Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can be operated effectively. [Solution] The system includes means for collecting ball entry history to the general prize entry port 61, the first operation port 62, the second operation port 63, the variable prize entry device 65, and the out port 68; means for calculating the difference in the number of balls based on the collected ball entry history; means for determining whether the calculated difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined specific number, and if it is equal to or greater than the specific number, transitioning to a game stop state; means for supplying backup power to the main RAM when the supply of operating power is stopped so that the information stored in the main RAM is retained; and means for erasing information such as the high probability mode and the opening / closing execution mode stored in the main RAM 314 when the supply of operating power is started thereafter, and releasing the game stop state.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As gaming machines, pachinko machines, slot machines, etc. are known. For example, in a pachinko machine, a game ball is launched toward a game area in response to a launch operation by a player, and when the game ball enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, for example, a game value such as a bonus ball is given (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, in a slot machine, a lottery process is executed by operating a start lever and the rotation of a reel is started, and the rotation of the reel is stopped by operating a stop button during the rotation of the reel. Then, when the stop result after the rotation of the reel stops corresponds to a winning combination in the lottery process, a game value corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in gaming machines and the like as exemplified above, there is still room for improvement in operating the gaming machine suitably.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can be operated suitably.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is Information storage means that requires power supply to store and retain information, A means capable of executing specific control based on predetermined information when predetermined information is stored in the information storage means, A means that supplies retaining power to the information storage means for storing information when the power supply for operation is stopped, and enables the information to be stored in the information storage means. A specific means that enables the predetermined information to be erased in the information storage means when the supply of operating power is started, or the supply of operating power to be started while the predetermined information has been erased in the information storage means, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to operate a gaming machine effectively. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. [Figure 5] (a) is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in the closed state, and (b) is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in the open state. [Figure 6] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable prize device in the closed state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable prize device in the open state. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration for discharging game balls that have flowed down the game area. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the main control unit. [Figure 9]It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the display content on the display screen of the symbol display device. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the display content on the display screen of the symbol display device. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the display content on the display screen of the symbol display device. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used for winning / losing lottery etc. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining various tables stored in the main side ROM. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display content of the notification display device. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the setting mode of the program and data in the main side ROM. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the setting mode of each area in the main side RAM. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the main processing in the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing the setting value update process. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing the setting confirmation process. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing the special figure special electricity control process. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing the special figure change start process. [Figure 24] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration that allows the detection result of the ball entry detection sensor to be input. [Figure 25] It is a flowchart showing the ball entry detection process. [Figure 26] It is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the payout control device and various devices that communicate with the payout control device. [Figure 27] This is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing in the MPU of the payout control device. [Figure 28] This graph shows the base value and the processing of the difference in ball count. [Figure 29] This flowchart shows the execution process for the base value and the difference in ball count. [Figure 30] This is a flowchart showing the base value calculation process. [Figure 31] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of each area in a work area for non-specific control. [Figure 32] This flowchart shows the process for determining whether an excess has occurred. [Figure 33] (a) is a flowchart showing the display setting process, and (b) is an explanatory diagram to show the correspondence between the value of the display type counter and the display type. [Figure 34] This is a flowchart showing the display process for notification purposes. [Figure 35] This is an explanatory diagram for describing the display content of a notification display device. [Figure 36] This flowchart shows the process for determining when to stop a game. [Figure 37] (a) is a flowchart showing the process for startup when exceeding the limit, and (b) is a flowchart showing the process for partial clearing. [Figure 38] This is a flowchart showing the execution process for partial clearing. [Figure 39] (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the processing flow in game restrictions using the difference in the number of balls, and (b) is a diagram showing how the difference in the number of balls changes. [Figure 40] (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of the game being stopped, and (b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of the initialization process when power is restored. [Figure 41] This figure shows the change in the number of balls in a modified example 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 42] (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting configuration of the work area for non-specific control, and (b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the lowest point determination process. [Figure 43] This flowchart shows the process for determining whether an excess has occurred. [Figure 44] This is a flowchart showing the power outage information storage process according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 45] This flowchart shows the process for clearing data in the event of a power outage. [Figure 46] The flowchart shows the execution process for clearing data in the event of a power outage. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <First Embodiment> The following describes in detail a first embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), a type of amusement machine, based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 seen from the front, and Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an unfolded state. For convenience, the components within the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 are omitted in Figure 2.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a game machine body 12 attached to this outer frame 11.

[0012] The outer frame 11 is constructed by connecting boards on all four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the gaming hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. However, the outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be attached to the island equipment of the gaming hall.

[0013] The gaming machine body 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. Specifically, an upper support fitting 17 is fixed to the connection between the upper frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11, and a lower support fitting 18 is provided at the connection between the lower frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11. These upper support fittings 17 and 18 constitute a support mechanism, and this support mechanism allows the gaming machine body 12 to rotate forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the gaming machine body 12 comprises an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 positioned in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 positioned behind the inner frame 13. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine body 12 is rotatably supported relative to the outer frame 11. In detail, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side being the pivot end and the right side being the pivot tip when viewed from the front.

[0015] The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can rotate forward with the left side as the pivot end and the right side as the pivot end when viewed from the front. The back pack unit 15 is also rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can rotate backward with the left side as the pivot end and the right side as the pivot end when viewed from the front (see Figure 3).

[0016] Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 whose outer shape is almost identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. A roughly elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central part of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of ​​the game area PE, which will be described later, can be seen from the front, and this window portion 21 is covered from the rear side of the front door frame 14 by a glass unit 22.

[0017] The glass unit 22 comprises a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds these glass panels 23. The glass holder has a partition that divides the holding area of ​​the glass panels 23 into front and rear sections, and the two glass panels 23 face each other front and rear with the partition in between. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, interference between the glass panels 23 is avoided, and the game area PE is double-covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23.

[0018] It is not necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder; each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary; it may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and security, it is preferable to use multiple glass panels and to position each of these glass panels facing each other front and back with a predetermined gap in between. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of glass panels.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, various light-emitting means such as lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (more specifically, the window section 21). For example, a lamp section (ring-shaped illuminated section) 26 containing light-emitting means such as LEDs is provided along the periphery of the window section 21. The lamp section 26 lights up or flashes in accordance with changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or when a predetermined reach occurs. In addition, an error indicator lamp section 27 that lights up in the event of a predetermined error is provided in the center of the lamp section 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and prize ball lamp sections 28 that light up when prize balls are paid out are provided on the left and right sides of the error indicator lamp section 27. In addition, a speaker section 29 that outputs sound effects according to the game state is provided in a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp sections 28.

[0020] Below the window portion 21 of the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulge 31 and a lower bulge 32 are arranged vertically side by side, bulging toward the front. Inside the upper bulge 31 is an upper tray 33 that opens upward, and inside the lower bulge 32 is a lower tray 34 that also opens upward. The upper tray 33 has the function of temporarily storing the game balls dispensed from the dispensing device (described later) and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism (described later) while aligning them in a line. The lower tray 34 has the function of storing any game balls that are left over in the upper tray 33.

[0021] Furthermore, the upper surface of the upper bulge 31 is provided with a performance control unit 36 ​​(specifically, a push button) that is manually operated by the player. For example, when the performance control unit 36 ​​is manually operated according to suggestions displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 (described later), the performance content on the display screen G etc. becomes a predetermined performance content corresponding to that operation.

[0022] A game ball launching handle 41 is provided to the right of the lower bulge 32, protruding toward the front. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, a game ball is launched from the game ball launching mechanism, which will be described later.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is molded from synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion is formed at the upper corner, which protrudes to the rear and opens upward. By dividing this receiving portion into left and right sections with a partition wall, the entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and the entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage are separated. Game balls that enter the front door side upper tray passage are guided to the upper tray 33, and game balls that enter the front door side lower tray passage are guided to the lower tray 34.

[0024] On the rear side of the front door frame 14, at the pivot base end, projection shafts are provided at its upper and lower ends. These projection shafts constitute the assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Furthermore, on the rear side of the front door frame 14, at the pivot tip end, as shown in Figure 2, multiple hook fittings 49 extending to the rear are arranged in a vertical direction. These hook fittings 49 constitute the locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

[0025] Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail based on Figures 2 and 3. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50, which has an outer shape that is roughly rectangular, similar to the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 50 is positioned close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a small gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50. A fascia board is attached to the outer frame 11 to close this gap. The fascia board is positioned below the resin base 50 (more specifically, its lower end), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the resin base 50 rests on top of the fascia board.

[0026] Support brackets 51 and 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the pivot base side on the front surface of the resin base 50. The support brackets 51 and 52 have axial holes formed in them, and the projection shaft of the front door frame 14 is inserted into these axial holes, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 so that it can rotate relative to the inner frame 13.

[0027] The front of the resin base 50, on the rotating tip side, is provided with an insertion hole for inserting a hook fitting 49 located on the back of the front door frame 14. In this pachinko machine 10, as shown in Figure 3, a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is positioned hidden on the back side of the inner frame 13. Therefore, the hook fitting 49 engages with the locking device 55 (specifically, the hook receiving member for the front door) through the insertion hole, thereby locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 in an unopenable state. The locking device 55 also has a plurality of inner frame hook members 57 that extend to the rear of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 57 catch on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, thereby locking the game machine body 12 to the outer frame 11 in a closed state.

[0028] A cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is installed in the lower right corner of the resin base 50. The cylinder lock 58 is integrated with the locking device 55, and the locking device 55 is configured such that turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 to the right unlocks the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13, and turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 to the left unlocks the inner frame 13 to the outer frame 11.

[0029] A roughly oval-shaped window opening 54 is formed in the center of the resin base 50, and the window opening 54 is closed from the rear by the game board 60 mounted on the resin base 50. The game board 60 consists of a wooden plywood and a sheet material that covers the front surface of the plywood, and its front surface is exposed to the front side of the resin base 50 through the window opening 54. A game area PE is formed on this exposed part, i.e., the front surface of the game board 60, through which the game balls flow. Note that the game board 60 is not limited to wood, and can also be made of synthetic resin.

[0030] The following describes the game board 60 (particularly the various components arranged in the game area PE) based on Figure 4. Figure 4 is a front view of the game board 60.

[0031] The game board 60 has multiple openings of varying sizes that penetrate in the direction of its own thickness (front-to-back direction). Each opening is provided with a general prize entry opening 61, a first operation opening 62, a second operation opening 63, a through gate 64, a variable prize entry device 65, a variable display unit 67, and the like.

[0032] When a ball enters the general prize slot 61, the variable prize device 65, the first operating slot 62, or the second operating slot 63, this is detected by a prize sensor (detection sensor), and based on the detection result, the player is granted a predetermined number of prize balls or other benefits. In this case, if a ball enters the general prize slot 61, 10 game balls are dispensed, and if a ball enters the variable prize device 65, 15 game balls are dispensed. Also, if a ball enters the first operating slot 62, 3 game balls are dispensed, and if a ball enters the second operating slot 63, 1 game ball is dispensed. Incidentally, no game balls are dispensed if a ball enters the through gate 64.

[0033] The number of prize balls is arbitrary; for example, the number of prize balls related to the first operating port 62 may be the same as the number of prize balls related to the second operating port 63, or the number of prize balls related to the second operating port 63 may be greater than the number of prize balls related to the first operating port 62. Furthermore, the number of prize balls related to the variable prize entry device 65 may be the same as or less than the number of prize balls related to other operating ports. Additionally, a predetermined number of game balls may be dispensed when a ball enters the through gate 64.

[0034] An outlet 68 is provided at the bottom of the game board 60, and game balls that do not enter the various ball entry points are discharged from the game area PE through the outlet 68. Here, "entering" means that a game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and includes not only the case in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening, but also the case in which the game ball is not discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish it from the entry of a game ball into the outlet 68, the entry of a game ball into the general prize entry point 61, the operating points 62, 63, the variable prize entry device 65, or the through gate 64 will also be referred to as "winning."

[0035] Furthermore, the game board 60 is equipped with numerous nails 69 to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game balls, as well as various components (mechanisms) such as windmills. These various configurations, including the nails 69 and windmills, diversify the flow of the game balls, and are adjusted so that the balls enter the general prize winning holes 61 and other areas as described above with a reasonable probability.

[0036] The variable display unit 67 is located in the center of the game board 60. The variable display unit 67 is installed on the back side of the game board 60 (Figure 3), and its display screen G can be viewed through an opening provided in the center of the game board 60. A frame-shaped center frame 76 is attached to the front of the game board 60, corresponding to the periphery of the opening.

[0037] The center frame 76 protrudes forward from the front of the game board 60, and the gap between the front of the center frame 76 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This prevents the game ball flowing down the game area PE from flowing into the inner area of ​​the center frame 76 and coming into contact with the display screen G. In addition, the center frame 76 distributes the flow path of the game ball as it flows down the game area PE to the left and right, forming a left route that passes through the left side of the center frame 76 and a right route that passes through the right side.

[0038] Whether the game ball flows down (passes through) the left or right route is determined by the amount of rotation of the game ball launch handle 41, that is, by the launch force of the game ball. Since the launched game ball enters the game area PE from the upper left side of the game board 60, the stronger the launch force of the game ball, the more likely the game ball is to flow down the right route.

[0039] More specifically, if the player performs a first firing operation by rotating the game ball firing handle 41 with a rotation amount in the first range which is greater than or equal to a predetermined rotation amount but less than the standard rotation amount, the fired game ball will flow down the left route. If the player performs a second firing operation by rotating the game ball firing handle 41 with a rotation amount in the second range which is greater than or equal to the standard rotation amount, the fired game ball will flow down the right route. The predetermined rotation amount is the amount of rotation operation required for the fired game ball to pass through the guide rail 100 (described later) and enter the game area PE, and the standard rotation amount is the amount of rotation operation required to fire the game ball with a firing force that allows it to reach the top of the center frame 76.

[0040] Below the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67), there is a first operating port 62 that is open upwards. The first operating port 62 is located in the left-right center of the game board 60, but game components such as nails 69 are arranged so that game balls flowing down the right route do not enter the first operating port 62. In other words, only game balls flowing down the left route can enter the first operating port 62. Therefore, when a player aims to enter the first operating port 62, they will play the game by launching the game ball so that it flows down the left route. The first operating port 62 is equipped with a first operating port detection sensor 93a (Figure 7), which detects game balls that have entered the first operating port 62.

[0041] A second operating port 63 is located to the right of the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67). The configuration of the second operating port 63 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0042] The second operating port 63 is provided with a general-purpose electrical component 63a (variable receiving means) which serves as a guide piece (support piece) consisting of a pair of left and right movable pieces. Specifically, the pair of movable pieces, which are supported so as to be rotatable in the left and right directions, are arranged so as to sandwich the opening of the second operating port 63 from both the left and right sides.

[0043] Furthermore, by rotating each of the above-mentioned movable pieces, it is possible to switch between a closed state (unsupported or unguided state) as shown in Figure 5(a) and an open state (supported or guided state) as shown in Figure 5(b). Specifically, a protruding portion 63d is provided on the upper part of the second operating port 63 so as to protrude forward. As shown in Figure 5(a), when the above-mentioned movable pieces are in an upright position, the gap between each of the movable pieces and the protruding portion 63d becomes less than the diameter of the game ball, preventing the game ball from flowing into the second operating port 63. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the above-mentioned movable pieces are rotated to tilt outward, an opening of a size that allows the game ball to pass through is formed between them and the protruding portion 63d, allowing the game ball to flow into the second operating port 63. The second operating port 63 is provided with a game ball entry detection sensor 94a, and the game ball entry detection sensor 94 detects when a game ball enters the second operating port 63.

[0044] Furthermore, the general-purpose electrical device 63a is provided with a drive unit 63b that drives each movable piece. Each movable piece is driven by the drive unit 63b through a link mechanism (not shown) to switch between an open state (tilted position) and a closed state (upright position). Incidentally, the first operating port 62 is not provided with a general-purpose electrical device (opening / closing structure).

[0045] In the above configuration, it is not possible to win a prize in the second operating port 63 when it is closed, but a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize is also possible. That is, a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize in the second operating port 63 when it is closed, but it is more difficult to win a prize (it becomes difficult to win a prize) than when it is open. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning a prize in the second operating port 63 differs between the open and closed states, and the degree of closure or opening is arbitrary. Furthermore, the configuration of the general-purpose device 63a is not limited to the above, and for example, the second operating port 63 may be opened and closed by a movable piece rotating back and forth, or sliding back and forth or left and right.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, a through gate 64 is located above (upstream of) the second operating port 63 in the right route. The through gate 64 has a through hole (not shown) that penetrates vertically, and game balls that enter the through gate 64 pass through the through gate 64 and flow down the game area PE again. Therefore, game balls that enter the through gate 64 can also enter the second operating port 63. The through gate 64 is equipped with a ball entry detection sensor 97a (Figure 8), which detects game balls that enter the through gate 64.

[0047] The through gate 64 acts as a trigger to open the above-mentioned electric power device 63a located in the second operating port 63. Specifically, an internal lottery is held when a ball enters the through gate 64, and if the result of this internal lottery is an opening result (support win), the electric power device 63a is opened from the closed state, and then the device opening / closing game (support execution mode) is executed to return it to the closed state.

[0048] In the right route, a variable prize-winning device 65 is located below (downstream of) the second operating port 63. The configuration of the variable prize-winning device 65 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0049] The variable prize winning device 65 includes a large prize winning opening 65a that opens to the front, and an opening / closing door 65b that opens and closes the large prize winning opening 65a. The large prize winning opening 65a is a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed from the front, and is large enough to allow multiple game balls to enter simultaneously. The large prize winning opening 65a is connected to a guide passage 65e provided on the back side of the game board 60, and all game balls that enter the large prize winning opening 65a are guided to the guide passage 65e. A ball entry detection sensor 95a is provided in the guide passage 65e, and the ball entry detection sensor 95a detects game balls that have entered the large prize winning opening 65a.

[0050] Furthermore, the variable prize winning device 65 is equipped with a drive unit 65d that drives the opening and closing door 65b. The opening and closing door 65b is driven by the drive unit 65d through a link mechanism (not shown) and can be switched between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize winning opening 65a (Figure 6(a)) and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize winning opening 65a (Figure 6(b)). Specifically, the opening and closing door 65b is normally in the closed state, and is switched to the open state when the internal lottery results in a transition to the opening / closing execution mode (jackpot game).

[0051] The opening / closing execution mode is a mode that is entered when a jackpot is won. This opening / closing execution mode will be explained in detail later. In the case of a jackpot, the variable prize device 65 may be opened repeatedly for a maximum of multiple rounds (for example, 10 rounds), with one round defined as the elapsed time (for example, 30 seconds) or the entry of a predetermined number of items (for example, 10 items).

[0052] In the above configuration, it is not possible to win a prize in the large prize slot 65a when it is closed, but a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize is also acceptable. That is, a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize in the large prize slot 65a when it is closed, but it is more difficult to win a prize (it becomes difficult to win a prize) than when it is open is also acceptable. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning a prize in the large prize slot 65a differs between the open and closed states, and the degree of closure or opening is arbitrary.

[0053] Here, only game balls flowing down the right route can enter the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, and the variable prize winning device 65. Therefore, when a player aims to win a prize at the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, or the variable prize winning device 65, they will launch the game balls so that they flow down the right route.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, a main display unit 81 is provided below the variable prize winning device 65. The main display unit 81 is positioned along the lower outer edge of the game area PE and protrudes forward from the front of the game board 60. The front of the main display unit 81 is provided with a special display section 43 for displaying predetermined patterns and a general display section 44. These display sections 43 and 44 are visible from the front through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14. The gap between the front of the main display unit 81 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This prevents the game ball from passing in front of the main display unit 81 and ensures the visibility of the various display sections 43 and 44.

[0055] The special display unit 43 is provided with a first special display unit AS that displays the lottery results based on winning at the first operating port 62, and a second special display unit BS that displays the lottery results based on winning at the second operating port 63.

[0056] In the first special display unit AS, the display of changing symbols is triggered by a prize being won in the first operating port 62, and as a result of stopping the display of the changing symbols, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the prize being won in the first operating port 62 is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the prize being won in the first operating port 62 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the display of the changing symbols in the first special display unit AS is stopped, and after a predetermined symbol is displayed as a result of stopping, the system transitions to the opening and closing execution mode described above.

[0057] In the second special display unit BS, the display of changing symbols is triggered by a prize being awarded in the second operation port 63, and the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the prize being awarded in the second operation port 63 is clearly displayed as a result of the stopping of this changing display. If the result of the internal lottery based on the prize being awarded in the second operation port 63 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the display of changing symbols in the second special display unit BS is stopped, and after a predetermined symbol is displayed as a result of the stop, the system transitions to the opening and closing execution mode described above.

[0058] In the following, in order to distinguish between the symbols that change and are displayed when a prize is won in the first operating port 62 and the symbols that change and are displayed when a prize is won in the second operating port 63, the former may be referred to as the first special symbol or first special symbol, and the latter as the second special symbol or second special symbol.

[0059] Here, based on a winning entry into either of the operating ports 62 or 63, a variation display is started in the corresponding special display unit AS or BS, and the period from when the variation display stops after displaying a predetermined stop result is considered one game round in the special display unit AS or BS. However, one game round is not limited to the above content. For example, in a configuration where a single display area is provided and a variation display is performed in that single display area regardless of when a winning entry occurs into any of the operating ports 62 or 63, one game round is considered to be from when the variation display starts in that single display area and stops after displaying a predetermined stop result.

[0060] Furthermore, the main display unit 81 is equipped with a special symbol retention count display unit AM. The number of times a game ball enters the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63 is retained up to a maximum of 4 times, and the special symbol retention count display unit AM can display the number of retained special symbols for the first special symbol (first operation port 62) and the number of retained special symbols for the second special symbol (second operation port 63) separately.

[0061] The regular symbol display unit 44 is a display unit for clearly indicating the results of the internal lottery conducted based on the entry into the through gate 64. In this case, the regular symbol display unit 44 displays a changing pattern triggered by the entry into the through gate 64, and as a result of the stopping of this changing pattern display, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the entry into the through gate 64 is clearly indicated by the display. If the result of the internal lottery based on the entry into the through gate 64 is a winning result that corresponds to a transition to a support state that opens the regular electric device 63a, the regular symbol display unit 44 displays a predetermined stop result and the changing pattern display stops, after which it transitions to the support state. The pattern that is displayed in a changing pattern triggered by the entry into the through gate 64 is sometimes called a regular pattern or regular diagram.

[0062] Here, based on the entry into the through gate 64, the display unit 44 for general diagrams starts a variable display, and the period from when the predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display stops corresponds to one game round in the display unit 44 for general diagrams. Hereafter, in order to distinguish between game rounds in the display unit 44 for general diagrams and game rounds in the special diagram display units AS and BS, the former may be referred to as a general diagram game round and the latter as a special diagram game round.

[0063] Furthermore, the display unit 44 for the regular display is equipped with a regular display number display unit FM. The number of times a game ball enters the through gate 64 is reserved up to a maximum of 4 times, and the regular display number display unit FM can display the number of regular display balls (through gate 64) reserved.

[0064] The special drawing display unit 43 and the general drawing display unit 44 are composed of a segment display device having multiple segments, but are not limited to this, and may be composed of other display devices such as a liquid crystal display device.

[0065] In addition, although not shown in the diagram, the main display unit 81 is provided with a round display section to indicate the number of rounds in the opening / closing execution mode. The round display section starts displaying the number of rounds when the opening / closing execution mode is started or has been started. This display continues without changing the display content while the opening / closing execution mode is running, and ends when the opening / closing execution mode ends or has ended.

[0066] Next, the variable display unit 67 will be described. The variable display unit 67 is equipped with a pattern display device 75 that displays patterns, which are a type of image, in a variable manner (or in a variable or switching manner).

[0067] The pattern display device 75 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the displayed content is controlled by a display control device described later. The pattern display device 75 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may also be other display devices such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

[0068] The symbol display device 75 displays symbols arranged, for example, at the top, middle, and bottom, and these symbols are displayed in a variable manner by scrolling horizontally. In this case, the variable display on the symbol display device 75 is initiated based on a winning entry into the first operating port 62 or the second operating port 63. That is, when a variable display is performed on the special symbol display unit 43, a variable display is also performed on the symbol display device 75 accordingly. When the variable winning device 65 is opened, the game transitions to a jackpot state (open / close execution mode), and a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line on the symbol display device 75.

[0069] Furthermore, the symbol display device 75 displays a hold indicator corresponding to the first special symbol display unit AS and the second special symbol display unit BS. In this hold indicator, a predetermined hold image is displayed, and the number of holds for each operation port 62, 63 is indicated by the number of images displayed. Note that the number of holds is not limited to what is shown by the hold image, but may also be shown by a numerical display. Moreover, the display is not limited to the symbol display device 75, but may also be shown by a display unit (a display unit separate from the hold number display units AM and FM of the main display unit 81) or a light-emitting unit (hold lamp unit) provided on the game board 60 separately from the symbol display device 75.

[0070] Next, we will explain the configuration for discharging the game balls that have flowed down the game area PA, referring to Figure 7.

[0071] Game balls that enter any of the general prize entry slot 61, variable prize entry device 65, first operation slot 62, second operation slot 63, and out slot 68 are guided to the back side of the game board 60 and discharged from the game area PA. In other words, game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism and flowing into the game area PA are discharged from the game area PA by entering any of the general prize entry slot 61, variable prize entry device 65, first operation slot 62, second operation slot 63, and out slot 68.

[0072] On the back of the game board 60, discharge passages 91 to 96 are formed corresponding to the general prize entry opening 61, the variable prize entry device 65, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, and the out opening 68, respectively. Game balls that flow into the discharge passages 91 to 96 are guided down the discharge passages 91 to 96 to the lower end of the game board 60 on the back side of the game board 60 and are collected in a discharge ball collection section (not shown). The game balls collected in the discharge ball collection section are then discharged into the ball circulation device of the island equipment where the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall.

[0073] Each of the discharge passages 91 to 96 is equipped with various detection sensors 91a to 96a for detecting game balls. These discharge passages 91 to 96 and detection sensors 91a to 96a will be described below.

[0074] Since there are three general prize slots 61, there are discharge passages 91 and 92 corresponding to each of these three slots. In this case, one detection sensor 91a is provided in the first discharge passage 91 corresponding to the leftmost general prize slot 61. Specifically, the first prize slot detection sensor 91a is provided such that the detection range exists at an intermediate position in the first discharge passage 91, and a game ball that enters the leftmost general prize slot 61 is detected by the first prize slot detection sensor 91a while passing through the first discharge passage 91.

[0075] Furthermore, a second discharge passage section 92 is provided that is formed to merge with the two general prize winning openings 61 on the right side at an intermediate position. The second discharge passage section 92 has an inlet-side region corresponding to each of the two general prize winning openings 61, and these inlet-side regions merge midway to form a single outlet-side region. A second prize winning opening detection sensor 92a is provided such that a detection range exists at an intermediate position in the outlet-side region of the second discharge passage section 92. A game ball that enters either of the two general prize winning openings 61 on the right side is detected by the second prize winning opening detection sensor 92a while passing through the second discharge passage section 92.

[0076] A third discharge passage 93 exists corresponding to the first operating port 62. A first operating port detection sensor 93a is provided such that its detection range is located midway through the third discharge passage 93, and a game ball that enters the first operating port 62 is detected by the first operating port detection sensor 93a while passing through the third discharge passage 93. A fourth discharge passage 94 exists corresponding to the second operating port 63. A second operating port detection sensor 94a is provided such that its detection range is located midway through the fourth discharge passage 94, and a game ball that enters the second operating port 63 is detected by the second operating port detection sensor 94a while passing through the fourth discharge passage 94.

[0077] A fifth discharge passage section 95 exists in correspondence with the variable prize entry device 65. A large prize entry detection sensor 95a is provided so that a detection range exists midway through the fifth discharge passage section 95, and game balls that enter the variable prize entry device 65 are detected by the large prize entry detection sensor 95a as they pass through the fifth discharge passage section 95. A sixth discharge passage section 96 exists in correspondence with the out-out opening 68. An out-out opening detection sensor 96a is provided so that a detection range exists midway through the sixth discharge passage section 96, and game balls that enter the out-out opening 68 are detected by the out-out opening detection sensor 96a as they pass through the sixth discharge passage section 96.

[0078] Furthermore, a game ball detected by any one of the various detection sensors 91a to 96a will not be detected by any of the other detection sensors 91a to 96a. In addition, a gate detection sensor 97a is also provided for the through gate 64, and game balls that pass through the through gate 64 while flowing down the game area PA are detected by the gate detection sensor 97a.

[0079] All of the detection sensors 91a to 97a are electromagnetic induction type proximity sensors, but any sensor can be used as long as it can individually detect the game balls. Furthermore, the detection sensors 91a to 97a are electrically connected to the main control unit 162, which will be described later, and the detection results from the detection sensors 91a to 97a are output to the main control unit 162. Specifically, the detection sensors 91a to 97a output a LOW level signal when they do not detect a game ball, and a HI level signal when they detect a game ball. However, this is not the only way to do it; the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed.

[0080] Referring again to Figure 2, the configuration of the inner frame 13 will be explained. Below the mounting area of ​​the game board 60 on the resin base 50, a game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided that launches game balls toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launching handle 41. The game ball launching mechanism 110 mainly comprises a solenoid 111 that launches game balls positioned at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game balls launched by the solenoid 111, a ball feeding device 113 that supplies game balls to the launch standby position, and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted. The base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50, thereby integrating the game ball launching mechanism 110 with the resin base 50.

[0081] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 at an angle so as to slope upward toward the game board 60. A ball stopper is provided near the downstream end (i.e., lower end) of the launch rail 112 to hold the game balls supplied from the ball feeding device 113 in the aforementioned launch standby position. The solenoid 111 is located further downstream from the ball stopper.

[0082] The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply and a launch control device, which will be described later. Based on the output of electrical signals from the power supply and launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the extension and retraction direction, causing the game ball, which is placed in the launch standby position, to be launched toward the game board 60, more specifically toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board 60.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4, the guide rail 100 partitions the game area PE so that the outer shape of the game area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 consists of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are positioned opposite each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and these two rails 101 and 102 partition a single guide passage 103. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion that is open on the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion located at the top of the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of launch rail 112 → guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion).

[0084] Furthermore, in the game board 60, a reverse return prevention member 106 is attached to the front of the exit portion, more specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent game balls that have reached the game area PE from returning back into the guide passage 103, thereby preventing the launch of subsequent game balls from being obstructed by game balls that have reached the game area PE earlier.

[0085] As shown in Figure 2, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are positioned such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 60. In other words, the two rails 100 and 112 are positioned so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are offset to the left and right near the lower edge of the game board 60. This brings both rails 100 and 112 closer to the lower edge of the game board 60 while creating a predetermined gap between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

[0086] Below the gap formed in this manner, a foul ball passage 46 is provided. The foul ball passage 46 is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If a game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns to the guide passage 103 as a foul ball, these foul balls will enter the foul ball passage 46 through the gap. The foul ball passage 46 is connected to the lower tray passage on the front door side, and game balls that enter the foul ball passage 46 are discharged into the lower tray 34. This suppresses interference between foul balls and the next game ball to be launched, while returning the foul balls to the player.

[0087] In the resin base 50, a through hole is formed to the left of the launch rail 112 (more specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14), and a passage forming member 121 is disposed in this through hole. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50 and has a main body side upper tray passage and a main body side lower tray passage. The upstream side of these main body side upper tray passage and main body side lower tray passage leads to the game ball distribution section, which will be described later. Furthermore, below the passage forming member 121, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted, and below the main body side upper tray passage is the front door side upper tray passage, and below the main body side lower tray passage is the front door side upper tray passage.

[0088] In the resin base 50, an opening / closing member 124 is attached below the passage forming member 121 to open and close the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. The opening / closing member 124 is supported so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction by a support shaft provided at its lower end, and is further provided with a biasing member that biases it to a forward position that closes the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is open relative to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises up as shown in the figure, closing the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. This prevents the inconvenience of game balls spilling out if the front door frame 14 is opened while game balls are stored in the upper tray passage on the main body side or the lower tray passage on the main body side. In contrast, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by a receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the upper tray passage on the main unit side and the upper tray passage on the front door side are connected, and furthermore, the lower tray passage on the main unit side and the lower tray passage on the front door side are connected.

[0089] Next, the rear configuration of the inner frame 13 (resin base 50 and game board 60) will be described based on Figure 3.

[0090] On the rotating base end side of the back of the resin base 50, bearing fittings 132 are arranged vertically side by side. The bearing fittings 132 have bearing portions formed spaced apart vertically, and these bearing portions allow the back pack unit 15 to rotatably attach to the inner frame 13.

[0091] Multiple locking brackets are provided on the back of the resin base 50, and the game board 60 is attached to the resin base 50 by these locking brackets. The configuration of the back of the game board 60 will now be explained.

[0092] A display control device is attached to a variable display unit 67 located in the center of the game board 60, covering the variable display unit 67 from behind (not shown in the diagram). Behind the display control device, a performance control unit 142 is mounted so as to overlap the display control device. The performance control unit 142 consists of a performance control device 143 and a mounting base 144, with the performance control device 143 mounted on the mounting base 144.

[0093] The performance control device 143 is equipped with a performance control board that controls sound, lamp displays, and display control devices according to instructions from the main control device, which will be described later. The performance control board is housed in a board box 145 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0094] As shown in Figure 3, a collection plate 150 is provided on the back of the game board 60, below the variable display unit 67. The collection plate 150 is equipped with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls that have entered various prize slots, and a detection mechanism for detecting when game balls enter various prize slots, etc.

[0095] The game ball collection mechanism is explained as follows: The collection plate 150 is provided with collection passages that correspond individually to various ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61. These collection passages descend from these ball entry points along the back of the game board 60, defining the path for the game balls to fall. Each collection passage merges near the bottom of the game board 60, and all game balls that pass through the ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61, are collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the collection passages. The exit of each collection passage is open downwards, and a discharge passage is provided beyond that (more specifically, below the game board 60). The game balls that have been collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the collection passages are guided to the discharge passage. Similarly, the out exit 68 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that do not enter any of the prize entry points are also guided to the discharge passage via the out exit 68.

[0096] The main control unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the manifold plate 150 from the rear, and consists of a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control unit 162 is responsible for the main control of the game. Figure 8 is a front view of the main control unit 162.

[0097] As shown in Figure 8, the main control device 162 consists of a main control board 311 housed in a board box 163a. ​​An MPU 312 is mounted on one of the board surfaces of the main control board 311, which is the element mounting surface. The board box 163a is made transparent so that the MPU 312 housed inside the board box 163a can be visually inspected from the outside. Although the board box 163a is made of colorless transparency, it may be made of colored transparency if it is possible to visually inspect the MPU 312 housed inside the board box 163a from the outside.

[0098] The main control device 162 is mounted on the back of the resin base 50 in the circuit board box 163a such that the opposing wall portion 163b facing the element mounting surface of the main control board 311 faces the rear of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, by opening the game machine body 12 in front of the pachinko machine 10 relative to the outer frame 11 and exposing the back of the resin base 50, it becomes possible to visually inspect the opposing wall portion 163b of the circuit board box 163a and to visually inspect the MPU 312 through the opposing wall portion 163b.

[0099] The circuit board box 163a is formed by combining multiple case bodies 163c front to back. These case bodies 163c are provided with connecting parts 163e to prevent separation of the case bodies 163c and to leave a trace when the case bodies 163c are separated. Multiple connecting parts 163e are arranged in parallel on one side of the roughly rectangular circuit board box 163a. ​​As a result, even if some of the connecting parts 163e are used to prevent separation of the case bodies 163c and those connecting parts 163e are destroyed to separate the case bodies 163c, it is possible to prevent separation of the case bodies 163c again by connecting other connecting parts 163e afterward. In addition, since the connecting parts 163e are destroyed and a trace is left when the case bodies 163c are separated, it is possible to determine whether the separation of the case bodies 163c has been performed improperly by visually checking the connecting parts 163e.

[0100] Furthermore, on the side of the circuit board box 163a opposite to the side where the connecting portion 163e is located, a sealing sticker 163f is attached so as to straddle the boundary between the case bodies 163c. When the sealing sticker 163f is peeled off, the adhesive layer remains on the case body 163c. This makes it possible to leave a trace if the sealing sticker 163f is peeled off when separating the case bodies 163c.

[0101] In the main control device 162 with the above configuration, the main control board 311 is provided with a setting key insertion unit 166a into which a setting key owned by the administrator of the gaming hall is inserted and turned ON in order to create an opportunity to change the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 within the range of "setting 1" to "setting 6"; an update button 166b which is operated to sequentially change the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 after the setting key insertion unit 166a has been turned ON; a reset button 166c which is operated to clear the data in the main RAM 314 (Figure 9) provided in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162; and first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e for notifying the results of the game history management. Furthermore, the MPU 312 mounted on the main control board 311 is provided with a reading terminal 166d for connecting the connection terminal of an external device in order to read the results of the game history management or information (programs and data) stored in the main ROM 313 from the external device. Furthermore, the settings for the pachinko machine 10 are not limited to the six levels from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6," but can be any number of levels.

[0102] The setting key insertion section 166a, update button 166b, reset button 166c, reading terminal 166d (i.e., MPU 312), and the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169d are all located on the element mounting surface of the main control board 311. Furthermore, as already explained, the element mounting surface of the main control board 311 faces the opposing wall portion 163b of the board box 163a, but the setting key insertion section 166a, update button 166b, reset button 166c, and reading terminal 166d are not covered by the opposing wall portion 163b. In other words, the opposing wall portion 163b has separate openings in the areas facing the setting key insertion section 166a, update button 166b, reset button 166c, and reading terminal 166d, respectively. This makes it possible to insert a setting key into the setting key insertion section 166a, press the update button 166b, press the reset button 166c, and connect the connection terminal of an external device to the reading terminal 166d, without having to open the circuit board box 163a.

[0103] By inserting a setting key into the setting key insertion part 166a and rotating it in a predetermined direction, the setting key insertion part 166a is turned ON. In this state, by pressing the reset button 166c and starting the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 (i.e., by starting the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control device 162), the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 becomes changeable. Then, each time the update button 166b is pressed in this state, the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is changed one step at a time in ascending order within the range of "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". Note that if the update button 166b is operated while the setting is "Setting 6", it will be updated to "Setting 1".

[0104] Furthermore, with the setting key insertion unit 166a turned ON, the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is started without pressing the reset button 166c, thereby enabling the current setting status to be checked. As will be described in more detail later, in the checkable state, the current setting status is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169d.

[0105] Furthermore, by rotating the setting key inserted in the setting key insertion section 166a from the ON position in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction to return it to its initial position, the setting key insertion section 166a is set to the OFF position. When the setting key insertion section 166a is set to the OFF position, the above-mentioned changeable state and confirmation state are terminated.

[0106] The ON operation on the setting key insertion unit 166a is only effective when power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10 (i.e., when power is supplied to the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162). Therefore, even if the ON operation on the setting key insertion unit 166a is performed after the power supply start process has been completed in the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162, it is not possible to change or confirm the setting value.

[0107] The settings of the pachinko machine 10 determine the degree of advantage per unit time in the pachinko machine 10, and the larger the value of "setting n" (where n is an integer from "1" to "6"), the higher the degree of advantage. As will be explained in detail later, there are two win / loss lottery modes that determine the probability of winning a jackpot: a low probability mode in which the probability of winning is relatively low, and a high probability mode in which the probability of winning is relatively high. The higher the setting value, the higher the probability of winning a jackpot in both the low probability mode and the high probability mode.

[0108] As described above, the reset button 166c is operated to clear the data in the main RAM 314. However, in order for this data clearing to occur, the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 must be started while the reset button 166c is pressed (i.e., the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162 must be started). The ON operation of the reset button 166c is only effective when the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is started (i.e., when the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162 is started). Therefore, even if the reset button 166c is pressed after the processing for the start of the supply of operating power has been completed in the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162, the data in the main RAM 314 cannot be cleared.

[0109] As previously explained, the reading terminal 166d is used to connect an external device to read the game history management results or information (programs and data) stored in the main ROM 313. However, in order to output to an external device, it is necessary to start supplying operating power to the pachinko machine 10 with the external device's connection terminal connected to the reading terminal 166d (i.e., to start supplying operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162). The connection of an external device to the reading terminal 166d is only valid when the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is started (i.e., when the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162 is started). Therefore, even if an external device is connected to the reading terminal 166d after the processing for starting the supply of operating power in the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162 has finished, no external output will be performed to that external device.

[0110] The first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are all segment displays with seven LED display segments arranged in a row, but are not limited to this; they may also be single multi-color light-emitting devices, liquid crystal displays, or organic EL displays. The first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are all installed so that their display surfaces face the direction toward the element mounting surface of the main control board 311, and are covered by the opposing wall portion 163b of the board box 163a.

[0111] In this case, because the circuit board box 163a is made transparent, the display surfaces of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e housed inside the circuit board box 163a can be visually inspected from outside the circuit board box 163a. ​​Furthermore, as already explained, the main control device 162 is mounted on the back of the resin base 50 in the circuit board box 163a such that the opposing wall portion 163b facing the element mounting surface of the main control board 311 faces the rear of the pachinko machine 10. Therefore, when the game machine body 12 is opened in front of the pachinko machine 10 relative to the outer frame 11, and the back of the resin base 50 is exposed in front of the pachinko machine 10, the display surfaces of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e can be visually inspected through the opposing wall portion 163b.

[0112] The display surfaces of the first to fifth notification devices 169a to 169e can display not only the numbers "0" to "9" but also various characters, including alphabetic characters. The first to fifth notification devices 169a to 169e are used to display base values ​​and other information, which will be described in detail later.

[0113] Furthermore, in the changeable state where the settings of the pachinko machine 10 can be changed, and in the checkable state where the current settings can be checked, the value corresponding to the setting is displayed on the fourth notification display device 169d. Alternatively, the value corresponding to the setting may be displayed on any of the first to third notification display devices 169a to 169c or the fifth notification display device 169e. Alternatively, the setting value before entering the changeable state may be displayed on one of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, while the current setting value is displayed on another of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0114] Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described based on Figures 2 and 3.

[0115] As shown in Figure 2, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, to which the dispensing mechanism 202, the discharge passage panel 203, and the control device manifold unit 204 are attached.

[0116] The back pack 201 is molded from a transparent synthetic resin and has a base portion 211 to which the dispensing mechanism 202 and the like are attached, as shown in Figure 3, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes from the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top are closed and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to surround at least the variable display unit 67.

[0117] The base portion 211 is provided with an external output terminal 213 on its upper right side. The external output terminal 213 is equipped with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the hall computer HC (management control device) on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. The base portion 211 is also provided with a pair of upper and lower locking pins on its right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10. By inserting the locking pins into the bearing fittings 132 (more specifically, the bearing portion) provided on the inner frame 13, the back pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the inner frame 13. Furthermore, the rotating tip of the base portion 211 is provided with a fastener for fastening to a fastening hole provided on the inner frame 13, and the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by fitting the fastener into the fastening hole.

[0118] The dispensing mechanism 202 is positioned on the base 211, bypassing the protective cover 212. The dispensing mechanism 202 is equipped with a tank 221 located at the top of the back pack 201 and opening upwards, into which game balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are replenished sequentially. The dispensing mechanism 202 is supplied with, for example, a 24-volt AC main power supply and is mounted on a back pack circuit board that has a power switch for turning the power ON and OFF.

[0119] Below the tank 221, a tank rail that slopes gently downstream is connected, and a case rail extending vertically is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A dispensing device 222 is provided at the downstream end of the case rail. Game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 222 are supplied to a game ball distribution section provided in the base section 211 of the back pack 201 through a dispensing passage provided downstream of the dispensing device 222.

[0120] The game ball distribution unit has the function of distributing game balls dispensed from the payout device 222 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage described later. The inner opening is connected to the upper tray 33 via the upper tray passage on the main body side and the upper tray passage on the front door side, and the outer opening is connected to the lower tray 34 via the lower tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the front door side.

[0121] As shown in Figure 3, the discharge passage panel 203 and the control unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211, sandwiching the lower end from front to back. The discharge passage panel 203 has a discharge passage formed on the side facing the control unit 204 that is open to the rear, and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control unit 204. The discharge passage is formed to discharge game balls to island equipment in the game hall, and game balls that are led from the above-mentioned collection passage to the discharge passage are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

[0122] The control unit assembly 204 has a horizontally elongated mounting base on which the payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191 are mounted. The payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191 are arranged in a front-to-back configuration, with the payout control device 181 facing the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0123] In the dispensing control device 181, a dispensing control board that controls the dispensing device 222 is housed in a circuit board box, and a state reset switch provided on the dispensing control board protrudes outside the circuit board box. For example, when a dispensing error occurs in the dispensing device 222, such as a ball jam, pressing the state reset switch will resolve the ball jam.

[0124] The power supply and launch control device 191 has a power supply and launch control board housed in a circuit board box. This board generates and outputs the predetermined power required by various control devices, and also controls the launch of game balls in response to the player's operation of the game ball launch handle 41.

[0125] The power supply and launch control device 191 is equipped with a power outage monitoring unit (power outage monitoring circuit) 315 that monitors the power supply and detects the occurrence of power interruptions such as power outages. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and retain various data, so that even if a power outage occurs, it will retain the state at the time of the power outage and will be able to return to that state when power is restored. For example, if the power is shut off in the normal procedure, such as when a gaming hall closes for the day, the state before the shutdown will be stored in memory.

[0126] <Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram in Figure 9.

[0127] The main control device 162 is equipped with a main control board 311 that is in charge of the main control of the game, and the main control board 311 is equipped with an MPU 312. The MPU 312 has a main ROM 313 and a main RAM 314 built in, as well as interrupt circuits, timer circuits, data input / output circuits, and various counter circuits that act as random number generators.

[0128] The main ROM 313 is a memory (i.e., a non-volatile storage means) that does not require an external power supply for storage, such as NOR flash memory and NAND flash memory, and is used in read-only mode. The main ROM 313 stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 312.

[0129] The main RAM 314 is a memory (i.e., volatile memory) that requires an external power supply for memory retention, such as SRAM and DRAM, and is used for both reading and writing. The main RAM 314 allows random access and, when compared with the main ROM 313 for the same data capacity, has a faster read time. The main RAM 314 temporarily stores various data for the execution of the control program stored in the main ROM 313.

[0130] The MPU312 is equipped with input and output ports. The input side of the MPU312 is connected to the payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191. Various sensors, such as the ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a, are also connected to the input side of the MPU312. As previously explained, the ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a include the first prize entry sensor 91a, the second prize entry sensor 92a, the first operation opening sensor 93a, the second operation opening sensor 94a, the large prize entry sensor 95a, the out opening sensor 96a, and the gate detection sensor 97a. Based on the detection results of these ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a, the MPU312 makes a determination of whether the ball has entered each entry section. The MPU312 also performs various lotteries based on the ball entering the first operation opening 62, the second operation opening 63, and the through gate 64.

[0131] Furthermore, the input side of the MPU 312 is provided with a setting key insertion section 166a, an update button 166b, and a reset button 166c, which are located on the main control board 311. The setting key insertion section 166a is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects whether the setting key insertion section 166a is in the ON position or the OFF position. The MPU 312 then determines whether the setting key insertion section 166a is in the ON position or the OFF position based on the detection result from the sensor. The update button 166b is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects whether the update button 166b is being pressed or not. The MPU 312 then determines whether the update button 166b is being pressed or not based on the detection result from the sensor. The reset button 166c is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects whether the reset button 166c is being pressed or not. Then, based on the detection results from the sensor, the MPU312 determines whether or not the reset button 166c is being pressed.

[0132] The output side of the MPU312 is connected to the payout control device 181 and the performance control device 143, etc. The payout control device 181 outputs a prize ball command based on the fact that a game ball has entered the prize ball corresponding entry section of the game ball entry section, where the occurrence of a ball entry corresponds to the payout of game balls (prize balls). The performance control device 143 outputs various commands such as variation commands, type commands, and opening commands.

[0133] The output side of the MPU312 is connected to a special-voltage drive unit 65d that opens and closes the opening and closing door 65b of the variable prize winning device 65, a regular-voltage drive unit 63b that opens and closes the regular-voltage mechanism 63a of the second operating port 63, a special-vision display unit 43, and a regular-vision display unit 44. The main control board 311 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU312 performs drive control of the various drive units and various display units through these driver circuits.

[0134] In other words, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 312 executes drive control of the special electric drive unit 65d so that the variable prize winning device 65 is opened and closed. Also, if the regular electric feature 63a is declared to be open, the MPU 312 executes drive control of the regular electric drive unit 63b so that the regular electric feature 63a is opened and closed.

[0135] Furthermore, for each round of play, the MPU 312 executes display control for the special symbol display unit 43. Also, when it is necessary to clearly indicate the result of the lottery to determine whether or not to open the regular electric mechanism 63a, the MPU 312 executes display control for the regular symbol display unit 44. In addition, when a prize is won into the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63, or when a variable display is started in the special symbol display unit 43, the MPU 312 executes display control for the special symbol reserve count display unit AM. When a prize is won into the through gate 64, or when a variable display is started in the regular symbol display unit 44, the MPU 312 executes display control for the regular symbol reserve count display unit FM.

[0136] An external output terminal 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU312. Through this external output terminal 213, information such as ball entry information into various ball entry points and lottery results such as jackpots is output to the hall computer HC. This allows the hall computer HC to understand the status of the pachinko machine 10.

[0137] The output side of the MPU312 is connected to the first to fourth notification display devices 169a to 169d. Through these first to fourth notification display devices 169a to 169d, information on game history management results and setting values ​​is reported.

[0138] The MPU 312 is provided with a read terminal 166d. A sensor (not shown) is provided on the read terminal 166d, and this sensor detects whether or not an external device's connection terminal is connected to the read terminal 166d. Based on the detection result from the sensor, the MPU 312 determines whether or not an external device's connection terminal is connected to the read terminal 166d. Furthermore, if an external device is connected to the read terminal 166d, the game history management results in the MPU 312 and information (programs and data) stored in the main ROM 313 are output to the external device.

[0139] The power supply and launch control device 191 is connected to a commercial power supply (external power supply) in, for example, a gaming arcade. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, it generates the necessary operating power for the main control board 311, the payout control device 181, etc., and supplies the generated operating power to them.

[0140] The power supply and launch control device 191 is equipped with a power outage monitoring unit 315, which monitors the stable 24-volt DC voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 191. When the output voltage from the power supply and launch control device 191 falls below 22 volts, the power outage monitoring unit 315 determines that a power outage (power interruption) has occurred and outputs a power outage signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) provided on the MPU 312 of the main control device 162. As a result, the main control device 162 recognizes the occurrence of a power outage and immediately executes NMI interrupt processing, and further executes power outage processing based on this. Incidentally, the power supply and launch control device 191 is equipped with a power supply unit for power outages, such as a backup capacitor, and in the event of a power outage or when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is OFF, backup power (power for memory retention) is supplied from this power supply unit to the RAM 314 of the main control device 162. Furthermore, the power supply and launch control device 191 is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launching mechanism 110, which is driven when predetermined launching conditions are met. In addition, the payout mechanism 202 is equipped with a power switch, and when the power switch is turned ON, the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 begins, and when the power switch is turned OFF, the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 stops.

[0141] The payout control device 181 controls the payout of prize balls and loaned balls by the payout device 222 based on the prize ball command received from the main control device 162.

[0142] The performance control device 143 controls the operation of the lamp units 26-28 and speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14, and controls the display control device 350, based on various commands received from the main control device 162. The display control device 350 performs display control of the symbol display device 75 based on commands received from the performance control device 143. In this case, the performance control device 143 determines the display time for the variation of the symbols on the symbol display device 75 and the type of symbol combination to be finally displayed, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, as well as whether or not a reach occurs and the content of the reach performance.

[0143] Here, the display contents of the pattern display device 75 will be explained based on Figures 10 to 12.

[0144] As shown in Figures 10(a) to (j), the patterns, which are a type of design, consist of nine main patterns, each numbered from "1" to "9", and secondary patterns consisting of shell-shaped illustrations. More specifically, the main patterns are composed of nine character patterns, such as octopuses, each numbered from "1" to "9".

[0145] As shown in Figure 10(a), the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 has three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 set up: upper, middle, and lower. Each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is composed of main symbols and sub-symbols arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, the upper symbol row Z1 has nine types of main symbols, "1" to "9", arranged in descending numerical order, with one sub-symbol placed between each main symbol. The lower symbol row Z3 has nine types of main symbols, "1" to "9", arranged in ascending numerical order, with one sub-symbol placed between each main symbol. In other words, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols each. In contrast, the middle symbol row Z2 has nine main symbols, "1" through "9," arranged in ascending numerical order, with an additional main symbol "4" placed between the "9" and "1" symbols, and one sub-symbol placed between each of these main symbols. In other words, the middle symbol row Z2 consists of 10 main symbols and 20 symbols in total. On the display screen G, the symbols from each of these symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a variable manner, scrolling in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Also, as shown in Figure 11(b), on the display screen G, three symbols are displayed stationary for each symbol row, resulting in a total of 3 x 3 = 9 symbols being displayed stationary.

[0146] Display screen G has five active lines set: left line L1, middle line L2, right line L3, downward right line L4, and upward right line L5. The display of symbols stops in the order of top symbol row Z1 → bottom symbol row Z3 → middle symbol row Z2, and when the display of symbols for all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 has finished with a combination of symbols with the same number formed on any of the active lines, a jackpot video is displayed, indicating that either a normal 4R jackpot result or a 10R probability variation jackpot result has occurred, as described later.

[0147] In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are considered "specific symbols," and when a 10R probability variation jackpot occurs, the same combination of specific symbols will be displayed. On the other hand, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are considered "non-specific symbols," and when a regular 4R jackpot occurs, the same combination of non-specific symbols will be displayed.

[0148] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the display of each symbol row by referring to Figure 12. When a game round begins, high-speed display of all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 starts first. In this case, it is difficult or impossible to recognize which symbol row is being displayed in a display of variation. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 12(a), the display mode of the upper symbol row Z1 switches from high-speed display to low-speed display, which allows the player to recognize the symbols being displayed in variation. Then, as shown in Figure 12(b), the display of the upper symbol row Z1 ends, and the display mode of the lower symbol row Z3 switches from high-speed display to low-speed display. Then, as shown in Figure 12(c), the display of the lower symbol row Z3 ends. After the display of all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 has finished, a stop display period is provided during which the display of the stopped symbols is maintained for a predetermined period of time.

[0149] Incidentally, in gaming machines, when the symbol display device 75 stops the symbols, it is common practice to stop the symbols in the final stopping row (the middle symbol row Z2 in this embodiment) gradually while reducing the fluctuation display speed, rather than stopping them abruptly. In this case, if the symbol display device 75 is configured to start stopping the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 (final stopping row) in conjunction with the start of the stop display on the special symbol display unit 43, the time the symbols are stopped will be shortened because of the deceleration time required for the symbols to stop in the symbol display device 75, resulting in an effective reduction in the stop display time.

[0150] Therefore, before the start of the stop display on the special display unit 43, the symbol sequences Z1 to Z3, including the final stop sequence, are temporarily stopped. Then, in conjunction with the start of the stop display on the special display unit 43, the temporarily stopped symbols are brought to a permanent stop (confirmed display). The display manner of the symbol sequences Z1 to Z3 during temporary stop differs from that during confirmed display. For example, at least one of the symbol sequences Z1 to Z3 may move slightly back and forth, or at least a part of the characters (Figure 10), such as the octopus that make up the main or sub-symbols, may be moving. In other words, temporary stop is performed in such a way that the symbols appear to be stopped, but maintain an incomplete stopped state (stationary display). In contrast, confirmed display is performed in such a way that the symbols do not move back and forth or the characters do not move, resulting in a complete stopped state.

[0151] The temporary stop display for symbol sequences Z1-Z3 begins with a stop result corresponding to the win / loss lottery result or the type of jackpot, and then proceeds directly to the confirmed display. Alternatively, it may initially display a stop result that does not correspond to the win / loss lottery result or the type of jackpot, then, after a re-spin display of symbol sequences Z1-Z3, change to a stop result corresponding to the win / loss lottery result, etc., and then proceed to the confirmed display.

[0152] Incidentally, in special symbol game rounds executed by the special symbol display unit 43, the symbols are not temporarily stopped. Instead, the symbols that have been displayed in motion are abruptly stopped as the motion display time elapses, and this state (the state in which the symbols are stopped) is maintained until the confirmed display time has elapsed. In other words, the stopped symbol display on the special symbol display unit 43 becomes the confirmed display. The same applies to regular symbol game rounds executed by the regular symbol display unit 44.

[0153] Furthermore, the manner in which the symbols are displayed in the symbol display device 75 is not limited to those described above and is arbitrary. The number of symbol rows, the direction of the symbol display in each symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol row, and the combinations of symbols corresponding to a jackpot or a miss can all be changed as appropriate.

[0154] As shown in Figure 11(b), a reserve display unit 200 is provided at the bottom of the display screen G to display a number of reserve images corresponding to the number of reserved spins in the game before execution. By looking at the reserve display unit 200, the player can recognize the number of reserved spins. The reserve display unit 200 is set up with a first reserve display area Ga corresponding to the first special symbol and a second reserve display area Gb corresponding to the second special symbol.

[0155] In the first reserve display area Ga, the unit reserve display areas Ga1 to Ga4 are arranged side by side in a left-right direction, with the same number of units as the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62. Specifically, the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62 is 4, and correspondingly, the first reserve display area Ga is set to have the first unit reserve display area Ga1, the second unit reserve display area Ga2, the third unit reserve display area Ga3, and the fourth unit reserve display area Ga4.

[0156] For example, if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is 1, a predetermined reserved image will be displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Ga1. If the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is 4, a predetermined reserved image will be displayed in all of the first unit reserved display areas Ga1 to the fourth unit reserved display areas Ga4.

[0157] Furthermore, in the second reserve display area Gb, the same number of unit reserve display areas Gb1 to Gb4 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, corresponding to the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63. Specifically, the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63 is 4, and corresponding to this, the second reserve display area Gb is set to include the first unit reserve display area Gb1, the second unit reserve display area Gb2, the third unit reserve display area Gb3, and the fourth unit reserve display area Gb4.

[0158] For example, if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63 is 1, the predetermined reserved image will be displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Gb1. If the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63 is 4, the predetermined reserved image will be displayed in all of the first unit reserved display areas Gb1 to the fourth unit reserved display areas Gb4.

[0159] Furthermore, the execution display area D is set up so as to be sandwiched between the first hold display area Ga and the second hold display area Gb. The execution display area D displays a hold image corresponding to the game round that is being executed (currently being executed). For example, when a game round ends and the next game round begins, the hold image that was displayed in the first unit hold display area Ga1 of the first hold display area Ga or the first unit hold display area Gb1 of the second hold display area Gb is moved and displayed in the execution display area D. This makes it possible for the player to recognize that the held game round is being executed.

[0160] <Electrical configuration for performing various lottery draws using the MPU312 of the main control unit 162> Next, the electrical configuration for performing various lotteries using the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162 will be explained with reference to Figure 13.

[0161] The MPU312 uses various counter information during gameplay to perform tasks such as the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, setting the display of the special symbol display unit 43, setting the symbol display of the symbol display device 75, and setting the display of the regular symbol display unit 44. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, it uses a random number counter C1 used for the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the type of jackpot, a random number counter C3 used for the lottery for the occurrence of a reach when the symbol display device 75 is fluctuating to a miss, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the random number counter C1, and a fluctuation type counter CS that determines the display duration in the special symbol display unit 43 and the symbol display device 75. Furthermore, it uses a regular power function release counter C4 used for the lottery for whether or not to set the regular power function 63a of the second operation port 63 to the regular power release state. Note that each of the above counters C1~C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the various counter areas 314b of the main RAM 314.

[0162] Each counter C1-C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and it returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals. Information corresponding to the winning random number counter C1, the big win type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the reserve storage area 314a provided as an acquired information storage means in the main RAM 314 when a prize is awarded to the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63.

[0163] The hold storage area 314a comprises a hold area RE and an execution area AE. The hold area RE comprises a first hold area RE1, a second hold area RE2, a third hold area RE3, and a fourth hold area RE4. In accordance with the winning history of the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63, a combination of numerical information from the winning random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as hold information in one of the hold areas RE1 to RE4.

[0164] In this case, when multiple consecutive entries into the first or second operating port 62 occur, the numerical information is stored chronologically in the first to fourth holding areas RE1, RE2, RE3, and RE4.

[0165] Furthermore, the number of items that can be stored in reserve is not limited to four; it can be any number, such as two, three, five or more, or even a single item.

[0166] The execution area AE is an area for moving the numerical information stored in the first reserve area RE1 of the reserve area RE when the variable display of the special display unit 43 is started. At the start of each game round, a win / loss determination is made based on the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

[0167] The above counters will be explained in detail below.

[0168] First, let's explain the regular electric feature release counter C4. The regular electric feature release counter C4 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 250, and then return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The regular electric feature release counter C4 is updated periodically and stored in the regular electric reserve area 314c of the main RAM 314 when a game ball enters the through gate 64. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to control the regular electric feature 63a to the open state based on the value of the stored regular electric feature release counter C4.

[0169] In this pachinko machine 10, multiple support modes are set so that the manner of support provided by the electric power mechanism 63a differs from one another. Specifically, the support modes include a high-frequency support mode and a low-frequency support mode, which are set so that the frequency at which the electric power mechanism 63a of the second operating port 63 is open per unit time is relatively high or low when compared in a situation where game balls are continuously launched in the game area PA in the same manner.

[0170] In both the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the normal electric power opening state in the normal electric power opening lottery using the normal electric power opening counter C4 is the same (for example, 4 / 5 in both modes). However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the normal electric power opening state is opened when the normal electric power opening state is won is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and the duration of each opening is also set to be longer. In this case, when the normal electric power opening state is won in the high-frequency support mode and the normal electric power opening state of the normal electric power opening state occurs multiple times, the closing time from the end of one opening state to the start of the next opening state is set to be shorter than the duration of one opening. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum time required to ensure that the next normal electric power opening lottery is held after one normal electric power opening lottery is held (i.e., the duration of one display on the normal electric power display unit 44) is set to be shorter than in the low-frequency support mode.

[0171] As described above, in high-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the second operating port 63 is higher than in low-frequency support mode. In other words, in low-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the first operating port 62 is higher than in the second operating port 63, but in high-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the second operating port 63 is higher than in the first operating port 62. When a ball enters the second operating port 63, a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed, so in high-frequency support mode, players can play without significantly reducing their number of balls.

[0172] Furthermore, the configuration for making the high-frequency support mode more frequent than the low-frequency support mode in terms of the frequency of normal power opening per unit time is not limited to the above, and for example, a configuration that increases the probability of winning the normal power opening state in the normal power opening lottery may also be used. In addition, in a configuration where multiple types of reservation time are available for the period between one normal power opening lottery and the next normal power opening lottery (for example, the time for the variable display executed on the normal power display unit 44 based on the entry into the through gate 64), the high-frequency support mode may be set to be more likely to select a shorter reservation time or to have a shorter average reservation time than the low-frequency support mode. Moreover, the advantage of the high-frequency support mode over the low-frequency support mode may be increased by applying any one of the following conditions or any combination of conditions: increasing the number of openings, increasing the opening time, decreasing the reservation time between one normal power opening lottery and the next normal power opening lottery, decreasing the average time of the reservation time, and increasing the probability of winning.

[0173] As explained earlier, the pachinko machine 10 has settings from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". However, the opening frequency and opening pattern of the electric motor 63a in the low-frequency support mode are the same regardless of the setting value, and the opening frequency and opening pattern of the electric motor 63a in the high-frequency support mode are also the same regardless of the setting value. However, it is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that at least one of the opening frequency and opening pattern of the electric motor 63a in at least one of the low-frequency support mode and high-frequency support mode varies according to the setting state of the pachinko machine 10. For example, the higher the setting value, the higher the opening frequency of the electric motor 63a in the low-frequency support mode, and the configuration may be such that the probability of a game ball entering the second operating port 63 when the electric motor 63a is open once in the low-frequency support mode is higher. Furthermore, the higher the setting value, the more frequently the regular electric device 63a opens in high-frequency support mode, and the higher the probability of a game ball entering the second operating port 63 when the regular electric device 63a opens once in high-frequency support mode.

[0174] Next, let's explain the winning random number counter C1. The winning random number counter C1 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within a range of, for example, 0 to 599, and then return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the winning random number counter C1 completes one cycle, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the winning random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The winning random number counter C1 is updated periodically and stored in the reserve storage area 314a of the main RAM 314 when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62 or the second operation opening 63.

[0175] The random number values ​​that result in a jackpot are stored in the main ROM 313 as a win / loss table. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the various tables stored in the main ROM 313. The main ROM 313 is provided with area 411 for setting 1, area 412 for setting 2, area 413 for setting 3, area 414 for setting 4, area 415 for setting 5, and area 416 for setting 6.

[0176] Area 411 for setting 1 stores a low probability win / loss table 411a for setting 1, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 1" and the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / loss table 411b for setting 1, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 1" and the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode. Area 412 for setting 2 stores a low probability win / loss table 412a for setting 2, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 2" and the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / loss table 412b for setting 2, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 2" and the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode. Area 413 for setting 3 stores a low probability win / loss table 413a for setting 3, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 3" and the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / loss table 413b for setting 3, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 3" and the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode.

[0177] Area 414 for setting 4 stores a low probability win / loss table 414a for setting 4, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 4" and the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / loss table 414b for setting 4, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 4" and the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode. Area 415 for setting 5 stores a low probability win / loss table 415a for setting 5, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 5" and the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / loss table 415b for setting 5, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 5" and the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode. Area 416 for setting 6 stores a low probability win / loss table 416a for setting 6, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 6" and the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, and a high probability win / loss table 416b for setting 6, which is referenced when the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is "setting 6" and the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode.

[0178] The winning probabilities for each of the low-probability win / loss tables 411a to 416a are different from each other. For example, when each of the low-probability win / loss tables from 411a for setting 1 to 416a for setting 6 is referenced, the winning probabilities for the jackpot are approximately 1 / 320, 1 / 310, 1 / 300, 1 / 290, 1 / 280, and 1 / 270, respectively.

[0179] Furthermore, the winning probabilities for each of the high-probability winning tables 411b to 416b are different from each other. For example, when each of the tables from high-probability winning table 411b for setting 1 to high-probability winning table 416b for setting 6 is referenced, the winning probabilities for the jackpot are approximately 1 / 45, 1 / 40, 1 / 35, 1 / 30, 1 / 25, and 1 / 20, respectively.

[0180] In other words, the probability of winning a jackpot in both the low-probability mode and the high-probability mode increases as the settings of the pachinko machine 10 are set to a higher value. Therefore, in both the low-probability mode and the high-probability mode, the higher the setting value, the more likely a jackpot is to occur, and the advantage for the player when a high setting value is set is appropriately enhanced.

[0181] The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to increment by 1 in the range of 0 to 29, and then return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The jackpot type counter C2 is updated periodically and stored in the reserve storage area 314a when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62 or the second operation opening 63.

[0182] In this pachinko machine 10, multiple jackpot results are set. These multiple jackpot results are set by making differences in three conditions: (1) the manner of opening and closing control of the variable prize entry device 65 in the opening and closing execution mode, (2) the lottery mode in the win / loss lottery means after the opening and closing execution mode has ended, and (3) the support mode in the general-purpose device 63a of the second operating port 63 after the opening and closing execution mode has ended.

[0183] In the opening and closing execution mode, the opening and closing control of the variable prize winning device 65 is configured such that the frequency of winnings to the variable prize winning device 65 during the period from the start to the end of the opening and closing execution mode is relatively high or low, with a high-frequency winning mode and a low-frequency winning mode being set. Specifically, in either the high-frequency winning mode or the low-frequency winning mode, the game is executed up to a predetermined number of rounds.

[0184] A round game is a game that continues until either a predetermined maximum duration has elapsed, or a predetermined maximum number of game balls have entered the variable prize winning device 65. Furthermore, the number of round games in the opening / closing execution mode triggered by a jackpot result is fixed and the same regardless of the type of jackpot result that triggered the transition. Specifically, regardless of the type of jackpot result, the maximum number of round games is set to 15 rounds.

[0185] Furthermore, in this pachinko machine 10, the opening mode of the variable prize winning device 65 is set to have multiple variations, differing in the duration of opening from the time the variable prize winning device 65 is opened until it is closed. Specifically, there is a long-duration mode in which the duration of opening is set to a long 29 seconds, and a short-duration mode in which the duration of opening is set to a shorter 0.06 seconds.

[0186] In this pachinko machine 10, when the game ball launching handle 41 is operated by the player, the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven and controlled so that one game ball is launched towards the game area PA every 0.6 seconds. In addition, the maximum number of balls required to complete a round game is set to 9. In the long-duration mode of opening, the opening duration is set to be longer than the product of the game ball launching cycle and the duration of one round game. On the other hand, in the short-duration mode, the opening duration is set to be shorter than the product of the game ball launching cycle and the duration of one round game, or more specifically, shorter than the game ball launching cycle. Therefore, when an opening occurs in the long-duration mode, it is expected that the variable prize winning device 65 will receive the maximum number of balls that can be received in one round game. When an opening occurs in the short-duration mode, it is expected that no balls will be received by the variable prize winning device 65, or that only about one ball will be received.

[0187] In the high-frequency winning mode, the variable winning device 65 is opened once in a long-duration manner during each round of play. On the other hand, in the low-frequency winning mode, the variable winning device 65 is opened once in a short-duration manner during each round of play.

[0188] Furthermore, the number of times the variable prize device 65 is opened and closed in the high-frequency prize mode and the low-frequency prize mode, the number of rounds played, the duration of opening for one opening, and the maximum number of prizes per round are not limited to the above values ​​and are arbitrary, as long as the frequency of prizes entering the variable prize device 65 from the start to the end of the opening and closing execution mode is higher in the high-frequency prize mode than in the low-frequency prize mode.

[0189] As shown in Figure 13, the distribution destinations for jackpot results for the jackpot type counter C2 are stored in the main ROM 313 as a distribution table 387. In the distribution table 387, when a jackpot result occurs, the distribution destinations for the jackpot result are set as low probability jackpot result, low-scoring high probability jackpot result, and high-scoring jackpot result.

[0190] A low-probability jackpot result is one in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the win / loss lottery mode becomes the low-probability mode, and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. However, this high-frequency support mode will revert to the low-frequency support mode if the number of games played after the transition reaches the termination threshold (specifically, 100 games).

[0191] A low-stakes, high-probability jackpot result is one in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the win / fail lottery mode becomes the high-probability mode, and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. These high-probability modes and high-frequency support modes continue until the lottery result in a jackpot state is won, and the game transitions to the jackpot state as a result.

[0192] A high-prize winning result is one in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes a high-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the win / fail lottery mode becomes a high-probability mode, and the support mode becomes a high-frequency support mode. These high-probability modes and high-frequency support modes continue until the lottery result in a win is a jackpot and the game transitions to the jackpot state.

[0193] Furthermore, in relation to the above game states, the "normal game state" refers to a state that is not in the opening / closing execution mode, and furthermore, the win / loss lottery mode is in the low probability mode, and the support mode is in the low frequency support mode. In addition, the game result may be configured so that a low-winning, high-probability jackpot result is not set. Also, in the opening / closing execution mode for the low-winning, high-probability jackpot result, the number of rounds played may be fewer than in the cases of the low-probability jackpot result and the high-winning jackpot result.

[0194] In the distribution table 387, among the values ​​of the jackpot type counter C2 from "0 to 29", "0 to 9" correspond to low probability jackpot results, "10 to 14" correspond to low-scoring high probability jackpot results, and "15 to 29" correspond to high-scoring jackpot results.

[0195] Only one distribution table 387 is provided so that it is common regardless of whether the setting state is "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". This makes it possible to prevent any advantage or disadvantage in the distribution of jackpot results depending on the setting state of the pachinko machine 10, and also makes it possible to reduce the storage capacity required to pre-store the distribution table 387 in the main ROM 313.

[0196] Furthermore, the distribution of jackpot results may differ depending on the settings of the pachinko machine 10. For example, the configuration may be such that a higher setting value increases the probability of being allocated to a high-scoring jackpot result, or the configuration may be such that a higher setting value increases the probability of being allocated to either a high-scoring jackpot result or a low-scoring high-probability jackpot result. In this case, a higher setting value makes it possible to increase the probability of entering a high-probability mode after a jackpot result. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that a higher setting value decreases the probability of being allocated to a low-scoring high-probability jackpot result, or the configuration may be such that a low-scoring high-probability jackpot result is not allocated at a high setting value, while it may be allocated at a low setting value. In this case, a higher setting value makes it possible to increase the probability of the high-frequency scoring mode opening and closing execution mode occurring.

[0197] Next, the reach random number counter C3 will be explained. The reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 238, for example, and then return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. This pachinko machine 10 has an expectation effect set as a type of display effect in the symbol display device 75. An expectation effect is a display state that makes the player think that the symbol display state is likely to result in the aforementioned assigned result, in a game machine equipped with a symbol display device 75 that can display the variation of symbols, and in a game round that results in a predetermined jackpot result, the final stop result is the assigned result, from the start of the variation display of symbols in the symbol display device 75 until the stop result is derived and displayed. Specifically, the assigned result is a combination of symbols with the same number on any of the active lines that is stopped and displayed.

[0198] There are two types of anticipation-based effects: a "reach" display and a pre-announcement display that anticipates the occurrence of a reach display or the corresponding result before the reach display occurs.

[0199] The reach display includes a display state in which, by stopping the symbols in some of the multiple symbol rows Z1 to Z3 displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75, a combination of reach symbols is displayed, and then the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable pattern. Furthermore, in addition to displaying the combination of reach symbols as described above, the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable pattern, and a reach effect is performed by displaying predetermined characters as animations on the background screen, or by reducing the size of the combination of reach symbols or hiding them, and then displaying predetermined characters as animations on almost the entire display screen G to perform a reach effect.

[0200] The notification display includes a mode in which a character is displayed separately from the symbols on the symbol rows when, after the symbol variation display has started on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75, symbols are being varied in all symbol rows Z1 to Z3, or when symbols are being varied in some symbol rows but multiple symbols are being varied. It also includes modes in which the background screen is changed to a predetermined mode different from the previous mode, or when the symbols on the symbol rows are changed to a predetermined mode different from the previous mode. Such notification displays can occur in both game rounds when a reach display is made and when a reach display is not made, but they are set to occur with a higher probability when a reach display is made than when a reach display is not made.

[0201] The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in game rounds where the same combination of symbols ultimately stops and is displayed. Also, in game rounds corresponding to a jackpot result where the same combination of symbols does not stop and is not displayed, the reach display is not executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. Furthermore, in game rounds corresponding to a losing result, the reach display is executed if the reach random number counter C3, obtained at a predetermined timing by referring to the reach table stored in the main ROM 313, corresponds to the occurrence of a reach display.

[0202] On the other hand, the decision of whether or not to display a preview is made not by the main control device 162, but by the performance control device 143. In this case, the performance control device 143 executes a lottery process for displaying previews so that at least one of the following conditions is met: that previews are more likely to occur in game rounds corresponding to either a jackpot result compared to game rounds corresponding to a losing result, and that previews with a low appearance rate are more likely to occur. Incidentally, the result of this lottery is reflected when the performance for the game round is executed by the symbol display device 75.

[0203] Here, the probability of a reach display occurring in a game round that results in a loss is the same regardless of whether the setting is "Setting 1" to "Setting 6". This makes it possible to ensure that there is no advantage or disadvantage depending on the setting of the pachinko machine 10 regarding the probability of a reach display occurring in a game round that results in a loss. However, this is not the only option, and the machine may be configured so that the probability of a reach display occurring in a game round that results in a loss increases with higher setting values.

[0204] Next, the variation type counter CS will be explained. The variation type counter CS is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and then return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 312 to determine the display duration in the special display unit 43 and the display duration of the symbols in the symbol display device 75. The variation type counter CS is updated once each time the timer interrupt process described later is executed, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next timer interrupt process is executed. The buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when the variation pattern is determined at the start of the variation display in the special display unit 43 and at the start of the variation of the symbols by the symbol display device 75.

[0205] In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 performs processing related to the base value. The base value referred to in this processing does not apply to all game states, but rather to periods excluding the period during the opening / closing execution mode due to a jackpot result and the period during the high-frequency support mode. It is derived as the ratio of the total number of game balls dispensed to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (i.e., the total number of game balls supplied to the game area PA). In other words, it is the base value during normal play (when playing with the left hand).

[0206] In the processing related to the base value, the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162 calculates and measures the above base value. At that time, a measurement interval is defined as the period until the total number of outs (the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 60,000 balls), and the current base value in the latest measurement interval and the base value in past measurement periods are displayed on the 1st to 5th notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0207] As shown in Figure 15(a), when displaying the base value, the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b are used as identification display units, and the third notification display device 169c and the fourth notification display device 169d are used as ratio (base value) display units. The identification display units are used to indicate whether the base value displayed on the ratio display unit is a real-time base value or a past base value. The fifth notification display device 169e is not used when displaying the base value.

[0208] Figure 15(b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display modes of the base values ​​in the first to fourth notification display devices 169a to 169d. The first to fourth notification display devices 169a to 169d display the current base value, which is the real-time base value in the most recent measurement interval; the previous base value, which is the base value in the previous measurement interval (the base value measured when the total number of outs reached 60,000 in the previous measurement interval); the base value in the measurement interval before that; and the base value in the measurement interval three steps prior; which is the base value three steps prior; and these are displayed in a manner that switches between each predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds).

[0209] In this case, when displaying the current base value, "bL." is displayed on the identification display unit (first notification display device 169a and second notification display device 169b), and the current base value is displayed in two digits on the ratio display unit (third notification display device 169c and fourth notification display device 169d). Furthermore, when displaying the previous base value, the base value two measurements prior, or the base value three measurements prior, "b1.", "b2.", and "b3." are displayed on the identification display unit, respectively, and the base value for each measurement period (past base value) is displayed on the ratio display unit. By displaying the base value in conjunction with the identification display unit in this way, amusement hall managers and others can appropriately understand which point in time the base value is being displayed when checking it.

[0210] Thus, the display of the base value includes not only the current base value but also the base values ​​for multiple past instances. Generally, in a gaming hall, approximately 10,000 to 20,000 game balls are launched per day from one pachinko machine, so the base value for every 60,000 total balls dispensed corresponds to the base value over several days, approximately 3 to 6 days. By comparing the current base value with these past base values, it becomes possible to appropriately determine whether the current base value is appropriate. Therefore, for example, if fraudulent activity is carried out to increase the winning rate at the first entry point 62 or the general prize entry point 61, the possibility of such fraudulent activity can be detected.

[0211] In such a case, for example, if only the previous base value is displayed as past data, and that base value happened to be low at that time, it may be difficult to determine whether or not fraudulent activity has occurred by comparing it to the current base value. In this respect, by displaying the base values ​​from two previous periods and three periods before that, it becomes possible to compare with multiple past base values, making it easier to determine whether or not fraudulent activity has occurred.

[0212] In the above configuration, the base value is displayed for the past three measurement intervals, but it is also possible to display the base value for two intervals, or for four or more intervals. In other words, when displaying past base values ​​for multiple measurement intervals, the number of measurement intervals to be displayed can be arbitrarily determined.

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the processing related to the base value described above, processing related to the difference in the number of balls is also performed. The difference in the number of balls in this processing is the total number of game balls dispensed minus the total number of outs (the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA), regardless of the game state. In other words, it is the cumulative difference in the number of balls during the game period. In the processing related to the difference in the number of balls, the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 calculates and measures the difference in the number of balls, and if the measured value exceeds a specific number (for example, 100,000 balls), processing is performed to restrict the progress of the game. The difference in the number of balls each time is also displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. These processes will be described in detail later.

[0214] As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to control processing to advance the game based on the player's game operations, processing related to the base value and processing related to the difference in ball count are performed. However, the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 distinguishes between specific control and non-specific control and executes these processes accordingly. Specifically, processing related to the base value and a part of the processing related to the difference in ball count are considered non-specific control, while control processing other than non-specific control, including the control processing to advance the game based on the player's game operations and another part of the processing related to the difference in ball count, is considered specific control.

[0215] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of programs and data in the main ROM 313. Corresponding to the distinction between specific controls and non-specific controls performed by the MPU 312, as shown in Figure 16, the addresses of the areas where programs and data for specific controls and programs and data for non-specific controls are stored are clearly distinguished in the main ROM 313.

[0216] Specifically, the control program is stored in a concentrated area of ​​consecutive addresses within the range of addresses X(1) to X(k+2). In addition, the addresses X(k+3) to X(k+5) that are consecutive to addresses X(1) to X(k+2) are unused areas where no data is stored, and the control data is stored in a concentrated area of ​​consecutive addresses within the range of addresses X(k+6) to X(m+2) that follows.

[0217] Furthermore, addresses X(m+3) to X(m+5), which are consecutive addresses from X(k+6) to X(m+2), are addresses of an unused area where no data is stored. Subsequently, in the area of ​​each consecutive address within the range of addresses X(m+6) to X(n+2), a program for non-specific control is aggregated and stored. Also, addresses X(n+3) to X(n+5), which are consecutive addresses from X(m+6) to X(n+2), are addresses of an unused area where no data is stored. Subsequently, in the area of ​​each consecutive address within the range of addresses X(n+6) to X(p+2), data for non-specific control is aggregated and stored.

[0218] Furthermore, the relationship between the program and data and the address described above is set at both the physical address in the main ROM 313 and the logical address on the memory map recognized by the MPU 312.

[0219] As described above, since the programs and data for specific control and the programs and data for non-specific control are stored in different address ranges, regardless of the execution order of the processes for executing the corresponding control, for example, when checking only the programs and data for specific control, only the address range where these programs and data are stored needs to be checked, and for example, when checking only the programs and data for non-specific control, only the address range where these programs and data are stored needs to be checked. Therefore, it becomes possible to efficiently perform the work of checking programs and data separately for specific control and non-specific control. In addition, it becomes possible to efficiently perform the work of modifying programs and data separately for specific control and non-specific control.

[0220] By setting an address range for an unused area where no data is stored between the address range of the area where the program and data for specific control are stored and the address range of the area where the program and data for non-specific control are stored, it becomes easier to identify the boundary between the address range for specific control and the address range for non-specific control when checking.

[0221] In the address ranges for specific control and the address range for non-specific control, programs and data are stored in different address ranges, regardless of the execution order of the processes for executing the corresponding control. This makes it possible to efficiently perform tasks when checking programs and data separately. Furthermore, because an unused address range where no data is stored is set between the address range where the program is stored and the address range where the data is stored, it becomes easier to understand the boundary between the program address range and the data address range when checking.

[0222] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of each area in the main RAM 314. Corresponding to the distinction between specific control and non-specific control performed by the MPU 312, as shown in Figure 17, the address ranges of the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control and the address ranges of the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control are clearly distinguished in the main RAM 314.

[0223] Specifically, the area of ​​each consecutive address within the range of addresses Y(1) to Y(r+2) is set as a work area 391 for specific control. In addition, the addresses Y(r+3) to Y(r+5) that are consecutive to addresses Y(1) to Y(r+2) are addresses of an unused area, and the area of ​​each consecutive address within the range of addresses Y(r+6) to Y(s+2) that follows is set as a stack area 392 for specific control.

[0224] Furthermore, addresses Y(s+3) to Y(s+5) consecutively from addresses Y(r+6) to Y(s+2) are addresses of an unused area, and the areas of each consecutive address within the range of addresses Y(s+6) to Y(t+2) are set as work area 393 for unspecified control. Also, addresses Y(t+3) to Y(t+5) consecutively from addresses Y(s+6) to Y(t+2) are addresses of an unused area, and the areas of each consecutive address within the range of addresses Y(t+6) to Y(u+2) are set as stack area 394 for unspecified control.

[0225] The relationships between each area and address described above are set in both the physical address in the main RAM 314 and the logical address on the memory map recognized by the MPU 312.

[0226] As described above, the work area 391 for specific control and the work area 393 for non-specific control are set separately. This means that different areas of the main RAM 314 are used when the MPU 312 performs specific control and when it performs non-specific control, and when it performs various calculations. This makes it less likely that when one of the specific control or non-specific control is performed, the information in the main RAM 314 that is needed for the other will be erased. Incidentally, load instructions are issued by the MPU 312 when writing information to each work area 391 and 393 and when reading information from each work area 391 and 393.

[0227] By distinguishing between the stack area 392 for specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control, different areas of the main RAM 314 are used when saving information stored in the MPU 312's registers and when storing program return address information, depending on whether specific control or non-specific control is being executed in the MPU 312. This makes it less likely that information used in the other operation will be erased when saving information stored in the MPU 312's registers and storing program return address information while one of the specific control or non-specific control is being executed. Incidentally, when writing information to each stack area 392 and 394, the MPU 312 uses a push instruction, and when reading information from each stack area 392 and 394, the MPU 312 uses a pop instruction. Also, when reading information from each stack area 392 and 394, the information written to that stack area 392 and 394 later is read first.

[0228] Here, when the MPU312 executes processing corresponding to specific control, the MPU312 can write information to the work area 391 and the stack area 392 for specific control, and can also read information from the work area 391 and the stack area 392 for specific control. On the other hand, when the MPU312 executes processing corresponding to specific control, the MPU312 can read information from the work area 393 and the stack area 394 for non-specific control, but cannot write information to the work area 393 and the stack area 394 for non-specific control. This makes it possible to prevent accidentally erasing information used in processing corresponding to non-specific control when processing corresponding to specific control is being executed.

[0229] Furthermore, when the MPU312 executes processing corresponding to non-specific control, the MPU312 can write information to the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control, and can also read information from the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control. On the other hand, when the MPU312 executes processing corresponding to non-specific control, the MPU312 can read information from the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control, but cannot write information to the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control. This makes it possible to prevent accidentally erasing information used in processing corresponding to specific control when processing corresponding to non-specific control is being executed.

[0230] Incidentally, backup power is supplied to the main-side RAM 314 even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off. This backup power is supplied to all of the dedicated control work area 391, the dedicated control stack area 392, the non-dedicated control work area 393, and the non-dedicated control stack area 394. As a result, the information stored in these dedicated control work area 391, dedicated control stack area 392, non-dedicated control work area 393, and non-dedicated control stack area 394 is retained while the backup power is being supplied even after the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off.

[0231] <Regarding the processing configuration of the MPU312> Next, each control process executed by the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 will be described. The processes of such MPU 312 are roughly classified into a main process that is started when the power is turned on and a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (for example, at a cycle of 4 msec).

[0232] <Main process> First, the main process will be described while referring to the flowchart of FIG. 18. The main process is started in a situation where the timer interrupt process is prohibited. Incidentally, the main process is basically executed by a dedicated control program, but some processes (step S115) are executed by a non-dedicated control program.

[0233] First, in step S101, power-on initial setting processing is executed. In the power-on initial setting processing, for example, the process waits without proceeding to the next process until a predetermined time for waiting (specifically, 1 sec) has elapsed since the main process was started. The operation start and initial setting of the symbol display device 75 are completed during this predetermined waiting period. Also, access to the main-side RAM 314 is permitted.

[0234] In step S102, the internal function register setting process is executed. In the internal function register setting process, the interrupt period of the timer interrupt process (Figure 21), which is a process that is started by periodically interrupting the main process, is set to a predetermined period (for example, 4 msec). In addition to setting the interrupt period of the timer interrupt process, the internal function register setting process also executes processes to set the numerical ranges of various counters, such as the numerical range of the random number counter C1.

[0235] In step S103, it is determined whether the reset button 166c is pressed or not. That is, it is determined whether the power-on operation of the pachinko machine 10 is performed while the reset button 166c is pressed and whether the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 has started.

[0236] If the reset button 166c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S104, where the first initialization process is performed for the specific control area. In the first initialization process, the specific control work area 391 of the main RAM 314 is cleared to "0", except for the area (setting value counter) where setting value information indicating the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is set.

[0237] Furthermore, in the first initialization process, the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control are not cleared to "0". This makes it possible to prevent the work area 393 and the stack area 394 for non-specific control from being cleared to "0" by employees of the gaming hall or other personnel.

[0238] In step S105, it is determined whether the setting key insertion unit 166a is ON using the setting key. If the setting key insertion unit 166a is ON, the process proceeds to step S106 and the setting value update process is executed.

[0239] Here, the setting value update process in step S106 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 19. Note that the processes in steps S201 to S207 in the setting value update process are executed by a program for specific control.

[0240] In the setting value update process, first in step S201, the setting update display flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". The setting update display flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that the setting values ​​of the pachinko machine 10 are being updated.

[0241] In step S202, it is determined whether the value of the set value counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control is 1 or greater, corresponding to "Setting 1", and 6 or less, corresponding to "Setting 6". If the value of the set value counter is "0" or 7 or greater, the process proceeds to step S203, and "1" is set in the set value counter. As a result, the setting value of the pachinko machine 10 becomes "Setting 1".

[0242] After step S203 is executed or if a positive determination is made in step S202 (if the setting value is within the range of setting 1 to setting 6), step S204 determines whether the setting key insertion unit 166a is turned OFF using the setting key. In this case, the configuration may determine whether the setting key insertion unit 166a has switched from the ON state to the OFF state, or it may determine whether the setting key insertion unit 166a is in the OFF state.

[0243] If the setting key insertion part 166a is not in the OFF position, step S205 determines whether the update button 166b has been pressed. If the update button 166b has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S206, where the value of the setting value counter in the work area 391 for specific control is incremented by 1. This updates the setting value to one level higher.

[0244] If step S206 is executed or a negative result is obtained in step S205 (i.e., the update button 166b is not pressed), the process returns to step S202. Thereafter, the process from steps S202 to S206 is repeated until a positive result is obtained in step S204. If it is determined in step S202 that the value of the setting value counter is 7 or greater, the setting value counter is set to "1" in step S203. As a result, if the update button 166b is pressed once while in the "setting 6" state, the process will return to "setting 1".

[0245] If a positive result is obtained in step S204 (i.e., the setting key insertion unit 166a is turned OFF), the process proceeds to step S207, where the setting update display flag in the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0". After step S207 is executed, the setting value update process is terminated.

[0246] Returning to the explanation of the main process (Figure 18), if a negative determination is made in step S103 (i.e., the reset button 166c is not pressed), the process proceeds to step S107, where it is determined whether the power outage flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". The power outage flag is set to "1" when power outage processing is executed in the power outage information storage process (step S401) of the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21) described later, and is a flag used by the MPU 312 to determine whether power outage processing was performed appropriately during the previous power outage.

[0247] If the power outage flag is set to "1", in step S108, checksums are calculated for the work area 391 and the stack area 392 for specific control. In the following step S109, it is determined whether the checksum matches the checksum saved when the power was cut off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined.

[0248] If a negative result is determined in either step S107 or step S109, the operation prohibition process is executed. In the operation prohibition process, an error notification process is executed to notify the hall manager, etc., of the occurrence of an error (step S110), and then an infinite loop is entered. This operation prohibition process is released when the initialization process in step S104 is executed.

[0249] If a positive result is obtained in step S109 (i.e., the checksum is normal), then in step S111, it is determined whether the setting key insertion unit 166a is ON. If the setting key insertion unit 166a is ON, the process proceeds to step S112, where the setting confirmation process is executed.

[0250] Here, the setting verification process in step S112 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 20. Note that steps S301 to S303 in the setting verification process are executed by a specific control program.

[0251] In the setting confirmation process, first, in step S301, the setting confirmation display flag located in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". The setting confirmation display flag is used by the MPU 312 to identify that the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10 is being checked. The current setting value is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. The process for this display will be described later.

[0252] In step S302, it is determined whether the setting key insertion unit 166a is in the OFF position. In this case, the configuration may determine whether the setting key insertion unit 166a has switched from the ON state to the OFF state, or it may determine whether the setting key insertion unit 166a is in the OFF state. If the setting key insertion unit 166a is not in the OFF position, the process in step S302 is repeated.

[0253] If the setting key insertion unit 166a is in the OFF position, the setting confirmation display flag in the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0", and then the setting confirmation process is terminated. This cancels the confirmation state of the setting value (the display state of the setting value in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e).

[0254] Returning to the explanation of the main process (Figure 18), after the execution of the setting confirmation process in step S112 and the setting value update process in step S106, if a negative determination is made in step S111 (when the setting key insertion part 166a is not turned ON when the power ON operation of the pachinko machine 10 is performed without the reset button 166c being pressed) or if a negative determination is made in step S105 (when the setting key insertion part 166a is not turned ON when the power ON operation of the pachinko machine 10 is performed while the reset button 166c is pressed), then the power-on setting process is executed in step S113. In the power-on setting process, predetermined areas of the main RAM 314, such as the power outage flag, are set to their initial values, and a command corresponding to the current game state is sent to the performance control device 143. In addition, the power-on setting process determines whether or not the game is stopped, and if it is stopped, it is released. In other words, if the game stop flag set in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1", it is reset to "0" and initialized.

[0255] Step S114 executes a process for restarting when an excess occurs, and the following step S115 executes a process for partial clearing. These processes relate to game restrictions using the difference in the number of balls, but the details will be described later.

[0256] In step S116, an operation check process is performed for the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. In this operation check process, all segments of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are lit, and this state is maintained for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 seconds). If there are any segments in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e that do not light up due to a malfunction such as a broken wire, the base value etc. will not be displayed correctly, which may hinder the judgment of fraudulent activity. In this regard, by performing the operation check process, it is possible to check whether the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e light up normally each time the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON, and the game is prevented from proceeding with the base value etc. not being displayed correctly.

[0257] In step S117, the interrupt enable setting is configured to allow the occurrence of timer interrupt processing. After that, the process proceeds to the residual processing in steps S118 to S121. In other words, although the MPU312 is configured to periodically execute timer interrupt processing, there is residual time between one timer interrupt processing and the next. This residual time will vary depending on the processing completion time of each timer interrupt processing, and the residual processing in steps S118 to S121 is repeatedly executed using this irregular time. In this respect, the residual processing in steps S118 to S121 can be said to be an irregular process that is executed irregularly.

[0258] In the residual processing, first, in step S118, an interrupt disable setting is performed to prohibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing. In the subsequent step S119, a random number initial value update process for updating the random number initial value counter CINI is executed, and in step S120, a variable counter update process for updating the variation type counter CS is executed. In these update processes, the current numerical information is read from the corresponding counter in the work area 391 for specific control, and after executing the process of adding 1 to the read numerical information, the process of overwriting the original counter is executed. In this case, when the counter value exceeds the maximum value, it is cleared to "0" respectively. Thereafter, in step S121, an interrupt enable setting is performed to switch from the state where the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited to the enabled state. When the process of step S121 is executed, it returns to step S118, and the processes of steps S118 to S121 are repeated.

[0259] <Timer interrupt processing> Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described while referring to the flowchart of FIG. 21. The timer interrupt processing is executed periodically (for example, at a cycle of 4 msec). Note that the program corresponding to the timer interrupt processing is set in the program for specific control.

[0260] First, in step S401, a power failure information storage process is executed. In the power failure information storage process, it is monitored whether a power failure signal corresponding to the occurrence of power failure is received from the power failure monitoring unit 315, and when the occurrence of power failure is specified, after executing the power failure time process, it enters an infinite loop. In the power failure time process, "1" is set to the power failure flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control, and a checksum is calculated for the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control, and the calculated checksum is saved.

[0261] Step S402 executes the random number update process for the lottery. This process updates the winning random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the normal electric device release counter C4. Specifically, it sequentially reads the current numerical information from the winning random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the normal electric device release counter C4, adds 1 to each of the read values, and then overwrites the original counters. In this case, if the counter value exceeds the maximum value, it is cleared to "0". After that, in step S403, the random number initial value update process is executed in the same way as in step S119, and in step S404, the variable counter update process is executed in the same way as in step S120.

[0262] In step S405, a fraud detection process is executed to monitor whether a predetermined event, which is set as a target for monitoring fraud, has occurred. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with anomaly detection sensors such as vibration detection sensors, magnet detection sensors, and radio wave detection sensors, and the fraud detection process determines the presence or absence of various anomalies based on the output of these detection sensors.

[0263] In step S406, a notification display process is executed to control the display of the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. In the following step S407, a game stop determination process is executed to determine whether or not to enter a game stop state. Details of these steps will be described later.

[0264] In step S408, it is determined whether the game is stopped by checking whether the game stop flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". If the game is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S409 and port output processing is executed.

[0265] In port output processing, if output information was set in the previous timer interrupt processing, processing is executed to output the corresponding output information to the various drive units 63b and 65d. For example, if information is set to switch the variable prize device 65 to the open state, the output of a drive signal to the special electric drive unit 65d is started, and if information is set to switch it to the closed state, the output of the said drive signal is stopped. Also, if information is set to switch the regular electric device 63a of the second operating port 63 to the open state, the output of a drive signal to the regular electric drive unit 63b is started, and if information is set to switch it to the closed state, the output of the said drive signal is stopped.

[0266] Step S410 executes a read operation. In this read operation, signals other than the power outage signal and the winning signal are read, and the read information is stored for use in subsequent processing.

[0267] Step S411 executes ball entry detection processing. In this ball entry detection processing, signals received from each ball entry detection sensor 91a to 97a are read, and based on the reading results, it is determined whether or not a ball has entered the out gate 68, general prize gate 61, variable prize device 65, first operation gate 62, second operation gate 63, and through gate 64. Details of the ball entry detection processing will be explained later.

[0268] In step S412, a timer update process is executed to update the numerical information of multiple types of timer counters provided in the main RAM 314 all at once. In this case, the configuration is to handle timer counters that are updated by subtracting the stored numerical information in an aggregated manner, but it is also possible to configure the system to aggregate updates for both subtractive timer counters and additive timer counters.

[0269] In step S413, a launch control process is executed to control the launch of game balls. When the launch operation to the game ball launch handle 41 is continued, one game ball is launched every 0.6 seconds, which is a predetermined launch cycle. In the following step S414, a special feature and special electrical control process is executed to control the execution of game rounds and the execution of the opening and closing execution mode. The special feature and special electrical control process will be explained in detail later.

[0270] In step S415, the regular power control process is executed. In the regular power control process, if a prize is awarded at the through gate 64, a process is executed to acquire the regular power reserve information. If the regular power reserve information is stored, an opening determination is made for that reserve information, and a process is executed to perform a regular power effect triggered by that opening determination. In addition, based on the result of the opening determination, a process is executed to open and close the regular power mechanism 63a of the second operating port 63. In this case, if the support mode is the low-frequency support mode, the corresponding process is executed, and if the support mode is the high-frequency support mode, the corresponding process is executed. Also, if the opening / closing execution mode is selected, the support mode will be the low-frequency support mode even if the previous support mode was the high-frequency support mode.

[0271] In step S416, based on the processing results of the preceding steps S414 and S415, output information is set to reflect the increase or decrease in the number of reserved items related to the special display unit 43 in the special display reserved item display unit AM, and output information is set to reflect the increase or decrease in the number of reserved items related to the general display unit 44 in the general display reserved item display unit FM. In addition, in step S416, based on the processing results of the preceding steps S414 and S415, output information is set to update the display content of the special display unit 43, and output information is set to update the display content of the general display unit 44.

[0272] In step S417, the contents of the commands and signals received from the payout control device 181 are checked, and a payout status reception process is executed to perform processing corresponding to the check results. In the following step S418, a payout output process is executed to set the prize ball command as the output target. In step S419, an external information setting process is executed to control the start and end of the output of external signals according to the processing results of the various processes performed in this timer interrupt process.

[0273] Step S420 executes base value and ball difference processing to calculate the base value and ball difference. Details of base value and ball difference processing will be explained later. Also, if a positive result is obtained in step S408 (i.e., the game is stopped), step S421 determines whether the excess flag is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", the payout status reception processing in step S417 is executed without executing the various processes from steps S409 to S416. If the excess flag is not set to "1", the base value and ball difference processing in step S420 is executed without executing the various processes from steps S409 to S419. In this way, the processing that is not executed while the game is stopped is controlled according to the value of the excess flag, but details about the excess flag will be explained later.

[0274] <Special Electrical Control Processing> The special electric control process in step S414 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 22.

[0275] In the special feature special electric control processing, the first step S501 is to perform the process of acquiring the pending information. In the process of acquiring the pending information, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won in the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63. If a prize has been won, it is determined whether or not the number of pending items in the pending storage area 314a is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If the number of pending items is less than the upper limit value, the number of pending items is increased by 1, and the numerical information of the winning random number counter C1, the big win type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3, which were updated in the previous step S402, are stored in the first pending area among the empty pending areas RE1 to RE4 of the pending area RE.

[0276] Furthermore, if winnings occur simultaneously in the first operation port 62 and the second operation port 63, the process for acquiring the pending information will be executed multiple times within the scope of one execution of the pending information acquisition process. In addition, if new pending information is acquired, a corresponding acquisition command will be sent to the performance control device 143. When the performance control device 143 receives this command, it will update the image displaying the number of pending information on the symbol display device 75 to reflect the increase in pending information.

[0277] In step S502, information from the special-purpose control counter located in the work area 391 is read, and in step S503, the special-purpose control address table located in the main ROM 313 is read. In the following step S504, a start address corresponding to the information from the special-purpose control counter is obtained from the special-purpose control address table, and in step S505, the program jumps to the process indicated by the obtained start address among the processes in steps S506 to S512. The special-purpose control counter is a counter used by the MPU 312 to determine which of the various processes in steps S506 to S512 should be executed, and the special-purpose control address table contains the start addresses of programs for executing the processes in steps S506 to S512, corresponding to the numerical information of the special-purpose control counter.

[0278] In step S506, the special drawing variation start process is executed. The special drawing variation start process will be described while referring to the flowchart of FIG. 23.

[0279] In the special drawing variation start process, first in step S501, it is determined whether the number of reservation information stored in the reservation area RE is 1 or more. If the number of reservation information is 1 or more, the data setting process is executed in step S602.

[0280] In the data setting process, first, the reservation count is decremented by 1, and the data stored in the first reservation area RE1 of the reservation area RE is moved to the execution area AE. Then, a process of shifting the data stored in each reservation area RE1 to RE4 of the reservation area RE is executed. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the first reservation area RE1 to the fourth reservation area RE4 in order to the lower area side. Specifically, after shifting the data in each area such as the second reservation area RE2 → the first reservation area RE1, the third reservation area RE3 → the second reservation area RE2, and the fourth reservation area RE4 → the third reservation area RE3, the fourth reservation area RE4 is cleared to "0". At this time, a shift command for recognizing that the data in the reservation area has been shifted is transmitted to the effect control device 143. When the effect control device 143 receives the command, it updates the display of the image indicating the number of reservation information in the symbol display device 75 to the display content corresponding to the decrease in the reservation information.

[0281] In step S603, the pass / fail table is read from the main side ROM 313. Specifically, first, the value of the setting value counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control is read to grasp the setting state of the pachinko machine 10. Then, the current pass / fail lottery mode is grasped. If it is the high probability mode, the high probability pass / fail table corresponding to the grasped setting state is read. If it is the low probability mode, the low probability pass / fail table corresponding to the grasped setting state is read.

[0282] In step S604, the system executes a win / failure determination process by referring to the win / failure table read in step S603. In the win / failure determination process, it is determined whether the information for win / failure determination, i.e., the numerical information related to the winning random number counter C1, among the information stored in the execution area AE, matches the jackpot numerical information set in the win / failure table read in step S603.

[0283] If the result of the win / failure determination process is a jackpot win (step S605: YES), the distribution determination process is executed in step S606. In the distribution determination process, the information for distribution determination, i.e., the numerical information related to the jackpot type counter C2, is read from the information stored in the execution area AE. Then, the distribution table 387 provided in the main ROM 313 is referred to to determine which jackpot result the numerical information related to the jackpot type counter C2 read above corresponds to. Specifically, it is determined which of the following jackpot results it corresponds to: low probability jackpot result, low-scoring high probability jackpot result, and high-scoring high probability jackpot result.

[0284] In step S607, the process for setting the stop result for a jackpot is executed. Specifically, the information of the pattern of symbols to be ultimately stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 43 in the game round related to the start of the current variation is identified from the jackpot result stop result table pre-stored in the main ROM 313, and this identified information is written to the work area 391 for identification control in the main RAM 314. In this jackpot result stop result table, the information of the pattern of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 43 is set differently for each type of jackpot result.

[0285] In step S608, a flag setting process corresponding to the distribution determination result is executed. Specifically, the work area 391 for specific control is provided with flags corresponding to each type of jackpot result, and in step S608, the flag corresponding to the result of the distribution determination process in step S606 is set to "1".

[0286] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that the result is not a jackpot win, the stop result setting process for a losing result is executed in step S609. Specifically, the information of the pattern of symbols to be ultimately stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 43 in the game round related to the start of the current variation is identified from the stop result table for losing results that is pre-stored in the main ROM 313, and this identified information is written to the work area 391 for identification control. The information of the pattern of symbols selected in this case is different from the information of the pattern of symbols selected in the case of a jackpot result.

[0287] After executing either step S608 or step S609, step S610 is performed to determine the duration of the game round. This process acquires numerical information from the variation type counter CS. It also determines whether a reach display occurs on the symbol display device 75 during the current game round. Specifically, if the game round related to the start of the variation is a low probability jackpot result or a high probability jackpot result with high winnings, it is determined that a reach display will occur. Furthermore, if it is neither a jackpot result, and the numerical information related to the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is numerical information corresponding to the occurrence of a reach, it is determined that a reach display will occur.

[0288] If it is determined that a reach display will occur, the duration of the game rounds corresponding to the numerical information of the current variation type counter CS is obtained by referring to the table of durations for reach occurrences stored in the main ROM 313. On the other hand, if it is determined that a reach display will not occur, the duration of the game rounds corresponding to the numerical information of the current variation type counter CS is obtained by referring to the table of durations for non-reach occurrences stored in the main ROM 313. Incidentally, the duration of the game rounds that can be obtained by referring to the duration of the non-reach occurrences table is different from the duration of the game rounds that can be obtained by referring to the duration of the reach occurrences table.

[0289] Furthermore, the duration of game rounds when no reach occurs is set so that the more reserve information stored in the reserve area RE, the shorter the duration of game rounds. Also, when the support mode is high-frequency support mode, the duration of game rounds when the number of reserve information is the same is set so that a shorter duration of game rounds is selected compared to when the support mode is low-frequency support mode. However, this is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the duration of game rounds does not change depending on the number of reserve information or the support mode, or the relationship may be reversed. Moreover, the above configuration may also be applied to the duration of game rounds when a reach occurs. In addition, separate duration tables may be set for each type of jackpot result, for the case of a losing reach and for the case of a losing result when no reach occurs. In this case, the duration of game rounds will be distributed according to each game result.

[0290] In step S611, the information on the duration of the game rounds acquired in step S610 is set in the special symbol special electric timer counter located in the work area 391 for specific control. The numerical information set in the special symbol special electric timer counter is updated in the timer update process (step S412). Incidentally, as a performance for the game rounds, the symbols on the special symbol display unit 43 and the symbols on the symbol display device 75 are displayed. When each of these symbol display changes, the stop result of that game round is displayed (in the symbol display device 75, a predetermined combination of symbols is waiting on the active line) for the final stop period (for example, 0.5 seconds). In this case, the duration of the game rounds acquired in step S610 is the total time for one game round.

[0291] In step S612, a variation command and a type command are sent to the performance control device 143. The variation command includes information on the duration of the game round. Here, as described above, the duration of the game round obtained by referring to the duration table for non-reach occurrences is different from the duration of the game round obtained by referring to the duration table for reach occurrences. Therefore, even if the variation command does not include information on whether or not a reach occurred, the performance control device 143 can determine whether or not a reach occurred from the information on the duration of the game round. In this respect, it can be said that the variation command includes information indicating whether or not a reach occurred. Note that the variation command may also include information directly indicating whether or not a reach occurred. The type command includes information on the game result.

[0292] When the performance control device 143 receives a variation command and a type command from the MPU 312, it causes the performance for the game round to be executed in the lamp units 26-28, the speaker unit 29, and the symbol display device 75. In this case, the performance for the game round is performed in a manner corresponding to the content of the variation command and the type command. In addition, the symbol display device 75 displays a variation of symbols as part of the performance for the game round, and when the performance for the game round ends, the combination of symbols corresponding to the result of the win / fail judgment process and the distribution judgment process is displayed in a stopped state.

[0293] In step S613, the display of the changing symbols in the special symbol display unit 43 is started. In the following step S614, the special symbol special electric counter is incremented by 1. In this case, since the numerical information of the special symbol special electric counter is "0" when the special symbol variation start process is executed, the numerical information of the special symbol special electric counter becomes "1".

[0294] Returning to the explanation of the special symbol special power control processing (Figure 22), step S507 executes the special symbol variation processing. In the special symbol variation processing, it is determined whether it is during the duration of the game round but before the final stop display. If it is before the final stop display, processing is executed to regularly change the display pattern of the symbols on the special symbol display unit 43. When it is time to display the final stop, the numerical information of the special symbol special power counter is incremented by 1, updating the numerical information of the counter from that corresponding to the special symbol variation processing to that corresponding to the special symbol confirmation processing. In this embodiment, the final stop command is not sent from the MPU 312 to the performance control device 143.

[0295] Step S508 executes the special symbol confirmation process. During the special symbol confirmation process, the display mode of the symbols on the special symbol display unit 43 is set to the display mode corresponding to the lottery result of the current game round. In addition, the special symbol confirmation process determines whether the final stop period has elapsed, and if so, determines whether a transition to the opening / closing execution mode occurs. If a transition to the opening / closing execution mode does not occur, the numerical information of the special symbol special electric counter is cleared to "0". If a transition to the opening / closing execution mode occurs, the numerical information of the special symbol special electric counter is increased by 1, updating the numerical information of the counter from that corresponding to the special symbol confirmation process to that corresponding to the special electric start process.

[0296] In step S509, the special power start process is executed. In the special power start process, if the process to start the opening period in the current opening / closing execution mode has not yet been executed, the process to set the opening period is executed. An opening command is also sent to the performance control device 143. Upon receiving the opening command, the performance control device 143 causes the opening performance to be executed on the lamp units 26-28, the speaker unit 29, and the symbol display device 75. If the opening period has elapsed, the start process to start the first round of game is executed. In this start process, the variable prize winning device 65 is opened and the conditions for ending the round of game are set. When setting these conditions, the upper limit duration for keeping the variable prize winning device 65 open during the first round of game is set, and the upper limit number of game balls that can be awarded to the variable prize winning device 65 during the first round of game is set in the award counter provided in the work area 391 for specific control.

[0297] In step S510, the special electric opening process is executed. The special electric opening process determines whether or not the round game termination conditions have been met. If the termination conditions have been met, the variable prize winning device 65 is closed. If the round game that has just ended is not the last round game to be executed, the numerical information of the special symbol special electric counter is incremented by 1 to update the numerical information of the counter from one corresponding to the special electric opening process to one corresponding to the special electric closing process. If the round game that has just ended is the last round game to be executed, the numerical information of the special symbol special electric counter is incremented by 2 to update the numerical information of the counter from one corresponding to the special electric opening process to one corresponding to the special electric termination process.

[0298] Step S511 executes the special electric closing process. The special electric closing process determines whether or not the interval period between round games has elapsed. The interval period is set when the previous round game ends. If the interval period has elapsed, the variable prize winning device 65 is opened and the conditions for ending the round game are set. Then, the numerical information of the special electric counter is decremented by 1 to update the numerical information of the counter from the one corresponding to the special electric closing process to the one corresponding to the special electric open process.

[0299] In step S512, the special power termination process is executed. In the special power termination process, if the process to start the ending period for the current opening / closing execution mode has not yet been executed, the ending period (for example, 5 seconds) is set and an ending command is sent to the performance control device 143. Upon receiving the ending command, the performance control device 143 causes the ending performance to be executed on the lamp units 26-28, the speaker unit 29, and the symbol display device 75. If the ending period has elapsed, the win / loss lottery mode and the support mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode are set to the mode corresponding to the jackpot result that triggered the start of the current opening / closing execution mode.

[0300] Next, we will explain the configuration of the MPU 312 for determining whether or not a game ball has entered the general prize entry opening 61, the first operation opening 62, the second operation opening 63, the variable prize entry device 65, the out opening 68, and the through gate 64, based on the detection results of each ball entry detection sensor 91a to 97a. Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration for which the detection results of the ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a are input to the MPU 312.

[0301] The MPU312 is provided with an input port 312a. The input port 312a is configured as an 8-bit parallel interface to handle eight types of signals simultaneously. Each terminal has a one-to-one correspondence with an area where information of "0" or "1" is stored according to the voltage of each signal. In other words, there are areas designated as bits 0 (D0) to 7 (D7). However, in this pachinko machine 10, bit 7 (D7) is not used, and the configuration is such that seven types of signals are handled simultaneously. In addition, although more than eight types of signals will be input to the input port 312a, the group of signals to be input to the input port 312a is switched via switching control by a driver IC in order to limit the number of signals that can be input simultaneously to eight.

[0302] In the ball entry detection process (step S411) of the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21), the group of signals to be input to input port 312a is set to the group of signals from each ball entry detection sensor 91a to 97a. In this setting, the 0th bit D0 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the 1st prize entry detection sensor 91a, the 1st bit D1 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the 2nd prize entry detection sensor 92a, the 2nd bit D2 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the 1st operation entry detection sensor 93a, the 3rd bit D3 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the 2nd operation entry detection sensor 94a, the 4th bit D4 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the large prize entry detection sensor 95a, the 5th bit D5 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the out entry detection sensor 96a, and the 6th bit D6 stores information corresponding to the detection signal from the gate detection sensor 97a.

[0303] Each of the ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a outputs a LOW level signal indicating no detection when it does not detect the passage of a game ball, and outputs a HI level signal indicating detection when it does detect the passage of a game ball. The input port 312a stores "0" information in the corresponding bit when it receives a LOW level signal, and stores "1" information in the corresponding bit when it receives a HI level signal. In other words, when the ball entry detection sensors 91a to 97a do not detect the passage of a game ball, "0" information corresponding to the information indicating no detection is stored in the corresponding bit, and when the passage of a game ball is detected, "1" information corresponding to the information indicating detection is stored in the corresponding bit.

[0304] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the ball entry detection process executed in step S411 of the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21).

[0305] If it is confirmed that the information stored in the 0th bit D0 or the 1st bit D1 has switched from "0" to "1", it is determined that one game ball has been detected by the 1st prize-winning slot detection sensor 91a or the 2nd prize-winning slot detection sensor 92a (step S801: YES). In this case, in step S802, the general prize-winning sensor flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1", and in step S803, the value of the 10-prize ball counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by 1.

[0306] The general prize sensor flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify when a prize has been awarded to the general prize slot 61, and the 10-prize ball counter is a counter used by the MPU 312 to determine how many times it should dispense 10 game balls. If the value of the 10-prize ball counter is 1 or greater, the dispense output process in step S418 of the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21) outputs a 10-prize ball command to the dispense control device 181, and when the 10-prize ball command is output once, the value of the 10-prize ball counter is decremented by 1. When the dispense control device 181 receives the 10-prize ball command, it drives and controls the dispenser 222 so that 10 game balls are dispensed.

[0307] When it is confirmed that the second bit D2 has switched from storing the information "0" to storing the information "1", the first operation port detection sensor 93a determines that one game ball has been detected (step S804: YES). In this case, in step S805, the first operation entry flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1", and in step S806, the value of the 3-ball payout counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by 1. The first operation entry flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that an entry into the first operation port 62 has occurred, and the 3-ball payout counter is a counter used by the MPU 312 to identify the number of times that the payout of 3 game balls should be executed.

[0308] In the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21), the special feature special power control processing (step S414) confirms that the first action winning flag is set to "1". If the number of hold information stored in the hold area RE of the hold storage area 314a is less than the upper limit of 4, the processing to store new hold information is executed. In the special feature special power control processing (step S414), if it is confirmed that the first action winning flag is set to "1" and the processing corresponding to that confirmation is executed, the first action winning flag is cleared to "0".

[0309] If it is confirmed that the third bit D3 has switched from storing the information "0" to storing the information "1", the second operation port detection sensor 94a determines that one game ball has been detected (step S807: YES). In this case, in step S808, the second operation entry flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1", and in step S809, the value of the one-ball payout counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by 1. The second operation entry flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that an entry into the second operation port 63 has occurred, and the one-ball payout counter is a counter used by the MPU 312 to identify the number of times one game ball should be dispensed.

[0310] In the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21), the special feature special power control processing (step S414) confirms that the second action winning flag is set to "1". This confirms that the number of reserved information items stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved storage area 314a is less than the upper limit of 4, and the process of storing new reserved information is executed. In the special feature special power control processing (step S414), if it is confirmed that the second action winning flag is set to "1" and the corresponding processing is executed, the first action winning flag is cleared to "0".

[0311] When it is confirmed that the information stored in the 4th bit D4 has switched from "0" to "1", the large prize hole detection sensor 95a determines that one game ball has been detected (step S810: YES). In this case, in step S811, the special electric prize flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1", and in step S812, the value of the 15-ball prize counter provided in the work area 391 is incremented by 1. The special electric prize flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that a prize has been awarded to the variable prize device 65, and the 15-ball prize counter is a counter used by the MPU 312 to identify the number of times that 15 game balls should be dispensed.

[0312] In the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21), the special feature special electric control processing (step S414) confirms that the special electric prize entry flag is set to "1", thereby identifying that one game ball has entered the variable prize entry device 65, and the remaining number of balls that can enter the variable prize entry device 65 in the round game is reduced by 1. When this process of reducing the number of balls that can enter by 1 is executed, the special electric prize entry flag is cleared to "0".

[0313] When it is confirmed that the information stored in the 5th bit D5 has switched from "0" to "1", the out-port detection sensor 96a determines that one game ball has been detected (step S813: YES). In this case, the out flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1". The out flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that a game ball has entered the out-port 68.

[0314] When it is confirmed that the information stored in the 6th bit D6 has switched from "0" to "1", the gate detection sensor 97a determines that one game ball has been detected (step S815: YES). In this case, in step S816, the gate entry flag provided in the work area 391 is set to "1". The gate entry flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that one game ball has entered the through gate 64.

[0315] In the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21), the normal power control processing (step S415) confirms that the gate entry flag is set to "1". Based on the condition that the number of normal power reserve information stored in the normal power reserve area 314c is less than the upper limit of 4, the current numerical information of the normal power mechanism release counter C4 is stored in the normal power reserve area 314c as normal power reserve information. In the normal power control processing (step S415), if it is confirmed that the gate entry flag is set to "1" and the corresponding processing is executed, the gate entry flag is cleared to "0".

[0316] Next, we will explain the processing performed by the dispensing control device 181. First, we will explain the electrical configuration of the dispensing control device 181 and the various devices that communicate with the dispensing control device 181, referring to the block diagram in Figure 26.

[0317] The payout control device 181 is equipped with an MPU 382. The MPU 382 incorporates a payout-side ROM 383, a payout-side RAM 384, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and other components.

[0318] The dispensing-side ROM 383 is a memory (i.e., a non-volatile storage means) that does not require an external power supply for storage, such as NOR-type flash memory and NAND-type flash memory, and is used in read-only mode. The dispensing-side ROM 383 stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the dispensing-side MPU 382.

[0319] The dispensing-side RAM 384 is a memory (i.e., volatile memory) that requires an external power supply for memory retention, such as SRAM and DRAM, and is used for both reading and writing. The dispensing-side RAM 384 allows random access and, when compared with the dispensing-side ROM 383 for the same data capacity, has a faster read time. The dispensing-side RAM 384 temporarily stores various data for the execution of the control program stored in the dispensing-side ROM 383.

[0320] The payout-side MPU 382 is capable of bidirectional communication with the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162. Upon receiving a prize ball command from the MPU 312, the payout-side MPU 382 drives and controls the payout device 222 to dispense the number of game balls corresponding to that prize ball command. The payout-side MPU 382 also monitors whether it is possible to dispense game balls normally, and if it determines that it is not possible to dispense them normally, it stops the payout device 222 even if the payout-side RAM 384 has information on the number of undispensed prize balls stored in it. The payout-side MPU 382 also sends a payout restriction command to the MPU 312 indicating that it is not possible to dispense the balls normally.

[0321] When the MPU312 receives the payout restriction command, it sends a notification command to the performance control device 143 so that a notification indicating that it is not possible to dispense game balls normally is displayed on the symbol display device 75, the lamp units 26-28 and the speaker unit 29. The states in which it is not possible to dispense game balls normally include a full state where the lower tray 34 is full of game balls, a ball-less state where the tank 221 is not filled with game balls, a payout abnormal state where the payout device 222 does not operate normally, a main body open state where the game machine main body 12 is separated from the outer frame 11, and a front door open state where the front door frame 14 is separated from the inner frame 13.

[0322] A full-tank detection sensor (not shown) is provided at an intermediate position in the game ball passage leading from the payout device 222 to the lower tray 34, and the detection result of the full-tank detection sensor is input to the payout-side MPU 382. The payout-side MPU 382 identifies the machine as full if the full-tank detection sensor continuously detects game balls, and identifies the machine as no longer full if the full-tank detection sensor stops continuously detecting game balls.

[0323] A ball-less detection sensor (not shown) is installed at an intermediate position in the game ball passage leading from the tank 221 to the payout device 222, and the detection result of the ball-less detection sensor is input to the payout-side MPU 382. The payout-side MPU 382 identifies a ball-less state when no game balls are continuously detected by the ball-less detection sensor, and identifies the ball-less state as being released when the state of continuous ball-less detection by the ball-less detection sensor is released.

[0324] The dispensing device 222 is equipped with a dispensing detection sensor (not shown) for detecting game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 222, and the detection result of the dispensing detection sensor is input to the dispensing-side MPU 382. The dispensing-side MPU 382 determines that one game ball has been dispensed from the dispensing device 222 when a game ball is detected by the dispensing detection sensor. Furthermore, the dispensing-side MPU 382 determines that there is a dispensing abnormality if the dispensing device 222 is being driven and controlled to dispense game balls, but no game balls are continuously detected by the dispensing detection sensor, and determines that the dispensing abnormality has been resolved when the state in which no game balls are continuously detected by the dispensing detection sensor is resolved.

[0325] A front door open sensor 232 is provided on the front of the inner frame 13, and the detection result of the front door open sensor 232 is input to the dispensing side MPU 382. In this case, if the front door frame 14 is closed relative to the inner frame 13, the front door open sensor 232 transmits a closed detection signal to the dispensing side MPU 382, ​​and if the front door frame 14 is open relative to the inner frame 13, the front door open sensor 232 transmits an open detection signal to the dispensing side MPU 382.

[0326] The dispensing-side MPU 382 identifies the front door frame 14 as being in a closed state when it receives a closed detection signal from the front door open sensor 232, and identifies the front door frame 14 as being in an open state when it receives an open detection signal from the front door open sensor 232. In addition, the dispensing-side MPU 382 sends a front door open command to the MPU 312 when it identifies that the front door frame 14 has changed from a closed state to an open state, and sends a front door closed command to the MPU 312 when it identifies that the front door frame 14 has changed from an open state to a closed state. The MPU 312 identifies the front door frame 14 as being in an open state when it receives a front door open command, and identifies the front door frame 14 as being in a closed state when it receives a front door closed command.

[0327] A main unit open sensor 233 is provided on the front of the back pack unit 15, and the detection result of the main unit open sensor 233 is input to the payout side MPU 382. In this case, if the gaming machine main unit 12 is closed relative to the outer frame 11, the main unit open sensor 233 transmits a closed detection signal to the payout side MPU 382, ​​and if the gaming machine main unit 12 is open relative to the outer frame 11, the main unit open sensor 233 transmits an open detection signal to the payout side MPU 382.

[0328] The payout-side MPU 382 identifies the gaming machine body 12 as being in a closed state when it receives a closed detection signal from the main body open sensor 233, and identifies the gaming machine body 12 as being in an open state when it receives an open detection signal from the main body open sensor 233. In addition, the payout-side MPU 382 sends a main body open command to the MPU 312 when it identifies that the gaming machine body 12 has changed from a closed state to an open state, and sends a main body closed command to the MPU 312 when it identifies that the gaming machine body 12 has changed from an open state to a closed state. The MPU 312 identifies the gaming machine body 12 as being in an open state when it receives a main body open command, and identifies the gaming machine body 12 as being in a closed state when it receives a main body closed command.

[0329] The timer interrupt processing performed by the payout-side MPU382 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 27. The timer interrupt processing is repeatedly activated at a predetermined period (for example, 2 msec).

[0330] First, in step S901, the full tank process is executed. In the full tank process, it is determined whether the tank is full or not based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor. If the tank is full, a process is executed to stop the payout of game balls, and a command indicating that the tank is full is sent to the MPU312. If the full tank state is released, a process is executed to enable the payout of game balls, and a command indicating that the full tank state has been released is sent to the MPU312.

[0331] Step S902 executes the "no balls" processing. In the "no balls" processing, it is determined whether or not there are no balls based on the detection result of the no balls detection sensor. If there are no balls, processing is executed to stop the payout of game balls, and a command indicating that there are no balls is sent to the MPU312. If the "no balls" state is resolved, processing is executed to enable the payout of game balls, and a command indicating that the "no balls" state has been resolved is sent to the MPU312.

[0332] Step S903 executes the payout abnormality monitoring process. In the payout abnormality monitoring process, the system determines whether or not there is a payout abnormality based on the detection result of the payout detection sensor. If there is a payout abnormality, the system executes a process to stop the payout of game balls and sends a command to the MPU312 indicating that there is a payout abnormality. If the payout abnormality is resolved, the system executes a process to enable the payout of game balls and sends a command to the MPU312 indicating that the payout abnormality has been resolved.

[0333] In step S904, the front door open monitoring process is executed. In the front door open monitoring process, it is determined whether the front door frame 14 is open or not based on the detection result of the front door open sensor 232. If the front door frame 14 is open, the process is executed to stop the payout of game balls and a front door open command is sent to the MPU 312. If the front door frame 14 is closed, the process is executed to enable the payout of game balls and a front door closed command is sent to the MPU 312.

[0334] In step S905, the main unit open monitoring process is executed. In the main unit open monitoring process, it is determined whether the gaming machine main unit 12 is in an open state based on the detection result of the main unit open sensor 233. If the gaming machine main unit 12 is in an open state, a process is executed to stop the payout of game balls and a main unit open command is sent to the MPU 312. If the gaming machine main unit 12 is closed, a process is executed to enable the payout of game balls and a main unit closed command is sent to the MPU 312.

[0335] In step S906, a command reading process is executed. In this command reading process, a process is executed to read the prize ball command sent by the MPU 312 and store the prize ball command in the payout-side RAM 384. Then, a prize ball setting process is executed to add the number of prize balls corresponding to the received prize ball command to the unpaid prize ball count information in the payout-side RAM 384 (step S907), and then a payout control process is executed to control the execution of the payout of game balls by the payout device 222 (step S908).

[0336] In the payout control process, if the unpaid prize ball count information stored in the payout-side RAM 384 is a value of 1 or more, the payout device 222 is driven and controlled. When the payout detection sensor detects one game ball, the value of the prize ball count information is deducted by 1. When the value of the prize ball count information becomes "0", the drive control of the payout device 222 is stopped. After that, an external information setting process is executed to control the start and end of the output of external signals according to the processing results of the various processes executed in this timer interrupt process (step S909).

[0337] <Base value and ball difference processing> The processing of the base value and ball difference in step S420 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 28. Note that the processing in steps S1001 to S1005 in the base value and ball difference processing is executed by a specific control program on the MPU312.

[0338] In the base value and ball difference processing, step S1001 first sets the interrupt disable to prevent the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (Figure 21). In the following step S1002, a push instruction is used to write and save the information stored in the flag register, one of the multiple registers provided in the MPU 312, to a predetermined area in the work area 391 for specific control. The flag register includes zero flags and sign flags, and this information changes depending on the execution results of arithmetic instructions, rotate instructions, and input / output instructions. By saving this flag register information before the program of the subroutine corresponding to the execution processing for base value and ball difference (step S1003) starts, it becomes possible to save the flag register information in the work area 391 for specific control before it changes after the subroutine is called or after the subroutine starts.

[0339] In step S1003, a call instruction reads the program of the subroutine corresponding to the execution process for the base value and difference in ball count that is set in the program for non-specific control, and starts the execution process. At this time, information to identify the return address after the execution of the said execution process is written to the stack area 392 for specific control. Then, when the execution process for the base value and difference in ball count is completed, the information to identify the return address written to the stack area 392 is read, and the program returns to the base value and difference in ball count processing indicated by that return address.

[0340] After step S1003 is executed, step S1004 restores the information in the saved flag registers using a pop instruction. Specifically, the information in the flag registers saved in the specific control stack area 392 in step S1002 is read and stored in the flag registers of the MPU 312. As a result, the information in the flag registers of the MPU 312 is restored to the information at the time step S1002 was executed.

[0341] In step S1005, the interrupt enable setting is configured to switch from a state where timer interrupt processing (Figure 21) is prohibited to a state where it is enabled. This makes it possible to execute a new timer interrupt process.

[0342] Next, the execution process for the base value and the difference in ball count, which is executed when the program for non-specific control is read in step S1103, will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 29.

[0343] In step S1101, the load instruction sets the stack pointer of the MPU312 to the address information of the starting position in the unspecified control stack area 394 (specifically, address Y(u+2) in Figure 17). This switches the stack area to be used to the unspecified control stack area 394.

[0344] In step S1102, information stored in the registers used in the base value calculation process (step S1103), the excess determination process (step S1104), and the display setting process (step S1105), which are described later, is written to a predetermined area in the work area 393 for non-specific control and saved.

[0345] After step S1102 is executed, a call instruction reads the subroutines for steps S1103 to S1105, which are set in the program for non-specific control, and executes them sequentially. Prior to these processes, the information of the registers being used is saved in step S1102. Therefore, even if these registers are overwritten during the execution of steps S1103 to S1105, the information saved in the work area 393 for non-specific control can be written to these registers to restore them to their state before the overwrite. In other words, the information of the registers used during specific control can be protected.

[0346] When steps S1103 to S1105 are executed, information to identify the return address after each of these processes is written to the non-specific control stack area 394. When steps S1103 to S1105 are completed, the information to identify the return address written to area 394 is read, and the program returns to the execution process for the base value and difference in ball count indicated by that return address.

[0347] After executing the processes in steps S1103 to S1105, in step S1106, a load instruction sets the stack pointer of the MPU 312 to a fixed address in the specific control stack area 392. This switches the stack area used to the specific control stack area 392.

[0348] Furthermore, the base value and ball difference processing in step S420, which includes the execution processing for the base value and ball difference, is executed after the control processing for advancing the game based on the player's game operations in the timer interrupt processing is completed. Therefore, the information stored in the specific control stack area 39 immediately before the processing in steps S1103 to S1105 is executed is always constant. For this reason, by defining the fixed address based on this constant amount of information, the state of the stack pointer in the MPU 312 can be restored to the information immediately before the processing corresponding to the non-specific control is started, even if the information of the stack pointer in the MPU 312 is not saved in advance. Thus, the processing load can be reduced, and there is no need to reserve the area for saving in the main RAM 314.

[0349] In step S1107, the values ​​of each register that were saved in the work area 393 for non-specific control in step S1102 are read using a load instruction and stored in the respective registers of the MPU 312. As a result, the information in each register of the MPU 312 is restored to the information it had at the time step S1102 was executed.

[0350] Next, we will explain the base value calculation process in step S1103, the excess determination process in step S1104, and the display setting process in step S1105, which are executed when the subroutine program is read. These processes calculate information related to the game history, such as the base value and the difference in ball count, set display data for displaying the results on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, and determine whether the calculated difference in ball count exceeds a predetermined specific number (for example, 100,000 balls).

[0351] <Base value calculation process> First, we will explain the base value calculation process in step S1103, referring to the flowchart in Figure 30.

[0352] In the base value calculation process, step S1201 first determines whether or not a game ball has entered the general prize entry point 61, the first operation point 62, the second operation point 63, the variable prize entry device 65, or the out entry point 68. That is, the above determination is made based on the outputs of the first prize entry point detection sensor 91a, the second prize entry point detection sensor 92a, the first operation point detection sensor 93a, the second operation point detection sensor 94a, the large prize entry point detection sensor 95a, and the out entry point detection sensor 96a.

[0353] If a ball enters the range, the process of updating the out counter 501d for the measurement interval is executed in step S1202. As shown in Figure 31, the work area 393 for non-specific control is provided with a base value counter area 501 as an area corresponding to the calculation of the base value, and the out counter 501d for the measurement interval is provided in this base value counter area 501.

[0354] The measurement interval out counter 501d is a counter for measuring the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA. In this embodiment, since the out-port detection sensor 96a is configured to detect only game balls that enter the out-port 68 (Figure 7), the measurement interval out counter 501d is updated by incrementing by 1 not only when a ball enters the out-port 68, but also when a ball enters the general prize-winning port 61, the first operating port 62, the second operating port 63, and the variable prize-winning device 65. The value of the measurement interval out counter 501d is used to determine measurement intervals of a predetermined number (for example, 60,000 balls).

[0355] In step S1203, it is determined whether the current game state is a normal game state (low probability mode and low frequency support mode). If it is a normal game state, the process proceeds to step S1204, where the update process for the normal general prize counter 501a, the normal first operation counter 501b, and the normal out counter 501c in the base value counter area 501 is executed. These counters 501a to 501c are used to measure the number of game balls entering the general prize opening 61, the number of game balls entering the first operation opening 62, and the number of game balls being discharged from the game area PA, respectively, for the normal game state. In step S1204, if a game ball enters the general prize opening 61 or the first operation opening 62, the value of the corresponding counter among the general prize counter 501a and the first operation counter 501b is incremented by 1. In addition, regardless of the type of entry point where the game ball enters, if a game ball enters, the value of the out counter 501c is incremented by 1.

[0356] If step S1204 is executed or a negative determination is made in step S1203 (i.e., the current game state is not the normal game state), the base value calculation process is executed in step S1205. In the base value calculation process, the base value in the normal game state is calculated using the values ​​of each counter 501a to 501c for normal play. If the values ​​of the normal general prize counter 501a, the normal first operation counter 501b, and the normal out counter 501c are K1 to K3, the base value will be as follows. • Base value: The ratio of the total number of game balls dispensed (K1 × "number of prize balls for winning into the general prize slot 61" + K2 × "number of prize balls for winning into the first operating slot 62") to the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K3).

[0357] In step S1206, the process of overwriting the current value information calculated in step S1205 with the current value area 504a provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is executed. As shown in Figure 31, the work area 393 for non-specific control is provided with a calculation result area 504 for storing calculation results. In addition to the current value area 504a, the calculation result area 504 is provided with a previous value area 504b for storing the previous base value information, a second-to-last value area 504c for storing the base value information of the previous-to-last value, and a third-to-last value area 504d for storing the base value information of the third-to-last value.

[0358] After step S1206 is executed, or if a negative result is determined in step S1201 (i.e., no ball has entered the box), step S1207 determines whether the management start flag in the various flag area 507 (Figure 31) located in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1". The management start flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that the calculated base value should be reported.

[0359] If the management start flag is not set to "1", the process proceeds to step S1208, where it is determined whether the value of the out counter 501d for the measurement interval is equal to or greater than a predetermined management start criterion value (e.g., 300 units). If the value of the out counter 501d is equal to or greater than the management start criterion value, the process proceeds to step S1209, where the management start flag is set to "1". As a result, the calculated base value is made the target for notification.

[0360] In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 is manufactured in such a state that the management start flag is cleared to "0". At the stage of shipment of the pachinko machine 10, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 may be checked before shipment, and at that time, game balls are placed in each ball entry section and the subsequent operation is checked. Under these circumstances, during the period from the time of manufacture of the pachinko machine 10 until the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA reaches the management start reference value, the calculated base value is excluded from notification, thereby suppressing the notification of the base value affected by the above-mentioned maintenance.

[0361] In step S1210, all counters 501a to 501d in the base value counter area 501 are cleared to "0". As a result, the next base value calculation process starts with the values ​​of each of these counters 501a to 501d initialized, and in step S1205, the base value is calculated excluding the period before the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA reaches the management start reference value. After the execution of step S1210 or if a negative determination is made in step S1208 (if the value of the out counter 501d for the measurement interval is less than the management start reference value), the base value calculation process is terminated.

[0362] If a positive result is obtained in step S1207 (the management start flag is "1"), the process proceeds to step S1211, where it is determined whether the value of the out counter 501d for the measurement interval is equal to or greater than the value corresponding to a predetermined number (for example, 60,000) that defines the measurement interval.

[0363] If the value of the output counter 501d is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, a data shift process is executed in step S1212. In the data shift process, the base value information stored in the current area 504a, previous area 504b, the area two steps prior 504c, and the area three steps prior 504d in the calculation result area 504 of the work area 393 for non-specific control is shifted in the following order: area two steps prior 504c → area three steps prior 504d, previous area 504b → area two steps prior 504c, and current area 504a → previous area 504b. As a result, the final base value from the calculation period (measurement interval) two calculations ago is stored in area 504d for calculations three calculations ago as the final base value from the calculation period three calculations ago, the final base value from the calculation period one calculation ago is stored in area 504c for calculations two calculations ago as the final base value from calculations two calculations ago, and the base value calculated last in the current calculation period is stored in area 504b for calculations one calculation ago as the final base value from calculations one calculation period ago.

[0364] In step S1213, all counters 501a to 501d in the base value counter area 501 are cleared to "0". After step S1213 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S1211 (if the value of the measurement interval output counter 501d is less than a predetermined number), the base value calculation process is terminated.

[0365] <Processing for determining excess> While it is believed that the actual winning probability in pachinko machines will eventually converge to the internally set probability, the reality is that there is significant variation in the actual winning probability when viewed on a basis such as a single game played by a player or a single business day at a pachinko parlor. As a result, the amount a player wins can exceed levels not anticipated by the machine's designers. In such cases, not only the player themselves but also those around them who witness the game may be excessively tempted to gamble.

[0366] Given these circumstances, the pachinko machine 10 according to this embodiment monitors whether the positive balance from the player's perspective is within a predetermined range by referring to the game history, and restricts the progress of the game if it exceeds that range. The excess determination process in step S1104 is performed as part of this process, and the process will be explained below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 32.

[0367] In the excess determination process, step S1301 first determines whether or not a game ball has entered the general prize entry opening 61, the first operation opening 62, the second operation opening 63, the variable prize entry device 65, or the out opening 68. The result of the determination in step S1201 of the base value calculation process (Figure 30) is used for this determination.

[0368] If a ball enters the target area, the values ​​of the various counters in the ball difference counter area 502 are updated in step S1302. As shown in Figure 31, the work area 393 for non-specific control is provided with a ball difference counter area 502 as an area corresponding to the calculation of the ball difference. This ball difference counter area 502 is provided with a general prize counter 502a for normal use, a first operating counter 502b for normal use, a second operating counter 502c for normal use, a special electric counter 502d for normal use, and an out counter 502e for normal use.

[0369] Of these counters, the general prize entry counter 502a, the first operation counter 502b, the second operation counter 502c, and the special electric counter 502d are counters for measuring the number of game balls that enter the general prize entry opening 61, the first operation opening 62, the second operation opening 63, and the variable prize entry device 65, respectively. The out counter 502e is a counter for measuring the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA. These counters 502a to 502e measure each ball entry from a predetermined measurement start trigger, regardless of the game state. In this embodiment, there are normal game states, time-saving game states (low probability mode and high frequency support mode), high probability game states (high probability mode and high frequency support mode), and opening / closing execution modes, so the above counters 502a to 502e measure the total number of balls that enter across all of these game states.

[0370] In step S1302, the value of the counter corresponding to the ball entry section where a ball entry was determined in step S1301 is updated from among the counters 502a to 502e described above. For example, if it is determined that a ball has entered the first operating opening 62, the value of the first operating counter 502b is increased by 1. As for the out counter 502e, regardless of the type of ball entry section where the ball entered, if a ball has entered, its value is increased by 1.

[0371] In the following step S1303, the calculation of the difference in ball count is performed. In the calculation of the difference in ball count, the values ​​of each counter 502a to 502e in the difference in ball count counter area 502 are used to calculate the difference in ball count. If the values ​​of the regular general prize counter 502a, the regular first operation counter 502b, the regular second operation counter 502c, the regular special electric counter 502d, and the regular out counter 502e are K4 to K8, the difference in ball count will be as follows. • Difference in ball count: Total number of game balls dispensed (K4 × "Number of prize balls for winning into general prize slot 61" + K5 × "Number of prize balls for winning into first operation slot 62" + K6 × "Number of prize balls for winning into second operation slot 63" + K7 × "Number of prize balls for winning into variable prize device 65") - Total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA (K8).

[0372] The above difference in ball count is derived as an indicator for measuring the above-mentioned positive amount (wins). Note that in the base value calculation process (Figure 30), the base value was calculated under normal game conditions, but in the calculation of the difference in ball count in the excess determination process, the total difference in ball count is calculated for all game conditions.

[0373] In step S1304, the difference in ball count calculated in step S1303 is overwritten in the difference in ball count area 504e (Figure 31) located in the work area 393 for non-specific control. Since the excess determination process is activated every 4 msec corresponding to the execution cycle of the timer interrupt period (Figure 21), the difference in ball count area 504e is updated and stored each time the difference in ball count information is updated.

[0374] In step S1305, it is determined whether the number of balls that was overwritten in the area 504e for the number of balls in step S1304 (the number of balls calculated in step S1303) is greater than or equal to a specific number (for example, 100,000 balls). This determines whether the above-mentioned positive amount falls within a certain range.

[0375] If the difference in the number of balls is greater than or equal to a specific number, the process proceeds to step S1306, where the excess flag in the area 507 for various flags located in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1". The excess flag is used by the MPU 312 to identify that the difference in the number of balls has exceeded a specific number. After the execution of step S1306, if a negative determination is made in step S1305 (the difference in the number of balls is less than the specific number) or if a negative determination is made in step S1301 (no balls have been scored), the excess determination process is terminated.

[0376] <Processing for display settings> Next, the display setting process in step S1105 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 33(a). This process sets the display for notifying the base value derived in the base value calculation process in step S1103 and the difference in ball count derived in the excess determination process in step S1104.

[0377] In the display setting process, step S1401 first determines whether or not the game is stopped. Specifically, the work area 391 for specific control in the main RAM 314 is referenced to determine whether or not the game stop flag is set to "1".

[0378] If the game is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S1402 to determine whether it is time to switch the display content on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. In this embodiment, both the base value derived in the base value calculation process in step S1103 and the base value derived in the base value calculation process in step S1103 are displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. When displaying these values, as already explained with reference to Figure 15, the current base value, the previous base value from one round ago, the base value from two rounds ago, and the base value from three rounds ago are displayed in sequence at predetermined intervals (e.g., 5 seconds). As for the difference in balls, after the display of the base value from three rounds ago has finished, the difference in balls (current difference in balls) is displayed. The process in step S1402 determines whether it is time to switch each of the above displays.

[0379] If a positive determination is made in step S1402 (i.e., it is the switching timing), then in step S1403, the update process of the display type counter 505 (Figure 31) provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is executed. The display type counter 505 is a counter used by the MPU 312 to identify which of the above-mentioned base values ​​and game history, such as the difference in ball count, is currently being displayed.

[0380] As shown in Figure 33(b), when the value of the display type counter 505 is "0", the current base value is displayed; when the value of the display type counter 505 is "1", the previous base value is displayed; when the value of the display type counter 505 is "2", the base value from two previous times is displayed; and when the value of the display type counter 505 is "3", the base value from three previous times is displayed. Also, when the value of the display type counter 505 is "4", the difference in balls is displayed. In the update process of the display type counter 505, the value of the display type counter 505 is incremented by 1, and if the value after incrementing exceeds "4", the value of the display type counter 505 is set to "0". As a result, in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, the display of the current base value, previous base value, two previous times base value, three previous times base value, and difference in balls is sequentially changed at each of the above switching timings.

[0381] In this embodiment, the display of each of the above values ​​is switched at regular intervals, but this is not the only way to do so. For example, the display period for some of the base values ​​(e.g., the current base value) may be made different from the display period for other base values ​​(e.g., longer), or the display period for the difference in ball count may be made different from the display period for each base value (e.g., shorter).

[0382] If step S1403 is executed or a negative determination is made in step S1402 (i.e., it is not a switching timing), then in step S1404, the process of setting display type data indicating the current display target is executed. As shown in Figure 31, the work area 393 for non-specific control is provided with a display target area 506 as an area corresponding to the current display target. The display target area 506 is provided with a type area 506a where type data indicating the type of game history to be displayed is stored, and a history area 506b where history data indicating the value of the game history to be displayed is stored. In the display type data setting process of step S1404, the type data of the game history corresponding to the value of the display type counter 505 is set in the type area 506a of the display target area 506. For example, if the value of the display type counter 505 is "2", the process of overwriting the type data corresponding to the base value from two entries ago in the type area 506a is executed.

[0383] In step S1405, it is determined whether the management start flag provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1". If the management start flag is set to "1" and it is a situation in which various base values ​​and ball difference counts should be reported, the history value data setting process is executed in step S1406. In the history value data setting process, information on the base value or ball difference count is read from the area corresponding to the value of the display type counter 505 among the areas 504a to 504e of the calculation result area 504, and the history data is set in the history area 506b of the display target area 506. For example, if the value of the display type counter 505 is "2", the process is executed to read the history data of the base value from the previous-to-last time area 504c and overwrite it in the history area 506b.

[0384] If a negative result is determined in step S1405 (i.e., the management start flag is not set to "1"), then in step S1407, initial display data is set in the history area 506b of the display target area 506. The initial display data indicates the content to be displayed from the time the pachinko machine 10 is manufactured until the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA reaches the management start reference value (for example, 300 balls). The initial display data is set so that, for example, "-" is flashed on the third notification display device 169c and the fourth notification display device 169d.

[0385] If a positive result is obtained in step S1401 (i.e., the game is stopped), the process proceeds to step S1408, where the display type data corresponding to the difference in ball count is set in the type area 506a of the display target area 506. In the following step S1409, the history data corresponding to the difference in ball count is set in the history area 506b of the display target area 506. In other words, if the game is stopped, the display of the difference in ball count is set to be shown on the 1st to 5th notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0386] <Display processing for notification> Next, the notification display processing in step S406 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 34. The notification display processing outputs a display to the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e and is executed as part of the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21). This processing is executed by a specific control program in the MPU 312.

[0387] In the notification display processing, first in step S1501, it is determined whether the setting update display flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". The setting update display flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that the setting values ​​of the pachinko machine 10 are being updated, that is, that the setting value update process (Figure 19) is being executed.

[0388] If the setting update display flag is set to "1", the setting process for display data for updating the setting value is executed in step S1502. The work area 391 for specific control is provided with a specific display data buffer in which display data for causing the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e to display predetermined information is stored, and the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e control the lighting / exiting of each display segment in each notification display device 169a to 169e based on the display data stored in the specific display data buffer.

[0389] In step S1502, display data is stored in the specific display data buffer so that the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e display an indication that the setting value has been updated and an indication of the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 35(a), the central display segment of the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b lights up and displays "-", the third notification display device 169c displays "H" corresponding to the setting value update state, and the fourth notification display device 169d displays a numerical value indicating the setting value. In addition, all display segments of the fifth notification display device 169e are turned off and no display is shown.

[0390] If a negative result is obtained in step S1501 (i.e., the setting update display flag is not set to "1"), the process proceeds to step S1503, where it is determined whether the setting confirmation display flag in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". The setting confirmation display flag is a flag used by the MPU 312 to identify that the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10 is being checked, that is, that the setting confirmation process (Figure 20) is being executed.

[0391] If the setting confirmation display flag is set to "1", the setting confirmation display data setting process is executed in step S1504. In the setting confirmation display data setting process, display data is stored in the specific display data buffer in the specific control work area 391 so that the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e will display the status that the current setting value has been confirmed and the current setting value of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, for example, the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b will display "-" as in the case of a setting value update status, the third notification display device 169c will display "C" corresponding to the setting value confirmation status, and the fourth notification display device 169d will display a numerical value indicating the setting value. In this case as well, all display segments of the fifth notification display device 169e will be turned off, and no display will be shown.

[0392] If a negative result is obtained in step S1503 (i.e., the confirmation display flag is not set to "1"), it means that neither the setting value update state nor the setting value confirmation state is in progress. In this case, the processes in steps S1505 and S1506 are executed in order to display the above-mentioned base values ​​and difference ball counts on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0393] In step S1505, the display target area 506 provided in the non-specific control work area 393 is referenced to grasp the type data and history data of the game history that are to be displayed at that time from among the various base values ​​and difference in ball counts. Then, in step S1506, display data to enable the display of the type and calculated value of the game history to be displayed in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e is stored in the specific display data buffer in the specific control work area 391.

[0394] In this case, when the current base value is the target of display, for example, as shown in Figure 35(b), the identification display unit consisting of the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b displays "bL." corresponding to the current base value, and the ratio display unit consisting of the third notification display device 169c and the fourth notification display device 169d displays a two-digit numerical value indicating the current base value. Of these, the display in the identification display unit is based on the reference result of the type area 506a in the display target area 506 of the work area 393 for non-specific control, and the display in the ratio display unit is based on the reference result of the history area 506b in the display target area 506.

[0395] Furthermore, when the difference in ball count is the target of display, for example, as shown in Figure 35(c), a five-digit numerical display indicating the difference in ball count is shown in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. In addition, to indicate that the display corresponds to the difference in ball count, the display segment corresponding to the dot portion 197 in each notification display device 169a to 169e is lit. Of these, the numerical display in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e is based on the reference result of the history area 506b in the display target area 506, and the display of the dot portion 197 in each notification display device 169a to 169e is based on the reference result of the type area 506a in the display target area 506.

[0396] In this case, if the difference in the number of balls at that point is a negative value, that is, if the total number of game balls dispensed from the start of the calculation of the difference in the number of balls is less than the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA, the display data is set so that "00000" is displayed in the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e, as shown in Figure 35(d). However, internally, the calculated difference in the number of balls is stored and managed as a negative value.

[0397] Furthermore, if the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA after the manufacture of the pachinko machine 10 has not yet reached the management start threshold value, and the initial display data is the target of the display, then, for example, as shown in Figure 35(e), the identification display unit consisting of the first notification display device 169a and the second notification display device 169b will display information based on the reference result of the type area 506a, and the ratio display unit consisting of the third notification display device 169c and the fourth notification display device 169d will light up the central display segment and display "--". Also, if the base value is the target of the display after the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA has reached the management start threshold value, the display on the identification display unit will be continuously lit, but if the initial display data is the target of the display, the display on the identification display unit will be blinking, indicating that the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA has not yet reached the management start threshold value.

[0398] <Processing for determining game stoppage> Next, the game stop determination process in step S407 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 36. The game stop determination process determines whether or not to enter the game stop state, and based on the result, transitions to the game stop state. This process is executed as part of the timer interrupt process (Figure 21). This process is executed by a specific control program in the MPU312.

[0399] In the game stop determination process, step S1601 first determines whether the game stop flag, located in the work area 391 for specific control, is set to "1". The game stop flag is used by the MPU 312 to identify that the game is currently stopped.

[0400] If the game stop flag is set to "1", the game stop determination process ends. On the other hand, if the game stop flag is not set to "1", that is, if the game is not stopped, in step S1602, the difference in ball count area 504e provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is referenced to determine the current difference in ball count. In the following step S1603, a difference in ball count command is sent to the performance control device 143 to notify the difference in ball count determined in step S1602.

[0401] When the performance control device 143 receives the command, it controls the display control device 350 so that a predetermined notification image for notifying the current number of tokens is displayed on the symbol display device 75 in order to inform the player of the current number of tokens. In this case, it is preferable to display the notification image in a position that does not overlap with the symbols displayed on the symbol display device 75, for example, in the corner or near the corner of the display area of ​​the symbol display device 75 (the area of ​​the display screen G that is visible when viewed from the front of the gaming machine). This prevents the visibility of each symbol row Z1 to Z3 from being impaired by the notification image of the number of tokens.

[0402] The notification of the difference in the number of tokens displayed on the symbol display device 75 may be performed at all times regardless of the size of the difference in tokens, or it may be performed when the difference in tokens exceeds a predetermined number that is less than a specific number (for example, 95,000 tokens). Alternatively, instead of the difference in tokens, the number of tokens remaining until a specific number is reached may be notified. In this case as well, the notification may be performed at all times regardless of the difference in tokens at that time, or it may be started only after the difference in tokens exceeds the predetermined number mentioned above.

[0403] Furthermore, the location for notifying the difference in the number of tokens is not limited to the symbol display device 75, and the notification may be performed by a notification unit other than the symbol display device 75. In that case, the other notification unit may be a notification unit dedicated to notifying the difference in the number of tokens, or it may be a notification unit that is used for other notifications as well.

[0404] After step S1603 is executed, step S1604 determines whether or not fraud has been detected by the fraud detection process in step S405 (Figure 21). If fraud is detected, the process proceeds to step S1605, and the game stop flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". As a result, in the subsequent timer interrupt processing (Figure 21), the processing to control the progress of the game in steps S409 to S419 will not be executed (step S408: NO), and the progress of the game will be restricted.

[0405] In step S1606, a closing control process is executed to close the variable prize winning device 65 and the general-purpose device 63a. As a result, if the variable prize winning device 65 or the general-purpose device 63a is open, it is forcibly closed.

[0406] In step S1607, a launch stop process is executed, which switches the launch permission signal to the power supply and launch control device 191 to a LOW level. As a result, the launch of game balls is restricted, and even if the player operates the game ball launch handle 41, no game balls will be launched.

[0407] In step S1608, a game stop command is output to the payout control device 181, stopping the payout of game balls by the payout device 222. This immediately restricts further payouts of game balls if illegal payouts have been detected, thereby preventing further losses to the gaming hall. In addition, in step S1608, a game stop command is also output to the performance control device 143, stopping the performance display on the symbol display device 75, and triggering image and sound notifications indicating that the game is stopped.

[0408] In step S1609, an external information setting process is executed to output a predetermined external signal from the external output terminal 213, corresponding to the detection of fraud or the transition to a game stop state. As a result, the predetermined external signal is output to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side, and notification is given that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine 10. After the execution of step S1609, the game stop determination process is terminated.

[0409] If a negative result is obtained in step S1604 (no fraud detected), the process proceeds to step S1610, where it is determined whether the excess flag in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", that is, if the calculated difference in balls is greater than or equal to a specific number, then in step S1611, the game stop flag in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". This process is the same as in step S1605, and as a result, the game transitions to a game stop state. In other words, in this embodiment, if the difference in balls becomes greater than or equal to a specific number, the game transitions to a game stop state, and the progress of the game thereafter is restricted.

[0410] In step S1612, a closing control process is executed to close the variable prize device 65 and the general-purpose device 63a, and in step S1613, a launch stop process is executed to switch the launch permission signal to the power supply and launch control device 191 to the LOW level. These processes are the same as those in steps S1606 and S1607.

[0411] In the following step S1614, an overrun command is output to the performance control device 143. The overrun command is used to notify the performance control device 143 that the number of balls has exceeded a specific number and that the game has entered a stopped state. When the performance control device 143 receives this command, it controls the display control device 350 so that a notification image corresponding to the number of balls exceeding a specific number and a notification image corresponding to the game being stopped are displayed on the symbol display device 75. It also controls the speaker unit 29 to output an audio notification corresponding to the number of balls exceeding a specific number and the game being stopped.

[0412] Furthermore, if the game enters a stopped state in response to the detection of fraud, a game stop command is output to the payout control device 181 to restrict the payout of game balls from the payout device 222 (step S1608). However, if the game enters a stopped state in response to the difference in the number of balls exceeding a certain number, neither a game stop command nor an excess command is output to the payout control device 181, and the payout of game balls from the payout device 222 is not restricted. Furthermore, in the timer interrupt processing (Figure 21), if the game stops in response to the detection of fraud, that is, if the game stop flag is set to "1" in the work area 391 for specific control and the excess flag is not set to "1", the processing in steps S409 to S419, including the processing in steps S417 and S418 for dispensing game balls, is controlled not to be executed (step S421: NO). However, if the game stops in response to the difference in the number of balls exceeding a certain number, that is, if both the game stop flag and the excess flag are set to "1" in the work area 391 for specific control, the scope of processing that is not executed is limited to steps S409 to S416, and the processing in steps S417 and S418 for dispensing game balls is executed. Thus, in this embodiment, when the game stops because the number of balls exceeds a certain number, the system is configured to allow the payout of game balls, unlike when the game stops because fraud is detected.

[0413] In situations where many prize balls are generated, such as when the machine is in opening / closing mode, if the lower tray 34 remains full of game balls while the player is playing, the number of unpaid prize balls will increase because the dispenser 222 cannot dispense game balls due to this full state. If the number of balls exceeds a certain number in such a situation and the game transitions to a stopped state, and the machine is configured to restrict the dispensing of game balls, then even if the player removes game balls from the lower tray 34 to clear the full state during the stopped state, the dispensing of game balls will not resume, and the player may not be able to obtain prize balls. In this regard, if the dispensing of game balls is permitted while the game is stopped, then once the full state is cleared and the dispenser 222 can dispense game balls, the machine can dispense the game balls corresponding to the unpaid prize balls.

[0414] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the game transitions to a stopped state in response to the number of balls exceeding a specific number, the system is configured to execute not only the processes for dispensing game balls in steps S417 and S418, but also the external information setting process in step S419 for outputting an external signal to the outside of the game machine. In this case, when game balls are dispensed while the game is stopped, an external signal (prize ball signal) corresponding to that can be output, making it possible for the hall computer HC to appropriately determine the number of game balls dispensed while the game is stopped.

[0415] After step S1614 is executed, in step S1615, an external information setting process is performed to output a predetermined external signal from the external output terminal 213 corresponding to the fact that the difference in the number of balls has exceeded a specific number. As a result, the predetermined external signal is output to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side, and the fact that the difference in the number of balls has exceeded a specific number is notified.

[0416] In this case, it is preferable to use the same external signal as the one used when the game stops in response to the detection of fraud, as the external signal when the number of balls exceeds a certain number. Specifically, the external output terminal 213 should be configured so that the external signal when the number of balls exceeds a certain number is output from the same terminal as the external signal output when fraud is detected. This makes it possible to output an external signal when the number of balls exceeds a certain number without adding a new output terminal or installing a new external output terminal 213, thus simplifying the configuration.

[0417] In the above case, the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side may not be able to distinguish from the external signal whether fraud has been detected or whether the number of balls has exceeded a certain number. However, even in such cases, the external signal is output to the hall computer HC, and employees of the gaming hall can rush to the pachinko machine 10 to determine which of the above cases has occurred, so it is considered that there will be no operational problems.

[0418] If a negative result is obtained in step S1615 or in step S1610 (i.e., the excess flag is not set to "1"), the game stop determination process is terminated.

[0419] <Processing for startup when exceeding limits, processing for partial clearing> Next, the process for startup in case of exceeding the limit in step S114 and the process for partial clearing in step S115 will be explained. These processes are executed as part of the main process (Figure 18) and are performed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON and the supply of operating power to the MPU 312 begins.

[0420] First, the process for startup in case of exceeding the limit in step S114 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 37(a). This process is executed by a specific control program in the MPU312.

[0421] In the process for restarting after exceeding the limit, step S1801 first determines whether the excess flag provided in the work area 391 for specific control is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", it means that the power supply to the MPU 312 was stopped while the excess flag was set to "1", and then the power supply was resumed. One possible scenario is when the number of balls exceeds a certain number and an external signal is output, and an employee of the amusement hall rushes to the pachinko machine 10, turns the power off the pachinko machine 10, and then turns the power on.

[0422] In the above case, the main RAM 314 of the MPU 312 is supplied with power and backup power from the launch control device 191, so the information stored in the main RAM 314 is retained. For example, if the number of balls in the winning / losing lottery mode is in high probability mode and the number of balls in the winning / losing lottery mode exceeds a certain number, and the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned OFF → ON in that situation, the area in the main RAM 314 that indicates high probability mode will be set to "1".

[0423] Incidentally, in this embodiment, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, backup power is supplied to the main RAM 314 of the main control device 162, but backup power is not supplied to the payout RAM 384 of the payout control device 181. For this reason, the information stored in the main RAM 314 is retained even when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, whereas the information written in the payout RAM 384 is erased when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off.

[0424] If a positive result is obtained in step S1801 (if the excess flag is set to "1"), the process proceeds to step S1802, where a second initialization process is performed for the specific control area. In the second initialization process, the specific control work area 391 of the main RAM 314 is cleared to "0", excluding the area (setting value counter) where setting value information indicating the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 is set, and the area where prize ball information (at least information regarding the number of unpaid prize balls) for causing the payout control device 181 (payout device 222) to pay out prize balls is stored.

[0425] In this way, the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0" except for the area of ​​set values ​​and the area of ​​prize ball information. For example, the area indicating whether the win / fail lottery mode is in high probability mode is cleared to "0", and regardless of the win / fail lottery mode immediately before the supply of operating power to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, the win / fail lottery mode becomes low probability mode. In addition, the situation becomes one in which no game rounds are being played, the opening / closing execution mode is not being executed, the general display unit 44 is not showing a variable display, and the general electric mechanism 63a is in a closed state. Furthermore, the reserve storage area 314a and the general electric reserve area 314c provided in the work area 391 for specific control are also cleared to "0", so the special symbol reserve information and general symbol reserve information are erased.

[0426] On the other hand, regarding the prize ball information, the state immediately before the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped is retained. Therefore, even if the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned OFF while there are still unpaid prize balls remaining, when the power is subsequently turned ON, a prize ball command can be output to the payout control device 181 based on the stored information about the unpaid prize balls.

[0427] Therefore, if the number of balls in the difference exceeds a certain number under high probability mode, and an employee of the amusement hall turns off the power of the pachinko machine 10 while there are still unpaid prize balls remaining, the lottery mode after turning the power back on will be set to low probability mode, while the unpaid prize balls will be dispensed sequentially after turning the power back on. This allows for the appropriate dispensing of prize balls that the player is rightfully entitled to, while effectively suppressing a further increase in the number of balls in the difference.

[0428] In the second initialization process, similar to the first initialization process in step S104 (Figure 18), the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control are not cleared to "0". This makes it possible to prevent the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control from being cleared to "0" by employees of the gaming hall or other personnel.

[0429] After step S1802 is executed, the overload startup process is terminated. Also, if a negative result is obtained in step S1801 (i.e., the overload flag is not set to "1"), the overload startup process is terminated without executing the process in step S1802.

[0430] Next, the partial clearing process in step S115 will be explained. The partial clearing process is a process to clear some of the information stored in the non-specific control work area 393 to "0". The partial clearing process will be explained below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 37(b). Note that the processes in steps S1901 to S1903 in the partial clearing process are executed by the specific control program in the MPU 312.

[0431] In the partial clearing process, first, in step S1901, the information stored in the flag register, one of the multiple registers provided in the MPU312, is written to a predetermined area in the work area 391 for specific control and saved. This process is the same as step S1002 in the base value and difference ball count calculation process (Figure 28).

[0432] In step S1902, a call instruction reads the program of a subroutine corresponding to the partial clear execution process set in the non-specific control program, and starts the execution process. At this time, information to identify the return address after the execution of the execution process is written to the specific control stack area 392. When the partial clear execution process is completed, the information to identify the return address written to the stack area 392 is read, and the program returns to the partial clear process indicated by that return address.

[0433] In step S1903, the information in the saved flag register is restored, and then the partial clearing process is terminated. This process is the same as step S1004 in the base value and difference ball count calculation process (Figure 28).

[0434] Here, the partial clearing execution process, which is executed when the program for non-specific control is read in step S1902, will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 38.

[0435] In step S2101, the stack area to be used is switched from the stack area 392 for specific control to the stack area 394 for non-specific control. This process is the same as step S1101 in the execution process for the base value and difference in ball count (Figure 29).

[0436] In step S2102, information stored in some of the multiple registers provided in the MPU312 is saved to the work area 393 for unspecified control. In the subsequent steps S2103 to S2106, processing is performed using those registers from which the information has been saved.

[0437] After step S2102 is executed, a call command reads the subroutines for steps S2103 to S2106, which are set in the program for non-specific control, and executes them sequentially. In these processes, first in step S2103, the information on the difference in ball count is cleared. Specifically, the area 504e (Figure 31) for the difference in ball count in the calculation result area 504 provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is cleared to "0". As a result, the information on the difference in ball count stored in the area 504e is erased when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned OFF.

[0438] After step S2103 is executed, in step S2104, all counters 502a to 502e (Figure 31) in the ball difference counter area 502 located in the work area 393 for non-specific control are cleared to "0". As a result, the count values ​​of the general prize counter 502a, the first operation counter 502b, the second operation counter 502c, the special electric counter 502d, and the out counter 502e, which are used to calculate the ball difference, are changed to their initial values ​​("0").

[0439] In step S2105, it is determined whether the excess flag provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control is set to "1", and if it is set to "1", the excess flag is cleared to "0" (step S2106).

[0440] Thus, in this embodiment, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON, the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the work area 393 for non-specific control, the collected values ​​of the game history used to calculate it (measured values ​​of the number of balls entered for each ball entry section), and the information corresponding to the fact that the difference in the number of balls has exceeded a specific number are erased. Therefore, a player who plays after the power is turned ON will start playing without inheriting the information on the difference in the number of balls from the state before the power was turned ON.

[0441] Even when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON, the areas of the non-specific control work area 393 other than the ball difference area 504e and the ball difference counter area 502 are not cleared to "0". Therefore, the current base value and the base value information for each round stored in each area 504a to 504d of the calculation result area 504, and the information of each counter 501a to 501c in the base value counter area 501 are not erased and remain stored. Thus, players who play after the power ON operation will start playing with information regarding the base value that was in the state before the power ON operation.

[0442] After executing the processes in steps S2103 to S2106, in step S2107, the stack area to be used is switched from the non-specific control stack area 394 to the specific control stack area 392. In the following step S2108, the values ​​of each register that were saved in the non-specific control work area 393 in step S2102 are restored to the respective registers of the MPU 312.

[0443] <Regarding the process of restricting gameplay using the difference in the number of balls played> Next, we will explain the process of restricting gameplay using the difference in the number of balls, referring to Figures 39 and 40.

[0444] While a player is playing, the pachinko machine 10 uses the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 to perform ball entry determination for the general prize entry opening 61, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, the variable prize entry device 65, and the out opening 68 (Figure 39(a)). Specifically, it refers to the output of ball entry detection sensors 91a to 96 provided in the discharge passage sections 91 to 96 (Figure 7) that communicate with each of the ball entry sections 61 to 63, 65, and 68, and determines whether or not a ball has entered each of those ball entry sections 61 to 63, 65, and 68.

[0445] Then, when a ball entry is determined in each of the ball entry sections 61-63, 65, and 68, the values ​​of the general prize entry counter 502a, the first operation counter 502b, the second operation counter 502c, the special electric counter 502d, and the out counter 502e, which are provided in the work area 393 for non-specific control of the main RAM 314, are updated. Of these counters 502a-502e, counters 502a-502d correspond to the general prize entry opening 61, the first operation opening 62, the second operation opening 63, and the variable prize entry device 65, respectively, and if a ball entry occurs in one of the ball entry sections 61-63, 65, the value of the corresponding counter is incremented by 1. Furthermore, the out counter 520e is responsible for measuring the total number of game balls discharged from the game area PA. If a ball enters any of the ball entry points 61-63, 65, or 68, including the out port 68, the value of the out counter 502e is incremented by 1.

[0446] Subsequently, the MPU312 calculates the difference in ball count using the update results of each of the counters 502a to 502e mentioned above. In calculating the difference in ball count, first, the total number of game balls dispensed is calculated based on the values ​​of each counter 502a to 502d (the number of balls dispensed into each ball entry section 61 to 63, 65) and the prize ball count information for each ball entry section 61 to 63, 65. Then, the value of the out counter 502e (the total number of game balls dispensed from the game area PA) is subtracted from the total number of balls dispensed to derive the difference in ball count.

[0447] The MPU312 stores the calculated difference in ball count information in the difference in ball count area 504e located in the non-specific control work area 393. Then, it performs an over-check to determine whether the calculated difference in ball count exceeds a specific number (for example, 100,000) set as a trigger for activating the game restriction. If the difference in ball count exceeds the specific number, it sets the over-flag located in the non-specific control work area 393 to "1".

[0448] Here, the main RAM 314 is provided with a work area 391 and a stack area 392 for specific control, and a work area 393 and a stack area 394 for non-specific control. When the MPU 312 executes processing corresponding to non-specific control, both writing and reading of information is possible to the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control, while information can be read from the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control, but writing is not possible. Furthermore, the processing for controlling the progress of the game is included in the processing corresponding to specific control, and each process from ball entry judgment to excess judgment is included in the processing corresponding to non-specific control. Therefore, by executing the processes from ball entry judgment to excess judgment, it is possible to prevent the information used in the processing for controlling the progress of the game from being overwritten or accidentally erased.

[0449] Furthermore, when processing corresponding to specific control is executed on the MPU 312 using a program and data for specific control, both writing and reading of information is possible in the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control, while information can be read from the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control, but writing is not possible. Therefore, when executing processing to control the progress of the game, it is possible to prevent the values ​​of each counter 502a to 502e and the calculated difference in ball count information from being overwritten or accidentally erased.

[0450] In the MPU312, each process from ball entry detection to excess detection is executed as part of a timer interrupt process (Figure 21) that is triggered every 4 msec. Therefore, the difference in ball count is calculated periodically according to the above period, and it is determined whether the difference in ball count has reached a certain number or more at each step.

[0451] In this case, the difference in the number of balls each time is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e provided on the main control device 162. Therefore, if an employee of the amusement hall needs to check the difference in the number of balls managed by the pachinko machine 10, they can do so by unlocking the locking device 55 and rotating the inner frame 13 towards the front of the pachinko machine 10. In addition, the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e also display the base value calculated and managed by the pachinko machine 10, and the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e are used for both displaying the base value and the difference in the number of balls. Therefore, there is no need to provide separate display devices for each of these displays, the configuration is simplified, and the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e can be used effectively.

[0452] Furthermore, the number of balls in each game is notified to the performance control device 143 via a ball count command output from the main control device 162. The performance control device 143 controls the display of the ball count notification image to be displayed on the symbol display device 75 at all times or when the ball count exceeds a certain number, thereby notifying the player of the ball count.

[0453] For example, in normal gameplay, the total number of game balls dispensed is kept low, and the total number of balls dispensed exceeds the total number of game balls dispensed, resulting in a decrease in the difference in ball count. Conversely, in open / close execution mode, a large number of game balls are dispensed, and the total number of balls dispensed exceeds the total number of game balls dispensed, resulting in an increase in the difference in ball count. However, if jackpots occur more frequently than expected, and the difference in ball count increases significantly to reach the specified number mentioned above (timing t1 in Figure 39(b)), the MPU 312 sets the excess flag to "1" as described above, and then transitions to a game stop state where gameplay is disabled.

[0454] Although the probability of winning a jackpot is uniquely determined for each setting value, the actual probability of winning during gameplay varies, which can lead to the number of balls dispensed exceeding the expectations of the game machine designer, raising concerns about increased gambling tendencies. In this embodiment, the difference in the number of balls is monitored at each stage, and if the difference exceeds a certain number, the game enters a stop state, making it impossible to continue playing. This suppresses further ball entry into each ball entry section 61-63, 65 that awards prize balls. Therefore, the increase in the number of game balls acquired by the player is suppressed, making it possible to prevent an excessive increase in gambling tendencies.

[0455] When the game is stopped, the system executes a closing control process for the variable prize winning device 65 and the general-purpose device 63a to forcibly close them, and also executes a launch stop process to prevent the launch of game balls by the game ball launching mechanism 110. Furthermore, if a game round is in progress on the special display unit 43 or the general display unit 44, the process to control the progress of those rounds is interrupted, thereby canceling each of those game rounds.

[0456] Furthermore, the MPU 312 outputs an overage command to the performance control device 143, notifying the performance control device 143 that the difference in ball count has exceeded a specific number. The MPU 312 controls the display of symbols on the display device 75 to show a notification image corresponding to the difference in ball count exceeding a specific number, or a notification image requesting assistance, such as "Please call an attendant." The overage command also corresponds to the transition to a game stop state, not just the difference in ball count exceeding a specific number. Therefore, the performance control device 143 stops the performance display on the symbol display device 75, or executes image and sound notifications indicating that the game has stopped.

[0457] Furthermore, the MPU312 outputs a predetermined external signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side via the external output terminal 213. In this case, the external signal is output from the same terminal that outputs an external signal when fraud is detected on the external output terminal 213. In this case, the external signal functions as a signal to notify that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine 10, prompting hall employees to rush to the pachinko machine 10. In this way, by using the same terminal for external output to output an external signal when the number of balls exceeds a certain number and when fraud is detected, it is possible to output an external signal when the number of balls exceeds a certain number without adding a new output terminal, and furthermore, the gaming hall can receive the external signal using existing equipment (external signal receiving equipment such as data counters).

[0458] Furthermore, if the game transitions to a game stop state based on the difference in the number of balls exceeding a certain number, the payout control device 181 does not output a game stop command. In other words, the control process to drive the payout device 222 and dispense game balls continues, allowing the dispenser of game balls even while the game is stopped. As a result, even if the game transitions to a game stop state in the middle of dispensing, the dispensing process will continue until the dispenser of game balls is complete, and the player will be properly dispensed the prize balls they are entitled to.

[0459] Furthermore, if the difference in the number of balls exceeds a certain number, the system transitions to a game-stopped state while allowing the output of external signals during the game-stopped state, and enables the output of external signals (prize ball signals) when game balls are dispensed during the game-stopped state. This allows the hall computer HC to be notified of the occurrence and number of dispensed balls during the game-stopped state, and even in a configuration where dispensed balls can be executed during the game-stopped state, it becomes possible to suitably match the number of dispensed balls managed by the hall computer HC with the number of balls actually dispensed.

[0460] Incidentally, the game stop state is entered not only when the number of balls exceeds a certain number, but also when an abnormality such as magnetic fields or vibrations is detected (Figure 40(a)). In this case, a game stop command is output to the payout control device 181, stopping the payout of game balls by the payout device 222. This immediately restricts further payouts of game balls if illegal payouts of game balls have been detected, thereby preventing further losses to the gaming hall.

[0461] Furthermore, if an abnormality such as magnetic fields or vibrations is detected, the output of external signals will also be restricted. However, this is not necessarily the only option, and a configuration that allows the output of external signals while the game is stopped may also be used.

[0462] After the number of balls exceeds a certain number and the predetermined external signal is output, a hall employee who rushes to the pachinko machine 10 turns off the power to the pachinko machine 10, stopping the supply of operating power to the MPU 312. In this case, the MPU 312 sets the power outage flag in the work area 391 for specific control to "1", and further calculates and saves a checksum for the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control. While the supply of operating power is stopped, backup power is supplied from the power supply and launch control device 191 to the main RAM 314, and the information stored in the work area 391 for specific control and the stack area 392 for specific control, as well as the information stored in the work area 393 for non-specific control and the stack area 394 for non-specific control, is maintained.

[0463] Subsequently, when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on by a hall employee without the reset button 166c being pressed, and power is supplied to the MPU 312 in this state, the MPU 312 calculates checksums for the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control of the main RAM 314, and determines whether these match the checksums saved when the power was cut off.

[0464] If they match, the stored information is recognized as valid, and then it is determined whether the excess flag in the non-specific control work area 393 is set to "1". If the excess flag is set to "1", it means that the power OFF operation of the pachinko machine 10 was performed when the difference in balls was greater than or equal to a specific number. In this case, the second initialization process is performed on the specific control work area 391 and the specific control stack area 392. In the second initialization process, the specific control work area 391 is cleared to "0", excluding the area where the current setting value information of the pachinko machine 10 is stored and the area where the prize ball information for causing the payout control device 181 (payout device 222) to pay out prize balls is stored (Figure 40(b)).

[0465] The above clearing process erases the information in the work area 391 for specific control, clearing the game stop flag set in the work area 391 for specific control to "0", and the game stop state is released. In addition, the lottery mode is set to low probability mode, the opening / closing execution mode and game rounds are not executed, and the special symbol reserve information and normal symbol reserve information are erased. Therefore, for example, if the number of balls exceeds a certain number while a jackpot is in a winning streak in high probability mode, the winning streak state will be released, the win / loss lottery mode will be changed to low probability mode, and the game will resume.

[0466] Furthermore, in the second initialization process, the prize ball information is excluded from the clearing process, and the state of the prize ball information when the power is turned off is carried over even after the power is turned on. Therefore, even if the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off while there are still unpaid prize balls remaining, the machine can continue to pay out the remaining balls when the power is turned on afterward.

[0467] After the second initialization process described above, the MPU 312 performs a partial clear process for the work area 393 for non-specific control. In the partial clear process, the information on the number of balls difference stored in the ball difference area 504e in the work area 393 for non-specific control is erased, and the values ​​of the counters 502a to 502e, which are provided in the work area 393 to collect the history of game balls entering each ball entry unit 61 to 63, 65, and 68, are initialized. Therefore, if the pachinko machine 10 is restarted by a hall employee when the number of balls difference exceeds a certain number, the state of exceeding the number of balls difference is cleared and the pachinko machine 10 starts up with the ball difference count starting from the initial state.

[0468] Furthermore, if the number of balls is less than a specified number and the excess flag is not set to "1", and the reset button 166c is not pressed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON, the above second initialization process will not be executed, and the information stored in the work area 391 and stack area 392 for specific control when the power supply was stopped will be retained as is.

[0469] On the other hand, a partial clear process is performed on the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control, erasing the information on the difference in ball count and initializing the values ​​of each counter 502a to 502e and the state of the excess flag. This allows the values ​​of each counter 502a to 502e, which were updated by the previous day's play, to be initialized and the information on the difference in ball count erased simply by turning off the power of the pachinko machine 10 when the gaming hall closes and turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10 when the hall opens the next day. For example, if a reset operation was required, which involves pressing the reset button 166c while turning on the power of the pachinko machine 10, then each pachinko machine installed in the gaming hall would have to be reset one by one, potentially significantly increasing the workload for hall employees during opening preparations. With the above configuration, such workload can be eliminated, and the workload of hall employees can be reduced. In particular, in amusement halls, multiple pachinko machines 10 are installed on an island-style setup, and by turning on the power to the island-style setup, it is possible to turn on the power to all of the pachinko machines 10 installed on that setup at once. Therefore, by turning on the power to the island-style setup, it is possible to erase information such as the difference in the number of balls for all of the pachinko machines 10 at once, which significantly reduces the effort required for opening preparations at amusement halls.

[0470] When the power is turned ON as described above, if the setting key insertion part 166a is in the ON position, the system will switch to the setting confirmation state. In the setting confirmation state, the setting value is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e.

[0471] Furthermore, if the number of balls in the game is less than a specified number and the excess flag is not set to "1", and the reset button 166c is pressed while the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned ON, the above first initialization process is executed. In the first initialization process, the work area 391 for specific control is cleared to "0", except for the area where the current setting information of the pachinko machine 10 is stored. In addition, a partial clear process is performed on the work area 393 and stack area 394 for non-specific control, erasing the information on the number of balls in the game that has been stored as a specified number, and initializing the values ​​of each counter 502a to 502e and the state of the excess flag.

[0472] When the setting key insertion section 166a is in the ON position and the power is turned ON, the first initialization process is executed, and then the system transitions to a setting update state in which the setting state of the pachinko machine 10 can be changed. In the setting update state, the setting value can be switched within the range of "Setting 1" to "Setting 6" by pressing the update button 166b. At this time, the setting value is displayed on the first to fifth notification display devices 169a to 169e. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the setting value can be switched by operating the reset button 166c, without the update button 166b.

[0473] As described in detail above, this embodiment can achieve the following excellent effects.

[0474] When a ball enters the general prize entry opening 61, the first operating opening 62, the second operating opening 63, the variable prize entry device 65, or the out opening 68, the corresponding counters 502a to 502e are updated, and the difference in ball count is derived based on this information. This allows the pachinko machine 10 to collect a history of ball entries into each of the ball entry openings 61 to 63, 65, and 68, and to monitor the difference in ball count each time. Furthermore, the system is configured to switch to a game stop state when the derived difference in ball count exceeds a certain number. This suppresses the increase in prize balls won by the player and allows the pachinko machine 10 to operate in a way that prevents excessive increases in gambling tendencies.

[0475] In the main RAM 314, a specific control work area 391 and a stack area 392 are provided as areas for reading and writing information when processing is executed by a specific control program, and a specific control work area 393 and a stack area 394 are provided as areas for reading and writing information when processing is executed by a non-specific control program. When processing is executed by a specific control program, information can be read from the non-specific control work area 393 and stack area 394, but information cannot be written. When processing is executed by a non-specific control program, information can be read from the specific control work area 391 and stack area 392, but information cannot be written. Furthermore, the processing executed by the program for specific control includes steps S409 to S419 for controlling the progress of the game, and counters 502a to 502e for collecting the history of ball entry into each ball entry section 61 to 63, 65, and 68, and a ball difference area 504e for storing the derived ball difference information are provided within the work area 393 for non-specific control.

[0476] This configuration prevents the information from being overwritten or erased by the processing to control the progress of the game, such as the information from each counter 502a to 502e or the information about the difference in balls stored in the difference in balls area 504e. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately monitor whether the difference in balls exceeds a certain number, and consequently, to appropriately control the transition to a game stop state based on the monitoring results.

[0477] The configuration allows external information to be output when the game stops due to the number of balls exceeding a specific number, using the same terminal used for outputting external information when the game stops due to fraud detection (anomaly detection). As a result, the pachinko machine 10 does not need to be fitted with any new external output terminals, and the gaming hall can use its existing configuration for information receiving units such as data counters and management devices such as the hall computer HC, thereby reducing costs for both parties.

[0478] In this configuration, the signal pattern (output period, etc.) of the external signal when the number of balls exceeds a specific number is made the same as the signal pattern of the external information when fraud is detected, so that the same signal is output in both cases. In this case, the pachinko machine 10 does not need to add a processing program to output a dedicated signal corresponding to when the number of balls exceeds a specific number, and the amusement hall can analyze the external information when the number of balls exceeds a specific number using the existing hall computer HC, eliminating the need for improvements or additions to the hall computer HC. However, since it is anticipated that it may be impossible or difficult for the hall computer HC to distinguish and recognize the external information when the number of balls exceeds a specific number and the external information when fraud is detected, it is preferable to make it function as a signal to call a hall employee.

[0479] The system is configured to allow the payout of game balls when the game enters a stopped state based on the difference in the number of balls exceeding a specific number. For example, if the difference in the number of game balls exceeds a specific number while game balls are being dispensed, there is a risk that the payout of game balls will be terminated prematurely when the game enters a stopped state. With this configuration, however, even if the game enters a stopped state in the middle of dispensing game balls, the payout of game balls can be continued until the end.

[0480] In particular, a situation in which the difference in the number of balls exceeds a certain number is expected to occur during the execution of the opening and closing execution mode, in which many prize balls are awarded in a short period of time. However, if a full state occurs and the payout of game balls stops for an extended period, a large amount of unpaid prize balls will accumulate internally. In this case, for example, in a configuration where payouts are restricted when the game is stopped, even if the player removes game balls from the lower tray 34 to resolve the full state, the payout of game balls will not resume, and there is a risk that the large amount of unpaid prize balls that have accumulated internally will not be recovered. In this regard, if the payout of game balls is permitted when the game is stopped, then when the full state is resolved and game balls can be paid out from the payout device 222, it will be possible to pay out game balls corresponding to the unpaid prize balls, and the prize balls that the player should receive will be appropriately paid out.

[0481] The system is configured to allow the output of external information corresponding to the payout of game balls when the game stops due to the difference in the number of game balls exceeding a certain number. In this case, even if game balls are paid out while the game is stopped, the occurrence of such a payout is appropriately notified to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side through the output of the external information. Therefore, it is possible to suppress discrepancies between the number of game balls actually paid out by the pachinko machine 10 and the number known by the hall computer HC, which may occur due to game balls being paid out while the game is stopped.

[0482] The system is configured such that when the number of balls in the winning / losing lottery exceeds a certain number, the power supply to the MPU 312 is stopped, and then when the power supply to the MPU 312 is restarted, a second initialization process is executed to erase the information stored in the work area 391 for specific control. As a result, for example, if a player wins a jackpot with a probability variation while the winning / losing lottery mode is in high probability mode, and the number of balls in the winning / losing lottery mode exceeds a certain number during the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to that jackpot, the flag information corresponding to being in the opening / closing execution mode and the information corresponding to transitioning to high probability mode after the opening / closing execution mode (jackpot type information indicating that it is a jackpot of a type corresponding to transitioning to high probability mode) are initialized, and then the pachinko machine 10 is started. Therefore, the winning / losing lottery mode is changed to low probability mode and the opening / closing execution mode is not being executed, and as a result, the acquisition of further prize balls is restricted. Thus, it becomes possible to operate the pachinko machine 10 in a way that suppresses the increase in prize balls acquired by the player and prevents an excessive increase in gambling tendencies. Furthermore, since the pachinko machine 10 itself automatically makes such changes, it reduces the workload for hall staff when the number of balls exceeds a certain amount. In addition, since hall staff do not have discretion in deciding whether or not to make such changes, it is possible to ensure fairness in the game.

[0483] In the second initialization process, the payout control device 181 (payout device 222) is configured to exclude the payout information for prize balls from the initialization process. As a result, even if the game stops when the number of balls exceeds a certain number, and the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned OFF while there are unpaid prize balls remaining in that stopped state, the game balls corresponding to the unpaid prize balls can be dispensed sequentially after the power is turned ON. In other words, while further acquisition of prize balls is restricted by initializing information such as the win / loss lottery mode, the corresponding information for unpaid prize balls is stored, making it possible to appropriately dispense the prize balls that the player should have received.

[0484] In this embodiment, although the main RAM 314 of the main control device 162 is provided with a backup function for information stored in RAM when the power is cut off, the payout RAM 384 of the payout control device 181 is not provided with such a function. Therefore, when the power is cut off, the prize ball information for distributing prize balls is stored in the main RAM 314. Based on this, the system is configured so that the prize ball information in the main RAM 314 is not erased during the second initialization process when power is restored. However, if a backup function is provided for the payout RAM 384 and the prize ball information is stored in the payout RAM 384 when the power is cut off, it would be preferable to prevent the stored prize ball information from being erased.

[0485] Regardless of whether the difference in ball count exceeds a certain number, the power supply to the MPU 312 is stopped, and then when the power supply to the MPU 312 is started again, a partial clear process is executed to initialize the difference in ball count information and the values ​​of each counter 502a to 502e. In this case, the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off when the amusement hall closes and then turned on when it opens the next day, so that the difference in ball count information and the like can be erased naturally. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game from being played with the difference in ball count etc. based on the previous day's game performance carried over, and to prevent the transition to a game stop state from being influenced by the previous day's game performance.

[0486] Furthermore, since the configuration does not require any operations other than power off and power on to perform the partial clearing process, the workload for hall employees at the start of business hours can be greatly reduced. For example, if the information on the number of balls won is erased only when the reset button 166c is pressed and power is supplied to the MPU 312, then such an operation would need to be performed for each pachinko machine installed in the hall, which could be a very time-consuming task for hall employees. In this case, however, with this configuration, the information on the number of balls won is erased automatically when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 10, so the effort required for such erasure can be greatly reduced. In particular, in amusement halls, by turning on the power to the island equipment, power can be turned on to multiple pachinko machines installed in that island equipment at once, so the erasure process can be performed on multiple pachinko machines at once with a single operation, making it possible to efficiently erase the information on the number of balls won.

[0487] Furthermore, since information such as the difference in the number of balls is stored in the work area 393 for non-specific control, when erasing that information in the above-mentioned partial clearing process, it is possible to suppress the overwriting or erasure of setting values ​​and other information stored in the work area 391 for specific control.

[0488] The main processing (Figure 18) that starts when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on is configured to execute th...

Claims

[Claim 1] Information storage means that requires power supply to store and retain information, A means capable of executing specific control based on predetermined information when predetermined information is stored in the information storage means, A means that supplies retaining power to the information storage means for storing information when the power supply for operation is stopped, and enables the information to be stored in the information storage means. A specific means that enables the predetermined information to be erased in the information storage means when the supply of operating power is started, or the supply of operating power to be started while the predetermined information has been erased in the information storage means, A gaming machine characterized by having the following features.

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