Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of drastically increasing an interest.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine includes a central winning unit 37 that is opened and closed when game balls shot into a game area enter start winning parts 33a, 33b and a small win is won by a winning / losing lottery based on the entry of game balls. A destination of game balls entering an internal area of the central winning unit 37 is distributed to a winning / losing lottery area or an accessory operation lottery area by a route distribution member 603. Game balls guided to the winning / losing lottery area are used for a winning / losing lottery by a rotor unit 410. A big win state occurs when winning the winning / losing lottery. In the meantime, game balls guided to the accessory operation lottery area are guided to a special gate 650, and an operation assist lottery is held when the entry is detected. When the operation assist lottery is won, a movable accessory becomes in an operation state advantageous to a player for predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A pachinko machine, which is a type of gaming machine that shoots gaming balls into a gaming area to play a game, is known. For example, a pachinko machine is known in which a lottery is held based on the entry of a gaming ball into a predetermined ball entry means, and when a predetermined result is obtained from the lottery, a gaming state advantageous to the player is generated.

[0003] Among such pachinko machines, there are some that create interest by the rotation of the rotation means (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-100385 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional gaming machines, the structure of the rotating means tends to be complicated and there is little visual variation.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine in which the interest can be easily changed in the gaming area provided on the gaming board by using a rotation means provided in the gaming area, and visibility can be changed by changing the relative positional relationship of the two rotation means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: A game board having a game area on the front side; a lottery means for holding a lottery when a predetermined opportunity is realized based on a predetermined game played by a player; a game value granting means for granting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery; A first rotation means that is rotatable around the front-rear direction as an axial direction in a predetermined area of ​​the game area and is configured to be able to change its state between at least a predetermined rotation state and a predetermined stop state, and has a visual confirmation part that allows the rear side to be seen; In the gaming machine, a predetermined decorative means is provided on the rear side of the first rotating means in the gaming area, the first rotation means is configured to change from the predetermined stopped state to the predetermined rotation state when a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the predetermined game by the player; This gaming machine is The relative positional relationship between the first rotation means in a front view of the predetermined area and the second rotation means that is movable in the game area and rotatable in a predetermined manner is configured to be changeable between a first positional relationship in which at least a part of the first rotation means and at least a part of the second rotation means do not overlap in the front view, and a second positional relationship in which at least a part of the first rotation means and at least a part of the second rotation means overlap in the front view, In the first positional relationship, At least a part of the predetermined decorative means is visible through the visible portion of the first rotating means when viewed from the front, In the second positional relationship, At least a part of the second rotating means that overlaps with the visible portion of the first rotating means in the front view is visible through the visible portion of the first rotating means, and an area of ​​at least a part of the predetermined decorative means that is blocked by the second rotating means is not visible through the visible portion of the first rotating means, At least a part of the rear area of ​​the game board is visible from the front, The first rotation means is configured to be rotatable in a front region of the game board, The second rotation means is configured to be movable from the front region to the rear region of the game board, This gaming machine is The second rotation means is configured to be movable along a plurality of movement paths, The gist of the invention is that when the second rotation means approaches the first rotation means, it is configured to be able to move along any one of the multiple movement paths to approach the first rotation means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, in the game area provided on the game board, the interest can be easily changed by using the rotation means provided in the game area, and the visibility can be changed by changing the relative positional relationship of the two rotation means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the pass / fail determination process. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable time determination process. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of counting balls scored. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a special prize winning process. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing non-special prize winning processing. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a special gate passing process. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a type-based goal scoring process. [Figure 22] A flowchart showing the V prize jackpot setting process. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart showing a discrimination information setting process. [Figure 26] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing an end setting process. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart showing a blade member opening / closing process. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 30] A flowchart showing the start-up prize section control processing. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart showing a third display control process. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a bypass mechanism control process. [Figure 33] 10 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 34] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 35] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 36] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 39] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 40] A front view of the central winning unit. [Figure 41] 6(a) to 6(c) are explanatory views for explaining the operation of the route allocation member. [Figure 42] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a route allocating member. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the rotating body unit. [Figure 44] (a) is a front view showing the rotating body unit with the movable parts in a stored state, and (b) is a front view showing the rotating body unit with the movable parts in a protruding state. [Figure 45] (a) is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the movable props and their related configuration in a stored state, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the movable props and their related configuration in a protruding state. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a route allocation member and the like according to another embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional front view illustrating a route allocation area and the like according to another embodiment. [Figure 48] A flowchart showing the start pre-winning processing. [Figure 49] 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth display control process. [Figure 50] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 52] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 53] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. [Figure 54] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 55] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, back pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 56] FIG. 2 is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 57] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a variable display unit. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Figure 59] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 60] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. [Figure 61] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by the main control device. [Figure 62] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 63] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 64] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 65] 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 66] 10 is a flowchart showing reach determination processing. [Figure 67] 10 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 68] 10 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 69] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the lottery mode flag, the support mode flag, the game state identification counter, and the game state determination value. FIG. [Figure 70]10 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 71] 10 is a flowchart showing the setting process at the end of fluctuation. [Figure 72] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 73] A flowchart showing the variable prize-winning device control process. [Figure 74] 10 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 75] 10 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing device control process. [Figure 76] 10 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 77] 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 78] 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 79] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 80] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 81] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative symbols. FIG. [Figure 82] 10 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 83] 10 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 84] 10 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 85] 10 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 86] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 87] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 88] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Figure 89]10A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a complete miss occurs. [Figure 90] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Figure 91] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Figure 92] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device in a normal state. [Figure 93] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a decorative pattern display device when a jackpot occurs. FIG. [Figure 94] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device during the chance mode. FIG. [Figure 95] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device during gold mode. [Figure 96] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of a decorative pattern display device during a roulette effect. FIG. [Figure 97] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device when a pending display change process is performed. [Figure 98] 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the role object performance setting process. [Figure 99] This is a flowchart showing part of the role object performance setting process, which is a continuation of Figure 98. [Figure 100] 10A is a diagram showing the configuration of a device performance pattern determination table for "end" time, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the configuration of a device performance pattern determination table for "until next time". [Figure 101] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the upper rotor and other components in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 102] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the upper rotor in a diameter-reduced state. [Figure 103] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the upper rotor and other components in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 104] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a part of the upper rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 105]102 is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in FIG. 101. [Figure 106] This is a front view showing some of the lower movable parts (both left and right lower rotating bodies, etc.). [Figure 107] This is a side view showing some of the lower movable parts (both left and right lower rotating bodies, etc.). [Figure 108] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a performance using an upper rotating body. [Figure 109] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a stopped state (stopped state without enlarged display) of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies according to the first development performance pattern. [Figure 110] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stopped state (weak / SMALL expansion stopped state) of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies related to the second development performance pattern. [Figure 111] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stopped state of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies (strong / small expansion stopped state) related to the third development performance pattern. [Figure 112] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stopped state (weak / BIG expansion stopped state) of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies related to the fourth development performance pattern. [Figure 113] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stopped state of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies (strong / BIG expansion stopped state) related to the fifth development performance pattern. [Figure 114] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a rotating body according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] An embodiment of a pachinko machine as a gaming machine will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 3, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the machine, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so that it can be opened and closed. However, for the sake of convenience, Figure 3 omits the nails and accessories arranged on the game board 30, the glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like.

[0011] As shown in Figure 6, the outer frame 11 has an upper frame component 11a and a lower frame component 11b made of wooden boards, and a left frame component 11c and a right frame component 11d made of extruded aluminum alloy material, and these frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together into a rectangular frame shape as a whole using detachable fasteners such as screws.

[0012] An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left-side frame-constituting portion 11c, respectively (see Figure 1). The upper and lower parts of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, allowing the inner frame 12 to open and close. The inner frame 12 and other components are housed in a space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0013] Further, the right-side frame component 11d has an extending wall 83 formed thereon that protrudes from the vicinity of the rear end in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to a locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5).

[0014] 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 for receiving a locking member of the locking device 600 is provided on the front side of the extending wall portion 83. The lower receiving portion 85 has a pressing portion 86 that protrudes toward the inside of the outer frame 11 and abuts against an inner frame opening detection switch 92 (described later).

[0015] Furthermore, a resin decorative panel 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. An upwardly protruding rib 88 is integrally formed on the innermost part of the upper surface of the decorative panel 87. This makes it less likely that a gap will form between the decorative panel 87 and the inner frame 12.

[0016] 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with this opening / closing axis as its axis. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the center of the resin base 38.

[0017] In addition, a front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is designed to be able to open forward around an opening and closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0018] The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape, similar to the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 when closed. An approximately oval window portion 101 is formed in the center of the front frame set 14. This makes it possible to view the game board 30 (play area) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed structure of the game board 30 will be described later.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a lower tray 15 is provided at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame set 14 as a ball receiving tray, and game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging game balls from the lower tray 15 is provided on the front side of the lower tray 15.

[0020] An effect button 125 is provided on the left side of the lower tray 15. When the player presses the effect button 125, a predetermined effect is performed or the effect content is changed on the effect display device 42, which will be described later.

[0021] A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as "handle") 18 protruding toward the front is provided on the right side of the lower tray 15. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detection means (variable resistor) (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation part of the handle 18.

[0022] When the handle 18 is rotated clockwise, a gaming ball is launched by a launching device 60 (described later) serving as launching means, with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation. The handle 18 is also provided with a launch prohibition button 18a that can be pressed with the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 18. When the launch prohibition button 18a is pressed, the launching of gaming balls by the launching device 60 is prohibited even if the handle 18 is being held. For this reason, the handle 18 can be rotated while prohibiting the launch of gaming balls, or the launch of gaming balls can be temporarily stopped while the handle 18 is being held.

[0023] An upper tray 19 is provided above the lower tray 15. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls and guides them in a row toward the launching device 60, which will be described later. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the game balls that are dispensed are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and a discharge port 16, which will be described later.

[0024] The upper tray 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, lending balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in response to the operation. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. However, in pachinko machines in which game balls are directly loaned from a ball lending device, etc. to the upper tray 19 without going through the card unit, so-called cash machines, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary.

[0025] Furthermore, a ball removal button 123 is provided on the upper tray 19. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) that is provided downstream of the ball guide path on the upper tray 19 and communicates with the lower tray 15 opens, and the gaming balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided (dropped) to the lower tray 15. In other words, by operating the ball removal button 123, the player can transfer the gaming balls in the upper tray 19 to the lower tray 15 at any time.

[0026] In addition, various light-emitting means such as lamps are provided around the front of the front frame set 14. These light-emitting means are controlled to change their light emission modes, such as lighting up or flashing, according to changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a predetermined reach is reached, and serve to enhance the presentation effects during play.

[0027] For example, a circular illumination section 102 incorporating an LED or other light-emitting means is provided around the periphery of the window section 101. In addition, error indicator lamps 104 that light up when a specified error occurs are provided on both sides of the circular illumination section 102. In addition, above each error indicator lamp 104 of the circular illumination section 102, a number of small through holes are formed to correspond to the speakers SP (see Figure 3) provided on the back of the front frame set 14.

[0028] A glass unit 137 is attached to the rear side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not a conventional pair of rectangular glass plates attached separately at the front and rear, but is round overall and is attached as an assembly.

[0029] Also, as shown in Figure 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the back side of the front frame set 14, below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 is equipped with a lower tray connecting passage 71 that connects from the dispensing mechanism portion 352 described later to the discharge outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray connecting passage 73 that connects from the dispensing mechanism portion 352 to the upper tray 19.

[0030] In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects gaming balls located in the lower tray connecting passage 71. The presence of this full detection switch makes it possible to know that the lower tray 15 is full of gaming balls (that the lower tray 15 is full of gaming balls and gaming balls are accumulating in the lower tray connecting passage 71).

[0031] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 4 etc. A launching device 60 and a launching rail 61 that guides the game ball immediately after it is launched from the launching device 60 are attached to the lower front part of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), i.e., below the window hole 39 (game board 30). In this embodiment, a solenoid-type launching device is used as the launching device 60.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the full detection switch detects game balls continuously for a predetermined time, control is performed to prohibit the launching device 60 from firing. On the other hand, when the accumulation of game balls in the lower tray communication passage 71 is eliminated and the full detection switch no longer detects game balls (when the full detection switch no longer detects game balls continuously for a predetermined time), the launching device 60 is permitted to fire.

[0033] In addition, a ball feeding device 63 is provided above the launching device 60. The ball feeding device 63 guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 to the launching position of the launching device 60 one by one using a driving means such as a solenoid.

[0034] In addition, the symbol 67 in Figures 3 and 4 is a payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out by the payout mechanism unit 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and is divided into a passage leading to the upper tray connecting passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray connecting passage 71 (lower tray 15).

[0035] Furthermore, a shutter 68 is provided below the dispensing passage 67, and when the front frame set 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward due to the force of a spring or the like, thereby almost closing the exit of the dispensing passage 67.

[0036] On the other hand, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end of the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the entrance portions (ball inlet portions) of the lower tray connecting passage 71 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 are adjacent to the payout passage 67, spaced a predetermined distance apart, allowing game balls to pass through the gap between them. As a result, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 are full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out flow toward the lower tray connecting passage 71, pass through the lower tray connecting passage 71 and are paid out to the lower tray 15.

[0037] As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) behind the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached with its peripheral edge abutting the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, approximately the center of the front part of the game board 30, which becomes the playing area, is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

[0038] The configuration of the gaming board 30 will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 4. A rail 50 consisting of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52 is attached to the gaming board 30, and guides gaming balls launched from a launching device 60 to the top of the gaming board 30. The rail 50 may also serve as a ball passage. As a result, gaming balls launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 are guided through the launching rail 61 and the rail 50 into the gaming area formed between the gaming board 30 and the glass unit 137.

[0039] A ball return prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left in FIG. 4) of the inner rail component 51. This prevents a game ball that has been guided from the rail 50 into the play area from returning back into the rail 50. In addition, a return rubber 54 is attached to approximately the tip portion (upper right in FIG. 4) of the outer rail component 52. A game ball that is launched with more than a predetermined force will hit the return rubber 54 and be returned, for example, toward approximately the center of the game board 30.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outer rail component 52 ends at the upper right of the gaming board 30, and the inner rail component 51 ends at the lower right of the gaming board 30. Therefore, the gaming area is defined by the rail 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since the gaming balls shot out by the launching device 60 may flow back up the rail 50 until they pass through the return ball prevention member 53 serving as a regulating means, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail components 51, 52 are excluded from the gaming area.

[0041] In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined distance between the launch rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail 50 (outer rail component 52), and the ball passage unit 70 is formed with a foul ball passage 72 that guides game balls that fall through the gap to the lower tray 15. The area where the return ball prevention member 53 is arranged may also be defined as the specific area. If a game ball launched from the launch device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns up the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged to the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

[0042] In addition, the game board 30 is equipped with a general winning section 31, a variable winning device 32, a starting winning section 33 as a starting ball entry means (specifically, a first starting winning section 33a and a second starting winning section 33b), a through gate 34, a central winning unit 37 as a variable ball entry means, etc., which are arranged in through holes formed by router processing and attached from the front side of the game board 30.

[0043] Furthermore, the game board 30 is provided with ball entry detection switches (ball entry detection means) that correspond to various ball entry means such as the general winning section 31 and detect game balls that have entered the various ball entry means.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, a general winning switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning section 31, a count switch 223 is provided at a position corresponding to the variable winning device 32, a first start winning switch 224a is provided at a position corresponding to the first start winning section 33a, a second start winning switch 224b is provided at a position corresponding to the second start winning section 33b, and a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

[0045] As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) any of the various winning means such as the general winning section 31, the variable winning device 32, the starting winning section 33, etc., it is detected by various detection switches, and a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls) are paid out to the upper tray 19 or the lower tray 15. For example, if the ball enters the starting winning section 33, three prize balls are paid out; if the ball enters the general winning section 31, five prize balls are paid out; and if the ball enters the variable winning device 32, ten prize balls are paid out.

[0046] Additionally, the game board 30 is provided with an outlet 36, and game balls that do not win in the various winning means such as the general winning section 31 are discharged outside the game area through this outlet 36. Also, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails to appropriately distribute and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various components such as windmills are also provided.

[0047] Here, the configuration of the central winning unit 37 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 40 to 45.

[0048] The central winning unit 37 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area (game board 30). The central winning unit 37 comprises a housing (center frame) 400 that forms an internal area 401 into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter, and a front panel 402 attached to the front opening of the housing 400. The front panel 402 is made of a transparent member, and the internal area 401 can be seen through the front panel 402.

[0049] A pair of left and right ball entry openings 403 are formed in the upper part of the housing 400, which serve as entrances through which game balls flowing down the game area enter the internal area 401. The central winning unit 37 is also provided with a pair of left and right blade members 404 for opening and closing the ball entry openings 403, and a blade solenoid 405 (see FIG. 7) for operating the blade members 404. The "blade members 404" constitute the "opening and closing members" in this embodiment.

[0050] Each blade member 404 is provided so as to be rotatable between a closed position where it closes the corresponding ball entry opening 403, and an open position where it opens it. When the blade members 404 are displaced to the closed position and the ball entry opening 403 is closed, the central winning unit 37 is closed and gaming balls cannot enter (cannot enter) the internal area 401. On the other hand, when the blade members 404 are displaced to the open position and the ball entry opening 403 is opened, the central winning unit 37 is open and gaming balls can enter (can enter) the internal area 401.

[0051] As will be described in more detail later, the blade members 404 are opened for a predetermined period of time when a ball enters the starting winning section 33 (the first starting winning section 33a or the second starting winning section 33b) and a small jackpot is won in a lottery based on the ball entering. In other words, when a small jackpot is won in a lottery based on the ball entering the starting winning section 33 (the first starting winning section 33a or the second starting winning section 33b), this corresponds to the establishment of a predetermined starting condition (opening trigger) in this embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the pair of left and right blade members 404 are configured to operate in synchronization with each other, so that when one is in the open position, the other is also in the open position, and when one is in the closed position, the other is also in the closed position.

[0052] On the other hand, the internal area 401 is divided into a route allocation area 406 where the game ball that enters through the ball entry opening 403 is first guided, a win / lose lottery area 407 located below that, a type lottery area 408 located further below that as a type lottery area, and a role activation lottery area 409 located to the right of the win / lose lottery area 407.

[0053] First, the route allocation area 406 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 40 to 42. The route allocation area 406 is equipped with an introduction passage 601 that guides game balls that have entered the internal region 401 from the ball entrance opening 403 to the back side of the upper rear wall portion 400a of the housing 400 and then to the center of the route allocation area 406 in the left-right direction, a fall passage 602 that drops game balls that are led out from an exit portion 601a of the introduction passage 601 that opens in the center of the route allocation area 406 in the left-right direction, a route allocation member 603 as route allocation means provided below the fall passage 602, a normal guide passage 604 that is provided to the left of the route allocation member 603 and can guide game balls to the win / lose lottery area 407, and a special guide passage (special passage) 605 that is provided to the right of the route allocation member 603 and can guide game balls to the bonus item activation lottery area 409.

[0054] In this embodiment, the normal guide passage 604 and the like constitute a "first route," and the special guide passage 605 and the like constitute a "second route."

[0055] The pair of left and right entrances 601b of the introduction passage 601 are each provided with an internal ball entry detection switch 437 as a predetermined detection means for detecting the passage of a gaming ball that has entered through the ball entry opening 403.

[0056] In this embodiment, a game ball that enters the left ball entry opening 403 always passes through the left entrance section 601b, and a game ball that enters the right ball entry opening 403 always passes through the right entrance section 601b, and a game ball that enters the internal area 401 is always detected by either the left or right internal ball entry detection switch 437.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the internal ball entry detection switch 437, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out.

[0058] As shown in Figure 42, the route allocation member 603 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 611 having an axial hole 611a extending in the front-to-rear direction, a central piece 613 protruding upward from the shaft portion 611, a left piece 614 protruding leftward from the shaft portion 611, and a right piece 615 protruding rightward from the shaft portion 611.

[0059] A shaft pin 610 is inserted into the shaft hole 611a of the shaft portion 611. The rear end of the shaft pin 610 is supported by the upper rear wall portion 400a that defines the back side of the fall passage 602, and the front end is supported by the front panel 402 (bearing hole 402a) that defines the front side of the fall passage 602. As a result, the route allocation member 603 is supported so as to be rotatable around the shaft pin 610.

[0060] Furthermore, a protrusion 617 having a generally triangular shape in front view is formed at a lower position of the route allocation member 603. Under normal circumstances, as shown in Figure 41(a), the route allocation member 603 is maintained in a right-tilted state in which the central piece 613 is tilted to the right of the center position in the left-right direction (the position of the pivot pin 610) and the right piece 615 is tilted downward from the horizontal direction by a biasing means (maintaining means) such as a weight or a coil spring (not shown), and is biased against the right inclined surface of the protrusion 617.

[0061] In this right-tilted state, the tip 613a of the central piece 613 comes into contact with or is close to the right wall 602a of the fall passage 602, so that game balls falling down the fall passage 602 cannot flow down into the special guide passage 605 on the right, but can flow down into the normal guide passage 604 on the left.

[0062] In other words, under normal circumstances when the route distribution member 603 is in a right-tilted state, the route distribution member 603 closes the special guide passage 605 while opening the normal guide passage 604, and game balls falling down the fall passage 602 are guided to the left-side normal guide passage 604 along the left guide surface formed by the left side of the central piece 613 and the upper surface of the left piece 614 of the route distribution member 603.

[0063] Accordingly, the route allocating member 603 rotates counterclockwise against the biasing force of the biasing means due to the force received from the gaming ball contacting the left piece 614 (see FIG. 41(b)).

[0064] As a result, for a predetermined period of time, the route allocation member 603 is in a left-tilted state in which the central piece 613 is tilted to the left of the center position in the left-right direction (the position of the pivot pin 610), and the left piece 614 is tilted downward from the horizontal direction, and is biased against the left inclined surface of the protrusion 617.

[0065] In this left-tilted state, the tip 613a of the central piece 613 comes into contact with or is close to the left wall 602b of the fall passage 602, so that game balls falling down the fall passage 602 cannot flow down into the normal guide passage 604 on the left, but can flow down into the special guide passage 605 on the right.

[0066] In other words, during the predetermined time that the route allocating member 603 is in the left tilted state, the route allocating member 603 closes the normal guide passage 604, while opening the special guide passage 605. As a result, if there is a game ball falling down the falling passage 602 at this timing (for example, as shown in FIG. 41, a second game ball B2 falling consecutively to a first game ball B1 guided to the normal guide passage 604), the game ball will be guided along the right guide surface formed by the right side surface of the central piece 613 of the route allocating member 603 and the upper surface of the right piece 615 to the special guide passage 605 on the right side.

[0067] Once the route distribution member 603 is tilted to the left, it rotates clockwise due to the force of the above-mentioned biasing means (when the game ball is guided to the special guide passage 605 on the right side, the force from the game ball coming into contact with the right piece 615 is also added), and returns to its normal right-tilted state (see Figure 41(c)).

[0068] In this embodiment, a state in which the route allocating member 603 is in a right-inclined position, which is a first position, corresponds to the first state, and a state in which the route allocating member 603 is in a left-inclined position, which is a second position, corresponds to the second state. Also, in this embodiment, states such as the first state and the second state in which the route allocating member 603 can cause game balls to flow down to a first route such as the normal guide passage 604 or a second route such as the special guide passage 605 constitute specific states. Of course, the specific states are not limited to these, and other configurations may be adopted.

[0069] Next, the configuration of the accessory activation lottery area 409 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 40, the accessory activation lottery area 409 is provided with a special gate 650 through which game balls guided by the special guide passage 605 can enter (pass). The passage width of the special guide passage 605 and the special gate 650 is set to a width that allows game balls to pass through one at a time. Furthermore, game balls that pass through the special gate 650 are discharged outside the internal area 401 (to the back side of the game board 30) via a discharge passage not shown. The "special gate 650" constitutes the "trigger ball entry means" in this embodiment.

[0070] The special gate 650 is provided with a special gate switch 651 that detects a gaming ball passing through the special gate 650. The "special gate switch 651" constitutes the "opportunistic ball entry detection means" in this embodiment.

[0071] When a gaming ball is detected by this special gate switch 651, an operation assist lottery is held to determine whether or not to activate the movable accessory 722, which will be described later. If the operation assist lottery is won, the movable accessory 722 will operate for a predetermined period of time. The configuration and operation mode of the movable accessory 722 will be described in detail later.

[0072] In this embodiment, even if a gaming ball is detected by the special gate switch 651, no prize balls are paid out (number of prize balls: 0). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined number of prize balls may be paid out when a gaming ball is detected by the special gate switch 651.

[0073] Next, the configuration of the win / loss lottery area 407 will be described in detail. The win / loss lottery area 407 is provided with a rotating body unit 410 as a win / loss distribution means. The rotating body unit 410 has the function of distributing the destination of game balls guided from the route distribution area 406 via the normal guide passage 604 to either the type lottery area 408 or outside the internal area 401. The passage width of the normal guide passage 604 is set to a width that allows game balls to pass through one at a time.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the rotating body unit 410 includes a unit base 411 serving as a base portion, and a unit cover 412 attached to the unit base 411 so as to cover the upper surface side thereof.

[0075] A roughly disk-shaped rotating body 414 is attached to a mounting base 413 formed on the upper surface of the unit base 411 and protrudes therefrom, and a rotating body motor 415 is attached to rotate the rotating body 414. Meanwhile, a gear mechanism (not shown) and the like are provided on the lower surface of the unit base 411 for transmitting the driving force of the rotating body motor 415 to the rotating body 414.

[0076] The rotating body 414 is installed so that its upper surface faces diagonally upward toward the front side and its rotation axis is inclined relative to the vertical. The rotating body motor 415 is configured by a stepping motor, and is driven and controlled by a pulse signal output from the main control device 261. With this configuration, the rotating body 414 is configured to always rotate in a fixed direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment) at a fixed cycle.

[0077] The rotating body 414 has three pockets 416 formed around its outer periphery, each capable of receiving one gaming ball. The three pockets 416 are divided into one special pocket 416a and the other two non-special pockets 416b.

[0078] The non-special pocket portion 416b opens to the outer periphery and upward of the rotor 414, and has a bottom wall portion 417. The upper surface of the bottom wall portion 417 is inclined downward toward the outer periphery of the rotor 414.

[0079] On the other hand, the special pocket 416a is open to the top and bottom on the outer periphery of the rotating body 414, and does not have a bottom wall 417 like the non-special pocket 416b. In addition, the periphery of the special pocket 416a is made of a resin material that is colored differently from the other parts, making it easier for players to distinguish between the special pocket 416a and the non-special pocket 416b.

[0080] The unit cover 412 includes a substantially cylindrical wall portion 431 that is disposed so as to surround the rotor 414, and a stage portion 432 that is formed so as to extend from the periphery of the wall portion 431 toward the outer periphery.

[0081] The upper edge of the cylindrical wall portion 431 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the stage portion 432, and a gate portion 435 that connects the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical wall portion 431 is provided on the front side thereof.

[0082] The upper surface of the stage portion 432 is configured to allow game balls to roll. The portion of the stage portion 432 located behind the gate portion 435 is inclined downward toward the front and toward the cylindrical wall portion 431, and the portion located in front of the gate portion 435 is inclined downward toward the rear (toward the gate portion 435).

[0083] As a result, the game ball is guided out from the exit 604a of the normal guide passage 604, which opens into the central rear wall 400b of the housing 400 that defines the back side of the win / lose lottery area 407, and guided to the rear of the stage section 432.While its movement toward the rotating body 414 is restricted by the cylindrical wall section 431, the game ball rolls clockwise or counterclockwise toward the front on the stage section 432, and swings back and forth multiple times in front of the gate section 435, and then enters the pocket section 416 (special pocket section 416a or non-special pocket section 416b) of the rotating body 414 when the relative positions of the gate section 435 and the pocket section 416 match.

[0084] Furthermore, the unit base 411 is provided with a first V winning passage 427 for guiding game balls contained in the special pocket portion 416a of the rotating body 414 to the type lottery area 408, and an out passage 428 for discharging game balls contained in the non-special pocket portion 416b out of the internal area 401.

[0085] The first V winning passage 427 is formed slightly downstream of the gate portion 435 in the rotation direction (counterclockwise direction) of the rotor 414, that is, to the right of the gate portion 435. On the other hand, the out passage 428 is formed further downstream of the first V winning passage 427, that is, at the far right position of the first V winning passage 427.

[0086] The entrance side of the first V winning passage 427 opens to the top surface of the installation base 413, and is configured so that the pocket portion 416 of the rotating body 414 can pass above it. A gaming ball that enters the special pocket portion 416a of the rotating body 414 through the gate portion 435 falls downward from the special pocket portion 416a and enters the first V winning passage 427 when the positions of the special pocket portion 416a and the entrance portion of the first V winning passage 427 coincide with the rotation of the rotating body 414. At the position corresponding to the first V winning passage 427, a cylindrical wall portion 431 that protrudes downward from the back surface of the stage portion 432 prevents the gaming ball from falling out from the side of the rotating body 414.

[0087] On the other hand, when a game ball enters the non-special pocket portion 416b of the rotating body 414 through the gate portion 435, even if the positions of the non-special pocket portion 416b and the entrance portion of the first V winning passage 427 coincide as the rotating body 414 rotates, the bottom wall portion 417 provided on the non-special pocket portion 416b prevents the game ball contained in the non-special pocket portion 416b from falling (entering) into the first V winning passage 427.

[0088] Furthermore, a notch 431a is formed in the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 431 at a position corresponding to the out passage 428. As a result, when the rotor 414 rotates further and the non-special pocket 416b containing the gaming ball matches the position of the out passage 428, the gaming ball contained in the non-special pocket 416b moves to the outer periphery of the rotor 414 due to the inclination of the bottom wall 417, and falls (enters) into the out passage 428 through the notch 431a of the cylindrical wall 431.

[0089] In addition, a connection passage 429 connected to the outlet of the first V winning passage 427 is formed in the housing 400, and the first V winning passage 427 and the type lottery area 408 are in communication with each other through the connection passage 429.

[0090] In addition, the first V winning passage 427 is provided with a first special winning ball detection switch 461 as a special winning ball detection means for detecting a gaming ball passing through this passage. When a gaming ball enters the first V winning passage 427 and is detected by the first special winning ball detection switch 461, the right to generate a jackpot state (special gaming state) is granted. Therefore, the "first V winning passage 427" constitutes the "special winning ball means" in this embodiment.

[0091] When a big win occurs when a game ball enters the first V winning passage 427, the large prize opening opening / closing member 32a of the variable winning device 32 is switched from a closed state to an open state, and then one opening / closing operation until the large prize opening / closing member 32a is closed is considered one special prize state, and this is repeated a predetermined number of times (predetermined rounds) on the condition that the specified time of 30 seconds has passed or the specified number of eight game balls have entered the variable winning device 32.

[0092] In this embodiment, the types of jackpot states are set as a "3-round jackpot" in which the above-mentioned special prize state (round) is repeated three times, a "7-round jackpot" in which the above-mentioned special prize state (round) is repeated seven times, and a "15-round jackpot" in which the above-mentioned special prize state (round) is repeated 15 times.

[0093] However, as will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, when a ball is detected by the first special ball entry detection switch 461, the jackpot state does not start immediately, but rather the type of jackpot state is determined in the type lottery area 408, and then the jackpot state starts.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, a game ball that enters the special pocket portion 416a of the rotating body 414 and passes through the first V winning passage 427 is detected by the first special ball entry detection switch 461 and is guided to the type lottery area 408.

[0095] On the other hand, the out passage 428 is provided with a non-special ball entry detection switch 462 that detects game balls that pass through here and are discharged outside the internal area 401.

[0096] In addition, in a predetermined circumferential section of the upper edge of the cylindrical wall portion 431, including above the entrance portions of the first V winning passage 427 and the out passage 428, a protrusion portion 440 is provided which is formed to extend toward the inner side of the cylindrical wall portion 431.

[0097] The protruding portion 440 is configured to cover from above a portion of each pocket portion 416 located below it (an area corresponding to about half the diameter of the rotor 414). This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which another game ball rides up on top of a game ball that has entered a predetermined pocket portion 416, causing the two game balls stacked one on top of the other to enter the first V winning passage 427 or the out passage 428 in succession, or a game ball that for some reason jumps over the cylindrical wall portion 431 and directly enters the pocket portion 416 located at a position that coincides with the first V winning passage 427 and the out passage 428.

[0098] 43 to 45, a bypass mechanism section 721 is provided at the rear of the rotating body unit 410. The bypass mechanism section 721 includes a movable accessory 722 as a movable body (movable member) assembled in an opening housing section 433 formed at the most upstream part of the stage section 432, and a movable accessory solenoid 725 as movable member driving means for operating the movable accessory 722. The movable accessory solenoid 725 is driven and controlled by a main control device 261 constituting the movable body control means.

[0099] The movable accessory 722 is assembled so that it can slide (rise and fall) in the vertical direction. Then, under normal circumstances when the movable accessory solenoid 725 is in a non-excited state, the movable accessory 722 is almost entirely housed in the opening housing portion 433, and its upper surface is substantially continuous with the upper surface of the stage portion 432 (see Figures 44(a) and 45(a)). This housing state of the movable accessory 722 corresponds to the non-favourable state in this embodiment.

[0100] On the other hand, when the solenoid 725 for the movable accessory is excited and the bypass mechanism 721 is activated, the movable accessory 722 rises and a part of it projects upward from the upper surface of the stage 432 (see Figures 44(b) and 45(b)). Such an operation of the movable accessory 722 corresponds to the predetermined operation in this embodiment, and the operating state of the movable accessory 722 corresponds to the advantageous state in this embodiment.

[0101] The upper surface of the movable prop 722 is formed with a left inclined portion 727 that slopes gently downward from approximately the center in the left-right direction to the left, and a right inclined portion 728 that slopes gently downward from approximately the center in the left-right direction to the right.

[0102] Then, under normal circumstances when almost the entire movable device 722 is housed within the opening housing portion 433, the game ball guided from the exit portion 604a of the normal guide passage 604, which opens into the central rear wall portion 400b of the housing 400 at a position above the movable device 722, is guided to the left or right of the stage portion 432 by the left inclined portion 727 or the right inclined portion 728 on the top surface of the movable device 722.

[0103] 45(a) and (b), a second V winning passage 730 is provided inside the movable accessory 722. The passage width of the second V winning passage 730 is set to a width that allows game balls to pass through one by one.

[0104] When the movable accessory 722 is in a protruding state protruding from the stage portion 432, the movable accessory 722 blocks the front of the exit portion 604a of the normal guide passage 604, and the entrance portion 730a of the second V winning passage 730 and the exit portion 604a of the normal guide passage 604 face each other (see Figures 44(b) and 45(b)). This allows the game ball to enter the second V winning passage 730 from the normal guide passage 604, and both passages 604, 730 are in a connected state.

[0105] In addition, when the movable accessory 722 is in a protruding state protruding from the stage portion 432, the outlet portion 730b of the second V winning passage 730 faces the inlet portion 737a of the bypass passage 737 formed on the back side of the central rear wall portion 400b of the housing 400. This allows the game ball to enter the bypass passage 737 from the second V winning passage 730, and both passages 730, 737 are in a connected state.

[0106] In other words, when the movable device 722 is in a protruding state protruding from the stage portion 432, the normal guide passage 604 and the bypass passage 737 are connected via the second V winning passage 730 so that the game ball can pass through.

[0107] The width of the bypass passage 737 is set to a width that allows game balls to pass through one at a time. Furthermore, the exit portion 737b of the bypass passage 737 is open to the lower rear wall portion 400c of the housing 400, which defines the back side of the type-specific lottery area 408, at a position above the 15R ball entrance 731. As a result, when the movable role device 722 protrudes from the stage portion 432, game balls that would normally be guided to the guide passage 604 can be guided directly to the 15R ball entrance 731 without going through the rotating body unit 410 and the type-specific allocation mechanism 741, which will be described later. In other words, by operating the movable role device 722, it is possible to avoid allocation by the rotating body unit 410 and the type-specific allocation mechanism 741.

[0108] The bypass passage 737 is provided with a second special ball entry detection switch 738 as a special ball entry detection means for detecting a gaming ball passing through the bypass passage 737. When a gaming ball enters the bypass passage 737 and is detected by the second special ball entry detection switch 738, the right to generate a jackpot state (special gaming state) is granted.

[0109] However, as will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, when a ball is detected by the second special ball entry detection switch 738, the jackpot state does not start immediately, but rather the jackpot state starts after the game ball enters the 15R ball entry port 731.

[0110] Furthermore, when the movable device 722 descends and returns to its stored state while there are game balls remaining in the second V winning passage 730, the remaining balls are guided to the bypass passage 737 via the lower passage 739 and are configured to be detected by the second special winning ball detection switch 738.

[0111] In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the first special ball entry detection switch 461 or the second special ball entry detection switch 738, 10 gaming balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or lower tray 15). Of course, the number of gaming balls paid out in response to these ball entry detection switches is not limited to 10, and other numbers may be used. Also, the configuration may be such that no gaming balls are paid out (number of prize balls: 0) when a gaming ball is detected by these ball entry detection switches.

[0112] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned "jackpot generated when a gaming ball enters the first V entry passage 427" and "jackpot generated when a gaming ball enters the bypass passage 737 via the second V entry passage 730" may be referred to collectively as "V entry jackpot."

[0113] Next, the type-specific lottery area 408 will be described in detail. The type-specific lottery area 408 is provided with a 15R ball entrance 731 that awards a "15-round" jackpot state (15-round jackpot) when a gaming ball enters the area, a 7R ball entrance 732 that awards a "7-round" jackpot state (7-round jackpot) when a gaming ball enters the area, and a 3R ball entrance 733 that awards a "3-round" jackpot state (3-round jackpot) when a gaming ball enters the area. Here, the "15R ball entrance 731," "7R ball entrance 732," and "3R ball entrance 733" constitute the "type-specific ball entrance means" in this embodiment.

[0114] In addition, the 15R entrance 731 is provided with a 15R entrance detection switch 734 that detects a game ball that has entered there. Similarly, the 7R entrance 732 is provided with a 7R entrance detection switch 735 that detects a game ball that has entered there, and the 3R entrance 733 is provided with a 3R entrance detection switch 736 that detects a game ball that has entered there.

[0115] The type lottery area 408 is provided with a type allocation mechanism 741 as a type allocation means (type determination means) that allocates the destination of game balls led to the type lottery area 408 via the first V winning passage 427 and the connecting passage 429 to either the 15R ball entrance 731, the 7R ball entrance 732, or the 3R ball entrance 733.

[0116] The type distribution mechanism 741 includes a starting platform 742 to which game balls derived from the exit 429a of the connecting passage 429 are guided, a first transfer board 744 to which game balls that have passed through the starting platform 742 are guided, a second transfer board 745 to which game balls that have passed through the first transfer board 744 are guided, and a 15R guide passage 746 to which game balls that have passed through the second transfer board 745 are guided and which guides the game balls to the 15R ball entrance 731.

[0117] The starting block 742 is installed in the upper left of the race type lottery area 408, and its top surface slopes downward toward the right.

[0118] The first crossing board 744 is installed to the right of and slightly below the starting platform 742, with its left end supported so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction, and its right end being the free end.

[0119] The rotation axis of the first cross plate 744 is connected to a swing mechanism (not shown) consisting of a motor or the like on the back side of the lower rear wall portion 400c of the housing 400, and the swing mechanism is driven and controlled by the main control unit 261, so that the first cross plate 744 swings up and down.

[0120] Specifically, the first transfer plate 744 is configured so that its upper surface is slightly inclined downward to the right, allowing it to move between a forward position where it guides the game ball to the second transfer plate 745, and a drop position where its upper surface is inclined more downward than this, allowing it to guide the game ball to the 3R ball entrance 733.

[0121] Then, when the game ball guided to the first transfer board 744 via the starting platform 742 rolls to the right end of the first transfer board 744, if the first transfer board 744 is in the above-mentioned forward position, the game ball is guided to the second transfer board 745.

[0122] On the other hand, when the game ball guided to the first transfer plate 744 rolls to the right end of the first transfer plate 744, if the first transfer plate 744 is in the above-mentioned drop position, the game ball will be guided to the 3R ball entrance 733.

[0123] In other words, the first transfer board 744 has the function of allocating the destination of the game ball guided via the starting block 742 to either the 3R ball entrance 733 or the second transfer board 745.

[0124] The second crossing plate 745 is installed to the right of and slightly below the first crossing plate 744, with its left end supported so as to be rotatable with the axis extending in the front-to-rear direction, and its right end being the free end.

[0125] The rotation axis of the second cross plate 745 is connected to a swing mechanism (not shown) consisting of a motor or the like on the back side of the lower rear wall portion 400c of the housing 400, and the swing mechanism is driven and controlled by the main control unit 261, so that the second cross plate 745 swings up and down.

[0126] Specifically, the second crossing board 745 is configured so that its upper surface is slightly inclined downward to the right, allowing it to move between a forward position where it guides the game ball to the 15R guide passage 746, and a drop position where its upper surface is inclined more downward than this, allowing it to guide the game ball to the 7R ball entrance 732.

[0127] When the game ball guided to the second transfer plate 745 rolls to the right end of the second transfer plate 745, if the second transfer plate 745 is in the forward position, the game ball is guided to the 15R guide passage 746.

[0128] On the other hand, when the game ball guided to the second transfer plate 745 rolls to the right end of the second transfer plate 745, if the second transfer plate 745 is in the above-mentioned drop position, the game ball will be guided to the 7R ball entrance 732.

[0129] In other words, the second transfer board 745 has the function of allocating the destination of the gaming balls that have passed through the first transfer board 744 and are guided to either the 7R ball entrance 732 or the 15R guide passage 746.

[0130] The 15R guide passage 746 is installed to the right of and slightly below the second crossing board 745, and its upper surface is inclined downward toward the 15R entrance 731 on the right.

[0131] In this embodiment, the first transfer plate 744 and the second transfer plate 745 are configured to oscillate at different cycles. For example, the first transfer plate 744 is configured to oscillate slightly faster than the second transfer plate 745.

[0132] In this embodiment, after the first special ball entry detection switch 461 detects a ball, if any of the 15R ball entry detection switch 734, 7R ball entry detection switch 735, or 3R ball entry detection switch 736 detects a ball entry, a jackpot state of the corresponding type is initiated. Furthermore, after the second special ball entry detection switch 738 detects a ball entry, if the 15R ball entry detection switch 734 detects a ball entry, a jackpot state corresponding to a 15-round jackpot is initiated.

[0133] Returning now to the explanation of the game board 30, as shown in Fig. 4, the first start winning section 33a is provided on the lower left and lower right of the central winning unit 37. The second start winning section 33b is provided directly below the central winning unit 37.

[0134] Furthermore, the second start winning section 33b is provided with a pair of start opening opening / closing members 33c that can be opened and closed on both sides thereof. In this embodiment, when the start opening opening / closing members 33c are in a closed state, the game ball cannot enter the second start winning section 33b.

[0135] In other words, the first start-up winning section 33a is always capable of receiving a game ball, whereas the second start-up winning section 33b has a start-up opening / closing member 33c that opens when the game ball passes through the through gate 34 and wins the ball entry assist lottery, allowing the game ball to enter the second start-up winning section 33b.

[0136] Not limited to this, when the start opening / closing member 33c is in a closed state, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning section 33b, and if the ball entry assist lottery is won, the start opening / closing member 33c becomes an open state, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning section 33b.

[0137] As described above, the first start winning section 33a is provided with a first start winning switch 224a that detects a game ball that has entered therein. Similarly, the second start winning section 33b is provided with a second start winning switch 224b that detects a game ball that has entered therein. Each of the start winning switches 224a, 224b constitutes a "start winning ball detection means" in this embodiment.

[0138] As will be described in more detail below, when a game ball is detected by the first start winning switch 224a or the second start winning switch 224b, a lottery is held to determine whether the ball will be a ``win'' that is advantageous to the player or a ``miss.''

[0139] The "win" in the lottery includes a "small win" in which the blade member 404 of the central winning unit 37 is opened, and a "big win" in which the large winning opening opening member 32a of the variable winning device 32 is opened.

[0140] In addition, when a winning / losing lottery is conducted based on the detection of a ball entering the jackpot by the first start winning switch 224a or the second start winning switch 224b, a variable display and a stationary display are displayed on the special display device 43 described below to inform the user of the result of the winning / losing lottery.

[0141] In this embodiment, when a ball is detected by the first start winning switch 224a and when a ball is detected by the second start winning switch 224b, a common winning / losing lottery is held and a variable display is displayed on the common special display device 43. However, a first special display device that displays a variable display to inform the result of the winning / losing lottery held based on the detection by the first start winning switch 224a and a second special display device that displays a variable display to inform the result of the winning / losing lottery held based on the detection by the second start winning switch 224b may be provided separately. The first start winning switch 224a or the second start winning switch 224b may be used as the first or second trigger winning / losing detection means. Furthermore, when such a configuration is adopted, each variable display may be separately reserved and stored, and the corresponding variable displays may be consumed in the order in which they were stored or with one display taking priority over the other. In addition, when such a configuration is adopted, the allocation ratio of the types of jackpot states that are awarded when a player wins the lottery may be different or the same.

[0142] In the game area on both the left and right sides of the central winning unit 37, there are formed flow-down areas through which game balls can flow down. Through gates 34 are respectively arranged in the flow-down areas on both the left and right sides of the central winning unit 37, and are configured so that game balls flowing down can pass through them one by one. The flow-down area on the right side of the central winning unit 37 may be designated as a first flow-down route, which is the first route, and the flow-down area on the left side may be designated as a second flow-down route, which is the second route. In addition, the through gate 34 is provided with a through gate switch 225 that detects game balls passing through the through gate 34. When the through gate switch 225 detects a game ball, a ball entry assist lottery is held to determine whether the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening member 33c) should be opened. If the ball entry assist lottery is won, the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening member 33c) is opened for a specified period of time.

[0143] At the upper right part of the game board 30, there are provided a through gate display device (normal pattern display device) 41 that displays the results of the ball entry assist lottery based on the ball entering (ball passing) through the through gate 34, a special display device (special pattern display device) 43 that displays the results of the win / lose lottery based on the ball entering each start winning section 33a, 33b, and a special gate display device 44 that displays the results of the operation assist lottery based on the ball entering (ball passing) through the special gate 650. The "special gate display device 44" constitutes the "display means" in this embodiment.

[0144] In this embodiment, the display device 41 for the through gate is composed of two lamps, the special display device 43 constituting the first display means is composed of eight lamps, and the display device 44 for the special gate is composed of two lamps.

[0145] The configuration of these display devices 41, 43, and 44 is not particularly limited to the above configuration, and may be configured, for example, with a different number of lamp groups, or may be configured with a different display device such as a 7-segment display device, a dot display device, or a liquid crystal display device.

[0146] In addition, in the special display device 43, when a game ball enters the start winning section 33 (first start winning section 33a or second start winning section 33b), a variable display (switching display) is started to show the result of the winning / losing lottery, and after a predetermined time, when the variable display is stopped, a mode corresponding to the result of the winning / losing lottery is displayed. The first start winning section 33a or the second start winning section 33b may be used as the first or second trigger ball entry means. Furthermore, the display content of the special display device 43 is directly controlled by the main control device 261 described later, so that the result of the winning / losing lottery is displayed definitively.

[0147] If the jackpot is won in this lottery, the large prize opening opening / closing member 32a of the variable prize device 32 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and then one opening / closing operation until the large prize opening / closing member 32a is closed is considered to be one special prize state, and this operation is repeated 15 times (15 rounds), and a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a ``direct hit jackpot'') is awarded.

[0148] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, a jackpot state (V entry jackpot) occurs not only when a "jackpot" is won in a lottery based on the ball entering the start entry section 33 (first start entry section 33a or second start entry section 33b), but also when the game ball enters the first V entry passage 427 through the special pocket section 416a of the rotating body 414 and the game ball is detected by the first special entry detection switch 461, or when the game ball enters the bypass passage 737 through the movable device 722 (second V entry passage 730) and the game ball is detected by the second special entry detection switch 738.

[0149] Furthermore, if a new game ball enters the start winning section 33 (the first start winning section 33a or the second start winning section 33b) during the variable display of the special display device 43, the variable display for that ball will be displayed after the variable display currently being displayed has finished. In other words, the variable display of the special display device 43 will be put on hold (on hold). The maximum number of variable displays that can be held is determined for each model of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, a total of four variable displays are held in accordance with the game balls that have entered the first start winning section 33a and the second start winning section 33b.

[0150] In addition, the number of pending changes in the variable display of the special display device 43 is displayed by lighting a special display device pending lamp 47 provided near the special display device 43. The special display device pending lamp 47 of this embodiment is composed of four lamps, and the number of pending changes is indicated by appropriately switching the on / off state of each lamp.

[0151] In addition, when a new game ball enters the start winning section 33 during a big win or a small win, the corresponding variable display is also reserved, and the variable display is executed after the big win state or the small win state ends.

[0152] In the through gate display device 41, when a gaming ball passes through the through gate 34, a variable display (switching display) for displaying the result of the scoring assist lottery begins, and after a predetermined time, when the variable display stops, a mode corresponding to the result of the scoring assist lottery is displayed. If the result of the scoring assist lottery is a winning result corresponding to the opening of the start opening opening / closing member 33c, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display device 41, the variable display stops, and then the start opening / closing member 33c is opened. In addition, the display content of the through gate display device 41 is directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later, so that the result of the scoring assist lottery is definitively displayed.

[0153] Furthermore, if a new game ball passes through the through gate 34 while the through gate display device 41 is displaying a variation, the corresponding variation will be displayed after the current variation display has finished. In other words, the variation display of the through gate display device 41 is put on hold (on hold). The maximum number of variations that can be held is determined for each model of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four variations are held, and the number of times that the variations are held is displayed by lighting a through gate hold lamp 48 provided near the through gate display device 41. The through gate hold lamp 48 of this embodiment is composed of four lamps, and the number of holds is indicated by appropriately switching the on / off state of each lamp.

[0154] In the special gate display device 44, when the gaming ball passes through the special gate 650, a variable display (switching display) for displaying the result of the activation assist lottery begins, and after a predetermined time, when the variable display stops, a mode corresponding to the result of the activation assist lottery is displayed. If the result of the activation assist lottery is a winning result that activates the movable role device 722, the specified stop result is displayed on the special gate display device 44, the variable display is stopped, and then the movable role device 722 is activated. In addition, the display content of the special gate display device 44 is directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later, so that the result of the activation assist lottery is definitively displayed.

[0155] As will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, even if a new game ball passes through the special gate 650 and is detected by the special gate switch 651 while the special gate display device 44 is displaying a change or while the movable device 722 is operating, the change display (operation assist lottery result) for that part will not be withheld.

[0156] In addition, an effect display device 42 is provided above the central winning unit 37. The effect display device 42 is configured with a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45, which will be described later. In the effect display device 42, auxiliary display content is determined by the sub-control device 262 based on commands from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the variable display and lottery results displayed on the special display device 43, and the content is displayed by the display control device 45, which will be described later.

[0157] The variable winning device 32 is disposed at the center of the lower part of the game area (game board 30). The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state where game balls cannot enter, but when a jackpot state occurs, the big winning opening opening member 32a is opened, and the variable winning device 32 is in an open state where game balls can enter the big winning opening.

[0158] Next, the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, etc. On the rear of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged in rows vertically and horizontally, with some parts overlapping front to back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) that supplies game balls, a resin protective cover, etc. are attached. The payout mechanism and protective cover are integrated into one unit, and since the resin part is generally sometimes referred to as the back pack, this unit will be referred to here as the "back pack unit 203."

[0159] First, we will explain the rear structure of the gaming board 30. As shown in Fig. 6, a resin frame cover 213 that covers the central winning unit 37 and the like from behind is provided on the rear of the gaming board 30 and protrudes rearward. In addition, a display control device 45 and a sub-control device 262 are detachably attached to the rear side of the frame cover 213.

[0160] The display control device 45 is housed in a board box 45a and fixed to the back side of the frame cover 213. The sub-control device 262 is housed in a board box 262a and fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (board box 45a). The board boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the insides are visible.

[0161] Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning section 31, the variable winning device 32, the start winning section 33, etc. from behind. The back frame set 215 is equipped with a ball recovery mechanism (not shown) for recovering game balls that have won in the various winning means. The game balls recovered by this ball recovery mechanism are guided to a discharge passage section 217, which will be described later, and are discharged from a discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0162] In this embodiment, the back frame set 215 also functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, the board box 263 on which the main control device 261 is mounted is rotatably supported on the back frame set 215 and can be opened toward the rear.

[0163] The main control device 261 is housed in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 comprises a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board box 263 connected by the sealing member is configured so that it cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left behind. This makes it easy to discover if the board box 263 has been tampered with.

[0164] Furthermore, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board (not shown) that is electrically connected via cable connectors to the general winning switch 221, the count switch 223, and the through gate switch 225. This first board relay board relays between the general winning switch 221, etc. and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector.

[0165] The back frame set 215 also includes a second board relay board (not shown) electrically connected to the various switches provided in the central winning unit 37 via cable connectors. Specifically, the second board relay board is electrically connected to the internal ball entry detection switch 437, the first special ball entry detection switch 461, the non-special ball entry detection switch 462, the round ball entry detection switches (15R ball entry detection switch 734, 7R ball entry detection switch 735, 3R ball entry detection switch 736), the second special ball entry detection switch 738, and the special gate switch 651. This second board relay board relays the various switches provided in the central winning unit 37 and the main control device 261, and like the first board relay board, is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector.

[0166] In contrast, the start winning switches 224a and 224b, which detect balls entering the start winning sections 33a and 33b, are connected directly to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without going through a relay board.

[0167] With the above configuration, the detection results detected by the various ball entry detection switches are input into the main control device 261. Then, the main control device 261 sends a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning status at each time to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the output signal from the payout control device 311 (except when detected by the through gate switch 225, non-special ball entry detection switch 462, round ball entry detection switches 734, 735, 736, and special gate switch 651).

[0168] In addition, although not shown, a large prize opening solenoid that drives the large prize opening opening / closing member 32a in the variable prize winning device 32 to open and close is provided on the back surface of the game board 30, and a start opening solenoid that drives the pair of start opening opening / closing members 33c to open and close is provided in the second start winning section 33b. Also, the back frame set 215 is provided with a third board relay board (not shown) that relays these solenoids and the main control device 261.

[0169] Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352. The back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable on the left side (right side in Fig. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward around an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, an external terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left side (upper right side in Fig. 5) of the back pack unit 203.

[0170] The external terminal board 240 is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals for relaying various types of information transmission to the hall computer of the gaming hall, etc. For convenience, no reference numerals are attached, but for example, terminals for outputting information regarding the current gaming state (jackpot state, time-saving mode, etc.), terminals for outputting information regarding the opening of the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 detected by the opening detection switches 91, 92 described later, terminals for outputting information regarding various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower tray full error, a tank ball no error, and a payout error, and terminals for outputting information regarding the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control device 311 are provided.

[0171] The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 is closed on the left and right sides and the top, and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in this embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to also cover the top and right portions (the left portion in FIG. 5) of the board box 263. As a result, when the back pack unit 203 is closed, the sealing member provided on the right portion of the board box 263 and the terminal portion (board-side connector) provided along the upper edge of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0172] The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. Above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 with an opening at the top is provided, and this tank 355 is successively replenished with gaming balls supplied from the island facilities of the gaming hall. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 having, for example, two horizontal rows of ball passages and gently sloping toward the downstream side is connected, and further, a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and the required number of gaming balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The gaming balls paid out by the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

[0173] The dispensing mechanism 352 is also provided with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays dispensing command signals from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in main power from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with main power, for example, 24 V AC, via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

[0174] Below the rear pack unit 203 (base box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided, which is pivotally supported on the left side (right side in Fig. 5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened to the rear. As shown in Fig. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage section 217 into which the game balls collected by the above-mentioned ball collection mechanism flow, and at the most downstream part of the discharge passage section 217, a discharge chute (not shown) is formed to discharge the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0175] That is, game balls that have won in each winning means such as the general winning section 31 are collected via the ball recovery mechanism of the back frame set 215, and are further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217. The outlet 36 also leads to the discharge passage section 217, and game balls that have not won in any of the winning means are also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute.

[0176] In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate entities and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may also be formed integrally.

[0177] Also, as shown in Figure 5, the dispensing control device 311, the launch control device 312, the power supply device 313 and the card unit connection board 314 are removably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251 in a stacked front-to-back position.

[0178] The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in a circuit board box 313a and fixed to the rear side of the lower frame set 251. For convenience, the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices, but in reality they are composed of a single circuit board (printed circuit board).

[0179] The dispensing control device 311 is housed in a board box 311a and fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (the launching control device 312 and the power supply device 313). The board box 311a housing the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a sealing member, similar to the board box 263 housing the main control device 261 described above, so that evidence that the board box 311a has been opened will remain.

[0180] In addition, the card unit connection board 314 is housed in a board box 314a and fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313).

[0181] The board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, so that the inside can be seen.

[0182] In addition, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the base box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed in the event of a dispensing error, such as a ball jam in the dispensing motor, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and reverse, and the ball jam is resolved (returned to the normal state).

[0183] Furthermore, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the circuit board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is maintained, and when power is restored from the power outage, the state at the time of the power outage can be restored. Therefore, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the game hall closes), the state before the power outage is stored and maintained, so if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while pressing the RAM erase switch 323.

[0184] As shown in Figure 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 is equipped with a cylinder lock 600a (see Figure 1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame set 14, and the inner frame 12 can be unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 600a and rotating it in one direction, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating it in the other direction. In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

[0185] As described above, the right-side frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 has an extended wall portion 83 formed thereon that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). This makes it difficult to insert a wire or the like from the rear side of the outer frame 11 and operate the locking device 600 using the wire or the like. As a result, defensive performance can be improved. Furthermore, the extended wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end (the left end in FIG. 5) of the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, so that when the inner frame 12 is closed, the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

[0186] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided on the lower right side of the front side of the inner frame 12 (to the right of the launching device 60), and as shown in Figure 5, an inner frame open detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the back side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in Figure 5). The front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can be retracted into the switch main body, and the front frame open detection switch 91 is arranged so that its detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame open detection switch 92 is arranged so that its detection unit faces rearward. When the detection unit is protruding from the switch main body, it outputs an ON signal to the main control unit 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and retracted into the switch main body, it outputs an OFF signal to the main control unit 261. In other words, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the detection part of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back of the front frame set 14, turning it to the OFF state, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection part returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection part of the inner frame open detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing part 86 integrally formed with the receiving part 85 of the outer frame 11, turning it to the OFF state, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection part returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state.

[0187] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the present pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 (main board) is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The main control device 261 constitutes the special game state granting means, opening / closing control means, etc. in this embodiment.

[0188] The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 502 are executed, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into a single chip, and each function may be integrated into a chip.

[0189] RAM 503 includes a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of CPU 501 and the return addresses of control programs executed by CPU 501 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 503a.

[0190] In addition, RAM 503 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off by receiving backup voltage from the power supply unit 313, and all data stored in the stack area, working area and backup area 503a is backed up.

[0191] The backup area 503a is an area for storing values ​​such as stack pointers, registers, and I / Os at the time of power cut (including power cuts; the same applies below) so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be restored to the state before power cut when the power is turned back on if the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is performed by the main processing when the power is cut off, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned on (including power on after the power is recovered; the same applies below). Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 output from a power outage monitoring circuit 542 (described later) when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed when a power outage occurs.

[0192] Note that it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas as long as data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, but data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0193] An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus, a data bus, etc. The input / output port 505 is connected to a RAM erasure switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, a through gate display device 41, a special display device 43, a special gate display device 44, etc., which will be described later. With this configuration, the through gate display device 41, the special display device 43, and the special gate display device 44 described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the performance display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

[0194] In addition, for convenience, various relay boards, etc. are not shown in the illustration, but the input / output port 505 is connected to various detection switches that can constitute specified detection means, such as the general winning switch 221, count switch 223, start winning switches 224a, 224b, through gate switch 225, internal ball entry detection switch 437, special ball entry detection switches 461, 738, non-special ball entry detection switch 462, round ball entry detection switches 734, 735, 736, and special gate switch 651, as well as various electrical components such as various boards, a blade solenoid 405 that opens and closes the blade member 404, a rotor motor 415 that rotates the rotor 414, a movable part solenoid 725 that moves the movable part 722 up and down, and a motor that swings the first cross plate 744 and the second cross plate 745. That is, main control device 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal sections (board-side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal sections and the like.

[0195] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) as sub-control means comprises a CPU 551 which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 552 which stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 551, a RAM 553 which is a memory which temporarily stores various data etc. when the control programs stored in the ROM 552 are executed, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, and also various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit etc. (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory which temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0196] The input / output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551, ROM 552, RAM 553 via a bus line 555, and is also connected to the display control device 45. Furthermore, the input / output port 554 is connected to a speaker SP, a performance button 125, various illumination units and lamps 102, 104.

[0197] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command signal (for example, a performance pattern command such as a variation pattern command) sent from the main control device 261, and causes the performance display device 42 to display. As described above, in this embodiment, the special display device 43 controlled by the main control device 261 displays whether or not there is a win, and the performance display device 42 controlled by the sub-control device 262 displays a display that matches the display of the special display device 43.

[0198] The payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511, which is a calculation device, is provided with a ROM 512 that stores control programs executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0199] The RAM 513 of the dispensing control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 511 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 513a.

[0200] The RAM 513 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all data stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a is backed up. Note that it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, but data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0201] The backup area 513a is an area for storing values ​​such as the stack pointer, registers, and I / O at the time of power cut so that when the power is turned back on, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power was cut off in the event of a power outage or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned on. Note that, like the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. When the power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, an NMI interrupt process is immediately executed as a power outage process.

[0202] The working area is provided with a payout permission flag that sets permission for the payout control device 311 to pay out prize balls, a command reception flag that is set when a command sent from the main control device 261 is received, and a command buffer in which commands sent from the main control device 261 are stored.

[0203] The payout permission flag is a flag that sets permission for the payout of prize balls, and is turned on when a specific command that permits the payout of prize balls is sent from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is turned off when the initial setting process is performed or the state before power was cut off is restored. In this embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command that instructs the initial process of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command that instructs the payout of prize balls, and a payout return command that is sent when power is restored to the main control device 261.

[0204] The command reception flag is a flag that checks whether the dispensing control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received.Like the dispensing permission flag, it is turned off when the initial setting process is performed or the state before power was cut off is restored, and it is also turned off when the received command is judged by the command judgment process.

[0205] The command buffer is configured as a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a specified storage area, and commands are stored in a regular pattern from the beginning to the end of the storage area, and when commands have been stored in all of the storage area, the buffer returns to the beginning of the storage area and updates the commands. Therefore, when a command is stored or read, the storage pointer and read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and commands are stored and read based on these pointers.

[0206] The CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and RAM 513 is connected to an input / output port 515 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 515 is connected to a RAM erasure switch circuit 543, a main control unit 261, a launch control unit 312, a payout unit 358, etc.

[0207] The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation section (ball lending button 121 and return button 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10 and to a card unit (ball lending unit) placed on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, and receives commands for ball lending operations from the player and outputs them to the card unit. Note that in cash machines in which game balls are directly loaned from a ball lending device or the like to the upper tray 19 without going through the card unit, the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted.

[0208] The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of gaming balls by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the launch device 60 is operated under the conditions that a launch permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal detects that the player is touching the handle 18, and the launch prohibition button 18a (see FIG. 1) that stops the launch is not operated, and the launch device 60 launches gaming balls at predetermined intervals with an intensity according to the amount of operation of the handle 18. In this embodiment, the device is configured to be able to launch gaming balls at approximately 0.6 second intervals (approximately 100 balls per minute).

[0209] The display control device 45 executes the variable display of decorative symbols on the effect display device 42 in accordance with instructions from the sub-control device 262. This display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. An input / output port 554 of the sub-control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. The CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 via the bus line 530. The VDP 526 is connected to an output port 529 via the bus line 531, and the output port 529 is connected to the effect display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device.

[0210] The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command sent from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or performs predetermined calculation processing based on the received command, thereby controlling the VDP 526 (specifically, generating internal commands for the VDP 526). This allows display control in the performance display device 42.

[0211] The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs.

[0212] The video RAM 524 is a memory that stores display data to be displayed on the performance display device 42, and the display content of the performance display device 42 is changed by rewriting the content of this video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as designs to be displayed on the performance display device 42.

[0213] The VDP 526 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) built into the performance display device 42. The VDP 526 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is an IC chip, and its actual form should be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the timing of the CPU 521, video RAM 524, etc. to mediate the reading and writing of data, and also reads display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the performance display device 42.

[0214] In addition, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power supply interruptions due to power outages, etc., and a RAM erasure switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erasure switch 323.

[0215] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control unit 261, the dispensing control unit 311, etc., via a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 541 takes in an externally supplied 24-volt AC power supply, generates a +12V power supply to drive various switches, motors, etc., a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supplies to the main control unit 261, the dispensing control unit 311, etc. The launch control unit 312 is supplied with operating power (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) via the dispensing control unit 311. Similarly, the various switches, motors, etc. are supplied with operating power via the control devices to which they are connected.

[0216] The power outage monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power outage signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and when this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power outage (power outage) has occurred and outputs a power outage signal SK1 to the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power outage signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and perform power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0217] The power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of the 5-volt drive voltage of the control system at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the power outage process, even after the 24-volt DC stabilized voltage drops below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control unit 311 can execute and complete the power outage process normally.

[0218] The RAM clearing switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM clearing switch 323 and clears the backup data in the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM clearing switch 323 is pressed, the RAM clearing switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM clearing signal SK2 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. When the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM clearing switch 323 pressed (including when the power is turned on after a power outage is resolved), the data in the RAMs 503, 513 of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 are cleared.

[0219] Next, we will explain the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as above. In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 as the main control means performs a lottery using various counter information during a game. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, a hit / miss random number counter C1 is used in a hit / miss lottery to determine whether or not a big hit will be generated that will open the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening opening member 32a) or a small hit will be generated that will open the central winning unit 37 (blade member 404) based on the detection of the start winning switches 224a, 224b; a variable time selection counter C2 is used to determine the time (variable time) of the variable display displayed on the special display device 43; an initial value random number counter CINI is used to set the initial value of the hit / miss random number counter C1; a ball entry assist random number counter C3 is used in a ball entry assist lottery to determine whether or not to open the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening member 33c) based on the detection of the through gate switch 225; and an operation assist random number counter C4 is used in an operation assist lottery to determine whether or not to activate the movable role device 722 based on the detection of the special gate switch 651.

[0220] Counters C1, C2, CINI, C3, and C4 are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value each time they are updated, and after reaching their upper limit, return to the lower limit, 0. Each counter is updated periodically, and the updated value is stored appropriately in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 (except for random number initial value counter CINI).

[0221] The RAM 503 is provided with a special variable reserve area as a reserve memory area in which the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1 and the variable time selection counter C2 are stored, and a normal variable reserve area in which the value of the ball entry assist random number counter C3 is stored. Both the special variable reserve area and the normal variable reserve area have one execution area and four reserve areas (reserved areas 1 to 4).

[0222] In addition, in each reserve area of ​​the special variable reserve area, values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1 and the variable time selection counter C2 are stored in chronological order in accordance with the winning history of game balls in the first and second start winning sections 33a and 33b. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reserve the variable display on the special display device 43 up to four times in total, as described above.

[0223] Furthermore, in each holding area of ​​the normal variable holding area, the value of the ball entry assist random number counter C3 is stored in chronological order in accordance with the history of game balls passing through the through gate 34. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to hold the variable display on the through gate display device 41 up to four times as described above.

[0224] To explain each counter in detail, the win / loss random number counter C1 is configured to increment by one in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 399, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 399) as the closing value, return to 0, which is the lower limit value as the opening value. Normally, when the win / loss random number counter C1 goes through one cycle, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the win / loss random number counter C1. Note that the initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the win / loss random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 399), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and repeatedly within the remaining time of normal processing. Meanwhile, the win / loss random number counter C1 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 is stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer. Then, at the time when the game ball enters the first start winning section 33a or the second start winning section 33b (the time when it is detected by the first start winning switch 224a or the second start winning switch 224b), the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 stored in the win / loss random number counter buffer is stored in the special variable holding area.

[0225] In this embodiment, the winning / losing lottery, which is performed based on the value of the winning / losing random number counter C1 stored in the special variable reserve area, will produce one of the following lottery results: "small winning," "big winning," or "losing." The winning / losing lottery process for the big winning lottery and small winning lottery constitutes the open lottery process in this embodiment.

[0226] Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of random numbers that result in a "jackpot" is one, and the value is "0." That is, there is a 1 / 400 probability of winning a "jackpot," and the special display device 43 displays a stop display in a mode (combination of lit lamps) that corresponds to a "jackpot," resulting in a 15-round jackpot state.

[0227] In addition, there are 398 random numbers that can be used for the "small prize," and the values ​​range from 2 to 399. In other words, the probability of winning the "small prize" is 398 / 400.

[0228] In particular, the "small win" in this embodiment includes a "short small win" in which the blade members 404 of the central winning unit 37 are opened for 0.5 seconds, and a "long small win" in which the blade members 404 are opened for 1.5 seconds. Therefore, among the values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1, "2 to 21" corresponds to a "long small win", and "22 to 399" corresponds to a "short small win".

[0229] When a "short small win" is won, the special display device 43 displays a stop in a manner (combination of lit lamps) corresponding to a "short small win", and the blade members 404 open for 0.5 seconds. When a "long small win" is won, the special display device 43 displays a stop in a manner (combination of lit lamps) corresponding to a "long small win", and the blade members 404 open for 1.5 seconds. Here, the opening / closing pattern determination means in this embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 which executes the small win lottery and the big win lottery and determines the opening / closing pattern of the opening / closing members such as the blade members 404.

[0230] Furthermore, among the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1, "1" corresponds to a "miss," and in the case of a "miss," the special display device 43 displays a stop display in a manner corresponding to a "miss" (combination of lit lamps).

[0231] In this embodiment, ROM 502 is provided with a win / lose determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the win / lose random number counter C1 corresponds to a "small win" or a "big win."

[0232] In this embodiment, after the end of the jackpot state, a game state is provided in which the time (variation time) of the variable display on the special display device 43 is shortened while the variable display is performed four times on the special display device 43. This game state ends when the variable display is performed four times on the special display device 43 after the end of the jackpot state, even if the next jackpot state does not occur, and then the game returns to the normal game state.

[0233] Hereinafter, the gaming state in which the variable time of the special display device 43 is shortened will be referred to as the "time shortening mode," and the normal gaming state in which the normal variable display without shortening the variable time is performed will be referred to as the "normal mode." The specific variable time of the special display device 43 in the "time shortening mode" and "normal mode" will be described later.

[0234] Furthermore, in the "time-saving mode," the start opening / closing member 33c of the second start winning section 33b is opened relatively frequently, resulting in a "high ball entry state" in which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the second start winning section 33b. As a result, in the "time-saving mode," it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second start winning section 33b, compared to the "normal mode," in which the start opening / closing member 33c is hardly opened, resulting in a "low ball entry state" in which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the second start winning section 33b.

[0235] Specifically, in "normal mode," the through gate display device 41, which displays the results of the ball entry assist lottery based on the game ball passing through the through gate 34, has a fluctuation time of 10 seconds, and the opening time of the start opening opening / closing member 33c when the ball entry assist lottery is won is 0.4 seconds. On the other hand, in "time-shortened mode," the fluctuation time of the through gate display device 41 is 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the start opening opening opening member 33c when the ball entry assist lottery is won is 2 seconds.

[0236] In other words, in the "time-saving mode," the fluctuation time of the through gate display device 41 is shorter and the opening time of the start opening opening / closing member 33c is longer than in the "normal mode." Because the time period in which the start opening / closing member 33c is open is longer, game balls will frequently enter the second start winning section 33b, and the winning / losing lottery will be held continuously, resulting in a good ball holding state.

[0237] In this way, in the "time-shortening mode," if the reserved variable display of the special display device 43 successively wins a small prize (the process of closing the blade members 404 once, performing the variable display, and then opening is the same, but the variable time is short), the blade members 404 will be opened almost continuously (in rapid succession). This makes it easier to make multiple game balls enter the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37 all at once.

[0238] In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "big win" or a "small win (short small win and long small win)" in the lottery based on the ball entering the starting winning section 33, as well as the opening time of the blade member 404 when a "small win (short small win and long small win)" occurs, are the same in both modes (time-saving mode and normal mode).

[0239] In addition, the probability of winning the ball entry assist lottery, which is conducted based on the game ball passing through the through gate 34, and the probability of winning the operation assist lottery, which is conducted based on the game ball passing through the special gate switch 651, are the same in both modes.

[0240] The variable time selection counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 9, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 9), return to the lower limit, 0. The variable time selection counter C2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once per timer interrupt), and the value of the variable time selection counter C2 is stored in the variable time selection counter buffer. Then, when the gaming ball enters the first start winning section 33a or the second start winning section 33b (when detected by the first start winning switch 224a or the second start winning switch 224b), the value of the variable time selection counter C2 stored in the variable time selection counter buffer is stored in the special variable holding area of ​​the RAM 503.

[0241] In this embodiment, the variable time of the special display device 43 when a "small win" occurs in the win / lose lottery in the "normal mode" is set to "2 seconds" or "3 seconds." The variable time selection table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the variable time selection counter C2 corresponds to a "2-second variable" or a "3-second variable" is pre-stored in the ROM 502. Therefore, the ROM 502 that stores the variable time selection table and the like constitutes the first variable pattern storage means in this embodiment.

[0242] In addition, when the lottery in "normal mode" results in a "jackpot" or a "miss," the time for the special display device 43 to fluctuate is "7 seconds."

[0243] On the other hand, the variable time of the special display device 43 in the "time-shortened mode" is always "0.1 seconds" regardless of the result of the lottery ("small win", "big win" or "loss"). The variable time of the special display device 43 is not limited to the four of 2-second variation, 3-second variation, 7-second variation and 0.1-second variation according to this embodiment, and a different variable time may be adopted.

[0244] The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the win / fail random number counter C1 and the variable time selection counter C2 be different prime numbers, and that they be unsynchronized under any circumstances.

[0245] Furthermore, the ball entry assist random number counter C3 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of 0 to 9, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 9), returns to the lower limit, 0. The ball entry assist random number counter C3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once per timer interrupt), and the value of the ball entry assist random number counter C3 is obtained when the game ball passes through either the left or right through gate 34.

[0246] Normally, there are eight random numbers that can be winning, and the range is "1 to 8." When the value of the ball entry assist random number counter C3 is acquired, a variable display is performed for a predetermined time on the through gate display device 41, and then a stationary display is performed in a mode (combination of lit lamps) corresponding to a win or loss, and if a win is obtained, the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening member 33c) is opened for a predetermined time.

[0247] Furthermore, the activation assist random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of 0 to 19, and after reaching an upper limit value (i.e., 19), returns to the lower limit value of 0. The activation assist random number counter C4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the activation assist random number counter C4 is obtained when the gaming ball passes through the special gate 650.

[0248] Normally, there are 15 random number values ​​that result in a win, and the range is "1 to 15." When the value of the activation assist random number counter C4 is acquired, a variable display is performed for a predetermined time on the special gate display device 44, and then a stationary display is performed in a mode (combination of lit lamps) corresponding to a win or a loss, and if a win occurs, the movable role piece 722 of the bypass mechanism unit 721 is in a protruding state for a predetermined time. Therefore, the activation assist lottery constitutes the activation lottery process in this embodiment, and the function of the main control device 261 that executes the activation assist lottery constitutes the "lottery process execution means" and the "state lottery means."

[0249] Next, each control process executed by CPU 501 in main control device 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processes of CPU 501 can be broadly divided into main processing which is started when power is turned on, timer interrupt processing which is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing which is started by inputting a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For ease of explanation, the timer interrupt processing and NMI interrupt processing will be described first, followed by the main processing.

[0250] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example.

[0251] In FIG. 11, first, in step S301, a process for reading various winning switches is executed. That is, the states of various switches connected to the main control device 261 (except the RAM clear switch 323) are read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information is saved. If a game ball is paid out in response to switch detection, the value of the corresponding prize ball counter is incremented and this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a detection signal has not been input, this process ends as is. In the external output process of the normal process described later, a prize ball command based on the value of each prize ball counter is output to the payout control device 311. When this prize ball command is output, the value of each prize ball counter is reset.

[0252] In step S302, a random number initial value update process is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (399 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0253] In addition, in step S303, a random number update process is executed. Specifically, the win / lose random number counter C1, variable time selection counter C2, goal assist random number counter C3, and operation assist random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their maximum values ​​(in this embodiment, "399", "9", "9", and "19", respectively), they are each cleared to 0. The updated values ​​of each counter C1, C2, C3, and C4 are then stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM 503.

[0254] Then, in step S304, a start winning process is executed in response to a winning entry into the start winning section 33 (first start winning section 33a or second start winning section 33b), in step S305 a through gate passing process is executed in response to the game ball passing through the through gate 34, and in step S306 a ball counting process is executed in response to the ball entering the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37.

[0255] In the following step S307, special winning processing is executed in response to detection by the first special ball entry detection switch 461 (ball entering the first V winning passage 427 via the special pocket portion 416a of the rotating body 414) or detection by the second special ball entry detection switch 738 (ball entering the bypass passage 737 via the second V winning passage 730 of the movable device 722).

[0256] Furthermore, in step S308, non-special winning processing is executed in response to detection by the non-special ball entry detection switch 462 (entry into the out passage 428 via the non-special pocket portion 416b of the rotating body 414), and in step S309, special gate passing processing is executed in response to the passage of the game ball through the special gate 650.

[0257] Then, in step S310, type-based ball entry processing is executed in response to detection by round ball entry detection switches 734, 735, and 736 (balls entered into 15R ball entry port 731, 7R ball entry port 732, and 3R ball entry port 733), and the timer interrupt processing is temporarily terminated.

[0258] Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0259] In addition, the execution area of ​​the special variable pending area and each pending area are provided with a win / lose random number memory area that stores the value of the win / lose random number counter C1, a variable time random number memory area that stores the value of the variable time selection counter C2, and a start winning determination flag that determines whether the pending variable display is based on a ball entering either the first start winning section 33a or the second start winning section 33b.

[0260] In addition to the areas for storing the values ​​of the hit / miss random number counter C1 and the fluctuation time selection counter C2 described above, the special fluctuation reserve area in this embodiment is provided with a jackpot occurrence flag indicating that a "jackpot" has been won in the hit / miss lottery based on the ball entering the start winning section 33, a loss flag indicating that a "miss" has been won, a long small win occurrence flag indicating that a "long small win" has been won, and a short small win occurrence flag indicating that a "short small win" has been won. In addition, a 2-second fluctuation flag, a 3-second fluctuation flag, and a 7-second fluctuation flag indicating the fluctuation time in the special display device 43 are provided.

[0261] First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the value of the reserve counter Na, which counts the number of reserves of the variable display triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first and second start winning sections 33a and 33b, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the determination in step S501 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0262] On the other hand, if the result of step S501 is affirmative, then in step S502, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the first start winning section 33a based on the detection information of the first start winning switch 224a. If the result of step S502 is negative, the process proceeds to step S509, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the result of step S502 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S503, where the pending counter Na is incremented by one.

[0263] In the following step S504, the values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1 and the variable time selection counter C2 updated in the random number update process in step S303 are stored in the first available reserve area of ​​the special variable reserve area. Here, a predetermined condition may be satisfied when various counter values ​​corresponding to a jackpot are stored in the special variable reserve area during a predetermined jackpot state. Alternatively, when various counter values ​​corresponding to a jackpot are stored in the special variable reserve area during a predetermined jackpot state, the predetermined condition may be satisfied with a predetermined probability, for example, a 60% probability.

[0264] In step S505, the start winning determination flag of the reserved area in which the values ​​of the win / lose random number counter C1 and the variable time selection counter C2 are stored is turned on. Note that the start winning determination flag in this embodiment is set to on when the reserved variable display is based on a ball entering the first start winning section 33a, and is set to off when the reserved variable display is based on a ball entering the second start winning section 33b.

[0265] In the next step S506, a win / loss determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 newly stored in the special variable reserve area corresponds to a "small win" or a "big win." Details of the win / loss determination process will be described later.

[0266] In the next step S507, a variable time determination process is performed to determine the variable time in the special display device 43 based on the value of the variable time selection counter C2 newly stored in the special variable pending area. The variable time determination process will be described in detail later.

[0267] Thereafter, in step S508, a setting process of a start command is performed. The start command includes information indicating whether the reserved variable information (predetermined information used to determine the contents of the variable display) is based on a ball entering the first start winning section 33a or the second start winning section 33b, information indicating a "small win" or a "big win," information indicating a variable time, etc., and is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step S201).

[0268] Here, the details of the win / loss determination process of step S506 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In this embodiment, the win / loss determination process also determines the type of small win (long small win, short small win).

[0269] First, in step S5101, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 newly stored in the special variable reserve area matches "0," which is the value corresponding to a "jackpot." Note that the predetermined condition may be satisfied when various counter values ​​corresponding to a specific jackpot, such as a probability variable jackpot, that may award a specific game mode such as a high probability mode or a high support mode after the end of the jackpot state, are stored in the special variable reserve area. If the determination in step S5101 is affirmative, i.e., if it is determined that a jackpot state has occurred, the jackpot occurrence flag is turned on in step S5102, and then this processing is terminated.

[0270] If the result of step S5101 is negative, then in step S5103 it is determined whether the value of the win / lose random number counter C1 newly stored in the special variable reserve area matches the value "1" which corresponds to a "lose." If the result of step S5103 is positive, that is, if it is determined to be a "lose," then in step S5104 the loss flag is turned on and the process ends.

[0271] On the other hand, if the result of step S5103 is negative, that is, if it is determined to be a "small win", then in step S5105, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 newly stored in the special variable reserve area matches any of the values ​​"2 to 21" corresponding to a "long small win". If the result of step S5105 is affirmative, then in step S5106, the long small win occurrence flag is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0272] Also, if the result of step S5105 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the result is a "short small win", then in step S5107, the short small win occurrence flag is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

[0273] Next, the fluctuation time determination process of step S507 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The function of executing the fluctuation time determination process of step S507 and the like constitutes the first fluctuation pattern selection means in this embodiment.

[0274] First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the time-saving mode is in effect. If the determination in step S5201 is affirmative, in step S5202, a 0.1-second fluctuation flag indicating that the fluctuation time of the variable display displayed on the special display device 43 is 0.1 seconds is set to ON, and then this processing is terminated. In other words, in the time-saving mode, regardless of whether the result of the win / loss lottery is a jackpot, a long small win, a short small win, or a miss, the fluctuation time of the corresponding variable display is uniformly set to 0.1 seconds.

[0275] On the other hand, if the result of step S5201 is negative, it is determined in step S5203 whether or not the long small win occurrence flag was set in the immediately preceding win / loss determination process. If the result of step S5203 is positive, that is, if it is determined to be a "long small win," it is determined in step S5204 whether or not the value of the variable time selection counter C2 newly stored in the special variable reserve area matches either "0" or "1."

[0276] If a negative judgment is made in step S5204, that is, if the value of the variable time selection counter C2 is any one of "2 to 9," then in step S5205, a 3-second variable flag indicating that the variable time of the variable display on the special display device 43 is 3 seconds is turned on, and then this processing is terminated. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S5204, then a 2-second variable flag indicating that the variable time of the variable display on the special display device 43 is 2 seconds is turned on, and then this processing is terminated.

[0277] If the result of step S5203 is negative, it is determined in step S5207 whether the short small win occurrence flag is on. If the result of step S5207 is positive, that is, if a "short small win" occurs, it is determined in step S5208 whether the value of the variable time selection counter C2 newly stored in the special variable reserve area matches either "0" or "1."

[0278] If a positive determination is made in step S5208, a 3-second fluctuation flag indicating that the fluctuation time of the variable display made on the special display device 43 is 3 seconds is set to ON in the above step S5205, and then this processing is terminated. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5208, a 2-second fluctuation flag indicating that the fluctuation time of the variable display made on the special display device 43 is 2 seconds is set to ON in the above step S5206, and then this processing is terminated. In other words, when a "long small win" occurs, there is a higher possibility that a longer fluctuation time (3 seconds) will be selected than when a "short small win" occurs.

[0279] Also, if the result of step S5207 is negative, i.e., if it is a "jackpot" or a "miss," then in step S5209, the 7-second fluctuation flag is turned on, indicating that the fluctuation time of the variable display on the special display device 43 is 7 seconds, and then this processing is terminated.

[0280] Returning to the explanation of Figure 13, after the processing of step S508, or if a negative judgment is made in step S502, in step S509, it is judged whether or not the gaming ball has entered the second start winning section 33b based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 224b. If a negative judgment is made in step S509, this processing is terminated. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made, in step S510, the pending counter Na is incremented by 1.

[0281] In the following step S511, the values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1 and the variable time selection counter C2 are stored in the first available reserved area in the special variable reserved area. In step S512, a win / loss determination process is performed. Note that the win / loss determination process in step S512 is the same as the win / loss determination process in step S506 above, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0282] In the next step S513, a variable time determination process is performed. The correct / incorrect determination process in step S513 is the same as the variable time determination process in step S507, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. After step S513, in step S514, a setting process for the preceding command is performed, and this process ends.

[0283] Next, the through gate passing process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0284] In step S601, it is determined based on the detection information of the through gate switch 225 whether the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34 or not.

[0285] If a negative determination is made in step S601, this processing is terminated as is. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S601, that is, if it is determined that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34, in step S602, it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of holds in the variable display made on the through gate display device 41, is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If a negative determination is made here, this processing is terminated as is. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S602, that is, if the passage of the gaming ball through the through gate 34 is confirmed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is less than 4, the processing proceeds to step S603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

[0286] In the next step S604, a random number related to the winning or losing is acquired. Specifically, the value of the ball-entering assist random number counter C3 updated in the random number update process in step S303 is stored in the first free memory area in the normal variable reserve area of ​​RAM 503. After that, the through-gate passing process is terminated.

[0287] Next, the ball entry counting process of step S306 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. First, in step S7201, it is determined whether or not the internal ball entry detection switch 437 provided at the entrance 601b of the introduction passage 601 has detected a game ball, thereby determining whether or not a game ball has entered the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37. If a negative determination is made in step S7201, this process is terminated.

[0288] On the other hand, if the result of step S7201 is affirmative, then in step S7202, a ball entry command is set to the sub-control device 262 to notify the sub-control device 262 that the gaming ball has entered the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37. When the sub-control device 262 receives the ball entry command, it is configured to output a ball entry sound effect and turn on or flash a ball entry lamp (not shown) to notify the player that the ball has entered the game.

[0289] Then, in step S7203, the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter, which is used to determine the number of game balls in the internal area 401, is incremented by 1. In the following step S7204, a setting process for the monitoring timer taken into consideration in the remaining ball monitoring process is performed. In this embodiment, the monitoring timer is set to "10000" each time the internal ball entry detection switch 437 is detected. Furthermore, even if a predetermined value has already been set in the monitoring timer, it is overwritten with "10000". The monitoring timer is decremented by 1 in the normal process (the remaining ball monitoring process in step S212, described later) which is performed every 4 mec. After step S7204, this process ends.

[0290] Next, the special winning process in step S307 will be described with reference to Figure 18. First, in step S7301, it is determined whether or not there is game ball detection information from the first special ball detection switch 461 or the second special ball detection switch 738. If the determination in step S7301 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0291] On the other hand, if the result of step S7301 is affirmative, then in step S7302, the jackpot flag (described later) is taken into consideration to determine whether or not the jackpot state is in progress. If the result of step S7302 is affirmative, the process is terminated. That is, during the jackpot state, even if a gaming ball enters the first V winning passage 427 via the special pocket portion 416a of the rotor 414 and is detected by the first special winning passage detection switch 461, or even if a gaming ball enters the bypass passage 737 via the movable role object 722 (second V winning passage 730) and is detected by the second special winning passage detection switch 738, the right to generate the corresponding jackpot state is not granted.

[0292] On the other hand, if the result of step S7302 is negative, then in step S7303 it is determined whether or not the special winning flag, which indicates that the first special ball entry detection switch 461 or the second special ball entry detection switch 738 has detected a ball, is already on. If the result of step S7303 is positive, then this processing is terminated. In other words, if it has already been determined that a jackpot state will occur (the right to generate a jackpot state has been granted), even if the first special ball entry detection switch 461 or the second special ball entry detection switch 738 detects a ball again, that jackpot will be invalidated.

[0293] On the other hand, if the result of step S7303 is negative, the special prize flag is turned on in step S7304, and the process is then terminated.

[0294] In this embodiment, when the first special ball entry detection switch 461 detects a ball entry, only the right to generate a jackpot state is granted, and it has not yet been determined what type of jackpot state will be granted, so the jackpot state is not initiated until the type is determined.

[0295] Similarly, when the second special ball entry detection switch 738 detects a ball entry, the right to generate a jackpot state is merely granted, and the game ball has not yet entered the 15R ball entry port 731, so the jackpot state is not initiated until the game ball enters the 15R ball entry port 731 and a "15-round jackpot" is confirmed.

[0296] Next, the non-special winning process of step S308 will be described with reference to Figure 19. First, in step S7401, it is determined whether or not there is game ball detection information from the non-special winning ball detection switch 462. In other words, it is determined whether or not the game ball is being discharged outside the central winning unit 37 (internal area 401) via the out passage 428. If the determination in step S7401 is negative, this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step S7401 is positive, the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter is decremented by 1 in step S7402, and then this process is terminated.

[0297] Next, the special gate passing process in step S309 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0298] In step S7501, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the special gate 650 based on the detection information of the special gate switch 651. If a negative determination is made in step S7501, this processing is terminated.

[0299] On the other hand, if the determination in step S7501 is affirmative, i.e., if it is determined that the gaming ball has passed through the special gate 650, then in step S7502 it is determined whether or not a third display flag (described later) is on, i.e., whether or not a variable display is being performed on the special gate display device 44. If the determination in step S7502 is affirmative, this process is terminated.

[0300] On the other hand, if the result of step S7502 is negative, then in step S7503, it is determined whether or not a special feature operation flag (described later) is on, that is, whether or not the movable special feature 722 is in operation (protruding state). If the result of step S7503 is positive, then this process is terminated.

[0301] As a result, even if a game ball passes through the special gate 650 and is detected by the special gate switch 651 while the special gate display device 44 is displaying a change or while the movable device 722 is operating, the operation assist lottery for that part is invalidated and no new right to operate the movable device 722 is granted.

[0302] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S7503, in step S7504, the value of the operation assist random number counter C4 updated in the random number update process of step S303 above is stored in a predetermined operation assist random number storage area set in RAM 503.

[0303] In the following step S7505, the special gate passing flag is turned on, and in step S7506, the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter is decremented by 1, after which the present process is terminated.

[0304] Next, the special prize winning process in step S310 will be described with reference to Figure 21. First, in step S7601, it is determined whether or not the special prize flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S7601 is negative, the process ends.

[0305] On the other hand, if the answer in step S7601 is affirmative, then in step S7602 it is determined whether or not the 15R ball entry detection switch 734 has detected a ball. If the answer in step S7602 is affirmative, then in step S7603 the 15R jackpot flag, which indicates a 15-round jackpot, is set to ON. Then, in step S7604, the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter is decremented by 1, and then this process ends.

[0306] If the result of step S7602 is negative, then in step S7605 it is determined whether or not the 7R ball detection switch 735 has detected a ball entering the ball. If the result of step S7605 is positive, then in step S7606 the 7R jackpot flag, which indicates a 7-round jackpot, is set to ON. Then, in step S7604, the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter is decremented by 1, and then this process is terminated.

[0307] If a negative determination is made in step S7605, then in step S7608 it is determined whether or not the 3R ball entry detection switch 736 has detected a ball entry. If a negative determination is made in step S7608, then this process ends. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S7608, then in step S7609 a 3R jackpot flag is set to ON, indicating a 3-round jackpot. Thereafter, in step S7604, the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter is decremented by 1, and then this process ends.

[0308] Next, the NMI interrupt process will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like. This NMI interrupt causes the state of the main control device 261 at the time of power cut to be stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

[0309] That is, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 suspends the control being executed and starts NMI interrupt processing, and in step S401, stores the power outage occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power outage occurrence information, and ends the NMI interrupt processing.

[0310] The above-mentioned NMI interrupt process is also executed in the payout control device 311, and the occurrence information of the power outage is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 suspends the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process of Fig. 12. The contents of the process are as explained above.

[0311] Next, the flow of the main processing executed by CPU 501 in main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. This main processing is started upon reset when power is turned on.

[0312] First, in step S101, initial setting processing is performed when the power is turned on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and a wait processing is performed for, for example, about one second to wait for the sub-side control devices (sub-control device 262, dispensing control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step S102, RAM access is permitted.

[0313] Thereafter, data backup processing is performed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 323 provided on the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON). If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S111 to clear (delete) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 323 is not pressed, the process proceeds to the following step S104, in which it is determined whether power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If it is not set, no backup data is stored, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step S111. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step S105, and in the following step S106, it is determined whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, i.e., the validity of the backup. If the calculated RAM judgment value does not match the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, the backed up data has been destroyed, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step S111.

[0314] In the processing of step S111, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-controller 262 and the dispensing controller 311, which are the sub-controllers. Then, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step S112, etc.). The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of RAM 503. Instead of this RAM judgment value, it is also possible to determine the validity of the backup by whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 are correctly saved.

[0315] As described above, in the present pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall opens for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM clear switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S112, etc.). Similarly, if no power outage occurrence information is set or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to RAM 503 initialization processing (step S112, etc.). That is, in step S112, the used area of ​​RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step S113, the initial value of RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, in step S114, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0316] On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 323 has not been pressed (step S103: NO), the process at power recovery (process at power recovery) is executed on the condition that the power failure occurrence information has been set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, and in step S108, the power failure occurrence information is cleared. In step S109, a command is sent to restore the sub-side control device to the gaming state at the time of the power failure, and in step S110, the used registers are restored from the backup area 503a of RAM 503. Thereafter, in step S114, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0317] Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S201 to S212 is executed as a regular processing in a 4 msec cycle, and the initial value random number counter update processing of step S215 is executed in the remaining time.

[0318] First, in step S201, external output processing is performed to send control signals to each device based on the settings of the special display device 43 and the second start-up winning section 33b, etc., updated in the previous processing, and to send output data such as commands to each control device on the sub-side.

[0319] For example, when starting a variable display on the performance display device 42, a variable pattern command is sent to the sub-control device 262. In other words, the variable pattern command is a command signal output to the sub-control device 262 to cause the performance display device 42 to perform a display performance that matches the display performed on the special display device 43. In response to this, the sub-control device 262 that inputs the variable pattern command determines the display mode of the performance display device 42 based on this command, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display this display mode on the performance display device 42.

[0320] On the other hand, when stopping the variable display in the performance display device 42, a confirmation command is sent to the sub-control device 262. In response to this, the sub-control device 262 that inputs the confirmation command issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to end the variable display (display performance) being performed in the performance display device 42 based on the command.

[0321] However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, when the jackpot state is in progress, when the right to the jackpot state has been granted but the jackpot state has not yet started, or when the central winning unit 37 is open (in a small winning state), the subtraction process of the first display timer that measures the fluctuation time in the special display device 43 is not performed (see Figure 23).Therefore, if the first special ball entry detection switch 461 or the second special ball entry detection switch 738 detects a ball entry during the fluctuation display of the special display device 43 (performance display device 42) and the special winning flag is turned on, a confirmation command will not be sent to the sub-control device 262 until the V winning jackpot related to the special winning flag ends, and will be sent after the jackpot ends.

[0322] In step S202, the winning ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S203, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

[0323] In the next step S204, a V winning jackpot setting process is executed. In this process, a game ball that has entered the internal region 401 of the central winning unit 37 enters the first V winning passage 427 via the special pocket portion 416a of the rotating body 414, and the game ball is detected by the first special ball entry detection switch 461, or a game ball enters the bypass passage 737 via the movable accessory 722 (second V winning passage 730), and the game ball is detected by the second special ball entry detection switch 738. A jackpot is set based on this. Details of this V winning jackpot setting process will be described later.

[0324] In step S205, a first display control process is executed. In this process, the type of display to be performed on the special display device 43 and the control contents of the special display device 43 are set, and hit determination and the performance pattern for the performance display device 42 are set. Details of this first display control process will be described later. The first display control means in this embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that executes the first display control process.

[0325] In step S206, a variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32, that is, the type of control to be performed in the variable winning device 32, is set. As a result, when a big win state (special game state) is reached, the opening and closing process of the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening opening member 32a) is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times. The details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

[0326] In step S207, a blade member opening / closing process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the blade member 404 (blade solenoid 405) of the central winning unit 37 are set. The blade member opening / closing process will be described in detail later.

[0327] In step S208, a second display control process is executed. In this process, the type of display to be performed on the through gate display device 41 and the control contents of the through gate display device 41 are set. The second display control process will be described in detail later.

[0328] In step S209, a start winning section control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the start opening opening / closing member 33c of the second start winning section 33b are set. The start winning section control process will be described in detail later.

[0329] In step S210, a third display control process is executed. In this process, the type of display to be performed on the special gate display device 44 and the control content of the special gate display device 44 are set. Details of this third display control process will be described later. The display control means in this embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that executes the third display control process.

[0330] In step S211, a bonus item drive control process is executed for the central winning unit 37. In this process, a drive control process for the rotating body unit 410, a drive control process for the bypass mechanism 721, a drive control process for the type allocation mechanism 741, and the like are executed.

[0331] For example, in the drive control process for the rotating body unit 410, control is performed such as rotating the rotating body 414 counterclockwise at a constant speed, and in the drive control process for the type allocation mechanism 741, control is performed such as oscillating the first cross plate 744 and the second cross plate 745 at a predetermined rhythm.

[0332] In addition, in the drive control process related to the bypass mechanism section 721, when a predetermined condition is met, control is performed such as protruding the movable accessory 722. The drive control process related to the bypass mechanism section 721 (hereinafter referred to as "bypass mechanism control process") will be described in detail later.

[0333] In step S212, a remaining ball monitoring process is executed. In this process, it is confirmed whether or not a gaming ball is present in the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37. The remaining ball monitoring process will be described in detail later.

[0334] Thereafter, in step S213, it is determined whether or not power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If power failure occurrence information is not set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S214 whether or not the timing for executing the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, an affirmative determination is made in step S214, and the process proceeds to step S201, where the processes from step S201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0335] On the other hand, if the result of step S214 is negative, the process proceeds to step S215, where the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value (399 in this example), it is cleared to 0. After this process, the process proceeds to step S213. In other words, if a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing at the time of the determination in step S214, the random number initial value counter CINI is repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the timing of executing the next normal processing.

[0336] Here, the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S212 changes depending on the state of the game, so the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, it is possible to randomly update the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the win / lose random number counter C1).

[0337] If power interruption information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S213: YES), the power has been interrupted, and the processing from step S216 onward is performed as power interruption processing in the event of a power interruption. The power interruption processing begins with prohibiting interrupts in step S216, saving the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 to a stack area in step S217, and storing the value of the stack pointer in the backup area 503a in step S218. Then, in step S219, a power interruption notification command indicating that the power has been interrupted is sent to another control device (such as the dispensing control device 311). Then, in step S220, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 503. Then, in step S221, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop continues until the power is completely interrupted and processing can no longer be executed.

[0338] The processing of step S213 is executed at the end of a series of processing corresponding to changes in the game state performed in steps S201 to S212, or at the end of one cycle of the processing of step S215 performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in the normal processing of the main control device 261, power interruption information is checked at the end of each processing. Therefore, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is reduced compared to when each processing is in progress, and storage is facilitated. Furthermore, when restoring to the state before the power interruption, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, allowing for easy restoration and reducing the processing load on the main control device 261. Furthermore, since interrupt processing is prohibited before data storage (step S216), data at the time of the power interruption is prevented from being changed, and the state before the power interruption can be reliably stored.

[0339] Next, the V-winning big win setting process in step S204 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0340] First, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the special winning flag (see the special winning process in FIG. 18) indicating that a gaming ball has been detected by the first special winning detection switch 461 or the second special winning detection switch 738 is on. If the determination in step S1501 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0341] On the other hand, if the result of step S1501 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1503, where it is determined whether or not the 15R jackpot flag, which indicates that a gaming ball has been detected by the 15R ball entry detection switch 734, is set to on.

[0342] If the answer in step S1503 is affirmative, then in step S1504, a round number counter for determining the number of remaining rounds in the big win state is set to "15", and the process proceeds to step S1505.

[0343] In step S1505, the special winning flag is turned off, and the big win flag indicating that the big win state is in progress is set to on. Then, in the following step S1506, the first variable flag indicating that the opening and closing of the variable winning device 32 is being controlled is set to on, in step S1507, "7500" is set in the first variable timer used for the opening and closing control of the variable winning device 32, and in step S1508, "8" is set in the winning counter, and then this process ends.

[0344] If the result of step S1503 is negative, then in step S1509 it is determined whether or not the 7R jackpot flag, which indicates that a gaming ball has been detected by the 7R ball entry detection switch 735, is set to on. If the result of step S1509 is positive, then in step S1510 the round number counter is set to "7", and the process proceeds to step S1505, where the same processing as above is performed.

[0345] If the determination in step S1509 is negative, then in step S1513 it is determined whether or not the 3R jackpot flag, which indicates that a gaming ball has been detected by the 3R ball entry detection switch 736, is set to on. If the determination in step S1513 is negative, then this process is terminated.

[0346] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S1513, the round number counter is set to "3" in step S1514, and then the process proceeds to step S1505, where the same process as above is carried out.

[0347] Next, the first display control process in step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0348] First, in step S801, the jackpot flag is referenced to determine whether or not the jackpot state is in progress. If the determination in step S801 is affirmative, that is, if the jackpot state is in progress, the process is terminated. In other words, during the jackpot state, no new variable display is started, and no variable display that has already started is ended.

[0349] The jackpot state includes the period during the jackpot state (special game state), an opening period before the jackpot state begins, and an ending period after the jackpot state ends. Generally, during the opening period (for example, the period from when the variable display on the special display device 43 stops and displays in a manner corresponding to a jackpot until the first opening begins on the variable winning device 32), a display is made on the effect display device 42 to notify the start of the jackpot state. On the other hand, during the ending period (a predetermined period after the opening of the final round on the variable winning device 32 has ended), a display is made on the effect display device 42 to notify the end of the jackpot state and the mode that will be assigned after the jackpot.

[0350] If the result of step S801 is negative, then in step S802, it is determined whether the special winning flag is on. The special winning flag is set to on when a gaming ball is detected by the first special winning ball detection switch 461 or the second special winning ball detection switch 738 (see step S7304 of the special winning processing), and is set to off when the jackpot flag is set to on (see step S1505 of the V winning jackpot setting processing). If the result of step S802 is positive, then this processing is terminated. In other words, in a state where the right to generate a jackpot state has been granted but the jackpot state has not yet started, no new variable display is started, and no variable display that has already started is ended.

[0351] On the other hand, if the result of step S802 is negative, then in step S803, it is determined whether or not the small win open flag is set to ON. As will be described in detail later, the small win open flag is set to ON when the blade member 404 of the central winning unit 37 is open, i.e., during a small win state.

[0352] If the result of step S803 is affirmative, the process ends. In other words, while the central winning unit 37 is open (in the small win state), a new variable display is not started, and a variable display that has already started is not ended.

[0353] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S803, the setting status of the first display flag is checked in step S804 to judge whether or not a variable display is being performed on the special display device 43. If the first display flag is set to on, it is considered that a variable display is being performed, and if the first display flag is set to off, it is considered that a variable display is not being performed. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the first display flag is turned on when the variable display on the special display device 43 starts (see step S808), and is turned off when the variable display on the special display device 43 is stopped (see step S812).

[0354] If the determination in step S804 is negative, that is, if the game is not in a jackpot state, if the right to enter the jackpot state has been granted but the jackpot state has not yet started, if the central winning unit 37 is not open (in a small winning state), and if the special display device 43 is not displaying a variable display, the program proceeds to step S805, where it is determined whether the value of the pending counter Na, which counts the number of pending variable displays triggered by a ball entering the starting winning section 33, is greater than 0. If the determination in step S805 is negative, that is, if no variable displays are stored in pending storage, the program ends this process.

[0355] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S805 is affirmative, that is, if at least one variable display is stored in reserve, then in step S806, 1 is subtracted from the value of the reserve counter Na.

[0356] In the next step S807, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the special variable reserve area. This shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the reserve areas 1 to 4 of the special variable reserve area to the execution area side in order, with the data in each area being shifted in the following order: reserve area 1 → execution area, reserve area 2 → reserve area 1, reserve area 3 → reserve area 2, and reserve area 4 → reserve area 3. In this shift process, not only the values ​​of the win / loss random number counter C1 and the variable time selection counter C2, but also the on / off setting states of the jackpot occurrence flag, loss flag, long small win occurrence flag, short small win occurrence flag, 2-second variable flag, 3-second variable flag, and 7-second variable flag are shifted.

[0357] In the next step S808, a variable display setting process is performed. Details of the variable display setting process will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0358] First, in step S901, it is determined whether the variable information corresponds to a "jackpot" by determining whether the jackpot occurrence flag in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set to on. As a modified example, similar to the hit / miss determination process of the start winning process, it may be determined again by referring to the hit / miss determination table whether the value of the hit / miss random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is "0", which is the value corresponding to a jackpot.

[0359] If the result of step S901 is affirmative, that is, if the "jackpot" has been won in the win / loss lottery, then in step S902, a direct jackpot flag indicating that the "jackpot" has been won in the win / loss lottery (a "direct jackpot") is set to ON. After step S902, in step S903, it is determined whether or not the 7-second fluctuation flag in the execution area of ​​the special fluctuation reserve area is set to ON.

[0360] If the result of step S903 is affirmative, in step S904, a fluctuation pattern resulting in a jackpot (jackpot fluctuation pattern) is determined, and a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation information) is also sent to the sub-control device 262. In the following step S905, a value "1750" corresponding to 7 seconds is set to the first display timer used for fluctuation control of the special display device 43. The first display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time (remaining time of the fluctuation display) in the special display device 43, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. After step S905, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0361] Also, if the result of step S903 is negative, in step S906, a fluctuation pattern (jackpot shortened pattern) that shortens the fluctuation time to result in a jackpot is determined, and a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation information) is also sent to the sub-control device 262. In the following step S907, a value "25" corresponding to 0.1 seconds is set for the first display timer used for fluctuation control of the special display device 43. After step S907, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0362] If the result of step S901 is negative, then in step S908, it is determined whether or not the loss flag in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set to on, thereby determining whether or not it is a "loss." As a modified example, it may be determined again whether or not it is a "loss" by determining whether or not the value of the win / loss random number counter C1 in the execution area is "1," in the same manner as in the win / loss determination process of the start winning process.

[0363] If the determination in step S908 is affirmative, i.e., if it is a "miss," then in step S909 it is determined whether or not the 7-second fluctuation flag in the execution area of ​​the special fluctuation pending area is set to on. If the determination in step S909 is affirmative, then in step S910 a fluctuation pattern that will result in a miss (miss fluctuation pattern) is determined, and further, a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern is also sent to the sub-control device 262. Thereafter, in step S911, a value "1750" corresponding to 7 seconds is set in the first display timer, and then the process proceeds to step S938.

[0364] Also, if the result of step S909 is negative, in step S912, a fluctuation pattern (miss shortening pattern) that shortens the fluctuation time to result in a miss is determined, and a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation information) is also sent to the sub-control device 262. In the following step S913, a value "25" corresponding to 0.1 seconds is set for the first display timer used for fluctuation control of the special display device 43. After step S913, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0365] Also, if the result of step S908 is negative, that is, if it is a "small win", the blade open flag is turned on in step S914. In the following step S915, it is determined whether or not the long small win occurrence flag in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is on. As a modified example, similar to the win / loss determination process of the start winning process, it may be determined again whether or not the "long small win" has been won by determining whether or not the value of the variable time selection counter C2 in the execution area matches any of "2 to 21".

[0366] If the determination in step S915 is affirmative, that is, if it is a "long small win", then in step S916 it is determined whether the 3-second fluctuation flag in the execution area is set to on. If the determination in step S916 is affirmative, then in step S917 a fluctuation pattern is determined in which the special display device 43 displays a fluctuation for 3 seconds, and then the blade members 404 are opened for 1.5 seconds (long small win 3-second fluctuation pattern), and furthermore, a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern is also transmitted to the sub-control device 262.

[0367] In the following step S918, the first display timer is set to a value "750" corresponding to 3 seconds. Furthermore, in step S919, the opening / closing control timer used to control the opening and closing of the blade members 404 is set to "750" corresponding to 3 seconds. As a result, the blade members 404 are opened after a 3-second variable display is performed on the special display device 43. Then, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0368] If the result of step S916 is negative, it is determined in step S920 whether the 2-second fluctuation flag in the execution area is set to on. If the result of step S920 is positive, a fluctuation pattern (long small win 2-second fluctuation pattern) is determined in step S921 in which the special display device 43 displays a fluctuation for 2 seconds and then opens the blade members 404 for 1.5 seconds. Furthermore, a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern is also transmitted to the sub-control device 262.

[0369] In the following step S922, the first display timer is set to a value of "500" corresponding to two seconds. Furthermore, in step S923, the opening / closing control timer is set to "500" corresponding to two seconds. As a result, the special display device 43 displays a variable value for two seconds, after which the blade member 404 is opened. Then, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0370] Also, if a negative judgment is made in step S920, in step S924, a fluctuation pattern (long small win shortened pattern) that shortens the fluctuation time to result in a long small win is determined, and further, a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation information) is also sent to the sub-control device 262.

[0371] In the following step S925, the first display timer is set to a value of "25" corresponding to 0.1 seconds. Furthermore, in step S926, the opening / closing control timer is set to "25" corresponding to 0.1 seconds. As a result, the special display device 43 displays a variable value for 0.1 seconds, after which the blade member 404 is opened. Then, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0372] If the result of step S915 is negative, that is, if it is a "short small win," then in step S927, it is determined whether the 3-second fluctuation flag in the execution area is set to on. If the result of step S927 is positive, then in step S928, a fluctuation pattern is determined in which the special display device 43 displays a fluctuation for 3 seconds, and then the blade members 404 are opened for 1.5 seconds (short small win 3-second fluctuation pattern), and further, a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern is also transmitted to the sub-control device 262.

[0373] In the following step S929, the first display timer is set to a value "750" corresponding to 3 seconds. Furthermore, in step S930, the opening / closing control timer used to control the opening and closing of the blade members 404 is set to "750" corresponding to 3 seconds. As a result, the blade members 404 are opened after a 3-second variable display is performed on the special display device 43. Then, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0374] If the determination in step S927 is negative, it is determined in step S931 whether the 2-second fluctuation flag in the execution area is set to on. If the determination in step S931 is positive, in step S932, a fluctuation pattern (2-second fluctuation pattern for short small win) is determined in which the special display device 43 displays a fluctuation for 2 seconds and then the blade members 404 are opened for 1.5 seconds, and further, a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern is also transmitted to the sub-control device 262.

[0375] In the following step S933, the first display timer is set to a value "500" corresponding to two seconds. Furthermore, in step S934, the opening / closing control timer is set to "500" corresponding to two seconds. As a result, the special display device 43 displays a variable value for two seconds, after which the blade member 404 is opened. Then, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0376] Also, if a negative judgment is made in step S931, in step S935, a fluctuation pattern (short small win shortening pattern) is determined that shortens the fluctuation time to result in a short small win, and further, a fluctuation pattern command is set so that the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation information) is also sent to the sub-control device 262.

[0377] In the following step S936, the first display timer is set to a value of "25" corresponding to 0.1 seconds. Furthermore, in step S937, the opening / closing control timer is set to "25" corresponding to 0.1 seconds. As a result, the special display device 43 displays a variable value for 0.1 seconds, after which the blade member 404 is opened. Then, the process proceeds to step S938.

[0378] In step S938, the first display flag, which indicates that a variable display is being performed, is set to ON on the special display device 43. After step S938, this process ends.

[0379] 23, if the answer to step S804 is YES, i.e., if the display is changing, the process proceeds to step S809, where a first display timer subtraction process is performed. That is, the value of the first display timer is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

[0380] Next, the process proceeds to step S810, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined variable time has elapsed, taking into consideration the value of the first display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when the predetermined variable time has elapsed, i.e., when the value of the first display timer becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S810.

[0381] If a negative judgment is made in step S810, a switching display setting is made in step S811 to continue the variable display (switching display) of the special display device 43, and this processing ends. Based on the settings of the switching display setting, a control signal to perform a switching display is output to the special display device 43 in the external output processing of the next normal processing. Specifically, the setting is made to sequentially switch the combination of lit lamps. This realizes the variable display (switching display) of the special display device 43 at the timing of the first display control processing, i.e., every 4 msec.

[0382] On the other hand, if the answer is affirmative in step S810, that is, if the timing for stopping the variable display on the special display device 43 has arrived, the first display flag is turned off in step S812.

[0383] In the following step S813, a stop display setting is performed to display a stop on the special display device 43. Based on the setting contents of this stop display setting, in the external output process of the next normal process, a control signal to display a stop is output to the special display device 43. That is, in the case of a "jackpot", the multiple lamps constituting the special display device 43 are displayed as stopped (for example, lit for only a few seconds) in a manner (combination) corresponding to a "jackpot", in the case of a "miss", the lamps are displayed as stopped in a manner corresponding to a "miss", in the case of a "long small win", the lamps are displayed as stopped in a manner corresponding to a "long small win", and in the case of a "short small win", the lamps are displayed as stopped in a manner corresponding to a "short small win".

[0384] Furthermore, in the stop display setting process in step S813, a setting process is performed to send a confirmation command to the sub-control device 262 to cause the performance display device 42 to display a stop.

[0385] Then, in the following step S814, a discrimination information setting process is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0386] The determination information setting process will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 25. First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the direct hit jackpot flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S1001 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot has been won in the win / lose lottery, the jackpot setting from step S1002 onwards is carried out.

[0387] Specifically, in step S1002, a jackpot flag indicating whether or not a special game state is in a jackpot state is set to ON. In the following step S1003, a first variable flag indicating whether or not the variable winning device 32 is in an open state is set to ON. In this embodiment, when the first variable flag is set to ON, the variable winning device 32 is set to an open state.

[0388] Next, in step S1004, a first variable timer, which is a means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32 and indicates whether a specified time has elapsed since the start of opening, is set. In this example, a value of "7500" corresponding to 30 seconds is set for the first variable timer. As a result, the maximum opening time per round (the longest time that the variable winning device 32 is in the open state) becomes 30 seconds.

[0389] Next, in step S1005, a round number counter indicating the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of times the special prize state occurs, i.e., the number of times the opening and closing process of the variable prize winning device 32 is executed) is set. Here, the value "15" indicating the total number of rounds is set in correspondence with the "direct jackpot".

[0390] In the following step S1006, a setting process is performed for a winning counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 32. In this example, the value is set to "8," which indicates the maximum number of balls that can enter per round. Then, this process ends. During the switch reading process of the timer interrupt process (see step S301 in Figure 11), it is determined whether or not a ball has entered the variable winning device 32 based on the detection information of the count switch 223, and if it is determined that a ball has entered the variable winning device 32, the value of the winning counter is decremented by one.

[0391] Also, if a negative determination is made in step S1001, that is, if it is determined that the jackpot has not been won in the win / lose lottery, the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0392] In step S1007, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation count counter is set. The fluctuation count counter is a means for measuring the duration of the time-saving mode (high ball entry state). In this embodiment, the time-saving mode continues until the fluctuation display is performed four times on the special display device 43 after the end of the jackpot state, and the counter value is set to "4" after the end of the jackpot, as described below.

[0393] If the counter value of the fluctuation counter is "0", this process ends. On the other hand, if the fluctuation counter is set (if the counter value is other than "0"), it is assumed that the time reduction mode is in progress, and in step S1008, the value of the fluctuation counter is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0394] In step S1009, it is determined whether the counter value of the fluctuation count counter is "0" or not. In other words, it is determined whether the current fluctuation display is the fourth fluctuation display since the end of the jackpot (after the time-shortening mode is granted). If the value of the fluctuation count counter is "0", then in step S1010, the time-shortening mode flag is turned off, and in step S1011, the normal mode flag is turned on, and this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1009 that the counter value of the fluctuation count counter is not "0", this process ends as is.

[0395] Next, the variable prize winning device control process in step S206 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0396] First, in step S1201, the jackpot flag is checked to determine whether or not a jackpot is currently being won. If the result is negative, the process ends.

[0397] If the answer in step S1201 is YES, in step S1202, the count value of the first variable timer is decremented by 1. In the following step S1203, it is determined whether or not the first variable flag is on.

[0398] If the answer is YES in step S1203, that is, if the variable winning device 32 is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S1204, where it is determined whether the count value of the first variable timer is "0." That is, in step S1204, it is determined whether the open time of the variable winning device 32 per round, which is set when the first variable flag is turned on, remains.

[0399] If the determination in step S1204 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1205, where it is determined whether the value of the winning counter is "0." That is, it is determined whether the number of game balls that have won into the variable winning device 32 has reached the specified number per round (8 in this example). If the determination in step S1205 is negative, that is, if the timing for closing the variable winning device 32 (the timing for the end of the round) has not yet arrived, this process is terminated.

[0400] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S1204 or S1205, the process proceeds to step S1206, where it is determined whether the counter value of the round number counter is "0." In other words, it is determined whether the number of rounds (the number of times the variable winning device 32 has been opened) has reached a specified number of times.

[0401] If the answer in step S1206 is affirmative, a termination setting process is performed in step S1207, and the process ends. The details of the termination setting process will be described later.

[0402] If the result of step S1206 is negative, i.e., if the number of rounds has not reached the specified number, then in step S1208, a round advance process is performed, and the process is terminated. In the round advance process, the value of the round number counter is decremented by 1. That is, the opening and closing process of the variable winning device 32 is repeated until the number of rounds that have been executed reaches the preset specified number. In addition, in the round advance process, the first variable flag is turned off, and a wait time (interval time) until the start of the next round is set in the first variable timer.

[0403] If a negative determination is made in step S1203, that is, if it is during an interval between rounds, the process proceeds to step S1209, where it is determined whether the value of the first variable timer is "0".

[0404] If the answer is YES in step S1209, that is, if the interval period has ended and it is time to start the next round, round start processing is performed in step S1210. In the round start processing, the first variable flag is turned on, the opening time of the variable winning device 32 per round ("7500" in this example) is set in the first variable timer, and the maximum number of winnings per round ("8" in this example) is set in the winning counter. If the answer is NO in step S1209, or if the round start processing is completed in step S1210, this processing is terminated.

[0405] Furthermore, based on the on / off status of the first variable flag, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the external output processing of the next normal processing. When the first variable flag is on, a control signal to open the variable winning device 32 is output, and the variable winning device 32 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the first variable flag is off, a control signal to close the variable winning device 32 is output, and the variable winning device 32 is in a closed state.

[0406] Here, the termination setting process of step S1207 will be described with reference to FIG. 27. First, in step S1301, the first variable flag is turned off. In the following step S1302, the jackpot in progress flag is turned off. After that, in step S1303, the time-shortened mode flag is set to on. That is, in this embodiment, the time-shortened mode is granted after the end of the jackpot state of all jackpot types, including the "direct jackpot" and the "V prize winning jackpot ("15-round jackpot," "7-round jackpot," and "3-round jackpot").

[0407] After step S1303, in step S1304, the normal mode flag is turned off, and in step S1305, the variation counter is set to "4", and then the process proceeds to step S1306. In other words, after the jackpot ends, the time-saving mode is activated until the variation display is performed four times. In step S1306, a process is performed to turn off various jackpot flags. After step S1306, this process ends.

[0408] Next, the blade member opening / closing process of step S207 will be described with reference to Fig. 28. First, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not the blade open flag (see step S914 of the variable display setting process) is on. If a negative determination is made in step S1801, this process is terminated.

[0409] On the other hand, if the answer in step S1801 is YES, then in step S1802 it is determined whether or not a small win open flag, which indicates that the blade members 404 are currently open, is on. If the answer in step S1802 is NO, that is, if the blade members 404 are about to be opened due to a "small win" win, the process proceeds to step S1803.

[0410] In step S1803, it is determined whether the value of the opening / closing control timer is "0". As described above, when it is determined that a "small win" has been won during the variable display setting process, a value equivalent to the same time as the variable display time displayed on the special display device 43 is set for the opening / closing control timer (see steps S919, S923, S926, S930, S934, and S937). Therefore, at the same time as the corresponding variable display ends, the determination is also affirmative.

[0411] If a negative determination is made in step S1803, the value of the open / close control timer is decremented by 1 in step S1804, and this process ends. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S1803, that is, if the timing to open the blade members 404 has arrived, the small win opening flag is turned on in step S1805, and a process to open the blade members 404 is performed in step S1806.

[0412] Then, in step S1807, it is determined whether the long small win occurrence flag of the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area is set to ON. If the determination in step S1807 is affirmative, in step S1808, the value "375" corresponding to 1.5 seconds is set to the opening / closing control timer, and this process ends.

[0413] On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step S1807, the open / close control timer is set to a value "125" corresponding to 0.5 seconds in step S1809, and the process ends.

[0414] If the answer in step S1802 is YES, then in step S1810 it is determined whether the value of the opening / closing control timer is 0. If the answer in step S1810 is NO, then in step S1811 the value of the opening / closing control timer is decremented by 1, and the process ends.

[0415] On the other hand, if the result of step S1810 is affirmative, that is, if the timing has come to close the blade members 404, then in step S1812 the small win open flag is turned off, in step S1813 the blade open flag is turned off, and in step S1814 processing is performed to close the blade members 404, and then this processing is terminated. Therefore, the function of executing the blade member opening and closing processing of step S207 constitutes an opening and closing control means in this embodiment that can execute the opening and closing operation of the variable ball entry means a predetermined number of times (can execute an open game state in which the variable ball entry means is opened in a predetermined manner).

[0416] Next, the second display control process in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0417] First, in step S2101, the setting status of the second display flag, which indicates whether or not a variable display is being performed on the through gate display device 41, is checked to determine whether or not a variable display (switching display) is being performed on the through gate display device 41. In detail, if the second display flag is on, it is considered that a variable display is being performed on the through gate display device 41, and if the second display flag is off, it is considered that a stopped display is being performed, which corresponds to a state in which the variable display on the through gate display device 41 has stopped.

[0418] If the result of step S2101 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2102, where it is determined whether the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than 0. If the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0 at this time, the process ends.

[0419] Also, if the variable display is not in progress and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than 0, proceed to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step S2104, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the normal variable hold area. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the normal variable hold area to the execution area side in order, with the data in each area being shifted in the following order: hold 1 area → execution area, hold 2 area → hold 1 area, hold 3 area → hold 2 area, hold 4 area → hold 3 area.

[0420] Thereafter, in step S2105, a start setting process is executed. In this process, a process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a variable display (switching display) on the through gate display device 41 have been met. More specifically, the second display flag is turned on, and a second display timer setting process is performed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed on the through gate display device 41, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display.

[0421] In this embodiment, the time for the variable display on the through gate display device 41 is different between the time-saving mode, which is a high ball entry state, and the normal mode. In the time-saving mode, the second display timer is set to a value of "125," which corresponds to 0.5 seconds, and in the normal mode, the second display timer is set to a value of "1250," which corresponds to 5 seconds. Among jackpots, the game state during a specific jackpot, for example, in which a specific game mode such as a high probability mode or a high support mode can be granted after the end of a probability jackpot, or the open period thereof, may be considered a predetermined open game state. During the jackpot state, the second display timer is set to "1250," just like in the normal mode.

[0422] After step S2105 is completed, the second display control process is terminated. Based on the settings in the start setting process, if a control signal to start a variable display (switching display) is output to the through gate display device 41 in the external output process of the next normal process, the variable display (switching display) is started in the through gate display device 41.

[0423] If the answer to step S2101 is YES, i.e., if a variable display is being performed on the through gate display device 41, the process proceeds to step S2106, where a second display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the second display timer is subtracted by 1.

[0424] Next, the process proceeds to step S2107, where it is determined whether the count value of the second display timer is "0." In other words, it is determined whether the variable time has elapsed. If the determination in step S2107 is affirmative, the second display in progress flag is turned off in step S2108, and a stop display setting is made in step S2109 to make the through gate display device 41 display a stop display. Then, based on the contents of this stop display setting, a control signal to make the through gate display device 41 display a stop display is output in the external output process in the next normal process.

[0425] As mentioned above, whether or not you win is determined based on the value of the ball entry assist random number counter C3 stored in the execution area of ​​the normal variable reserve area. Specifically, the winning value is "1 to 8" out of the values ​​0 to 9 of the ball entry assist random number counter C3.

[0426] Next, the process proceeds to step S2110, where a discrimination information setting process is performed, and this process ends. In this process, if the stopped display corresponds to a win, a setting process is performed to open and close the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening member 33c). Specifically, the second variable flag is turned on, and the opening time is set in the second variable timer.

[0427] The second variable flag is discrimination information for determining whether or not the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening member 33c) is in an open state.

[0428] The second variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the second start winning section 33b, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the start of opening. In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening member 33c) differs between the time-saving mode, which is a high ball entry state, and the normal mode. In the time-saving mode, the second variable timer is set to a value of "500", which corresponds to 2 seconds, and in the normal mode, the second variable timer is set to a value of "100", which corresponds to 0.4 seconds. In addition, during the jackpot state, the second variable timer is set to "100", as in the normal mode.

[0429] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S2107, a switching display setting is made in step S2111 to continue the variable display (switching display) of the through gate display device 41, and this processing ends. Then, based on the contents of this switching display setting, a control signal to perform a switching display is output to the through gate display device 41 in the external output processing of the next normal processing. Specifically, the setting is made so that the combination of lit lamps is switched sequentially. This realizes the variable display (switching display) of the through gate display device 41 at the timing of the second display control processing, that is, every 4 msec.

[0430] Next, the start winning section control process in step S209 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0431] First, in step S2201, it is determined whether the second variable flag indicating whether the second start winning section 33b (start opening opening / closing member 33c) is in the open state is on. If it is determined that the second variable flag is not on (the second start winning section 33b is in the closed state), this process is terminated.

[0432] On the other hand, if the result of the above step S2201 is affirmative, that is, if the second variable flag is on, the second start winning section 33b is considered to be in the open state, and the second variable timer subtraction process is performed in step S2202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the second variable timer is subtracted by 1.

[0433] Next, the process proceeds to step S2203, where the value of the second variable timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether the specified open time has elapsed. Here, when the specified open time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the second variable timer becomes "0," a positive determination is made in step S2203. If a negative determination is made here, the process ends.

[0434] On the other hand, if the answer in step S2203 is YES, the process proceeds to step S2204, where an end setting process is performed, and then the process ends. In the end setting process in step S2204, a process of turning off the second variable flag is performed.

[0435] Furthermore, based on the on / off status of the second variable flag, various control signals are output to the second start winning section 33b in the external output processing of the next normal processing. When the second variable flag is on, a drive signal to open the start opening opening / closing member 33c is output to the second start winning section 33b (start opening solenoid), and the second start winning section 33b is in an open state. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is off, a drive signal to close the start opening opening / closing member 33c is output to the second start winning section 33b, and the second start winning section 33b is in a closed state.

[0436] Next, the third display control process in step S210 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0437] First, in step S2301, the setting status of the third display flag, which indicates whether or not a variable display is being performed on the special gate display device 44, is checked to determine whether or not a variable display (switching display) is being performed on the special gate display device 44. In detail, if the third display flag is on, it is considered that a variable display is being performed on the special gate display device 44, and if the third display flag is off, it is considered that a stopped display is being performed, which corresponds to a state in which the variable display on the special gate display device 44 has stopped.

[0438] If the determination in step S2301 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2302, where it is determined whether the special gate passing flag is on. If the determination in step S2302 is negative, i.e., if the special gate passing flag is not on, the process ends.

[0439] On the other hand, if the variable display is not in progress and the special gate passing flag is on, the process proceeds to step S2303, where the special gate passing flag is turned off. In the following step S2304, a start setting process is executed. In this process, a process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a variable display (switching display) on the special gate display device 44 have been met. In more detail, the third display in progress flag is turned on, and a third display timer setting process is performed. The third display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed on the special gate display device 44, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display.

[0440] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the game state is in time-saving mode or normal mode, the variable display variable time is uniformly set to 1 second, and the value "250" corresponding to 1 second is set for the third display timer.

[0441] After step S2304 is completed, the third display control process is terminated. Based on the settings in the start setting process, if a control signal to start a variable display (switching display) is output to the special gate display device 44 in the external output process of the next normal process, the variable display (switching display) will be started in the special gate display device 44.

[0442] If the answer to step S2301 is YES, i.e., if a variable display is being displayed on the special gate display device 44, the process proceeds to step S2306, where a third display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the third display timer is subtracted by 1.

[0443] Next, the process proceeds to step S2307, where it is determined whether the count value of the third display timer is "0," i.e., whether the variable time has elapsed. If the determination in step S2307 is affirmative, the third display in progress flag is turned off in step S2308, and a stop display setting is made in step S2309 to display a stop on the special gate display device 44. Then, based on the contents of this stop display setting, a control signal to display a stop is output to the special gate display device 44 in the external output process in the next normal process.

[0444] As mentioned above, whether or not a win is made is determined based on the value of the activation assist random number counter C4 stored in the activation assist random number storage area. Specifically, the winning value is "1 to 15" out of the values ​​0 to 19 of the activation assist random number counter C4.

[0445] Next, the process proceeds to step S2310, where discrimination information setting processing is performed, and this processing ends. In this processing, if the stop display corresponds to a win, setting processing is performed to perform drive processing of the movable role object 722 of the bypass mechanism unit 721. Specifically, the role object operation flag is turned on, and the operation time is set in the role object operation timer.

[0446] The reel operation flag is discrimination information for determining whether the movable reel 722 is in operation or not.

[0447] The accessory operation timer is a means for measuring the operation time (remaining time) of the movable accessory 722, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the start of operation. In this embodiment, the accessory operation timer is set to a value of "1000", which corresponds to 4 seconds.

[0448] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S2307, a switching display setting is made in step S2111 to continue the variable display (switching display) of the special gate display device 44, and this processing ends. Then, based on the contents of this switching display setting, a control signal to perform a switching display is output to the special gate display device 44 in the external output processing of the next normal processing, based on the settings of this switching display setting. Specifically, the setting is made to sequentially switch the combination of lit lamps. This realizes the variable display (switching display) of the special gate display device 44 at the timing of the third display control processing, that is, every 4 msec.

[0449] Next, the bypass mechanism control process performed in the accessory drive control process in step S211 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0450] First, in step S2401, it is determined whether or not the reel operation flag indicating whether or not the movable reel 722 is in operation is on. Here, if it is determined that the reel operation flag is not on (the movable reel 722 is in a housed state), this process is terminated.

[0451] On the other hand, if the result of the above step S2401 is affirmative, that is, if the reel operation flag is on, the movable reel 722 is considered to be in a protruding state, and a reel operation timer subtraction process is performed in step S2402. Each time this process is performed, the value of the reel operation timer is subtracted by 1.

[0452] Next, the process proceeds to step S2403, where the value of the accessory operation timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether the specified protrusion time has elapsed. Here, when the specified protrusion time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the accessory operation timer becomes "0", step S2403 is determined to be positive. If the determination here is negative, the process ends as is.

[0453] On the other hand, if the result of step S2403 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S2404, where an end setting process is performed, and then the process ends. In the end setting process of step S2404, a process of turning off the reel operation flag is performed.

[0454] Furthermore, based on the on / off status of the reel operation flag, various control signals are output to the bypass mechanism 721 (movable reel solenoid 725) in the external output processing of the next normal processing. When the reel operation flag is on, a drive signal is output to put the movable reel solenoid 725 into an excited state, and the movable reel 722 is in a protruding state. On the other hand, when the reel operation flag is off, a drive signal is output to put the movable reel solenoid 725 into a non-excited state, and the movable reel 722 is in a stored state.

[0455] Next, the remaining ball monitoring process in step S212 will be described with reference to Fig. 33. First, in step S7101, in order to identify the number of game balls remaining in the internal area 401, it is determined whether the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter is "0".

[0456] As mentioned above, the ``remaining ball monitoring counter'' is incremented by 1 based on the detection of the internal ball entry detection switch 437, and decremented by 1 based on the detection of the non-special ball entry detection switch 462, the 15R ball entry detection switch 734, the 7R ball entry detection switch 735, the 3R ball entry detection switch 736, and the special gate switch 651.

[0457] If the result of step S7101 is affirmative, that is, if there are no game balls remaining in the internal area 401, this process ends.

[0458] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S7101, in step S7102, it is determined whether the value of a monitoring timer for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time a game ball entered the internal area 401 is "0".

[0459] If the result of step S7102 is negative, the value of the monitoring timer is decremented by 1 in step S7103, and then this process is terminated. In this embodiment, when a ball enters the internal area 401, the monitoring timer is set to "10000." Therefore, 40 seconds after the last ball enters the internal area 401, the monitoring timer becomes "0." In addition, in this embodiment, the time from when a gaming ball enters the internal area 401 to when it is discharged (specifically, the time from when a gaming ball is detected by the internal ball entry detection switch 437 to when the gaming ball is detected by the non-special ball entry detection switch 462, the 15R ball entry detection switch 734, the 7R ball entry detection switch 735, the 3R ball entry detection switch 736, or the special gate switch 651) is approximately 8 to 30 seconds.

[0460] On the other hand, if the result of step S7102 is affirmative, that is, if the value of the remaining ball monitoring counter does not become "0" even after a significant amount of time has passed since the gaming ball entered the internal area 401 and was released, it is assumed that a ball jam has occurred within the internal area 401, and an error notification process is performed in step S7104. For example, the error display lamp 104 may be turned on, an error notification sound may be output, or the release of gaming balls may be prohibited. Then, this process is terminated.

[0461] Next, we will explain the dispensing control executed by CPU 511 in dispensing control device 311. For convenience of explanation, first, the reception interrupt process will be explained with reference to Figure 34, and then the main process will be explained with reference to Figure 35.

[0462] FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the reception interrupt process executed by the dispensing control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interrupting when the dispensing control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the dispensing control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, other processes executed by the CPU 511 in the dispensing control device 311 are temporarily suspended, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, first, in step S3001, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in the command buffer of RAM 513. In step S3002, the command reception flag is turned on to record that the command has been transmitted from the main control device 261, and the reception interrupt process is terminated. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referenced and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is updated so that the next received command can be stored in the next storage area.

[0463] In this embodiment, the reception process of a command transmitted from main control device 261 is performed by an interrupt process executed when the command is received, but for example, in the timer interrupt process shown in Fig. 36, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it may be confirmed whether or not a command has been received, and if a command has been received, the command may be stored in a command buffer in RAM 513 and the command reception flag may be turned on, and if a command has not been received, the process may proceed to command determination process. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by checking the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

[0464] Next, the main processing of the dispensing control device 311 will be described with reference to Figure 35. Figure 35 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device 311, and this main processing is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

[0465] First, in step S3101, initial setting processing is performed when power is turned on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer and an interrupt mode is set. Then, in the following step S3103, RAM access is permitted and an external interrupt vector is set in step S3104.

[0466] Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not power failure occurrence information is set in backup area 513a of RAM 513. If power failure occurrence information is set in backup area 513a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step S3107, and in the following step S3108, it is determined whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, i.e., the validity of the backup. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in RAM 513. It is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not a keyword written in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 513 is saved correctly.

[0467] If the power outage occurrence information is not set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed based on the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) in step S3108, the process proceeds to initialization of RAM 513 from step S3115 onwards.

[0468] In step S3115, all areas of RAM 513 are cleared to 0, and in step S3116, initial values ​​are set for RAM 513. Thereafter, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit interrupts.

[0469] On the other hand, if the power failure occurrence information has been set in step S3106 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal in step S3108, processing at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, in step S3110, the power failure occurrence information is cleared, and in step S3111, the payout permission flag that permits the payout of prize balls is cleared. In addition, in step S3112, the CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and in step S3113, the used registers are restored from the backup area 513a of RAM 513. Furthermore, in step S3114, interrupts are permitted.

[0470] After interrupts are permitted in step S3114, the process in step S3122 determines whether power-off occurrence information is set in backup area 513a. If power-off occurrence information is set, power has been shut off, and the processes in and after step S3123 are performed as power-off processing in the event of a power outage. The power-off processing begins with prohibiting interrupt processing in step S3123, followed by a command determination process (described later) in step S3124. Then, in step S3125, the contents of each register used by CPU 511 are saved to the stack area, in step S3126 the value of the stack pointer is stored in backup area 513a, in step S3127 a RAM determination value is calculated and saved in backup area 513a, and in step S3128 RAM access is prohibited, continuing the infinite loop until power is completely shut off and processing can no longer be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area backed up in RAM 513.

[0471] In addition, since the processing of step S3122 checks for information on the occurrence of a power outage after the processing performed when the power is turned on is completed, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of RAM 513 is smaller than when each processing is in progress, and storage is easier. Also, when returning to the state before the power outage, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, so restoration is easy, and the processing load on the dispensing control device 311 can be reduced.

[0472] Next, the timer interrupt process of the dispensing control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 36. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (every 2 msec period in this embodiment).

[0473] In the timer interrupt process, first, in step S3201, a command is acquired from the main control unit 261, and a determination process for the command is performed.

[0474] The command determination process in step S3201 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0475] First, in step S3301, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is on. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from main control device 261 is received in the reception interrupt process described above (see FIG. 34).

[0476] If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is off, no new command has been received from main control device 261, and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processes of steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, thereby reducing the control of dispensing control device 311.

[0477] The processing of steps S3304 to S3306 determines the type of command read from RAM 513. In step S3304, it is determined whether the command sent from main control device 261 is a payout initialization command, in step S3305 it is determined whether it is a payout return command, and in step S3306 it is determined whether it is a prize ball command.

[0478] If the command sent from main control device 261 is a payout initialization command, step S3307 determines whether the payout permission flag is already on, and if the payout permission flag is off, it means that initialization of RAM 513 was instructed by main control device 261 when power was turned on, so in step S3308, the work area (area) other than the stack area of ​​RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3309, the initial value of RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on, and permission to pay out prize balls is set.

[0479] As described above, the main control device 261 initializes RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 initializes RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command, so the timing at which RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which RAM 513 is initialized are approximately the same. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a difference in initialization timing, it is possible to prevent problems such as the RAM 513 being initialized and being unable to perform control corresponding to the received command. Furthermore, since the payout permission flag is turned on after RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set permission for the payout of prize balls.

[0480] On the other hand, if the payout permission flag is already set in step S3307, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the working area of ​​RAM 513 or initializing RAM 513. In other words, the process in step S3307 prohibits the initialization of RAM 513 while the payout permission flag is set. Since the payout initialization command is transmitted only when the RAM clear switch 323 is set to on when the power is turned on, it is not received while the payout permission flag is set. In such a case, it is possible that the payout control device 311 has recognized it as a payout initialization command due to noise or other factors. Therefore, if the working area of ​​RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value of RAM 513 is set (step S3309) while the payout permission flag is set to on, a problem such as a failure to pay out remaining winning balls would occur, resulting in a loss to the player. However, since the initialization of RAM 513 is prevented while the payout permission flag is set to on, the player is prevented from incurring losses.

[0481] Furthermore, if the command sent from the main control unit 261 is a payout restoration command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control unit 261 and payout control unit 311 will return to the state they were in before the power was cut off, and the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311 to permit the payout of prize balls. In other words, if there is information that a power outage has occurred and the main control unit 261 and payout control unit 311 have returned to the state they were in before the power was cut off, the payout of prize balls will be permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the processing of step S3311, processing based on the command stored in a specified memory area of ​​the command buffer has ended, and the read pointer is updated to the read pointer corresponding to the next memory area.

[0482] Furthermore, if the command sent from the main control device 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), in step S3310, the received number of prize balls is added to the total number of prize balls and stored, and in step S3311, a payout permission flag is turned on to permit the payout of prize balls. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer) and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in a specified buffer area and stores the result. Since the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls is performed based on the prize ball command sent from the main control device 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command that instructs the payout of prize balls. Furthermore, when a prize ball command is received, payout permission is immediately set, so that prize balls can be paid out quickly in response to a win. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the processing of step S3311, processing based on the command stored in a specified memory area of ​​the command buffer is completed, and the read pointer is updated to the read pointer corresponding to the next memory area.

[0483] Furthermore, if the command sent from the main control unit 261 is neither a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), nor a payout return command (step S3305: NO), nor a prize ball command (step S3306: NO), the command determination process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag.

[0484] Here, we will return to the flowchart of Figure 36 for explanation. When the command determination process is completed, in step S3202, it is determined whether or not the payout permission flag has been turned on in the command determination process. If the payout permission flag has not been turned on, this process is terminated. In other words, it is possible to prevent prize balls from being paid out before a command is sent from the main control device 261.

[0485] On the other hand, if the result of step S3202 is affirmative, step S3203 sets the launch control device 312 to allow launch, and step S3204 checks the state return switch 321, and if it is determined that the state return operation should be started, the state return operation is executed. By this process, if the state return switch 321 is pressed when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball jam in the dispensing motor, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and reverse, and the ball jam is resolved (return to normal state).

[0486] Then, in step S3205, the lower tray full state or the lower tray full / released state is set according to a change in the state of the lower tray 15. That is, the full state of the lower tray 15 is determined based on the detection signal of the lower tray full switch, and when the lower tray is full, the lower tray full state is set, and when the lower tray is no longer full, the lower tray full / released state is set. Also, in step S3206, the tank bulb absent state (bulb out state) or the tank bulb absent / released state (bulb present state) is set according to a change in the state of the tank bulb. That is, the tank bulb absent state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank bulb absent switch, and when the tank bulb is absent, the tank bulb absent state is set, and when the tank bulb is no longer absent, the tank bulb absent / released state is set.

[0487] Thereafter, in step S3207, it is determined whether or not there is a state that should be notified, such as an error state, and if there is a state that should be notified, it is notified.

[0488] Next, the payout control process for prize balls and loan balls is executed. More specifically, the payout number setting process is executed in step S3208, the motor control status acquisition process is executed in step S3209, and the motor drive process is executed in step S3210.

[0489] In step S3211, the state return switch 321 is checked to determine that the ball removal is not impossible and that the ball removal operation has not started, and the dispense motor 358a is driven to execute the ball removal process. In the following step S3212, the vibrator 360 is controlled (vibration motor control) on the condition that the ball is jammed. Then, the process returns to the beginning of this timer interrupt process.

[0490] Next, the normal processing of the sub-controller 262 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 38. First, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554 is checked to determine whether or not the command sent from the main controller 261 has been received.

[0491] If a command has been received, in step S3902 the command is stored in the command buffer of RAM 553. The command buffer of RAM 553 is configured as a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from main control device 261. The ring buffer has a specified storage area, and commands are stored in a regular pattern from the beginning to the end of the storage area, and when commands have been stored in all the storage areas, the buffer returns to the beginning of the storage area and the command is updated. Therefore, when a command is stored or read, the storage pointer and read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and commands are stored and read based on these pointers.

[0492] In the next step S3903, a pending information storage process is performed to store the variable information included in the advance command in a pending information storage area provided in the RAM 553. The advance command includes, as described above, information indicating whether the variable display is triggered by a ball entering either the first start winning section 33a or the second start winning section 33b (setting of the start winning determination flag), information indicating whether the variable display corresponds to a big win (setting of the big win occurrence flag), information indicating whether the variable display corresponds to a long small win or a short small win (setting of the long small win occurrence flag or the short small win occurrence flag), information indicating whether the variable display corresponds to a miss (setting of the miss flag), and information indicating the variable display time (setting of the 2-second variable flag, the 3-second variable flag, the 7-second variable flag, or the 0.1-second variable flag).

[0493] Furthermore, the pending information storage area has four pending areas (pending areas 1 to 4) and one execution area, similar to the special variable pending area of ​​the main control device 261. The pending information storage area stores variable information contained in the preceding command in chronological order in accordance with the reception history of the preceding command based on the variable display (information stored in the special variable pending area). By adopting this configuration, the variable information stored in the special variable pending area of ​​the main control device 261 can also be grasped by the sub-control device 262.

[0494] The pending information storage process in step S3903 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0495] First, in step S4101, it is determined whether or not a preceding command has been received (whether or not the preceding command has been stored in the command buffer of RAM 553). If the determination in step S4101 is affirmative, in step S4102, a reservation counter Np that counts the number of reserved variable information items stored in the reservation information storage area is incremented by 1.

[0496] In the next step S4103, the variable information, including information on whether or not it is a big win, information on whether or not it is a small win, information on the variable time, etc., contained in the preceding command, is stored in the first available reserved area in the reserved information storage area. After that, in step S4104, the values ​​of various counters used in determining the content of the effect display are obtained, and the values ​​are stored in the same reserved area where the variable information was stored.

[0497] After the processing of step S4104 is performed, or if a negative determination is made in step S4101, the process proceeds to step S4105, where it is determined whether or not a fluctuation pattern command has been received (whether or not the fluctuation pattern command has been stored in the command buffer of RAM 553).If a positive determination is made in step S4105, the value of the pending counter Np is decremented by 1 in step S4106.

[0498] After step S4106, in step S4107, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the pending information storage area. This data shift process is a process to shift the data (including flag information) stored in the first to fourth reserve areas of the pending information storage area to the execution area side in order, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: first reserve area → execution area, second reserve area → first reserve area, third reserve area → second reserve area, fourth reserve area → third reserve area.

[0499] After the process of step S4107 is performed, or if a negative decision is made in step S4105, this process ends.

[0500] 38, after step S3903 or if a negative decision is made in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, where it is determined whether the timing for executing the next normal processing has arrived, i.e., whether a predetermined time (1 msec in this example) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3905, whereas if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing, the process proceeds to step S3911.

[0501] In step S3905, update processing of various counters used in determining the effect display content is executed. In the following step S3906, display setting processing is executed. Here, basically, various calculation processing such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are executed based on the information stored in the command buffer of RAM 553 when a variation pattern command is received. Therefore, the display mode to be displayed on the effect display device 42 is determined here. At this time, the sub-control device 262 performs processing based on a table that associates various effect types (variation types) with variation pattern commands.

[0502] The display commands are commands for specifying a series of display effects from the start to the end of the variable display, or commands for specifying display effects during a jackpot, and the necessary display commands are generated each time based on the information stored in the command buffer of RAM 553. Typically, the display commands related to variable display generated by the sub-control device 262 are broadly divided into normal variable data groups and reach effect data groups. Basically, the data constituting these data groups are sequentially output in a predetermined time sequence based on the variable time timer, thereby producing display effects according to various variation patterns. For example, if the normal variable data group consists of normal variable data 1, normal variable data 2, . . . normal variable data m, and the reach effect data group consists of reach effect data 1, reach effect data 2, . . . reach effect data n, data output is sequentially performed in the order of normal variable data 1 → 2 → . . . → m upon the start of normal variation, and then data output is sequentially performed in the order of reach effect data 1 → 2 → . . . → n upon the start of reach effect.

[0503] The display control device 45 performs drawing processing in response to commands from the sub-control device 262, and starts variable display on the performance display device 42. Once a variable pattern command is received from the main control device 261, the performance display continues in cooperation with the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 until a confirmation command is received. Then, when a confirmation command is received, the variable display on the performance display device 42 is stopped.

[0504] Furthermore, in step S3906, it is also confirmed whether or not the effect button 125 has been operated, and if operation of the effect button 125 is confirmed, settings are made accordingly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the variation count counter is set to "4" in the end setting process, or if the value of the variation count counter is decremented by 1 in the discrimination information setting process, a command to that effect is output from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262, and the sub-control device 262 is configured to display the remaining number of times in the time-saving mode on the effect display device 42 based on the command information.

[0505] In addition, in step S3906, if the sub-controller 262 receives an activation notice command output from the main controller 261 based on the game ball passing through the special gate 650, the configuration may be such that an activation notice display is performed to warn that it is a super hot time when the movable device 722 will be activated.

[0506] For example, there may be an effect that notifies the player of the number of seconds after which the movable device 722 will be activated, or an effect that notifies the player of the timing at which the game ball is guided to the normal guide passage 604 by the route allocation member 603 so that the movable device 722 will be activated at a better timing.

[0507] In the lamp setting process of step S3907, the lighting pattern of the lamps and illuminations is set to synchronize with the effects performed by the central winning unit 37 and the display effects performed by the effect display device 42.

[0508] In the audio setting process of step S3908, the output pattern of the speaker 24 is set to synchronize with the effects performed by the central winning unit 37 and the display effects performed by the effect display device 42. In addition, when audio-related commands such as an error notification are sent from the main control device 261, settings for controlling these are also made in step S3908.

[0509] In step S3909, other processing such as control settings for customer waiting effects (for example, a demo screen display that is set to be displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed when no display effect corresponding to the variable display of the special display device 43 is being performed in the effect display device 42) is performed.

[0510] In step 3910, an external output process is executed to transmit a control signal to each device based on the settings of steps S3905 to 3909. For example, when causing the performance display device 42 to perform a display performance corresponding to the variable display of the special display device 43, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45.

[0511] After the processing of steps S3905 to S3910, which is performed every 1 msec, is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3911, where it is determined whether or not power-off occurrence information is stored in RAM 553. The power-off occurrence information is stored when a power-off command is received from main control device 261.

[0512] If no power interruption information is stored, the process proceeds to step S3912, where it is determined whether RAM 553 has been corrupted. If RAM 553 has not been corrupted, the process returns to step S3901, where normal processing is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if RAM 553 has been corrupted, the process enters an infinite loop to stop the execution of subsequent processing.

[0513] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3911 that power failure occurrence information is to be stored, power failure processing is executed in step S3913. In power failure processing, interrupt processing is prohibited and each output port is turned off. The stored information on the power failure occurrence is also erased. After the power failure processing is executed, the processing is looped infinitely.

[0514] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched into the game area enters the start winning section 33 (first start winning section 33a or second start winning section 33b) and a small jackpot is won in the win / lose lottery based on the ball entering, the blade member 404 of the central winning unit 37 opens and closes, and the ball entry opening 403 remains open for a predetermined period of time.

[0515] When the ball entry opening 403 is opened, the game ball that enters the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37 through the ball entry opening 403 is guided to the drop passage 602 via the introduction passage 601.

[0516] The destination of the game ball that has fallen through the falling passage 602 is allocated by a route allocating member 603 to a normal guide passage 604 that can lead to a winning / losing lottery area 407, or to a special guide passage 605 that can lead to a role-activating lottery area 409.

[0517] However, under normal circumstances, the route distribution member 603 is inclined to the right, and the special guide passage 605 on the right side is closed, so that game balls falling down the falling passage 602 are guided to the normal guide passage 604 on the left side.

[0518] When the game ball is guided to the normal guide path 604, the route allocating member 603 is tilted to the left for a predetermined time due to the force received from the game ball that comes into contact with it. Therefore, if there is a game ball falling down the falling path 602 at this timing, the game ball will be guided to the special guide path 605.

[0519] The gaming ball guided to the normal guide path 604 is guided to the win / lose lottery area 407, and its destination is allocated by the rotating body unit 410 (rotating body 414). Here, when the gaming ball enters the first V winning path 427 and is detected by the first special winning ball detection switch 461, the right to generate a jackpot state (V winning jackpot) is granted.

[0520] After that, the game ball detected by the first special ball entry detection switch 461 is guided to the type lottery area 408 and used to determine the type of jackpot. After the type of jackpot (number of rounds) is determined here, the jackpot state begins.

[0521] On the other hand, the gaming ball guided to the special guide passage 605 is guided to the accessory activation lottery area 409 and passes through the special gate 650. Then, when the gaming ball is detected by the special gate switch 651 of the special gate 650, an activation assist lottery is held, and if the activation assist lottery is won, the movable accessory 722 is activated for a predetermined time.

[0522] When the movable device 722 is activated and protrudes from the stage portion 432, the normal guide passage 604 and the bypass passage 737 are connected via the second V winning passage 730 within the movable device 722.

[0523] When a game ball enters the second V winning passage 730 while the movable device 722 is in operation, the game ball is guided to the bypass passage 737, and when the game ball is detected by the second special ball entry detection switch 738, the right to generate a jackpot state (V winning jackpot) is granted.

[0524] Thereafter, when the gaming ball enters the 15R ball entrance 731 via the bypass passage 737, the 15R jackpot starts.

[0525] In other words, when the movable device 722 is in an operating state (protruding state), the game ball that is normally guided to the guide passage 604 will be guided directly to the 15R ball entrance 731 without passing through the rotating body unit 410 and the type distribution mechanism 741.

[0526] The main effects of this embodiment will be described below. As described above, in this embodiment, by providing the movable accessory 722 in the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37, it is possible to cause a change in the behavior of a gaming ball that has entered the internal area 401. In particular, in this embodiment, by operating the movable accessory 722, it is possible to perform a game presentation that increases the likelihood of a V-winning jackpot occurring. As a result, it is possible to increase the player's interest.

[0527] In addition, in this embodiment, when a game ball is detected at the special gate 650 (special gate switch 651) in the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37, an activation assist lottery is held to determine whether or not to activate the movable device 722, and if the activation assist lottery is won, the movable device 722 is configured to activate.

[0528] This prevents the movable device 722 from constantly moving periodically or continuously, and it also prevents it from operating every time a ball is detected by the special gate switch 651, thereby preventing the presentation related to the movable device 722 from becoming monotonous and increasing the player's anticipation for the movable device 722 to operate.

[0529] In addition, by providing a trigger ball entry means (special gate 650) that detects the trigger for the movable device 722 to operate in the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37, the configuration is such that whether or not the movable device 722 will be in an advantageous state is determined based on the behavior of the game ball that has entered the internal area 401, which makes the player pay more attention to the behavior of the game ball in the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37, further increasing the interest.

[0530] Additionally, in this embodiment, gaming balls that pass through the special gate 650 are discharged outside the internal area 401 and cannot flow down (enter) the first V winning passage 427 or the like. If the special gate 650 were configured to allow gaming balls to flow down toward the first V winning passage 427 or the like, there is a risk that the timing at which the movable device 722 acts on the gaming ball would always be constant. As a result, the result of the action of the movable device 722 would always be the same, which could reduce the player's interest. Furthermore, there is a risk that fraudulent acts such as vibrating the gaming machine in accordance with the operation timing of the movable device 722 could be easily committed. Furthermore, there is a risk that the movable device 722 could interfere with other gaming balls that are flowing down toward the first V winning passage 427 or the like via the normal guide passage 604 without passing through the special gate 650. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the game ball passing through the special gate 650 and the game ball acted upon by the movable device 722 are always different, so the occurrence of the various problems mentioned above can be suppressed.

[0531] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a route allocation member 603 is provided which allocates the destination of the game ball that has entered the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37 to either a normal guide passage 604 which can guide the ball to the win / lose lottery area 407, or a special guide passage 605 which can guide the ball to the role activation lottery area 409 (special gate 650).

[0532] For example, when two game balls successively enter the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37, the first game ball is guided to the normal guide passage 604, and the second game ball is guided to the special guide passage 605. As a result, when two game balls successively enter the internal area 401, it is possible to direct the game balls to both the normal guide passage 604 and the special guide passage 605, respectively, and therefore the effect of the movable accessory 722 is more effective.

[0533] However, in this embodiment, under the configuration in which game balls are launched by the launching device 60 at 0.6 second intervals, the blade members 404 of the central winning unit 37 are opened for 0.5 seconds during a "short small win" and the blade members 404 are opened for 1.5 seconds during a "long small win." This configuration makes it difficult for situations advantageous to the player, such as multiple game balls consecutively entering the central winning unit 37 during a single open state period in which the central winning unit 37 (blade members 404) is in the open state, to occur frequently.

[0534] Under such a configuration, if multiple game balls do not enter the central winning unit 37 consecutively at the same time (for example, during one open state period of the blade member 404), the movable device 722 will act (assist) to increase the probability that the game ball will not enter the V-shaped winning position, and there is a risk that the player's expectations will wane and their interest will decrease when multiple game balls do not enter the central winning unit 37 consecutively at the same time.

[0535] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the time period for the variable display displayed on the special gate display device 44 after a predetermined game ball has passed through the special gate 650 (the time period until the movable device 722 begins to operate) is set to "1 second," and the operating time period for the movable device 722 after it begins to operate is set to "4 seconds."

[0536] As a result, even if, for example, other game balls do not enter the central winning unit 37 together with the game ball that entered the special gate 650, or other game balls that entered the central winning unit 37 together with the game ball that entered the special gate 650 do not enter the V prize, a game ball that subsequently enters the central winning unit 37 will be given a chance to enter the V prize with a higher probability.

[0537] In other words, the configuration is such that game balls other than the game ball that enters the central winning unit 37 at the same time as the game ball that passes through the special gate 650 (for example, during one open state of the blade member 404) are given a chance to win a V prize with a higher probability.

[0538] More specifically, for example, when two game balls enter the internal area 401 during one open state period of the central winning unit 37 (vane member 404), the first game ball (the game ball that first passes through the entrance portion 601b as the specific area) flows down to the normal guide passage 604, the second game ball (the game ball that next passes through the entrance portion 601b) flows down to the special guide passage 605, and then the game ball that flows down to the special guide passage 605 passes through the special gate 650 and the movable device 722 is activated, When the game ball that has flowed down the guide passage 604 passes through the movable device 722, the movable device 722 has not yet been activated, and the game ball that has flowed down the normal guide passage 604 is not affected (assisted) by the action of the movable device 722 and does not win the V prize. Even if this happens, a game ball that enters the internal area 401 during the next open state period of the central winning unit 37 (blade member 404) (the game ball that passes through the entrance section 601 next after that) will flow down the normal guide passage 604, and will be given a chance to win the V prize due to the action of the movable device 722.

[0539] Of course, instead of the above configuration, various set times, such as the change time of the variable display performed on the special gate display device 44 (the time until the movable device 722 starts to operate) and the operation time of the movable device 722 after it starts to operate, can be set to times different from the above set times, and after a predetermined game ball passes through the special gate 650, after a relatively long period of time (for example, after one minute or more), the game ball that enters the internal area 401 flows down to the normal guide passage 604, and the action of the movable device 722 gives a chance to win a V prize.

[0540] With this configuration, even after the player has confirmed that the gaming ball has passed through the special gate 650, the player can actively play the game to try to get the gaming ball to enter the central winning unit 37. As a result, the player's interest can be enhanced.

[0541] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to the above-described embodiments, or some or all of them may be combined in any desired manner to the above-described embodiments. It is also possible to combine all or some of the various configurations shown in the above-described embodiments in any desired manner.

[0542] (a) The pachinko machine 10 according to the above embodiment is a so-called type 1 / type 2 hybrid machine that combines the functions of a gaming machine (so-called old type 1 pachinko machine) of the type in which the variable winning device 32 opens and closes to create a jackpot state (direct hit jackpot) when a jackpot is won in a win / loss lottery based on the ball entering the starting winning section 33, and the functions of a gaming machine (so-called old type 2 pachinko machine) of the type in which the central winning unit 37 opens and closes when a small jackpot is won in a win / loss lottery based on the ball entering the starting winning section 33, and in which a gaming ball that enters the central winning unit 37 enters the first V winning passage 427, etc., to create a jackpot state (V winning jackpot).

[0543] The present invention is not limited to this, and may be implemented as other types of pachinko machines in which a predetermined gaming value is awarded. The gaming value may include, for example, gaming media such as prize balls paid out to the player, a special prize state (round) awarded during a jackpot, and a gaming mode such as a high probability mode awarded after the jackpot ends. In addition to pachinko machines, the present invention may also be implemented as various gaming machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball machines.

[0544] For example, when a gaming ball enters the starting winning section 33, no predetermined lottery process is performed (or a lottery process with a 100% probability of winning may be performed), and the central winning unit 37 opens based on the ball entering the starting winning section 33, and the gaming ball that enters the central winning unit 37 enters the first V winning passage 427, etc., resulting in a jackpot state (the so-called old type 2 pachinko machine).

[0545] Also, instead of the variable winning device 32, a configuration may be adopted in which a jackpot state is generated by opening and closing the central winning unit 37 as a variable ball entry means. In such a case, the configuration may omit the variable winning device 32. In other words, in a gaming machine of the type in which a jackpot state is generated by opening and closing a predetermined variable ball entry means (a large winning opening as a specific area) when a jackpot is won in a lottery based on a ball entering a predetermined starting ball entry means, a configuration may be adopted in which a movable body is provided in the internal area of ​​the variable ball entry means.

[0546] The gaming machine may also be implemented as a type that includes a variable ball entry means such as a central entry unit 37 that opens when a jackpot is won in a lottery based on a ball entering the starting entry section 33, and that awards a specific gaming value when a gaming ball that has entered the variable ball entry means enters a special ball entry means such as a V entry port. In other words, this type of gaming machine may be configured with a movable body in the internal area of ​​the variable ball entry means.

[0547] Furthermore, in the central winning unit 37 according to the above embodiment, a gaming ball entering the left ball entry opening 403 always passes through the left entrance 601b constituting the specific area, and a gaming ball entering the right ball entry opening 403 always passes through the right entrance 601b constituting the specific area. Therefore, a gaming ball entering the internal area 401 is always detected by either the left or right internal ball entry detection switch 437 constituting the predetermined detection means. However, the various configurations related to the specific area and the predetermined detection means, such as the location and number of the specific area and the predetermined detection means, are not limited to the configurations related to the entrance 601b and the internal ball entry detection switch 437, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, one or more specific areas or predetermined detection means may be located at a position different from the left or right entrance 601b. For example, one exit 601a of the introduction passage 601 may be designated as a specific area, and the internal ball entry detection switch 437 as the predetermined detection means may be located there.

[0548] Furthermore, the central winning unit 37 may be configured such that one of the pair of left and right ball entry openings 403, etc. (including the pair of left and right blade members 404, the introduction passage 601, and the pair of left and right entrance portions 601b) is omitted. For example, the left ball entry opening 403, etc. (including the left blade member 404, the left portion of the introduction passage 601, and the entrance portion 601b on that left side) may be omitted, and only the right ball entry opening 403, etc. (including the right blade member 404, the right portion of the introduction passage 601, and the entrance portion 601b on that right side) may be provided. This results in a configuration in which only one ball passage (the right portion of the introduction passage 601) is provided, through which game balls can pass one by one and which can guide game balls one by one to the exit portion 601a, which is a specific area provided only in one location. In other words, a gaming ball that does not pass through the one ball passage cannot pass through the exit portion 601a and enter the internal area 401. In addition, the ball passage (the right side portion of the introduction passage 601) is provided at a position where only a gaming ball that is shot with a predetermined strength (right hit) and flies over the central winning unit 37 can pass through.

[0549] Alternatively or in addition to this, the configuration may be such that a ball passage (such as a ball passage member having a ball passage) is provided at an outer position (outer than the blade member 404) on one of the left and right sides (for example, the right side) of the central winning unit 37, capable of guiding game balls one by one to the ball entry opening 403 on that side (including the blade member 404 on that side, one side portion of the introduction passage 601, and the entrance portion 601b on that side).

[0550] In addition, in specific areas such as the exit portion 601a and the entrance portion 601b of the introduction passage 601, the passage may be configured to allow the passage of game balls in a predetermined direction (towards the internal area 401), while being provided with a regulating means (such as a valve-shaped member that changes state from a first state to a second state depending on the force received from the game ball) that regulates the passage of game balls in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction.

[0551] The winning probabilities for various lotteries (such as software lottery processes and mechanical lotteries) related to the pachinko machine 10 are set appropriately for each model, and any value can be used. It goes without saying that the board configuration of the game board 30 can also be changed appropriately.

[0552] It may also be implemented as a type of gaming machine in which gaming balls are circulated within the gaming machine and not paid out directly to the player, a so-called sealed-type pachinko machine.

[0553] (b) The type of big win (number of rounds, configuration, etc.) is not limited to that in the above embodiment, and a different configuration may be adopted.

[0554] For example, in the above embodiment, the types of jackpot states are set as a "3-round jackpot" in which the special prize state (round) is repeated three times, a "7-round jackpot" in which the special prize state (round) is repeated seven times, and a "15-round jackpot" in which the special prize state (round) is repeated 15 times, but this is not limited to these, and other jackpot states with different numbers of rounds may also be configured to occur.

[0555] Of course, the present invention may be implemented as a gaming machine that can generate only one type of jackpot state (for example, a 15-round jackpot), rather than a gaming machine that can generate multiple types of jackpot states.

[0556] (c) The configuration of the game mode granted after the end of the big win state (such as the granting period and configuration content) is not limited to the above embodiment, and a different configuration may be adopted.

[0557] For example, in the above embodiment, after the end of the jackpot state, a time-saving mode is applied in which the time (variation time) of the variable display on the special display device 43 is shortened while the variable display is performed four times on the special display device 43, but the period for which the time-saving mode is applied is not limited to this. For example, after the end of the jackpot state, the time-saving mode may be continued until the next jackpot state occurs.

[0558] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the time-saving mode, a high-probability mode, which increases the probability of winning a jackpot (direct jackpot), may be provided as a gaming mode after the jackpot state ends. A specific gaming mode, such as the time-saving mode or high-probability mode, may be designated as a special gaming state. When a jackpot that qualifies for the high-probability mode to be provided after the jackpot state ends, a so-called variable probability jackpot, occurs, the special display device 43 or the like may display a stop display in a specific manner corresponding to the variable probability jackpot. Of course, the gaming machine may also be configured so that the time-saving mode, high-probability mode, or the like is not provided after the jackpot state ends.

[0559] In addition, in the above embodiment, the probability of winning the ball entry assist lottery, which is conducted based on the passage of a game ball through the through gate 34, and the probability of winning the operation assist lottery, which is conducted based on the passage of a game ball through the special gate switch 651, are configured to be the same in either mode.

[0560] Not limited to this, as a game mode after the end of the big win state, instead of or in addition to the time-saving mode or the high-probability mode, a mode (high support mode) may be performed in which the probability of winning the ball entry assist lottery, the probability of winning the operation assist lottery, the probability of winning a small win (especially a long small win), etc. is higher than in the normal mode. At least one of these high support modes may be a specific game mode.

[0561] (d) The configuration related to the feature activation lottery (feature activation lottery area 409, etc.) is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0562] (d-1) For example, in the above embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the special gate 650 (special gate switch 651) provided in the device activation lottery area 409, an activation assist lottery is held to determine whether or not to activate the movable device 722, and if the activation assist lottery is won, the activation conditions are met and the movable device 722 is activated.

[0563] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that, for example, when a gaming ball is detected by the special gate switch 651, the activation condition is always met and the movable device 722 is activated, without performing a lottery process.

[0564] Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a counting means is provided for counting the number of game balls detected by the special gate switch 651, and when the counted value reaches or exceeds a predetermined number, an activation condition is established and the movable accessory 722 is activated. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a counting means is provided for counting the number of game balls detected by the special gate switch 651, and when the counted value reaches or exceeds a predetermined number, a predetermined lottery process is executed and a predetermined lottery result is obtained, the activation condition is established and the movable accessory 722 is activated.

[0565] (d-2) Furthermore, the operation assist lottery that determines whether or not to activate the movable accessory 722 may be configured not by software lottery processing, but by providing a mechanical lottery mechanism such as a crane in the internal region 401 of the central winning unit 37 and performing the lottery based on the behavior of the game ball. However, performing the lottery processing by software is preferable in terms of simplifying the configuration of the central winning unit 37.

[0566] For example, in the device activation lottery area 409, rather than the game ball necessarily passing through the special gate 650 (special gate switch 651), the game ball may be configured to pass through (or not pass through) the special gate 650 at a predetermined rate.

[0567] (d-3) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the trigger ball entry means (special gate) for detecting the operation trigger of the movable device 722 is configured to be provided in the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37, but the location at which the trigger ball entry means (special gate) is provided is not limited to this and may be in a different location.

[0568] For example, the central winning unit 37 may be configured to have a second internal area different from internal area 401 (an area where balls can enter from an entrance different from the ball entry opening 403 which is opened and closed by the blade member 404), and a trigger ball entry means (special gate) may be provided in the second internal area.

[0569] (d-4) Also, like the through gate 34, a trigger ball entry means (special gate) may be provided in the game area outside the central winning unit 37, allowing game balls flowing down the game area to enter (pass through). The configuration of the trigger ball entry means is not limited to a ball entry means such as a through gate through which an entering game ball can pass, but may also be a ball entry means such as a prize opening through which an entering game ball is discharged outside the game area. Then, a predetermined lottery process may be executed based on the game ball entering a predetermined through gate or prize opening, and the movable device 722 may be configured to operate when a predetermined operating condition is met, such as when a predetermined lottery result (winning result) is obtained. For example, as described below, when a game ball is detected by the start winning section 33a, 33b (start winning switch 224a, 224b) during the lottery invalid period, an activation assist lottery is held to determine whether or not to activate the movable device 722, and if the activation assist lottery is won, the activation condition is met and the movable device 722 is activated.

[0570] In addition, a game ball that enters the central winning unit 37 (internal area 401) and is guided to the special guide passage 605 may pass through the special gate 650, be detected by the special gate switch 651, and then return to the game area outside the central winning unit 37 instead of being ejected to the back side of the game board 30.

[0571] In addition, a game ball that enters the central winning unit 37 (internal area 401) and is guided to the special guide passage 605 may pass through the special guide passage 605 without being detected by a designated ball detection means, return to the game area outside the central winning unit 37, and then be configured to be able to enter a trigger ball entry means (special gate, etc.) provided in the game area outside the central winning unit 37, where it may be detected by a trigger ball entry detection means (special gate switch, etc.).

[0572] However, if the trigger ball entry means (special gate) that detects the activation trigger of the movable role 722 is located outside the central winning unit 37, there is a risk that fraudulent acts may be committed by using wire or the like to cause the trigger ball entry detection means (special gate switch) to make a false detection, thereby activating the movable role 722.From this perspective, it is more preferable that the trigger ball entry means (special gate) be located within the central winning unit 37.

[0573] (d-5) In the above embodiment, when the game ball passes through the special gate 650, a variable display begins on the special gate display device 44, and after a predetermined time, a stationary display is made in a manner corresponding to the result of the activation assist lottery, and if the result of the activation assist lottery is a winning result, the movable device 722 is then configured to operate.

[0574] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display means (special gate display device 44) for displaying the result of the activation assist lottery may be omitted.

[0575] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the time for the variable display on the special gate display device 44 to fluctuate is uniform (1 second), but this is not limited to this, and the configuration may also include multiple variable patterns with different times for the variable display.

[0576] For example, the main control device 261 may be configured to include a fluctuation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of fluctuation patterns with different fluctuation display times, and a fluctuation pattern selection means for selecting one of the plurality of fluctuation patterns stored in the fluctuation pattern storage means based on the detection of a gaming ball by the special gate switch 651, and to control the special gate display device 44 based on the fluctuation pattern selected by the fluctuation pattern selection means.

[0577] This makes it possible to vary the time from when the variable display starts to when the stop display is made on the special gate display device 44. In turn, it makes it possible to vary the operation start period from when the game ball is detected by the special gate switch 651 to when the movable accessory 722 actually enters an operating state (advantageous state).

[0578] (d-6) In the above embodiment, even if a new game ball passes through the special gate 650 and is detected by the special gate switch 651 while the special gate display device 44 is displaying a variable display or while the movable accessory 722 is operating, the variable display (the result of the operation assist lottery) for that part is not held in abeyance. In other words, the operation assist lottery for that part is invalidated, and the right to operate the movable accessory 722 is not newly granted.

[0579] In addition to this, the configuration may also be provided with a holding means (variable holding area) that can hold a predetermined number of variable displays (operation assist lottery results) when a new game ball passes through the special gate 650 and is detected by the special gate switch 651 while the special gate display device 44 is displaying a variable display or while the movable device 722 is operating.

[0580] Here, the holding means (variable holding area) may be configured to have one execution area and multiple holding areas, similar to the normal variable holding area that stores the value of the ball entry assist random number counter C3 in the above embodiment, and the values ​​of the operation assist random number counter C4 are stored in chronological order in the multiple holding areas in accordance with the passage history of game balls through the special gate 650. Of course, the information stored in the holding means is not limited to the value of the operation assist random number counter C4 alone, and other information may be stored.

[0581] (e) The configuration related to route allocation (route allocation area 406, etc.) is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0582] (e-1) For example, the route allocating member 603 in the above embodiment is pivotally supported so as to be swingable, and is normally maintained in a right-inclined state by a biasing means such as a coil spring (not shown), so that a game ball falling down the fall passage 602 can flow down to the left-side normal guide passage 604. In this state, when a game ball falling down the fall passage 602 is guided to the left-side normal guide passage 604, the route allocating member 603 is rotated counterclockwise against the biasing force of the biasing means by the force received from the game ball contacting the left piece 614, and is configured to be in a left-inclined state for a predetermined time, so that a game ball falling down the fall passage 602 can flow down to the right-side special guide passage 605.

[0583] The configuration (shape, operation mode, etc.) of the route allocation means is not limited to this, and other configurations may be adopted.

[0584] For example, an axle pin 610 is fixed to an axle portion 611 of the route allocation member 603, and the axle portion 611 protrudes toward the back side of the upper rear wall portion 400a, and as shown in Figure 46, an action piece 800 is formed extending downward from the rear end of the protruding axle pin 610, and a pair of coil springs 801, 802 are provided as maintaining means for supporting the action piece 800 from the left and right, and the route allocation member 603 may be configured so that under normal conditions, the central piece portion 613 is maintained in a balanced state (reference posture) with no left-right tilt at the center position in the left-right direction (position of the axle pin 610).

[0585] With this configuration, when a game ball falls onto the route distribution member 603 which is in a balanced state under normal circumstances, it is not known whether the game ball will be guided to the normal guide passage 604 on the left side or the special guide passage 605 on the right side.

[0586] When a gaming ball falling onto the route allocation member 603 in a balanced state is guided, for example, to the special guide passage 605 on the right side, the route allocation member 603 is rotated clockwise once by the force of the gaming ball contacting the right piece 615, and assumes a right-inclined state (first state) [see FIG. 41(a)], and then rotates counterclockwise by the elastic force of the pair of coil springs 801, 802, and assumes a left-inclined state (second state) [see FIG. 41(b)]. Thereafter, the route allocation member 603 assumes a right-inclined state again, and after swinging left and right multiple times, returns to a balanced state by the elastic force of the pair of coil springs 801, 802.

[0587] Similarly, when a gaming ball that has fallen onto the route allocation member 603 in a balanced state is guided, for example, to the normal guide passage 604 on the left side, the route allocation member 603 will first rotate counterclockwise and become tilted to the left due to the force of the gaming ball contacting the left piece 614, and then rotate clockwise and become tilted to the right due to the elastic force of the pair of coil springs 801, 802. After that, the route allocation member 603 will again become tilted to the left, and after swinging left and right multiple times, will return to the balanced state due to the elastic force of the pair of coil springs 801, 802.

[0588] Under this configuration, when two game balls fall consecutively onto the route allocating member 603 in a balanced state, for example, if the first game ball is guided to the normal guide passage 604 on the left, the second game ball will be guided to the special guide passage 605 on the right. Conversely, if the first game ball is guided to the special guide passage 605 on the right, the second game ball will be guided to the normal guide passage 604 on the left.

[0589] Furthermore, with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration that alternately distributes a plurality of game balls that fall continuously to different routes while employing a relatively simple configuration without providing a driving means for driving the route distribution member 603. As a result, it is possible to simplify the configuration and control, make the device more compact, etc.

[0590] (e-2) In the route allocation member 603 illustrated in Figure 46, instead of the pair of coil springs 801, 802, a weight may be attached to the lower end of the action piece 800, so that the route allocation member 603 is maintained in a balanced state under normal conditions, while the action of the game ball allows the route allocation member 603 to swing freely.

[0591] (e-3) In the route allocating member 603 illustrated in Fig. 46, instead of the pair of coil springs 801, 802, a drive means (allocation drive means) such as a motor that swings the route allocating member 603 may be provided, so that the route allocating member 603 swings periodically or continuously between a right-tilted state and a left-tilted state. Also, the route allocating means such as the route allocating member 603 may be normally stopped, and may be configured to enter a predetermined operating state only when a predetermined drive condition is met and a specific state is entered.

[0592] (e-4) The route allocation means does not have to be movable, and may be fixed to the housing 400 or integrally provided therewith. In other words, the route may be allocated based on the random behavior of the gaming ball. In addition, the various other configurations related to the route allocation means, such as the location and number of the route allocation means, are not limited to the above embodiment, and different configurations may be adopted. For example, one or more route allocation means may be provided in a location different from that of the above embodiment (a variable ball entry means other than the central winning unit 37).

[0593] (f) The configuration of the various guide routes is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0594] (f-1) For example, although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, in the configuration according to the above embodiment, it is preferable to configure the configuration so that the time it takes for the game ball to reach the special gate 650 (special gate switch 651) and the movable device 722 to reach an advantageous state from the time the game ball is guided by the route distribution member 603 to the normal guide passage 604 until the game ball reaches the movable device 722 (exit portion 604a of the normal guide passage 604) is shorter than the time it takes for the game ball to reach the movable device 722 (exit portion 604a of the normal guide passage 604) from the time the game ball is guided by the route distribution member 603 to the normal guide passage 604.

[0595] If the time it takes for the game ball to reach the movable device 722 (exit 604a of the normal guide passage 604) from the time the route distribution member 603 guides the game ball to the normal guide passage 604 is longer than the time it takes for the game ball to reach the movable device 722 (exit 604a of the normal guide passage 604), then if two game balls enter the internal area 401 of the central winning unit 37 in succession, and the first game ball is distributed by the route distribution member 603 to the normal guide passage 604 and the second game ball is distributed to the special guide passage 605, the player will know that the game balls will reach the movable device 722 before the movable device 722 is activated, which could significantly reduce...

Claims

[Claim 1] A game board having a game area on a front side; A lottery means for conducting a lottery when a predetermined opportunity occurs based on a predetermined game played by a player; a game value granting means for granting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery; A first rotation means is configured to be rotatable around a front-rear direction as an axial direction in a predetermined area of ​​the play area and to be able to change between at least a predetermined rotation state and a predetermined stop state, and has a visual confirmation part that allows the rear side to be visually confirmed; a predetermined decoration means provided on the rear side of the first rotating means in the gaming area, the first rotation means is configured to change from the predetermined stopped state to the predetermined rotation state when a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the predetermined game by a player; This gaming machine is A relative positional relationship between the first rotating means in a front view of the predetermined area and a second rotating means that is movable in the game area and rotatable in a predetermined manner is configured to be changeable between a first positional relationship in which at least a part of the first rotating means and at least a part of the second rotating means do not overlap in the front view, and a second positional relationship in which at least a part of the first rotating means and at least a part of the second rotating means overlap in the front view, In the first positional relationship, At least a part of the predetermined decorative means is visible through the visible portion of the first rotating means when viewed from the front, In the second positional relationship, At least a part of the second rotating means that overlaps with the visible portion of the first rotating means in the front view is visible through the visible portion of the first rotating means, and an area of ​​at least a part of the predetermined decorative means that is blocked by the second rotating means is not visible through the visible portion of the first rotating means, At least a part of the rear area of ​​the game board is visible from the front, The first rotating means is configured to be rotatable in a front area of ​​the game board, The second rotating means is configured to be movable from the front region to the rear region of the game board, This gaming machine is The second rotation means is configured to be movable along a plurality of movement paths, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second rotation means approaches the first rotation means, it is configured to be able to move along any one of the multiple movement paths to approach the first rotation means.

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