Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of appropriately executing a performance accompanying the progress of a game.SOLUTION: A game machine capable of outputting suggestion information (sample air) that can suggest settings on a game performance to a player executes control to cause an output mode of the suggestion information to be a first mode in an execution state in a first display region of variable display of a pattern (variable display of a decorative pattern) and cause it to be a second mode in an execution state in a second display region in a first game performance executed when a determination result is different from a determination result corresponding to predetermined determination information, and in a second game performance executed when a determination result is a determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, and executes control to change the output mode of the suggestion information to the first mode in the first game performance, and maintain the second mode in the second game performance in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is executed and the pattern is stop-displayed in the first display region after the variable display of the pattern in the second display region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 144

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine capable of executing an effect according to the entry of a ball into a start port provided in a game area (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] However, there may still be room for improvement in a configuration capable of executing an effect based on information obtained by the entry of a ball into the start port.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably executing an effect accompanying the progress of a game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention special information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition opportunity; acquisition information storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means; determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquisition information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information; Before the determination is made by the determination means or based on the fact that the determination has been made by the determination means, a game replay operation is started, and the game replay operation is terminated by notifying a notification result corresponding to the result of the determination. Regarding this as one game replay, a game replay control means for controlling a notification means so that the game replay operation of each game replay is performed according to special information stored in the acquisition information storage means, Special game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state more advantageous to the player than the normal game state based on the determination result by the determination means being the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information and the game replay operation by the game replay control means being terminated comprising Display means having a display unit and capable of executing a game effect including variable display of a pattern in a predetermined display area on the display unit, Game effect control means for starting a game effect including starting variable display of a pattern in the display means before the determination is made by the determination means or based on the fact that the determination has been made by the determination means, and terminating the game effect by performing stop display of the pattern corresponding to the determination result by the determination means Operation means operable by the player, Effect setting means capable of varying settings related to the game effect based on an operation of the operation means, Setting suggestion mode control means for controlling an output mode of suggestion information for suggesting to the player that it is possible to vary settings related to the game effect based on an operation of the operation means comprising As a predetermined display area in which variable display of a pattern is executed on the display unit, a first display area and a second display area smaller than the first display area are provided, The game effect control means is capable of controlling to execute variable display of a pattern executed in the first display area in the second display area in a predetermined game effect, and then perform variable display and stop display of the pattern in the first display area. A first game effect is provided as a game effect to be executed in the case of a determination result different from the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, and a second game effect is provided as a game effect to be executed in the case of a determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information. The setting suggestion mode control means When the first game effect is executed, the suggestion information is output in a first mode in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the first display area, and the suggestion information is not output or is controlled to be in a second mode that is difficult to identify in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the second display area. Then, in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is performed in the first display area and then stopped and displayed, it is controlled to output the suggestion information in the first mode. On the other hand, when the second game effect is executed, the suggestion information is output in the first mode in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the first display area, and the suggestion information is not output or is controlled to be in the second mode that is difficult to identify in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the second display area. Then, in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is performed in the first display area and then stopped and displayed, it is controlled to maintain the second mode as the output mode of the suggestion information in the second display area.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The present invention can provide a gaming machine capable of suitably executing an effect accompanying the progress of a game.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Regarding an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100, which is an example of a type of gaming machine, will be described, and then modifications and other types of gaming machines will be described. First, regarding the embodiment of the pachinko machine 100, the structural configuration, electrical configuration, and various control processes will be described in order.

[0010] <Structural configuration> First, referring mainly to FIGS. 1 to 9, the configuration of the structural part of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIGS. 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100. FIG. 1 shows the closed state of the pachinko machine 100, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 are integrally opened with respect to the outer frame 101, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rear block 104 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103. Further, FIG. 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 is removed from the state of FIG. 5. In each figure, various wirings are omitted, and in FIGS. 3 and 6, a part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted.

[0011] The pachinko machine 100 includes, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, and these parts are configured to be relatively displaceable by a predetermined operation. The outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 constitute a frame body for detachably attaching a game board 400 described later. In the following, the combination of the outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 in the pachinko machine 100 may be collectively referred to as the "frame body".

[0012] The outer frame 101 has a function as a main body support means for supporting the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100. The outer frame 101 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a substantially quadrilateral frame member to which a top plate portion 111, a bottom plate portion 112, a left side plate portion 113, and a right side plate portion 114 are assembled, and is fitted into a gaming machine installation facility (island facility) provided in a game parlor where the pachinko machine 100 is installed and is firmly fixed by a fixing tool (not shown). Note that in the pachinko machine 100, the outer frame 101 is not an essential component, and a support mechanism that has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101 and supports a main body portion corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101, or a part of a locking mechanism that locks the main body portion may be provided in the island facility.

[0013] On one side in the left-right direction (the left side plate portion 113 side) of the outer frame 101, intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided. By these intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 are connected (linked), and the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 is configured to be rotatable forward with one end side (left side) in the left-right direction in a front view of the pachinko machine 100 as a rotation base end side and the other end side (right side) as a rotation tip end side.

[0014] The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, spaced apart from the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the outer frame 101. Each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 is configured to be rotatable, for example, by a shaft support portion provided on the outer frame 101 supporting a shaft portion provided on the intermediate block 103 from below and the shaft portion being inserted into a shaft hole provided in the shaft support portion. Note that the configuration for making the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 rotatable is not limited to the above configuration, and other configurations such as providing a shaft hole on the intermediate block 103 side and forming a shaft portion on the outer frame 101 side may be adopted.

[0015] The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided with a function of releasing the connection state between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removal operation, and the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is detachably attached to the outer frame 101. For example, by performing a predetermined removal operation of opening the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101 by a certain amount or more and moving it upward by a certain amount, the connection state of the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101 is released. Thereby, the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100 is made detachable with respect to the outer frame 101.

[0016] On the front side of the intermediate block 103, the front block 102 is arranged so as to overlap, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 provided on the left side in the front view. The front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, support the front block 102 so as to be rotatable forward with respect to the intermediate block 103, and are configured to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

[0017] On the rear side of the intermediate block 103, the rear block 104 is arranged so as to overlap, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are connected by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side in the front view. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, support the rear block 104 so as to be rotatable rearward with respect to the intermediate block 103, and are configured to be removably supported by a predetermined removal operation.

[0018] In addition, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with an intermediate block locking mechanism for restricting the opening and closing of the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101, a front block locking mechanism for restricting the opening and closing of the front block 102 with respect to the intermediate block 103, and a key operation mechanism that is operated to unlock and lock the intermediate block locking mechanism and the front block locking mechanism. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate block 103 is provided with a key cylinder 141 as a key operation mechanism that is exposed to the front side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening of the front block 102.

[0019] As a predetermined operation on the key cylinder 141, when a right rotation operation is performed with an operation key (not shown), the movable part 143 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided on the intermediate block 103 operates. Thereby, the engagement between the engaged part 142 provided on the outer frame 101 as a part of the intermediate block locking mechanism and the movable part 143 is released, and the intermediate block 103 becomes in a state where it can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 101.

[0020] On the other hand, in response to a left rotation operation with a predetermined operation key on the key cylinder 141, the movable part 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided on the intermediate block 103 operates. Thereby, the engagement between the engaged part 145 provided on the front block 102 as a part of the front block locking mechanism and the movable part 144 is released, and the front block 102 becomes in a state where it can be opened and closed with respect to the intermediate block 103.

[0021] In addition, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism for restricting the opening and closing of the rear block 104 with respect to the intermediate block 103. By this rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism, the rear block 104 can be switched between a state where opening and closing are prohibited (opening / closing prohibited state) and a state where opening and closing are permitted (opening / closing permitted state) with respect to the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined operation.

[0022] The rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism is constituted by, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, two opening / closing restriction parts 150A and 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening / closing restriction part 150C provided in the rear block 104. These three opening / closing restriction parts 150A to 150C are provided with rotatable rotating pieces 151A to 151C. The rotating pieces 151A to 151C change the engagement state with an opening part arranged to overlap front and back in the closed state of the rear block 104 by a rotation operation, and thereby, it is possible to switch between an opening / closing prohibition posture corresponding to the opening / closing prohibition state and an opening / closing allowance posture corresponding to the opening / closing allowance state. When all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C are in the opening / closing allowance posture, each of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 becomes in an opening / closing allowance state with respect to the intermediate block 103. Note that as the opening / closing prohibition posture and the opening / closing allowance posture, it is sufficient that the opening / closing prohibition state and the opening / closing allowance state are switched by at least any change in the position and direction of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C, and it may be configured to only rotate at a fixed position, or may be configured to move in a fixed direction, or may be configured to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same shall apply to the change in posture when the constituent members in each device shift between a plurality of postures.

[0023] Of the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two rotating pieces 151A and 151B corresponding to a part thereof are exposed to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 through an opening formed in the rear block 104 in the opening / closing prohibition state of the rear block 104 as shown in FIG. 2, and one rotating piece 151C corresponding to the remaining part is exposed to the front side of the intermediate block 103 as shown in FIG. 6. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the opening / closing allowance posture only by an operation from one side such as the back side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103, and thereby, the crime prevention property is enhanced.

[0024] In addition, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement restricting mechanism that restricts the movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. The game ball movement restricting mechanism is constituted by, for example, a combination of a downward flow restricting piece 161 provided on the intermediate block 103 and a restriction changing part 162 provided on the front block 102, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, and the downward flow restricting piece 161 is biased by a coil spring (not shown) toward the front side where the front block 102 is located.

[0025] In a state where the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (the closed state of the front block 102), the downward flow restricting piece 161 is in a movement allowing state that allows the flow-down of game balls. Specifically, it is pressed and pushed rearward of the intermediate block 103 by the restriction changing part 162. The downward flow restricting piece 161 is displaced rearward with respect to a guiding passage (not shown) for guiding game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement allowing state. Thereby, in the closed state of the front block 102, the movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is allowed.

[0026] On the other hand, in a state where the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103 (the opened state of the front block 102), the pressing of the downward flow restricting piece 161 by the restriction changing part 162 is released, and the downward flow restricting piece 161 is in a movement prohibiting state of protruding toward the front block 102 side as compared with the closed state of the front block 102. The downward flow restricting piece 161 protrudes into the guiding passage in the movement prohibiting state and blocks the flow-down of game balls to the downstream side. Thereby, the movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is prohibited.

[0027] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with an opening / closing detection switch 108 for detecting whether or not the intermediate block 103 is closed with respect to the outer frame 101 at the lower end portion on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation tip side (left side in the rear view). Further, as shown in FIG. 3, an opening / closing detection switch 109 for detecting whether or not the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 is provided at the lower end portion on the front side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation tip side (right side in the front view).

[0028] Next, the configurations of the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 will be described in order.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 is a substantially rectangular member that forms substantially the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100 and has a thickness in the front-rear direction, and has a function as front decoration means for decorating the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 100. The front block 102 is mainly composed of a base frame 201 made of synthetic resin, and a plurality of functional components are attached to the front and rear of the base frame 201. On the front side of the base frame 201, a front decoration body 210 that forms the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 is attached so as to surround an opening 210A along the outer edge of the opening 210A that includes the central portion of the front block 102 in the front view. In a state where the base frame 201 and the front decoration body 210 that constitute the front block 102 are combined, the opening 210A is formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction over a wide range excluding the outer peripheral portion to which the front decoration body 210 is attached. Through this opening 210A, the intermediate block 103 including the game board 400 located on the rear side of the front block 102 is configured to be visible to the player.

[0030] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 includes a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to close the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 for storing game balls, and a launch operation device 250 that is operated by the player to launch the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230.

[0031] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front block 102 includes, as a part of the front decorative body 210, an opening peripheral portion 211 surrounding the periphery of the opening 210A, an upper protruding portion 217 protruding forward below the opening 210A, a lower protruding portion 218 protruding forward and positioned below the upper protruding portion 217, and a flat portion 219 which is on the right side of the lower protruding portion 218 and is located deeper than the upper protruding portion 217 and the lower protruding portion 218 and on which the emission operation device 250 is disposed. The main storage mechanism 230 is disposed in the upper protruding portion 217, and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is disposed in the lower protruding portion 218.

[0032] The center panel 220 functions as a cover body that closes the opening 210A formed through in the front-rear direction in a state where the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 are combined and enables the rear side to be visible. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, the center panel 220 includes a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201, a light-transmissive front plate 222 (see FIG. 1) fitted on the front side of the panel frame 221, and a light-transmissive rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted on the rear side of the panel frame 221 substantially in parallel with a predetermined gap from the front plate 222.

[0033] The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing game balls acquired according to the progress of the game and game balls lent out from the game hall. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage portion 231, a ball extraction mechanism (not shown), and a ball extraction operation member 232 for operating the ball extraction mechanism. The storage portion 231 is provided with an inflow port 231A for allowing game balls to flow into the storage portion 231 from the inside of the pachinko machine 100, an outflow port (not shown) for allowing game balls to flow out from the storage portion 231 to the inside of the pachinko machine 100, and a discharge port (not shown) formed upstream of the outflow port. When this discharge port is opened, the game balls are discharged to the player side without being taken into the pachinko machine 100 from the storage portion 231. The ball extraction mechanism has a function of switching the discharge destination of the game balls between the outflow port and the discharge port.

[0034] The game balls obtained according to the progress of the game, and the game balls lent out according to the lending operation for the lending operation device 292 described later, mainly flow into the storage unit 231 through the inflow port 231A. Further, the storage unit 231 is formed with an opening on the upper side, and through this opening, the game balls owned by the player are manually inserted, or the game balls lent out in the game hall are supplied.

[0035] The game balls that have flowed into the storage unit 231 are sequentially guided to the side where the outlet and the discharge port are formed (the upper right side in FIG. 1) while being aligned in a row. When the ball extraction operation (for example, a pressing operation) on the ball extraction operation member 232 is not performed, the game balls are guided to the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) described later through the outlet. On the other hand, when the ball extraction operation on the ball extraction operation member 232 is performed, the game balls are guided to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1) through the discharge port.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 includes a storage unit 241 having inflow ports 241A, 241C (see FIG. 5) and an outlet 241B (see FIG. 1) for game balls, a ball extraction mechanism 243 for opening and closing the outlet 241B, and a ball extraction operation member 242 for operating the ball extraction mechanism 243. The game balls obtained according to the progress of the game mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but if the storage unit 231 is full, they flow into the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241A. Also, according to the ball extraction operation on the ball extraction operation member 232, the game balls flow from the storage unit 231 into the storage unit 241 through the inflow port 241C.

[0037] The bottom surface of the storage part 241 slopes downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the discharge port 241B is opened by a ball removal operation (for example, a pressing operation) on the ball removal operation member 242, all the game balls stored in the storage part 241 can be sequentially discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. When the discharge port 241B is completely opened by the ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 242, it is maintained in the open state until a return operation (for example, another pressing operation) is performed on the ball removal operation member 242. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) for detecting whether an excessive number of game balls are stored in the storage part 241 is provided at the back of the inflow port 241A.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the launching operation device 250 includes a pedestal 251 that protrudes forward from the flat part 219 of the front decorative body 210, a rotatable launching handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251, a variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) for detecting the amount of rotational operation of the launching handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) for detecting that the player is in contact with the launching handle 252, and a launch stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) for invalidating the ejection of game balls accompanying the rotational operation of the launching handle 252 by the player's operation. When the launching handle 252 is rotationally operated by the player, a game ball is ejected from the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with an intensity corresponding to the amount of the rotational operation. When the contact between the launching handle 252 and the player is not detected by the contact sensor 254 or when the launching operation is invalidated by the operation of the launch stop switch 255, the game ball is not ejected from the launching device 330 even if the launching handle 252 is rotationally operated.

[0039] Also, behind the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102, frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 (see FIG. 10) are provided. The frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 are arranged so as to overlap the opening peripheral edge portion 211 of the front decorative body 210 on the back side, and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral edge portion 211 has an upper central edge portion 211A, upper left and upper right edge portions 211B and 211C located on both left and right sides with respect to the upper central edge portion 211A, a left edge portion 211D located below the upper left edge portion 211B, and a right edge portion 211E located below the upper right edge portion 211C as light-emitting portions, and the frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 are installed corresponding to the respective light-emitting portions.

[0040] The frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 are composed of an upper central frame light-emitting device 271 corresponding to the upper central edge portion 211A, an upper left frame light-emitting device 272 corresponding to the upper left edge portion 211B, an upper right frame light-emitting device 273 corresponding to the upper right edge portion 211C, a left side frame light-emitting device 274 corresponding to the left edge portion 211D, and a right side frame light-emitting device 275 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the right edge portion 211E. Each of the frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 has a light-emitting diode (LED) as one or more light-emitting means, electronic components such as a resistor for controlling the LED, and a printed circuit board for integrally and electrically connecting these electronic components.

[0041] Also, in the front block 102, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, an upper left acoustic output port 211F and an upper right acoustic output port 211G are provided above the opening peripheral edge portion 211 thereof, and an upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) are provided corresponding to the upper left acoustic output port 211F and the upper right acoustic output port 211G, respectively. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be located behind the opening peripheral edge portion 211 of the front decorative body 210.

[0042] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, in the front block 102, for example, a game ball lending device 290 is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the upper protruding portion 217. The game ball lending device 290 includes a frequency display device 291 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the remaining amount of bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (not shown) arranged beside the pachinko machine 100, a lending operation device 292 that is operated by a player when receiving the lending of game balls, and a return operation device 293 that is operated by a player when returning bills, cards, etc. inserted into the card unit. When a lending operation is performed on the lending operation device 292 in an effective state where bills or cards are inserted into the card unit and the numerical value corresponding to their amount is displayed on the frequency display device 291, a predetermined number of game balls are lent out from the payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) of the rear block 104 according to the lending operation, and the display of the frequency display device 291 is updated as the game balls are lent out. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the effective state, an equivalent of the bill corresponding to the remaining amount or a card recording the remaining amount is returned from the card unit according to the return operation.

[0043] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, in the front block 102, an input operation device 260 that enables an input operation different from the firing operation by the player is provided. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a pressing operation device 261 that enables a pressing operation, a rotating operation device 262 that enables a rotating operation, and a selection operation device 263 that enables a direction operation in the up, down, left, and right directions. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in the front block 102, a left input operation device 801L and a right input operation device 801R that enable an input operation different from the firing operation and the input operation on the input operation device 260 by the player are provided. In FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8, the left input operation device 801L and the right input operation device 801R are not shown.

[0044] These operation devices 261 to 263, 801L, and 801R enable an effect selection operation for selecting an effect to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation for setting the volume and light quantity of each device that executes the effect of the pachinko machine 100, or an effect setting operation for inputting information about the player and enabling the execution of the effect of the pachinko machine 100 according to the game before the previous game. These operations can be executed by the player or the game hall manager as needed. The input operation unit (for example, the annular rotation operation unit in the rotation operation device 262) that the player contacts in the input operation device 260 is preferably configured to be able to perform operations such as rotation, vertical movement, or vibration by input operation unit driving means such as a motor or a solenoid under the control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, the control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)). By operating the input part at any one or a plurality of timings before, after, or during the input operation, it is possible to diversify effects involving input operations, such as actively promoting the input operation.

[0045] Next, the intermediate block 103 will be described. The intermediate block 103 is a member having a substantially rectangular shape with substantially the same size as the front block 102, and has a function of integrating the main body part of the pachinko machine 100 when the front block 102 and the rear block 104 are attached. The intermediate block 103 is configured by attaching a plurality of functional components including the game board 400 to the base frame 301.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, a game board support mechanism that supports the game board 400 rotatably and detachably with respect to the base frame 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, a launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) that shoots game balls onto the game board 400, a main control device 370 (see FIG. 4) attached to the back side of the game board 400 that comprehensively controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) that controls game effects and status notifications based on commands from the main control device 370.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the base frame 301 is provided with a guide passage portion 301A in which a guide passage for guiding the game balls discharged from a payout device 540 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, to the front block 102 is formed inside, and an opening 301B in which a plurality of wirings (not shown) and a signal relay device 311 are located. The opening 301B has a shape that penetrates in the front-rear direction below the game board 400, and the plurality of wirings inserted through the opening 301B are various devices provided in the front block 102 (for example, the frame light emitting devices 271 to 275, the upper left sound device 281, and the upper right sound device 282), and the devices provided on the back side of the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 (for example, the main control device 370 and the sub-control device 390), and the signal relay device 311 functions as a relay board for relaying a part of the wiring.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat base body 401 having through holes such as a discharge port 401A through which game balls can pass back and forth, an outer rail 402 that smoothly curves from the lower left to the upper right of the base body 401, an inner rail 403 that smoothly curves from the lower right to the upper left of the base body 401, a return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the tip of the upper left side of the inner rail 403, and a bounce prevention member 405 attached to the tip of the upper right side of the outer rail 402. The outer rail 402 guides the game balls launched from a launch device 330, which will be described later, into the game area 409. The return ball prevention mechanism 404 prevents the game balls once discharged into the game area 409 from the launch passage 401B formed in the portion where the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 face each other in parallel from returning to the launch passage 401B. The bounce prevention member 405 has shock absorbency to prevent a large bounce of the game ball such that the game ball that has moved to the right beyond the upper center of the game board 400 returns to the left via the upper center again, and is formed of a material such as damping rubber, for example.

[0049] On the lower rear side of the front block 102, as shown in FIG. 3, a return ball passage portion 163 is formed. There is a gap between the guide member 335 that guides the game ball in the direction of the launch passage 401B from the launch device 330 and the outer rail 402. Game balls that are launched from the launch device 330 but do not reach beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 and reverse through the launch passage 401B are returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 5) from the inlet 241A (see FIG. 5) via the return ball passage portion 163 disposed below this gap.

[0050] Game balls that have advanced beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reach the game area 409 and move (flow down) while falling by their own weight within the game area 409. The game area 409 has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape and is partitioned into a shape that mostly consists of an area having a front-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The game area 409 is generally partitioned by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 at the outer peripheral portion, the front side is partitioned in a substantially planar shape by the rear plate 223 of the center panel 220, and the rear side is partitioned in a substantially planar shape by the base 401 of the game board 400. Various structures provided in the game area 409 will be described later.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the launch device 330 includes a ball feeding mechanism 331 that sequentially sends out the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the launch position, a ball feeding solenoid 332 (see FIG. 10) that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331, a launch mechanism 333 that launches the game ball disposed at the launch position, a launch solenoid 334 (see FIG. 10) that drives the launch mechanism 333, and a guide member 335 that guides the game ball launched from the launch mechanism 333 to the launch passage 401B of the game board 400. The launch device 330 operates in response to the launch operation on the launch operation device 250 as described above, and the drive control of the launch solenoid 334 changes according to the launch operation on the launch operation device 250, and the launch force is adjusted.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) and a substrate case 371 having a two-piece structure that houses the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed inside the light-transmissive substrate case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace.

[0053] Further, the main control device 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400. Specifically, an attachment portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the back side of the base 401 of the game board 400, and the main control device 370 is attached to the attachment portion 372. As a result, not only the back side (front side) of the main control device 370 but also the front side (back side) of the main control device 370 can be easily confirmed while the main control device 370 is attached to the game board 400 by rotating the attachment portion 372. The main control device 370 may be connected to the attachment portion 372 so that it cannot be removed without leaving a trace, or the removal status of the main control device 370 may be made easier to manage.

[0054] The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10) and a substrate case 391 having a two-piece structure that houses the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 is housed inside the light-transmissive substrate case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace, for example, in the same manner as the main control board 920. The sub-control device 390 is attached to the back side of the game board 400.

[0055] In the pachinko machine 100, the intermediate block 103 can be configured to include a backup power supply 601 (see FIG. 10) that supplies backup power to the main control board 920. The backup power supply 601 is composed of a power supply unit that can store backup power, such as a capacitor or a rechargeable battery, and an electric circuit for controlling the supply of charging voltage to the power supply unit, discharging the power (electric charge) applied to the power supply unit, etc. The backup power supply 601 charges the power of the charging voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901 (see FIG. 10) into a capacitor, for example, and supplies the power stored in the capacitor by charging as backup power to the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). The backup power supply 601 is attached to the back side of the game board 400. Note that the electric circuit for storing or discharging the power of the backup power supply 601 does not necessarily have to be provided integrally with the power supply unit of the backup power supply 601 (for example, provided on one printed circuit board), and it may be provided at other locations, or may be provided as a part of the power supply / launch control board 900 provided on the frame side, or may be provided as a part of the main control board 920.

[0056] Here, regarding various structures arranged in the game area 409 on the game board 400, description will be made mainly with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 400.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base 401, flow change members such as pins 411 and windmills 412 that change the flow direction and flow rate of game balls, a central structure 420 disposed generally at the center of the base 401, a starting device related to the first special symbol disposed below the central structure 420 (specifically, an upper middle starting winning device 431A and a lower middle starting winning device 431B), a starting device related to the second special symbol disposed at the lower right side of the central structure 420 (specifically, a right starting winning device 432), large winning devices 433, 434 disposed below the right starting winning device 432 (specifically, a lower large winning device 433 and an upper large winning device 434), a starting device 436 related to a normal symbol disposed above (upstream side) the right starting winning device 432, an associated operation device 435 disposed above (upstream side) the upper and lower large winning devices 433, 434 at the upper right side of the game board 400, and general winning devices 439A, 439B disposed on both the left and right sides of the lower middle starting winning device 431B.

[0058] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting the passage of game balls corresponding to the above-described upper middle start winning device 431A, etc. (see Fig. 10), and it is possible to detect the entry of game balls into a predetermined area corresponding to each switch. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) for detecting a game ball that has entered the upper middle start winning device 431A, a middle start winning switch (lower middle start winning switch 441B) for detecting a game ball that has entered the lower middle start winning device 431B, a right start winning switch 442 for detecting a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432, a lower large winning switch 443 for detecting a game ball that has entered the lower large winning device 433, an upper large winning switch 444 for detecting a game ball that has entered the upper large winning device 434, a combination operation switch 445 for detecting a game ball that has entered the combination operation device 435, a start switch 446 for detecting a game ball that has entered the start device 436, a non-specific passage switch 447 for detecting a game ball that has entered a non-specific passage (non-privilege area 409N) formed inside the upper large winning device 434, a specific passage switch 448 for detecting a game ball that has entered a specific passage (privilege area 409V) formed inside the upper large winning device 434, general winning switches 449A, 449B for detecting game balls that have entered the general winning devices 439A, 439B, etc. are installed on the game board 400.

[0059] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with various sensors for preventing fraud (see Fig. 10), and it is possible to detect abnormalities occurring in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, etc. are installed on the game board 400.

[0060] The entrance portions of the game balls for the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 constitute the ball entrance, and the game balls that enter each ball entrance are discharged into the game area 409. The entrance portions of the game balls for each winning device, specifically, the upper middle starting winning device 431A, the lower middle starting winning device 431B, the right starting winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, the upper large winning device 434, and the general winning devices 439A and 439B constitute the winning entrances, and the game balls that enter each winning entrance are guided through the through holes formed in the base body 401 to a recovery and discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base body 401. Also, the game balls that do not enter each winning device are guided to the recovery and discharge passage through the discharge port 401A provided at the most downstream portion of the game area 409. The game balls guided to the recovery and discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game hall. When a game ball enters any of the winning devices, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0061] Note that each winning device may be configured separately from other winning devices, or the winning device may be constituted by a device in which two or more winning devices (for example, the upper middle starting winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B) are integrated. Also, for starting devices such as the upper middle starting winning device 431A, it is not necessarily required to be a winning entrance where a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters. It may also be a ball entrance where the game ball is discharged again into the game area 409 without being paid out.

[0062] For each of the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B related to the first special symbol, and the general winning devices 439A and 439B, they do not change the entry probability of game balls thereto, but guide the entered game balls to the back side of the base body 401. Further, the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the entry probability of game balls into it. Note that the mechanism for changing the entry probability of game balls does not have to be provided only in the start device related to the second special symbol. Instead of that, or in addition to that, it may be provided in any one or a plurality of the start devices related to the first special symbol, and the general winning devices 439A and 439B. Also, the mechanism for changing the entry probability of game balls may be constituted by driving means such as a solenoid that is electrically driven, or may be constituted by a mechanically operating mechanism typified by a mechanism that operates by the own weight of a game ball that has entered a predetermined area.

[0063] The right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol includes a right entry restricting mechanism 452 that changes the entry probability of game balls into it by shifting between an entry allowable posture and an entry prohibited posture, and a right entry restricting solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10) that drives the right entry restricting mechanism 452. The right entry restricting mechanism 452 includes at least one movable piece that is driven by the right entry restricting solenoid 462. When the right entry restricting mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibited posture, the game balls cannot enter the right start winning device 432 because the movable piece takes a position to narrow (or close) the entry port (winning port). However, when the right entry restricting mechanism 452 is in the entry allowable posture, the game balls can enter the right start winning device 432 because the movable piece takes a position where the interval between their tip portions expands. The right entry restricting mechanism 452 shifts to the entry allowable posture for a predetermined number of times and a predetermined time in response to the drive by the right entry restricting solenoid 462 when winning in a lottery (hereinafter also referred to as "ordinary symbol lottery") based on the detection of game balls that have entered the start device 436 related to the ordinary symbol by the start switch 446.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower large winning device 433 is provided with a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 that restricts the entry of game balls into its interior by shifting between an entry-permitted posture and an entry-prohibited posture, and a lower entry restriction solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower large winning device 433 is in the entry-prohibited posture, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 closes the entry port (winning port), and thus game balls cannot enter the lower large winning device 433. However, when the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry-permitted posture, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 opens the entry port, and thus game balls can enter the lower large winning device 433.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper large winning device 434 is provided with an upper entry restriction mechanism 454 that restricts the entry of game balls into its interior by shifting between an entry-permitted posture and an entry-prohibited posture, an upper entry restriction motor 464 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, a sorting mechanism 437 that sorts game balls that have entered the upper large winning device 434 into a non-specific passage or a specific passage by shifting between a non-guiding posture and a guiding posture, and a sorting solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the sorting mechanism 437 to switch the guiding destination of the game balls. When the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry-prohibited posture, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 closes the entry port (winning port), and thus game balls cannot enter the upper large winning device 434. However, when the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry-permitted posture, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 opens the entry port, and thus game balls can enter the upper large winning device 434. Also, game balls that have entered the upper large winning device 434 are guided to the non-specific passage when the sorting mechanism 437 is in the non-guiding posture where it protrudes forward, and are guided to the specific passage when the sorting mechanism 437 is in the guiding posture where it sinks backward. The specific passage and the non-specific passage are provided to diversify the transition of the game state. When game balls enter the specific passage, a game state advantageous to the player as a privilege is provided.

[0066] Note that, as the mechanisms for changing the entry probability of the game balls into the interior of the right entry restriction mechanism 452 or the like, the allowable entry posture and the prohibited entry posture may be those corresponding to the change in the posture of the operating member that switches between the special state in which the game balls can enter the winning opening (or the ball entry port) of each device constituting each mechanism and the normal state in which the game balls cannot enter, and at least one of the position and the orientation of the operating member is different according to each posture. Further, as the mechanism for changing the entry probability of the game balls of the right entry restriction mechanism 452 or the like, it is not always necessary to set the state in which the game balls cannot enter as the normal state, and the game balls may be allowed to enter even in the normal state, and the posture of the operating member may be changed to a state in which the game balls are more likely to enter than in the normal state in the special state.

[0067] When the big win lottery is won, the game balls can enter the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434. Specifically, when winning the lottery (hereinafter also referred to as "the first special symbol lottery") based on the detection of the game balls that have entered the upper middle starting winning device 431A or the lower middle starting winning device 431B related to the first special symbol by the upper middle starting winning switch 441A or the lower middle starting winning switch 441B, or when winning the lottery (hereinafter also referred to as "the second special symbol lottery") based on the detection of the game balls that have entered the right starting winning device 432 related to the second special symbol by the right starting winning switch 442, at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 or the upper entry restriction motor 464 operates. By this operation, at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the allowable entry posture for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined period of time. Further, when winning those lotteries, the distribution solenoid 465 also operates, and the distribution mechanism 437 takes the guiding posture for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined period of time.

[0068] The combination operation device 435 is a device for setting the conditions necessary for the lower big winning device 433 and the upper big winning device 434 to start operating. After winning the jackpot lottery, either the lower big winning device 433 or the upper big winning device 434 starts operating on the condition that the game ball passes through the combination operation device 435. Therefore, when the player wins the jackpot, the player can start the special game state at the timing of his or her intention. Note that it is not necessarily configured such that either the lower big winning device 433 or the upper big winning device 434 starts operating on the condition that the game ball passes through the combination operation device 435. Instead of this, or in addition to this, it may be configured such that either the lower big winning device 433 or the upper big winning device 434 starts operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0069] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 is provided in the lower left part corresponding to a part of the game board 400 with a display having a plurality of light emitting parts in which display devices 471 to 473 for variably displaying symbols and displaying lottery results and display devices 476 to 478 for displaying the number of suspended games are integrated. The plurality of light emitting parts are partitioned in advance into light emitting areas corresponding to the respective devices, and the states of the respective devices are displayed by the light emitting states.

[0070] Specifically, on the game board 400, there are provided a special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol for variably displaying the first special symbol or fixedly displaying the first special symbol as a stop symbol according to the lottery result in accordance with the first special symbol lottery, a special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol for variably displaying the second special symbol or fixedly displaying the second special symbol as a stop symbol according to the lottery result in accordance with the second special symbol lottery, a special symbol hold display device 476 for displaying the number of held unit games related to the first special symbol, and a special symbol hold display device 477 for displaying the number of held unit games related to the second special symbol. The rights of unit games related to the first special symbol and the rights of unit games related to the second special symbol can each be held up to a maximum of 4 times. Here, a unit game is a single game executed based on one start winning, and refers to a series of games including the start of the variable display for determining the success or failure of the lottery executed based on one start winning and the end of the variable display for displaying the lottery result based on the success or failure determination.

[0071] When the right of a unit game related to the first special symbol is held up to the maximum number of times, even if the game ball that has entered the middle start winning device 431 is detected by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) or the lower middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10), the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol will not be added. Similarly, when the right of a unit game related to the second special symbol is held up to the maximum number of times, even if the game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 is detected by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol will not be added.

[0072] Each of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is composed of a plurality of light emitting parts and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). Each of the display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol is expressed by the light emission pattern of the plurality of light emitting parts (a combination of light emission states (extinguishing, lighting, blinking) including the light emission color). The special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol display the number of held times by the combination of the light emission states (extinguishing, lighting, blinking) of two single-color light emitting parts.

[0073] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a normal symbol display device 473 that variably displays normal symbols or definitely displays normal symbols as stop symbols according to lottery results in accordance with the normal symbol lottery, and a normal symbol hold display device 478 that displays the number of times the right to a unit game related to the normal symbol is held. The right to a unit game related to the normal symbol can be held up to a maximum of 4 times. When the right to a unit game related to the normal symbol has been held up to the maximum number of times, even if a game ball that has entered the start device 436 is detected by the start switch 446, the right to a unit game related to the normal symbol will not be added.

[0074] The normal symbol display device 473 is composed of a plurality of light-emitting parts and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). The normal symbol is expressed by the light-emitting patterns of the plurality of light-emitting parts. In addition, the normal symbol hold display device 478 displays the number of holds by the combination of the light-emitting states (extinguished, lit, flashing) of two single-color light-emitting parts.

[0075] In addition, on the game board 400, a decorative symbol display device 479 is provided so as to overlap the rear of the central structure 420, which variably displays decorative symbols or definitely displays decorative symbols in unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The variable display and definite display of the decorative symbol are controlled by the sub-control board 940 and are synchronized with the variable display and definite display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the main control board 920. In the variable display of the decorative symbol, more complex and diverse effects than the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed. Note that the variable display and definite display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and the variable display and definite display of the decorative symbol do not necessarily have to start varying at exactly the same timing or stop and display as definite displays at exactly the same timing. It is also possible to set them to start varying at approximately the same timing with a slight time difference at each timing and to perform definite display at approximately the same timing.

[0076] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a board surface lighting device 490 (see FIG. 10) provided on the back side of various structures. The board surface lighting device 490 executes various lighting effects accompanying the progress of the game and state notifications by lighting based on the control by the sub-control board 940.

[0077] Further, on the game board 400, a remaining amount display unit 602 (see FIG. 10) that displays information corresponding to the remaining amount (electric quantity, amount of charge) of the backup power source 601 is provided at a position visible from the front side of the lower right part corresponding to a part of the game board 400 (for example, adjacent to the decoration symbol display device 479 in a part of the central structure 420). In FIG. 7, the illustration of the remaining amount display unit 602 is omitted.

[0078] In the pachinko machine 100, the remaining amount display unit 602 can be configured to be composed of one light emitting unit, and the lighting state of the light emitting unit changes according to the remaining amount of the backup power source 601. For example, when the remaining amount of the backup power source 601 is zero, the light emitting unit is continuously turned off, and the light emitting unit blinks (lights up intermittently) until the remaining amount increases to the maximum capacity by charging. When the remaining amount reaches the maximum capacity, the light emitting unit continuously lights up.

[0079] Note that the remaining amount display unit 602 may be configured to be composed of a plurality of light emitting units, and the number of light emitting units that light up increases according to the remaining amount of the backup power source 601. The remaining amount display unit 602 may be configured by a display unit such as a 7-segment LED or a liquid crystal display device, and the remaining amount of the backup power source 601 may be displayed as a percentage display by numbers. Further, in the remaining amount display unit 602 composed of one or a plurality of light emitting units, instead of or in addition to the change in the lighting state or the number of light emitting units that light up, the color of the light emitting unit may change according to the remaining amount of the backup power source 601.

[0080] Here, various game states and transitions between game states will be described. The normal game state (hereinafter also abbreviated as "normal game state") corresponds to a state where the variable display times of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol are long (hereinafter also referred to as "non-time shortening state").

[0081] When winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game state to transition to after the special game state is different depending on whether the game ball enters a specific passage (the internal passage of the upper big winning device 434) during the special game state corresponding to the win. When the game ball does not enter the specific passage during the special game state, the variable display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is shorter than the non-time-saving state (hereinafter also referred to as the "time-saving state"), and the winning probability of the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as that in the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "low probability state"). The game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "time-saving game state") transitions to this state. On the other hand, when the game ball enters the specific passage during the special game state, it is in the time-saving state, and the winning probability of the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than that in the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "high probability state"). The game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "probability-variable game state") transitions to this state.

[0082] The time-saving game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), and then returns to the normal game state. Also, the probability-variable game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), and then returns to the normal game state.

[0083] Note that regarding the game state and the transition between game states, it is not necessarily required to have the configuration described above. For example, it may be configured such that the high probability state continues until the next jackpot win, or at least one of the above game states may be configured with other content, or it may be configured to further include a game state different from each of the above-described game states, or it may be configured such that the game states transition under conditions different from the above-described conditions.

[0084] In addition, the trigger for transitioning to the special game state does not necessarily have to be limited to winning in the special symbol lottery. In addition to or instead of this configuration, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which, when a game ball enters a predetermined specific area (so-called V area) within the game area in the normal game state, the game transitions to the special game state.

[0085] For example, when a predetermined small win, which is a type of non-winning in the special symbol lottery, is selected, the upper big winning device 434 is opened in the normal game state, and when the game ball that has entered the upper big winning device 434 is guided to the specific passage by the distribution mechanism 437 that distributes the balls to the non-specific passage (non-privilege area 409N) and the specific passage (privilege area 409V) and enters the specific passage, a special game state may occur. Also, in a pachinko machine in which a non-specific passage and a specific passage are provided inside a accessory device having an openable and closable entrance different from the big winning device that operates in the special game state, when a game ball enters a predetermined winning port, the entrance of the accessory device is opened, and when the game ball that has entered the accessory device from the opened entrance is guided to the specific passage by the distribution mechanism that distributes the balls to the non-specific passage and the specific passage and enters the specific passage, a special game state may occur.

[0086] The pachinko machine 100 can be configured to have a setting change function for changing the setting of the ball launch rate (mechanical ratio, payout rate) of the game balls. Although details will be described later, the pachinko machine 100 can set one game mode from a plurality of types (for example, nine types) of game modes with different combinations of the first win probability and the probability of continuing the probability variation, and is configured to be able to change the set game mode as necessary. By changing the setting of the game mode (by changing the setting), the setting of the ball launch rate of the pachinko machine 100 can be changed. Information corresponding to the set game mode (hereinafter also referred to as "setting corresponding information") is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920.

[0087] Next, the operations of the main devices of the game board 400 will be generally described in chronological order. On the main control board 920, winning random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol), jackpot symbol random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, and various variation pattern random numbers are generated. When a game ball that has entered either of the start winning devices 431A and 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by either of the medium start winning switches 441A and 441B (see FIG. 10) in various game states, it becomes a start winning of the first special symbol. At the time of the start winning of the first special symbol, if the right to a unit game related to the first special symbol has not been reserved up to the maximum number of times, the winning random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, and stop pattern random numbers related to the special symbols are acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 922 (see FIG. 10) of the main control board 920.

[0088] A unit game based on the random numbers acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol starts immediately after the storage of those random numbers when it is not in the special game state, not in the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the right to the unit game related to the first special symbol has not been reserved. Also, even when not in the special game state, during the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol or when the right to the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved, after the end of all unit games related to all special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) reserved before this winning, the unit game based on this start winning is started. When each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the first special symbol during the special game state, the unit game based on that random number starts after all unit games related to all special symbols reserved before this start winning after the special game state.

[0089] In addition, the unit game based on the random number obtained based on the start winning of the first special symbol is started after all unit games related to the second special symbol are completed. That is, if each random number is obtained based on the start winning of the second special symbol after the current start winning, the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is preferentially executed. Note that it is not necessarily required to configure such that the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the unit game related to the first special symbol. Instead, the unit game priority control related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be executed in the order of start winning, or the configuration may be such that the two special symbols are not alternative and can vary simultaneously. Furthermore, in the configuration where the two special symbols are not alternative and can vary simultaneously, it is better that the unit game time of either one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than the unit game time of the other one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In particular, in the unit game time of either one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it is even better to configure such that the other one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol can execute a plurality of unit games. By doing so, it is possible to make the game values of the special game states by the first special symbol and the second special symbol different, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of disadvantages to the player.

[0090] When winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery based on the start winning of the first special symbol, further, the type of stop symbol (jackpot symbol) corresponding to the jackpot win in the first special symbol lottery is determined based on the obtained jackpot symbol random number. The type of this stop symbol corresponds to the type of jackpot. For example, the number of rounds (e.g., 6 rounds and 16 rounds) corresponding to the number of times the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry allowable posture, or the type of game state such as the game state to shift to after the special game state (whether to shift to the sure change game state) has a plurality of types of jackpots set corresponding thereto, and the jackpot symbols are set for each type. When not winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery, a losing symbol different from the jackpot symbol is set as the stop symbol.

[0091] After the first special symbol lottery, based on the current game state, lottery results, the value of the stop pattern random number, the values of various variable pattern random numbers, and the number of times the right to a unit game related to the first special symbol is reserved, the variable display time of the first special symbol is determined, and the variable pattern of the decorative symbol is selected. Thereafter, the variable display of the first special symbol on the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the variable display (variable effect) of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 479 are started. For the first special symbol, the variable display according to a certain pattern continues over the variable display time, and for the decorative symbol, the variable display according to the variable pattern continues over the variable display time. Thereafter, as the variable display time elapses, the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed, and also, the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed as the decorative symbol. The confirmed display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol continues for at least a predetermined fixed time.

[0092] Here, the variable display of the decorative symbol may be executed using a symbol row in which symbols composed of numbers or characters as identification information are arranged side by side and scroll along a predetermined path such as the vertical direction, horizontal direction, or L shape on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 479, or may be executed using a symbol row in which the symbol is updated to another symbol while rotating at a fixed position. Also, as the variable display of the decorative symbol, not limited to the variable display of the symbol, the variable display of the identification information may be configured by an effect display in which the appearance of the character is made different. Further, a portion for executing the variable display of the identification information may be provided at a plurality of locations on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 479. For example, variable display may be performed using a symbol as identification information that is largely displayed in the central portion and another symbol that is small displayed in the corner portion of the display screen.

[0093] When the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, after the definite display of the first special symbol, the game state shifts to a special game state. In the special game state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower big winning device 433 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the upper big winning device 434 assume an entry-permitted posture a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of jackpot. During each entry-permitted posture of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, if a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls are detected by the big winning switches 443 and 444, or if a predetermined maximum entry-permitted time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 shifts to an entry-prohibited posture. Then, after the elapse of a predetermined entry-prohibited time, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry-permitted posture again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of jackpot.

[0094] The lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 are configured such that only one of them assumes an entry-permitted posture during the special game state. After a predetermined waiting time (after the opening period) has elapsed since the start of the special game state, one of them shifts to the first entry-permitted posture. Also, after a predetermined entry-prohibited time has elapsed since the return to the final entry-prohibited posture, and after a further predetermined waiting time has elapsed (after the ending period), the special game state ends. After the end of the special game state, as described above, it shifts to the time-saving game state or the probability-variable game state.

[0095] In various gaming states, when a game ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442, it results in a start winning of the second special symbol. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right to the unit game related to the second special symbol has not been reserved up to the maximum number of times at the time of the start winning of the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is acquired, and the unit game based on this start winning is executed. Also, regarding the determination of the stop symbol corresponding to the second special symbol lottery, the selection of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol, the execution of the variation display, and the transition control of the gaming state, etc., they are executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol.

[0096] In various gaming states, when a game ball that has entered the start device 436 is detected by the start switch 446, if the right to the unit game related to the normal symbol has not been reserved up to the maximum number of times, the winning random number related to the normal symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920. At this time, if it is not during the unit game related to the normal symbol, immediately after the storage, the acquired unit game related to the normal symbol is started. On the other hand, if it is during the unit game related to the normal symbol, after the end of the unit game based on the right to the existing unit game related to the normal symbol, the acquired unit game related to the normal symbol is started.

[0097] In the unit game related to the normal symbol, it is determined whether or not a win has occurred based on the value of the winning random number. If a win occurs, a predetermined winning symbol is set as the stop symbol. On the other hand, if no win occurs in the normal symbol lottery, a predetermined losing symbol is set as the stop symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the variation display of the normal symbol is started on the normal symbol display device 473. In the non-time-saving state, the variation display continues in a certain pattern for a predetermined variation display time, and in the time-saving state, the variation display continues in a certain pattern for a predetermined variation display time that is shorter than the non-time-saving state. As a predetermined time corresponding to the gaming state elapses, the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is fixedly displayed for a certain period of time.

[0098] When the stop symbol related to the normal symbol is a winning symbol, after the definite display of the normal symbol, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 of the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry permitted posture at least once. Specifically, when winning in the non-time-limited state (normal game state and special game state), the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry permitted state for a predetermined maximum entry permitted time (for example, approximately 0.1 second). When winning in the time-limited state (time-limited game state and probability-variable game state), the right start winning device 432 intermittently (for example, in three divided times) shifts to the entry permitted posture for a predetermined maximum entry permitted time (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds), which is longer than that in the non-time-limited state. However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right start winning switch 442, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibited posture without waiting for the elapse of the maximum entry permitted time. Also, even if the number of shifts to the entry permitted posture has not reached the predetermined number, the operation of the right start winning device 432 in the unit game related to the current normal symbol ends.

[0099] Next, the game performance of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, first, it is necessary to win in the normal symbol lottery. Furthermore, in the entry permitted state of the right start winning device 432 based on that win, the game ball must enter the right start winning device 432. The winning probability of a win related to the normal symbol in the normal game state is the same as that in the time-limited game state. However, since the staying time (for example, approximately 0.1 second) of the entry permitted state of the right start winning device 432 based on a win in the normal game state is set extremely short compared to the staying time (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds) in the time-limited state, in the normal game state, the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery is significantly smaller than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in the time-limited state such as the time-limited game state and the probability-variable game state, the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery is significantly larger than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery.

[0100] Therefore, the player plays the game aiming to win the big hit in the first special symbol lottery and then enter the probability-variable game state by causing the game ball to enter a specific passage in the subsequent special game state. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state and the probability-variable game state, the player plays the game aiming to win the big hit in the second special symbol lottery before the end of each game state.

[0101] Specifically, on the game board 400, a central structure 420 is provided at the center of the game area 409 where the game balls flow down. A game method (left-shot game method) of causing the game balls to flow down mainly from the left side of the central structure 420 and a game method (right-shot game method) of causing the game balls to flow down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420 can be selectively performed. In the normal game state, the player plays the game by the left-shot game method, and in the time-saving game state and the probability-variable game state, the player plays the game by the right-shot game method. Also, since the lower big winning device 433 and the upper big winning device 434 are arranged on the right side with respect to the central structure 420, the game is played by the right-shot game method even in the special game state.

[0102] Next, the rear block 104 will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are a rear-side perspective view and a rear view showing the pachinko machine 100, respectively. In FIG. 8, the outer frame 101 is omitted for easy understanding.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching other members and devices to a base body 501. The base body 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, so that the rear block 104 is supported by the intermediate block 103 in an openable and closable manner.

[0104] The rear block 104 includes a game ball tank 510 as a ball storage unit for storing game balls, a tank rail 520 as a ball alignment unit that continuously aligns (for example, in a single row) and aligns the game balls in a single stage on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510, a case rail 530 as a ball guiding unit that guides the game balls flowing in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, a payout device 540 that executes payout of game balls and lending out of game balls on the downstream side of the case rail 530, a guiding member 550 as a ball guiding unit that guides the game balls flowing out from the payout device 540 to a guiding passage (not shown) formed in the base body 501 on the downstream side of the payout device 540, a payout control device 560 that controls the payout of game balls and lending out of game balls by the payout device 540, a power supply means that converts external power into power of a predetermined voltage required by various devices and outputs it, and a power supply / launch control device 570 that has a function of controlling the ejection of game balls based on the launch operation of the launch operation device 250 in cooperation with the main control board 920, and a relay device 950 that relays signals between the payout control device 560, the game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1), and a card unit (not shown) disposed on the side of the pachinko machine 100.

[0105] The base body 501 is integrally formed of resin (for example, ABS resin), and includes a base portion 502 corresponding to the front portion and a protective cover portion 503 located behind the base portion 502. The upper portion of the base portion 502 is formed in a substantially frame shape along the outer shape of the rear block 104, and the lower portion is formed in a substantially flat shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction, and has a function as a mounted portion to which other devices are mounted.

[0106] The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. Also, the protective cover portion 503 is not shaped to cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but is sized to form a window portion for exposing a part of the back surface of the intermediate block 103, such as a part of the main control device 370, which requires frequent inspection and confirmation, to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100. A large number of ventilation holes 503A having a function of improving the heat dissipation of heat generation in the main control device 370 and the sub-control device 390 are formed on the back surface of the protective cover portion 503.

[0107] The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally long box-shaped container that opens upward, and game balls supplied from a ball circulation device (not shown) of the island equipment are sequentially replenished at one end side in the longitudinal direction thereof. An opening (not shown) is formed at one end side in the longitudinal direction different from the side where the game balls are supplied in the game ball tank 510. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is gently inclined in the longitudinal direction, and the game balls supplied to the game ball tank 510 move by their own weight toward the opening side. Also, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is inclined in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) as compared with the longitudinal direction, and preferentially guides the game balls to the side where the opening is provided (for example, the front side). Also, an antistatic plate (not shown) made of metal is attached to the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap thereon, and the antistatic plate is connected to the ground potential to remove static electricity of the game balls inside the game ball tank 510 and on the downstream side thereof.

[0108] The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and game balls flow in through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 includes a passage forming member 521 that forms a substantially gutter-shaped passage for game balls having a width through which the game balls pass in a line, and a rectifying member 522 that has a top surface portion whose height gradually decreases as the upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521, and rectifies the game balls flowing down the passage from a height where they overlap vertically to a height of one step gradually. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and guides the game balls to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510.

[0109] The case rail 530 is formed vertically long so as to be continuous with the lower side of the tank rail 520, and the game balls from the tank rail 520 flow in. The case rail 530 curves left and right while being continuous downward so that the game balls do not flow vigorously. Further, a ball break detection unit 539 for detecting a ball break is provided in the middle part of the ball passage in the case rail 530. The ball break detection unit 539 incorporates a stored ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10), and the stored ball switch 591 detects a ball break state in which a ball jam or the like occurs on the case rail 530 or its upstream side and the game balls are not normally replenished into the case rail 530.

[0110] The payout device 540 includes a payout mechanism for sending out game balls, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as a driving means for driving the payout mechanism, and a payout count switch 592 (see FIG. 10). In response to the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control by the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are discharged to the downstream side. The passage of the discharged game balls through the ball passage is detected by the payout count switch 592, and thereby the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of game balls paid out.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 are attached so as to overlap the lower back surface of the base portion 502 of the base body 501 so as to be located at the lower back surface of the rear block 104. The rear block 104 including these payout control device 560 and power supply / launch control device 570 is made to be continuously usable even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board in the case of model change or the like.

[0112] The payout control device 560 includes a payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10) and a board case for housing the payout control board 930, and the payout control board 930 is housed inside the board case sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace of opening, similar to the main control board 920.

[0113] The power supply and emission control device 570 includes a power supply and emission control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the power supply and emission control board 900. The power supply and emission control board 900 is housed inside the sealed board case, similar to the main control board 920.

[0114] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, a back setting switch 905 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 100. The back setting switch 905 is a setting enabling device for enabling a setting operation for setting the ball launch rate of the pachinko machine 100 to any one of a plurality of predetermined levels (for example, 6 levels, 9 levels, etc.).

[0115] By inserting a predetermined key (not shown) into the back setting switch 905 and rotating it to a predetermined position (for example, a position rotated approximately 90° clockwise from the initial position), it is possible to enable (permit) a change in the setting of the ball launch rate. By performing a predetermined setting operation (for example, pressing the initialization switch 907) in a state where the change in the setting of the ball launch rate is thus enabled, the change in the setting of the ball launch rate is effectively performed.

[0116] When the change in the setting of the ball launch rate is effectively performed, a predetermined game mode is changed according to each set level. That is, it can be said that the change in the setting of the ball launch rate by operating the back setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907 is also a change in the setting of the game mode.

[0117] In the pachinko machine 100, according to each stage set by changing the setting of the ball output rate (i.e., changing the setting of the game mode), any one of nine types of game modes with different combinations of the initial winning probability (for example, the winning probability of the first special symbol lottery) and the probability of continuing the probability variation state (for example, the probability of shifting to the probability variation game state after the special game state when shifting to the special game state via the second special symbol lottery in the probability variation game state) can be selected. Therefore, when the setting of the ball output rate (changing the game mode) is effectively performed, the winning probabilities of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery are changed so as to be the initial winning probability and the continuous probability according to the set stage (that is, probability lottery data corresponding to each winning probability is used), thereby adjusting the ball output rate.

[0118] Specifically, in the pachinko machine 100, for example, a top type with a significantly low initial winning probability but a significantly high probability of continuing the probability variation state, a middle type with a medium initial winning probability and a medium probability of continuing the probability variation state, and a bottom type with a significantly low initial winning probability but a significantly high probability of continuing the probability variation state can be selected. Further, in each of these types, the initial winning probability of each type is divided into three probability states (hereinafter also referred to as probability setting states) that are finer than the width of the initial winning probability between the types, that is, the first-stage probability with the lowest initial winning probability among the three stages, the second-stage probability with the second lowest initial winning probability, and the third-stage probability with the highest initial winning probability can be selected.

[0119] In the top type, the number of prize balls accompanying winning in the middle start winning device 431 and the right start winning device 432 is less than that of other types, but the number of prize balls accompanying winning in the upper large winning device 434 and the lower large winning device 433 is more than that of other types. On the other hand, in the bottom type, the number of prize balls accompanying winning in the middle start winning device 431 and the right start winning device 432 is more than that of other types, but the number of prize balls accompanying winning in the upper large winning device 434 and the lower large winning device 433 is less than that of other types.

[0120] Here, the number of bonus balls for any of the top type, middle type, and bottom type may be set to the same number. As a result, it becomes impossible for the player to determine which of the top type, middle type, and bottom type the setting is from the number of bonus balls, and the playability of guessing which type it is can be added over a long period of time.

[0121] Also, although the profit rate for the player changes according to the stage of the probability setting state for any of the top type, middle type, and bottom type, if the stage of the probability setting state is the same for any type, the profit rate for the player is set to be substantially the same. For this reason, even if the probability setting is changed by changing the type, the profit per certain period (for example, one day) obtained by the casino side is easy to predict, and the management of the casino can be made easier.

[0122] Note that the game mode changed by changing the setting of the ball output rate does not necessarily have to be limited to the combination of the initial hit probability and the probability of entering the probability variation state as described above. For example, it may be either the initial hit probability or the probability of entering the probability variation state. Also, lottery probabilities other than the initial hit probability and the probability of entering the probability variation state, for example, the winning probability of the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the probability that a minor win is selected in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the probability of entering the probability variation game state (for example, the rate of entering the probability variation game state via winning in the second special symbol lottery), the probability that the probability variation game state after transitioning to the special game state ends (for example, the probability that the end of the probability variation game state is selected in the fall lottery performed every time the symbol variation display is executed during the probability variation game state), etc. may be used, or it may be a combination of two or more of these game modes.

[0123] Above the back setting switch 905, a setting display device 906 is provided. When the setting change of the ball launch rate (the setting change of the game mode) is effectively performed by operating the back setting switch 905, the setting display information corresponding to the currently set game mode is displayed on the setting display device 906. The setting display information is composed of a combination of an alphabet representing the type and a number representing the probability setting state. In the following, each of the top type, middle type, and bottom type is represented by the alphabets "T", "M", and "B", respectively. Also, the probability setting state of each type is represented by "1" for the first-stage probability, "2" for the second-stage probability, and "3" for the third-stage probability.

[0124] Therefore, for example, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 when it is the game mode of the first-stage probability of the top type is "T1", the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 when it is the game mode of the third-stage probability of the middle type is "M3", and the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 when it is the game mode of the second-stage probability of the bottom type is "B2".

[0125] <Electrical Configuration> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG. 10, the pachinko machine 100 includes control circuit devices such as a power supply and launch control board 900, a power supply monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, and a sub-control board 940. In FIG. 10, relay circuit devices that only relay various signals are omitted.

[0126] In FIG. 10, for the purpose of facilitating understanding, by illustrating a closed dashed line X, parts constituting the game board 400 and parts constituting a frame different from the game board 400 such as the front block 102, the intermediate block 103 (e.g., the base frame 301), and the rear block 104 (e.g., the base body 501) are illustrated so as to be distinguishable. Specifically, components constituting the game board 400 (e.g., the main control board 920, the sub-control board 940, etc.) are illustrated inside the dashed line X, and components attached to the base body 501 to form a frame (e.g., the power supply / launch control board 900, the power supply monitoring board 910, the payout control board 930, etc.) are illustrated outside the dashed line X.

[0127] In the pachinko machine 100, as shown in FIG. 10, a configuration in which the power supply monitoring board 910 is one of the components constituting the frame (i.e., a configuration in which the power supply monitoring board 910 is illustrated outside the dashed line X) is exemplified, but the power supply monitoring board 910 may be one of the components constituting the game board 400. Hereinafter, these main control circuit devices will be individually described in detail.

[0128] The power supply / launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies power of a predetermined voltage to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (dashed line in the figure), a launch control unit 902 that controls the drive of the launch device 330 according to the operation of the launch operation device 250, and a signal relay unit 903 that relays an initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249.

[0129] The power supply unit 901 takes in external power supplied from the outside (e.g., AC 24 volts) and converts it into internal power (e.g., DC 24 volts), and generates various powers from the internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 includes power of a drive voltage (e.g., DC 12 volts) for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, power of a control voltage (e.g., DC 5 volts) for driving various switches and executing control processing, power of a backup voltage for holding the content of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, and the like.

[0130] Note that the power supply unit 901 charges a capacitor (not shown) with internal power converted from external power, and has a function of supplying the power stored in the capacitor by charging as power of a backup voltage (hereinafter also referred to as "backup power supply function"). That is, the power supply unit 901 generates the power of the backup voltage by the backup power supply function.

[0131] The power supply unit 901 supplies various powers generated from the internal power to the power supply monitoring board 910, the main control board 920, the payout control board 930, the sub-control board 940, etc. Specifically, the internal power, the driving voltage, the control voltage, and the power of the backup voltage are supplied to the power supply monitoring board 910. The driving voltage, the control voltage, and the power of the backup voltage are supplied to the main control board 920 via the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. The driving voltage and the control voltage are supplied to the payout control board 930. The driving voltage and the control voltage are supplied to the sub-control board 940. The driving voltage and the control voltage are supplied to the emission control unit 902 and the signal relay unit 903.

[0132] Also, in the pachinko machine 100, the power supply unit 901 can be configured to generate the power of a charging voltage (for example, DC 12 volts) for charging the backup power supply 601 from the internal power and supply the charging voltage to the backup power supply 601.

[0133] The power supply unit 901 is connected to a power switch 909 for switching between the on state and the off state. When the power switch 909 is operated and switched to the on state, the intake of external power is started, and when the power switch 909 is operated and switched to the off state, the intake of external power is stopped. Note that the state in which the supply of power to the inside of the pachinko machine 100 is stopped by turning off the power switch 909 or removing a power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 from an external power supply outlet (not shown), or the state in which the supply of the external power itself is stopped is collectively referred to as a "power outage state".

[0134] Although details will be described later, in the pachinko machine 100, when a power outage state occurs, when power of a backup voltage is being supplied to the main control board 920 from either one of the power supply unit 901 or the backup power supply 601, the content of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 can be configured to be retained.

[0135] The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output power of a control voltage for a predetermined period even after the transition to a power outage state. Thereby, the main control board 920 can save the state so that it can return to the current control state and end the control.

[0136] The launch control unit 902 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 of the launch device 330 in cooperation with the main control board 920. Note that the ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, based on the contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, it is detected that the player is touching the launch handle 252 (see FIG. 1), and on the condition that the launch stop switch 255 for stopping the launch is not operated, the launch control unit 902 outputs an on-state launch permission signal to the main control board 920. Further, based on the launch permission signal and the launch abnormality signal, the main control board 920 outputs a launch solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the launch control unit 902. The launch control unit 902 operates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the on-state ball feed control signal, and operates the launch solenoid 334 based on the reception of the on-state launch solenoid control signal and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. Thereby, game balls are sequentially launched from the launch device 330 with a strength corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 252).

[0137] When the initialization switch 907 is pressed, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state initialization signal to the main control board 920. In the main control board 920, the stored information stored in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 is initialized in response to the reception of the on-state initialization signal. Note that the initialization switch 907 does not necessarily need to be configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay unit 903. For example, the initialization switch 907 may be directly mounted on the main control board 920, etc., so that the initialization switch 907 is accommodated in the board case 371. Thereby, it is possible to suppress unauthorized signal input aiming at the signal transmission section.

[0138] Moreover, when the initialization switch 907 is pressed, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state signal to the backup power supply 601. The backup power supply 601 is provided with a circuit that switches between charging and discharging a backup capacitor depending on whether the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The backup power supply 601 starts charging the power of the charging voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901 in response to receiving the on-state signal output from the signal relay unit 903.

[0139] Also, when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920. Based on detecting the on-state ball overflow signal, the main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930. The payout control board 930 that receives the low-speed payout signal reduces the rotation speed of the payout motor 542 (the payout speed of the game balls from the payout device 540). Further, based on detecting an off-state ball overflow signal, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930. The payout control board 930 that receives the high-speed payout signal increases the rotation speed of the payout motor 542.

[0140] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a rear setting switch 905 and a setting display device 906 are connected to the signal relay unit 903. The signal relay unit 903 relays an on-state setting signal output to the main control board 920 when the rear setting switch 905 is rotated clockwise by approximately 90° by a predetermined key (not shown). In the main control board 920, allowing the change of the game mode in response to receiving the on-state setting signal from the rear setting switch 905. Also, the signal relay unit 903 relays the setting display signal output from the main control board 920 to the setting display device 906. The setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the received setting display signal.

[0141] The power supply monitoring board 910 includes a power supply monitoring unit 911 that monitors the power supply state from the power supply and transmission control board 900, and a signal relay unit 912 that relays the power supply and the transmission of various signals between the power supply and transmission control board 900 and the main control board 920. The power supply monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power failure signal to the main control board 920 in response to a transition to a power failure state. It monitors the voltage of 24 volts of DC stability, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901. When the state where this voltage is less than 22 volts continues for a predetermined time, it determines that it is a power failure state and outputs an on-state power failure signal to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to the power failure state by receiving the on-state power failure signal.

[0142] The main control board 920 comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100. An MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer is mounted on the main control board 920. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) that stores various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and a RAM 922 that temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program. Various other circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are also mounted on the main control board 920.

[0143] The RAM 922 of the main control board 920 is configured to be able to maintain (backup) internal data by the power of the backup voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901 or the backup power supply 601 of the power supply and transmission control board 900 even after the transition to the power failure state. Specifically, in the power failure state generated by turning off the power switch 909 with the initialization switch 907 pressed, backup power is supplied to the main control board 920 from both the power supply unit 901 and the backup power supply 601. In other power failure states, backup power is supplied to the main control board 920 only from the power supply unit 901.

[0144] When the backup power supply 601 receives an on-state signal from the signal relay unit 903 in a situation where the power switch 909 is in the on state (i.e., a situation where external power is supplied to the power supply unit 901), it starts charging the power of the charging voltage supplied from the power supply unit 901. That is, by pressing the initialization switch 907 in a situation where external power is supplied to the power supply unit 901, charging of the power (the power of the charging voltage) to the backup power supply 601 can be started.

[0145] After the charging of the power to the backup power supply 601 is started as described above, when the power switch 909 is switched from the on state to the off state, the backup power supply 601 supplies the power stored in the backup power supply 601 by charging as the power of the backup voltage.

[0146] That is, by switching the power switch 909 to the off state while pressing the initialization switch 907 (i.e., stopping the supply of external power to the power supply unit 901), the power stored in the backup power supply 601 by charging can be supplied as the power of the backup voltage. Thereby, the power of the backup voltage can be supplied from the backup power supply 601 to the main control board 920.

[0147] Note that the capacitance of the backup power supply 601 is sufficient for a period (e.g., about 1 hour) for inspection or checking of the game board 400 removed from the frame body (i.e., the outer frame 101, the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104), or the frame body in a state where the game board 400 is removed, to output the power of the backup voltage. Also, from the viewpoint of preventing fraud against the main control board 920 and the like, it is preferable that the capacitance of the backup power supply 601 is not too large. For example, it is preferable that the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 cannot be normally backed up in a shorter time than one day, such as 6 hours.

[0148] Also, the circuit of the backup power supply 601 is configured such that when the power switch 909 is in the on state, the power supply path between the power supply unit 901 and the backup power supply 601 is grounded. Therefore, while the power switch 909 is in the on state, the power remaining in the backup power supply 601 is consumed (discharged) by this grounding. Thus, when the power outage state of the pachinko machine 100 is resolved (i.e., when the supply of power to the inside of the pachinko machine 100 is started), the remaining amount of the backup power supply 601 becomes zero due to discharge.

[0149] The payout control board 930 controls the payout operation of game balls by the payout device 540 according to an instruction from the main control board 920 and the lending operation of game balls by the payout device 540 according to the operation of the game ball lending device 290. Similar to the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 includes an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown), and various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are mounted.

[0150] The payout control board 930 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for communicably connecting with other devices. For example, it is bidirectionally connected for information input / output communication with the main control board 920 and the relay device 950, and is connected for one-way information input communication only with the open / close detection switches 108, 109, the stored ball switch 591, and the payout count switch 592, and is connected for one-way information output communication only with the payout motor 542. Note that the RAM of the payout control board 930 may be configured to have a backup function for maintaining internal data for a certain period in a power outage state, similar to the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, or may be configured not to maintain internal data in a power outage state, different from the RAM 922 of the main control board 920.

[0151] The sub-control board 940 controls the operations of various effect devices, various light-emitting devices, various acoustic devices, etc., based on instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with an input / output port as connection means for information communication with other devices. For example, it is connected to the main control board 920 in such a way that only one-way information input communication is possible, and is connected to the input operation device 260, the left input operation device 801L, and the right input operation device 801R in a way that two-way information communication is possible, and is connected to the decorative pattern display device 479, etc. in a way that only one-way information output communication is possible.

[0152] Between each component attached to the game board 400 (hereinafter also referred to as "game board side components" for convenience) and each component attached to a member different from the game board 400 such as the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 (hereinafter also referred to as "other member side components" for convenience), connectors (for example, connectors C1 to C3) are provided for electrically connecting between the game board side components and the other member side components and enabling information communication.

[0153] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a connector C1 is provided between the main control board 920 or the backup power supply 601 and the power supply monitoring board 910 or the power supply / launch control board 900 (more specifically, the power supply unit 901 and the signal relay unit 903).

[0154] In the pachinko machine 100, although a configuration where the power supply monitoring board 910 is one of the components constituting the frame is exemplified, the power supply monitoring board 910 may be one of the components of the game board 400. In such a configuration, the connector C1 may be provided not between the main control board 920 and the power supply monitoring board 910, but between the power supply monitoring board 910 and the power supply / launch control board 900.

[0155] In addition, a connector C2 is provided between the sub-control board 940 and the acoustic devices 281 and 282, the frame lighting devices 271 to 275, the input operation device 260, the left input operation device 801L, and the right input operation device 801R. A connector C3 is provided between the main control board 920 and the payout control board 930. Note that each of the connectors C1 to C3 does not necessarily have to be composed of a single connector, and at least one of the connectors C1 to C3 may be composed of a connector divided into a plurality of parts.

[0156] The connectors (connectors C1 to C3 in the example shown in FIG. 10) are composed of a female connector (not shown) and a male connector (not shown) that is detachable from the female connector. In the pachinko machine 100, the female connector can be connected to the game board side parts, and the male connector can be connected to the other member side parts.

[0157] When the male connector is attached to the female connector, the game board side parts and the other member side parts are electrically connected and information communicably connected. On the other hand, when the male connector is removed from the female connector, the electrical connection and the information communicable connection between the game board side parts and the other member side parts are released.

[0158] When the game board 400 is removed from the base frame 301 (see FIG. 3) of the intermediate block 103, basically, the male connector is removed from the female connector, and thereby the connection (electrical connection and information communicable connection) between the game board side parts and the other member side parts by the connectors such as the connectors C1 to C3 is released.

[0159] <Various control processes> Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processes in the main control board 920 are roughly classified into a main process that is activated with the recovery from a power failure state and a timer interrupt process that periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 ms (milliseconds)) interrupts the main process and is executed.

[0160] First, with reference to FIG. 11, the main process executed by the main control board 920 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main process (abbreviated as "main control main process" in FIG. 11) of the main control board 920.

[0161] In the main process of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial setting process S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information are executed only once. After that, an interrupt prohibition process S1020 for prohibiting interrupts, a random number initial value update process S1021 for updating the values of the winning random number initial value counters (a part of the area of the RAM 922) related to special symbols, the big win symbol random number initial value counters (a part of the area of the RAM 922), and the winning random number initial value counters (a part of the area of the RAM 922) related to normal symbols, a variable counter update process S1022 for updating the values of the first to fourth variable type counters (a part of the area of the RAM 922) for determining the variable time, variable pattern, etc., and an interrupt permission process S1023 for permitting interrupts are repeatedly executed. If a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt permission process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permission process S1023.

[0162] In the series of control start processes, a program start process S1001 for setting an initial value to the stack pointer (a part of the area of the RAM 922) that controls the execution of the program, an interrupt mode setting process S1002 for setting the interrupt mode, and a startup standby process S1003 for waiting for a predetermined time until the payout control board 930, the sub-control board 940, etc. start up are executed.

[0163] After the standing-by process S1003, a determination process S2001 of the output state of the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 of the power supply and emission control board 900 is performed. In the determination process S2001, when it is determined that the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 is in the off state (S2001: N), a determination process S1004 of the output state of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power supply and emission control board 900, a determination process S1005 of the value of the power failure information (a part of the area of the RAM 922), and a determination process S1007 of the storage state of the stored information are performed, and based on these determination results, it is determined whether to erase the stored information in the RAM 922. Here, the stored information is information necessary to return to the state of the game before the power failure, corresponds to a part of the area of the RAM 922 that was updated according to the progress of the game before the power failure, and examples include the value of the counter related to the unit game in progress and the value of the counter stored by the start winning.

[0164] The storage state of the stored information is determined as follows. First, a checksum value for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM 922 is calculated (checksum calculation process S1006), and it is determined whether the exclusive logical sum of the current checksum value and the RAM determination value, which is the two's complement of the checksum value calculated in the power failure monitoring process S1202 (see FIG. 12) when shifting to the previous power failure state, is "0" (determination process S1007). Thereby, it is determined whether the current checksum value is the same as the checksum value at the time of shifting to the power failure state.

[0165] When the initialization signal is in the on state (S1004: Y), when the power failure information is not a predetermined power failure value indicating that the stored information was saved and ended when shifting to the power failure state (S1005: N), or when the stored information is not normally held (S1007: N), a RAM clear process S1008 for erasing the stored information in the RAM 922 is executed. After it is determined that the stored information is normally held (S1007: Y), or after the RAM clear process S1008 is executed, a hardware initialization process S1009 for initializing various devices connected to the main control board 920 is executed.

[0166] After the hardware initialization process S1009, a determination process S1010 is executed to determine whether the power failure information is the power failure value. If the power failure information is the power failure value (S1010: N), a RAM return setting process S1011 for initializing various information including the return of the held information is performed, and a return command indicating the completion of the setting is set (return command output process S1012). By returning the held information in the RAM return setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 returns to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state.

[0167] On the other hand, if the power failure information is not the power failure value (S1010: Y), various information is initialized without returning the held information (RAM initial setting process S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output (initialization command output process S1014).

[0168] In the RAM return setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power failure information is set to a predetermined energized value different from the power failure value, and all error states such as illegal detection errors that occurred immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state are cleared. Also, either a return command or an initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub-control board 940, and a predetermined initialization process is executed in each of the payout control board 930 and the sub-control board 940 that received the return command or the initialization command.

[0169] After the initial setting of the RAM 922 according to the startup situation (determination process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014), if the conditional device was operating at the time of the transition to the previous power failure state, preparations are made to return to the special game state (special game state return preparation process S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating states of the conditional device and the accessory continuous operating device are determined, and processing corresponding to the game situation at the time of the power failure state is executed in the sub-control board 940.

[0170] After the special game state return preparation process S1015, it is determined whether it is a time-saving state or a non-time-saving state by determining whether the time-saving state flag is set (determination process S1016). If it is a time-saving state (S1016: Y), a time-saving command is output (time-saving command output process S1017). On the other hand, if it is a non-time-saving state (S1016: N), a non-time-saving command is output (non-time-saving command output process S1018). After that, the value of the winning random number counter (a part of the area of RAM922) related to the special symbol is initialized (random number initial setting process S1019).

[0171] On the other hand, in the determination process S2001, when it is determined that the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 is in an on state indicating that the back setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key (S2001: Y), a RAM clear process S2002 for erasing information in substantially all areas of RAM922 is executed. Specifically, in the RAM clear process S2002, information in substantially all areas except the setting corresponding information stored in RAM922 is erased.

[0172] The setting corresponding information is information corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined levels (for example, nine types) of game modes, and the setting mode information corresponding to the game mode being set is stored in RAM922. Therefore, by the RAM clear process S2002, information in substantially all areas except the storage area of the setting corresponding information in RAM922 of the main control board 920 is erased, and a state allowing setting changes is entered.

[0173] When a state allowing setting changes is entered, a setting display signal for identifying the game mode corresponding to the setting corresponding information stored in RAM922 is output to the setting display device 906. The setting display device 906 displays the setting display information corresponding to the setting display signal received from the main control board 920. That is, the setting display information corresponding to the setting corresponding information stored in RAM922 is displayed on the setting display device 906.

[0174] Next, setting change process S2003 for changing the setting of the game mode is executed until the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 becomes off. Note that the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 becomes off when the back setting switch 905 is not operated by a predetermined key.

[0175] The setting of the game mode is changed by pressing the initialization switch 907 while the back setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key. Specifically, in this state, each time the main control board 920 receives an initialization signal based on the pressing of the initialization switch 907, the setting correspondence information is sequentially changed. Specifically, a predetermined order for cyclically selecting nine types of game modes (for example,... → T1 → T2 → T3 → M1 → M2 → M3 → B1 → B2 → B3 → T1 → T2 →...) is determined in advance, and the selected game mode is sequentially changed according to this order each time the initialization switch 907 is pressed.

[0176] Each time such a change is made, the value corresponding to the selected game mode is stored in the RAM 922 as the setting correspondence information. Each time the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is changed, a setting display signal corresponding to the setting correspondence information is output to the setting display device 906, and the setting display information corresponding to the changed setting correspondence information is displayed on the setting display device 906.

[0177] Therefore, the setting changer such as the game hall manager can repeatedly press the initialization switch 907 until the desired game mode for setting the pachinko machine 100 is selected while the back setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key, and then by causing a game ball to win in the middle start winning device 431, the selection of the game mode can be completed. Therefore, the setting change process S2003 ends when a game ball wins in the middle start winning device 431 after the selection of the game mode by pressing the initialization switch 907.

[0178] When the setting signal from the back setting switch 905 becomes OFF (S2004: Y), a RAM change setting process S2005 is executed to newly initialize various information other than the information related to the setting of the game mode (that is, the setting corresponding information) in the RAM 922. As a result, the startup of the main control board 920 is substantially completed, and it is determined that the game will proceed in the game mode corresponding to the setting corresponding information stored in the RAM 922.

[0179] After the RAM change setting process S2005, a set command output process S2006 for outputting a set command indicating the completion of the setting of the RAM 922 to the payout control board 930 is executed. When the payout control board 930 receives the set command output from the main control board 920, it can recognize that the main control board 920 has shifted to the normal game process and can recognize in which game mode it operates. After the set command output process S2006, the processes after the special game state return preparation process S1015 are executed.

[0180] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the timer interrupt process executed by the main control board 920 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process (abbreviated as "main control interrupt process" in the figure) executed by the main control board 920.

[0181] In the timer interrupt process of the main control board 920, first, an interrupt start process S1201 for starting the timer interrupt is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. As a result, interrupts other than this timer interrupt are prohibited. Thereafter, the power failure monitoring process S1202 to the external information output process S1221 related to the actual control such as the progress control of the game of the pachinko machine 100 and the monitoring of various sensors are sequentially executed. However, when the game progress has been stopped based on the detection of various irregularities (S1207: Y), the control signal output process S1208 to the external information output process S1221 are not executed. Finally, an interrupt permission process S1222 for permitting the next timer interrupt is executed, and the current timer interrupt process ends. Hereinafter, various main processes will be individually described.

[0182] In the power failure monitoring process S1202, the value of the power failure information (a part of the area of the RAM 922) is updated based on the output state of the power failure signal output from the power monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. Specifically, the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, and when the on state is detected all three times, it is determined that a power failure state exists. If it is not determined to be in the power failure state in this determination, the power failure information is maintained at the energized value.

[0183] On the other hand, when it is determined to be in the power failure state in the power failure monitoring process S1202, the following processes are executed. First, the value of the power failure information is changed from the energized value set in the RAM return setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. Also, a checksum value for a predetermined range of storage areas in the RAM 922 is calculated, and the two's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM determination value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which it does not perform substantial control such as the progress of the game and the monitoring of various sensors, and the state of the RAM 922 after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. Note that since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each process of the timer interrupt is executed twice after the reception of the power failure signal is first detected.

[0184] In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the big win symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is a value different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), the value is changed to a value that is "1" greater than the current value. When the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). However, when the changed value becomes the same as the cyclic initial value for the winning random number counter related to the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, and the cyclic initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

[0185] The winning random number counter for the big win symbol, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter for the normal symbol are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number counter for the special symbol. However, as the update range determined by the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value of each counter, a value unique to each counter is set, and a configuration is adopted in which a plurality of counters are updated asynchronously, and an initial value counter unique to each counter is referred to for the circulation initial value of each counter. For example, the winning random number counter for the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol have the same value range, the big win symbol random number counter and the big win symbol random number initial value counter have the same value range, and the winning random number counter for the normal symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol have the same value range.

[0186] In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, the big win symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it is changed to a value that is "1" greater than the current value, and when the value of the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). The symbol random number initial value counter for the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values unique to those counters.

[0187] In the variable counter update process S1205, the values of the first to fourth variable type counters for determining the variable time, variable pattern, etc. are updated. Specifically, when the value of the first variable type counter is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "187"), it is changed to a value that is "1" greater than the current value, and when the value of the first variable type counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). The second to fourth variable type counters are also updated in the same manner as the first variable type counter, except that the specified maximum value and the specified minimum value are values unique to those counters.

[0188] Note that each winning random number counter, big win symbol random number counter, stop pattern selection counter, and each variation type counter related to the special symbol and the normal symbol do not necessarily have to be configured as described above. At least a part of the above counters may have other configurations. For example, it may be configured to update from a certain initial value without using an initial value counter, or it may be configured by a random number generation IC without using a program and refer to the value as necessary.

[0189] In the game stop determination process S1206, when the fraud detection information is a fraud detection value, it is updated to the game stop value, and various types of information for stopping the game progress are set. On the other hand, when the fraud detection information is not a fraud detection value or is already a game stop value, the game stop determination process S1206 ends without executing each process for stopping the game progress. Note that the fraud detection information is set to the fraud detection value when various types of fraud are detected in the fraud detection process S1211. Also, in the determination process S1207, it is determined whether the game is stopped based on whether the fraud detection information is the game stop value.

[0190] In the control signal output process S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, signals for controlling various notification devices such as the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, and the normal symbol display device 473 related to the normal symbol are output. Also, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, signals for controlling various actuators such as the ball feed solenoid 332, the launch solenoid 334, the right entry restriction solenoid 462, the lower entry restriction solenoid 463, the upper entry restriction motor 464, and the distribution solenoid 465 are output.

[0191] In the switch reading process S1209, signal states from the middle start winning switches 441A and 441B, the right start winning switch 442, the lower big winning switch 443, the upper big winning switch 444, the combination operation switch 445, the start switch 446, the non-specific passage switch 447, the specific passage switch 448, and the general winning switches 449A and 449B are read, and changes in the detection state of game balls by various switches are detected.

[0192] Specifically, in the switch reading process S1209, signal states from various switches are read into the input buffer (a partial area of the RAM922) twice at predetermined time intervals. For each signal from various switches, based on the signal state read for the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as the "first signal state"), the signal state read for the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as the "second signal state"), and the detection state detected in the previous timer interruption (hereinafter abbreviated as the "previous detection state"), changes in the detection state of various switches are detected. And for each switch, when the previous detection state is in the off state, if the first signal state is in the on state and the second signal state is in the on state, it is determined as a transition to the on state, and a detection flag (a partial area of the RAM922) corresponding to the type of the switch is set. As described in the power failure monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply stops, since each process of the timer interruption is executed twice, even if the on state of various switches starts immediately after the power supply stops, the detection flags of various switches can be set accurately.

[0193] In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of the RAM922) used for the variable display of special symbols and normal symbols, the control of each game state, and illegal monitoring are updated.

[0194] In the cheating detection process S1211, cheating behaviors such as forcibly making game balls enter various winning devices or forcibly operating various winning devices are detected. Specifically, the movement of the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 to a forced entry allowable posture, the induction of game balls to a specific passage of the lower large winning device 433 by vibration, the induction of forced malfunction of the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 by radio waves, the induction of game balls to various winning devices by magnetic adsorption, the induction of game balls to the upper middle start winning device 431A, the lower middle start winning device 431B, the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 at abnormal timings, etc. are detected to detect the occurrence of a situation where such cheating behaviors are highly likely to have occurred.

[0195] In the winning detection response process S1212, control based on the detection of game balls by various switches provided on the game board 400 is executed. Specifically, when the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of game balls by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10), the middle start winning counter (a predetermined area of the RAM 922) and the first payout counter (a predetermined area of the RAM 922) are updated. Also, when the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of game balls by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. Further, when the lower large winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of game balls by the lower large winning switch 443 (see FIG. 10) or when the upper large winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of game balls by the upper large winning switch 444 (see FIG. 10), the large winning counter (a predetermined area of the RAM 922) and the second payout counter (a predetermined area of the RAM 922) are updated.

[0196] In the launch control process S1213, launch-related information for controlling the launch of game balls by the launch device 330 is updated. Specifically, the operation flag of the ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 and the operation flag of the launch solenoid 334 that drives the launch mechanism 333 are updated.

[0197] In the input signal monitoring process S1214, based on the output state of the signal from the opening / closing detection switch 108 (see FIG. 10) via the payout control board 930, it is detected whether or not the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is closed with respect to the outer frame 101 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Further, based on the output state of the signal from the opening / closing detection switch 109 via the payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10), it is detected whether or not the front block 102 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0198] In the payout state monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control state output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout state commands corresponding to the payout control state are set as necessary. The sub-control board 940 that has received the payout state command causes the decoration pattern display device 479, the upper left acoustic device 281, the upper right acoustic device 282, etc. to execute notifications according to the type of the payout state command.

[0199] In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values of the first payout counter and the second payout counter as necessary and output to the payout control board 930. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by 1 each time a game ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and decremented by 1 each time a prize ball command based on that winning is set. In the payout control board 930, each time control is executed to pay out a corresponding number (for example, 3) of game balls for that winning (specifically, shortly before the payout is completed), a prize ball command is requested from the main control board 920, and in a situation where the payout of prize balls continues, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated corresponding to a winning with a different number of prize balls from the first payout counter (for example, 13), and when the payout control board 930 receives a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter, the payout control board 930 executes control to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to that prize ball command.

[0200] In the special symbol related process S1217, the right reservation control of the unit game related to the first special symbol and the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the right reservation control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed. Also, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and when winning a big hit in the first special symbol lottery, the operation control of the lower big winning device 433 and the upper big winning device 434 is further executed.

[0201] Also, in the special symbol related process S1217, the right reservation control of the unit game related to the second special symbol and the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the right reservation control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed. Also, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and when winning a big hit in the second special symbol lottery, the operation control of the lower big winning device 433 and the upper big winning device 434 is further executed.

[0202] In the normal symbol related process S1218, the right reservation control of the unit game related to the normal symbol and the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol are executed. Specifically, in the right reservation control of the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol reservation display device 478 is executed. Also, in the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol display device 473 related to the normal symbol is executed, and when winning the normal symbol lottery, the operation control of the right start winning device 432 is further executed.

[0203] In the display control process S1219, output data for specifically operating those devices such as the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol, and the special symbol hold display device 477 related to the second special symbol in the special symbol related process S1217 is synthesized based on various pieces of information updated to control the operations of these devices. The synthesized output data is output to each device in the control signal output process S1208 based on the next timer interrupt.

[0204] In the motor control process S1220, the operation control of various motors is executed. In the external information output process S1221, output data to be output to external devices such as a data display device (not shown) and a management device (not shown) electrically connected to the pachinko machine 100 is set.

[0205] <Effect by a plurality of movable members> Next, an effect by a plurality of movable members that is executed when it is possible to enter a game ball into the privilege area 409V (see FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a front view of the game board 400 showing the operations of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20.

[0206] When it is possible to make the game ball enter the special area 409V, an effect using two (or more) movable members, i.e., the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, is executed. The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to perform an operation of changing from a posture in which they are spaced apart (spaced-apart posture: the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 13) to a posture closer than the spaced-apart posture (proximity posture: the solid line in FIG. 13). Further, when the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are in the proximity posture, they are configured to be arranged continuously in the direction from the entrance portion 409E where the game ball flows down into the game area 409 toward the special area 409V (special area indication arrangement). Thereby, by changing the postures of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 arranged at different positions, it is possible to make it easier for the player to notice the occurrence of this effect. Further, the entire left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 arranged continuously can attract the player's attention in the direction from the entrance portion 409E toward the special area 409V.

[0207] On the game board 400, on the left side thereof, the left movable member 10 is provided so as to be able to change its posture between a spaced-apart posture indicated by a dashed-dotted line and a proximity posture indicated by a solid line. Further, on the right side of the left movable member 10, the right movable member 20 is provided so as to be able to change its posture between a spaced-apart posture and a proximity posture. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to being provided on the game board 400, and may be provided in the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) to which the game board 400 is attached, or may be provided in the front block 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) arranged in front of the intermediate block 103.

[0208] Specifically, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged such that the end portion of the left movable member 10 opposite to the entrance portion 409E and the end portion of the right movable member 20 opposite to the privilege area 409V are close to each other, and the whole is arranged in a shape continuous from the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E toward the vicinity of the privilege area 409V. For this reason, it becomes possible to draw the player's attention to the privilege area 409V located on the direction side in which the continuous shape points on the direction side from the entrance portion 409E toward the privilege area 409V, and to the upper large winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed. The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to be in a state where they are slightly separated from each other while being close enough to be recognized by the player as an integral object in the close posture, or may be configured to be in a state of being in contact with each other. Further, in the effect executed when it is possible to allow the game ball to enter the privilege area 409V, the configuration is not limited to using two movable members, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, and three or more movable members may be used, and each movable member may be configured to be close to at least one other movable member.

[0209] Further, the left movable member 10 is disposed in a range extending behind a region near the entrance portion 409E in the left flow-down region 409L (predetermined first region) that allows a game ball to flow down from the central side of the game board 400 through the left side of the central structure 420. The right movable member 20 is disposed in a range extending behind a region near the privilege region 409V in the right flow-down region 409R (predetermined second region) that allows a game ball to flow down from the central side of the game board 400 through the right side of the central structure 420. In this arrangement, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are positioned as a whole so as to connect two regions where the game ball can flow down across a region where the game ball cannot flow down on the central side of the game board 400. For this reason, even if most of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are disposed in a region where the game ball cannot flow down, their entirety is related to the flow-down of the game ball. For example, it becomes possible to easily remind the player that a game ball entering the game region 409 from the entrance portion 409E should enter the privilege region 409V, or that the game ball should flow down to the left flow-down region 409L provided with the privilege region 409V. Although the left movable member 10 is configured to extend to the back of the left flow-down region 409L but not to the back of the entrance portion 409E, the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured to reach the back of the entrance portion 409E or not to reach the back of the left flow-down region 409L. Similarly, the right movable member 20 is configured to extend to the right flow-down region 409R but not to the back of the privilege region 409V, but the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured to reach the back of the privilege region 409V or not to reach the back of the right flow-down region 409R.

[0210] Further, the left movable member 10 is formed in a shape of a generally elongated rectangle (for example, a rectangle whose long side is at least twice as long as its short side) (hereinafter simply referred to as a rectangular shape), and is arranged with its longitudinal direction facing the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E. Specifically, the left movable member 10 is arranged such that the entrance portion 409E is positioned between the extension line of its upper long side toward the entrance portion 409E side and the extension line of its lower long side toward the entrance portion 409E side. For this reason, it becomes possible to make it easier for the player to be aware of the entrance portion 409E at the tip in the longitudinal direction of the left movable member 10. Further, the left movable member 10 is arranged such that at least a part of the privilege area 409V (for example, the entrance of the privilege area 409V) is positioned between the extension line of its upper long side toward the privilege area 409V side and the extension line of its lower long side toward the privilege area 409V side. For this reason, even by itself, the left movable member 10 can draw the player's attention to the privilege area 409V located at the tip in its longitudinal direction or the upper large winning device 434 provided with the privilege area 409V inside. Note that the left movable member 10 is not limited to the configuration in which its outer shape is rectangular, and may be configured as a trapezoidal shape or a triangular shape that tapers toward the center side of the game area 409 or the entrance portion 409E.

[0211] Further, similar to the rectangular left movable member 10, the right movable member 20 is formed in a shape of a generally elongated rectangle, and is arranged with its longitudinal direction facing the vicinity of the privilege area 409V. Specifically, the right movable member 20 is arranged such that a part of the upper large winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed (for example, the upward entry restriction mechanism 454 provided at the entrance of the upper large winning device 434) is positioned between the extension line of its upper long side toward the privilege area 409V side and the extension line of its lower long side toward the privilege area 409V side. For this reason, it becomes possible to make it easier for the player to be aware of the upper large winning device 434 at the tip in the longitudinal direction of the right movable member 20 and the privilege area 409V formed inside thereof. Note that the right movable member 20 is not limited to the configuration in which its outer shape is rectangular, and may be configured as a trapezoidal shape or a triangular shape whose width in the short side direction tapers toward the center side of the game area 409 or the privilege area 409V.

[0212] Further, the rectangular left movable member 10 and the rectangular right movable member 20 are arranged such that their longitudinal directions face the same direction from the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E toward the vicinity of the privilege area 409V. For this reason, if the side where the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are continuous is one direction indicated by their longitudinal directions, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize, and it becomes possible to easily draw the player's attention to the privilege area 409V and the upper large winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed.

[0213] Further, the rectangular left movable member 10 and the rectangular right movable member 20 are arranged in a polygonal line shape. Specifically, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged such that, as a whole, between the extension line of the lower long side of the left movable member 10 and the extension line of the upper long side of the right movable member 20, substantially the entire upper large winning device 434 in which the entrance portion 409E and the privilege area 409V are formed is positioned. For this reason, on the side where the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are continuous, it is possible to draw the player's attention to a range wider than their respective widths (the lengths in the short side direction). Therefore, not only the privilege area 409V but also the operation of the upper large winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed (the opening and closing operation of the upward entry restriction mechanism 454) and the behavior of the game balls that enter or have entered the upper large winning device 434 can be made easier for the player to notice. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration that forms a polygonal line shape as a whole. For example, a configuration that forms a straight line shape as a whole, a configuration that tapers toward the formation side of the entrance portion 409E or the privilege area 409V as a whole, a configuration that tapers from the center side of the game board 400 toward the formation sides of the entrance portion 409E and the privilege area 409V as a whole, or a configuration that tapers from the formation sides of the entrance portion 409E and the privilege area 409V toward the center side of the game board 400 may also be used.

[0214] The special prize area 409V is formed in a right downward flow area 409R (a predetermined second area) provided separately from a left downward flow area 409L (a predetermined first area) that allows game balls to flow downward in the normal game state among the game areas 409 where game balls can flow downward. In the special prize area 409V, a configuration is adopted that enables game balls to be entered by causing the game balls to flow downward into the right downward flow area 409R. Further, in the game board 400, the entrance portion 409E is formed at the upper left side where the ball return prevention mechanism 404 is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 403.

[0215] Specifically, on the game board 400, a left downward flow area 409L and a right downward flow area 409R are provided as game areas 409, and the special area 409V is formed in the right downward flow area 409R. Whether to let the game balls flow down into the left downward flow area 409L or the right downward flow area 409R can be switched by the player's operation of launching the game balls, for example, by adjusting the launching intensity of the game balls. In the normal game state, the player makes the game balls flow down into the left downward flow area 409L, and when the player satisfies a predetermined condition described later in the normal game state and can make the game balls enter the special area 409V, the player makes the game balls flow down into the right downward flow area 409R. Specifically, in the special ball entry possible state where the game balls can enter the upper large winning device 434 and the distribution mechanism 437 takes an induction posture, the game balls are made to flow down into the right downward flow area 409R. Note that the configuration is not limited to providing the special area 409V in the right downward flow area 409R and making the game balls flow down into the left downward flow area 409L in the normal game state and into the right downward flow area 409R in the special ball entry possible state. It may also be configured to provide the special area 409V in the left downward flow area 409L and make the game balls flow down into the right downward flow area 409R in the normal game state and into the left downward flow area 409L in the special ball entry possible state. Also, the configuration is not limited to dividing the game area 409 into two downward flow areas (the left downward flow area 409L and the right downward flow area 409R) that can be separated by the player's operation of launching the game balls. The two downward flow areas that can be separated may be provided, for example, by dividing the upper and lower sides of the game area 409, or by dividing the upper left and lower right sides of the game area 409. Also, the configuration is not limited to dividing the game area 409 into two downward flow areas that can be separated by the player's operation of launching the game balls, and it may also be configured to divide it into three or more downward flow areas.

[0216] Also, the special area 409V is provided on the lower right side of the game area 409 located on the diagonal side across the center side of the game board 400 with respect to the entrance portion 409E formed on the upper left side of the game board 400. Note that the configuration of the special area 409V is not limited to being provided on the lower right side of the game board 400, and it may also be configured to be provided at other locations such as the right side in the horizontal direction of the entrance portion 409E (the upper right side of the game board 400).

[0217] The rectangular left movable member 10 is arranged in the separated posture such that its long side direction faces vertically along the upper portion of the left downward flow region 409L. The rectangular right movable member 20 is arranged in the separated posture such that its long side direction faces vertically along the upper portion of the right downward flow region 409R. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration where their longitudinal directions face vertically in the separated posture. For example, they may be configured such that their longitudinal directions face horizontally, or one of their longitudinal directions faces vertically and the other faces horizontally. Further, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured such that their longitudinal directions face obliquely.

[0218] The rectangular left movable member 10 is supported on the left side of the game board 400 so as to be movable by rotation around the vicinity of the entrance portion 409E. Therefore, when changing the left movable member 10 from the separated posture to the proximity posture, the portion on the end side away from the rotation center (hereinafter also referred to as the movable side end portion) can be moved upward to the right so as to approach the right movable member 20. Also, the rectangular right movable member 20 is supported on the right side of the game board 400 so as to be movable by rotation around the vicinity of the privilege region 409V. Therefore, when changing the right movable member 20 from the separated posture to the proximity posture, the movable side end portion can be moved downward to the left so as to approach the left movable member 10. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration where they are supported to be movable between the separated posture arrangement and the proximity posture arrangement by rotation. Instead of or in addition to rotational movement, they may be configured to be movable by sliding movement (linear or curved movement without changing the inclination).

[0219] The rectangular left movable member 10 is arranged such that its upper part overlaps and is disposed behind the vicinity of the entrance part 409E, and its lower part is located below the warp passage 421 formed in the central structure 420 that guides the game balls near the upper middle start winning device 431A. Above the upper middle start winning device 431A, an upper stage 426 is provided that allows some game balls to enter the upper middle start winning device 431A while rolling the game balls, and the warp passage 421 is constituted by a passage that guides the game balls from an entrance provided on the left side of the central structure 420 to the upper stage 426.

[0220] Also, the rectangular left movable member 10 is arranged so as to extend from behind the vicinity of the entrance part 409E to behind the guide passage 422 that guides the game balls near the lower middle start winning device 431B. This guide passage 422 is constituted by a passage part of the game balls that are part of the left downward flow region 409L and go toward the lower middle start winning device 431B via the lower left side of the central structure 420.

[0221] Here, the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B are devices that give an opportunity for the variable display of identification information by the entry of the game balls. In the normal game state, the player aims to let the game balls enter the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B, and allows the game balls to flow down in the left downward flow region 409L. When the length of the left movable member 10 is set to reach behind the warp passage 421 and the guide passage 422, the movable side end of the left movable member 10 can be moved so as to cross the warp passage 421 and the guide passage 422, and also pass near the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B. As a result, even if the player pays attention to the behavior of the game balls flowing down toward the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B instead of the decorative pattern display device 479 that executes the main effect in the normal game state, it becomes easier to notice the movement of the left movable member 10 from the separated posture to the approaching posture.

[0222] The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate when a combination of decorative patterns (predetermined display result) corresponding to a big win is definitely displayed by the decorative pattern display device 479 (display means). Also, in this case, the game ball is caused to flow down to a right flow-down area 409R (second area) provided separately from the left flow-down area 409L (first area), and the game ball can be made to enter a privilege area 409V (predetermined privilege area). That is, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are configured to operate when in a state where privilege ball entry is possible. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to start operating simultaneously, or may be configured to start operating with a shift in the start timing or end timing.

[0223] Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with operating means for operating the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20. Although not shown in the drawings, the game board 400 is provided with, as operating means, a drive mechanism that enables the left movable member 10 to move, and a power source that supplies power to this drive mechanism. Also, although not shown in the drawings, the game board 400 is provided with, as operating means, a drive mechanism that enables the right movable member 20 to move, and a power source that supplies power to this drive mechanism. Note that as these drive sources, for example, a motor that generates a rotational force or a solenoid that generates power in a straight line direction can be used.

[0224] Also, the drive source is electrically connected to the sub-control board 940 and is controlled by the sub-control board 940. For this reason, the operations of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are controlled via the drive mechanism by control of the drive source by the sub-control board 940. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to a configuration in which their operations are controlled by the sub-control board 940, and may be configured to be controlled by, for example, the main control board 920.

[0225] The decorative pattern display device 479 is arranged in the central portion of the game board 400, and is configured to perform variable display of a decorative pattern (identification information) and, after the variable display, definitely display a combination of decorative patterns. The display content displayed by this decorative pattern display device 479 (display means) is controlled by the sub-control board 940.

[0226] Specifically, the variation of the decorative pattern is triggered when the game balls flowing down the left lower flow region 409L in the normal game state enter the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B. Further, the combination of the decorative patterns to be definitely displayed is determined according to the result of a lottery (first special pattern lottery) triggered by such entry. Specifically, the detection of the entry of the game balls into the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B and the lottery triggered by such entry are executed by the main control board 920. However, the sub-control board 940 is connected to be able to receive commands regarding such detection and commands regarding the result of the lottery from the main control board 920, and controls the variation display and the definite display of the decorative patterns based on those commands. Note that the trigger for the state where a privilege ball can enter and the trigger for the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 to operate are not limited to the definite display of the combination corresponding to the big win of the decorative pattern, and may be, for example, the definite display of the combination corresponding to the small win of the decorative pattern. Further, the trigger is not limited to the configuration where it is the display result by the decorative pattern display device 479, and instead of or in addition to the display result, it may be the display result by a display device different from the decorative pattern display device 479, for example, the special pattern display device 471 related to the first special pattern that variably displays or definitely displays the first special pattern or the special pattern display device 472 related to the second special pattern that variably displays or definitely displays the second special pattern.

[0227] Further, the privilege area 409V is formed inside the upper large winning device 434 that operates when the combination of the decorative patterns corresponding to the big win is definitely displayed by the decorative pattern display device 479. For this reason, when the upper large winning device 434 operates and the upper large winning device 434 becomes in an entry-permitted state, specifically, when the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 provided at the entrance of the upper large winning device 434 takes an entry-permitted posture, game balls can enter the privilege area 409V.

[0228] Note that the privilege area 409V is not limited to the configuration formed inside the upper big winning device 434, and may be, for example, a configuration formed in other devices such as the lower big winning device 433. Further, the privilege area 409V is not limited to the configuration in which the ball entry into the privilege area 409V is regulated by the distribution mechanism 437 formed at a position where the flow-down of the game balls such as inside the upper big winning device 434 is not always permitted, and may be a configuration regulated by the distribution mechanism 437 formed at a position where the flow-down of the game balls is always possible. For example, a configuration in which an upper big winning device having the distribution mechanism 437 as the upward entry regulation mechanism 454 is provided, or a configuration in which the privilege area 409V and the distribution mechanism 437 are provided in the right flow-down area 409R separately from the big winning device 434 may be adopted.

[0229] Further, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 start operating from the separated posture to the proximity posture after the combination of the decorative patterns corresponding to the big win is determined and displayed, and before the operation of the upper big winning device 434 starts (before the upward entry regulation mechanism 454 starts to change from the entry-prohibited posture to the entry-permitted posture). Therefore, after the player watches that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 have become in the proximity posture, and before the upper big winning device 434 starts operating, the player can change the flow-down destination of the game balls from the left flow-down area 409L to the right flow-down area 409R. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration that operates after the combination of the decorative patterns corresponding to the big win is determined and displayed, and may be a configuration that operates simultaneously with the determination and display. Further, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to operating before the operation of the upper big winning device 434 starts, and may be a configuration that operates after the operation of the upper big winning device 434 starts, for example, a configuration that operates when no game balls enter the privilege area 409V for a predetermined period after the upper big winning device 434 becomes in the entry-permitted state.

[0230] Further, when a game ball enters the privilege area 409V, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 start to move from the proximity posture to the separated posture. For this reason, even if the fact that a game ball has entered the privilege area 409V is overlooked in terms of the behavior of the actually entering game ball, it becomes possible to know it from the operations of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20. Note that the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration in which the operation from the proximity posture to the separated posture is executed when a game ball enters the privilege area 409V, and may be configured to be executed when the period during which the upper big winning device 434 is in the first entry allowable state ends, or may be configured to be executed when a predetermined time (a time shorter or longer than the period of the first entry allowable state) has elapsed since the operation start of the upper big winning device 434.

[0231] When a game ball enters the privilege area 409V, the configuration is such that the game state changes to a game state advantageous to the player as compared with the case where a game ball does not enter the privilege area 409V.

[0232] Specifically, on the game board 400, a specific passage switch 448 for detecting a game ball that has entered the privilege area 409V is provided. Further, this specific passage switch 448 is electrically connected to the main control board 920, and the detection by the specific passage switch 448 is detected by the main control board 920. In the main control board 920, based on the detection by this specific passage switch 448, the control of the game state when a game ball does not enter the privilege area 409V and the control of the game state when a game ball enters the privilege area 409V are switched.

[0233] In addition, when one game ball enters the privilege area 409V, the main control board 920 causes a transition to a gaming state more advantageous than when no game ball enters. Note that the main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration that performs control to cause a transition to an advantageous gaming state by causing one game ball to enter the privilege area 409V, and may be a configuration that performs control to cause a transition to an advantageous gaming state by causing one or more specified numbers of game balls to enter. In the case of this configuration, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 may be configured to maintain a close posture until a specified number of game balls enter, or each time a game ball enters, for example, after releasing the close posture by returning from the close posture to a separated posture or by separating them by a predetermined interval without returning to the separated posture and then making them close again, they may be configured to assume a close posture again.

[0234] In addition, when no game balls enter the privilege area 409V, the main control board 920 causes a transition to a short-time game state after the end of the special game state. When a game ball enters the privilege area 409V, a jackpot earlier than the short-time game state can be expected after the end of the special game state, and a transition is made to a probability-variable game state that is advantageous for obtaining prize balls. Therefore, in order to cause a transition to the probability-variable game state, the player needs to cause a game ball to enter the privilege area 409V in a privilege ball entry-enabled state, and it becomes easier to ensure a transition to the probability-variable game state by the operations of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 that are executed when the privilege ball entry-enabled state is reached. Note that the main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration in which a transition is made to a probability-variable game state or a short-time game state after a special game state depending on the presence or absence of a ball entry into the privilege area 409V. For example, by varying the number of continuous times (number of rounds) in the special game state, when a game ball enters the privilege area 409V, a transition may be made to a special game state that is more advantageous for obtaining prize balls than when no game ball enters the privilege area 409V. Further, the main control board 920 is not limited to a configuration in which a transition is made to an advantageous game state for obtaining prize balls when a game ball enters the privilege area 409V. For example, a transition may be made to a game state that gives benefits other than the benefit of obtaining prize balls, such as varying the frequency of generating premium images or videos. Furthermore, this transition of the game state may be executed under the control of the sub-control board 940 instead of the main control board 920.

[0235] In the above pachinko machine 100, in the normal game state where the game balls flow down in the left flow-down area 409L, the combination of the decorative patterns corresponding to the big win is definitely displayed by the decorative pattern display device 479, and when it is possible to make the game balls enter the special area 409V by making the game balls flow down to the right flow-down area 409R, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 operate. They are arranged in a close posture that is closer compared to the separated posture, from the arrangement where they take a separated posture. It is configured to change to a special area indication arrangement that is continuous in the direction from the entrance portion 409E where the game balls flow down into the game area 409 to the special area 409V. With this configuration, not only can the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 in the special area indication arrangement easily attract the player's attention in the continuous direction side, but also by moving them from different separated positions, it is possible to make at least one of their operations easily noticed by the player. As a result, it can be informed to the player that the game balls should be made to enter the special area 409V provided on the continuous direction side of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20, and also that the flow destination of the game balls should be switched from the left flow-down area 409L to the right flow-down area 409R for this purpose, and it is possible to suppress the situation where the profit obtained by making the game balls enter the special area 409V is impaired. Therefore, when it is possible to make the game balls enter the special area 409V, a suitable effect can be executed by the operations of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20.

[0236] Furthermore, in the proximity posture, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 can indicate the vicinity of the privilege area 409V (the privilege area 409V itself or the upper large winning device 434 involved in the entry of the game balls into the privilege area 409V) by the shape in which they are continuous (for example, the above-mentioned broken line shape) or their individual shapes (for example, the above-mentioned elongated rectangular shape), and can also direct the player's attention. As a result, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 can make the player notice that the game balls should flow down to the right flow-down area 409R in the direction in which they are continuous, or direct the player's attention to the privilege area 409V itself indicated by the longitudinal direction of the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 or the upper large winning device 434 in which the privilege area 409V is formed.

[0237] Here, other characteristic configurations related to the favorable effects by the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 will be described.

[0238] The left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are provided with light-emitting means that are arranged on the direction side from the entrance portion 409E toward the privilege area 409V in their proximity posture and emit light sequentially along that direction side.

[0239] Specifically, as the light-emitting means, a plurality of light-emitting elements 19 arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction thereof are provided on the left movable member 10, and similarly, a plurality of light-emitting elements 29 are also provided on the right movable member 20. When the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in a close posture, the plurality of light-emitting elements 19 of the left movable member 10 are caused to emit light sequentially from the upper left side to the lower right side, and following the emission of light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 19, the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 of the right movable member 20 are caused to emit light sequentially from the upper left side to the lower right side. For this reason, compared to the case where the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are simply arranged in a close posture, the sense of unity between the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 is enhanced, and it becomes possible to more suitably direct the player's consciousness in the direction from the entrance portion 409E to the privilege area 409V. In particular, it becomes possible to direct the player's consciousness to the privilege area 409V and the upper large winning device 434 arranged in the direction indicated by the sequential emission of light by the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 on the lower right side of the right movable member 20.

[0240] Note that the plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 are not limited to the configuration of being arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the left movable member 10 or the right movable member 20, and may be configured to be arranged in a row along a direction different from the longitudinal direction. Further, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 are not limited to the configuration of being in the same direction when the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are arranged in a close posture, and may be configured to have different arrangement directions. Further, the left movable member 10 and the right movable member 20 are not limited to the configuration of providing the plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 arranged in a row, and may be configured to provide light-emitting elements so as to form a plurality of rows. Further, by sequentially emitting light from the plurality of linearly arranged light-emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light-emitting elements 29, it is not limited to the configuration of linearly indicating a specific direction, and the plurality of light-emitting elements 19 and the plurality of light-emitting elements 29 may be arranged such that it is possible to indicate a specific direction by sequentially emitting light along a broken line or a curve.

[0241] The left movable member 10 is provided with a number of light-emitting elements (not shown) that cause the entire left movable member 10 to emit light, separate from the plurality of light-emitting elements 19. Further, when the game ball is to flow down in the left downward flow region 409L as in the normal game state, the left movable member 10 in the separated posture is caused to emit light by the number of light-emitting elements. Therefore, by the overall light emission of the left movable member 10 arranged along the downward flow direction of the game ball in the left downward flow region 409L in the separated posture, it becomes possible to call the attention of the player to play the game by causing the game ball to flow down in the left downward flow region 409L.

[0242] Similarly, the right movable member 20 is provided with a number of light-emitting elements (not shown) that cause the entire right movable member 20 to emit light, separate from the plurality of light-emitting elements 29. Further, when the game ball is to flow down in the right downward flow region 409R as in the special game state, the right movable member 20 in the separated posture is caused to emit light by the number of light-emitting elements. Therefore, by the overall light emission of the right movable member 20 arranged along the downward flow direction of the game ball in the right downward flow region 409R in the separated posture, it becomes possible to call the attention of the player to play the game by causing the game ball to flow down in the right downward flow region 409R.

[0243] <Form of light irradiation to a plurality of decorative parts by the same light source> Next, by redirecting part of the light output from the light source 30 toward one decorative part toward another decorative part, the other decorative part is irradiated with light based on the light from the same light source 30. Also, part of the light redirected toward the other decorative part is further redirected toward one decorative part, and by irradiating at least one decorative part with the light that travels thereafter together with the light before being redirected toward the other decorative part, a configuration for performing a suitable effect by a plurality of decorative parts will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the game board 400. FIG. 15 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts by a cross-section including the XM-XM line in FIG. 7. FIG. 16 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts by a cross-section including the XD-XD line in FIG. 7. In the perspective views of FIGS. 15(A) and 16(A), a state in which a part of the decorative part (front-side decorative part 50) arranged on the front side among the plurality of decorative parts is removed is shown. Also, in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 15(B), 15(C), 16(B), and 16(C), only the main parts are simplified, and the path of the light irradiated to the first decorative part and the second decorative part is illustrated. The same applies to FIGS. 17(A) to (C) which will be referred to later.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 14, as a plurality of decorative parts, on the left side of the game board 400 at the central portion in the vertical direction, there are provided a front-side decorative part 50 (first decorative part) and a rear-side decorative part 11 (second decorative part) which is constituted by a part of the left movable member 10 and is located on the rear side with respect to the front-side decorative part 50 (the rear side in the front-rear direction of the game board 400). Although the front-side decorative part 50 is provided so as to partially overlap the back side of the base 401 of the game board 400, since the base 401 is made of a transparent resin, a part of the front-side decorative part 50 that overlaps the back side of the base 401 is also visible to the player.

[0245] The effect produced by the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 is executed by using the light output from a light source 30 (see also FIG. 15) that is located on the front side of the rear decorative part 11 but on the rear side of the front decorative part 50, so that the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 are in a light-emitting state. At this time, the front decorative part 50 is in a light-emitting state when the light output from the light source 30 is irradiated from the rear side, while the rear decorative part 11 is in a light-emitting state when the light reflected by the back surface 50B (rear-side output means) of the front decorative part 50 is irradiated from the front side. Further, the front decorative part 50 is constituted by a part of a rear member 42 attached behind the front member 41, and is also in a light-emitting state when irradiated with the light whose direction has been changed by reflection at a rear window 61 (direction-changing reflection means) located between the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11. Thereby, in the effect produced by the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, while reducing the number of light sources 30 to reduce the manufacturing cost, it is possible to make both the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 emit light using the limited number of light sources 30.

[0246] The front decorative part 50 is configured such that the light output from the LED elements 32L and 32R of the light source 30 can pass to the front side where the player is located and can be in a light-emitting state when viewed from the surface side where the player is located.

[0247] Specifically, the front decorative portion 50 is located on the front side of the light source 30 and is composed of a flat front window 51 that is configured as a part of the front member 41, and a decorative plate 52 that is provided in contact with the back surface of the front window 51 and on which a pattern (such as a character serving as a motif of the game) is drawn. The front member 41 that constitutes the front window 51 is formed of a colorless and transparent material, and the decorative plate 52 is formed of a light-transmissive material. Therefore, by irradiating the light output from the light source 30 and before being reflected by the front decorative portion 50 (hereinafter also referred to as primary light) from the back surface 50B side, the decorative plate 52 can be made to emit light, and the player can visually recognize the emitted light from the front surface side where the player is located through the front window 51. Further, by forming the front window 51 of a colorless and transparent material, absorption of light by the front window 51 is suppressed, enabling efficient irradiation. Note that the front window 51 is not limited to being formed as colorless and transparent, and may be formed as colored and transparent. When the front decorative portion 50 is formed as colored and transparent, the color may be a uniform single color, a configuration with a gradation of the same color, or a configuration with different color schemes depending on the part. Further, the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52 are not limited to a plate-like configuration with a substantially uniform thickness, and may have a configuration with a non-uniform thickness.

[0248] The light source 30 includes a light-emitting substrate 31 on which electronic components are mounted, and a plurality of LED elements 32L, 32R (light-emitting means) that are provided on one surface side of the light-emitting substrate 31 and arranged in a direction of outputting light obliquely forward (toward a predetermined direction).

[0249] Specifically, the light source 30 includes seven LED elements 32L (only six are shown in FIG. 14) arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on one surface (hereinafter referred to as the element surface) of the light-emitting substrate 31, and seven LED elements 32R arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on the center side of the game board 400 with respect to the seven LED elements 32L. Each of the LED elements 32L, 32R has the direction perpendicular to the element surface of the light-emitting substrate 31 as the direction with the highest luminance (hereinafter also referred to as the main direction: the broken line in FIG. 15(B) etc.) and outputs light spreading within a predetermined angle range (for example, 15 degrees). Note that the number and arrangement of the LED elements 32L, 32R provided on the light-emitting substrate 31 are not limited to the above configuration and can be designed as appropriate.

[0250] As shown in FIG. 15(A), FIG. 15(B), etc., the light-emitting substrate 31 is arranged such that, when viewed from above in the vertical direction of the game board 400 (hereinafter, top view), its element surface faces in a direction forming a predetermined angle with respect to the front-rear direction of the game board 400. The primary light from each of the LED elements 32L and 32R is irradiated onto the front-side decorative portion 50 at a predetermined angle different from 90 degrees with respect to the back surfaces of the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52 in its main direction. Therefore, the amount of light output to the rear side can be made larger than in the case of arranging in a direction forming a 90-degree angle. This predetermined angle is set in consideration of the position of the rear-side decorative portion 11 and the distribution of the amount of light to be output to the front side and the amount of light to be output to the rear side of the front-side decorative portion 50.

[0251] Note that a colorless and transparent flat light entry window 62 that forms a part of the rear member 42 is provided between the light source 30 and the front-side decorative portion 50. The light entry window 62 is arranged to intersect at 90 degrees with respect to the main direction of the primary light based on each of the LED elements 32L and 32R when viewed from above, so as to minimize the reduction in the amount of light due to reflection at the light entry window 62. Also, the thickness of the light entry window 62 is made substantially uniform, and the configuration is such that the traveling direction of light is not changed before and after passing through the light entry window 62. However, the surface of the light entry window 62 on the front-side decorative portion 50 side may be in a plate shape inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface on the light source 30 side, and the configuration may be such that the traveling direction of light is uniformly changed by refraction before and after passing through the light entry window 62. Further, although the light entry window 62 is configured such that the primary light based on each of the LED elements 32L and 32R passes through the inside of the rear member 42 that forms the light entry window 62, the configuration is not limited to this, and an opening or notch may be provided in the light entry window 62, and the primary light may pass through the opening or notch instead of through the inside of the rear member 42. Furthermore, the light entry window 62 may not be provided, and the primary light from each of the LED elements 32L and 32R may be directly irradiated onto the front-side decorative portion 50.

[0252] The front-side decorative portion 50 is configured to include a back surface 50B (rear-side light output means) that outputs light to the rear side opposite to the front side, which is output from the plurality of LED elements 32L and 32R of the light source 30, on the back surface 50B side.

[0253] Specifically, the front decorative part 50 has a flat and smooth back surface 50B. For this reason, a part of the primary light based on each of the LED elements 32L and 32R can pass through the front decorative part 50, and a part of it can be reflected by the front decorative part 50 to output light (hereinafter also referred to as secondary light) to the rear side. This secondary light is output to the back surface 50B side of the front decorative part 50 by being reflected on the back surface of the decorative plate 52 constituting the front decorative part 50 or on the boundary surface between the decorative plate 52 and the front window 51. Note that the decorative plate 52 and the front window 51 are not limited to a configuration in which their back surfaces are flat and smooth planes, and may be configured such that their back surfaces are formed into curved surfaces such as smooth arc shapes or curved shapes. In the case of this configuration, compared with the case of reflection on a plane, it is also possible to increase or decrease the spread of the secondary light according to the shape of the curved surface. Further, the front decorative part 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the decorative plate 52 abuts on the front window 51, and may be configured to be separated. Further, the front decorative part 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the back side of the front window 51, and may be configured such that the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the front side of the front window 51. When the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the front side of the front window 51, the secondary light can be output before the light is absorbed by the decorative plate 52, and it is also possible to relatively increase the intensity of the secondary light compared with the case where the decorative plate 52 is disposed on the back side of the front window 51. Furthermore, the front decorative part 50 is not limited to a configuration capable of outputting light to its rear side. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a front window 51 or a reflecting part (not shown) separate from the decorative plate 52 is provided on the back side of the decorative plate 52. In the case of this configuration, it is also possible to output the secondary light in a predetermined direction by the reflecting part regardless of the arrangement and shape of the front window 51 and the decorative plate 52, or to collect the secondary light in a predetermined direction by making the back surface of the separate reflecting part concave or to output the secondary light so as to spread by making the back surface convex.

[0254] The rear decorative part 11 is provided separately from the front decorative part 50 (the first decorative part) at a site irradiated with the light output from the back surface (the rear side light output means) of the front decorative part 50, and is configured to be provided on the rear side of the light emitting substrate 31 constituting the light source 30.

[0255] Specifically, the rear decorative portion 11 is provided as a part of the left movable member 10 and is located at a position where, when the left movable member 10 is in a separated posture, it is separated from the front decorative portion 50 and the primary light is not irradiated but the secondary light is irradiated. Specifically, in the rear decorative portion 11, the upper portion thereof does not overlap the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction, the central portion thereof partially overlaps the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction, and the lower portion thereof is arranged to overlap the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction. From the perspective of a seated player, the central portion thereof is visible across the entire left-right direction, and the lower portion thereof is arranged to be visible at least partially in the left-right direction. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the rear decorative portion 11 irradiated with the secondary light through the gap between the rear decorative portion 11 and the front decorative portion 50. Also, the secondary light can be irradiated onto the rear decorative portion 11 without inhibiting the irradiation of the primary light onto the front decorative portion 50. In the following, the rear decorative portion 11 will be described assuming that it is arranged at the position when the left movable member 10 is in a separated posture. Note that the rear decorative portion 11 is not limited to a configuration in which it is movably provided as a part of the left movable member 10 and may be provided in a non-movable configuration. Further, the front decorative portion 50 may also be provided in a non-movable configuration or a movable configuration, and as long as the front decorative portion 50 and the rear decorative portion 11 are arranged at specific positions and the front decorative portion 50 can be illuminated by the primary light from the light source 30 and the rear decorative portion 11 can be illuminated by the secondary light thereof, it is acceptable.

[0256] Further, a part of the rear decorative portion 11 is provided at a position overlapping with the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction (in a front view), and at least the overlapping portion is illuminated by the secondary light. Therefore, a portion that is not illuminated or is difficult to be illuminated by external light (for example, light from lighting equipment provided in the space where the pachinko machine 100 is installed) in the overlapping portion can be illuminated by the light from the light source 30, and the uniformity of illumination of the entire rear decorative portion 11 can be improved as compared with the case where there is no illumination by this light. Note that the rear decorative portion 11 is not limited to a configuration in which a part of it is provided at a position overlapping with the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction, and it may also be configured such that the entire rear decorative portion 11 is provided at a position overlapping with the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction, or a configuration in which it is provided at a position not overlapping with the front decorative portion 50 in the front-rear direction.

[0257] Also, the light source 30 is provided near the left end of the game board 400, the front decorative portion 50 is provided on the right side of the light source, and the rear decorative portion 11 is provided closer to the center of the game board 400 than the light source 30 and the front decorative portion 50. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily visually recognize the rear decorative portion 11 irradiated with the secondary light through the gap between the rear decorative portion 11 and the front decorative portion 50 when viewed from the front side (the player's line of sight) on the center side of the game board 400. Note that the configuration is not limited to arranging the light source 30, the front decorative portion 50, and the rear decorative portion 11 shifted from the vicinity of the left end toward the center side in this order, and they may also be configured to be shifted from the vicinity of the right end, the upper end, or the lower end toward the center side.

[0258] A configuration is adopted in which a rear window 61 (separate-direction reflection means) capable of reflecting the light output to the rear side by the front decorative portion 50 (rear-side light output means) in a direction different from that of the rear decorative portion 11 (second decorative portion) is provided.

[0259] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 15(B) and 16(B), etc., a rear window 61 located behind the front window 51 is provided between the front decorative portion 50 and the rear decorative portion 11. On the front surface 61F (the surface on the side of the front decorative portion) of the rear window 61, a part of the secondary light traveling from the front decorative portion 50 toward the rear decorative portion 11 is allowed to pass through, and a part of the secondary light is reflected by the front surface 61F. The rear member 42 constituting the rear window 61 is formed of a colorless light-transmissive material (for example, a transparent resin). Therefore, a part of the light output to the rear side by the front decorative portion 50 can be passed through, and a part of the light can be reflected. Note that although the rear window 61 is configured to be formed of a colorless light-transmissive material, the configuration is not limited thereto, and it may be configured to be formed of a colored light-transmissive material.

[0260] Further, the rear window 61 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape and is arranged to be inclined such that the distance from the front decorative portion 50 becomes narrower as the distance from the light source 30 increases when viewed from above. Also, the rear window 61 is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, an angle range of 30 degrees) different from perpendicular with respect to the main direction of the secondary light based on the LED elements 32L and 32R in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 61F of the rear window 61. Therefore, while allowing a part of the secondary light to pass through the rear window 61, it is possible to suppress the path from the front decorative portion 50 toward the rear window 61 from going back in the reverse direction and to prevent the portion irradiated with the primary light in the front decorative portion 50 and the portion irradiated with the light reflected by the rear window 61 (hereinafter also referred to as the tertiary light) from being the same.

[0261] Here, an explanation will be given based on specific examples. As shown in FIG. 15(B), the light output from the LED element 32L and traveling along the path ML1 (solid line) is partially transmitted through the front decorative part 50 at the reflection point P1 on the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50, and a part of it travels toward the rear decorative part 11. The light that reaches the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 is partially transmitted through the rear window 61 and irradiates the rear decorative part 11, and a part of it is reflected by the front surface 61F of the rear window 61 and travels toward the rear decorative part 11. The same applies to the light output from the LED element 32L and traveling along the path ML2 (dashed-dotted line). The light on the path ML1 travels toward the reflection point P2 on the left side of the reflection point P1 and repeats reflection and transmission, and the light on the path ML2 travels toward the reflection point P3 on the right side of the reflection point P1 and repeats reflection and transmission. Thereby, the portion irradiated with the primary light and the portion irradiated with the tertiary light can be made different by the light output from the LED element 32L, and furthermore, both the left and right sides of the portion irradiated with the primary light can be irradiated. The same applies to the light output from the LED element 32R shown in FIG. 15(C). The light reflected at the reflection point P4 on the front decorative part 50 is partially irradiated to the reflection point P5 on the left side of the reflection point P4, and the light reflected at the reflection point P6 is partially irradiated to the right side of the reflection point P6. Thereby, even if the front decorative part 50 cannot be irradiated with the primary light over the entire left-right direction, it becomes possible to irradiate the entire front decorative part 50 with the primary light and the tertiary light. In addition, since the tertiary light irradiates the front decorative part 50 after traveling a longer path than the primary light, its irradiation range becomes larger and it is easier to irradiate the entire front decorative part 50.

[0262] The rear window 61 is curved such that its front surface 61F is slightly recessed in a cross-section viewed from above, and is shaped to output the tertiary light toward the left side of the irradiation position of the primary light based on the LED element 32R on the front decorative part 50, and to easily output the tertiary light based on the LED element 32R toward the right side of the irradiation position by the primary light based on the LED element 32L on the front decorative part 50.

[0263] Also, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(C), when the range in which the front decorative portion 50 covers the rear decorative portion 11 in the front-rear direction is larger than that shown in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(C), the inclination of the rear window is configured to become smaller according to the amount of protrusion of the front decorative portion 50 to the right side. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 16(B) and 16(C), light (path DL1) can be made to easily travel to the left end side of the front decorative portion 50 or light (paths DL2 and DR) can be made to easily travel to the right end side by repeated reflection between the rear surface of the front decorative portion 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61. Therefore, even if the length of the front decorative portion 50 in the left-right direction increases, it becomes possible to irradiate the entire front decorative portion 50 with light from each of the LED elements 32L and 32R.

[0264] Further, the rear window 61 is formed of a rear member 42 different from the front member 41 that forms the front window 51 of the front decorative portion 50. For this reason, after fixing the decorative plate 52 of the front decorative portion 50 to the rear surface of the front window 51, by assembling the front member 41 that constitutes the front window 51 and the rear member 42 that forms the rear window 61, the decorative plate 52 can be easily disposed between the rear window 61 and the front window 51. Note that the rear window 61 may be configured to be formed of the same member as the member that forms the front decorative portion 50.

[0265] As described above, in the pachinko machine 100, a front decorative part 50 through which light from an LED element 32L or an LED element 32R that outputs light toward a predetermined direction side can pass to the front side where the player is located, and on the back surface of the front decorative part 50, a back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50 that outputs light emitted from the LED element 32L or the LED element 32R to the rear side opposite to the front side where the player is located, and a rear decorative part 11 provided separately from the front decorative part 50 at a part irradiated with a part of the light output from the back surface 50B are provided. Thereby, the front decorative part 50 is made to emit light by the light output from the LED element 32L or the LED element 32R, and the rear decorative part 11 can be made to emit light by the light that is the same light based on the same LED elements 32L and 32R and is output from the back surface 50B of the front decorative part 50. Compared with the case where a dedicated light source is provided for each decorative part, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0266] Also, in the pachinko machine 100, the rear decorative part 11 is configured to be provided on the rear side of the light-emitting substrate 31 of the light source 30. Thereby, different from making the front decorative part 50 emit light by the light irradiated to the back surface 50B side thereof, for the rear decorative part 11 disposed at a place where the light from the LED elements 32L and 32R is not directly irradiated, by making it emit light by the light irradiated from the front surface side, even if it is made to emit light by the light based on the same LED elements 32L and 32R, the ways of emitting light of the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 can be made different.

[0267] Also, it is configured such that the light output rearward by the back surface of the front decorative part 50 can be reflected to a direction side different from that of the rear decorative part 11. Thereby, the light after being reflected by the back surface of the front decorative part 50 is irradiated, for example, at an irradiation position or an irradiation angle different from the light irradiated to the front decorative part 50 or the rear decorative part 11 without passing through the reflection on the back surface of the front decorative part 50. By irradiating the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 with the light output from each of the LED elements 32L and 32R toward a predetermined direction side in various forms, it becomes possible to improve the appearance of the light emission of the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11.

[0268] Therefore, in the effects produced by the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, even if a limited number of LED elements 32L and 32R are used, it is possible to make the player feel as if light from a larger number of LED elements than the actual number of LED elements 32L and 32R used (14) is being irradiated onto the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11, and suitable effects can be executed by the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11.

[0269] In the following, a more characteristic configuration regarding the irradiation of light onto the front decorative part 50 and the rear decorative part 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a plurality of decorative parts by a cross-section including the line XU-XU of FIG. 7.

[0270] As shown in FIGS. 17(A) to 17(C), the light incident window 62 is provided between the front side decorative portion 50 and the LED elements 32L and 32R of the light source 30 at a portion where the front surface 62F (the surface on the side where the front side decorative portion 50 is located) thereof is irradiated with the tertiary light output from the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and is configured such that at least a part of the tertiary light can be reflected toward the side where the front side decorative portion 50 is provided. Further, by assembling the front member 41 and the rear member 42, a space is formed that is surrounded by the peripheral portions of the rear surface 50B of the front side decorative portion 50, the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and the front surface 62F of the light incident window 62, and is configured to form a space (hereinafter also referred to as the light emitting space 40) in which the light output from the light source 30 in a predetermined direction can be repeatedly reflected by these three surfaces. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17(B) and 17(C), inside the light emitting space 40, the primary light output from the light source 30 is reflected by the rear surface of the front side decorative portion 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and then further reflected by the rear surface 62B (the surface on the side where the light source 30 is located) of the light incident window 62 and irradiated again to the front side decorative portion 50, so that the traveling paths UL1 and UR1 can be followed. Thereby, even the light that is not reflected toward the front side decorative portion 50 at the rear surface 50B of the rear window 61 can be made to travel again toward the front side decorative portion 50 by reflection at the front surface 62F of the light incident window 62, and compared with the case where the light incident window 62 is not provided or the front surface 62F of the light incident window 62 does not have reflectivity, the light that has entered the light emitting space 40 through the light incident window 62 can be efficiently irradiated to the front side decorative portion 50 and the rear side decorative portion 11.

[0271] Specifically, in the light-emitting space 40, the left end of the rear window 61 and the right end of the light-incidence window 62 are continuous, and the left end of the light-incidence window 62 and the left end of the front-side decorative part 50 are continuous via the left connection part 63, and the right end of the front-side decorative part 50 and the right end of the rear window 61 are continuous via the right connection part 64, and it is formed into a closed space surrounded by the entire peripheral part in a cross-sectional view. By providing the left connection part 63 that connects between the front-side decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 and the right connection part 64 that connects between the front-side decorative part 50 and the light-incidence window 62, compared with the case where these connection parts are not provided, light that is emitted from between the front-side decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 or the light-incidence window 62 to the outside of the light-emitting space 40 and does not contribute to the light emission of the front-side decorative part 50 or the rear-side decorative part 11 can be suppressed. Note that the front-side decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 are not limited to the configuration in which they are continuous via the right connection part 64, and may also be configured to be continuous without passing through the right connection part 64. Similarly, the front-side decorative part 50 and the light-incidence window 62 are not limited to the configuration in which they are continuous via the left connection part 63, and may also be configured to be continuous without passing through the left connection part 63.

[0272] From the viewpoint of efficiently emitting light from the front-side decorative part 50 and the rear-side decorative part, it is preferable that the light-emitting space 40 is configured to be formed into a closed space in a cross-sectional view, but it is not limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which a gap is formed between the front-side decorative part 50 and the rear window 61 without providing the right connection part 64, or a gap is formed between the front-side decorative part 50 and the light-incidence window 62 without providing the left connection part 63, so as to form a space that is not completely closed in a cross-sectional view. Also, since the light emitted to the outside of the light-emitting space 40 through the light-incidence window 62 does not contribute to the light emission of the front-side decorative part 50 or the rear-side decorative part 11, the light-incidence window 62 may be configured to increase the reflectance to the light-emitting space 40 side in the light-incidence window 62, such as by providing a reflective sheet except for the range through which the light from the light source 30 passes on the front surface 62F or the back surface 62B thereof.

[0273] Further, inside the light emission space 40, the primary light output from the light source 30 is reflected by the back surface 50B of the front decorative portion 50 and the front surface 61F of the rear window 61, and then further reflected by the right surface 63L of the left connection portion 63, and is configured to follow the traveling paths UL2 and UR2 of being irradiated onto the front decorative portion 50 again. For this reason, similar to the case where the front surface 62F of the light entrance window 62 is configured to be reflective, it becomes possible to efficiently irradiate the light entering the light emission space 40 through the light entrance window 62 onto the front decorative portion 50 and the rear decorative portion 11. Also, the right connection portion 64 is the same as the left connection portion 63.

[0274] Note that the light emission space 40 includes a rear window 61 that is a window surrounding the peripheral portion thereof and through which light for causing a decorative portion (rear decorative portion 11) different from the front decorative portion 50 to emit light passes, and the rear window 61 is arranged in a direction where a player cannot visually recognize it, and is configured such that the light passing through the rear window 61 can be irradiated from the front surface side of the rear decorative portion 11. However, not limited to this configuration, instead of or in addition to the rear window 61 and the rear decorative portion 11, a window through which light for causing a decorative portion different from the front decorative portion 50 to emit light passes is arranged in a direction where a player can visually recognize it, and a decorative component such as another decorative plate similar to the decorative plate 52 is provided so as to overlap the visible window arranged in a direction where the player can visually recognize it, and the decorative plate is configured to emit light by light irradiation from the back surface side. In this configuration, the other decorative plate may be configured to be in contact with or spaced apart from the front surface side of the visible window, or may be configured to be in contact with or spaced apart from the back surface side of the visible window.

[0275] <Effect by a decorative portion capable of reflecting light> Next, an effect by a decorative portion that reflects light will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22. FIG. 18 is a front view of a game board 700 provided with a reflective decorative portion 711 as a decorative portion. Further, FIG. 19 is a front view of the game board 700 schematically showing the relative positions of the main portions involved in the effect by the reflective decorative portion 711.

[0276] The pachinko machine 100 can be used as a different model by replacing the game board 400 shown in FIG. 7 with another game board 700 shown in FIG. 18. In the following, the decoration part of the pachinko machine 100 equipped with this game board 700 will be described. The game board 700 has the same configuration as the game board 400 shown in FIG. 7 above, except that the configurations related to various members and devices for effects are different. For this reason, for the members that play the same role as the game board 400 on the game board 700, the same reference numerals are attached and the description is omitted, and only the different parts will be described. Note that the pachinko machine 100 can be configured as a pachinko machine 100 equipped with the functions realized on the game board 700 by providing any one or all of the configurations that the pachinko machine 100 has on the game board 700 but not on the game board 400, on the game board 400 as well. Also, the pachinko machine 100 equipped with the game board 700 can be configured to also have the functions that can be realized on the game board 400 by providing any one or all of the configurations that the pachinko machine 100 has on the game board 400 but not on the game board 700, on the game board 700.

[0277] As shown in FIG. 18, the game board 700 of the pachinko machine 100 includes a reflection decorative body 710 (reflection means) having a reflection decoration part 711 decorated to reflect light. The game board 700 also includes an annular decorative body 740 (see also FIG. 19: separate decoration means) having an annular shape provided separately from the reflection decorative body 710, and a central decorative body 750 (see also FIG. 19: separate decoration means) provided on the central side of the game board 700. Specifically, the reflection decorative body 710 is provided on the back side of the base body 401 of the game board 700 so as to be located on the left side near the center in the left-right direction at the lower end side of the game board 700. The annular decorative body 740 is provided on the back side of the base body 401 so as to surround the periphery of the display part 479a of the decoration pattern display device 479 (display means) in a front view. The central decorative body 750 is provided on the back side of the base body 401 below the display part 479a.

[0278] In the pachinko machine 100, it is configured to include all of the reflection decoration body 710, the annular decoration body 740, and the central decoration body 750. However, it is not necessary to include all of them, and only a part of them may be included. Further, at least a part of the reflection decoration body 710, the annular decoration body 740, and the central decoration body 750 may be provided on the game board 400 shown in FIG. 7.

[0279] As shown in FIG. 19, the pachinko machine 100 includes a plurality of annularly arranged light sources 720 (light emitting means) arranged annularly so as to overlap behind the annular decoration body 740, and a central light source 730 (light emitting means) arranged so as to overlap behind the central decoration body 750. In the effect produced by the reflection decoration part 711, the pachinko machine 100 irradiates the reflection decoration part 711 with the light output from at least one of the plurality of annularly arranged light sources 720 and the light output from the central light source 730, thereby improving the effect of the effect.

[0280] Here, the arrangement relationship between the reflection decoration part 711 and other various members involved in the effect produced by the reflection decoration part 711 will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflection decoration body 710 by a cross-section including the Y1 - Y1 line of FIG. 18. In FIG. 20, in order to clarify the positional relationship of the main parts involved in the effect produced by the reflection decoration body 710, the central structure 420 is shown only by its outline (the dashed line in the figure).

[0281] As shown in FIG. 20, the reflective decorative body 710 is provided on the back side of the base body 401 of the game board 700. Further, the base body 401 is formed of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, when a player views the game board 700 in a posture of sitting on the seat (hereinafter also referred to as the normal posture), the reflective decorative portion 711 can be visually recognized through the base body 401. Also, many members that constitute the central structure 420 provided near the center of the game board 700, such as members that form the lower stage 427, are formed of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, when a player views the game board 700 in a posture of sitting with the body bent forward more than the normal posture (hereinafter also referred to as the forward-leaning posture) or in a standing posture for selecting the pachinko machine 100 to play, the reflective decorative portion 711 can be visually recognized through the colorless and transparent members that constitute the central structure 420.

[0282] Note that the member for seeing through the reflective decoration part 711 such as the base 401 is configured to be formed of a colorless and transparent resin. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a colored transparent resin may be used. As long as it is a material having colorless or colored transparency (transmittance), it may be configured to be formed of a material other than resin. Hereinafter, resins and other materials having colorless or colored transparency are also referred to as light-transmissive materials. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 is configured to be provided at a position where it can be indirectly visually recognized through another member. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be provided at a position where it can be directly visually recognized through those openings, such as being projected to the rear side of the base 401 or the central structure 420 in the vicinity of the opening of the base 401 or the central structure 420. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 is configured to be indirectly visually recognizable regardless of the posture of the player. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be provided at a position where it can be indirectly or directly visually recognized depending on the posture of the player, or a position where it can be directly visually recognized only regardless of the posture of the player. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 is configured to be fixed to the base 401 and provided at a position where the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 or the central light source 730 can always be irradiated. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be movably provided so that when the reflective decoration part 711 moves to a predetermined position, the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 or the central light source 730 is irradiated. Further, the reflective decoration body 710 is not limited to the configuration provided on the back surface side of the base 401, and may be configured to be provided on the front surface side thereof, or a member different from the members constituting the game board 700, for example, a member other than the game board 700 constituting the intermediate block 103, a member constituting the front block 102, or a member constituting the rear block 104.

[0283] The reflection decoration part 711 is configured to be able to reflect the light output from the lower left light source 720a (light emitting means) and the central light source 730 (light emitting means), which are part of the plurality of annularly arranged light sources 720 (see FIG. 19), toward the front side where the player is located. Here, the plurality of annularly arranged light sources 720 are arranged in an annular shape such that five sets, each set consisting of the lower left light source 720a and the lower right light source 720b arranged on the lower side left and right, are located on the lower side, upper left side, lower left side, upper right side, and lower right side, and the entire annular decoration body 740 in an annular shape can be made to emit light.

[0284] The lower left light source 720a is configured to include a lower left substrate 721a (light emitting substrate) on which an electronic component (not shown) is mounted, and a plurality of LED elements 722a (light emitting means) arranged on one surface side of the lower left substrate 721a in a direction of outputting light toward the front side (a predetermined direction side). Also, the central light source 730 is configured to provide a plurality of LED elements 732 (light emitting means) on a central substrate 731 (light emitting substrate) having substantially the same outer shape as the central decorative portion 751, similar to the annular arrangement light source 720. Note that the reflection decorative body 710 may be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light output from each of the plurality of LED elements 722a provided on the lower left substrate 721a, or at a position where it can be irradiated with light output from only a part of them. Further, the reflection decorative portion 711 is mainly configured to be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light output from one of the lower left light sources 720a among the plurality of annular arrangement light sources 720. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The length of the reflection decorative portion 711 may be increased so that it can be irradiated with light output from two or more annular arrangement light sources 720, or the reflection decorative body 710 may be formed in an annular shape when viewed from the front, and it may be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light output from all the annular arrangement light sources 720. Further, the reflection decorative portion 711 is configured to be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light from both light sources (the lower left light source 720a and the central light source 730) provided corresponding to each of the decorative bodies of the annular decorative body 740 and the central decorative body 750. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be arranged at a position where it can be irradiated with light from a light source provided corresponding to one of the decorative bodies of the annular decorative body 740 and the central decorative body 750. Further, the reflection decorative portion 711 may be configured to be able to irradiate light from a dedicated light source not shared for irradiating other decorative bodies in addition to or instead of the lower left light source 720a and the central light source 730.

[0285] The reflective decoration part 711 is configured to have a predetermined decoration and be visible from the player's side. Specifically, the reflective decoration part 711 is formed in a plate shape with transparency, and includes a passage part 712 through which the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left light source 720a and the LED element 732 of the central light source 730 passes. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 is provided so as to overlap the lower side (the side where the light is output after passing through) of the passage part 712, and includes a reflective part 713 capable of reflecting the light that has passed through the passage part 712. The reflective part 713 is disposed below the passage part 712, and reflects the light that has once passed through the passage part 712 and outputs it upward and forward. Further, on the upper surface of the passage part 712 (the surface opposite to the reflective part 713), a decoration by unevenness (a wavy shape) is applied, and this upper surface becomes the decorative surface 712S. Note that the reflective decoration part 711 is not limited to a configuration in which the surface on the side opposite to the reflective part 713 in the passage part 712 is decorated, and in addition to or instead of that surface, the surface on the side of the reflective part 713 in the passage part 712 may be decorated. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 is not limited to a configuration in which the decoration is applied by the unevenness formed on the surface of the passage part 712, and the decoration may be applied by disposing a decorative member such as a sticker or a plate for decoration on the surface of the passage part 712 in contact with or separated from the passage part 712. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 includes the passage part 712 and the reflective part 713, and is configured such that the passage part 712 is decorated, but is not limited to this configuration. The decoration may be applied by forming unevenness on the upper surface of the reflective part 713 or providing a decorative member on the upper surface without providing the passage part 712. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 is configured to include the passage part 712 formed of a single member, but is not limited to this configuration. A configuration may be adopted in which members formed of transparent materials having different colors are combined to provide a passage part having a flat or wavy decorative surface on the upper surface. Further, the reflective decoration part 711 is configured such that the passage part 712 is actually decorated, but is not limited to this configuration. The decoration may be applied to the passage part 712 and the reflective part 713 in a pseudo manner by not actually decorating the passage part 712 but simply making the surface a flat surface and reflecting the decoration by another decorative part such as the rotating decoration part 742 on the flat surface.

[0286] The reflection decoration part 711 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the lower left substrate 721a and the central substrate 731 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the reflection decoration body 710 is located below the display part 479a of the decoration pattern display device 479 provided at the center in the vertical and horizontal directions of the game board 700, and as shown in FIG. 20, it is arranged on the front side and the lower side (hereinafter also referred to as the lower front side) of the lower left substrate 721a and the central substrate 731. Therefore, due to the reflection in the reflection decoration part 711, the light that travels downward to the front side (hereinafter also referred to as the upper front side) so as to approach that position can be made to travel downward to the front side so as to move away from the position of the eyes of the player sitting in the standard posture (generally, a position separated from the center of the display part 479a by a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction). Although the reflection decoration body 710 is provided below the display part 479a and the light is reflected upward by the reflection decoration body 710, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be provided above the display part 479a to reflect the light downward, or may be configured to be provided on the right side of the display part 479a to reflect the light to the left side, or may be configured to be provided on the left side of the display part 479a to reflect the light to the right side.

[0287] The decorative surface 712S is configured to be disposed in an inclined direction as viewed from the player's side. Specifically, the plate-shaped passage portion 712 is provided so as to project in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base body 401 of the game board 700 at a position separated downward from the display portion 479a. For this reason, the decorative surface 712S, which is the upper surface of the passage portion 712, is disposed in an inclined direction at a predetermined angle (for example, 40°) as viewed from a player sitting in the standard posture, and while securing the size of the decorative surface 712S visually recognized by the player within a predetermined range, the decorative surface 712S can be brightly visually recognized by the player. Note that the decorative surface 712S only needs to be configured to be disposed in an inclined direction at a predetermined angle, not perpendicular, with respect to the line of sight (line of sight directed obliquely downward) of a player sitting in the standard posture, and is preferably configured to be disposed in an inclined direction at an angle within an angle range of 10° to 80° with respect to the line of sight, and more preferably configured to be disposed in an angle range of 25° to 60°. Further, the decorative surface 712S is not limited to being configured to project perpendicularly to the base body 401, and may be configured to project in an inclined direction with respect to the base body 401. In this configuration, the inclination of the passage portion 712 with respect to the base body 401 may be changed by adjusting the installation angle of the passage portion 712 having a substantially uniform thickness, or the thickness of the passage portion 712 may not be made uniform, and may be changed by adjusting the thickness according to the distance from the back surface of the base body 401. Further, although the decorative surface 712S is configured to be disposed in an inclined direction at a constant angle with respect to the base body 401, it is not limited to this, and may be configured such that the angle changes depending on the portion of the decorative surface 712S. The inclination of the decorative surface 712S is preferably set to an angle at which a player can visually recognize the decorative surface 712S at a predetermined size and with a predetermined brightness, taking into account the position where the decorative surface 712S is disposed on the game board 700 and the relative positions with the lower left light source 720a and the central light source 730. For example, when the decorative surface 712S is provided below the position shown in FIG. 18, it is preferable to project the decorative surface 712S so as to be inclined downward as it moves away from the back surface of the base body 401, and to direct the light reflected by the reflective decoration portion 711 toward the position of the player's eyes.

[0288] Here, with reference to FIG. 21, the light output from the reflection decoration portion 711 based on the light output from the annularly arranged light source 720 (lower left light source 720a) will be described. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflection decoration body 710 by a cross-section including the Y1 - Y1 line of FIG. 18 in order to explain the form in which the light from the annularly arranged light source 720 (lower left light source 720a) irradiates the reflection decoration portion 711.

[0289] As shown in FIG. 21, the light output from the lower left light source 720a (for example, the light on the paths indicated by the solid line and the dashed - dotted line) passes through the annular decoration body 740 provided separately from the reflection decoration body 710 and irradiates the reflection decoration portion 711. By this irradiation, the reflection decoration portion 711 outputs light toward the player side. Incidentally, hereinafter, prior to the description of the form of light irradiation to the reflection decoration portion 711, the configuration of the annular decoration body 740 will be described.

[0290] The annular decoration body 740 includes a lower left movable decoration portion 741a movable toward the center side of the display portion 479a of the decoration pattern display device 479 as a decoration portion irradiated with the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a. The lower left movable decoration portion 741a is one of the plurality of movable decoration portions 741 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of annularly arranged substrates 721, and is provided corresponding to the lower left substrate 721a. Further, the annular decoration body 740 includes an annular rotation decoration portion 742 that covers all the movable decoration portions 741 on the front side and is rotatable about the front - rear direction of the game board 700 as a rotation axis as a decoration portion irradiated with the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a. The lower left substrate 721a is integrated with the lower left movable decoration portion 741a and is supported by the base body 401 via an annular decoration support portion 749 that supports the lower left movable decoration portion 741a and the rotation decoration portion 742 on the base body 401. Also, the lower left movable decoration portion 741a and the rotation decoration portion 742 allow the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a to pass through to the front side where the player is located. For this reason, the reflection decoration portion 711 can be irradiated with the light that has passed through the lower left movable decoration portion 741a and the rotation decoration portion 742. By this irradiation, the player can visually recognize the decoration on the decoration surface 712S.

[0291] Note that the lower left movable decoration part 741a and the rotating decoration part 742 do not necessarily have a structure that allows light to pass through the entire part, and a structure that allows light to pass through only a part thereof may be sufficient. Also, the reflection decoration part 711 is configured to be provided at a position where the light that has passed through the two decoration parts, i.e., the lower left movable decoration part 741a and the rotating decoration part 742, is irradiated. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be provided at a position where the light that has passed through either one of the decoration parts is irradiated. Further, the reflection decoration part 711 is configured to be provided at a position where the light that has passed through the two decoration parts, i.e., the lower left movable decoration part 741a and the rotating decoration part 742, is irradiated. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and three or more decoration parts may be provided separately from the reflection decoration part 711 on the game board 700, and it may be configured to be provided at a position where the light that has passed through these decoration parts is irradiated. Also, the reflection decoration part 711 is configured such that the light that has passed through the members forming the lower left movable decoration part 741a and the rotating decoration part 742 is irradiated. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and an opening may be provided in the lower left movable decoration part 741a or the rotating decoration part 742, and the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a may be directly irradiated, for example, by allowing the light to travel through the opening. Further, the reflection decoration part 711 is configured such that the light that has passed through the lower left movable decoration part 741a and the rotating decoration part 742 is irradiated. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a light guiding member that guides light in a predetermined direction, such as an optical fiber or a light guide plate, may be provided on the game board 700, and the light guided by the light guiding member may be irradiated onto the reflection decoration part 711.

[0292] The decoration formed on the reflection decoration part 711 is formed of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, the decoration is difficult or impossible to visually recognize when the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 or the central light source 730 is not irradiated, and becomes visible when the light is irradiated. Therefore, by changing the reflection decoration part 711 from a state where it is not irradiated with light to a state where it is irradiated with light, the decoration on the reflection decoration part 711 can be shown to the player so that it appears. Note that the decoration on the reflection decoration part 711 is configured to be difficult or impossible to visually recognize when the light output from the annular arrangement light source 720 or the central light source 730 is not irradiated. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be visible even when the light is not irradiated.

[0293] The back surfaces (the side where the lower left light source 720a is disposed) of the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 are formed in a shape with continuously formed unevenness. For this reason, the light that has passed through the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 can be made to travel (scattered) in various directions, and the entire lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 can be irradiated with the light output from the LED elements 722a dotted on the lower left substrate 721a. Further, it becomes possible to irradiate the reflection decorative part 711 with the light that has passed through the lower left movable decorative part 741a and the rotating decorative part 742 at various angles. By being able to irradiate the reflection decorative part 711 with light at various angles in this way, the light reflected by the reflection decorative part 711 can also be made to travel in various directions toward the player side. Therefore, it is possible to increase the angular range within which the player can visually recognize the reflected light, and even when the position of the eyes varies due to differences in the sitting height of the player, or even when the position of the eyes changes because the player changes from a standard posture to a forward-leaning posture or a backward-leaning posture, it is possible to make it easier for the player to visually recognize the decoration of the reflection decorative part 711.

[0294] Here, the reflection of the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a in the reflection decorative part 711 will be described. The passing part 712 of the reflection decorative part 711 is formed of a colorless and transparent resin, and the reflection part 713 is formed of a shiny metal member such as aluminum foil, film, or plate adhered to the lower surface of the passing part 712. For this reason, the light irradiated onto the reflection decorative part 711 is reflected at the decorative surface 712S which is the upper surface of the passing part 712 and at the upper surface of the reflection part 713 (the interface between the decorative surface 712S and the reflection part 713). Since the light reflected at the upper surface of the decorative surface 712S and the light reflected at the upper surface of the reflection part 713 are irradiated onto different parts of the decorative surface 712S, it becomes possible to expand the range that can be clearly visually recognized on the decorative surface 712S. Further, since those lights are simultaneously visually recognized by the player, it is possible to make the player visually recognize the decorations on the decorative surface 712S so as to overlap at shifted positions. The shift of the decoration visually recognized by the player can be adjusted by the thickness of the passing part 712, and due to that shift, it also becomes possible to make the player visually recognize the decoration on the decorative surface 712S three-dimensionally.

[0295] Note that although the passage portion 712 is configured to be formed of a colorless and transparent resin, it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be formed of a colored and transparent resin or a colorless or colored material other than a resin that can transmit light. Further, although the reflection portion 713 is configured to be provided by attaching a metal member to the passage portion 712, it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be provided in a film form by vapor-depositing a metal material or the like on the passage portion 712. Although the reflection portion 713 is configured to be provided in contact with the passage portion 712, it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be provided at a distance from the passage portion 712. In the case of this configuration, the deviation of the decoration visually recognized by the player can also be adjusted by the distance between the passage portion 712 and the reflection portion 713.

[0296] The decorative surface 712S is configured to include a shaped portion with undulations on the surface side opposite to the reflection portion 713. Specifically, the plate-shaped passage portion 712 forming the decorative surface 712S is formed by a flat region 712a with a substantially uniform thickness and a protruding decorative region 712b that protrudes by a predetermined small protruding amount (for example, 1 mm or less) from the upper surface of the flat region 712a and resembles a predetermined figure. Thus, the decorative surface 712S, which is the upper surface of the passage portion 712, has a shape including a shaped portion with undulations. When the decorative surface 712S is irradiated with the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, it becomes possible for the player to visually recognize that the decoration protrudes higher than the actual protruding amount. Therefore, the decoration of the decorative surface 712S can be made prominent, and the effect of the production by the reflection decoration portion 711 can be enhanced.

[0297] Note that, although the upper surface of the protruding decoration area 712b is configured to be at a certain height with respect to the upper surface of the flat area 712a, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the height may vary depending on the part. Further, the passage part 712 is not limited to a configuration in which a predetermined figure as a decoration protrudes from the flat area 712a to the opposite side of the reflecting part 713, and may be configured to be recessed on the reflecting part 713 side with respect to the flat area 712a. In this case, it is also possible to make the player visually recognize that the decoration is recessed deeper than the actual recessed amount. Further, although the flat area 712a is configured to have the same thickness, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the thickness may increase or decrease as it moves away from the base 401. With this configuration, the inclination of the decoration surface 712S viewed from the player side can also be set to a predetermined angle by the change in the thickness of the flat area 712a.

[0298] Decorations using a plurality of colors different from the color of the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a are formed on the lower left movable decoration part 741a and the rotating decoration part 742. For this reason, it is possible to irradiate the reflection decoration part 711 with light of a color different from the color of the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, and it is also possible to cause the reflection decoration part 711 to emit colors different depending on the part. Further, by rotating the rotating decoration part 742, it is also possible to cause the same part of the reflection decoration part 711 to emit different colors.

[0299] Here, the output of light from the reflection decoration part 711 based on the light output from the central light source 730 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the reflection decoration body 710 by a cross-section including the Y1 - Y1 line in FIG. 18 in order to explain the form of irradiating the reflection decoration body 710 with the light from the central light source 730.

[0300] As shown in FIG. 22, the light output from the central light source 730 is reflected by the central decoration body 750 provided separately from the reflection decoration body 710 and irradiated to the reflection decoration part 711. In the following, prior to the description of the form of irradiating the reflection decoration part 711 with light, the configuration of the central decoration body 750 will be described.

[0301] The central decorative body 750 includes a central decorative part 751 configured by a decorative member 753 decorated as a decorative part irradiated with light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731, and a scattering member 754 disposed between the decorative member 753 and the central substrate 731 for scattering the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 in various directions. The central substrate 731 is integrated with the central decorative part 751 and is supported by the base body 401 via a central decoration support part 759 that supports the central decorative part 751. Also, the decorative member 753 is formed of a colored transparent resin, and the scattering member 754 is formed of a colorless transparent resin. Therefore, the decorative member 753 and the scattering member 754 can allow a part of the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 to pass through to the front side where the player is located, and can also reflect a part of the light.

[0302] Note that although the decorative member 753 and the scattering member 754 are configured to be formed of resin, the configuration is not limited to this, and they may be configured to be formed of a colorless or colored material other than resin that can allow light to pass through. Also, the central decorative part 751 includes a scattering member 754 separately from the decorative member 753, and is configured to scatter light by the unevenness formed on the back surface (the surface on the central substrate 731 side) of the scattering member 754. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the scattering member 754 may not be provided, and the light may be scattered by forming unevenness on the back surface side of the decorative member 753.

[0303] The central decorative body 750 includes a frame part 752 surrounding the periphery of the central decorative part 751. The frame part 752 is supported by the base body 401 via the central decoration support part 759 together with the central decorative part 751. Also, the frame part 752 covers only a part of the front side of the lower end part 754B where the reflection decorative part 711 is located in the scattering member 754. Also, the frame part 752 is formed of a transparent resin whose surface is covered with a reflection film (not shown) formed by vapor deposition. Therefore, the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 and reflected on the back surface of the scattering member 754 (for example, the light traveling along the path indicated by the solid line or the one-dot chain line in FIG. 22) can be output to the reflection decorative part 711 side by passing through the lower end part 754B that is not covered by the lower end part 752B of the frame part 752.

[0304] Note that the central decoration part 751 is configured to reflect the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731, and pass the reflected light through the lower end portion 754B of the scattering member 754 not covered by the lower end portion 752B of the frame portion 752 and output it to the reflection decoration part 711 side. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 may be output through the lower end portion 754B not covered by the lower end portion 752B without being reflected by the scattering member 754 and output to the reflection decoration part 711 side. For example, at least one LED element 732 provided on the central substrate 731 may be arranged in a direction inclined downward (toward the reflection decoration part 711 side) with respect to the vertical direction, and the light output from the LED element 732 may be made to travel along the path indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 22. Further, although the central decoration part 751 is configured to pass the light output from the LED element 732 through the lower end portion 754B and output it to the reflection decoration part 711 side, the configuration is not limited to this. An opening or notch may be provided in the lower end portion 754B, and the light may be output to the reflection decoration part 711 side through the opening or notch. Also, the central decoration part 751 is configured to provide a reflection film on the surface of the lower end portion 753B of the frame portion 752 and limit the light output to the reflection decoration part 711 side passing through the lower end portion 754B by the lower end portion 752B. However, the configuration is not limited to this. A reflection film may not be provided on the surface of the lower end portion 753B of the frame portion 752, and the light may also be output to the reflection decoration part 711 side from the overlapping portion of the lower end portion 752B and the lower end portion 754B.

[0305] The central decorative body 750 includes a central decorative support portion 759 that supports a central decorative portion 751 with respect to the base body 401. The central decorative support portion 759 is located behind the lower end portion 754B of the scattering member 754 and the decorative surface 712S of the reflection decorative portion 711, and includes a wall 759B formed at a height position between the lower end portion 754B and the decorative surface 712S. The wall 759B is integrally formed with the central decorative support portion 759 and is made of a colorless and transparent resin. Therefore, the wall 759B can reflect a part of the light that is reflected by the scattering member 754 and passes through the lower end portion 754B toward the rear side to the front side and output it to the reflection decorative portion 711. Although the wall 759B is configured to allow a part of the irradiated light to pass regardless of the irradiated site, it is not limited to this configuration. A reflecting member capable of reflecting light may be provided on a part of the surface of the wall 759B within a range that does not significantly limit the passage of the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, and the configuration may be such that the range through which the light can pass is limited. In the case of this configuration, the reflectance of the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731 can be increased, and the decorative surface 712S can output light to the player side more efficiently.

[0306] Regarding the reflection in the reflection decorative portion 711 of the light output from the LED element 732 of the central substrate 731, it has the same effect as the reflection of the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a, and can be visually recognized so as to overlap at a position where the decoration of the decorative surface 712S is shifted.

[0307] The covering range in which the lower end portion 752B of the frame portion 752 covers the lower end portion 754B of the scattering member 754 is set so that the light output from the LED element 732 of the center substrate 731 is irradiated within an angular range that does not overlap with the angular range (hereinafter also referred to as the irradiation angular range) in which the light output from the LED element 722a of the lower left substrate 721a is irradiated. For this reason, the angular range in which the...

Claims

1. Special information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition opportunity; Acquisition information storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information acquired by the special information acquisition means; Judgment means for sequentially judging whether the special information stored in the acquisition information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information; A game replay operation is started prior to the judgment being made by the judgment means or based on the judgment being made by the judgment means, and the game replay operation is terminated by notifying a notification result corresponding to the result of the judgment. Taking this as one game replay, game replay control means for controlling the notification means so that the game replay operation of each game replay is performed according to the special information stored in the acquisition information storage means; Special game state transition means for transitioning the game state to a special game state more advantageous to the player than the normal game state based on the judgment result by the judgment means corresponding to the predetermined judgment information and the game replay operation by the game replay control means being terminated; comprising; Display means having a display unit and capable of executing a game effect including variable display of a pattern in a predetermined display area in the display unit; Game effect control means for starting a game effect including starting variable display of a pattern in the display means prior to the judgment being made by the judgment means or based on the judgment being made by the judgment means, and ending the game effect by performing a stop display of the pattern corresponding to the judgment result by the judgment means; Operation means operable by the player; Effect setting means capable of varying settings related to the game effect based on an operation of the operation means; Setting suggestion mode control means for controlling an output mode of suggestion information for suggesting to the player that settings related to the game effect can be varied based on an operation of the operation means; comprising; As a predetermined display area in which variable display of a pattern is executed in the display unit, a first display area and a second display area smaller than the first display area are provided; The game effect control means is: In a predetermined game effect, it is possible to control to execute the variable display of the pattern executed in the first display area in the second display area, and then to perform variable display of the pattern in the first display area and stop the display; A first game effect is provided as a game effect to be executed when the determination result is different from the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, and a second game effect is provided as a game effect to be executed when the determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information is obtained. The setting suggestion mode control means When the first game effect is executed, the suggestion information is output in a first mode in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the first display area, and the suggestion information is not output or controlled to be in a second mode that is difficult to identify in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the second display area. Then, when the variable display of the pattern is performed and stopped in the first display area, the suggestion information is controlled to be output in the first mode. On the other hand, when the second game effect is executed, the suggestion information is output in the first mode in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the first display area, and the suggestion information is not output or controlled to be in the second mode that is difficult to identify in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the second display area. Then, when the variable display of the pattern is performed and stopped in the first display area, the second mode as the output mode of the suggestion information in the second display area is maintained. The gaming machine is characterized by this control.

2. As the game effect, a special game effect in which the game effect is executed over a plurality of game rounds is provided. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special game effect is configured such that the variable display of the pattern can be executed only in the second display area in at least one or more game rounds.

3. The effect setting means is configured such that in a situation where the variable display of the pattern is being executed in the second display area over a plurality of game rounds in the special game effect, the settings related to the game effect can be varied. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the execution of the changed game effect is configured to be possible in a situation where the variable display of the pattern switches from the second display area to the first display area.

Images