read time than the payout-side ROM 93 when compared with the same data capacity. The payout-side RAM 94 temporarily stores various data for the execution of the control programs stored in the payout-side ROM 93.

[0147] The payout-side CPU 92 is capable of performing two-way communication with the main-side CPU 63. When the payout-side CPU 92 receives a prize ball command from the main-side CPU 63, it drives and controls the payout device 76 so that the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command is paid out. In addition, the payout-side CPU 92 monitors whether it is possible to normally pay out game balls. If it is determined that the payout is not possible, even if the number of unpayout prize balls is stored in the payout-side RAM 94, the payout device 76 is stopped. Further, the payout-side CPU 92 transmits a payout restriction command indicating that it is not possible to normally perform the payout to the main-side CPU 63. When the main-side CPU 63 receives the payout restriction command, it transmits a notification command to the audio-visual control device 81 so that a notification indicating that it is not possible to normally pay out game balls is executed by the symbol display device 41, the display light-emitting unit 53, and the speaker unit 54. The states in which it is not possible to normally pay out game balls include a full state in which the lower tray 56a is full of game balls, a ballless state in which the tank 75 is not replenished with game balls, a payout abnormality state in which the payout device 76 does not operate normally, a main body open state in which the game machine main body 12 is opened from the outer frame 11, and a front door open state in which the front door frame 14 is opened from the inner frame 13.

[0148] A full detection sensor (not shown) is provided at an intermediate position of the game ball passage leading from the payout device 76 to the lower tray 56a, and the detection result of the full detection sensor is input to the payout-side CPU 92. When the full detection sensor continuously detects game balls, the payout-side CPU 92 determines that it is in a full state. When the state in which the full detection sensor continuously detects game balls is released, the payout-side CPU 92 determines that the full state has been released.

[0149] A ball non-detection sensor (not shown) is provided at an intermediate position of the game ball passage leading from the tank 75 to the payout device 76, and the detection result of the ball non-detection sensor is input to the payout-side CPU 92. When the game ball is not continuously detected by the ball non-detection sensor, the payout-side CPU 92 identifies that it is in a ball non-state, and when the state where the game ball is not continuously detected by the ball non-detection sensor is released, the payout-side CPU 92 identifies that the ball non-state has been released.

[0150] The payout device 76 is provided with a payout detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the game balls paid out from the payout device 76, and the detection result of the payout detection sensor is input to the payout-side CPU 92. When the game ball is detected by the payout detection sensor, the payout-side CPU 92 identifies that one game ball has been paid out from the payout device 76. Further, even though the payout-side CPU 92 is driving and controlling the payout device 76 so that the game balls are paid out, when the game ball is not continuously detected by the payout detection sensor, the payout-side CPU 92 identifies that it is in a payout abnormal state, and when the state where the game ball is not continuously detected by the payout detection sensor is released, the payout-side CPU 92 identifies that the payout abnormal state has been released.

[0151] A front door opening sensor 95 is provided on the front surface of the inner frame 13 (see FIG. 2), and the detection result of the front door opening sensor 95 is input to the dispensing side CPU 92. In this case, when the front door frame 14 is in the closed state with respect to the inner frame 13, the front door opening sensor 95 transmits a closed detection signal to the dispensing side CPU 92, and when the front door frame 14 is in the open state with respect to the inner frame 13, the front door opening sensor 95 transmits an open detection signal to the dispensing side CPU 92. When receiving the closed detection signal from the front door opening sensor 95, the dispensing side CPU 92 identifies that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, and when receiving the open detection signal from the front door opening sensor 95, the dispensing side CPU 92 identifies that the front door frame 14 is in the open state. Further, when identifying the timing at which the front door frame 14 changes from the closed state to the open state, the dispensing side CPU 92 transmits a front door opening command to the main side CPU 63, and when identifying the timing at which the front door frame 14 changes from the open state to the closed state, the dispensing side CPU 92 transmits a front door closing command to the main side CPU 63. When receiving the front door opening command, the main side CPU 63 identifies that the front door frame 14 is in the open state, and when receiving the front door closing command, the main side CPU 63 identifies that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state.

[0152] A main body opening sensor 96 is provided on the front portion of the inner pack unit 15 (see FIG. 2), and the detection result of the main body opening sensor 96 is input to the payout-side CPU 92. In this case, when the gaming machine main body 12 is in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11, the main body opening sensor 96 transmits a closed detection signal to the payout-side CPU 92, and when the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state with respect to the outer frame 11, the main body opening sensor 96 transmits an open detection signal to the payout-side CPU 92. The payout-side CPU 92 specifies that the gaming machine main body 12 is in a closed state when receiving a closed detection signal from the main body opening sensor 96, and specifies that the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state when receiving an open detection signal from the main body opening sensor 96. Further, the payout-side CPU 92 transmits a main body opening command to the main-side CPU 63 at the timing when it is specified that the gaming machine main body 12 has changed from a closed state to an open state, and transmits a main body closing command to the main-side CPU 63 at the timing when it is specified that the gaming machine main body 12 has changed from an open state to a closed state. The main-side CPU 63 specifies that the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state when receiving the main body opening command, and specifies that the gaming machine main body 12 is in a closed state when receiving the main body closing command.

[0153] With reference to the time chart of FIG. 16, the timer interrupt process executed by the payout-side CPU 92 will be described. The timer interrupt process is repeatedly started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec).

[0154] First, the full-state process is executed (step S401). In the full-state process, as already described, it is specified whether it is in a full state based on the detection result of the full-state detection sensor. When it is in a full state, a process for stopping the payout of the game balls is executed, and a command indicating that it is in a full state is transmitted to the main-side CPU 63. Further, when the full state is released, a process for enabling the payout of the game balls is executed, and a command indicating that the full state has been released is transmitted to the main-side CPU 63.

[0155] After that, a ball-free process is executed (step S402). In the ball-free process, as already described, it is determined whether it is in a ball-free state based on the detection result of the ball-free detection sensor. If it is in a ball-free state, a process for stopping the payout of the game balls is executed, and a command indicating that it is in a ball-free state is transmitted to the main CPU 63. Also, when the ball-free state is released, a process for enabling the payout of the game balls is executed, and a command indicating that the ball-free state has been released is transmitted to the main CPU 63.

[0156] After that, a payout abnormality monitoring process is executed (step S403). In the payout abnormality monitoring process, as already described, it is determined whether it is in a payout abnormality state based on the detection result of the payout detection sensor. If it is in a payout abnormality state, a process for stopping the payout of the game balls is executed, and a command indicating that it is in a payout abnormality state is transmitted to the main CPU 63. Also, when the payout abnormality state is released, a process for enabling the payout of the game balls is executed, and a command indicating that the payout abnormality state has been released is transmitted to the main CPU 63.

[0157] After that, a front door opening monitoring process is executed (step S404). In the front door opening monitoring process, as already described, it is determined whether the front door frame 14 is in an open state based on the detection result of the front door opening sensor 95. If the front door frame 14 is in an open state, a process for stopping the payout of the game balls is executed, and a front door opening command is transmitted to the main CPU 63. Also, when the front door frame 14 is closed, a process for enabling the payout of the game balls is executed, and a front door closing command is transmitted to the main CPU 63.

[0158] Thereafter, the main body opening monitoring process is executed (step S405). In the main body opening monitoring process, as already described, based on the detection result of the main body opening sensor 96, it is specified whether the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state. When the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state, a process of stopping the payout of game balls is executed, and a main body opening command is transmitted to the main CPU 63. Also, when the gaming machine main body 12 is closed, a process of enabling the payout of game balls is executed, and a main body closing command is transmitted to the main CPU 63.

[0159] Thereafter, the command reading process is executed (step S406). In the command reading process, a process of reading the bonus ball command transmitted by the main CPU 63 is executed. Then, the bonus ball command is stored in the payout side RAM 94. And after executing a bonus ball setting process for adding the number corresponding to the received bonus ball command to the number information of un-paid-out bonus balls in the payout side RAM 94 (step S407), a payout control process for executing the execution control of the payout of game balls by the payout device 76 is executed (step S408). In the payout control process, when the number information of un-paid-out bonus balls stored in the payout side RAM 94 is a value of 1 or more, the drive control of the payout device 76 is performed, and when one game ball is detected by the payout detection sensor, the value of the bonus ball number information is decremented by 1. And when the value of the bonus ball number information becomes "0", the drive control of the payout device 76 is stopped. Thereafter, an external information setting process for controlling the start and end of the output of an external signal according to the processing results of various processes executed in this timer interrupt process is executed (step S409).

[0160] <Configuration for external output to the hall computer HC> Next, the configuration for externally outputting information from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC provided in the game hall will be described.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 2, an external terminal board 97 is provided in the back pack unit 15. A number of external terminals are provided on the external terminal board 97. A plurality of some of the external terminals are electrically connected to the main CPU 63, and a plurality of some of the external terminals are electrically connected to the payout CPU 92. Since each of the main CPU 63 and the payout CPU 92 is electrically connected to the external terminal board 97 in this way, as shown in FIG. 15, the main CPU 63 and the payout CPU 92 can externally output information to the whole computer HC.

[0162] One external terminal of the external terminal board 97 is electrically connected to the front door open sensor 95, and one external terminal of the external terminal board 97 is electrically connected to the main body open sensor 96. Regarding the configuration of this electrical connection in detail, a signal relay board 98 is provided at an intermediate position in the signal path from the front door open sensor 95 toward the payout CPU 92. A branch path SL2 is provided on the signal relay board 98 by branching from the signal path SL1 from the front door open sensor 95 toward the payout CPU 92. And the branch path SL2 is connected to the external terminal for front door opening on the external terminal board 97. Therefore, an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result of the front door open sensor 95 is input not only to the payout CPU 92 but also to the external terminal for front door opening on the external terminal board 97. Thereby, it becomes possible to externally output a signal indicating whether or not the front door frame 14 is in an open state to the whole computer HC without going through the control by the payout CPU 92.

[0163] Regarding the main body open sensor 96 in detail, on the signal relay board 98, a branch path SL4 is provided by branching from the signal path SL3 directed from the main body open sensor 96 toward the payout side CPU 92. And the branch path SL4 is connected to the external terminal for main body opening on the external terminal board 97. Therefore, the electrical signal corresponding to the detection result in the main body open sensor 96 is input not only to the payout side CPU 92 but also to the external terminal for main body opening on the external terminal board 97. Thereby, it becomes possible to externally output a signal indicating whether or not the game machine main body 12 is in an open state to the hall computer HC without going through the control by the payout side CPU 92.

[0164] Next, the content of the information externally output from the main side CPU 63 and the payout side CPU 92 to the hall computer HC will be described. First, the content of the information externally output from the main side CPU 63 to the hall computer HC will be described.

[0165] The main side CPU 63 performs output setting of information to each external terminal assigned to the main side CPU 63 on the external terminal board 97 in the external information setting process (step S218) in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12). Information output from the main side CPU 63 to the external terminal board 97 includes information indicating that it is in the opening / closing execution mode, information indicating that the win / loss lottery mode is in the high probability mode, information indicating that one game round has ended, information indicating that a predetermined number (for example, 100) of game balls have been discharged from the game area PA through any one of the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, and the second operation port 34, information indicating that a game ball has entered the first operation port 33, and information indicating that a game ball has entered the second operation port 34.

[0166] The payout side CPU 92 performs output setting of information to each external terminal assigned to the payout side CPU 92 on the external terminal board 97 in the external information setting process (step S409) in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 16). Information output from the payout side CPU 92 to the external terminal board 97 includes information indicating that 10 game balls have been paid out.

[0167] In the hall computer HC, it is possible to grasp the execution mode of paying out game balls in the pachinko machine 10 according to various information received from the pachinko machine 10 through the external terminal board 97. For example, · The ball payout rate, which is the ratio of the number of game balls paid out until 100 game balls are discharged from the game area PA of the pachinko machine 10 · The ball payout rate in the normal game state that is not the opening / closing execution mode and the high-probability mode (hereinafter, this ball payout rate is referred to as "B") · The ball payout rate in the opening / closing execution mode · The ball payout rate in the high-probability mode · The number of game rounds executed until 100 game balls are discharged from the game area PA of the pachinko machine 10 (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "S") · B - S × "The number of prize balls for winning in the first operating port 33 and the second operating port 34" · The number of game balls entering the first operating port 33 until 100 game balls are discharged from the game area PA of the pachinko machine 10 (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "S1") · The number of game balls entering the second operating port 34 until 100 game balls are discharged from the game area PA of the pachinko machine 10 (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "S2") · B - (S1 × "The number of prize balls for winning in the first operating port 33" + S2 × "The number of prize balls for winning in the second operating port 34") etc. are calculated. As a result, it becomes possible to manage the ball entry mode in the game area PA of the pachinko machine 10 in the hall computer HC. Note that the number of prize balls is the number of game balls paid out when one game ball enters the corresponding ball entry part.

[0168] <Configuration for managing the winning mode of game balls> Next, a configuration for managing the winning mode of game balls using the management IC66 will be described. First, the electrical configuration of the management IC66 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 17.

[0169] As described above, the MPU 62 of the main control device 60 includes a main CPU 63, a main ROM 64, a main RAM 65, and a management IC 66. In addition to these, the MPU 62 also includes an I / F 101 and a reading terminal 102.

[0170] The I / F 101 is an interface for transmitting and receiving signals between the MPU 62 and external devices. The I / F 101 is electrically connected to the main CPU 63 via an internal bus 103. Detection results from sensors such as each ball-in detection sensor 42a to 49a and commands from the dispensing-side CPU 92 are input to the MPU 62 through the input port of the I / F 101, and various processes are executed by the main CPU 63 based on the input detection results and command contents as described above. Also, when a signal output is performed to a device such as the special-electric drive unit 32b as a result of various processes being executed by the main CPU 63, the signal output is performed through the output port of the I / F 101. When a command output is performed to the dispensing-side CPU 92 and the sound and light control device 81 as a result of various processes being executed by the main CPU 63, the command output is performed through the output port of the I / F 101.

[0171] The reading terminal 102 is a terminal for electrically connecting a reading device, which is an external device of the pachinko machine 10, to the MPU62, and is provided such that the terminal portion for connection is exposed on the surface of the MPU62. However, as already described, the main control board 61 on which the MPU62 is mounted is housed in the board box 60a, and the reading terminal 102 faces the wall portion of the board box 60a so as not to be exposed outside the main control device 60. Therefore, in order to electrically connect the reading device to the reading terminal 102, it is necessary to open the board box 60a to expose the MPU62. This makes it possible to prevent the electrical connection of the reading device to the reading terminal 102 from being illegally performed. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and an opening for exposing the reading terminal 102 to the outside of the main control device 60 may be formed in the board box 60a, and a configuration may be adopted in which the reading device can be electrically connected to the reading terminal 102 without requiring the destruction of the board box 60a.

[0172] The management IC 66 includes a management-side I / F 111, a management-side CPU 112, a management-side ROM 113, a management-side RAM 114, an RTC 115, a correspondence-relation memory 116, and a history memory 117. These devices are connected so as to be capable of two-way communication through an internal bus 66a provided in the management IC 66.

[0173] The management-side I / F 111 is an interface for receiving various signals from the main-side CPU 63 via a signal path group 118 for unidirectional communication built in the MPU62 and transmitting various signals to the reading terminal 102 via a signal path group 119 for unidirectional communication built in the MPU62. The various signals from the main-side CPU 63 are input to the input port of the management-side I / F 111, and the various signals to the reading terminal 102 are output from the output port of the management-side I / F 111. Note that the main-side CPU 63 is electrically connected to the reading terminal 102 via a signal path group 120 for two-way communication built in the MPU62.

[0174] The management-side CPU 112 is an arithmetic processing unit including a control unit and an arithmetic unit. The management-side ROM 113 is a memory (i.e., non-volatile storage means) such as a NOR-type flash memory and a NAND-type flash memory that does not require external power supply for storage retention, and is used as read-only. The management-side ROM 113 stores various control programs and fixed-value data executed by the management-side CPU 112. The management-side RAM 114 is a memory (i.e., volatile storage means) such as an SRAM and a DRAM that requires external power supply for storage retention, and is used for both reading and writing. The management-side RAM 114 allows random access and has a shorter read time than the management-side ROM 113 when compared with the same data capacity. The management-side RAM 114 temporarily stores various data and the like for the execution of the control programs stored in the management-side ROM 113.

[0175] The RTC 115 is a real-time clock, which is configured to constantly measure year / month / day information and time information and output the measured year / month / day information and time information according to an instruction from the management-side CPU 112. Note that the RTC 115 is provided with a backup power supply, and can measure year / month / day information and time information even when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.

[0176] The correspondence relation memory 116 is a memory (i.e., volatile storage means) such as an SRAM and a DRAM that requires external power supply for storage retention, and is used for both reading and writing. The correspondence relation memory 116 is used to store information on the correspondence relation between each buffer 122a to 122p provided in the input port 121 of the management-side I / F 111 and the types of signals input to these buffers 122a to 122p. Details of the content of the correspondence relation memory 116 will be described later.

[0177] The history memory 117 is a memory that does not require external power supply for data retention, such as a NOR type flash memory and a NAND type flash memory (i.e., non-volatile storage means), and is used for both reading and writing. The history memory 117 is used to store information regarding the entry of game balls received from the main CPU 63 through the management side I / F 111. Details of the content of the history memory 117 will be described later.

[0178] Next, the configuration of the input port 121 provided in the management side I / F 111 will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the input port 121 of the management side I / F 111.

[0179] The input port 121 is provided with a plurality of buffers 122a to 122p. Specifically, the first to sixteenth buffers 122a to 122p are provided. Each of the first to sixteenth buffers 122a to 122p can input one type of signal through signal paths 118a to 118p. When the signal to be input is at the LOW level, each of the first to sixteenth buffers 122a to 122p stores "0" information as the first data, and when the signal to be input is at the HI level, "1" information is stored as the second data. Note that the relationship between LOW and HI and the first and second data may be reversed.

[0180] A first signal corresponding to the detection result of the first winning opening detection sensor 42a is input to the first buffer 122a. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a LOW-level first signal when the first winning opening detection sensor 42a does not detect a new game ball, and outputs a HI-level first signal for a specific period when the first winning opening detection sensor 42a detects one game ball. This specific period is sufficient for the management side CPU 112 to identify that a HI-level first signal is input to the first buffer 122a.

[0181] A second signal corresponding to the detection result of the second winning port detection sensor 43a is input to the second buffer 122b. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a second signal of LOW level when no new game ball is detected by the second winning port detection sensor 43a, and outputs a second signal of HI level for a specific period when one game ball is detected by the second winning port detection sensor 43a. This specific period is long enough for the management CPU 112 to identify that a HI-level second signal is input to the second buffer 122b.

[0182] A third signal corresponding to the detection result of the third winning port detection sensor 44a is input to the third buffer 122c. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a third signal of LOW level when no new game ball is detected by the third winning port detection sensor 44a, and outputs a third signal of HI level for a specific period when one game ball is detected by the third winning port detection sensor 44a. This specific period is long enough for the management CPU 112 to identify that a HI-level third signal is input to the third buffer 122c.

[0183] A fourth signal corresponding to the detection result of the special power detection sensor 45a is input to the fourth buffer 122d. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a fourth signal of LOW level when no new game ball is detected by the special power detection sensor 45a, and outputs a fourth signal of HI level for a specific period when one game ball is detected by the special power detection sensor 45a. This specific period is long enough for the management CPU 112 to identify that a HI-level fourth signal is input to the fourth buffer 122d.

[0184] A fifth signal corresponding to the detection result of the first operation port detection sensor 46a is input to the fifth buffer 122e. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a LOW-level fifth signal when no new game ball is detected by the first operation port detection sensor 46a, and outputs a HIGH-level fifth signal for a specific period when one game ball is detected by the first operation port detection sensor 46a. This specific period is sufficient for the management-side CPU 112 to identify that a HIGH-level fifth signal is input to the fifth buffer 122e.

[0185] A sixth signal corresponding to the detection result of the second operation port detection sensor 47a is input to the sixth buffer 122f. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a LOW-level sixth signal when no new game ball is detected by the second operation port detection sensor 47a, and outputs a HIGH-level sixth signal for a specific period when one game ball is detected by the second operation port detection sensor 47a. This specific period is sufficient for the management-side CPU 112 to identify that a HIGH-level sixth signal is input to the sixth buffer 122f.

[0186] A seventh signal corresponding to the detection result of the out-port detection sensor 48a is input to the seventh buffer 122g. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a LOW-level seventh signal when no new game ball is detected by the out-port detection sensor 48a, and outputs a HIGH-level seventh signal for a specific period when one game ball is detected by the out-port detection sensor 48a. This specific period is sufficient for the management-side CPU 112 to identify that a HIGH-level seventh signal is input to the seventh buffer 122g.

[0187] An eighth signal corresponding to whether it is during the opening / closing execution mode is input to the eighth buffer 122h. In this case, the main CPU 63 continuously outputs a LOW-level eighth signal when it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, and continuously outputs a HIGH-level eighth signal when it is in the opening / closing execution mode.

[0188] A ninth signal corresponding to whether it is during the high probability mode is input to the ninth buffer 122i. In this case, the main CPU 63 continuously outputs a LOW-level ninth signal in a situation where it is not in the high probability mode, and continuously outputs a HIGH-level ninth signal in a situation where it is in the high probability mode.

[0189] A tenth signal corresponding to whether the front door frame 14 is open is input to the tenth buffer 122j. In this case, the main CPU 63 continuously outputs a LOW-level tenth signal in a situation where the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, and continuously outputs a HIGH-level tenth signal in a situation where the front door frame 14 is in the open state.

[0190] An output instruction signal for causing the management CPU 112 to recognize an opportunity to output the history information stored in the history memory 117 to the read terminal 102 is input to the sixteenth buffer 122p. In this case, the main CPU 63 outputs a LOW-level output instruction signal in a situation where there is no need to output the history information, and outputs a HIGH-level output instruction signal for a specific period when there is a need to output the history information. This specific period is a period sufficient for the management CPU 112 to specify that a HIGH-level output instruction signal is input to the sixteenth buffer 122p.

[0191] The 11th buffer 122k, 12th buffer 122l, 13th buffer 122m, 14th buffer 122n, and 15th buffer 122o can receive signals from the main CPU 63, but are blank in the pachinko machine 10 and do not receive normal signals. In this way, since the input ports 121 of the management-side I / F 111 have more buffers 122a to 122p than the types of signals output from the main CPU 63 to the management IC 66 in the pachinko machine 10, the management IC 66 can be used in models different from the pachinko machine 10. This makes it possible to enhance the versatility of the management IC 66. Incidentally, signal paths 118a to 118p are formed between the main CPU 63 and each of the 1st to 16th buffers 122a to 122p so as to correspond one-to-one, but it is not limited to this, and signal paths 118k to 118o may not be formed between the buffers 122k to 122o to be blanked.

[0192] The input of the output instruction signal to the 16th buffer 122p at the input port 121 of the management-side I / F 111 is determined at the design stage of the management IC 66. Without receiving an instruction from the main CPU 63, the management-side CPU 112 can identify that the output instruction signal is input to the 16th buffer 122p. On the other hand, the types of signals input to the 1st to 15th buffers 122a to 122o are not determined at the design stage of the management IC 66, and the types of these signals are identified by the management-side CPU 112 after receiving an instruction from the main CPU 63. The identification of the types of these signals by the management-side CPU 112 is performed, although the details will be described later, when control is started in the main CPU 63 and the management-side CPU 112 with the supply of operating power to the MPU 62, and a type identification command is transmitted from the main CPU 63 to the management-side CPU 112. In this case, the information on the types of various signals provided by the type identification command is stored in the correspondence memory 116, and when the management-side CPU 112 identifies the types of various signals in a situation where operating power is supplied, the information stored in the correspondence memory 116 is referred to.

[0193] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the correspondence memory 116. In the correspondence memory 116, first to fifteenth correspondence areas 123a to 123o are provided in one-to-one correspondence with first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o provided in the input port 121 of the management side I / F 111.

[0194] In the first correspondence area 123a, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 is stored as information for specifying the type of signal input to the first buffer 122a by the management side CPU 112. Further, in the first correspondence area 123a, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 and information on the number of game balls paid out when one game ball enters the general winning port 31 (10 pieces) are also stored. In the second correspondence area 123b, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 is stored as information for specifying the type of signal input to the second buffer 122b by the management side CPU 112. Further, in the second correspondence area 123b, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 and information on the number of game balls paid out when one game ball enters the general winning port 31 (10 pieces) are also stored. In the third correspondence area 123c, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 is stored as information for specifying the type of signal input to the third buffer 122c by the management side CPU 112. Further, in the third correspondence area 123c, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 and information on the number of game balls paid out when one game ball enters the general winning port 31 (10 pieces) are also stored.

[0195] In the fourth correspondence area 123d, information indicating that it is the special electric winning device 32 is stored as information for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the type of signal input to the fourth buffer 122d. Also, in the fourth correspondence area 123d, information indicating that it is the special electric winning device 32 and information on the number of game balls (15) to be paid out when one game ball enters the special electric winning device 32 are stored. In the fifth correspondence area 123e, information indicating that it is the first operation port 33 is stored as information for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the type of signal input to the fifth buffer 122e. Also, in the fifth correspondence area 123e, information indicating that it is the first operation port 33 and information on the number of game balls (1) to be paid out when one game ball enters the first operation port 33 are stored. In the sixth correspondence area 123f, information indicating that it is the second operation port 34 is stored as information for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the type of signal input to the sixth buffer 122f. Also, in the sixth correspondence area 123f, information indicating that it is the second operation port 34 and information on the number of game balls (1) to be paid out when one game ball enters the second operation port 34 are stored. In the seventh correspondence area 123g, information indicating that it is the out port 24a is stored as information for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the type of signal input to the seventh buffer 122g.

[0196] In the eighth correspondence area 123h, information indicating that it is the opening / closing execution mode is stored as information for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the type of signal input to the eighth buffer 122h. In the ninth correspondence area 123i, information indicating that it is the high-probability mode is stored as information for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the type of signal input to the ninth buffer 122i. In the tenth correspondence area 123j, information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 is stored as information for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the type of signal input to the tenth buffer 122j.

[0197] In the 11th correspondence relation area 123k, information indicating that it is a blank not corresponding to any information for specifying the type of signal input to the 11th buffer 122k by the management-side CPU 112 is stored. In the 12th correspondence relation area 123l, information indicating that it is a blank not corresponding to any information for specifying the type of signal input to the 12th buffer 122l by the management-side CPU 112 is stored. In the 13th correspondence relation area 123m, information indicating that it is a blank not corresponding to any information for specifying the type of signal input to the 13th buffer 122m by the management-side CPU 112 is stored. In the 14th correspondence relation area 123n, information indicating that it is a blank not corresponding to any information for specifying the type of signal input to the 14th buffer 122n by the management-side CPU 112 is stored. In the 15th correspondence relation area 123o, information indicating that it is a blank not corresponding to any information for specifying the type of signal input to the 15th buffer 122o by the management-side CPU 112 is stored.

[0198] As described above, by adopting a configuration in which the management-side CPU 112 specifies what types of signals are input to the 1st to 15th buffers 122a to 122o by receiving an instruction from the main-side CPU 63, the management IC 66 can be reused for models different from this pachinko machine 10. Thereby, it becomes possible to enhance the versatility of the management IC 66.

[0199] Further, instead of outputting information for recognizing the type of the signal each time a signal output corresponding to the storage of history information is performed to the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o, information for recognizing the type of the signal is output in advance, and information for specifying the type of the signal input to the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o based on the output information is stored in the correspondence memory 116 by the management-side CPU 112. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which information for recognizing the type of the signal is output each time a signal output corresponding to the storage of history information is performed to the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o, it is possible to suppress the amount of information output from the main-side CPU 63 to the management-side CPU 112 at the time of each signal output.

[0200] Further, the output of the information for specifying the type of the signal input to the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o by the management-side CPU 112 is performed at the start of the supply of the operating power. Thereby, in the situation where the game is started in the pachinko machine 10, it is possible to specify the type of the signal input to the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o by the management-side CPU 112.

[0201] Further, the information setting for the output instruction signal to be input to the sixteenth buffer 122p is performed at the design stage of the management IC 66. Thereby, not only in the pachinko machine 10 but also in other models of pachinko machines using the management IC 66, it is possible to omit the process for specifying the type of the signal input to the sixteenth buffer 122p for the output instruction signal that is surely used. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the processing load of the process for specifying the type of such a signal.

[0202] Next, the history memory 117 of the management IC 66 will be described. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the history memory 117.

[0203] The history memory 117 is provided with a history area 124 for sequentially storing history information. In the history area 124, a plurality of pointer information is set in serial numbers, and a history information storage area 125 is set in a one-to-one correspondence with each pointer information. The history information storage area 125 can store a combination of RTC information and correspondence relationship information. In this case, each history information storage area 125 has a data capacity of 2 bytes, a data capacity of 1 byte is allocated as an area for storing RTC information, and a data capacity of 1 byte is allocated as an area for storing correspondence relationship information. When it is necessary to store the correspondence relationship information according to the signals input to the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o (in the actual pachinko machine 10, the first to tenth buffers 122a to 122j), first, the current RTC115 is used. The year, month, day information and time information measured in are stored in the area for storing the RTC information of the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information that is currently the write target. Then, the correspondence relationship information corresponding to the buffers 122a to 122o that triggered this information storage is read from the correspondence relationship areas 123a to 123o corresponding to the buffers 122a to 122o in the correspondence relationship memory 116, and the read correspondence relationship information is stored in the area for storing the correspondence relationship information of the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information that is currently the write target.

[0204] Specifically, regarding the correspondence information stored in the history information storage area 125, as already described, signals corresponding to the detection results of the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 48a are input to the first to seventh buffers 122a to 122g. Therefore, information corresponding to the types of the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 48a is stored in the first to seventh correspondence relation areas 123a to 123g in the correspondence relation memory 116. More specifically, information corresponding to the types of the ball entry parts corresponding to each of the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 48a is stored in the first to seventh correspondence relation areas 123a to 123g. In the pachinko machine 10, as already described, since the first to third winning port detection sensors 42a to 44a all detect the game balls that have entered the general winning port 31, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 is stored in each of the first to third correspondence relation areas 123a to 123c corresponding to these first to third winning port detection sensors 42a to 44a. Also, information indicating that it is the special electric winning device 32 is stored in the fourth correspondence relation area 123d, information indicating that it is the first operation port 33 is stored in the fifth correspondence relation area 123e, information indicating that it is the second operation port 34 is stored in the sixth correspondence relation area 123f, and information indicating that it is the out port 24a is stored in the seventh correspondence relation area 123g. When the buffers 122a to 122o that trigger this information storage are any of the first to seventh buffers 122a to 122g, information on the type of the ball entry part corresponding to the buffer 122a to 122g is read from any of the first to seventh correspondence relation areas 123a to 123g, and the read information on the type of the ball entry part is directly stored in the area for storing the correspondence information in the history information storage area 125.

[0205] On one hand, a signal indicating whether the 8th buffer 122h is in the open / close execution mode is input, a signal indicating whether the 9th buffer 122i is in the high-probability mode is input, and a signal indicating whether the front door frame 14 is open is input to the 10th buffer 122j. Therefore, information indicating the open / close execution mode is stored in the 8th corresponding relationship area 123h, information indicating the high-probability mode is stored in the 9th corresponding relationship area 123i, and information indicating the front door frame 14 is stored in the 10th corresponding relationship area 123j.

[0206] The master CPU 63 continuously outputs the 8th signal at the LOW level in a situation where it is not in the open / close execution mode as already described, and continuously outputs the 8th signal at the HI level in a situation where it is in the open / close execution mode. Therefore, the management CPU 112 can identify that the open / close execution mode has started when the 8th signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level, and can identify that the open / close execution mode has ended when the 8th signal changes from the HI level to the LOW level. And in both cases where the 8th signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level and from the HI level to the LOW level, the management CPU 112 identifies that an opportunity to store the corresponding relationship information in the history information storage area 125 has occurred. That is, when the 8th signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level, not only the information indicating the open / close execution mode read from the 8th corresponding relationship area 123h but also the start information is stored together in the area for storing the corresponding relationship information in the history information storage area 125. Also, when the 8th signal changes from the HI level to the LOW level, not only the information indicating the open / close execution mode read from the 8th corresponding relationship area 123h but also the end information is stored together in the area for storing the corresponding relationship information in the history information storage area 125.

[0207] As described above, when in a situation that is not the high-probability mode, the master CPU 63 continuously outputs the 9th signal at the LOW level, and when in the high-probability mode, it continuously outputs the 9th signal at the HI level. Therefore, when the 9th signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level, the management CPU 112 can identify that the high-probability mode has started, and when the 9th signal changes from the HI level to the LOW level, it can identify that the high-probability mode has ended. And in both cases where the 9th signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level and from the HI level to the LOW level, the management CPU 112 identifies that an opportunity to store the correspondence information in the history information storage area 125 has occurred. That is, when the 9th signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level, not only the information indicating that it is the high-probability mode read from the 9th correspondence area 123i but also the start information is stored together in the area for storing the correspondence information in the history information storage area 125. Also, when the 9th signal changes from the HI level to the LOW level, not only the information indicating that it is the high-probability mode read from the 9th correspondence area 123i but also the end information is stored together in the area for storing the correspondence information in the history information storage area 125.

[0208] As described above, the main CPU 63 continuously outputs the 10th signal at a LOW level when the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, and continuously outputs the 10th signal at a HI level when the front door frame 14 is in the open state. Therefore, the management CPU 112 can identify that the front door frame 14 has been opened when the 10th signal changes from LOW level to HI level, and can identify that the front door frame 14 has been closed when the 10th signal changes from HI level to LOW level. And in both cases where the 10th signal changes from LOW level to HI level and where it changes from HI level to LOW level, the management CPU 112 identifies that an opportunity to store the correspondence information in the history information storage area 125 has occurred. That is, when the 10th signal changes from LOW level to HI level, not only the information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 read from the 10th correspondence area 123j but also the opening start information are stored together in the area for storing the correspondence information in the history information storage area 125. Also, when the 10th signal changes from HI level to LOW level, not only the information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 read from the 10th correspondence area 123j but also the opening end information are stored together in the area for storing the correspondence information in the history information storage area 125.

[0209] The history information storage area 125 is provided with several minutes' worth that can store all the history information generated during that period even if the business days when the shooting of game balls in the pachinko machine 10 continues from opening to closing are continuously 10 days. For example, if 60,000 pieces of history information are generated in one day, more than 600,000 history information storage areas 125 are provided. Thereby, it is possible to store and hold all the history information in the history memory 117 for at least 10 days.

[0210] In the history memory 117, a pointer area 126 is provided separately from the history area 124. In the pointer area 126, information for the management CPU 112 to identify the pointer information that is currently the write target in the history memory 117 is stored. Specifically, at the shipment stage of the pachinko machine 10, information designating the pointer information of "0" as the write target is set in the pointer area 126. Then, each time one piece of history information is newly stored in the history information storage area 125, the information in the pointer area 126 is updated so that the value of the pointer information that is the write target is incremented by 1. When the pointer information of the last order becomes the write target and the history information is stored in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information of the last order, the information in the pointer area 126 is updated so that the pointer information of "0" becomes the write target. As a result, when a storage opportunity for history information occurs exceeding the number of storable history information, the old history information is overwritten with the new history information in order from the history information storage area 125 where the old history information is stored.

[0211] Also, when reading of history information from the history memory 117 occurs by the reading device, all of the history information storage area 125 is cleared to "0", and the information in the pointer area 126 is updated so that the pointer information of "0" becomes the write target. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent the history information that has once been the reading target from becoming the reading target again.

[0212] Next, a specific processing configuration for managing the winning mode of the game balls using the management IC 66 will be described. First, a processing configuration for storing information on the correspondence relationship between the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o provided in the input port 121 of the management side I / F 111 and the types of signals in the correspondence relationship memory 116 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the recognition processing executed by the main CPU 63. Note that the recognition processing is executed in step S110 in the main processing (FIG. 11).

[0213] First, set "15" to the recognition output counter provided in the main-side RAM 65 (step S501). The recognition output counter is a counter for the main-side CPU 63 to specify the remaining required number of times of information output for the management-side CPU 112 to recognize which type of signal each buffer 122a to 122p of the input port 121 in the management-side I / F 111 corresponds to. As already described, since the 15 buffers 122a to 122o of the first to fifteenth are the objects of recognition of the signal type, "15" is set to the recognition output counter.

[0214] Thereafter, the output process of the identification start command is executed (step S502). The host CPU 63 outputs various commands to the management CPU 112 in order to make the management CPU 112 recognize which types of signals the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o correspond to. When outputting this command, the first to eighth signals input to the first to eighth buffers 122a to 122h are used. That is, the first to eighth signals (i.e., the first to eighth signal paths 118a to 118h) used to instruct the management CPU 112 of the storage opportunity of the history information are used to output a command to make the management CPU 112 recognize which types of signals the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o correspond to. Thereby, compared with a configuration in which the signal path for outputting this command is provided separately from the signal paths 118a to 118p for outputting signals to the first to sixteenth buffers 122a to 122p, the number of signal paths can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. The identification start command has a data capacity of 8 bits, and the data of each bit is input to the first to eighth buffers 122a to 122h as the first to eighth signals respectively. Also, in the output process of the identification start command, in order to make the management CPU 112 recognize that a new command has been transmitted, the output state of the ninth signal is switched to the HI level at the timing of starting the output of the identification start command. Also, the output period of the identification start command and the period for maintaining the output state of the ninth signal at the HI level are set to a period sufficient for the management CPU 112 to recognize these identification start command and the output state of the ninth signal. By receiving the identification start command, the management CPU 112 specifies that it should start the process of storing the information on the correspondence relationship between the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o and the signal types in the correspondence relationship memory 116.

[0215] Thereafter, a type identification command corresponding to the current value of the recognition output counter of the main-side RAM 65 is read from the main-side ROM 64 (step S503). In this case, the first buffer 122a is the first to be the target for setting the signal type, and thereafter, the recognition settings of the signal types corresponding to the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o are performed so that the (n + 1)-th buffer becomes the target for setting the signal type after the n-th buffer. Therefore, if the recognition output counter is "15" to "13", a type identification command indicating that it is the general winning port 31 and the number of winning balls thereof is read; if the recognition output counter is "12", a type identification command indicating that it is the special power winning device 32 and the number of winning balls thereof is read; if the recognition output counter is "11", a type identification command indicating that it is the first operation port 33 and the number of winning balls thereof is read; if the recognition output counter is "10", a type identification command indicating that it is the second operation port 34 and the number of winning balls thereof is read; if the recognition output counter is "9", a type identification command indicating that it is the out port 24a is read; if the recognition output counter is "8", a type identification command indicating that it is the open / close execution mode is read; if the recognition output counter is "7", a type identification command indicating that it is the high-probability mode is read; if the recognition output counter is "6", a type identification command indicating that it is the front door frame 14 is read; and if the recognition output counter is "5" to "1", a type identification command indicating that it is blank is read.

[0216] After that, the output process of the read type identification command is executed (step S504). The type identification command has a data capacity of 8 bits, similar to the identification start command, and the data of each bit is input into the first to eighth buffers 122a to 122h as the first to eighth signals, respectively. Also, in the output process of the identification type command, in order to make the management-side CPU 112 recognize that a new command has been transmitted, the output state of the ninth signal is switched to the HI level at the timing of starting the output of the identification type command. Also, the output period of the identification type command and the period for maintaining the output state of the ninth signal at the HI level are set to a period sufficient for the management-side CPU 112 to recognize these identification type commands and the output state of the ninth signal. By receiving the identification type command, the management-side CPU 112 stores the information corresponding to the identification type command in the correspondence areas 123a to 123o corresponding to the buffers that are the current setting targets among the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o.

[0217] After that, the value of the recognition output counter in the main-side RAM 65 is decremented by 1 (step S505), and it is determined whether the value of the recognition output counter after the decrement by 1 is "0" (step S506). If the value of the recognition output counter is 1 or more (step S506: NO), the process for outputting the type identification command corresponding to the value of the recognition output counter after the decrement by 1 is executed (steps S503 and S504).

[0218] On the other hand, when the value of the recognition output counter is "0" (step S506: YES), the output process of the identification end command is executed (step S507). The identification end command has a data capacity of 8 bits, and the data of each bit is input as the first to eighth signals to the first to eighth buffers 122a to 122h, respectively. Also, in the output process of the identification end command, in order to let the management-side CPU 112 recognize that a new command has been transmitted, the output state of the ninth signal is switched to the HI level at the timing of starting the output of the identification end command. Also, the output period of the identification end command and the period for maintaining the output state of the ninth signal at the HI level are set to a period sufficient for the management-side CPU 112 to recognize these identification end command and the output state of the ninth signal. By receiving the identification end command, the management-side CPU 112 specifies that the process for storing the information on the correspondence between the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o and the signal types in the correspondence memory 116 has been completed.

[0219] Next, the management process executed by the management-side CPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22. The management process starts when the supply of operating power to the management-side CPU 112 is started. Note that the processing speed of the management-side CPU 112 is faster than that of the main-side CPU 63, and the combination of the processes after step S606 in the management process is executed 16 times or more from the start of one timer interrupt process (FIG. 12) in the main-side CPU 63 until the start of the next timer interrupt process (FIG. 12).

[0220] When the management-side CPU 63 receives the identification start command (step S601: YES), the value of the setting target counter provided in the management-side RAM 114 is cleared to "0" (step S602). The setting target counter is a counter for the management-side CPU 112 to identify the types of the buffers 122a to 122o that are the setting targets of the signal types. The first buffer 122a is the first to be the setting target of the signal type, and then the (n + 1)-th buffer becomes the setting target of the signal type after the n-th buffer.

[0221] After that, on the condition that the main CPU 63 has received a type identification command (step S603: YES), correspondence relationship setting processing is executed (step S604). In the correspondence relationship setting processing, among the first to fifteenth correspondence relationship areas 123a to 123o of the correspondence relationship memory 116, the information on the signal type set in the type identification command received this time is stored in the correspondence relationship area corresponding to the current value in the setting target counter of the management side RAM 114. After that, the value of the setting target counter of the management side RAM 114 is incremented by 1 (step S605).

[0222] If a negative determination is made in step S603, or if the process of step S605 is executed, it is determined whether an identification end command has been received from the main CPU 63 (step S606). If the identification end command has not been received (step S606: NO), the process returns to step S603, and on the condition that a new type identification command is received from the main CPU 63 (step S603: YES), the processes of step S604 and step S605 are executed again.

[0223] If an identification end command has been received from the main CPU 63 (step S606: YES), the processes of step S607 and step S608 are repeatedly executed. Although the details will be described later, in step S607, history setting processing for storing the history information corresponding to the type of the signal received from the main CPU 63 in the history memory 117 is executed. Although the details will be described later, in step S608, external output processing for outputting the history information stored in the history memory 117 to the reading terminal 102 is executed.

[0224] FIG. 23 is a time chart showing a state in which information on the correspondence between the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o and the types of signals input to these buffers 122a to 122o is stored in the correspondence memory 116. FIG. 23(a) shows a period during which a command is output from the main CPU 63 to the management CPU 112 using the first to eighth signals (i.e., the first to eighth signal paths 118a to 118h), FIG. 23(b) shows a period during which the output state of the ninth signal is at the HI level, FIG. 23(c) shows an execution period of an identification state in which a process for identifying the correspondence between the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o and the types of signals input to these buffers 122a to 122o is executed, and FIG. 23(d) shows a timing at which the correspondence setting process (step S604) is executed by the management CPU 112.

[0225] By starting the supply of operating power to the main CPU 63 and the management CPU 112, the output of an identification start command using the first to eighth signals starts at timing t1 as shown in FIG. 23(a). Also, at the timing t1, the output state of the ninth signal is changed from the LOW level to the HI level as shown in FIG. 23(b). Thereafter, at timing t2 when the output of the identification start command is being continued, the output state of the ninth signal is changed from the HI level to the LOW level as shown in FIG. 23(b). The management CPU 112 specifies that a command is being transmitted from the main CPU 63 by confirming that the output state of the ninth signal has changed from the HI level to the LOW level, and grasps the content of the command received from the main CPU 63 by checking the information of the first to eighth buffers 122a to 122h. In this case, since the identification start command is received, the management CPU 112 enters the identification state by making an affirmative determination in step S601 of the management process (FIG. 22). Thereafter, the output of the identification start command stops at timing t3 as shown in FIG. 23(a).

[0226] Thereafter, at the timing of t4, as shown in Fig. 23(a), the output of the first type identification command using the first to eighth signals is started. Also, at the timing of t4, as shown in Fig. 23(b), the output state of the ninth signal is changed from the LOW level to the HI level. Thereafter, at the timing of t5 when the output of the type identification command is continuing, as shown in Fig. 23(b), the output state of the ninth signal is changed from the HI level to the LOW level. The management-side CPU 112 identifies that a command has been transmitted from the main-side CPU 63 by confirming that the output state of the ninth signal has changed from the HI level to the LOW level, and grasps the content of the command received from the main-side CPU 63 by checking the information in the first to eighth buffers 122a to 122h. In this case, since the first type identification command is being received, the management-side CPU 112 executes the correspondence relationship setting process as shown in Fig. 23(d) at the timing of t5. In the said correspondence relationship setting process, information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 and information on the number of prize balls are stored in the first correspondence area 123a of the correspondence relationship memory 116. Thereafter, at the timing of t6, as shown in Fig. 23(a), the output of the type identification command is stopped.

[0227] Thereafter, at each of the timings from t7 to t9, from t10 to t12, from t13 to t15, and from t16 to t18, in the same manner as the timings from t4 to t6, the management-side CPU 112 executes the correspondence relationship setting process corresponding to the type identification command output from the main-side CPU 63. In this case, at the timings from t16 to t18, the correspondence relationship setting process corresponding to the 15th type identification command is completed.

[0228] Thereafter, at the timing of t19, as shown in Fig. 23(a), the output of the identification end command using the first to eighth signals is started. Also, at the timing of t19, as shown in Fig. 23(b), the output state of the ninth signal is changed from the LOW level to the HI level. Thereafter, at the timing of t20 when the output of the identification end command is continuing, as shown in Fig. 23(b), the output state of the ninth signal is changed from the HI level to the LOW level. The management-side CPU 112 identifies that a command has been transmitted from the main-side CPU 63 by confirming that the output state of the ninth signal has changed from the HI level to the LOW level, and grasps the content of the command received from the main-side CPU 63 by checking the information in the first to eighth buffers 122a to 122h. In this case, since the identification end command is being received, the identification state of the management-side CPU 112 ends as shown in Fig. 23(c) at the timing of t20. Thereafter, at the timing of t21, the output of the identification end command is stopped as shown in Fig. 23(a).

[0229] By having a configuration that allows the management-side CPU 112 to recognize whether or not a command is being output using the ninth signal as described above, even in a configuration where command output is performed using the first to eighth signals (i.e., the first to eighth signal paths) that are used to instruct the management-side CPU 112 of the timing for storing history information, it becomes possible to clearly make the management-side CPU 112 recognize that a command is being output.

[0230] Next, the processing configuration for storing the history information in the history memory 117 will be described. Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the management output processing executed by the main-side CPU 63. Note that the management output processing is executed in step S219 in the timer interrupt processing (Fig. 12).

[0231] First, set "10" to the counter to be managed provided in the main-side RAM 65 (step S701). The counter to be managed is a counter for the main-side CPU 63 to identify whether there is a management target that is not a target for identifying whether to change the signal output state to the management-side CPU 112 in the current management output process, and to identify for which management target the signal output state to the management-side CPU 112 should be changed. In one management output process, the management targets for the main-side CPU 63 to identify whether to change the signal output state to the management-side CPU 112 are a total of 10, including the seven ball-in detection sensors 42a to 48a, the presence or absence of execution of the open / close execution mode, the presence or absence of execution of the high-probability mode, and the presence or absence of opening / closing of the front door frame 14. Therefore, first set "10" to the counter to be managed.

[0232] Thereafter, it is determined whether the output state of the signal to the management-side CPU 112 for the management target corresponding to the current value of the counter to be managed is at the HI level (step S702). If it is not at the HI level (step S702: NO), it is determined whether the value of the counter to be managed is 4 or more, thereby identifying whether the management target corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed is one of the seven ball-in detection sensors 42a to 48a (step S703).

[0233] If an affirmative determination is made in step S703, it is determined whether "1" is set in the output flag of the main-side RAM 65 corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed (step S704). Specifically, when the value of the counter to be managed is "10" and corresponds to the first winning port detection sensor 42a, it is determined whether "1" is set in the first output flag. When the value of the counter to be managed is "9" and corresponds to the second winning port detection sensor 43a, it is determined whether "1" is set in the second output flag. When the value of the counter to be managed is "8" and corresponds to the third winning port detection sensor 44a, it is determined whether "1" is set in the third output flag. When the value of the counter to be managed is "7" and corresponds to the special power detection sensor 45a, it is determined whether "1" is set in the fourth output flag. When the value of the counter to be managed is "6" and corresponds to the first operation port detection sensor 46a, it is determined whether "1" is set in the fifth output flag. When the value of the counter to be managed is "5" and corresponds to the second operation port detection sensor 47a, it is determined whether "1" is set in the sixth output flag. When the value of the counter to be managed is "4" and corresponds to the out port 24a, it is determined whether "1" is set in the seventh output flag. Note that, as already described, "1" is set in these first to seventh output flags in the ball entry detection process (Figure 14).

[0234] When "1" is set in the output flag corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed (step S704: YES), the output state of the signal corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed among the first to seventh signals is set to the HI level (step S705). Thereafter, the output flag corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed is cleared to "0" (step S706).

[0235] If a negative determination is made in step S703, it is determined whether or not an opportunity has occurred to switch the output state of the signal corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed to the HI level (step S707). Specifically, when the value of the counter to be managed is "3", it is determined whether or not a transition to the opening / closing execution mode has occurred. When the value of the counter to be managed is "2", it is determined whether or not a transition to the high-probability mode has occurred. When the value of the counter to be managed is "1", it is determined whether or not the front door frame 14 is in the open state. If an affirmative determination is made in step S707, the output state of the signal corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed is set to the HI level (step S708).

[0236] If an affirmative determination is made in step S702, it is determined whether or not an opportunity has occurred to switch the output state of the signal corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed to the LOW level (step S709). Specifically, when the value of the counter to be managed is 4 or more and the current object to be managed is any of the ball entry detection sensors 42a to 48a, it is determined whether or not the HI output continuation period (specifically, 10 msec) has elapsed after the output state of the signal corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed among the first to seventh signals is switched from the LOW level to the HI level. This HI output continuation period is set to a period longer than the longest processing interval of the history setting process (step S607) of the management process (FIG. 22) in the management side CPU 112, and is a period in which the management side CPU 112 can surely identify the output state of the signal switched from the LOW level to the HI level. Also, when the value of the counter to be managed is "3" and the current object to be managed is the opening / closing execution mode, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode has ended. When the value of the counter to be managed is "2" and the current object to be managed is the high-probability mode, it is determined whether or not the high-probability mode has ended. When the value of the counter to be managed is "1" and the current object to be managed is the front door frame 14, it is determined whether or not the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. If an opportunity has occurred to switch the output state of the signal corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed to the LOW level (step S709: YES), the output state of the signal corresponding to the value of the counter to be managed is set to the LOW level (step S710).

[0237] When a negative determination is made in step S704, when the process of step S706 is executed, when a negative determination is made in step S707, when the process of step S708 is executed, when a negative determination is made in step S709, or when the process of step S710 is executed, the value of the management target counter in the main-side RAM 65 is decremented by 1 (step S711). Then, it is determined whether the value of the management target counter after the decrement by 1 is "0" (step S712). When the value of the management target counter is 1 or more (step S712: NO), for the management target corresponding to the new value of the management target counter, the processes after step S702 are executed.

[0238] Next, the history setting process executed by the management-side CPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25. The history setting process is executed in step S607 of the management process (FIG. 22).

[0239] First, the number of buffers to be confirmed in the management-side CPU 112 among the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o is set in the confirmation target counter provided in the management-side RAM 114 (step S801). Specifically, the number of correspondence areas in which information other than the information indicating blank is stored among the first to fifteenth correspondence areas 123a to 123o in the correspondence memory 116 is specified, and the information of the specified number is set in the confirmation target counter. In this pachinko machine 10, as already described, information other than the information indicating blank is stored in the first to tenth correspondence areas 123a to 123j. Therefore, in step S801, "10" is set in the confirmation target counter.

[0240] Thereafter, by checking whether the numerical information stored in the buffer corresponding to the value of the current confirmation target counter among the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o has been changed from "0" to "1", it is determined whether the output state of the input signal from the master CPU 63 to the buffer has been switched from the LOW level to the HI level (step S802). When the value of the confirmation target counter is "n", the nth buffers 122a to 122o are the targets for checking the numerical information. For example, if the value of the confirmation target counter is "10", the 10th buffer 122j is the target for checking the numerical information, and if the value of the confirmation target counter is "5", the 5th buffer 122e is the target for checking the numerical information.

[0241] When an affirmative determination is made in step S802, the RTC information, which is the year / month / day information and time information, is read from the RTC 115 (step S803). Then, a writing process to the history memory 117 is executed (step S804). In this writing process, by referring to the pointer area 126 of the history memory 117, the pointer information of the history area 124 that is currently the writing target is specified, and the RTC information read in step S803 is written into the history information storage area 125 of the history area 124 corresponding to the pointer information of the writing target. Also, the correspondence information is read from the correspondence areas 123a to 123o corresponding to the value of the current confirmation target counter, and the correspondence information is written into the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information of the writing target. Further, when the correspondence information is any one of the information indicating the open / close execution mode, the information indicating the high-probability mode, and the information indicating the front door frame 14, not only the correspondence information but also the start information is written into the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information of the writing target. When the value of the confirmation target counter is "n", the nth correspondence areas 123a to 123o are the targets for reading the correspondence information. For example, if the value of the confirmation target counter is "10", the 10th correspondence area 123j is the target for reading the correspondence information, and if the value of the confirmation target counter is "5", the 5th correspondence area 123e is the target for reading the correspondence information.

[0242] By executing the writing process as described above, when the value of the counter to be confirmed is any one of the output port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operating port 33, and the second operating port 34, in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information to be written, a combination of the RTC information and the correspondence information indicating that it is any one of the output port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operating port 33, and the second operating port 34 is stored as history information. Also, when the value of the counter to be confirmed is any one of the opening / closing execution mode, the high-probability mode, and the front door frame 14, in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information to be written, a combination of the RTC information, the correspondence information indicating that it is any one of the opening / closing execution mode, the high-probability mode, and the front door frame 14, and the start information is stored as history information.

[0243] Thereafter, an update process for the target pointer is executed (step S805). In this update process, the numerical information stored in the pointer area 126 of the history memory 117 is read out and incremented by 1. It is determined whether the pointer information after the increment of 1 exceeds the maximum value of the pointer information in the history area 124. If it does not exceed the maximum value, the pointer information after the increment of 1 is overwritten in the pointer area 126 as the new pointer information to be written. If it exceeds the maximum value, the pointer area 126 is cleared to "0" so that the pointer information to be written becomes the first pointer information.

[0244] When a negative determination is made in step S802, or when the process of step S805 is executed, it is determined whether corresponding relationship information to be checked whether the signal output has been switched to the LOW level is stored in the corresponding relationship areas 123a to 123o corresponding to the value of the current confirmation target counter (step S806). Specifically, when the value of the current confirmation target counter is from "8" to "10", since any one of the information indicating the open / close execution mode, the information indicating the high probability mode, and the information indicating the front door frame 14 is stored in the corresponding corresponding relationship areas 123h to 123j, an affirmative determination is made in step S806.

[0245] When an affirmative determination is made in step S806, it is determined whether or not the numerical information stored in the buffer corresponding to the value of the current confirmation target counter among the first to fifteenth buffers 122a to 122o has been changed from "1" to "0", thereby determining whether or not the output state of the input signal from the main CPU 63 to the buffer has been switched from the HI level to the LOW level (step S807). When an affirmative determination is made in step S807, the RTC information is read out in the same manner as in step S803 (step S808), and further, a writing process to the history memory 117 is executed (step S809). In the writing process, the RTC information read out in step S808 is written into the history information storage area 125 of the history area 124 corresponding to the pointer information to be written. Also, the correspondence information is read out from the correspondence areas 123a to 123o corresponding to the value of the current confirmation target counter, and the correspondence information is written into the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information to be written. Also, not only the correspondence information but also the end information is written into the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information to be written. By executing the writing process in this way, when the value of the confirmation target counter is any one of the opening / closing execution mode, the high probability mode, and the front door frame 14, the combination of the RTC information, the correspondence information indicating that it is any one of the opening / closing execution mode, the high probability mode, and the front door frame 14, and the end information is stored as the history information in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the pointer information to be written. Thereafter, an update process of the target pointer is executed in the same manner as in step S805 (step S810).

[0246] When a negative determination is made in step S806, when a negative determination is made in step S807, or when the process of step S810 is executed, the value of the confirmation target counter in the management side RAM 114 is decremented by 1 (step S811). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the confirmation target counter after the decrement by 1 is "0" (step S812). When the value of the confirmation target counter is 1 or more (step S812: NO), the processes after step S802 are executed for the confirmation target corresponding to the value of the new confirmation target counter.

[0247] Next, the state in which the history information is stored in the history memory 117 will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. 26. FIG. 26(a) shows the period during which a signal of HI level is input to any one of the first to seventh buffers 122a to 122g, FIG. 26(b) shows the period during which a signal of HI level is input to the eighth buffer 122h, FIG. 26(c) shows the period during which a signal of HI level is input to the ninth buffer 122i, FIG. 26(d) shows the period during which a signal of HI level is input to the tenth buffer 122j, and FIG. 26(e) shows the writing timing of the history information to the history memory 117.

[0248] At the timing of t1, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the output state of the signal input to any one of the first to seventh buffers 122a to 122g is switched from the LOW level to the HI level. Therefore, at the timing of t1, the history information is written to the history memory 117 as shown in FIG. 26(e). After that, at the timing of t2, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the signal switched to the HI level at the timing of t1 is switched to the LOW level. However, since the signal is a signal input to any one of the first to seventh buffers 122a to 122g and the switching to the LOW level is not the target for storing the history information, the writing of the history information is not executed at the timing of t2 as shown in FIG. 26(e).

[0249] After that, at each of the timings of t3, t5, t6, t9, t10, t13, and t14, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the output state of the signal input to any one of the first to seventh buffers 122a to 122g is switched from the LOW level to the HI level. Therefore, history information is written as shown in FIG. 26(e) at each of these timings.

[0250] As shown in FIG. 26(b), from the timing of t4 to the timing of t7, the output state of the signal input to the eighth buffer 122h becomes the HI level. This eighth buffer 122h corresponds to the presence or absence of the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode. Therefore, at the timing of t4 when the output state of the signal input to the eighth buffer 122h switches to the HI level, and at the timing of t7 when the output state of the signal switches to the LOW level, both as shown in FIG. 26(e), history information is written. In this case, the history information written at the timing of t4 includes start information, and the history information written at the timing of t7 includes end information. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp the execution period of the opening / closing execution mode by checking the history information in the history memory 117.

[0251] Also, the history information is written in the history memory 117 in the order of the passage of time. Therefore, it becomes possible to distinguish whether the history information indicating that a ball has entered any of the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operating port 33, and the second operating port 34 is during the opening / closing execution mode. Further, since the history information includes RTC information, it is also possible to distinguish whether the history information indicating that a ball has entered any of the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operating port 33, and the second operating port 34 is during the opening / closing execution mode by comparing the RTC information.

[0252] As shown in FIG. 26(c), the output state of the signal input to the ninth buffer 122i becomes the HI level from the timing of t8 to the timing of t11. This ninth buffer 122i corresponds to the presence or absence of the occurrence of the high-probability mode. Therefore, at the timing of t8, which is the timing when the output state of the signal input to the ninth buffer 122i switches to the HI level as shown in FIG. 26(e), and at the timing of t11, which is the timing when the output state of the signal switches to the LOW level, history information is written. In this case, the history information written at the timing of t8 includes start information, and the history information written at the timing of t11 includes end information. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp the execution period of the high-probability mode by checking the history information in the history memory 117.

[0253] Also, the history information is written in the history memory 117 in the order of the passage of time. Therefore, it becomes possible to distinguish whether the history information indicating that a ball has entered any of the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, and the second operation port 34 is during the high-probability mode. Further, since the history information includes RTC information, it is also possible to distinguish whether the history information indicating that a ball has entered any of the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, and the second operation port 34 is during the high-probability mode by comparing the RTC information.

[0254] As shown in FIG. 26(d), the output state of the signal input to the tenth buffer 122j becomes the HI level from the timing of t12 to the timing of t15. This tenth buffer 122j corresponds to the presence or absence of the opening of the front door frame 14. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26(e), at the timing of t12 when the output state of the signal input to the tenth buffer 122j switches to the HI level, and at the timing of t15 when the output state of the signal switches to the LOW level, history information is written. In this case, the history information written at the timing of t12 includes start information, and the history information written at the timing of t15 includes end information. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp the period during which the front door frame 14 is in the open state by checking the history information in the history memory 117.

[0255] Also, the history information is written in the history memory 117 in the order of the passage of time. Therefore, it becomes possible to distinguish whether the history information indicating that a ball has entered any of the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operating port 33, and the second operating port 34 is during the opening of the front door frame 14. Further, since the history information includes RTC information, it is also possible to distinguish whether the history information indicating that a ball has entered any of the out port 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operating port 33, and the second operating port 34 is during the opening of the front door frame 14 by comparing the RTC information.

[0256] Next, a processing configuration for outputting the history information stored in the history memory 117 to a reading device electrically connected to the reading terminal 102 of the MPU 62 will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing data output processing executed by the main CPU 63. Note that the data output processing is executed in step S111 in the main processing (FIG. 11).

[0257] In the data output process, first, it is determined whether a connection signal indicating that a reading device is electrically connected to the reading terminal 102 is received from the reading terminal 102 (step S901). The reading device is configured to output a connection signal when it is electrically connected to the reading terminal 102, and a positive determination is made in step S901 when the connection signal is received through the reading terminal 102.

[0258] If a negative determination is made in step S901, the data output process is terminated as it is. In this case, in order to execute the data output process, it is necessary to restart the supply of operating power to the MPU62. Thus, in order to perform the external output of the history information, it is necessary to start the supply of operating power to the MPU62 with the reading device electrically connected to the reading terminal 102. Since the power operation unit for performing the stop operation and start operation of the supply of operating power to the MPU62 is provided on the back surface of the back pack unit 15, in order to perform these stop operation and start operation, it is necessary to open the gaming machine body 12 with respect to the outer frame 11 to expose the back surface of the back pack unit 15. In such circumstances, by adopting a configuration in which it is necessary to start the supply of operating power to the MPU62 with the reading device electrically connected to the reading terminal 102 in order to perform the external output of the history information, even if someone other than the administrator of the game hall tries to perform the operation of reading the history information, it can be made difficult to do so.

[0259] When a positive determination is made in step S901, it is determined whether a signal for control information confirmation is received from the reading terminal 102, thereby determining whether the current connection of the reading device to the reading terminal 102 corresponds to the confirmation of the control information (program and data) of the main-side ROM 64 (step S902). The reading device is configured to be able to perform both confirmation of control information and confirmation of history information. When confirmation of control information is selected by a manual operation on the reading device, a signal for control information confirmation is transmitted from the reading device. When confirmation of history information is selected by a manual operation on the reading device, a signal for history confirmation is transmitted from the reading device. Note that the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration may be adopted in which the reading device for control information confirmation and the reading device for history confirmation are separate. In this case, when a reading device for control information confirmation is electrically connected to the reading terminal 102, a signal for control information confirmation is transmitted from the reading device. When a reading device for history confirmation is electrically connected to the reading terminal 102, a signal for history confirmation is transmitted from the reading device.

[0260] When a positive determination is made in step S902, output processing for control information confirmation is executed (step S903). In the output processing, the program and data are read as control information from the main-side ROM 64, and the read control information is output to the reading terminal 102. As a result, it becomes possible to read the control information in the reading device electrically connected to the reading terminal 102, and it becomes possible to confirm whether the control information is regular or normal.

[0261] If a negative determination is made in step S902, an output instruction signal is transmitted to the management-side CPU 112 (step S904). Specifically, the output state of the output instruction signal is switched from the LOW level to the HI level. This HI-level output state is continued for a specific period. This specific period is sufficient for the management-side CPU 112 to identify that the HI-level output instruction signal is input to the 16th buffer 122p. When the output state of the output instruction signal is switched to the HI level, a process for outputting history information is executed in the management-side CPU 112. This process will be described in detail later.

[0262] When the process of step S903 is executed, or when the process of step S904 is executed, it is determined whether the electrical connection of the reading device to the reading terminal 102 is continued (step S905). If it is continued (step S905: YES), it waits in step S905 as it is. Thereby, until the electrical connection of the reading device to the reading terminal 102 is released, it is possible to prevent the processes set in the execution order after the data output process from being executed. When the electrical connection of the reading device to the reading terminal 102 is released (step S905: NO), this data output process is terminated.

[0263] Next, the external output process executed by the management-side CPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28. Note that the external output process is executed in step S608 of the management process (FIG. 22).

[0264] When the output state of the output instruction signal received from the master CPU 63 is switched from the LOW level to the HIGH level (step S1001: YES), the process for outputting the history information after step S1002 is executed. Specifically, first, the number of history information storage areas 125 in which the correspondence information indicating that it is the output port 24a is stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is counted to calculate the number of balls entering the output port 24a (step S1002). Also, the number of history information storage areas 125 in which the correspondence information indicating that it is the general winning port 31 is stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is counted to calculate the number of balls entering the general winning port 31 (step S1003). Also, the number of history information storage areas 125 in which the correspondence information indicating that it is the special electric winning device 32 is stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is counted to calculate the number of balls entering the special electric winning device 32 (step S1004). Also, the number of history information storage areas 125 in which the correspondence information indicating that it is the first operating port 33 is stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is counted to calculate the number of balls entering the first operating port 33 (step S1005). Also, the number of history information storage areas 125 in which the correspondence information indicating that it is the second operating port 34 is stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is counted to calculate the number of balls entering the second operating port 34 (step S1006).

[0265] Thereafter, by referring to the history information storage area 125 existing during the period between the history information storage area 125 in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the start information are stored, and the history information storage area 125 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the end information are stored, the number of balls entering each of the out ports 24a, general winning ports 31, special electric winning devices 32, first operation ports 33, and second operation ports 34 that occurred in the situation where the front door frame 14 is in the open state is calculated (step S1007). The period between the history information storage area 125 in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the start information are stored, and the history information storage area 125 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the end information are stored is calculated from the RTC information stored in these history information storage areas 125. Also, in the whole of the pointer information with consecutive numbers, when there are a plurality of sections between the history information storage area 125 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the start information are stored, and the history information storage area 125 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the end information are stored, the number of balls entering for each of the total of these sections is calculated. Further, although there is a history information storage area 125 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the start information are stored, if the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the start information are not stored in the history information storage area 125 where the RTC information corresponding to the time after the said history information storage area 125 is stored, all the history information in the history information storage area 125 where the RTC information corresponding to the time after the history information storage area 125 where the correspondence information indicating that it is the front door frame 14 and the start information are stored is stored is treated as being in the state where the front door frame 14 is open.

[0266] After that, various parameters are calculated using the calculation results of steps S1002 to S1007 (step S1008). Specifically, first, the number of balls entering during the opening of the front door frame 14 calculated in step S1007 is subtracted from the number of balls entering calculated in each of steps S1002 to S1006. Then, the following parameters are calculated using the number of balls entering after the subtraction. Note that the difference between the number of balls entering the out port 24a calculated in step S1007 and the number of balls entering calculated in step S1002 is defined as the number of balls entering K1, the difference between the number of balls entering the general winning port 31 calculated in step S1007 and the number of balls entering calculated in step S1003 is defined as the number of balls entering K2, the difference between the number of balls entering the special electric winning device 32 calculated in step S1007 and the number of balls entering calculated in step S1004 is defined as the number of balls entering K3, the difference between the number of balls entering the first operation port 33 calculated in step S1007 and the number of balls entering calculated in step S1005 is defined as the number of balls entering K4, and the difference between the number of balls entering the second operation port 34 calculated in step S1007 and the number of balls entering calculated in step S1006 is defined as the number of balls entering K5. · First parameter: The ratio of the total number of payout game balls (K2 × "number of prize balls for winning at the general winning port 31" + K3 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K4 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation port 33" + K5 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation port 34") to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K1 + K2 + K3 + K4 + K5) (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D1") · Second parameter: The ratio of the total number of game balls entering the general winning port 31, K2, to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K1 + K2 + K3 + K4 + K5) · Third parameter: The ratio of the total number of game balls entering the special electric winning device 32, K3, to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K1 + K2 + K3 + K4 + K5) · Fourth parameter: The ratio of the total number of game balls entering the first operation port 33, K4, to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K1 + K2 + K3 + K4 + K5) (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D2") · Fifth parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K5 entering the second operation port 34 to the total number of game balls (K1 + K2 + K3 + K4 + K5) discharged from the game area PA (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D3") · Sixth parameter: D1 - (D2 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation port 33" + D3 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation port 34") · Seventh parameter: Ratio of (K3 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K5 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation port 34") to the total number of game balls paid out (K2 × "number of prize balls for winning at the general winning port 31" + K3 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K4 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation port 33" + K5 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation port 34") · Eighth parameter: Ratio of K3 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" to the total number of game balls paid out (K2 × "number of prize balls for winning at the general winning port 31" + K3 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K4 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation port 33" + K5 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation port 34") After that, using the oldest RTC information and the newest RTC information in the history area 124 of the history memory 117, the total time required until all the history information targeted for this calculation is extracted is calculated (step S1009). Then, the first output process is executed (step S1010). In the first output process, all the history information stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is sequentially output to the reading terminal 102. Also, the various parameters calculated in step S1008 are sequentially output to the reading terminal 102, and the total time calculated in step S1009 is output to the reading terminal 102. As a result, in the reading device electrically connected to the reading terminal 102, each piece of information targeted for output in the first output process is read.

[0267] Thereafter, by referring to the history information storage area 125 existing during the period between the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the start information are stored and the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the end information are stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117, the number of balls entering each of the out ports 24a, general winning ports 31, special electric winning devices 32, first operating ports 33, and second operating ports 34 that occurred in the open / close execution mode is calculated (step S1011). The period between the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the start information are stored and the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the end information are stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is calculated from the RTC information stored in these history information storage areas 125. Also, in the whole of the pointer information with consecutive numbers, when there are a plurality of sections between the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the start information are stored and the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the end information are stored, the number of balls entering for each sum of those sections is calculated. Further, although there is a history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the start information are stored, when the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the start information are not stored in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the time after the said history information storage area 125, all of the history information in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the time after the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information indicating the open / close execution mode and the start information are stored is treated as being in the open / close execution mode.

[0268] After that, during the period of the opening / closing execution mode specified in step S1011, the number of game balls entering each of the out ports 24a, general winning ports 31, special winning devices 32, first operation ports 33, and second operation ports 34 that occurred in the situation where the front door frame 14 was in the open state is calculated (step S1012). The method for calculating these numbers of game balls entering is the same as in the case of step S1007, except that it is premised on the period of the opening / closing execution mode specified in step S1011.

[0269] After that, various parameters are calculated using the calculation results of steps S1011 and S1012 (step S1013). Specifically, first, the number of game balls entering during the opening of the front door frame 14 calculated in step S1012 is subtracted from each number of game balls entering calculated in step S1011. Then, the following parameters are calculated using the number of game balls entering after the subtraction. Note that the difference between the number of game balls entering the out port 24a calculated in step S1012 and the number of game balls entering the out port 24a calculated in step S1011 is defined as the number of game balls entering K11, the difference between the number of game balls entering the general winning port 31 calculated in step S1012 and the number of game balls entering the general winning port 31 calculated in step S1011 is defined as the number of game balls entering K12, the difference between the number of game balls entering the special winning device 32 calculated in step S1012 and the number of game balls entering the special winning device 32 calculated in step S1011 is defined as the number of game balls entering K13, the difference between the number of game balls entering the first operation port 33 calculated in step S1012 and the number of game balls entering the first operation port 33 calculated in step S1011 is defined as the number of game balls entering K14, and the difference between the number of game balls entering the second operation port 34 calculated in step S1012 and the number of game balls entering the second operation port 34 calculated in step S1011 is defined as the number of game balls entering K15. · 11th parameter: The ratio of the total number of paid-out game balls (K12 × "number of prize balls for winning at the general winning port 31" + K13 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special winning device 32" + K14 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation port 33" + K15 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation port 34") to the total number of game balls (K11 + K12 + K13 + K14 + K15) discharged from the game area PA (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D11") · 12th parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K12 entering the general winning opening 31 to the total number of game balls (K11 + K12 + K13 + K14 + K15) discharged from the game area PA · 13th parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K13 entering the special electric winning device 32 to the total number of game balls (K11 + K12 + K13 + K14 + K15) discharged from the game area PA · 14th parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K14 entering the first operation opening 33 to the total number of game balls (K11 + K12 + K13 + K14 + K15) discharged from the game area PA (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D12") · 15th parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K15 entering the second operation opening 34 to the total number of game balls (K11 + K12 + K13 + K14 + K15) discharged from the game area PA (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D13") · 16th parameter: D11 - (D12 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation opening 33" + D13 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation opening 34") · 17th parameter: Ratio of (K13 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K15 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation opening 34") to the total number of game balls paid out (K12 × "number of prize balls for winning at the general winning opening 31" + K13 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K14 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation opening 33" + K15 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation opening 34") · 18th parameter: Ratio of K13 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" to the total number of game balls paid out (K12 × "number of prize balls for winning at the general winning opening 31" + K13 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K14 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation opening 33" + K15 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation opening 34") Thereafter, the second output process is executed (step S1014). In the second output process, the various parameters calculated in step S1013 are sequentially output to the reading terminal 102. As a result, in the reading device electrically connected to the reading terminal 102, each piece of information that is the output target in the second output process is read.

[0270] Thereafter, by referring to the history information storage area 125 existing during the period between the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and start information indicating the high probability mode are stored and the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and end information indicating the high probability mode are stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117, the number of balls entering each of the out port 24a, general winning port 31, special electric winning device 32, first operation port 33, and second operation port 34 that occurred in the high probability mode is calculated (step S1015). The period between the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and start information indicating the high probability mode are stored and the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and end information indicating the high probability mode are stored in the history area 124 of the history memory 117 is calculated from the RTC information stored in these history information storage areas 125. Also, in the whole of the pointer information with consecutive numbers, when there are a plurality of sections between the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and start information indicating the high probability mode are stored and the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and end information indicating the high probability mode are stored, the number of balls entering for each total of those sections is calculated. Further, although the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and start information indicating the high probability mode are stored exists, when the correspondence information and start information indicating the high probability mode are not stored in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the time after the history information storage area 125, all the history information in the history information storage area 125 corresponding to the time after the history information storage area 125 in which the correspondence information and start information indicating the high probability mode are stored is treated as being in the high probability mode.

[0271] After that, during the period of the high-probability mode specified in step S1015, the number of game balls entering each of the out ports 24a, the general winning port 31, the special electric winning device 32, the first operation port 33, and the second operation port 34 that occurred in the situation where the front door frame 14 was in the open state is calculated (step S1016). The method for calculating these numbers of game balls entering is the same as in the case of step S1007, except that it is premised on the period of the high-probability mode specified in step S1015.

[0272] After that, various parameters are calculated using the calculation results of steps S1015 and S1016 (step S1017). Specifically, first, the number of game balls entering each calculated in step S1016 is subtracted from the number of game balls entering each calculated in step S1015. Then, the following parameters are calculated using the number of game balls entering after the subtraction. Note that the difference between the number of game balls entering the out port 24a calculated in step S1016 and the number of game balls entering the out port 24a calculated in step S1015 is defined as the number of game balls entering K21, the difference between the number of game balls entering the general winning port 31 calculated in step S1016 and the number of game balls entering the general winning port 31 calculated in step S1015 is defined as the number of game balls entering K22, the difference between the number of game balls entering the special electric winning device 32 calculated in step S1016 and the number of game balls entering the special electric winning device 32 calculated in step S1015 is defined as the number of game balls entering K23, the difference between the number of game balls entering the first operation port 33 calculated in step S1016 and the number of game balls entering the first operation port 33 calculated in step S1015 is defined as the number of game balls entering K24, and the difference between the number of game balls entering the second operation port 34 calculated in step S1016 and the number of game balls entering the second operation port 34 calculated in step S1015 is defined as the number of game balls entering K25. · 21st parameter: The ratio of the total number of game balls paid out ((K22 × "number of prize balls for winning at the general winning port 31" + K23 × "number of prize balls for winning at the special electric winning device 32" + K24 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first operation port 33" + K25 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second operation port 34")) to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K21 + K22 + K23 + K24 + K25) (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D11") · 22nd parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K22 that have entered the general winning opening 31 to the total number of game balls (K21 + K22 + K23 + K24 + K25) discharged from the game area PA · 23rd parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K23 that have entered the special electric winning device 32 to the total number of game balls (K21 + K22 + K23 + K24 + K25) discharged from the game area PA · 24th parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K24 that have entered the first activation opening 33 to the total number of game balls (K21 + K22 + K23 + K24 + K25) discharged from the game area PA (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D22") · 25th parameter: Ratio of the total number of game balls K25 that have entered the second activation opening 34 to the total number of game balls (K21 + K22 + K23 + K24 + K25) discharged from the game area PA (hereinafter, this ratio is referred to as "D23") · 26th parameter: D21 - (D22 × "number of prize balls for winning at the first activation opening 33" + D23 × "number of prize balls for winning at the second activation opening 34") Thereafter, the third output process is executed (step S1018). In the third output process, the various parameters calculated in step S1017 are sequentially output to the reading terminal 102. As a result, in the reading device electrically connected to the reading terminal 102, each piece of information that is the output target in the third output process is read. Thereafter, a clear process is executed (step S1019). In the clear process, all of the history information storage area 125 of the history memory 117 is cleared to "0", and the pointer area 126 is cleared to "0". As a result, the history area 124 is in an initialized state.

[0273] <Configuration of the special electric winning device 32> Next, the configuration of the special electric winning device 32 will be described. FIG. 29 is a front view of the game board 24 showing an enlarged area where the special electric winning device 32 is provided.

[0274] As already described, the special electric winning device 32 is provided in the right region PA3 of the game area PA. The position where the special electric winning device 32 is provided is the intermediate position in the vertical direction in the right region PA3. At this intermediate position, the special electric winning device 32 extends horizontally from the right frame portion 36g, which is the right portion of the display surface of the symbol display device 41 in the center frame 36a, to the right end portion of the game area PA. By extending the special electric winning device 32 horizontally in this way, the game balls flowing down in the right region PA3 will surely pass through the region where the special electric winning device 32 is provided.

[0275] The special electric winning device 32 includes a passage forming body 201 in which an upstream region of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is formed, an opening and closing member 202 that blocks or allows the entry of game balls into the fourth discharge passage portion 45, and a guide member 203 that guides the movement of the opening and closing member 202. The passage forming body 201 is integrated with the right frame portion 36g of the center frame 36a and protrudes forward of the pachinko machine 10 from the game board surface of the game board 24. The upstream region 45c of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is formed in the passage forming body 201 such that an inlet portion 45b exists on the right wall portion 201a of the passage forming body 201.

[0276] The inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is open toward the right, and game balls flowing down in the right region PA3 can enter. In the upstream region 45c of the fourth discharge passage portion 45, in the region following the inlet portion 45b, it slopes downward toward the left. However, on the downstream side thereof, the passage direction changes so as to lead the game balls to the back side of the game board 24, and the passage direction also changes so as to lead the game balls below the game board 24. And the outlet portion of the upstream region 45c of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 exists on the back side of the game board 24 and is connected to the inlet portion of the downstream region 45d of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 provided on the back side of the game board 24. The downstream region 45d of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 extends vertically downward toward the game board 24. Due to the above configuration, the game balls that have entered the fourth discharge passage portion 45 are discharged below the game board 24 on the back side of the game board 24. As already described, the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is provided with a special power detection sensor 45a for detecting game balls that have entered the fourth discharge passage portion 45 (that is, game balls that have entered the special power winning device 32), and the special power detection sensor 45a is installed on the passage forming body 201.

[0277] An opening and closing member 202 is provided so as to open and close the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the opening and closing member 202, FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the passage forming body 201 and the opening and closing member 202 showing the state in which the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is opened and closed by the opening and closing member 202, and FIG. 32 is a plan view of the opening and closing member 202 and the driving portion 32b for special power.

[0278] The opening / closing member 202 is formed of a synthetic resin and includes a base portion 211 having an outer edge in a rectangular shape that is horizontally long and has a predetermined width in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10, and a blocking portion 212 that is erected vertically at one end side in the lateral direction of the base portion 211 and is integrally formed with the base portion 211. An opening 213 that penetrates the base portion 211 in the vertical direction is formed in the base portion 211. The opening 213 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape, and the dimension in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball and smaller than twice the diameter of the game ball. Further, the dimension in the lateral direction of the opening 213 is set to be more than a plurality of times the diameter of the game ball, specifically, larger than five times the diameter of the game ball and smaller than six times the diameter of the game ball. The position where the opening 213 is formed is offset to the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 in the base portion 211, but is in an intermediate position in both the front-rear direction and the lateral direction in the base portion 211, and a plate-like portion exists around the opening 213 in the base portion 211.

[0279] The blocking portion 212 is formed so as to rise upward from the peripheral edge portion on the left side of the opening 213 in the base portion 211. The blocking portion 212 is formed in a plate shape, and a pair of front and back plate surfaces face the lateral direction. The area of the plate surface of the blocking portion 212 is set to be such that, as shown in Fig. 31(a), the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is blocked from the inflow of the game ball, and more specifically, is set to a size capable of completely closing the inlet portion 45b.

[0280] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, the opening / closing member 202 is supported by the passage forming body 201 and the guide member 203 in a state where it can slide in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, the guide member 203 is provided so as to extend laterally from the right end portion of the game area PA to in front of the passage forming body 201. The passage forming body 201 and the guide member 203 are provided with a slide through hole 221 that penetrates the game board 24 in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10. The slide through hole 221 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer edge portion of the opening / closing member 202 in a front view. The opening / closing member 202 is inserted into the slide through hole 221, and the opening / closing member 202 can slide in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 along the slide through hole 221.

[0281] In a state where it is inserted into the slide through hole 221, the blocking portion 212 of the opening / closing member 202 faces a position close to the right plate surface of the right wall portion 201a of the passage forming body 201 where the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is formed. The distance between the right plate surface of the right wall portion 201a and the blocking portion 212 is set to be less than the radius of the game ball, but the distance is arbitrary as long as the blocking portion 212 can block the entry of the game ball into the fourth discharge passage portion 45. Further, the right plate surface of the right wall portion 201a and the blocking portion 212 may be in contact with each other, and the blocking portion 212 may be configured to slide on the right plate surface of the right wall portion 201a when the opening / closing member 202 moves.

[0282] As shown in Fig. 31(a), the opening / closing member 202 can move to a closed position where the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is closed by the blocking portion 212, and to an open position where the blocking portion 212 moves to the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 and the inlet portion 45b is opened toward the right as shown in Fig. 31(b). Further, as shown in Fig. 32, a special power drive portion 32b for sliding the opening / closing member 202 in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 is provided on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 of the opening / closing member 202. The special power drive portion 32b is a solenoid which is an electric actuator. In a non-driving state where no driving signal is output from the main CPU 63 to the special power drive portion 32b, the output portion 226 of the special power drive portion 32b is arranged at the protruding position by the biasing force of the biasing member 225 of the special power drive portion 32b. On the other hand, in a driving state where a driving signal is output from the main CPU 63 to the special power drive portion 32b, a pulling force is applied to the output portion 226 toward the rear side of the pachinko machine 10, so that the output portion 226 moves to the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 against the biasing force of the biasing member 225 and is arranged at the retracted position. The tip of the output portion 226 is connected to the rear end portion of the opening / closing member 202. Therefore, when the special power drive portion 32b is in the non-driving state and the output portion 226 is arranged at the protruding position, the opening / closing member 202 is arranged at the closed position as shown in Fig. 31(a), and when the special power drive portion 32b is in the driving state and the output portion 226 is arranged at the retracted position, the opening / closing member 202 is arranged at the open position as shown in Fig. 31(b). Since the main body portion 227 of the special power drive portion 32b is present on the back side of the game board 24 and the output portion 226 is connected to the rear end portion of the opening / closing member 202, the special power drive portion 32b is not visible or difficult to visually recognize from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0283] Regarding the state of the special electric winning device 32 when the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at each of the closed position and the open position, in addition to FIGS. 31(a) and 31(b), reference will be made to FIGS. 33(a) and 33(b) for description. FIGS. 33(a) and 33(b) are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A of FIG. 29. Also, FIGS. 31(a) and 33(a) show the state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, and FIGS. 31(b) and 33(b) show the state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position. First, the case where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position will be described.

[0284] When the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 31(a) and 33(a), the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is closed by the blocking portion 212 of the opening / closing member 202. Thereby, when the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, the entry of the game balls into the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is blocked.

[0285] Regardless of whether the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position or not, as already described, the opening 213 of the base portion 211 exists to the right of the blocking portion 212. Also, in the base portion 211, the guide plate portion 214, which is the region on the pachinko machine 10 front side of the opening 213, when the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, the front tip portion thereof confronts the window panel 52 of the front door frame 14 at a position close thereto. The distance between the tip portion of this guide plate portion 214 and the window panel 52 is less than the radius of the game ball. Thereby, in the state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, even if the game ball placed on the guide plate portion 214 tries to flow downward from the front tip portion of the guide plate portion 214, it is blocked by the window panel 52.

[0286] In a state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, the left end portion of the guide plate portion 214 enters into a slide through-hole 221 formed to extend in the front-rear direction at a position below the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 in the passage forming body 201. In this case, the upper surface of the guide plate portion 214 is inclined downward toward the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 and also inclined downward toward the left side. In this configuration, the passage forming body 201 protrudes forward of the pachinko machine 10 from the board surface of the game board 24, and the front end portion of the passage forming body 201 faces a position close to the window panel 52 of the front door frame 14. The distance between the front end portion of the passage forming body 201 and the window panel 52 is less than the radius of the game ball. Thus, in a state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, even if a game ball tries to move leftward from the left end portion of the guide plate portion 214, it is blocked by the passage forming body 201. And, as already described, the upper surface of the guide plate portion 214 is not only inclined downward toward the left side, but also inclined downward toward the rear side of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, in a state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, the game ball placed on the guide plate portion 214 moves toward the opening portion 213 by its own weight and flows into the opening portion 213.

[0287] Here, as shown in FIG. 33(a), the guide member 203 is provided so as to protrude forward of the pachinko machine 10 from the board surface of the game board 24, and the portion protruding forward thereof faces the base portion 211 of the opening / closing member 202 disposed at the closed position from above. In the left region 232 excluding the receiving portion 231 on the right end side in the portion protruding forward, in a state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, it extends in the lateral direction along the opening portion 213 of the base portion 211. However, the amount of protrusion of the left region 232 toward the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is such that the opening portion 213 of the base portion 211 is not included in the facing range. Thus, in a state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, the opening portion 213 is not blocked by the guide member 203. Also, since the front-rear dimension of the left region 232 is less than the radius of the game ball, a game ball does not ride on the left region 232.

[0288] On the other hand, the receiving portion 231 existing on the right side of the opening 213 of the opening / closing member 202 in the guide member 203 protrudes forward of the pachinko machine 10 more than the left region 232, and the front tip portion thereof faces a position close to the window panel 52 of the front door frame 14. The distance between the tip portion of the receiving portion 231 and the window panel 52 is less than the radius of the game ball. Thus, even if the game ball placed on the receiving portion 231 tries to flow downward from the front tip portion of the receiving portion 231, it will be blocked by the window panel 52. Since the receiving portion 231 is present at the right end portion of the game board 24, even if the game ball placed on the receiving portion 231 tries to flow downward from the right end portion of the receiving portion 231, it will be blocked by the portion provided on the right side of the game board 24 in the resin base 21.

[0289] The upper surface of the receiving portion 231 is set such that both the dimension in the front-rear direction and the dimension in the lateral direction are larger than the diameter of the game ball. In this case, as shown in FIG. 33(a), the front region 233 on the upper surface of the receiving portion 231 exists on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 more than the opening 213 of the opening / closing member 202 arranged at the closed position. At the left edge portion of the front region 233, a regulating portion 234 for preventing the game ball placed on the front region 233 from falling from the left edge portion of the front region 233 to the left of the front region 233 is integrally formed. Further, the front region 233 is inclined downward toward the rear side of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the game ball placed on the front region 233 on the upper surface of the receiving portion 231 will move by its own weight to the rear region 235 on the upper surface of the receiving portion 231. The rear region 235 is inclined downward toward the left, and there is no portion for preventing the game ball from flowing down from the left end portion of the rear region 235 to the left of the rear region 235. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 202 is arranged at the closed position, the game ball placed on the rear region 235 on the upper surface of the receiving portion 231 will move by its own weight toward the opening 213 of the opening / closing member 202 and flow into the opening 213.

[0290] Next, the case where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position will be described. When the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, as shown in FIGS. 31(b) and 33(b), the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is open rightward without being blocked by the blocking portion 212 of the opening / closing member 202. Thereby, it becomes possible for the game balls to enter the fourth discharge passage portion 45.

[0291] When the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, the entire opening 213 in the base portion 211 of the opening / closing member 202 is disposed within the slide through-hole 221, and a guide plate portion 214 in the base portion 211 of the opening / closing member 202 exists to the right of the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45. In this case, as shown in FIG. 33(b), the guide plate portion 214 extends horizontally between the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 and the rear region 235 in the receiving portion 231 of the guide member 203. And since the upper surface of the receiving portion 231 is downwardly inclined toward the left end portion of the rear region 235 as already described, the game balls placed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 231 move toward the guide plate portion 214 by their own weight, and since the upper surface of the guide plate portion 214 is downwardly inclined toward the left, the game balls placed on the upper surface of the guide plate portion 214 move toward the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 by their own weight. That is, in a state where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, the game balls placed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 231 or the upper surface of the guide plate portion 214 move toward the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 by their own weight and enter the inlet portion 45b. Therefore, when the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, not only is it possible for the game balls to enter the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45, but also the entry of the game balls into the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 is guided by the opening / closing member 202.

[0292] When the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, the opening / closing member 202 moves to the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 more than when the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position. Therefore, the distance between the front tip of the guide plate portion 214 and the window panel 52 becomes wider. And this distance becomes a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball. Accordingly, depending on the flow-down direction and the momentum of the game ball flowing down toward the special electric winning device 32 in the right region PA3, the game ball may enter the space between the guide plate portion 214 and the window panel 52 and flow down through the space to flow down below the special electric winning device 32. That is, even in a situation where the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, the game ball that has reached the position of the special electric winning device 32 may flow down below the special electric winning device 32 without winning the special electric winning device 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a protruding portion protruding upward over the entire front end portion of the guide plate portion 214 may be integrally formed so that the game ball placed on the guide plate portion 214 cannot fall or hardly falls downward from the front end portion of the guide plate portion 214.

[0293] Next, with reference to FIG. 29 again, a configuration for making the flow-down mode of the game ball in the right region PA3 a predetermined mode will be described.

[0294] In the right region PA3, upstream of the special electric winning device 32, there is provided guiding means for guiding the game balls flowing downstream in the upstream side of the right region PA3 toward the right end side of the special electric winning device 32, more specifically, toward the receiving portion 231 of the guide member 203 and its periphery. As the guiding means, a guiding nail group 241 composed of a plurality of nails 24b is provided. The guiding nail group 241 is formed by arranging a plurality of nails 24b in a downward-right direction so as to produce a guiding portion that slopes downward from the right frame portion 36g of the center frame 36a toward the receiving portion 231 of the guide member 203. In this case, the distance between the nail 24b existing at the left end in the guiding nail group 241 and the right frame portion 36g is set to be less than the radius of the game ball, and the distance between adjacent nails 24b in the guiding nail group 241 is also set to be less than the radius of the game ball. Therefore, the game balls reaching the guiding nail group 241 are guided toward the receiving portion 231 of the guide member 203 by the guiding portion formed by the guiding nail group 241.

[0295] The game balls guided to the upper surface of the receiving portion 231, when the opening and closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position, are guided by the upper surface of the receiving portion 231 to the opening 213 in the base portion 211 of the opening and closing member 202 and flow into the opening 213 as already described. Therefore, the game balls flowing down in the right region PA3 and reaching the special electric winning device 32 in the situation where the opening and closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position flow into the region closer to the receiving portion 231 at the opening 213 of the base portion 211 and flow downward toward the lower side of the special electric winning device 32.

[0296] Here, as already described, the through gate 35 is provided in the right region PA3. The through gate 35 is disposed closer to the passage forming body 201 of the special electric winning device 32 on the downstream side of the special electric winning device 32. Further, between the special electric winning device 32 and the through gate 35, a regulating nail group 242 is provided so that only the game balls flowing down from a position closer to the passage forming body 201 of the special electric winning device 32 to below the special electric winning device 32 can enter the through gate 35. Thereby, the game balls reaching the special electric winning device 32 while the opening and closing member 202 is disposed at the closed position are prevented from passing through the through gate 35.

[0297] On the other hand, when the opening and closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, the game balls reaching the special electric winning device 32 flow down on the guide plate portion 214 of the base portion 211 toward the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45 as already described. In this case, if the arrangement of the opening and closing member 202 at the open position is maintained until the game balls placed on the guide plate portion 214 reach the inlet portion 45b of the fourth discharge passage portion 45, the game balls will enter the inlet portion 45b. On the contrary, when the opening and closing member 202 moves from the open position to the closed position before reaching the inlet portion 45b, the game balls placed on the guide plate portion 214 at that time move to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 following the movement of the guide plate portion 214 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and then are guided to the opening 213 of the base portion 211 along the inclination of the upper surface of the guide plate portion 214 and flow into the opening 213. Therefore, when the opening and closing member 202 moves from the open position to the closed position with game balls existing in a predetermined range X closer to the passage forming body 201 on the guide plate portion 214, the game balls will flow down toward the lower side of the special electric winning device 32 at a position closer to the passage forming body 201 and pass through the through gate 35. Then, when the game balls pass through the through gate 35, the hold information on the general drawing side is acquired, and an opportunity to open the general electric accessory 34a of the second operation port 34 occurs. That is, the opportunity to enter the through gate 35, that is, the opportunity to open the general electric accessory 34a of the second operation port 34 occurs only in the opening and closing execution mode.

[0298] With reference to the time chart of FIG. 34, the state in which a winning occurs at the second operation port 34 in the opening / closing execution mode will be described. FIG. 34(a) shows the execution period of the opening / closing execution mode, FIG. 34(b) shows the opening / closing state of the special-electric winning device 32, FIG. 34(c) shows the timing at which a winning occurs at the through gate 35, FIG. 34(d) shows the execution period of the open state of the second operation port 34, and FIG. 34(e) shows the timing at which a winning occurs at the second operation port 34. When the general-electric open state is reached, the open state of the second operation port 34 occurs multiple times. However, for the sake of explanation in FIG. 34, it will be described as if the open state of the second operation port 34 occurs only once.

[0299] At the timing of t1, as shown in FIG. 34(a), the opening / closing execution mode is started. In the opening / closing execution mode, as shown in FIG. 34(b), round games are executed during each period from the timing of t2 to the timing of t3, from the timing of t7 to the timing of t9, and from the timing of t13 to the timing of t15, and the special-electric winning device 32 is in the open state.

[0300] In each of these round games, in the round games from the timing of t2 to the timing of t3 and from the timing of t7 to the timing of t9, when the special electric winning device 32 changes from the open state to the closed state at the timings of t3 and t9 respectively, a game ball is placed on the guide plate portion 214 of the opening / closing member 202 of the special electric winning device 32. Then, when the opening / closing member 202 moves from the open position to the closed position at the timings of t3 and t9 respectively and the special electric winning device 32 changes from the open state to the closed state, the game ball placed on the guide plate portion 214 drops into the opening 213 of the opening / closing member 202. The dropped game ball wins the through gate 35 at the timings of t4 and t10 respectively as shown in FIG. 34(c). As a result, the hold information on the general drawing side is acquired, and the variation display of the pattern starts on the general drawing display unit 38a. Then, when the variation display of the pattern ends, the general electric accessory 34a of the second operation port 34 is in the open state from the timing of t5 to the timing of t8 and from the timing of t11 to the timing of t14 respectively as shown in FIG. 34(d). Since the game ball flowing down in the right region PA3 can reach the position where the second operation port 34 is provided even if it is a game ball, by continuing to launch the game ball toward the right region PA3 in an attempt to make the game ball win the special electric winning device 32, a winning at the second operation port 34 occurs at the timings of t6 and t12 respectively as shown in FIG. 34(e). As a result, the second hold information is acquired. Since the start of a new game round is blocked during the execution of the opening / closing execution mode, the execution of the validity determination process for the acquired second hold information and the start of the game round triggered by the second hold information are performed after the current opening / closing execution mode ends.

[0301] On the other hand, in the round game from the timing of t13 to the timing of t15, when the special electric winning device 32 changes from the open state to the closed state at the timing of t15, no game ball is placed on the guide plate portion 214 of the opening / closing member 202 of the special electric winning device 32, or even if a game ball is placed on the guide plate portion 214, the game ball does not fall to a position where it can enter the through gate 35. Therefore, no winning at the through gate 35 occurs at the end of the round game.

[0302] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 34(a), an opening / closing execution mode occurs at the timing of t16. At the timing when the opening / closing execution mode ends, the general drawing side hold information is held and stored in the general drawing hold area 65c. As a result, at the timing of t17, which is the timing after the opening / closing execution mode ends, as shown in FIG. 34(d), the opening of the second operation port 34 is started, and this opening period continues until the timing of t19. Then, during this period, a shooting operation is performed so that the game ball flows down the left area PA2 or the right area PA3, and a winning at the second operation port 34 occurs at the timing of t18 as shown in FIG. 34(e). In this case, if the upper limit number of second hold information is not held and stored in the second special drawing hold area 86 at this point, new second hold information is acquired. Then, the second hold information becomes the execution target of the win / loss determination process and the starting opportunity for a new game round.

[0303] <Execution mode of the opening / closing execution mode> Next, the execution mode of the opening / closing execution mode will be described. FIGS. 35(a) and 35(b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the execution mode of the opening / closing execution mode.

[0304] As described above, in this embodiment, as jackpot results, there are 2R low-probability results, 2R high-probability results, 4R low-probability results, 4R high-probability results, 6R low-probability results, 6R high-probability results, 10R low-probability results, 10R high-probability results, 16R low-probability results, and 16R high-probability results. In any of these jackpot results, as shown in Fig. 35(a), the interval period between each round game is set to 3 seconds for the opening / closing execution mode that occurs. Also, in any of these opening / closing execution modes, the upper limit number of winning balls to the special electric winning device 32 in each round game is set to 10, and the opening duration of each round game is set to 29 seconds. And in each round game, the opening and closing of the special electric winning device 32 is performed once respectively.

[0305] On the other hand, the number of round games occurring in these opening / closing execution modes is different. Specifically, in the 2R low-probability result and 2R high-probability result, the number of round games is set to 2, in the 4R low-probability result and 4R high-probability result, the number of round games is set to 4, in the 6R low-probability result and 6R high-probability result, the number of round games is set to 6, in the 10R low-probability result and 10R high-probability result, the number of round games is set to 10, and in the 16R low-probability result and 16R high-probability result, the number of round games is set to 16. Since the larger the number of executions of the round game, the larger the number of balls entering the special electric winning device 32 in one opening / closing execution mode, the jackpot results with a larger number of executions of the round game are more advantageous to the player.

[0306] In addition, the greater the number of times the round game is executed, the greater the number of times the opening / closing member 202 of the special electric winning device 32 slides between the open position and the closed position. As already explained, at the timing when the opening / closing member 202 slides from the open position to the closed position, the game ball placed on the guide plate portion 214 of the opening / closing member 202 can win the through gate 35. Therefore, the greater the number of times the opening / closing member 202 slides between the open position and the closed position, the higher the frequency of winning the through gate 35, and when winning the through gate 35 occurs, an opportunity for the general electric accessory 34a of the second operation port 34 to be in an open state will occur. And when the second hold information obtained by winning the second operation port 34 becomes the object of the win / loss determination process, either a big win result or a small win result will occur, so that the opening / closing execution mode will surely occur. From this point as well, a big win result with a greater number of times the round game is executed is more advantageous to the player.

[0307] As big win results with the same number of times the round game is executed, a low probability result and a high probability result are respectively set. That is, as big win results when the round game is executed 2 times, a 2R low probability result and a 2R high probability result are set. Also, as big win results when the round game is executed 4 times, a 4R low probability result and a 4R high probability result are set. Also, as big win results when the round game is executed 6 times, a 6R low probability result and a 6R high probability result are set. Also, as big win results when the round game is executed 10 times, a 10R low probability result and a 10R high probability result are set. Also, as big win results when the round game is executed 16 times, a 16R low probability result and a 16R high probability result are set. As a result, as big win results with the same number of times the round game occurs in the opening / closing execution mode, there are a low probability result where the win / loss lottery mode after the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low probability mode, and a high probability result where the win / loss lottery mode after the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high probability mode. Therefore, regarding the number of times the round game occurs in the opening / closing execution mode, there are big win results where the setting mode of the win / loss lottery mode is different while keeping the player's profit level the same, and the types of objects that the player expects regarding the types of big win results increase.

[0308] As already described, in this embodiment, as small hit results, there are a first small hit result, a second small hit result, and a third small hit result. All of the opening / closing execution modes that occur when these are small hit results have the upper limit number of winning set to 10, as shown in FIG. 35(b). On the other hand, the number of opening times of the special electric winning device 32 in the opening / closing execution mode and the opening duration of the special electric winning device 32 in each opening time differ depending on each small hit result.

[0309] FIG. 36 is a time chart for explaining the execution mode of the opening / closing execution mode executed triggered by a small hit result. FIGS. 36(a1), 36(a2), and 36(a3) show the execution period of the opening / closing execution mode, and FIGS. 36(b1), 36(b2), and 36(b3) show the period during which the special electric winning device 32 is in an open state. Further, FIGS. 36(a1) and 36(b1) show the execution mode of the opening / closing execution mode executed triggered by the first small hit result, FIGS. 36(a2) and 36(b2) show the execution mode of the opening / closing execution mode executed triggered by the second small hit result, and FIGS. 36(a3) and 36(b3) show the execution mode of the opening / closing execution mode executed triggered by the third small hit result.

[0310] In the case of the first small hit result, when the opening / closing execution mode is executed from the timing of t1 to the timing of t4 as shown in FIG. 36(a1), the special electric winning device 32 is opened only once from the timing of t2 to the timing of t3 as shown in FIG. 36(b1). The opening duration of the special electric winning device 32 in this one opening time is set to 10 seconds as shown in FIG. 35(b). Since the firing cycle of the game balls is 0.6 seconds and the upper limit number of winning game balls to the special electric winning device 32 in this opening / closing execution mode is 10, this opening duration is longer than the product of the firing cycle of the game balls and the upper limit number of winning.

[0311] In the case of the second small winning result, when the opening / closing execution mode is executed from the timing of t1 to the timing of t20 as shown in Fig. 36(a2), as shown in Fig. 36(b2), the special electric winning device 32 is opened once each from the timing of t2 to the timing of t11, from the timing of t12 to the timing of t13, from the timing of t14 to the timing of t15, from the timing of t16 to the timing of t17, and from the timing of t18 to the timing of t19. That is, in the case of the second small winning result, the number of times the special electric winning device 32 is opened is 5 times. The opening duration of the special electric winning device 32 in each opening time is set to 2 seconds as shown in Fig. 35(b). Since the firing period of the game ball is 0.6 seconds and the upper limit number of game balls winning in the special electric winning device 32 in the opening / closing execution mode is 10, the opening duration in each opening time is shorter than the product of the firing period of the game ball and the upper limit number of winning balls. However, the total opening duration in each opening time is longer than the product of the firing period of the game ball and the upper limit number of winning balls. Also, the total opening duration in each opening time is equal to the opening duration in one opening time of the opening / closing execution mode in the first small winning result.

[0312] In the case of the third minor winning result, when the opening and closing execution mode is executed from the timing of t1 to the timing of t40 as shown in Fig. 36(a3), as shown in Fig. 36(b3), from the timing of t2 to the timing of t21, from the timing of t22 to the timing of t23, from the timing of t24 to the timing of t25, from the timing of t26 to the timing of t27, from the timing of t28 to the timing of t29, from the timing of t30 to the timing of t31, from the timing of t32 to the timing of t33, from the timing of t34 to the timing of t35, from the timing of t36 to the timing of t37, and from the timing of t38 to the timing of t39, the special electric winning device 32 is opened once each. That is, in the case of the third minor winning result, the number of times the special electric winning device 32 is opened is 10 times. The opening duration of the special electric winning device 32 in each opening time is set to 1 second as shown in Fig. 35(b). Since the firing cycle of the game ball is 0.6 seconds and the upper limit number of game balls winning in the special electric winning device 32 in the opening and closing execution mode is 10, the opening duration of each opening time is shorter than the product of the firing cycle of the game ball and the upper limit number of winning. However, the total opening duration of each opening time is longer than the product of the firing cycle of the game ball and the upper limit number of winning. Also, the total opening duration of each opening time is equal to the opening duration of one opening time in the opening and closing execution mode in the first minor winning result and is equal to the total opening duration of each opening time in the second minor winning result.

[0313] As described above, in the opening / closing execution mode of each small winning result, the shorter the number of opening times, the longer the opening duration of each opening time is set. The longer the opening duration of the special electric winning device 32 for one time, the easier it is for a winning to occur in the special electric winning device 32. On the other hand, the more the number of opening times of the special electric winning device 32, the more opportunities occur for the special electric winning device 32 to change from the open state to the closed state with the game ball placed on the guide plate portion 214 of the opening / closing member 202. Therefore, it becomes easier for a winning to occur in the through gate 35. Accordingly, in the first small winning result, although a winning in the special electric winning device 32 is most likely to occur, a winning in the through gate 35 is least likely to occur. In the third small winning result, although a winning in the special electric winning device 32 is least likely to occur, a winning in the through gate 35 is most likely to occur. In the second small winning result, both a winning in the special electric winning device 32 and a winning in the through gate 35 are moderately likely to occur. Thereby, a player who expects a winning in the special electric winning device 32 will expect the first small winning result, and a player who expects a winning in the through gate 35 will expect the third small winning result. Thus, it becomes possible to diversify the objects expected by the players. Also, since there are merits in each of the first small winning result, the second small winning result, and the third small winning result regardless of which occurs, it becomes possible to increase the degree of attention of the players to each small winning result.

[0314] In addition, in both the case of the second small winning result and the case of the third small winning result, the special electric winning device 32 will be opened multiple times, but the interval period of each opening time is the same at 3 seconds. Also, when 1 second has elapsed during the period in which the opening / closing member 202 is disposed at the open position, the game ball can reach a predetermined range X on the guide plate portion 214.

[0315] <General Drawing Special Electric Control Process> Next, a processing configuration for switching the second operation port 34 between the open state and the closed state, and a processing configuration for switching the special power winning device 32 between the open state and the closed state will be described. First, the processing configuration for switching the second operation port 34 between the open state and the closed state will be described. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the general drawing general power control process executed by the main CPU 63. Note that the general drawing general power control process is executed in step S214 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12).

[0316] First, the acquisition process of the general drawing side hold information is executed (step S1101). In this acquisition process, when a winning at the through gate 35 has occurred and the general drawing side hold information for the upper limit number is not acquired in the general drawing hold area 65c, the numerical information of the general power random number counter C4 is stored in the general drawing hold area 65c. In this case, the general drawing side hold information is stored in the order of the first area 88a → the second area 88b → the third area 88c → the fourth area 88d.

[0317] Thereafter, the numerical information of the general drawing general power counter provided in the main side RAM 65 is read (step S1102), and the general drawing general power address table provided in the main side ROM 64 is read (step S1103). Then, the start address corresponding to the numerical information of the general drawing general power counter is acquired from the general drawing general power address table (step S1104), and the process indicated by the acquired start address is jumped to (step S1105).

[0318] The general diagram general power counter is a counter for the main CPU 63 to grasp which of the processes from step S1106 to step S1110 in the general diagram general power control process should be executed. In the general diagram general power address table, the start address in the program for executing each process from step S1106 to step S1110 is set corresponding to the numerical information of the general diagram general power counter. When the value of the general diagram general power counter is "0", it jumps to the general diagram change start process of step S1106. When the value of the general diagram general power counter is "1", it jumps to the general diagram change in process of step S1107. When the value of the general diagram general power counter is "2", it jumps to the general diagram confirmation in process of step S1108. When the value of the general diagram general power counter is "3", it jumps to the general power release in process of step S1109. When the value of the general diagram general power counter is "4", it jumps to the general power closed in process of step S1110.

[0319] In the general diagram change start process of step S1106, on the condition that the general diagram side hold information is held and stored in the general diagram hold area 65c, the process of shifting the general diagram side hold information stored in the general diagram hold area 65c is executed. Specifically, the general diagram side hold information stored in the first area 88a of the general diagram hold area 65c is shifted to the general diagram execution area 89 for use. Then, the general diagram side hold information is shifted so that the second area 88b → the first area 88a, the third area 88c → the second area 88b, and the fourth area 88d → the third area 88c. Then, the general diagram side hold information newly shifted to the general diagram execution area 89 is used as a lottery value to execute the general power release lottery process. In this embodiment, as already described, there is only one type of support mode. Therefore, the probability of winning the general power release state in the general power release lottery process is constant regardless of the game state such as whether it is in the open / close execution mode and whether the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode. Specifically, the probability of winning the general power release state is 9 / 10.

[0320] However, it is not limited to this, and the probability of winning in the general power release state may be higher or lower than this. Also, instead of performing the general power release lottery process, it may be configured such that the general power release state surely occurs once for one piece of reservation information on the general drawing side. In this case, it becomes possible to increase the occurrence frequency of the general power release state.

[0321] When the general drawing change start process executes the general power release lottery process, a process of starting the variable display of the pattern on the general drawing display unit 38a is executed. In this case, information on the variable display period for variably displaying the pattern on the general drawing display unit 38a is set in the general drawing general power timer counter provided in the main side RAM 65. The value set in the general drawing general power timer counter is decremented by 1 each time the timer update process (step S210) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12) is executed. In this embodiment, as already described, there is only one type of support mode. Therefore, the variable display period of the pattern variable display on the general drawing display unit 38a is constant regardless of the game state such as whether it is during the open / close execution mode and whether the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode, and specifically, it is set to 5 seconds. And when starting the variable display of the pattern on the general drawing display unit 38a, the value of the general drawing general power counter is updated from "0" to "1". Thereby, the process to be executed in the next process cycle of the general drawing general power control process becomes the process during general drawing change.

[0322] However, it is not limited to this, and the variation display period of the pattern display in the general drawing display unit 38a may be longer or shorter than this. Also, a plurality of types of variation display periods of the pattern display in the general drawing display unit 38a may be set, and the variation display period to be executed may be determined by lottery. Further, in a configuration where the general power release lottery process is not executed and the general power release state surely occurs once for one piece of general drawing side hold information, when new general drawing side hold information is acquired in a situation where the general power release state does not hold, or when the general power release state ends in a situation where the general drawing side hold information is held and stored, a new general power release state may be started with the general drawing side hold information as the execution trigger. Conversely, even in a configuration where the general power release state surely occurs once for one piece of general drawing side hold information, the pattern variation display in the general drawing display unit 38a may be executed, and the general power release state may be started after the execution of the pattern variation display.

[0323] In the general drawing variation process of step S1107, a process for updating the pattern display in the general drawing display unit 38a is executed. Also, when the value set in the general drawing general power timer counter of the main side RAM 65 in the general drawing variation start process is "0", information on the general drawing side confirmation period is set in the general drawing general power timer counter of the main side RAM 65, and a process for causing the general drawing display unit 38a to display a pattern corresponding to the result of the general power release lottery process that triggered the execution of the current pattern variation display in the general drawing display unit 38a is executed. Then, the value of the general drawing general power counter is updated from "1" to "2". As a result, the process to be executed in the next process cycle of the general drawing general power control process becomes the general drawing confirmation process.

[0324] In the process of determining the general drawing during step S1108, when the value of the general drawing general power timer counter is "0", it is determined whether the result of the general power release lottery process that triggered the execution of the current pattern change display time is a winning result in the general power release state. If it is not a winning result in the general power release state, the value of the general drawing general power counter is cleared to "0". As a result, the process to be executed in the next process cycle of the general drawing general power control process becomes the general drawing change start process.

[0325] If it is a winning result in the general power release state, the process for setting the general power release state is executed. Specifically, "3" is set in the general power release count counter provided in the main side RAM65. The general power release count counter is a counter for the main side CPU63 to specify the remaining number of times to release the general power device 34a in the general power release state. Also, the numerical information of the release duration (specifically, 2 seconds) when the general power device 34a is set to the open state once is set in the general drawing general power timer counter. Also, "10" is set in the general power winning counter. Also, the output of the drive signal to the general power drive unit 34b is started so that the general power device 34a becomes the open state. The general power winning counter is a counter for the main side CPU63 to specify the remaining game balls that can win in the second operation port 34 in the general power release state, and each time a winning occurs in the second operation port 34, the value of the general power winning counter is decremented by 1. And when the value of the general power winning counter becomes "0", regardless of the remaining number of release times and the r...

Claims

Claim 1 Predetermined storage execution means for causing predetermined information to be stored in the predetermined storage means by executing a predetermined storage process for causing storage of information corresponding to a predetermined event to be executed in the predetermined storage means when the predetermined event occurs as a result of the game; Information calculation means for calculating mode information corresponding to the result of the game in a predetermined period using the predetermined information each time a predetermined calculation trigger occurs; Result storage execution means for sequentially storing the mode information obtained by the calculation by the information calculation means in a calculation result storage means; comprising: The result storage execution means includes means for causing the mode information to be stored in the calculation result storage means to be in a state where the mode information to be stored among the mode information obtained by the calculation by the information calculation means is stored; The mode information that is not the storage target among the mode information obtained by the calculation by the information calculation means is not configured to be stored in the calculation result storage means; This gaming machine means for causing the predetermined information in the predetermined storage means to be erased after the calculation of the mode information by the information calculation means is completed; notification means capable of notifying the content corresponding to the mode information stored in the calculation result storage means; comprising: A gaming machine characterized in that when a specific event occurs in which the progress control of the game is stopped, the predetermined storage process by the predetermined storage execution means is not executed.

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