Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest by executing more suitable notification to a player.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine performs a winning notification display in a first notification mode in a situation in which the variation display execution round of this round hardly reaches a prescribed upper-limit number of times as an activation condition of a ceiling time-shortening mode when a winning state occurs based on entry of game balls into a first start winning part 33WA in a normal state. In the meantime, in a situation in which the variation display execution round of this round nearly reaches the prescribed upper-limit number of times as the activation condition of the ceiling time-shortening mode when a winning state occurs based on entry of game balls into the first start winning part 33WA, a winning notification display is performed in a second notification mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 307

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A pachinko machine is known as a type of gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball into a game area. For example, a pachinko machine is known in which a lottery is held based on the entry of a game ball into a predetermined ball entry means, and when a predetermined result is obtained by the lottery, a game state advantageous to the player is generated. Some of these pachinko machines create interest by rotating the rotating means. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-100385 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional gaming machines, the structure of the rotating means tends to be complicated, and visual variation is poor.

[0005] The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its objects are to To provide a gaming machine in which interest can be easily changed by a rotation means provided in a gaming area provided on a gaming board, and visibility can be changed by the relative positional relationship between two rotation means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: 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 awarding means for awarding a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery; A first rotation means is configured to be rotatable around the 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; In the gaming machine, a predetermined decoration means is provided on the rear side of the first rotation means in the gaming area, the first rotation means is configured to change from the predetermined stop 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 rotation means in a front view of the predetermined area and a 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 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 A predetermined advantageous state advantageous to a player is more likely to occur when the first rotation means and the second rotation means are in a specific second positional relationship than when the first rotation means and the second rotation means are in a predetermined second positional relationship; This gaming machine is In the front view of the predetermined area Circular shape when viewed from the front The diameter of the first rotating means is at least Circular shape when viewed from the frontThe first rotating means is configured to have a diameter larger than that of the second rotating means; This gaming machine is The game machine includes an operating means operable by a player, The gist of the invention is that the movement manner of the second rotation means is configured to be changeable according to the operation manner of the operation means operated by the player. Effect of the Invention

[0007] 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 the rotation means provided in the game area, and the visibility can be changed by the relative positional relationship between the two rotation means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 4] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Diagram 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, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a variable display unit. [Figure 9] A front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Figure 10] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 14]13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 20] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a lottery mode flag, a support mode flag, a game state identification counter, and a game state judgment value. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing the end of fluctuation setting process. [Diagram 23] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 24] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing feature control process. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 28] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 29] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Diagram 31] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Diagram 32] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns. [Diagram 33] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Diagram 34] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Diagram 35] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Figure 37] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Figure 39] A diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Diagram 40] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a sure-variable jackpot, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a complete miss. [Diagram 41] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Diagram 42] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Diagram 43] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a decorative pattern display device in a normal state. [Diagram 44] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a decorative pattern display device when a jackpot occurs. [Diagram 45] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device during a chance mode. [Diagram 46] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device during gold mode. [Figure 47] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of a decorative pattern display device during a roulette performance. FIG. [Figure 48] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a decorative pattern display device when a pending display change process is performed. [Figure 49] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the role object performance setting process. [Figure 50] This is a flowchart showing part of the role object performance setting process, which is a continuation of Figure 49. [Figure 51] 13A is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel effect pattern determination table for the "end" time, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel effect pattern determination table for the "until next time" time. [Figure 52] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the upper rotor and the like in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 53] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of the upper rotating body in a diameter-reduced state. [Figure 54] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the upper rotating body and the like in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 55] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of the upper rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 56] 53 is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in FIG. 52. [Figure 57] This is a front view showing some of the lower movable parts (both left and right lower rotating bodies, etc.). [Figure 58] This is a side view showing some of the lower movable parts (both left and right lower rotating bodies, etc.). [Figure 59] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a presentation using an upper rotating body. [Figure 60] This is a schematic diagram showing one example of the stopped state (stopped state without enlarged display) of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies in the first development performance pattern. [Figure 61] This is a schematic diagram showing one example of the stopped state (weak / SMALL expansion stopped state) of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies in the second development performance pattern. [Figure 62] This is a schematic diagram showing one example of the stopped state of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies (strong / small expansion stopped state) in the third development performance pattern. [Figure 63] This is a schematic diagram showing one example of the stopped state (weak / BIG expansion stopped state) of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies in the fourth development performance pattern. [Figure 64] This is a schematic diagram showing one example of the stopped state of the upper rotating body and the left and right lower rotating bodies (strong / BIG expansion stopped state) in the fifth development performance pattern. [Figure 65] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a rotating body according to another embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 67] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 68] An oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Figure 69] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 70] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 71] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 72] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 73] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 74] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 75] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 76] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 77] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 78] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 79] 13A is a flowchart showing the first pass / fail judgment process, FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the second pass / fail judgment process, and FIG. 13C is a flowchart showing the time-saving pass / fail judgment process. [Figure 80] 13 is a flowchart showing a type determination process. [Figure 81] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Figure 82] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Figure 83] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 84] 13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Figure 85] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 86] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 87] 13 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Figure 88] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 89] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 90] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Figure 91] 13 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Figure 92] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Figure 93] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Figure 94] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Figure 95] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Figure 96] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 97] 13 is a flowchart showing the start prize section control processing. [Figure 98] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 99] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 100] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Figure 101] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Figure 102] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Figure 103] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 104] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 105] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Figure 106]13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 107] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Figure 108] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Fig. 109] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Figure 110] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 111] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 112] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 113] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 114] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 115] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 116] 13(a) and (b) are time charts for explaining the flow of variable displays in the first special pattern display device, the second special pattern display device, and the performance display device. [Figure 117] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. [Fig. 118] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 119] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 120] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 121] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Fig. 122] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Figure 123] FIG. 2 is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 124] A front view of the variable display unit with the prop unit appearing. [Fig. 125]FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the movable props and the up-down drive mechanism in a standby state, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the movable props and the up-down drive mechanism in an operating state. [Fig. 126] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 127] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Figure 128] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Figure 129] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Fig. 130] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Fig. 131] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Fig. 132] 13 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Fig. 133] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Fig. 134] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Fig. 135] 13 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Fig. 136] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a lottery mode flag, a support mode flag, a game state identification counter, and a game state judgment value. FIG. [Fig. 137] 13 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Fig. 138] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Fig. 139] 13 is a flowchart showing the end of fluctuation setting process. [Fig. 140] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Fig. 141] 13 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Fig. 142] 13 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing feature control process. [Fig. 143] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Fig. 144] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Fig. 145] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Fig. 146] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Fig. 147] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Fig. 148] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns. [Figure 149] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Fig. 150] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Fig. 151] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Fig. 152] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Fig. 153] 13 is a flowchart showing a display setting process during a win. [Fig. 154] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Fig. 155] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Fig. 156] A diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Fig. 157] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a sure-variable jackpot, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a complete miss. [Fig. 158] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Fig. 159] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Fig. 160] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a normal state. [Fig. 161] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) when a jackpot occurs. FIG. [Fig. 162]1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a chance mode. FIG. [Fig. 163] A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during gold mode. [Fig. 164] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a roulette effect. FIG. [Fig. 165] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) when a hold display change process is performed. [Fig. 166] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a rotating body and the like in a reduced diameter state. [Fig. 167] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in a diameter-reduced state. [Fig. 168] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a rotating body and the like in an expanded diameter state. [Fig. 169] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of the rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Fig. 170] This is a cross-sectional view of line KK in Figure 166. [Fig. 171] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a presentation using a rotating body. [Fig. 172] 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the role object performance setting process. [Fig. 173] This is a flowchart showing part of the reel performance setting process, which is a continuation of Figure 172. [Fig. 174] 13A is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel effect pattern determination table for the "end" time, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the configuration of a reel effect pattern determination table for the "until next time" time. [Fig. 175] 13 is a flowchart showing the reel appearance setting process. [Fig. 176] A diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table. [Fig. 177] This is an operation process diagram for explaining the operation modes of the reel appearance operation. [Fig. 178] A diagram showing the configuration of a reel appearance operation control table according to another embodiment. [Fig. 179]FIG. 11 is an operational process diagram for explaining the operational modes of the character appearance operation according to another embodiment. [Fig. 180] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional reel appearance operation control table. [Fig. 181] 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. [Fig. 182] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Fig. 183] An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Fig. 184] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Fig. 185] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Fig. 186] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Fig. 187] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Fig. 188] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Fig. 189] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Fig. 190] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Fig. 191] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Fig. 192] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Fig. 193] 13 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. [Fig. 194] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Fig. 195] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Fig. 196] 13 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. [Figure 197] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a lottery mode flag, a support mode flag, a game state identification counter, and a game state judgment value. FIG. [Figure 198]13 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. [Figure 199] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Figure 200] 13 is a flowchart showing the end of fluctuation setting process. [Figure 201] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Fig. 202] 13 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. [Fig. 203] 13 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing feature control process. [Fig. 204] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Fig. 205] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Fig. 206] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Fig. 207] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Fig. 208] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Fig. 209] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns. [Fig. 210] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Fig. 211] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Fig. 212] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Fig. 213] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. [Fig. 214] 13 is a flowchart showing a display setting process during a win. [Fig. 215] A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. [Fig. 216] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first big win type determination table. [Fig. 217] A diagram showing the configuration of a second big win type determination table. [Fig. 218]FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a sure-variable jackpot, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a complete miss. [Fig. 219] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. [Fig. 220] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. [Fig. 221] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of an amusement hall in which pachinko machines are installed. [Fig. 222] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of one pachinko machine configured via a hall computer and its corresponding game data display device. FIG. [Fig. 223] Schematic diagrams for explaining the display contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of a game data display device, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of the display contents in normal display mode, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display contents in active display mode, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the display contents in performance display mode. [Fig. 224] 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot signal 1 output process. [Fig. 225] 13 is a flowchart showing a big win signal 2 output process. [Fig. 226] (a) is a timing chart for explaining the change in the output state of conventional jackpot signals 1 and 2, and (b) and (c) are timing charts for explaining the change in the output state of jackpot signals 1 and 2 in this embodiment. [Fig. 227] A diagram to explain the decorative patterns displayed on the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit). [Fig. 228] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) on the "normal stage" in the "normal mode." [Fig. 229] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) on the "lively stage" in "normal mode". [Fig. 230]This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the "slightly lively stage" in "normal mode." [Fig. 231] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the ``zone entry stage'' of the ``normal mode.'' [Fig. 232] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in the "chance mode." [Fig. 233] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in "gold mode." [Fig. 234] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in "dark mode". [Fig. 235] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during an opening performance. FIG. [Fig. 236] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a round. FIG. [Fig. 237] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in an ending performance. FIG. [Fig. 238] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a demo performance. FIG. [Fig. 239] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a "normal reach" performance. [Fig. 240] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a "Super Reach" performance. FIG. [Fig. 241] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) in a "special reach" performance. FIG. [Fig. 242] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (liquid crystal display unit) during a roulette effect. FIG. [Fig. 243] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Fig. 244] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Fig. 245] An oblique view showing the state in which the inner frame and front frame are open. [Fig. 246] A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Fig. 247] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Fig. 248] This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. [Fig. 249] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Fig. 250] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Fig. 251] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Fig. 252] 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Fig. 253] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Fig. 254] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Figure 255] A flowchart showing the third start winning processing. [Fig. 256] A flowchart showing the second start winning processing. [Fig. 257] 13 is a flowchart showing the first start winning processing. [Fig. 258] 13A is a flowchart showing the first correct / incorrect judgment process, FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the second correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 13C is a flowchart showing the third correct / incorrect judgment process. [Fig. 259] 10(a) is a flowchart showing a first type determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Fig. 260] 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. [Fig. 261] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Fig. 262] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Fig. 263]13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Fig. 264] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Fig. 265] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Fig. 266] 13 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Fig. 267] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Fig. 268] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Fig. 269] 13 is a flowchart showing a third special display control process. [Fig. 270] A flowchart showing the third variable display setting process. [Fig. 271] A flowchart showing the special chart 3 discrimination information setting process. [Fig. 272] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Fig. 273] 13 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Fig. 274] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Fig. 275] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Fig. 276] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Fig. 277] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Fig. 278] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Fig. 279] 13 is a flowchart showing the start prize section control processing. [Fig. 280] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Fig. 281] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Fig. 282] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Fig. 283]13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. [Fig. 284] 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. [Fig. 285] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Fig. 286] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Fig. 287] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Fig. 288] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Fig. 289] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Fig. 290] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Fig. 291] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Fig. 292] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 293] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 294] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 295] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 296] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 297] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 298] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 299] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Figure 300] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 301] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 302] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device. [Fig. 303] 1 is a timing chart for explaining changes in the output states of jackpot signals 1 and 2. [Fig. 304] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Fig. 305] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Fig. 306] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine showing the inner frame and front frame in an open state. [Fig. 307] This is a front view of a pachinko machine showing the front frame removed. [Fig. 308] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the pachinko machine. [Fig. 309] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine showing the inner frame and back pack unit etc. in an open state. [Fig. 310] 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. [Fig. 311] 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display control device; [Fig. 312] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. [Fig. 313] 4 is a flowchart showing a start-up process by a main control device. [Fig. 314] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. [Fig. 315] 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. [Fig. 316] 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. [Fig. 317] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Fig. 318] 13A is a flowchart showing a first correct / incorrect judgment process, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing a second correct / incorrect judgment process. [Fig. 319] 10(a) is a flowchart showing a first type determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing a second type determination process. [Fig. 320] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether or not a miss is approaching. [Fig. 321] 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. [Fig. 322] 13 is a flowchart showing a launch permission command setting process. [Figure 323] 13 is a flowchart showing a first special display control process. [Fig. 324] 13 is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Fig. 325] A flowchart showing the special chart 1 discrimination information setting process. [Fig. 326] 13 is a flowchart showing a notification command setting process. [Figure 327] 13 is a flowchart showing a second special display control process. [Fig. 328] A flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 329] A flowchart showing the special chart 2 discrimination information setting process. [Fig. 330] A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. [Fig. 331] 13 is a flowchart showing a specific prize winning process. [Fig. 332] 13 is a flowchart showing a termination setting process. [Figure 333] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ball monitoring process. [Fig. 334] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal display control process. [Fig. 335] 13 is a flowchart showing the general map change setting process. [Fig. 336] 13 is a flowchart showing a general map discrimination information setting process. [Figure 337] 13 is a flowchart showing the start prize section control processing. [Fig. 338] 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. [Figure 339] 13 is a flowchart showing the start-up process of the dispensing control device. [Fig. 340] 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Fig. 341] 13 is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the dispensing control device. [Fig. 342] 13 is a flowchart showing a start-up process of the sub-control device. [Figure 343] 4 is a flowchart showing a main process of the sub-control device. [Figure 344] 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. [Figure 345] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns, etc. [Fig. 346] 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. [Figure 347] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold information storage process. [Fig. 348] 13 is a flowchart showing a hold process. [Figure 349] 13 is a flowchart showing a winning display process. [Fig. 350] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. [Fig. 351] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation stop process. [Fig. 352] 13 is a flowchart showing a notification display setting process. [Figure 353] 4 is a flowchart showing a main process of the display control device. [Fig. 354] 4 is a flowchart showing a command interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 355] 11 is a flowchart showing a V interrupt process of the display control device. [Figure 356] 4 is a flowchart showing a display content setting process of the display control device. [Figure 357] 4 is a flowchart showing a drawing process of a display control device. [Figure 358] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display data table. [Figure 359] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in a display data table; FIG. [Figure 360] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of each address in the additional data table. [Fig. 361] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drawing list. [Fig. 362]FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the breakeven period and the like. [Figure 363] A diagram to explain the decorative patterns displayed on the performance display device. [Figure 364] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the display mode of a performance display device, in which (a) shows the pattern change display during normal times, and (b) shows the pattern change display during a break-even period. [Figure 365] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (normal reach effect). [Fig. 366] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (super reach effect). [Figure 367] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (special reach effect). [Figure 368] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (miss stop mode). [Fig. 369] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (start of re-changing performance). [Fig. 370] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (spiral re-variation performance). [Fig. 371] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (small win stop mode). [Figure 372] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device (start of re-lottery performance). [Fig. 373] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the effect display device (a showdown effect of a re-lottery effect). [Fig. 374] A figure showing an example of the display mode of the effect display device (small win confirmation stop mode after the re-lottery effect ends). [Figure 375] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of an effect display device, in which (a) is a diagram showing a big win opening effect, and (b) is a diagram showing a big win round effect. [Figure 376] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of a display device, where (a) is a diagram showing a small win notification display before the break-even period, (b) is a diagram showing a small win notification display during the break-even period, and (c) is a diagram showing a small win notification display after the break-even period. [Figure 377] A figure showing an example of a display mode of a performance display device (rush stage performance). [Figure 378] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device (battle stage performance). [Figure 379] A figure showing an example of a display mode of the performance display device (lucky chance stage performance). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] A pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 according to a first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine according to the present invention (the pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment) is equipped with a "rotating body" as the "rotating means" of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, Fig. 2 is a perspective view, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 in an open state. Fig. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30, etc. Fig. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the inner frame 12 and the back pack unit 203, etc. in an open state. However, for the sake of convenience, Fig. 3 omits nails and various accessories as path changing means arranged on the game board 30 surface, and a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, etc.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3 etc., the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer hull of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be able to be opened and closed.

[0012] As shown in Figure 6, etc., the outer frame 11 is configured such that the upper side frame component 11a and the lower side frame component 11b are made of wooden boards, and the left side frame component 11c and the right side frame component 11d are made of extruded aluminum alloy material, and these frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together into a rectangular frame shape as a whole by detachable fasteners such as screws.

[0013] An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left-side frame component 11c, respectively (see FIG. 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 be opened and closed. The inner frame 12 and the like are housed in a space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0014] Further, the right-side frame component 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of its rear end in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to a locking device 600 (see FIG. 5) 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). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 to which a locking member of the locking device 600 is engaged are provided on the front side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts against an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 to protrude toward the inside of the outer frame 11.

[0015] Furthermore, a resin-made front panel decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. An upwardly protruding rib 88 is integrally formed on the inner part of the upper surface of the front panel decoration 87. This makes it difficult for a gap to form between the front panel decoration 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 so as to be able to be opened and closed to the front side of the inner frame 12. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is designed so as to be able to be opened to the front side around an opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0018] The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 when closed. A roughly elliptical 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 Fig. 1, a lower tray 15 is provided as a ball receiving tray at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame set 14, 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] In addition, a performance button 125 is provided on the left side of the lower tray 15 as an operation means that can be operated by the player. The performance button 125 is configured so that the player can press it (by pressing it downward). An operation detection switch (not shown) is provided inside the lower tray 15 as an operation detection means for detecting the pressing of the performance button 125. When the performance button 125 is pressed, an operation detection signal is output from the operation detection switch to the sub-control device 262, which will be described later. As a result, when the player presses the performance button 125, a predetermined performance is performed on the performance display device 42, etc., as will be described later, or the performance content is changed.

[0021] A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as the "handle") 18 protruding forward is provided to the right of the lower tray 15. The handle 18, which serves as an operating means that can be operated by the player, includes, for example, a base fixed to the front frame set 14, a rotation operating part as a first operating part rotatably attached to the base, a variable resistor as an operating amount detection means that detects the operating amount of the rotation operating part, and a launch stop switch as a second operating part that can select whether or not to launch the game balls into the play area.

[0022] 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 a game ball launching device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "launching device") 60, which serves as a launching means described below. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the game balls that are paid out are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and a discharge port 16 described below.

[0023] The upper tray 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122 as operation means that can be operated by a player. As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated in a state where bills, cards, etc. are inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like, loaned balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in response to the operation. In addition, in order to clarify the ownership of game balls used in a game hall, predetermined information that can identify the game hall is written by stamping or the like, and fraudulent acts using game balls brought from other game halls are prevented. In addition, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. However, in a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly loaned from a ball lending device or the like to the upper tray 19 without going through a card unit, i.e., a so-called cash machine, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary.

[0024] Furthermore, the upper tray 19 is provided with a ball removal button 123 as an operating means that can be operated by the player. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) that is provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper tray 19 and communicates with the lower tray 15 opens, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided (dropped) to the lower tray 15. In other words, the player can move the game balls in the upper tray 19 to the lower tray 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

[0025] 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-emitting modes, such as lighting and blinking, in response to changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a specified reach is reached, and serve to enhance the presentation effect during the game. For example, a frame lamp 102 incorporating a light-emitting means such as an LED is provided around the periphery of the window portion 101. In addition, error display lamps 104 that light up when a specified error occurs are provided on both sides of the frame lamp 102. Incidentally, a number of fine through holes are formed in the upper portion of each error display lamp 104 of the frame lamp 102, corresponding to the speaker SP (see Figure 3) provided on the back of the front frame set 14.

[0026] A glass unit 137 is attached to the rear side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not a pair of rectangular glass plates attached separately as in the conventional method, but rather has an overall circular shape and is assembled and then attached.

[0027] 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the rear 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 connecting from the dispensing mechanism unit 352 described later to the discharge outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray connecting passage 73 connecting from the dispensing mechanism unit 352 to the upper tray 19.

[0028] In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects game balls located in the lower tray communication passage 71. The presence of the full detection switch makes it possible to know that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls (that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls and game balls are stuck in the lower tray communication passage 71).

[0029] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. 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 having a plunger as a movable member is used as the launching device 60.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the full-load detection switch detects game balls for a predetermined time, the launching device 60 is prohibited from being shot. On the other hand, when the accumulation of game balls in the lower tray communication passage 71 is eliminated and the full-load detection switch no longer detects game balls (when the full-load detection switch no longer detects game balls for a predetermined time), the launching device 60 is permitted to be shot.

[0031] 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 by a driving means such as a solenoid.

[0032] 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 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and is divided into a passage leading to an upper tray connecting passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to a lower tray connecting passage 71 (lower tray 15).

[0033] In addition, 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 biasing force of a spring or the like, thereby almost closing the exit of the dispensing passage 67.

[0034] On the other hand, when the front frame set 14 is in a closed state, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end portions on the entrance side of the lower tray communicating passage 71 and the upper tray communicating passage 73. When the front frame set 14 is in a closed state, the entrance portions of the lower tray communicating passage 71 and the upper tray communicating passage 73 are adjacent to the payout passage 67 with a predetermined distance between them, allowing game balls to pass through the gap between them.

[0035] In addition, since the entrance portion of the lower tray connecting passage 71 and the entrance portion of the upper tray connecting passage 73 are located adjacent to each other, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 become full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out will flow toward the lower tray connecting passage 71 (overflowing into the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71) and be paid out through the lower tray connecting passage 71 to the lower tray 15.

[0036] 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 portion abutting the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, the approximate center of the front part of the game board 30, which becomes the play area, is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

[0037] Here, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The game board 30 in this embodiment is configured with a transparent plate as a base (game board body), which is a light-transmitting member formed into a flat plate shape from a resin material having light transmittance (translucency), such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, ABS resin, etc. Here, "transparent" does not only mean that an object present in the rear area of ​​the game board 30 can be seen in a completely transparent state, but may also include a so-called translucent state in which at least a part of light is transmitted to the extent that the presence of an object can be recognized.

[0038] With this configuration, the player can see various objects such as lamps and display devices arranged in the rear area of ​​the game board 30 from the front of the game board 30 through the game board 30. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, LED boards 48A, 48B, and 48C mounted with a plurality of LEDs as light-emitting means are arranged at the rear position of a predetermined area of ​​the game area, and the player can see the light emitted from the LEDs from the front of the game board 30 through the game board 30. The LED boards 48A and the like are controlled to light up and blink in a predetermined light-emitting mode corresponding to various game presentations, and play a role in enhancing the presentation effects during the game.

[0039] In addition, a rail 50 is attached to the game board 30, which is made of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52 formed from a strip-shaped metal plate, and serves as a guide means for guiding game balls launched from the launching device 60 to the upper part of the game board 30. As a result, the game balls launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 are guided through the launching rail 61 and the rail 50 into the game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

[0040] A return ball 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. This causes a game ball launched with a force greater than a predetermined value to hit the return rubber 54, which serves as a movement restriction means, and be returned to approximately the center of the game board 30.

[0041] In this embodiment, the outer rail component 52 ends at the upper right part of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 ends at the lower right part of the game board 30. Therefore, the game 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 game ball shot out by the launching device 60 may flow back along the rail 50 until it passes through the return ball prevention member 53 serving as a return restriction means, the parallel portion of the inner and outer rail components 51, 52 is excluded from the game area.

[0042] 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 have fallen through the gap to the lower tray 15. As a result, if a game ball launched from the launch device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and travels back along the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged to the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

[0043] On the game board 30, a general winning opening (general winning section) 31, a variable winning device (large winning opening) 32, an upper start winning opening 33YA, a lower start winning opening 33YB, a through gate 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L and a second special display device 43R, etc. are arranged so as to be fitted into mounting holes formed through the transparent plate.

[0044] Furthermore, in the front area of ​​the game board 30, i.e., in the game area formed on the front side of the game board 30, a large number of nails 49, windmills 57, etc. are arranged to distribute the falling direction of game balls in a predetermined area or to guide the game balls to a predetermined position. The windmill 57 is a rotating body that rotates when a game ball moving relative to itself comes into contact with it and acts on the flow of the game ball, and changes its state between a rotating state and a stopped state. For example, the windmill 57 has an axis member whose rear end side is fixed directly or indirectly to the game board 30, a central cylindrical part into which the front end side of the axis member is inserted, a plurality of contact pieces formed as acted parts extending radially outward from the central cylindrical part, and a decorative disk part that is a circular plate when viewed from the front and is provided at the front end of the central cylindrical part, and when a game ball comes into contact with the contact pieces and receives an external force, the external force causes the windmill 57 to rotate with the front-to-rear direction as the axial direction. Of course, the configuration of the windmill 57 is not limited to this, and other configurations may be adopted.

[0045] The game balls guided to the play area flow down through various routes while their flow direction and rotation direction are changed by the nails 49, etc. Then, some of the game balls guided to the play area are guided to the windmill 57 while moving relatively through various routes, and the falling route is divided to the left and right by the windmill 57. Here, when the game ball passes the left side of the windmill 57 in the first mode and acts on the contact piece in the first approach state, the windmill 57 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, which is the first operating mode. On the other hand, when the game ball passes the right side of the windmill 57 in the second mode and acts on the contact piece in the second approach state, the windmill 57 rotates in the clockwise direction, which is the second operating mode.

[0046] With this configuration, for example, a game ball diverted to the right by a windmill 57 (hereinafter referred to as the left windmill 57) provided in the left side area of ​​the variable display unit 35 is more likely to be guided by the nails 49 toward the upper start winning opening 33YA than a game ball diverted to the left by the left windmill 57. On the other hand, a game ball diverted to the right by a windmill 57 (hereinafter referred to as the right windmill 57) provided in the right side area of ​​the variable display unit 35 is more likely to be guided to the variable winning device 32 than a game ball diverted to the left by the right windmill 57.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, a greater proportion of game balls are guided to the upper start winning opening 33YA when the left windmill 57 rotates clockwise and the game ball passes through the right side of the left windmill 57 than when the left windmill 57 rotates counterclockwise and the game ball passes through the left side of the left windmill 57, while a greater proportion of game balls are guided to the general winning opening 31 when the left windmill 57 rotates counterclockwise and the game ball passes through the left side of the left windmill 57 than when the left windmill 57 rotates clockwise and the game ball passes through the right side of the left windmill 57.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the game area is widely expanded in the left-right direction, the windmill 57 and the like are provided so that the game ball can be easily guided toward the upper start winning hole 33YA, the variable winning device 32, and the like. In addition, the nails 49 and the like are adjusted in advance on the game board 30 so that winning at the upper start winning hole 33YA, the variable winning device 32, and the like occurs with a moderate probability.

[0049] In this embodiment, the windmills 57 are provided in the left and right regions of the variable display unit 35, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the windmills 57 may be provided only in one of the left windmill 57 and the right windmill 57. In addition, when the game board 30 is based on a transparent plate as in this embodiment, at least a part of the windmill 57, such as a decorative disk part, may be configured as a light-transmitting part using a light-transmitting resin material or the like. The relative positional relationship between the windmill 57 and the game ball changes between a first positional relationship in which at least a part of the windmill 57 and at least a part of the game ball do not overlap, and a second positional relationship in which at least a part of the windmill 57 and at least a part of the game ball overlap. Therefore, when a light-transmitting part is provided, in the first positional relationship in which the game ball does not pass through the windmill 57, the light transmitted through the game board 30 is visible to the player through the light-transmitting part of the windmill 57. On the other hand, in the second positional relationship in which the game ball passes through the windmill 57, a part of the light that has passed through the game board 30 is blocked by a part of the game ball that overlaps with the translucent portion of the windmill 57, and light such as external light is irradiated from the front onto a part of the game ball through the translucent portion.

[0050] In addition, the game board 30 is provided with winning detection switches as detection means for detecting game balls that have entered various winning ports (ball entry means) such as the general winning port 31. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a general winning switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning port 31, and a count switch 223 is provided at the variable winning device 32. In addition, a first start winning switch 224A is provided at the upper start winning port 33YA, and a second start winning switch 224B is provided at the lower start winning port 33YB. Furthermore, a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

[0051] As is well known, when a game ball enters various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper start winning port 33YA, and the lower start winning port 33YB, it is detected by various detection switches, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or the lower tray 15). For example, when there is a winning in the upper start winning port 33YA, three game balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or the lower tray 15) when there is a winning in the lower start winning port 33YB, ten game balls are paid out to the general winning port 31, and fifteen game balls are paid out to the variable winning device 32. Here, the upper start winning port 33YA may constitute the first start winning ball means, the lower start winning port 33YB may constitute the second start winning ball means, and the variable winning device 32 may constitute the specific winning ball means. Also, a state in which a game ball enters a predetermined winning port such as the upper start winning port 33YA may be considered as an advantageous state. For example, a state in which a game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA and three prize balls are paid out may be defined as a first advantageous state, and a state in which a game ball enters the general winning hole 31 and ten prize balls are paid out may be defined as a second advantageous state. In addition, an outlet 36 is provided on the game board 30, and game balls that do not enter the various winning holes such as the general winning hole 31 are discharged outside the game area through this outlet 36.

[0052] The variable winning device 32 is equipped with a large prize opening (symbol omitted) through which a game ball can enter, a rectangular flat opening / closing plate (large prize opening opening member) 32a as an opening / closing member for opening and closing the large prize opening, and a large prize opening solenoid (not shown) that drives the opening / closing plate 32a to open and close.

[0053] Under normal circumstances when the specified conditions are not met, the variable winning device 32 is in a closed state which prevents the game ball from entering the large winning opening. However, when the specified conditions are met, such as when a big win or small win occurs as described below, the solenoid for the large winning opening is excited, causing the opening / closing plate 32a to tilt forward around its bottom edge as a pivot axis, opening to an open state which allows the game ball to enter the large winning opening.

[0054] The upper start winning opening 33YA is always capable of receiving a winning ball. On the other hand, the lower start winning opening 33YB is provided with an opening / closing device 37Y as an opening / closing type winning assistance device.

[0055] The opening / closing device 37Y is equipped with a pair of left and right movable blades 37Ya which serve as opening / closing members that rotate left and right around the axis at the lower end, and a solenoid for a start winning opening (not shown) which drives the movable blades 37Ya to open and close.The movable blades 37Ya open and close depending on the establishment of predetermined conditions, so that the state can be changed between an open state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter the lower start winning opening 33YB, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the lower start winning opening 33YB.

[0056] As described above, the upper start winning hole 33YA and the lower start winning hole 33YB are provided with the first start winning switch 224A and the second start winning switch 224B as detection means for detecting the winning game ball, respectively. When the start winning switch 224A, 224B detects a game ball, a winning or losing lottery is held to determine whether or not a jackpot state or the like will be generated, and a variable display or a predetermined performance is performed on the special display devices 43L, 43R and the performance display device 42 described later. Here, if the winning or losing lottery is won, the jackpot state or the like is granted.

[0057] The jackpot types in this embodiment will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. 37, in this embodiment, the jackpot types include "16R variable probability jackpot A", "16R variable probability jackpot B", "4R variable probability jackpot A", "4R variable probability jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B", "4R normal jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot B" and "JUB (Jump Up Bonus) jackpot".

[0058] In the "16R Special Jackpot A" jackpot state, a "long opening" is counted as one special prize state, and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds).

[0059] In this embodiment, "long opening" refers to one opening / closing operation from when the opening / closing plate 32a of the variable winning device 32 is switched from a closed state to an open state until it is in the closed state, provided that the specified time of 30 seconds has elapsed or the specified number of 10 game balls have won in the variable winning device 32.

[0060] In the jackpot state of the "16R sure-win jackpot B," a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds), after which a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated 12 times (twelve rounds).

[0061] In this embodiment, "short opening" refers to one opening / closing operation from when the opening / closing plate 32a of the variable winning device 32 is switched from a closed state to an open state until it becomes in the closed state, provided that the specified time of 0.4 seconds has elapsed or the specified number of three game balls have entered the variable winning device 32.

[0062] In this embodiment, the launching device 60 launches game balls into the game area at a rate of one every 0.6 seconds based on the operation of the handle 18 by the player. In contrast, in the above-mentioned "short opening", the opening time of the opening and closing plate 32a is set to 0.4 seconds. That is, in the case of the "short opening", the opening time of the opening and closing plate 32a once is shorter than the launching cycle of the game balls. Therefore, in a single "short opening", not even one game ball may win. For this reason, the opening and closing plate 32a is rarely closed based on the condition related to the number of winning balls (three winning balls) among the above-mentioned two closing conditions corresponding to the "short opening", and the opening and closing plate 32a once opened is usually closed based on the passage of the specified time (0.4 seconds). This prevents the execution period of the "short opening" from changing each time.

[0063] In the jackpot state of "4R Special Jackpot A" and "4R Special Jackpot B", "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds).

[0064] In the jackpot state of the "16R normal jackpot A", a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated eight times (eight rounds), after which a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated eight times (eight rounds).

[0065] In the jackpot state of the "16R normal jackpot B", a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds), after which a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated 12 times (twelve rounds).

[0066] In the jackpot states of "4R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot B", "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds).

[0067] In the "JUB jackpot" jackpot state, "short opening" is a special prize state, which is repeated five times, and then "long opening" is a special prize state, which is repeated 15 times. In other words, five "short openings" are performed in the first round, and "long openings" are performed in the second to 16th rounds.

[0068] In addition, when the above-mentioned various "probable jackpots" and "JUB jackpots" occur, the "high probability mode (high probability state)" is given as the lottery mode after the jackpot state ends. On the other hand, when various "normal jackpots" occur, the "low probability mode (low probability state)" is given after the jackpot state ends.

[0069] The "high probability mode" refers to a state in which the probability of a jackpot is increased compared to the "low probability mode" that is normally set. The "high probability mode" that is set after a jackpot ends will continue until the next jackpot occurs.

[0070] In addition, after the various types of jackpots mentioned above have ended, a "high support mode (high ball entry state)" is granted as a winning support mode for the opening / closing device 37Y while a predetermined number of variable displays are being displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R, or until the next jackpot state occurs.

[0071] "High support mode" refers to a state in which the ratio of open to closed states per unit time of the opening / closing device 37Y of the lower starting winning port 33YB is higher than in the "low support mode (low ball entry state)" which is normally set.

[0072] For example, the "high support mode" may be (1) a state in which the variable display time in the normal symbol display device 41 described later is shorter than that in the "low support mode", (2) a state in which the opening time (prescribed time) of the movable blade 37Ya of the opening / closing device 37Y is longer than that in the "low support mode", (3) a state in which the prescribed number of game balls that can win a prize per opening of the movable blade 37Ya is greater than that in the "low support mode", (4) a state in which the number of times the opening / closing process of the movable blade 37Ya is performed each time when a winning result is obtained by the opening lottery of the opening / closing device 37Y caused by the passing of the game ball through the through gate 34 is greater than that in the "low support mode", and (5) a state in which the winning probability in the opening lottery of the opening / closing device 37Y is higher than that in the "low support mode". In the high support mode in this embodiment, the above configurations (1), (2), and (5) are adopted. Of course, the "high support mode" is not limited to this, and may adopt any one of the configurations (1) to (5), or any combination of the configurations (1) to (5). This makes it easier for the game ball to enter the lower start winning hole 33YB more frequently, increases the number of times the big win lottery is executed, and creates a good ball holding state.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, when the "high support mode" is applied, the variation pattern table is changed to a table for the "high support mode" as described below, so that the variation display time on the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (performance display device 42) is shorter than in the "low support mode".

[0074] In this embodiment, after the end of the "16R probability variable jackpot A" and the "4R probability variable jackpot A", a "high support mode" is given until the next jackpot state occurs. This "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as "until next time high support mode".

[0075] After the end of the "16R Probable Big Win B" and "4R Probable Big Win B", the "high support mode" is granted while the special display devices 43L and 43R display the variable "20 times", "30 times", "40 times", or "50 times". The "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode", or "50 times high support mode", respectively.

[0076] After the end of the "16R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot A", the "high support mode" is granted while the special display devices 43L and 43R display the "30 times" variable display. This "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as "30 times high support mode S".

[0077] After the end of the "16R normal jackpot B" and "4R normal jackpot B", the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" will be awarded.

[0078] After the "JUB jackpot" ends, the "Until next time - High support mode" will be granted.

[0079] In this embodiment, various game states are generated by combining the various modes described above.

[0080] For example, if the "high probability mode" and "high support mode" are applied, it will be in a so-called "high probability state (probability fluctuating state)."

[0081] When the "low probability mode" and "low support mode" are applied, the state becomes what is known as the "normal state."

[0082] When the "low probability mode" and "high support mode" are applied, it becomes a so-called "time-saving state (time shortening state)."

[0083] When the "high probability mode" and the "low support mode" are both applied, it becomes a so-called "latent probability state (latent probability change state)". In other words, when it becomes a "latent probability state", the probability of winning a jackpot is simply increased, and on the surface it is no different from the "normal state", so it becomes a state where it is difficult for the player to recognize that the "high probability mode" is applied.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the various "big wins," a "small win" occurs when a predetermined result is obtained in the win / lose lottery. In the small win state, a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated five times (five rounds). However, the lottery mode and winning support mode granted after the small win state ends are the original modes before the small win state occurred. For example, if the lottery mode before the small win state occurred was the "high probability mode," the "high probability mode" is maintained even after the small win state ends.

[0085] In addition, although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, the allocation of the jackpot type that is awarded in the case of winning the winning / losing lottery is different between the case where the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA and the case where the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB. If the winning / losing lottery triggered by the game ball entering the upper start winning hole 33YA is won, it is allocated to one of "16R certainty variable jackpot A", "16R certainty variable jackpot B", "4R certainty variable jackpot A", "4R certainty variable jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B" and "4R normal jackpot B", and if the winning / losing lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower start winning hole 33YB is won, it is allocated to one of "16R certainty variable jackpot A", "4R certainty variable jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot A" and "JUB jackpot". In addition, the "small win" will only occur if the player wins the lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower start winning slot 33YB.

[0086] The first and second special display devices 43L, 43R are each composed of two segment display devices and are installed at the bottom of the game board 30. Each segment display device is provided with eight display segments. Each display segment has an individual light source made of an LED, and by controlling the on / off of each individual light source, it is possible to light up any one display segment or light up any combination of display segments. This allows each segment display device to individually display a predetermined symbol (including letters and numbers).

[0087] The first special display device 43L changes its display when a game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA, and the second special display device 43R changes its display when a game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB. The display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later.

[0088] In addition, after the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R perform a variable display, the display mode when the variable display stops will definitively display whether or not the jackpot lottery has been won. For example, when a game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA, the corresponding first special display device 43L performs a variable display at high speed, and after a predetermined time has passed, one of the display modes is stopped (for example, stopped for a few seconds). Then, if the jackpot lottery is won, various numerical values ​​corresponding to the jackpot (see FIG. 37) are displayed when the variable display stops, and a jackpot state occurs.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 37, for example, when the "16R probability variable jackpot A" is won, "9-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and when the "16R probability variable jackpot B" with the "50 times high support mode" is won, "84" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Also, when the "JUB jackpot" is won, "1.-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and when the "small jackpot" is won, "1-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Here, in order to enhance the performance effect of the "JUB jackpot", it is preferable that the stop modes of both are confusingly configured, such as the stop mode "1.-" related to the "JUB jackpot" and the stop mode "1-" related to the "small jackpot".

[0090] Of course, the stop modes of the special display devices 43L, 43R corresponding to various winning types are not limited to the above modes. For example, the first or second special display device 43L, 43R may have multiple stop modes indicating one winning type instead of one. For example, when the "16R variable jackpot A" is won, the first or second special display device 43L, 43R may be configured to select and stop display one of "91", "92", "93", ...

[0091] In addition, even when there are multiple stop modes of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R indicating one winning type, it is preferable that the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB big win" and the multiple stop modes related to the "small win" are configured to be confusingly configured. For example, any of "-1.", "-2," "-3.", "-4," ... may be displayed as the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB big win," and any of "-1," "-2.", "-3," "-4," ... may be displayed as the multiple stop modes related to the "small win." In such a configuration, one of a pair of a specific symbol (here, "1," "2," "3," ...) with a predetermined display segment (here, ".") lit and a specific symbol that is not lit is included in the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB big win," and the other is included in the multiple stop modes related to the "small win," and they are configured to be alternately switched.

[0092] Furthermore, the color displayed in any or all of the display segments may be appropriately changeable.

[0093] In addition, when a new game ball enters the start winning hole 33YA, 33YB during the variable display of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, the variable display for that part is configured to be performed after the variable display being performed at that time ends. In other words, the variable display is put on hold (reserved). The maximum number of reserved variable displays is determined for each type of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four variable displays (a total of eight variable displays) are reserved for each game ball that entered the upper start winning hole 33YA and the game ball that entered the lower start winning hole 33YB. In addition, the number of reserved displays is displayed by lighting the first reserved lamp 46a and the second reserved lamp 46b. In addition, when a new game ball enters the start winning hole 33YA, 33YB during the jackpot state, the variable display for that part is also reserved.

[0094] Basically, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33YA is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the upper start winning opening 33YA and is consumed in the order in which they entered, and the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33YB is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the lower start winning opening 33YB and is consumed in the order in which they entered. However, if both the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33YA and the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33YB are reserved (if one or more of the first reserved lamp 46a and the second reserved lamp 46b are lit), the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33YB is consumed preferentially. In other words, unless all the variable displays triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33YB are consumed, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33YA is not performed. For example, when one first reserved lamp 46a is on, if a game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB and one second reserved lamp 46b is on, the variable display triggered by the winning of the upper start winning hole 33YA is postponed, and the variable display triggered by the winning of the lower start winning hole 33YB is performed first. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the variable display triggered by the winning of the upper start winning hole 33YA is also referred to as the "first variable display," and the variable display triggered by the winning of the lower start winning hole 33YB is also referred to as the "second variable display."

[0095] The through gate 34 is configured so that game balls flowing down the game area can pass through it one by one. Although details will be described later, the through gate 34 is equipped with a through gate switch 225 capable of detecting game balls passing through the through gate 34, and when a game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, an opening lottery is held to determine whether the opening / closing device 37Y (lower start winning hole 33YB) is opened or not, and a variable display is performed on the normal symbol display device 41. Then, when the opening lottery is won, the opening / closing device 37Y is opened for a specified time.

[0096] The variable display unit 35 is provided with an ordinary pattern display device 41 which displays a changing pattern in response to passage through the through gate 34, and a performance display device 42 which displays a changing pattern in accordance with the changing display by the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R.

[0097] Furthermore, the variable display unit 35 is provided with a variable identification lamp 40 which indicates which winning display on the performance display device 42 corresponds to, either the upper start winning port 33YA or the lower start winning port 33YB.

[0098] The normal symbol display device 41 is configured to be able to light and display "○" or "X" as a normal symbol, and each time the game ball passes through the through gate 34, the normal symbol is displayed in a rapid changing manner, for example, from "○" to "X" to "○" to... When the changing display stops at the "○" symbol (winning symbol) for several seconds, the opening and closing device 37Y of the lower start winning hole 33YB is opened for a predetermined period of time. The display contents of this normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later.

[0099] In addition, when a new game ball passes through the through gate 34 during the variable display of the normal symbol display device 41, the variable display of that part is configured to be performed after the variable display being performed at that time ends. In other words, the variable display is put on hold (reserved). The maximum number of reserved variable displays is determined for each type of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four times are reserved, and the reserved number is displayed by lighting the reserved lamp 44.

[0100] The performance display device 42 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and the display contents are controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45, which will be described later. That is, in the performance display device 42, auxiliary display contents are determined by the sub-control device 262 based on commands from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the results displayed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and are displayed by the display control device 45, which will be described later.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 43, the performance display device 42 is provided with three pattern display areas, for example, upper, middle, and lower, and multiple types of patterns (numbers) are displayed (variably displayed) in each pattern display area, and then the patterns are displayed in order for each pattern display area (for example, in the order of upper pattern display area → lower pattern display area → middle pattern display area). For example, when the main control device 261 determines the above-mentioned various "certain jackpot" or various "normal jackpot", the first or second special display device 43L, 43R displays a display corresponding to the jackpot, and the performance display device 42 displays the patterns in a combination corresponding to the jackpot (for example, the patterns displayed in the upper pattern display area, the middle pattern display area, and the lower pattern display area become the same), and the jackpot state is started. In addition, in the case of a "JUB jackpot" or a "small jackpot", the combination of patterns displayed in the performance display device 42 does not correspond to a jackpot, as described later.

[0102] Also, when the symbols are displayed in a combination corresponding to a big win, the same symbols are displayed in the upper and lower symbol display areas as a preliminary step. The state where the same symbols are displayed in the upper and lower symbol display areas and the middle symbol display area is still displaying a variable pattern is the reach state.

[0103] In addition, if a reach state occurs but a jackpot state does not occur, a different pattern from the pattern displayed in the upper pattern display area and the lower pattern display area is displayed in the middle pattern display area. In addition, when various "probable jackpots" or various "normal jackpots" occur, a repeating number is displayed in the performance display device 42 as described above, but in this embodiment, depending on the type of pattern displayed, it is impossible to determine the game state (such as "high probability mode" or not) that will be given after the jackpot ends.

[0104] Furthermore, when a "JUB jackpot" or "small jackpot" occurs, a predetermined combination of numbers (hereinafter referred to as a chance symbol) is displayed instead of a repeating number. For example, in this embodiment, "3", "4" and "1" are displayed in the upper, middle and lower symbol display areas. This prevents the player from distinguishing between a "JUB jackpot", which is more advantageous to the player, and a "small jackpot", which is not so advantageous, when a chance symbol is displayed, and the player can have hope for a "JUB jackpot", which prevents the player's interest from declining.

[0105] Of course, the specific number combinations displayed in the upper, middle, and lower pattern display areas may be different for the "JUB jackpot" and the "small jackpot". Also, when a "JUB jackpot" or a "small jackpot" is obtained, instead of a specific number combination determined in advance, a random combination of numbers may be displayed in the same way as when a jackpot is lost.

[0106] In addition, the performance display device 42 is configured to display the number of pending balls displayed on the variable display in the special display devices 43L and 43R in correspondence with the pending lamps 46a and 46b (see FIG. 43, etc.).

[0107] In this embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L, 43R and the hold lamps 46a, 46b are covered by the front frame set 14, making them invisible to the player. Therefore, the player will be able to understand the game status, lottery results, etc. solely from the display contents (pattern display, hold display, etc.) of the performance display device 42.

[0108] Of course, the configuration of the special display devices 43L, 43R and the hold lamps 46L, 46R is not limited to such a configuration, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. may be configured to be visible. However, the special display devices 43L, 43R are provided in an inconspicuous place such as the lower corner of the game area, which is not easily seen by the player, as described above, and the size of the display unit is small, and the time for which the distinguishing characters are displayed is relatively short. Therefore, unless one keeps an eye on the special display devices 43L, 43R and observes them carefully, it is practically impossible to grasp the game state that has been granted.

[0109] The fluctuation specification lamp 40 is equipped with a blue LED and a red LED, and emits blue light when the performance display device 42 is displaying a fluctuation triggered by a win at the upper start winning port 33YA, and emits red light when the performance display device 42 is displaying a fluctuation triggered by a win at the lower start winning port 33YB.

[0110] Next, the configuration of the variable display unit 35 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 218, the center frame 47 is fixed to the front side of the game board 30, and the frame cover 213 is fixed to the back side of the game board 30, so that they are integrated as the variable display unit 35.

[0111] A rectangular opening 213a (see FIG. 6) is formed in the center of the frame cover 213, and a liquid crystal display device, the performance display device 42, is detachably attached to the back side of the frame cover 213. The liquid crystal display unit 42a of the performance display device 42 is a known device in which a liquid crystal panel made of various laminated light-transmitting members is arranged on the front side of a backlight as a light-emitting means.

[0112] The center frame 47 has a frame shape with a substantially circular opening 751 formed in the center, and the liquid crystal display unit 42a of the performance display device 42 can be viewed through this opening 751.

[0113] The center frame 47 is not constructed from a single member, but is formed, for example, by assembling various decorative members that have been plated or the like, and lens members made of transparent resin that transmit light such as LEDs, etc., to a base member.

[0114] A stage portion 770 is provided along the left-right direction on the upper surface of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47. The stage portion 770 has gentle undulations formed along the left-right direction.

[0115] A drop hole 774 is formed in the center of the rear wall 772 of the stage 770, opening forward and allowing game balls to fall. A communication passage 775 leading to the drop hole 774 is provided below (inside) the center of the stage 770. The other side of the communication passage 775 opens to the front side of the lower side 47b of the center frame 47, and serves as an outlet 776 for discharging game balls that have fallen into the drop hole 774 onto the surface of the game board 30. When the center frame 47 is disposed on the game board 30, the outlet 776 is located above the upper start winning opening 33YA, as shown in FIG.

[0116] In the center of the stage portion 770, a guide groove 778 that slopes gently downward toward the back side is formed in a position forward of the drop hole 774. This allows game balls to fall from the stage portion 770 into the drop hole 774.

[0117] A ball passage (warp flow path) 764 for passing game balls is formed inside the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47. An inlet portion 764a of the ball passage 764 opens to the approximate center in the up-down direction of the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47, while an outlet portion 764b opens toward the upper surface (stage portion 770) of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47. This ball passage 764 can guide the game ball flowing down the surface of the game board 30 onto the stage portion 770 inside the center frame 47.

[0118] The game ball guided onto the stage portion 770 rolls on the stage portion 770, and then falls from the front onto the surface of the game board 30, or falls into the above-mentioned drop hole 774. Of these, the game ball that falls into the drop hole 774 is guided onto the surface of the game board 30 via the communication passage 775. The game ball discharged from the discharge port 776 has a relatively high probability of entering the upper start winning port 33YA.

[0119] In addition, an upper performance prop unit 761 and a lower performance prop unit 762 are arranged between the center frame 47 and the frame cover 213 in the variable display unit 35.

[0120] Specifically, the upper performance device unit 761 is disposed on the back side of the upper edge portion 47a of the center frame 47, and under normal circumstances (see Figure 7), it is almost entirely covered by the upper edge portion 47a, etc., with only a portion of it being visible to the player.

[0121] In addition, the lower performance device unit 762 is arranged on the back side of the lower edge portion 47b of the center frame 47, and under normal circumstances (see Figure 7), it is almost entirely covered by the lower edge portion 47b, etc., and only a portion of it is visible to the player.

[0122] Here, a detailed description will be given of the configurations of the upper stage prop unit 761 and the lower stage prop unit 762. First, the upper stage prop unit 761 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the upper performance object unit 761 is provided on the rear side of the upper side portion 47a of the center frame 47.

[0124] The upper performance prop unit 761 comprises a unit base portion 810 arranged on the upper front surface of the frame cover 213, an upper movable prop 811 arranged to be swingable relative to the unit base portion 810, and a swing drive mechanism 812 for swinging the upper movable prop 811.

[0125] The swing drive mechanism 812 includes a support arm 814 that supports the upper movable part 811 , and a swing motor 815 that serves as a drive source for driving the support arm 814 .

[0126] Then, by the drive of the swing motor 815, the support arm 814 is rotated and displaced, so that the upper movable gadget 811 can be swung and displaced between a standby state (see FIG. 7) where most of it is located behind the upper edge 47a of the center frame 47 and difficult for the player to see, and an exposed state (see FIG. 9) where most of it is located in front of the display unit 42a of the performance display device 42 and easy for the player to see. The area in front of the liquid crystal display unit 42a of the performance display device 42 constitutes the performance area (predetermined area) in this embodiment.

[0127] The swing motor 815 is a stepping motor that is rotationally controlled by an applied drive pulse signal, and the amount of rotational displacement of the upper movable part 811 (support arm 814) can be controlled by adjusting the drive pulse signal. At the same time, the amount of rotational displacement of the upper movable part 811 (support arm 814) from the reference position can be grasped by monitoring the number of drive pulse signals input. Although not shown, the swing drive mechanism 812 is provided with a position detection sensor for detecting the rotational position of the support arm 814.

[0128] Here, the upper movable part 811 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 52 to 56. The upper movable part 811 comprises a base part 817 fixed to the tip of a support arm 814, and an upper rotating body 820 rotatably supported on the front side of the base part 817. The upper rotating body 820 is a rotating body for performance, and constitutes a first rotating body as a first rotating means.

[0129] The base portion 817 has a generally circular shape when viewed from the front, and a support shaft portion 818 is formed at the center thereof so as to protrude forward. The support shaft portion 818 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a closed front side and an open rear side.

[0130] An upper rotor drive motor 821 is attached and fixed to the back side of the base portion 817. A pinion gear 821b is attached and fixed to the front end of a rotation shaft 821a of the upper rotor drive motor 821. The driving force of the upper rotor drive motor 821 is transmitted to the upper rotor 820 via the pinion gear 821b.

[0131] An annular cover body 822 is attached and fixed to the front surface of the base portion 817. In the center of the cover body 822, a circular opening 822a is formed.

[0132] Upper rotating body 820 mainly comprises a rotating base plate 823 and six movable pieces 825 arranged in an annular shape on the front side of the rotating base plate 823.

[0133] The rotating base plate 823 has a cylindrical portion 826 extending in the front-rear direction, and six extending pieces 827 extending radially outward in the radial direction from the outer circumferential wall portion of the cylindrical portion 826. The six extending pieces 827 are provided at equal intervals (60° intervals) around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 826.

[0134] The cylindrical portion 826 is fitted onto the support shaft portion 818 of the base portion 817. This allows the rotatable plate 823 to be rotatably supported by the base portion 817. Although not shown, the cylindrical portion 826 or the support shaft portion 818 is provided with a restricting means for preventing the rotatable plate 823 (cylindrical portion 826) from falling off from the base portion 817 (support shaft portion 818).

[0135] Each extension piece 827 has a slit 829 formed therein, which penetrates in the front-rear direction and is formed along the radial direction of the rotating base plate 823. A cylindrical pinion shaft 830 is formed on the rear surface of each extension piece 827 near the tip end thereof so as to protrude rearward.

[0136] An annular central gear member 831 is fitted onto the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotating base plate 823 from the rear.

[0137] The central gear member 831 is integrally formed with a large diameter gear portion 831a provided on the front side thereof and a small diameter gear portion 831b provided on the rear side thereof so as to form a step in the front-rear direction.

[0138] Additionally, pinion gears 832 are fitted onto the pinion support shafts 830 , and are engaged with large diameter gear portions 831 a of central gear members 831 .

[0139] Furthermore, an annular pressing plate 835 is attached to the back side of the rotating base plate 823 (see FIG. 56). A circular opening 835a of the pressing plate 835 has a diameter slightly larger than that of the small diameter gear portion 831b of the central gear member 831 so that the small diameter gear portion 831b can be inserted therethrough, and also has a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter gear portion 831a.

[0140] As a result, the pressing plate 835 covers the six pinion gears 832 and the large diameter gear portion 831a from behind, and passes through the small diameter gear portion 831b, while being fixed to the tip of the pinion support shaft 830. As a result, the central gear member 831 is held rotatably around the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotating base plate 823.

[0141] A pinion gear 821b of the upper rotor drive motor 821 meshes with the small diameter gear portion 831b of the central gear member 831. As a result, the rotation of the upper rotor drive motor 821 is transmitted to the central gear member 831.

[0142] In other words, the pinion gear 821b, the central gear member 831, the pinion gear 832, etc. form a main power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the upper rotating body drive motor 821 to the upper rotating body 820 to slide the movable piece 825 and drive the rotating base 823 to rotate.

[0143] Furthermore, a second drive gear 841 is attached and fixed to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotating base plate 823. As shown in Fig. 56, the second drive gear 841 is meshed with a second transmission gear 842. The second transmission gear 842 is connected to an oil damper 843. A support member 844 is fitted into the oil damper 843 from the rear, and the support member 844 is attached and fixed to the base portion 817.

[0144] This results in a configuration in which the rotating base plate 823 is braked so as not to rotate at a torque equal to or lower than a predetermined level. Here, the second drive gear 841, the second transmission gear 842, etc. constitute a regulating power transmission mechanism that transmits the force of the oil damper 843 to the upper rotating body 820 and regulates the operation of the upper rotating body 820.

[0145] Furthermore, the regulating power transmission mechanism is not connected to the main power transmission mechanism, and is configured so that power is not transmitted directly between the upper rotating body drive motor 821 and the oil damper 843 without passing through the rotating base 823.

[0146] As can be seen from FIG. 52 etc., upper rotating body 820 is formed based on the motif of a single flower, and each movable piece 825 is formed to resemble a single petal.

[0147] Each movable piece 825 is made of a transparent resin material having translucency. However, fine unevenness (not shown) is formed on the surface of the general part (excluding the magnifying lens part 828 described later) of each movable piece 825. As a result, the general part of the movable piece 825 diffuses and transmits the light emitted from the display part (liquid crystal display part) 42a of the performance display device 42 located at the rear, resulting in a state in which the entire part is uniformly luminous, while the display object (object) displayed on the display part 42a is difficult to identify through the general part of the movable piece 825.

[0148] In contrast, one of the six movable pieces 825 is formed with a magnifying lens portion 828. Hereinafter, when the movable piece 825 having the magnifying lens portion 828 is to be distinguished from the other movable pieces 825, it may be referred to as a "specific movable piece 825A." The movable piece 825 and the magnifying lens portion 828 constitute the light transmitting portion in this embodiment.

[0149] The magnifying lens part 828 of the specific movable piece 825A can enlarge and display an object located behind it, allowing the player to view it. For example, the player can enlarge and view display objects such as letters and characters displayed on the display part 42a of the performance display device 42 through the magnifying lens part 828.

[0150] A linearly extending rack portion 838 is integrally formed on the rear surface of the movable piece 825. The rack portion 838 is inserted into a slit 829 of the extending piece 827 of the rotating base plate 823. This allows the movable piece 825 to slide along the radial direction (extending direction of the extending piece 827) of the rotating base plate 823. Although not shown, the rack portion 838 or the slit 829 is provided with a restricting means for preventing the movable piece 825 from falling off the rotating base plate 823.

[0151] Rack portion 838 of movable piece 825 is engaged with pinion gear 832 on the back surface of extension piece 827. This allows movable piece 825 to be slidably displaced along slit 829 of extension piece 827, i.e., along the radial direction of rotation base plate 823, by the power of upper rotor drive motor 821 being transmitted via the main power transmission mechanism.

[0152] Under this configuration, when the upper rotating body 820 is normally in a standby state, the movable pieces 825 of each of the six radially arranged extension pieces 827 are slid and displaced to the radially innermost position and are in a reduced diameter state (see Figures 52 and 102).

[0153] Furthermore, when the upper rotating body 820 is in a contracted diameter state, the base ends of the six movable pieces 825 are each approximately abutting against the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 826 of the rotating base plate 823, and both side edges on the base end side of each movable piece 825 are each approximately abutting against the base end side edges of the adjacent movable pieces 825.

[0154] On the other hand, when a specified performance is being performed, the upper rotating body 820 expands in diameter as the movable pieces 825 of the six radially arranged extension pieces 827 simultaneously slide radially outward in the radial direction (see Figures 54 and 104).

[0155] Further, on the rear side of the base portion 817, a motor control board (motor driver) 845 that receives instructions from the sub-control device 262 and controls the upper rotating body drive motor 821 is attached.

[0156] Upper rotor drive motor 821 is a stepping motor whose rotation is controlled by drive pulse signals applied via motor control board 845, and the rotation angle changes according to the number of input pulses. In other words, by adjusting the drive pulse signal, the amount of rotational displacement and rotation speed of upper rotor 820 can be controlled. At the same time, by monitoring the number of input drive pulse signals, the amount of rotational displacement of upper rotor 820 from a reference position can be grasped.

[0157] 56, a position detection sensor 846 for detecting the rotational position of the upper rotating body 820 (rotating base plate 823) is attached to the front surface of the base portion 817. In this embodiment, a known photosensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged facing each other with a space between them is used as the position detection sensor 846.

[0158] Correspondingly, a light blocking piece 847 is formed to protrude from the back side of the rotating base plate 823 (second drive gear 841 in this embodiment). When the light blocking piece 847 is detected by the position detection sensor 846, it is understood that the upper rotating body 820 is in the reference position.

[0159] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, when the upper rotating body 820 is viewed from the front, the position where the specific movable piece 825A is located on the right side in the horizontal direction is the reference position.

[0160] In addition, although not shown in the figure, an upper role control board is arranged on the base unit 817, which receives instructions from the sub-control device 262 and performs monitoring and control of the position detection sensor 846, etc.

[0161] Under this configuration, assuming that the upper rotor drive motor 821 rotates once with a 360-pulse excitation signal (drive pulse signal), the angle change (angle change per step) based on one excitation signal pulse is 1°. In other words, since the timer interrupt is set to 2 msec in this embodiment, it takes a minimum of 720 msec (= 2 msec × 360 pulses) for the upper rotor drive motor 821 to rotate once.

[0162] Furthermore, assuming that the gear ratio (gear ratio) between the pinion gear 821b of the upper rotor drive motor 821 and the small diameter gear portion 831b of the central gear member 831 is 1:4, in the configuration in which the upper rotor drive motor 821 rotates once with an excitation signal of 360 pulses as described above, the upper rotor 820 will rotate once in a minimum of 2880 msec (= 2 msec x 360 pulses x 4).

[0163] However, the amount of angle change based on one pulse of an excitation signal, the gear ratio between pinion gear 821b and small diameter gear portion 831b, and the like are not limited to the values ​​exemplified above, and different configurations may be adopted.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 54 etc., when the upper rotating body 820 stops rotating, each of the six movable pieces 825 is configured to stop at one of the predetermined stop positions EA1 to EA6 (specifically, a first stop position EA1 located on the right side of the upper rotating body 820, a second stop position EA2 located diagonally downward to the right, a third stop position EA3 located diagonally downward to the left, a fourth stop position EA4 located on the left side, a fifth stop position EA5 located diagonally upward to the left, or a sixth stop position EA6 located diagonally upward to the right) set at six locations in the rotational direction of the upper rotating body 820 (clockwise direction in this embodiment).

[0165] Here, the operation of the upper rotating body 820 configured as described above will be described. As shown in Figures 52 and 53, during normal times when no special effects are being performed, the six movable pieces 825 are each positioned at the radially inner sliding limit position of the upper rotating body 820. In other words, the upper rotating body 820 is in the most contracted state.

[0166] In this state, when the upper rotor drive motor 821 is rotated in the forward direction, the central gear member 831 first starts to rotate in the clockwise direction as viewed from the front via the pinion gear 821b.

[0167] Incidentally, at the beginning of rotation, the braking force of the oil damper 843 is applied to the rotating base 823 via the regulating power transmission mechanism, so that the rotating base 823 remains stopped and does not move.

[0168] Meanwhile, as the central gear member 831 rotates clockwise when viewed from the front, the six pinion gears 832 meshed with the large diameter gear portion 831a rotate. Then, power is transmitted to the six movable pieces 825 via the rack portions 838 meshed with the pinion gears 832, and the six movable pieces 825 slide radially outward in the radial direction of the upper rotor 820 along the slits 829 of the extension pieces 827. In other words, the upper rotor 820 expands in diameter.

[0169] 54, 55, etc., when each of the six movable pieces 825 reaches the radially outer sliding limit position of the upper rotating body 820 and the upper rotating body 820 reaches its most expanded diameter state, rotational power is transmitted to the rotating base plate 823. When the torque exceeds a predetermined level, the rotating base plate 823 starts to rotate in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front.

[0170] Thereafter, when upper rotor drive motor 821 stops, upper rotor 820 stops, and each of six movable pieces 825 stops at one of the stop positions EA1 to EA6.

[0171] Furthermore, when the role-play performance ends and returns to normal operation, first the upper rotating body drive motor 821 is rotated in reverse, and the central gear member 831 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front via the pinion gear 821b.

[0172] Even in this case, when the central gear member 831 first starts to rotate, the braking force of the oil damper 843 is applied to the rotating base plate 823 via the regulating power transmission mechanism, so that the rotating base plate 823 remains stopped and does not move, and only the movable piece 825 moves.

[0173] This causes each of the six pinion gears 832 meshed with the large diameter gear portion 831a of the central gear member 831 to rotate. Then, power is transmitted to each of the six movable pieces 825 via the rack portions 838 meshed with each of the pinion gears 832, and each of the six movable pieces 825 slides and displaces radially inward of the upper rotor 820 along the slits 829 of the extension pieces 827, causing the upper rotor 820 to reduce in diameter.

[0174] Thereafter, the upper rotor drive motor 821 is stopped when each of the six movable pieces 825 has been slid to its radially inward sliding limit position of the upper rotor 820. This causes the upper rotor 820 to return to its normal diameter-reduced state.

[0175] Next, the lower performance part unit 762 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 7 to Fig. 9, the lower performance part unit 762 is provided on the back side of the lower side part 47b of the center frame 47.

[0176] The lower performance prop unit 762 comprises a unit base portion 850 arranged to cover the lower front surface of the frame cover 213, a lower movable prop 851 arranged to be movable up and down on the back surface side of the unit base portion 850, and an up and down drive mechanism 852 for moving the lower movable prop 851 up and down.

[0177] The lower movable prop 851 includes a slide base part 853 that is provided so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction, a pair of left and right support parts 854A, 854B that are formed by protruding upward from the slide base part 853, drive motors 855A, 855B for lower rotating bodies provided at the upper ends of the support parts 854A, 854B (see FIG. 58), lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B that are generally rectangular in front view and fixed to the front ends of the rotating shafts of the driving motors 855A, 855B, and motor control boards (motor drivers) 857A, 857B (see FIG. 58) provided on the back side of the driving motors 855A, 855B. The lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B are rotating bodies for performance, and constitute the second rotating body as the second rotating means.

[0178] 57, the lower rotating body 856A on the left side (hereinafter referred to as "lower left rotating body 856A") is provided with a first information portion 856Aa having a circular shape in a front view at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a second information portion 856Ab having a circular shape in a front view at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The information portions 856Aa and 856Ab form the acted upon portion in this embodiment.

[0179] Both information sections 856Aa, 856Ab are made of a light-transmitting material and are configured to transmit light emitted from the display section (liquid crystal display section) 42a of the performance display device 42 located at the rear with a predetermined transmittance.

[0180] In this embodiment, the first information portion 856Aa has "SMALL" written in clear letters against a colorful and transparent (e.g., rainbow pattern) background component with a relatively high light transmittance (such writing may be referred to as "Strong SMALL" hereinafter), and the second information portion 856Ab has "SMALL" written in dull letters against a dark, semi-transparent background component with a relatively low light transmittance (such writing may be referred to as "Weak SMALL" hereinafter).

[0181] On the other hand, the general part of the lower-left rotating body 856A, excluding both information writing sections 856Aa, 856Ab, is covered with a material that is not translucent, and serves as a light-shielding section that does not transmit light emitted from the display section 42a of the performance display device 42.

[0182] Similarly to the lower-left rotating body 856A, the lower right rotating body 856B (hereinafter referred to as the "lower-right rotating body 856B") has a first information portion 856Ba having a circular shape in a front view at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a second information portion 856Bb having a circular shape in a front view at the other end in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Fig. 57. The information portions 856Ba and 856Bb form the acted upon portion in this embodiment.

[0183] Like the two information display sections 856Aa, 856Ab associated with the lower-left rotating body 856A, the two information display sections 856Ba, 856Bb associated with the lower-right rotating body 856B are made of a light-transmitting material and are configured to transmit light emitted from the display unit (liquid crystal display unit) 42a of the performance display device 42 located at the rear with a predetermined transmittance.

[0184] In this embodiment, the first information section 856Ba has "BIG" written in clear letters against a colorful, transparent (e.g., rainbow-patterned) background component with a relatively high light transmittance (such writing may be referred to hereinafter as "Strong BIG"), while the second information section 856Bb has "BIG" written in dull letters against a dark, semi-transparent background component with a relatively low light transmittance (such writing may be referred to hereinafter as "Weak BIG").

[0185] On the other hand, the general part of the lower right rotating body 856B, excluding both information writing sections 856Ba, 856Bb, is covered with a material that is not translucent, and serves as a light-shielding section that does not transmit light emitted from the display section 42a of the performance display device 42.

[0186] The lower rotor drive motors 855A and 855B are stepping motors whose rotation is controlled by drive pulse signals applied thereto, and the amount of rotation of the lower rotors 856A and 856B can be controlled by adjusting the drive pulse signals. At the same time, the amount of rotational displacement of the lower rotors 856A and 856B from the reference position can be grasped by monitoring the number of drive pulse signals input.

[0187] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 58, position detection sensors 858A, 858B for detecting the rotational positions of lower rotors 856A, 856B are attached to the lower surfaces of lower rotor drive motors 855A, 855B. In this embodiment, a known photosensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged facing each other with a space between them is used as the position detection sensors 858A, 858B.

[0188] Correspondingly, light blocking pieces 859A, 859B are formed to protrude from the rear side (near the side edge) of the lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B. Then, by detecting the light blocking pieces 859A, 859B by the position detection sensors 858A, 858B, it is understood that the lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B are in the reference position.

[0189] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 57, the reference position is where the longitudinal direction of the lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B is aligned vertically and the first information portions 856Aa, 856Ba are higher than the second information portions 856Ab, 856Bb.

[0190] The vertical drive mechanism 852 is composed of a vertical drive motor 860 disposed on the unit base portion 850, and a rack portion 861 provided on the right edge portion of the slide base portion 853. A pinion gear 860a fixed to the rotating shaft of the vertical drive motor 860 is meshed with the rack portion 861 of the slide base portion 853.

[0191] Although not shown, the unit base part 850 has a guide groove part extending in the vertical direction, and the slide base part 853 has a protrusion part assembled to the guide groove part. This restricts the positional deviation in the left-right direction when the slide base part 853 moves up and down. In other words, the guide groove part and the protrusion part constitute a guide means for guiding the lower movable part 851 (lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B).

[0192] With this configuration, as the vertical drive motor 860 rotates, the lower movable part 851 can be slidably displaced in the vertical direction.

[0193] Normally, the lower movable role 851 is in a standby state (see FIG. 7) where most of the lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B are located at a standby position on the back side of the lower side 47b of the center frame 47. Then, when the vertical drive motor 860 rotates forward and the slide base part 853 slides upward, the lower movable role 851 is in an exposed state (see FIG. 9) where the entire lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B are located on the front side of the display part 42a of the performance display device 42 and are easily visible to the player.

[0194] Furthermore, from this state, the vertical drive motor 860 rotates in the reverse direction, causing the slide base portion 853 to slide downward, thereby returning the lower movable part 851 to its normal standby state.

[0195] The vertical drive motor 860 is a stepping motor whose rotation is controlled by the applied drive pulse signal, and the vertical movement amount of the lower movable part 851 (lower rotors 856A, 856B) can be controlled by adjusting the drive pulse signal. At the same time, the vertical displacement amount of the lower movable part 851 from the reference position can be grasped by monitoring the number of input drive pulse signals.

[0196] More specifically, a position detection sensor 863 for detecting the up-down position of the lower movable part 851 is attached to the unit base part 850. In this embodiment, a known photosensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged opposite each other with a space therebetween is used as the position detection sensor 863.

[0197] Correspondingly, a light blocking piece 864 is formed protruding from the lower end of the rack part 861 of the slide base part 853. Then, the light blocking piece 864 is detected by the position detection sensor 863, so that it is understood that the lower movable accessory 851 (slide base part 853) is in the reference position. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the position where the lower movable accessory 851 is in the above-mentioned standby state is the reference position (standby position).

[0198] Here, although not shown in the figures, the lower movable part 851 (lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B) may be configured to include a movement restriction means such as a stopper that can restrict movement of the lower movable part 851 (lower rotating bodies 856A, 856B) beyond a predetermined amount.

[0199] Also, although not shown in the figure, a lower role control board is arranged on the unit base section 850, which receives instructions from the sub-control device 262 and performs drive control of the up and down drive motor 860 and monitoring control of the position detection sensor 863, etc.

[0200] Under such a configuration, in this embodiment, while the upper rotor 820 and the lower rotors 856A, 856B are rotating or stopped, the positional relationship between the upper rotor 820 and the lower left rotor 856A or the lower right rotor 856B is changed between a first positional relationship (non-proximity state) in which at least a part of the upper rotor 820 and at least a part of the lower left rotor 856A or the lower right rotor 856B do not overlap, and a second positional relationship (proximity state) in which at least a part of the upper rotor 820 and at least a part of the lower left rotor 856A or the lower right rotor 856B overlap. Then, as described later, when a predetermined condition is established (when the high support mode continues), the upper rotor 820 and the lower rotors 856A, 856B are configured to have a higher proportion of the second positional relationship (proximity state) compared to when the predetermined condition is not established.

[0201] Specifically, when the lower-left rotating body 856A stops rotating, the first information description portion 856Aa (strong / SMALL) and the second information description portion 856Ab (weak / SMALL) are configured to stop at one of four predetermined stop positions EB1 to EB4 set in the rotation direction of the lower-left rotating body 856A (clockwise direction in this embodiment) (specifically, as shown in FIG. 57, the first stop position EB1 located on the upper side of the lower-left rotating body 856A, the second stop position EB2 located on the right side, the third stop position EB3 located on the lower side, or the fourth stop position EB4 located on the left side).

[0202] When the first information portion 856Aa (Strong / SMALL) or the second information portion 856Ab (Weak / SMALL) stops at the first stop position EB1 and the specific movable piece 825A of the upper rotating body 820 stops at the fourth stop position EA4, the first information portion 856Aa (Strong / SMALL) or the second information portion 856Ab (Weak / SMALL) stopped at the first stop position EB1 is enlarged and displayed through the magnifying lens portion 828 of the specific movable piece 825A, and can be viewed by the player (see Figures 61 and 62).

[0203] Such a relative positional relationship between upper rotating body 820 and lower left rotating body 856A corresponds to the first second positional relationship in this embodiment. Also, the mode in which magnifying lens unit 828 enlarges and displays first information portion 856Aa (strong / small) or second information portion 856Ab (weak / small) corresponds to the first mode in this embodiment, and the operating mode of upper rotating body 820 that stops specific movable piece 825A of upper rotating body 820 at fourth stop position EA4 corresponds to the first operating mode in this embodiment.

[0204] In addition, when the lower-right rotating body 856B stops rotating, the first information recording portion 856Ba (strong / BIG) and the second information recording portion 856Bb (weak / BIG) are configured to stop at one of four predetermined stop positions EC1 to EC4 set in the rotation direction of the lower-right rotating body 856B (counterclockwise in this embodiment) (specifically, as shown in Figure 57, the first stop position EC1 located on the upper side of the lower-right rotating body 856B, the second stop position EC2 located on the left side, the third stop position EC3 located on the lower side, or the fourth stop position EC4 located on the right side).

[0205] When the first information section 856Ba (strong / BIG) or the second information section 856Bb (weak / BIG) stops at the first stop position EC1 and the specific movable piece 825A of the upper rotating body 820 stops at the first stop position EA1, the first information section 856Ba (strong / BIG) or the second information section 856Bb (weak / BIG) stopped at the first stop position EC1 is enlarged and displayed through the magnifying lens section 828 of the specific movable piece 825A, and can be viewed by the player (see Figures 63 and 64).

[0206] Such a relative positional relationship between upper rotating body 820 and right-lower rotating body 856B corresponds to the second second positional relationship in this embodiment. Also, the mode in which magnifying lens unit 828 enlarges and displays first information portion 856Ba (strong / BIG) or second information portion 856Bb (weak / BIG) corresponds to the second mode in this embodiment, and the operating mode of upper rotating body 820 that stops specific movable piece 825A of upper rotating body 820 at first stop position EA1 corresponds to the second operating mode in this embodiment.

[0207] In this embodiment, due to the various table configurations, when the first information portion 856Aa (Strong / SMALL) or the second information portion 856Ab (Weak / SMALL) is stopped at the first stop position EB1 and the specific movable piece 825A of the upper rotating body 820 is stopped at the fourth stop position EA4, that is, when the first information portion 856Ba (Strong) is displayed larger than when the first information portion 856Aa (Strong / SMALL) or the second information portion 856Ab (Weak / SMALL) stopped at the first stop position EB1 is enlarged and displayed via the magnifying lens portion 828 of the specific movable piece 825A. When the first information portion 856Ba (strong·BIG) or the second information portion 856Bb (weak·BIG) stops at the first stop position EC1 and the specific movable piece 825A of the upper rotating body 820 stops at the first stop position EA1, that is, when the first information portion 856Ba (strong·BIG) or the second information portion 856Bb (weak·BIG) stopped at the first stop position EC1 is enlarged and displayed through the magnifying lens portion 828 of the specific movable piece 825A, the probability of a predetermined advantageous state advantageous to the player, such as the continuation of the high support mode, is increased, as described below. Furthermore, the probability of a second advantageous state (high support mode "continued until next time") more advantageous to the player than the first advantageous state (high support mode "continued +10 times").

[0208] Next, the rear structure 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 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 called the back pack, this unit will be referred to as the "back pack unit 203" here.

[0209] First, the rear structure of the game board 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 etc. As described above, a resin frame cover 213 that covers the center frame 47 from behind is provided protruding rearward on the rear side of the variable display unit 35 (see Fig. 4) that is disposed corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30. In addition, on the rear side of the frame cover 213, the performance display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, the display control device 45 and the sub-control device 262 are detachably attached in a state of being stacked in the front and rear.

[0210] The performance display device 42 is accommodated in a storage box (numeral omitted) having an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the performance display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is fixed to the rear side of the frame cover 213. The display control device 45 is accommodated in a board box 45a and is fixed to the rear side of the performance display device 42 (storage box). The sub-control device 262 is accommodated in a board box 262a and is fixed to the rear 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. An LED control board or the like that drives the LEDs and the like built into the center frame 47 is arranged inside the frame cover 213.

[0211] Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the starting winning openings 33YA, 33YB, etc. from behind. The back frame set 215 is equipped with a ball recovery mechanism (not shown) for recovering game balls that have moved from the front side to the back side of the game board 30 through different routes such as the various winning openings and the outlet 36. 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.

[0212] Although not shown in the figure, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected via a cable connector 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.

[0213] In contrast, the start winning switches 224A, 224B, which detect winnings at the start winning ports 33YA, 33YB, are connected directly to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without going through a relay board.

[0214] The detection results detected by the various winning detection switches are input to the main control device 261. Then, the main control device 261 transmits a payout command (the 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). 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 by the back frame set 215 and can be opened toward the rear.

[0215] 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 the 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 whether the board box 263 has been tampered with.

[0216] 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 backwards around an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, an external relay terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left part (upper right part in Fig. 5) of the back pack unit 203.

[0217] The external relay terminal board 240 is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals for relaying various information transmissions to the hall computer of the gaming hall, etc. For convenience, no reference numerals are attached, but for example, a terminal for outputting information regarding the current gaming state (jackpot state, high probability mode, etc.), a terminal 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, a terminal for outputting information regarding various error states such as winning error, lower tray full error, tank ball no error, payout error, and a terminal for outputting information regarding the number of winning balls paid out from the payout control device 311, and the like are provided.

[0218] However, in this embodiment, a terminal for outputting information about a "small win" is not provided, and the configuration is such that the occurrence information of a "small win" is not output. In this embodiment, since a "small win" is likely to occur relatively frequently during the "high support mode", if the occurrence information is always output every time a "small win" occurs, there is a risk of a significant increase in the output signal. Therefore, in cases where such a malfunction is relatively unlikely to occur, such as during the "low support mode", the configuration may be such that the occurrence information of a "small win" is output.

[0219] Also, it is preferable to output the occurrence information of the "JUB jackpot" when the occurrence of the "JUB jackpot" is confirmed, for example, after the end of five "short openings" related to the "JUB jackpot", that is, after the situation where it is impossible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot" has been overcome, for example, at the timing of outputting an opening command (jackpot notification performance) described later. If only the occurrence information of the "JUB jackpot" is output first when it is still impossible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot", the player may see an information display device or the like installed in the island equipment of the hall corresponding to the pachinko machine 10 and know in advance that the "JUB jackpot" has occurred, which may weaken the performance effect of the "JUB jackpot".

[0220] The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes toward the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top are closed and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in this embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to also cover the upper and right parts (the left part in FIG. 5) of the board box 263. As a result, when the back pack unit 203 is in the closed state, the sealing member provided on the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0221] The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 is provided with an opening on the upper side, and the tank 355 is successively replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 is connected, which has two rows of ball passages for causing game balls to flow down horizontally, and is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and further, a case rail 357 for causing game balls to flow down vertically is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

[0222] In addition, the dispensing mechanism 352 is provided with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays a dispensing command signal from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in a main power source from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with a main power source of, for example, 24V AC via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

[0223] Below the back pack unit 203 (base box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided, which is pivoted on the left side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened backward. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage section 217 as a rear guide means into which the game balls collected by the above-mentioned ball collection mechanism flow, and a discharge chute (not shown) for discharging the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed at the most downstream part of the discharge passage section 217. The game balls are rotating bodies that flow down the game area. The game balls rotate and flow down while coming into contact with the nails 49, the windmill 57, etc. in the game area. The game balls that have won in each winning port, such as the general winning port 31, are collected through the ball collection 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 communicates with the discharge passage 217, and game balls that do not enter any of the winning ports are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 via the discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate bodies and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may be formed integrally.

[0224] Also, as shown in Figure 5, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313 and a card unit connection board 314 as a payout control means are stacked in front to back and are removably attached to the rear side of the lower frame set 251.

[0225] The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in a 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 board (printed board).

[0226] The dispensing control device 311 is housed in a board box 311a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (the launch 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 traces of the board box 311a being opened remain.

[0227] 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).

[0228] The board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, so that the insides of the boxes can be seen.

[0229] 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 backward to eliminate the ball jam (return to the normal state).

[0230] Furthermore, the power supply 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when the power is restored (power is restored), the state before the power outage is 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 retained, so if you want to return to the initial state when turning the power on, turn the power on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323.

[0231] Also, 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.

[0232] As described above, the right 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 with the wire or the like. As a result, it is possible to improve defensive performance. Furthermore, the extended wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, and when the inner frame 12 is in the closed state, the rear pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

[0233] In this embodiment, various conductive members formed of conductive metal materials, such as the reinforcing frame of the front frame set 14, the locking device 600, the rail components 51, 52, the left and right frame components 11c, 11d, etc., as well as various conductive members formed of conductive resin materials, such as the tank 355, the tank rail 356, and the case rail 357, are electrically connected to a predetermined earth terminal (not shown). In addition, game balls are generally made of metal materials, and their surfaces are polished or plated to have a gloss that reflects light and are conductive. Therefore, when the game ball comes into contact with the various conductive members, the static electricity charged on the game ball can be released.

[0234] Also, as shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 5). The front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can be recessed into the switch main body, and the front frame open detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame open detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces backward. When the detection unit is in a state where it protrudes from the switch main body, it outputs an ON signal to the main control device 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and recessed into the switch main body, it outputs an OFF signal to the main control device 261. In other words, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the detection portion of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back surface of the front frame set 14, turning it to the OFF state, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection portion of the inner frame open detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11, turning it to the OFF state, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection portion returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state.

[0235] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 (main board) is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is a calculation device. The CPU 501 has built-in ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 502, 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.

[0236] The RAM 503 includes a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the 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.

[0237] In addition, the RAM 503 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off by receiving a 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.

[0238] The backup area 503a is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power off (including the time of power off, same below) so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned on (including the power on when the power is turned on due to the recovery of the power outage, same 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 the power outage monitoring circuit 542 described later when the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when a power outage occurs, a power outage process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed.

[0239] Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, and data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0240] 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 erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, a normal symbol display device 41, etc., which will be described later. With this configuration, the above-mentioned special display devices 43L and 43R and the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the performance display device 42 as a display means is controlled via the sub-control device 262. The sub-control device 262 constitutes the light emission control means in this embodiment.

[0241] Additionally, for convenience, various relay boards and the like are not shown, but various detection switches such as the general winning switch 221, the count switch 223, the start winning unit switches 224A and 224B, and the through gate switch 225, as well as various electrical components such as various boards, are connected to the input / output port 505. In other words, the main control device 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal sections (board-side connectors) for connecting the connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal sections and the like.

[0242] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) includes 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 for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 552, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, and also includes various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0243] The input / output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551, the ROM 552, and the RAM 553 via the bus line 555, and is also connected to the display control device 45. Furthermore, the input / output port 554 is connected to the speaker SP, the performance button 125, the performance role units 761, 762, various illumination units and lamps 102, 104.

[0244] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on a command (e.g., a variation pattern command) sent from the main control device 261, for example, and causes the performance display device 42 to display. As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261 are configured to display whether or not there is a jackpot, and the performance display device 42 controlled by the sub-control device 262 displays information in accordance with the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R. The sub-control device 262 also controls the drive of the upper performance role unit 761 and the lower performance role unit 762.

[0245] 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, includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory, etc.

[0246] 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.

[0247] The RAM 513 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power supply of 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 as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a may be backed up, and data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

[0248] The backup area 513a is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc., at the time of power off in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again in the case where the power is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is executed 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 the occurrence of a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, an NMI interrupt processing as a power outage processing is immediately executed.

[0249] The working area is provided with a payout permission flag that sets permission for the payout control device 311 to pay out winning 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.

[0250] The payout permission flag is a flag that sets the payout permission of prize balls, and is turned on when a specific command that permits the payout of prize balls is transmitted from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is turned off when the initial setting process or the state before the power supply is 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 transmitted when the main control device 261 is powered back on.

[0251] 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 is returned to before the power was cut off, and is also turned off when the received command is judged by the command judgment process.

[0252] The command buffer is composed of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main control device 261.

[0253] An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and RAM 513 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 515 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a launch control device 312, a payout device 358, etc.

[0254] 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) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like, and receives ball lending operation commands from the player and outputs them to the card unit. Note that in a cash machine in which game balls are directly lent 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.

[0255] The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of game balls by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to operate when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the launch device 60 is operated and launches game balls with a strength according to the amount of operation of the handle 18 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 a launch stop switch that stops the launch is not operated. This allows the player to change the amount of movement and the operating mode of the game balls guided to the play area.

[0256] The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern on the performance display device 42 according to the instruction 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. The input port 527 is connected to an input / output port 554 of the sub-control device 262. The input port 527 is also connected to the CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 via the bus line 530. The VDP 526 is also connected to an output port 529 via the bus line 531, and the performance display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is connected to the output port 529.

[0257] The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, and performs control of the VDP 526 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the VDP 526) by analyzing the received command or performing a predetermined calculation process based on the received command. This performs display control in the performance display device 42.

[0258] 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 the various programs.

[0259] 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.

[0260] The VDP526 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) built into the performance display device 42. The VDP526 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its actual form should be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP526 adjusts the timing of the CPU521, video RAM524, etc., and mediates the reading and writing of data, and reads out display data stored in the video RAM524 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the performance display device 42.

[0261] 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 or the like, and a RAM erasure switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erasure switch 323.

[0262] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. through 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 for driving various switches and motors, 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 device 261, the dispensing control device 311, etc. In addition, the launch control device 312 is supplied with operating power (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) via the dispensing control device 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to various switches, motors, etc. via the control devices to which they are connected.

[0263] The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure 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 the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure 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 failure (power failure) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SK1 to the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0264] In addition, the power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time to execute the power failure processing, even after the voltage of the DC stable 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

[0265] The RAM clearing switch circuit 543 is a circuit that receives the switch signal of the RAM clearing switch 323 and clears the backup data of 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 of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM clearing switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to recovery from a power outage), the data of the RAMs 503, 513 of the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 are cleared.

[0266] Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as above will be described.

[0267] In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 performs a lottery using various counter information during a game. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, a jackpot random number counter CB1 used for a jackpot lottery (win / lose lottery) for determining whether or not a jackpot state is generated, a jackpot type determination counter CB2 used for determining the jackpot type, a reach selection counter CB3 used for determining whether or not a reach state is generated when the performance display device 42 is changed due to a miss, and for determining the type of reach to be generated, an initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter CB1, a change type counter CS1, CS2 used for determining the change display time of the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (performance display device 42) and for determining the change pattern (performance pattern) in the performance display device 42, and a normal pattern random number counter CB4 used for a lottery for the normal pattern display device 41 (opening lottery for whether or not the opening / closing role 37Y of the lower start winning port 33YB is opened).

[0268] Counters CB1, CB2, CB3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and CB4 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 periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 (except for random number initial value counter CINI).

[0269] The RAM 503 is provided with a special variable reserve area in which the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CB1, the jackpot type determination counter CB2, and the reach selection counter CB3 are stored, and a normal variable reserve area in which the value of the normal pattern random number counter CB4 is stored. The normal variable reserve area has one execution area and four reserve areas (reservation 1 to reserve 4 areas).

[0270] The special variable reserved area includes a first special variable reserved area and a second special variable reserved area each including four reserved areas (reserved first to fourth areas), and one execution area.

[0271] In each holding area of ​​the first special variable holding area, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CB1, the jackpot type determination counter CB2, and the reach selection counter CB3 are stored in chronological order in accordance with the winning history of game balls into the upper start winning port 33YA.

[0272] In each holding area of ​​the second special variable holding area, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CB1, the jackpot type determination counter CB2, and the reach selection counter CB3 are stored in chronological order in accordance with the winning history of game balls into the lower start winning port 33YB.

[0273] In each of the normal variable reserve areas, the values ​​of the normal symbol random number counter CB4 are stored in chronological order in accordance with the passing history of the gaming balls through the through gate 34.

[0274] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to hold the variable displays on the special display devices 43L, 43R and the ordinary pattern display device 41 up to four times each, as described above.

[0275] To explain each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter CB1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 599) as the closing value, it returns to 0, which is the lower limit value as the opening value. Usually, when the jackpot random number counter CB1 goes around once, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter CB1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter CB1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. Meanwhile, the jackpot random number counter CB1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. Then, when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA or the lower start winning hole 33YB, the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is stored in the first special variable reserve area or the second special variable reserve area. Therefore, this process constitutes a part of various lotteries.

[0276] Two types of random number values ​​that result in a jackpot are set for a "low probability mode" and a "high probability mode", and in this embodiment, in the "low probability mode", the number of random number values ​​that result in a jackpot is two, with the values ​​being "7, 307", and in the "high probability mode", the number of random number values ​​that result in a jackpot is 20, with the values ​​being "7 to 16, 307 to 316". That is, in the "low probability mode", there is a 1 / 300 probability of winning the lottery (a jackpot state occurs), and in the "high probability mode", there is a 1 / 30 probability of winning the lottery.

[0277] In this embodiment, a winning / losing determination table that is referenced when determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 corresponds to a jackpot is provided in the ROM 502. In this embodiment, there are two winning / losing determination tables, a first winning / losing determination table that stores "7, 307" and a second winning / losing determination table that stores "7 to 16, 307 to 316".

[0278] In this embodiment, the value of the big win random number counter CB1 is also used to determine a "small win". The number of random numbers that become a "small win" is 50, and the values ​​are "101 to 125, 401 to 425". In other words, there is a 1 / 12 probability of winning the lottery (a small win state occurs).

[0279] The jackpot type determination counter CB2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 19, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 19), it returns to the lower limit, 0. In this embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter CB2 determines the jackpot type, that is, which of "16R variable jackpot A", "16R variable jackpot B", "4R variable jackpot A", "4R variable jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B", "4R normal jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot B", or "JUB jackpot" to be awarded.

[0280] In addition, the ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table that is referred to when determining which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 corresponds to. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the allocation of jackpot types is different when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA and when it enters the lower start winning hole 33YB. That is, in this embodiment, there are two jackpot type determination tables, a first jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA, and a second jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB.

[0281] Specifically, when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA, the first jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 38) is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is “0,1”, it is determined that a “16R special jackpot A” will be awarded.

[0282] In addition, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is "2", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "3", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "4", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "5", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0283] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is "6", it is determined that a "4R special jackpot A" will be awarded.

[0284] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is "7", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "8", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "9", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "10", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0285] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is "11", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot A" will be awarded.

[0286] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is "12", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "13", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "14", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "15", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0287] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is "16", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "17", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "18", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "19", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

[0288] In other words, if the player wins the lottery triggered by winning the upper starting winning slot 33YA, there is a 10% probability of a "16R special jackpot A," a 20% probability of a "16R special jackpot B," a 5% probability of a "4R special jackpot A," a 20% probability of a "4R special jackpot B," a 5% probability of a "16R regular jackpot A," a 20% probability of a "16R regular jackpot B," and a 20% probability of a "4R regular jackpot B."

[0289] On the other hand, when the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33YB, the second jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 39) is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is "0-9", it is determined that a "16R certain jackpot A" will be awarded, if it is "10,11", it is determined that a "4R certain jackpot A" will be awarded, if it is "12,13", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot A" will be awarded, if it is "14", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "15", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "16", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "17", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "18,19", it is determined that a "JUB jackpot" will be awarded.

[0290] In other words, if you win the lottery triggered by winning the lower starting entry slot 33YB, there is a 50% chance of a "16R special jackpot A", a 10% chance of a "4R special jackpot A", a 10% chance of a "4R regular jackpot A", a 20% chance of a "4R regular jackpot B", and a 10% chance of a "JUB jackpot".

[0291] The jackpot type determination counter CB2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 is stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer. Then, when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA or the lower start winning hole 33YB, the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area (first special variable reserve area or second special variable reserve area) of the RAM 503.

[0292] The reach selection counter CB3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 238). In this embodiment, the reach selection counter CB3 is configured to draw a "reach before and after miss" in which the final stop symbol stops one space before and after the reach symbol after the reach occurs with respect to the decorative symbol, a "reach other than the reach before and after miss" in which the final stop symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and a "complete miss" in which no reach occurs. In this embodiment, a reach determination table is provided in the ROM 502 to be referenced when determining whether the value of the reach selection counter CB3 corresponds to the occurrence of a reach state and which reach it corresponds to. The reach determination table stores values ​​of "0 to 238", and CB3=0,1 corresponds to the reach before and after miss, CB3=2 to 21 corresponds to the reach other than the reach before and after miss, and CB3=22 to 238 corresponds to the complete miss.

[0293] The reach selection counter CB3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the reach selection counter CB3 is stored in the reach selection counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33YA or the lower start winning hole 33YB, the value of the reach selection counter CB3 stored in the reach selection counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area (first special variable reserve area or second special variable reserve area) of the RAM 503.

[0294] Furthermore, of the two fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, one of the fluctuation type counters CS1 is configured to be incremented by one in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 198), while the other fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to be incremented by one in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 240, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 240). In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as the "first fluctuation type counter" and CS2 is also referred to as the "second fluctuation type counter." This notation is also used in FIG. 11.

[0295] For example, in the table of the probability of winning the jackpot in the normal state (see FIG. 41), the first fluctuation type counter CS1 determines the type of reach of the decorative pattern, such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and other rough fluctuation modes, and the second fluctuation type counter CS2 determines the more detailed fluctuation modes, such as the fluctuation time. Therefore, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, it is possible to easily realize diversification of the fluctuation patterns. Of course, it is also possible to determine the fluctuation mode only by the first fluctuation type counter CS1.

[0296] Incidentally, the normal reach is a reach pattern in which no special effects are displayed other than the variation of the decorative symbols. The super reach is a reach pattern in which characters and the like are displayed on the effect display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbols while the variation of the decorative symbols is being displayed (after the reach state is established), thereby creating a sense of expectation in the player. The premium reach is a presentation mode that can only be derived when a jackpot state occurs, and is performed in a mode in which characters and the like in a different pattern from the super reach are displayed in addition to the decorative symbols while the variation of the decorative symbols is being displayed (after the reach state is established), thereby creating a sense of expectation in the player.

[0297] In addition, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time the normal processing described below is executed, and are repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing. Then, the buffer values ​​of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined at the start of the fluctuation of the decorative pattern by the performance display device 42.

[0298] The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is preferable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter CB1, reach selection counter CB3, and fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized under any circumstances.

[0299] In addition, the normal pattern random number counter CB4 is configured as a loop counter that increments by 1 within the range of 0 to 9, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 9).The normal pattern random number counter CB4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the normal pattern random number counter CB4 is obtained when the gaming ball passes through the through gate 34.

[0300] Then, when a value of the normal pattern random number counter CB4 indicating a winning result is obtained, a variable display is performed for a predetermined period of time on the normal pattern display device 41, and then the pattern corresponding to the winning result (in this example, a "○") is displayed stationary, and the opening / closing device 37Y of the lower start winning opening 33YB is opened for a predetermined period of time.

[0301] In this embodiment, in the "low support mode", the winning random number value is two, "0, 1". On the other hand, in the "high support mode", the winning random number value is eight, "0 to 7". That is, in the "low support mode", the opening and closing device 37Y is in the open state with a probability of 1 / 5, and in the "high support mode", the opening and closing device 37Y is in the open state with a probability of 4 / 5.

[0302] Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processes of the CPU 501 are roughly divided into main processing which is started when the 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 an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing and NMI interrupt processing will be described first, and then the main processing will be described.

[0303] The NMI interrupt 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, etc. By this NMI interrupt, the state of the main control device 261 at the time of the power outage is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

[0304] 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 interrupts the control being executed, starts an NMI interrupt process, 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 process.

[0305] The above-mentioned NMI interrupt processing 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 of 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 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing. The contents are as described above.

[0306] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing timer interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example.

[0307] 14, first, in step SB301, the process of reading various winning detection switches is executed. Here, the state of various winning detection switches (general winning switch 221, count switch 223, start winning switches 224A, 224B, through gate switch 225) connected to the main control device 261 is read, and the state of the switch is judged and the detection information is stored.

[0308] In step SB302, 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 upper limit (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0309] In addition, in step SB303, a random number update process is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter CB1, the jackpot type determination counter CB2, the reach selection counter CB3, and the normal pattern random number counter CB4 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values ​​reach their upper limit values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of each counter CB1, CB2, CB3, and CB4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM503.

[0310] Thereafter, in step SB304, a start winning process is executed in response to the winning of the start winning holes 33YA and 33YB, and in step SB305, a through gate passing process is executed in response to the passage of the gaming ball to the through gate 34. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

[0311] Here, the start winning process of step SB304 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 15. The execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area and each reserve area are provided with a jackpot random number memory area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1, a jackpot type random number memory area for storing the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2, and a reach random number memory area for storing the value of the reach selection counter CB3.

[0312] First, in step SB501, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the lower start winning hole 33YB based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 224B. If the determination is affirmative in step SB501, it is determined in step SB502 whether or not the value of the lower reserve counter Nb, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the winning of the lower start winning hole 33YB, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the determination is negative in step SB502, the process proceeds to step SB509. On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative in step SB502, the process proceeds to step SB503, where the lower reserve counter Nb is incremented by one.

[0313] In the following step SB504, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CB1, the jackpot type determination counter CB2, and the reach selection counter CB3 updated in the random number update process in step SB303 are stored in the first area among the empty reserve areas in the second special variable reserve area. After step SB504, the process proceeds to step SB505.

[0314] In step SB505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area corresponds to a jackpot. The details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

[0315] In the following step SB506, if it is determined in step SB505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a second jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area.

[0316] Here, first, in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before, it is determined whether or not the jackpot winning flag was set, and if it is determined to be negative, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined to be positive, the second jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is any of the values ​​"0-9" corresponding to "16R variable jackpot A", the "16R variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is any of the values ​​"10, 11" corresponding to "4R variable jackpot A", the "4R variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is any of the values ​​"12, 13" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot A", the "4R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is any of the values ​​"14-17" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if it is any of the values ​​"18, 19" corresponding to "JUB jackpot", the "JUB jackpot flag" is turned on.

[0317] In addition, if the "16R variable jackpot A", "4R variable jackpot A" or "JUB jackpot" is won, that is, if the "Until next time high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, a lottery is held with a probability of about 1 / 100 for a predetermined period (20 variable displays in this embodiment) after the jackpot ends to determine whether or not to perform a non-notification effect that does not notify the player that the granted "high support mode" is the "Until next time high support mode". If the lottery result indicates that a non-notification effect will be performed, a non-notification effect execution flag is turned on.

[0318] In the next step SB507, when it is determined in step SB505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter CB3 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area. The reach determination process will be described in detail later.

[0319] In the next step SB508, a process for setting a reserved control command is performed. The reserved control command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 in advance of various reserved information (information used to determine the contents of the variable display) reserved and stored in the second special variable reserved area. The reserved control command set in this process is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step SB201). The reserved control command includes, for example, reserved information, such as information indicating the results of the jackpot determination process and the jackpot type determination process, and information indicating whether the variable display is triggered by a winning entry into the start winning port 33YA or 33YB.

[0320] Here, the big win determination process in step SB505 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0321] First, in step SB5101, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches either of the values ​​"7" or "307" corresponding to the jackpot stored in the first win / loss judgment table. Note that, for convenience, FIG. 16 shows a simplified description of the processing of step SB5101, but in reality, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 is "7", and if the judgment is negative, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 is "307", and if either of these judgments is positive, a positive judgment is made in step SB5101, and if both judgments are negative, a negative judgment is made in step SB5101.

[0322] If a positive decision is made in step SB5101, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state will occur, the jackpot hit flag is turned on in step SB5102, and the process proceeds to step SB5105. The first game value granting means (first special game state generating means) in this embodiment is configured by the function of main control device 261 that generates a jackpot state corresponding to a first game value (first special game state) in step SB5102.

[0323] On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SB5101, in step SB5103, the controller 100 determines whether or not the game is in the "high probability mode" based on the value of a lottery mode flag, which will be described later.

[0324] If the result of step SB5103 is positive, i.e., if the game is in the "high probability mode", then step SB5104 determines whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is any of the values ​​corresponding to the jackpot stored in the second win / loss determination table, excluding the above-mentioned "7" and "307", namely, "8-16, 308-316". Note that, even during this determination process, it is actually determined one by one whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 matches each value corresponding to the jackpot, as described above.

[0325] If the answer is yes at step SB5104, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state will occur in the "high probability mode", the jackpot win flag is turned on at step SB5102, and then this process ends.

[0326] The determination process of steps SB5101 and SB5104 constitute a first lottery in this embodiment, and the function of main control device 261 that executes this constitutes a first lottery means.

[0327] If a negative decision is made in step SB5103 or step SB5104, that is, if the result is not a "jackpot," the process proceeds to step SB5105.

[0328] Also, in step SB5105, it is determined whether the value of the big win random number counter CB1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches the value "101 to 125, 401 to 425" corresponding to the small win.

[0329] If the answer in step SB5105 is YES, that is, if it is determined that a small win state will occur, the small win flag is turned ON in step SB5106, and then this process ends. On the other hand, if the answer in step SB5105 is NO, this process ends as it is.

[0330] The determination process in step SB5105 constitutes a second lottery in this embodiment, and the function of the main control device 261 that executes this constitutes a second lottery means. Also, the function of the main control device 261 that generates a small win state equivalent to a second game value (second special game state) in step SB5106 constitutes a second game value imparting means (second special game state generating means) in this embodiment.

[0331] Next, the reach determination process of step SB507 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0332] First, in step SB5301, it is determined whether a win flag (a big win win flag or a small win win flag) was set in the big win determination process performed immediately before. If the result of the determination in step SB5301 is affirmative, that is, if a big win state or a small win state occurs, this process ends.

[0333] On the other hand, if the determination in step SB5301 is affirmative, i.e., if a winning state does not occur, then in step SB5302, the reach determination table is referred to and it is determined whether the value of the reach selection counter CB3 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches either the value "0, 1" corresponding to the "front or rear miss reach." If the determination in step SB5302 is affirmative, then in step SB5303, the front or rear miss flag indicating the occurrence of a front or rear miss reach is turned on, and then this process ends.

[0334] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step SB5302, in step SB5304, the reach judgment table is referred to and it is judged whether the value of the reach selection counter CB3 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches any of the values ​​"2 to 21" corresponding to "reach other than front or rear miss". If a positive judgment is made in step SB5304, the non-front or rear miss flag is turned on in step SB5305, and this process is then terminated.

[0335] If the result of step SB5304 is negative, that is, if the result is a "complete miss," the process ends.

[0336] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 15, after the processing of step SB508, or if a negative judgment is made in step SB501, in step SB509, it is judged whether or not the game ball has entered the upper start winning hole 33YA based on the detection information of the first start winning switch 224A. If a negative judgment is made in step SB509, this processing ends as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made, in step SB510, it is judged whether or not the value of the upper reserved counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the winning of the upper start winning hole 33YA, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If a negative judgment is made in step SB510, this processing ends as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SB510, the process proceeds to step SB511, and the upper reserved counter Na is incremented by one.

[0337] In the following step SB512, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter CB1, the jackpot type determination counter CB2, and the reach selection counter CB3 are stored in the first area among the empty reserve areas of the first special variable reserve area. After step SB512, the process proceeds to step SB513.

[0338] In step SB513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area corresponds to a jackpot. The jackpot determination process in step SB513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step SB505 except for the small jackpot determination, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display to be processed is based on the winning of the upper start winning hole 33YA, so for convenience, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0339] In the following step SB514, if it is determined in step SB513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a first jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area.

[0340] Here, first, in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before, it is determined whether or not the jackpot winning flag was set, and if it is determined to be negative, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined to be positive, the above-mentioned first jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter CB2 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area is either of the values ​​"0, 1" corresponding to "16R certain variable jackpot A", the "16R certain variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is either of the values ​​"2-5" corresponding to "16R certain variable jackpot B", the "16R certain variable jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if it is the value "6" corresponding to "4R certain variable jackpot A", the "4R certain variable jackpot A flag" is turned on. " is turned on, and if the value is any of the values ​​"7 to 10" corresponding to "4R special jackpot B", the "4R special jackpot B flag" is turned on, if the value is "11" corresponding to "16R normal jackpot A", the "16R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on, if the value is any of the values ​​"12 to 15" corresponding to "16R normal jackpot B", the "16R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if the value is any of the values ​​"16 to 19" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on.

[0341] If the "16R variable jackpot A" or "4R variable jackpot A" is won, that is, if the "High support mode until next time" is granted after the jackpot ends, a lottery is held to determine whether or not the non-notification performance will be performed, as in step SB506. If the lottery result indicates that the non-notification performance will be performed, the non-notification performance execution flag is turned on.

[0342] In the next step SB515, when it is determined in step SB513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter CB1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter CB3 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area. Note that the reach determination process in step SB515 is the same as the reach determination process in step SB507, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display to be processed is based on the ball to the upper start winning hole 33YA, so for convenience, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0343] In the next step SB516, the reserved control command is set. After that, this process is terminated. The reserved control command setting process in step SB516 is the same as the reserved control command setting process in step SB508, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display to be processed is based on the ball to the upper start winning hole 33YA, so for convenience, detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0344] Next, the through gate passing process in step SB305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0345] In step SB601, 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.

[0346] If a negative judgment is made in step SB601, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SB601, that is, if it is judged that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate 34, in step SB602, it is judged whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of reserved variable displays performed by the normal symbol display device 41, is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If a negative judgment is made here, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step SB602, 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 <4, the process proceeds to step SB603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

[0347] In the next step SB604, a random number related to the winning or losing is obtained. Specifically, the value of the normal pattern random number counter CB4 updated in the random number update process in the above step SB303 is stored in the first area of ​​the free memory area of ​​the normal variable reserve area of ​​RAM503. After that, the through gate passing process is terminated. Therefore, the process of step SB604 constitutes a part of the third winning or losing lottery.

[0348] Next, the flow of the main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 12. This main processing is started in response to a reset when the power is turned on.

[0349] First, in step SB101, the initial setting process is performed when the power is turned on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and a wait process is performed for about one second, for example, to wait for the sub-side control devices (sub-control device 262, dispensing control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step SB102, RAM access is permitted.

[0350] Then, data backup processing is performed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step SB103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step SB112 to clear (delete) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the process proceeds to the next step SB104 to determine whether or not power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If it is not set, the backup data is not stored, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step SB112. If the power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step SB105, and in the next step SB106, it is determined whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power interruption, that is, the validity of the backup. If the calculated RAM judgment value does not match the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power interruption, the backed up data is destroyed, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step SB112.

[0351] In the process of step SB112, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-control device 262, which is the sub-side control device, and the payout control device 311, etc. In addition, upon receiving the initialization command, the sub-control device 262 executes its own initialization process as described below, and stores the value "0" of the game state determination value Xj, which corresponds to the initial setting of "normal state", in the game state storage area.

[0352] Thereafter, the process proceeds to RAM initialization (step SB113, etc.). The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in a working area address of RAM 503. Instead of this RAM judgment value, it is also possible to judge the validity of the backup based on whether or not a keyword written in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 is correctly saved.

[0353] 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 the RAM initialization process (step SB113, etc.). Similarly, if the power interruption occurrence information is not set, or if an abnormality in the backup is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to the RAM 503 initialization process (step SB113, etc.). That is, in step SB113, the used area of ​​the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step SB114, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. After that, in step SB115, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal process described later.

[0354] On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step SB103: NO), the process at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of recovery from power failure) is executed on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step SB107, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, and in step SB108, the power failure occurrence information is cleared.

[0355] In step SB109, a game status check process is executed to grasp the game status stored in RAM 503 at the time of power failure.

[0356] In the next step SB110, a recovery command is sent to the sub-control device 262, which is the sub-side control device, and the payout control device 311, etc., to restore the gaming state at the time of power off. The recovery command sent to the sub-control device 262 includes information on the gaming state at the time of power off specified in the gaming state check process (the gaming state determination value Xj described later).

[0357] In step SB111, the registers in use are restored from backup area 503a of RAM 503. After that, in step SB115, interrupt permission is set and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

[0358] Here, the game status check process of step SB109 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 19 is a flow chart showing the game status check process, and Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the lottery mode flag, the support mode flag, the game status specific counter Kj, and the game status judgment value Xj, which will be described later. The game status check process is also executed in the variable display setting process (step SB807) and the winning end setting process (step SB1216), which will be described later.

[0359] 19, in step SB1901, a process of reading various information related to the game state at the time of power off, which is backed up and stored in the RAM 503, is executed. Specifically, the value of the lottery mode flag, the value of the support mode flag, and the value of the game state identification counter Kj are each read from the RAM 503.

[0360] The lottery mode flag is state determination information for determining whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" or the "high probability mode", and the flag value is set to "50(H)" when the lottery mode is the "low probability mode", and "53(H)" when the lottery mode is the "high probability mode". Note that the value "5" of the upper 4 bits of the lottery mode flag is added uniformly for noise prevention purposes, and is not intended to determine the game state in particular.

[0361] The support mode flag is state determination information for determining the state of the winning support mode, and the flag value is set to "A0(H)" when the winning support mode is "low support mode". Note that the value "A" of the upper 4 bits of the support mode flag is added uniformly for noise prevention purposes and is not intended to determine the game state.

[0362] In addition, if the winning support mode is "20 times high support mode," "30 times high support mode," "40 times high support mode," or "50 times high support mode," the flag value is set to "A1(H)."

[0363] In addition, if the winning support mode is "30 times - high support mode S", the flag value is set to "A2 (H)", and if it is "Until next time - high support mode", the flag value is set to "A3 (H)".

[0364] The game state identification counter Kj is state determination information for counting the number of times the variable display is executed after the end of a jackpot and for identifying the timing of switching the game state, and is set to a predetermined initial value when the jackpot ends, and is subtracted by 1 each time the variable display is executed. For example, as described below, if the initial value of the game state identification counter Kj is set to "50", and the value of the counter Kj is then "31", the variable display at that time can be identified as the 20th variable display after the end of a jackpot.

[0365] In this embodiment, if a "16R special jackpot B", "4R special jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot B" or "4R normal jackpot B" is won, i.e., if "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is awarded after the jackpot ends, the initial value is set to "50".

[0366] In addition, if you win a "16R normal jackpot A" or a "4R normal jackpot A", that is, if you are granted "30 times high support mode S" after the jackpot ends, the initial value will be set to "30".

[0367] Also, if the "16R Probable Big Win A", "4R Probable Big Win A" or "JUB Big Win" is won, i.e., if the "High Support Mode Until Next Time" is granted after the big win ends, the initial value is set to "0". However, if the non-notification performance execution flag is turned on and a non-notification performance is executed, the initial value is set to "30". The non-notification performance execution flag is turned off after the initial value is set.

[0368] Returning to the description of FIG. 19, in step SB1902, the value of the lottery mode flag read in step SB1901 and the value of the support mode flag are added together.

[0369] In the following step SB1903, the sum calculated in step SB1902 is ANDed with a predetermined mask value ("07(H)" in this embodiment) to extract the lowest 3 bits of data and set it in a predetermined working area as the game status determination value Xj.

[0370] In step SB1904, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "1". In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode", or "50 times high support mode".

[0371] If the result here is negative, the process proceeds to step SB1905, where it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "4." In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "20 times high support mode," "30 times high support mode," "40 times high support mode," or "50 times high support mode."

[0372] If an affirmative decision is made at step SB1904 or step SB1905, the process proceeds to step SB1909. On the other hand, if a negative decision is made at step SB1905, the process proceeds to step SB1906.

[0373] In step SB1906, it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "2" or not. In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "30 times·high support mode S" state.

[0374] If a negative decision is made here, the process proceeds to step SB1907, where it is determined whether the value of the gaming state decision value Xj is "5." In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "30 times high support mode S" state.

[0375] If an affirmative decision is made at step SB1906 or step SB1907, the process proceeds to step SB1912. On the other hand, if a negative decision is made at step SB1907, the process proceeds to step SB1908.

[0376] In step SB1908, it is determined whether the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is "6". In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "until next time·high support mode".

[0377] If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step SB1914. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step SB1916, in which the value "6" of the gaming state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 503, and this process ends.

[0378] Now, in step SB1909, which is reached when an affirmative decision is made in step SB1904 or step SB1905, a decision is made as to whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "31." In other words, a decision is made as to whether the variable display after the end of the big win is the 20th. If an affirmative decision is made here, the process proceeds to step SB1913, and if a negative decision is made, the process proceeds to step SB1910.

[0379] In step SB1910, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "21." In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the big win is the 30th time. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SB1913, and if the result is negative, the process proceeds to step SB1911.

[0380] In step SB1911, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "11." In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the big win is the 40th time. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SB1913, and if the result is negative, the process proceeds to step SB1912.

[0381] In step SB1912, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "1". In other words, it is determined whether it is the "50th time (if the initial value is "50")" or the "30th time (if the initial value is "30")".

[0382] If a negative judgment is made here, the process proceeds to step SB1916, the value of the game state judgment value Xj ("1", "4", "2", or "5") is stored in a specified area of ​​the RAM 503, and this process ends.

[0383] On the other hand, if the result of step SB1912 is affirmative, i.e., if the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "1", the process proceeds to step SB1913, where the value of the game state determination value Xj is changed to "7". After that, the process proceeds to step SB1916, where the value "7" of the game state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503, and this process ends.

[0384] Now, in step SB1914, which is moved to when the above step SB1908 is judged to be positive, the value of the game state specification counter Kj is judged to be "0". In other words, the winning support mode is judged to be "Until next time - high support mode" in which the above non-notification performance is not performed. If the judgment here is positive, the value of the game state judgment value Xj, "6", is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 503, and this process is terminated.

[0385] On the other hand, if the determination is negative in step SB1914, that is, if the mode is "Until next time·High support mode" in which a non-notification effect is performed, the process proceeds to step SB1915, where the value of the gaming state determination value Xj is changed to "5". After that, the process proceeds to step SB1916, where the value "5" of the gaming state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503, and this process ends. As a result, even if the mode is in the "Until next time·High support mode", the same effect as when the lottery mode is in the "High probability mode" and the winning support mode is in the "30 times·High support mode S" state is performed for a predetermined number of times (20 times in this embodiment).

[0386] Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps SB201 to SB210 is executed as a regular processing with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps SB211 and SB212 is executed in the remaining time.

[0387] First, in step SB201, an external output process is executed to transmit control signals based on the control contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R and the opening / closing device 37Y, etc., updated in the previous process, to each device, and to transmit output data such as commands to each control device on the sub side. Some more detailed examples are given below.

[0388] For example, based on the detection information of the various detection switches mentioned above, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, and if a prize ball has been entered, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of balls that have been entered is sent to the payout control device 311.

[0389] Moreover, if a command for blinking the error display lamp 104 is set, the command is output to the sub-control device 262 .

[0390] In addition, in the external output process, information for understanding the game status is output to the hall computer of the game hall, taking into consideration various information such as the lottery mode flag and the jackpot flag described later. Furthermore, output of error information to the hall computer is also executed in this output process.

[0391] For example, if a winning error is detected, an on signal (pulse signal) is output to the hall computer of the gaming hall via a specified terminal of the external relay terminal board 240, and if there is no winning error, an off signal is output.

[0392] In addition, when the decorative pattern is changed and displayed by the performance display device 42, a change pattern command, a pattern command, etc. are transmitted to the sub-control device 262. In response to this, the sub-control device 262, which has received the change pattern command, the pattern command, etc., determines the change mode of the performance display device 42 based on the various commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (change display) the change mode on the performance display device 42.

[0393] In step SB202, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like other counters, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values ​​(198 and 240 in this embodiment), they are cleared to 0. The updated values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503.

[0394] In the following step SB203, the winning ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step SB204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

[0395] Then, in step SB205, the first display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are set to determine what kind of control is performed in the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and the big win determination and the change pattern of the decorative symbols in the performance display device 42 are set. The details of this first display control process will be described later.

[0396] In step SB206, a variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the variable winning device 32 are set to determine what kind of control is performed in the variable winning device 32. As a result, when a big win state or a small win state occurs, the opening and closing process of the opening and closing plate 32a of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times. The details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

[0397] In step SB207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are set to determine what control is to be performed in the normal symbol display device 41. The details of this second display control process will be described later.

[0398] In step SB208, an opening / closing accessory control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the opening / closing accessory 37Y are set to determine what control is to be performed in the opening / closing accessory 37Y. The details of this opening / closing accessory control process will be described later.

[0399] Thereafter, in step SB209, it is determined whether or not power interruption occurrence information is set in backup area 503a of RAM 503. If power interruption occurrence information is not set in backup area 503a, it is determined in step SB210 whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has passed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step SB201, and the processes from step SB201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0400] On the other hand, if the specified time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next execution timing of the normal processing (steps SB211 and SB212).

[0401] That is, in step SB211, 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 the upper limit (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0402] In addition, in step SB212, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step SB202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limit values ​​(198 and 240 in this example), they are cleared to 0. Then, the changed values ​​of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503.

[0403] Here, since the execution time of each process of steps SB201 to SB209 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the big win random number counter CB1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

[0404] Now, if the power interruption occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step SB209: YES), the power is cut off, and the processing from step SB213 onwards is performed as power outage processing at the time of power outage. In the power outage processing, first, in step SB213, the occurrence of each interruption processing is prohibited, in step SB214, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area, and in step SB215, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. Then, in step SB216, a power outage notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is sent to other control devices (such as the dispensing control device 311). Then, in step SB217, a RAM judgment value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 503. Then, in step SB218, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

[0405] The process of step SB209 is executed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed in steps SB201 to SB208, or at the end of one cycle of the processes of steps SB211 and SB212 performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in the normal process of the main control device 261, the power interruption occurrence information is confirmed at the end of each process, so the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is smaller than when each process is in the middle, and the data can be stored easily. In addition, when returning to the state before the power interruption, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, so the data can be easily returned, and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the occurrence of an interrupt process is prohibited before the data is stored (step SB213), the data at the time of the power interruption can be prevented from being changed, and the state before the power interruption can be reliably stored.

[0406] Next, the first display control process in step SB205 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0407] In FIG. 21, in step SB801, various winning flags (big win flag and small win flag) described later in detail are referred to, and it is judged whether or not the current state is a winning state (in a big win state or a small win state). In addition, the winning state (big win state and small win state) includes a predetermined time during the winning state and after the winning state ends. The predetermined time after the winning state ends here is the time from the winning state ends to the start of normal play (variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R), and generally during this time period, the performance display device 42 displays various game states and modes that are given after the winning state ends or after the winning state. In addition, the period from the time when the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the performance display device 42 is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the winning state to the time when the variable winning device 32 is opened (generally during this time period, the performance display device 42 displays the start of the winning state) is also included in the winning state.

[0408] If the determination in step SB801 is affirmative, that is, if the game is in a winning state, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SB801 is negative, in step SB802, the setting status of the first display flag, which will be described later in detail, is checked to determine whether or not the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (performance display device 42) is displaying a variable. In detail, if the first display flag is set (if it is in an on state), it is considered that the variable display is in progress, and if the first display flag is released (if it is in an off state), it is considered that the variable display is in a stopped state, which corresponds to a stopped state. Note that, as will be described later in detail, the first display flag is turned on when the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R start displaying a variable (see step SB920, see step SB807), and is turned off when the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R display a stopped variable (see step SB814).

[0409] If the judgment in step SB802 is negative, that is, if the jackpot is not in a winning state and the variable display is not in progress, the process proceeds to step SB803, where it is determined whether the value of the lower pending counter Nb, which counts the number of pending variable displays (second variable displays) triggered by winning at the lower start winning port 33YB, is greater than 0.

[0410] If the answer is yes in step SB803, i.e., if at least one second variable display is stored as pending, then in step SB804, 1 is subtracted from the lower pending counter Nb. In this embodiment, if the second variable display is stored as pending by the judgment process of step SB803, the second variable display is executed without executing the first variable display. In other words, even if the first variable display is stored as pending earlier than the second variable display, the second variable display is consumed first (the first variable display is put off until later).

[0411] In the next step SB805, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the second special variable reserve area. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first to fourth reserved areas of the second special variable reserve area to the execution area side in order, and the data in each area is shifted from the first reserved area to the execution area, from the second reserved area to the first reserved area, from the third reserved area to the second reserved area, and from the fourth reserved area to the third reserved area. After step SB805, in step SB806, a process is executed to turn on / off the second reserved lamp 46b and a process is executed to cause the variable identification lamp 40 to emit red light, and then the process proceeds to step SB807.

[0412] Also, if the determination in step SB803 is negative, that is, if no second variable display is stored in reserve, then in step SB808, it is determined whether or not the upper reserve counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays (first variable displays) triggered by winning in the upper start winning port 33YA, is greater than 0. If the determination in step SB808 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0413] On the other hand, if the determination in step SB808 is affirmative, in step SB809, 1 is subtracted from the upper reserved counter Na. In the following step SB810, a process of shifting data stored in the first special variable reserved area is executed. This data shift process is a process of shifting data stored in the reserved areas 1 to 4 of the first special variable reserved area to the execution area side in sequence, and data in each area is shifted in the following order: reserved area 1 → execution area, reserved area 2 → reserved area 1, reserved area 3 → reserved area 2, reserved area 4 → reserved area 3. After step SB810, in step SB811, a process of turning on and off the first reserved lamp 46a and a process of making the variable specific lamp 40 emit blue light are executed, and then the process proceeds to step SB807. In this embodiment, the special variable reserved area has one execution area, and the data stored in the first special variable reserved area and the second special variable reserved area are shifted to a common execution area when performing a variable display based on the data.

[0414] In step SB807, a variable display setting process is performed. Details of the variable display setting process will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0415] First, in step SB900, a game status check process is executed. Note that since this game status check process is the same process as the game status check process in step SB109 (see FIG. 19) described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0416] Next, in step SB901, it is determined whether the small win hit flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a small win.

[0417] If it is determined that the winning combination corresponds to a small win, the process proceeds to step SB910. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination does not correspond to a small win, the process proceeds to step SB902.

[0418] In step SB902, it is determined whether the big win hit flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a big win.

[0419] If it is determined that the winning combination corresponds to a big win, the process proceeds to step SB903. On the other hand, if the winning combination corresponds to neither a big win nor a small win, i.e., if the winning combination corresponds to a miss, the process proceeds to step SB912.

[0420] In step SB903, it is determined whether any of the various special jackpot flags ("16R special jackpot A flag", "16R special jackpot B flag", "4R special jackpot A flag", "4R special jackpot B flag") is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "special jackpot".

[0421] If the result of step SB903 is positive, that is, if it is a "probable jackpot", then in step SB904, the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table corresponding to the "probable jackpot" and set as the variation pattern command. Next, in step SB905, the jackpot pattern (whether it is an odd number pattern or an even number pattern in this embodiment) is determined by referring to the pattern table corresponding to the "probable jackpot", and the corresponding pattern command (in this embodiment, "BZ1" or "BZ2" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step SB920.

[0422] If the result of the negative judgment in step SB903 is negative, the process proceeds to step SB906, where it is judged whether any of the above-mentioned various normal jackpot flags ("16R normal jackpot A flag", "16R normal jackpot B flag", "4R normal jackpot A flag", "4R normal jackpot B flag") is on, thereby judging whether the variable display corresponds to a "normal jackpot". If the result of the positive judgment in step SB906 is positive, that is, if it is a "normal jackpot", then in step SB907, a variable pattern is determined by referring to a variable pattern table corresponding to a "normal jackpot" and set in a variable pattern command. Next, in step SB908, a jackpot pattern (whether it is an odd number pattern or an even number pattern in this embodiment) is determined by referring to a pattern table corresponding to a "normal jackpot", and a pattern command corresponding to this (in this embodiment, "BZ1" or "BZ2" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step SB920.

[0423] However, in this embodiment, as described above, depending on the type of symbols stopped and displayed on the performance display device 42, the game state such as the lottery mode that is given after the end of the jackpot cannot be determined. In other words, there is no clear relationship between the variable pattern or the stopped symbol and the jackpot type, such as "odd symbols" being stopped and displayed for a "probable jackpot" and "even symbols" being stopped and displayed for a "normal jackpot". In this embodiment, the tables are simply divided so that the appearance rate of the predetermined variable pattern or symbol differs depending on the type of jackpot, for example, "odd symbols" are likely to be stopped and displayed for a "probable jackpot". Therefore, for example, when a jackpot is hit, the variable pattern or the stopped symbol may be selected based on one jackpot table, regardless of the jackpot type such as "probable jackpot" or "normal jackpot".

[0424] If a negative decision is made in step SB906, the process proceeds to step SB909, where it is determined whether the JUB jackpot flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "JUB jackpot." If a positive decision is made in step SB909, that is, if a "JUB jackpot" is reached, the process proceeds to step SB910.

[0425] In step SB910, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "JUB big win" and "small win", and is set in the fluctuation pattern command. After that, in step SB911, a symbol command corresponding to the chance symbol (in this embodiment, "BZ6" described later) is set, and the process proceeds to step SB920.

[0426] If the result of step SB902 is negative, ie, if the result is a miss, then in step SB912, the ECU 20 determines whether the front or rear miss flag is on.

[0427] If the determination in step SB912 is affirmative, that is, if it is a "front or rear miss reach," then in step SB913, a fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "front or rear miss reach," and the fluctuation pattern is set in the fluctuation pattern command and the front or rear miss flag is turned off. Then, in step SB914, a symbol command corresponding to the front or rear miss symbol (in this embodiment, "BZ3" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step SB920.

[0428] On the other hand, if the determination in step 912 is negative, then in step SB915, it is determined whether the non-front / rear miss flag is on. If the determination in step SB915 is positive, that is, if it is a "reach other than front / rear miss", then in step SB916, a fluctuation pattern is determined by taking into consideration a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a "reach other than front / rear miss", and is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the non-front / rear miss flag is turned off. Then, in step SB917, it is set in a pattern command corresponding to a pattern other than front / rear miss (in this embodiment, "BZ4" described later). Then, the process proceeds to step SB920.

[0429] Also, if the result of step SB915 is negative, i.e., if it is a "complete miss", then in step SB918, a miss variation pattern is determined by referring to a variation pattern table corresponding to a "complete miss" and set as the variation pattern command. Then, in step SB919, a symbol command corresponding to a complete miss symbol (in this embodiment, "BZ5" to be described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step SB920.

[0430] Here, for convenience, the variation pattern table and the variation pattern command will be explained. In this embodiment, a variation pattern table corresponding to the above-mentioned "probable jackpot" (hereinafter referred to as the probability jackpot-time variation pattern table), a variation pattern table corresponding to the "normal jackpot", a variation pattern table corresponding to the "JUB jackpot" and "small jackpot", a variation pattern table corresponding to the "reach before and after miss", a variation pattern table corresponding to the "reach other than the reach before and after miss", and a variation pattern table corresponding to the "complete miss" (hereinafter referred to as the complete miss-time variation pattern table) are provided in multiple ways according to the game state (the game state judgment value Xj has a value of "0" to "7").

[0431] For example, as shown in FIG. 40(a), in the reference address "100", a table of patterns of fluctuations during a special jackpot corresponding to the "normal state" where the game state determination value Xj is "0" is stored.

[0432] Similarly, at "address 101", a probability variable jackpot time-fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "1" is stored, at "address 102", a probability variable jackpot time-fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "2" is stored, at "address 103", a probability variable jackpot time-fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "3" is stored, at "address 104", a probability variable jackpot time-fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "4" is stored, at "address 105", a probability variable jackpot time-fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "5" is stored, at "address 106", a probability variable jackpot time-fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "6" is stored, and at "address 107", a probability variable jackpot time-fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "7" is stored.

[0433] In addition, as for the complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table, as shown in FIG. 40(b), a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "normal state" where the game state judgment value Xj is "0" is stored at the reference address "700".

[0434] Similarly, at "address 701", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "1" is stored, at "address 702", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "2", at "address 703", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "3", at "address 704", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "4", at "address 705", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "5", at "address 706", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "6", and at "address 707", a complete miss-time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state judgment value Xj of "7".

[0435] Although not shown in the figures, for the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the above-mentioned "normal jackpot", the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "JUB jackpot" and "small jackpot", the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "front or rear miss reach", and the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "reach other than front or rear miss", similarly to the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern table for special jackpot and fluctuation pattern table for complete miss, multiple table groups corresponding to the game state determination value Xj values ​​"0" to "7" are stored in consecutive order from a predetermined reference address.

[0436] Therefore, when determining the fluctuation pattern in the above steps SB904, SB907, SB910, SB913, SB916, and SB918, a process is first performed to select a table corresponding to a predetermined gaming state (the gaming state judgment value Xj is a value between "0" and "7") from among a plurality of table groups based on the gaming state judgment value Xj specified in the above gaming state check process (step SB900). At this time, the address in which the table to be selected is stored can be specified by adding the gaming state judgment value Xj to a reference address (for example, "100" in the case of a probability variable jackpot-fluctuation pattern table). In other words, the value of the gaming state judgment value Xj plays the role of an offset value as it is.

[0437] Then, a fluctuation pattern is determined based on the selected fluctuation pattern table (for example, a fluctuation pattern table for a special jackpot corresponding to the "normal state (Xj=0)" stored in "Address 100": see FIG. 41), and a corresponding fluctuation pattern command is set.

[0438] The fluctuation pattern command in this embodiment is composed of two bytes, and the upper 4 bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the game state. In this embodiment, the value of the game state judgment value Xj is set as is. In addition, the lower 4 bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the big win type, etc., and the lower 8 bits of the lower byte are composed of information that specifies the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time, reach type, etc.).

[0439] For example, as can be seen by referring to the probability variable jackpot time fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 40(a)) related to the normal state (Xj=0), in the probability variable jackpot time fluctuation pattern command related to the normal state, the upper 4 bits of the upper byte are set to "0", which is the value of the game state judgment value Xj, and the following lower 4 bits are set to "F", which indicates "probability variable jackpot". Then, in the remaining 8 bits of the lower byte, a value is set that specifies the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the value of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503. In addition, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these fluctuation pattern commands and the fluctuation mode (presentation pattern) of the decorative pattern in a table, and when a fluctuation pattern command is received, the fluctuation pattern (presentation pattern) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command can be executed.

[0440] Next, the symbol command will be described in detail. The symbol command is a command for making the sub-controller 262 determine the stop symbol. In this embodiment, six categories are specified: a combination of odd-numbered jackpot symbols, a combination of even-numbered jackpot symbols, a combination of symbols that miss before and after, a combination of symbols that do not miss before and after, a combination of symbols that miss completely, and a combination of symbols that miss chance. These categories are indicated, for example, by "BZ1", "BZ2", "BZ3", "BZ4", "BZ5", and "BZ6", and any one of these is set as a symbol command. Meanwhile, the sub-controller 262 stores the relationship between these commands and the stop symbols in a table. Then, the sub-controller 262 displays the stop symbols corresponding to the symbol commands.

[0441] The odd jackpot symbol combination is a combination of symbols consisting of the repeated numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, and the symbol command corresponding to the odd jackpot symbol combination is set to "BZ1." When "BZ1" indicating the odd jackpot symbol is set to the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of the repeated numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 as the stop symbol.

[0442] The even jackpot symbol combination is a combination of symbols consisting of the repeated numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, and the symbol command corresponding to the even jackpot symbol combination is set to "BZ2." When "BZ2" indicating the even jackpot symbol is set to the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of the repeated numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 as the stop symbol.

[0443] The combination of front and rear miss patterns corresponds to a "front and rear miss reach" in which, after a reach occurs, the final stopping pattern stops one pattern before or after the reach pattern, and the pattern command corresponding to the combination of front and rear miss patterns is set to "BZ3".

[0444] A combination of symbols other than front and rear misses corresponds to a "reach other than front and rear miss" in which the final stopping symbol stops other than before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and the symbol command corresponding to a combination of symbols other than front and rear misses is set to "BZ4".

[0445] The combination of symbols that is a complete miss corresponds to a "complete miss" that does not result in a reach, and "BZ5" is set as the symbol command that corresponds to the combination of symbols that is a complete miss.

[0446] In addition, the symbol command corresponding to the chance symbol combination is set to "BZ6". Incidentally, there is one type of chance symbol, and in this example, the decorative symbols displayed in each symbol display area are "3", "4", and "1" from the top as described above.

[0447] In addition, although details will be described later, when "BZ3" to "BZ5" are set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the combination of symbols stored in the corresponding counter buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. Specifically, when "BZ3" indicating a combination of symbols that are a front and rear miss is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 that has received the symbol command determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the front and rear miss reach stored in the front and rear miss reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. When "BZ4" indicating a combination of symbols other than the front and rear miss is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the reach other than the front and rear miss stored in the front and rear miss reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. When "BZ5" indicating a combination of symbols that are a complete miss is set in the symbol command, the sub-controller 262 determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the complete miss stored in the complete miss symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol.

[0448] Also, when "BZ6" is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 selects a chance symbol as a combination of decorative symbols.

[0449] The change pattern command and the design command set as described above are output in the external output process (step SB201) described later. The sub-control device 262 that inputs these commands determines the change mode of the performance display device 42 based on the commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (change display) the change mode on the performance display device 42.

[0450] In step SB920, a start setting process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R have been met. In this start setting process, a first display flag indicating whether or not a variable display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is turned on, and a first display timer setting process is performed.

[0451] The first display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time of the variable display) in the special display devices 43L, 43R, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display.

[0452] In this embodiment, the variable display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is set to a value corresponding to the variable pattern of the decorative symbols selected by the above-mentioned variable type counters CS1 and CS2. Based on the setting of the first display timer, when a control signal to start a variable display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output process of the next normal process, the variable display is started on the special display devices 43L and 43R. Then, after step SB920 is completed, the variable display setting process is completed.

[0453] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 21, if the determination in step SB802 is affirmative, i.e., if a variable display is in progress, the process proceeds to step SB812, where a first display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, if the variable time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), the first display timer is set to "2500" and is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

[0454] The process then proceeds to step SB813, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined change time has elapsed, taking into consideration the value of the first display timer after the above subtraction. At this time, when the predetermined change time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the first display timer becomes "0", a positive decision is made in step SB813.

[0455] If the determination in step SB813 is negative, in step SB817, a switching display setting is made to continue the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R, and this process is terminated. Based on the contents of the switching display setting, a control signal to switch the display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output process in the next normal process. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R at the timing of the first display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

[0456] On the other hand, if the determination in step SB813 is affirmative, the first display flag is cleared (turned off) in step SB814, and the stop display setting is performed in step SB815 to perform a stop display on special display devices 43L, 43R.

[0457] Based on the settings of the stop display settings, a control signal to perform a stop display is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the external output process in the next normal process. For example, in the case of a "16R special big win A", "9-" is displayed as a stop (for example, lit for a few seconds).

[0458] Next, in step SB816, a fluctuation end time setting process is performed, and then this process is terminated. Here, the fluctuation end time setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0459] First, in step SB1001, the jackpot winning flag and the small win winning flag are taken into consideration to determine whether the stop display corresponds to a jackpot or a small win. If it corresponds to a jackpot or a small win, the process proceeds to step SB1002, where a win setting is performed. Specifically, the process performs setting processing for the jackpot mid-flag, the small win mid-flag, the first variable flag, the first variable timer, the opening number counter, and the winning counter Vx. After step SB1002 is completed, the process for setting the end of the variation is completed.

[0460] The jackpot flag is state determination information for determining whether or not a jackpot state is occurring, and here, the flag value is set to "1" (turned on), indicating the occurrence of a jackpot state.

[0461] The small win flag is state determination information for determining whether or not a small win state is occurring, and here, similar to the big win flag, the flag value is set to "1" (turned on), indicating the occurrence of a small win state.

[0462] The first variable flag is state determination information for determining whether the variable winning device 32 is in an open state or not.

[0463] The first variable timer is a measuring means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32 (the occurrence time of the special prize state) and the interval between each special prize state, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the opening start or end of the opening plate 32a. In the winning setting process of step SB1002, a predetermined value corresponding to each winning type is set by taking into consideration the opening and closing pattern control table (see FIG. 42). For example, when the first time is the above-mentioned "long opening" such as "16R certainty big win A", the first variable timer is set to "7500", and when the first time is the above-mentioned "short opening" such as "JUB big win", the first variable timer is set to "100". As a result, the maximum opening time (specified time) per opening and closing operation of the opening and closing plate 32a is set to "30 seconds" or "0.4 seconds".

[0464] In addition, as shown in Figure 42, the opening and closing pattern control table pre-sets the number of times the special prize state occurs (number of rounds) in various winning states, the opening time of the opening and closing plate 32a in each special prize state (each round), the interval time between each special prize state, etc.

[0465] The opening number counter is state determination information for determining the number of times the special prize state occurs during a big win state or a small win state, that is, the number of times the opening and closing process ("long opening" or "short opening") of the variable winning device 32 is executed. In the winning setting process of step SB1002, an initial value corresponding to each type of winning is set with reference to the opening and closing pattern control table. For example, in the case of a "16R certainty big win A", "16" indicating 16 times is set, and in the case of a "JUB big win", "20" indicating 20 times, which is the sum of 5 "short openings" and 15 "long openings", is set as the initial value.

[0466] The winning counter Vx is a winning counting means for counting the number of game balls that have won the variable winning device 32. In this embodiment, during the switch reading process (see FIG. 14) of the timer interrupt process, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred in the variable winning device 32 based on the detection information of the count switch 223, and if it is determined that a winning has occurred in the variable winning device 32, the value of the winning counter Vx is incremented by one.

[0467] Furthermore, in the winning setting process of step SB1002, the specified number K1, which is the maximum number of expected winnings in the variable winning device 32 per one opening / closing operation of the opening / closing plate 32a (one special prize state), is set with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table. As described above, the specified number K1 is determined in advance for each opening type (operation mode of the opening / closing member related to one opening / closing operation) such as "long opening" or "short opening". For example, for a "long opening", the specified number K1 is set to "10", and for a "short opening", the specified number K1 is set to "3".

[0468] In the winning setting process of step SB1002, the opening command that announces the start of the big win or small win is also set. However, in the case of a "JUB big win", the opening command is set after the end of five "short openings" (such as the special prize state start process of step SB1217 described later). As a result, in the case of a "JUB big win", the big win notification performance is performed after the end of five "short openings", and up to this point, it is indistinguishable from the case of a small win.

[0469] Now, in step SB1001, if it is determined that the winning combination does not correspond to a big win or a small win, that is, the big win hit flag and the small win hit flag are OFF, the process proceeds to step SB1003.

[0470] In step SB1003, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is "0". The support count counter is a means for measuring the duration of the "high support mode" (the number of times of variable display), and as described later, after the end of the jackpot, a value corresponding to each type of jackpot is set as the counter value.

[0471] Here, if the counter value of the support count counter is "0", this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the support count counter is set (if the counter value is other than "0"), it is considered that the high support mode is being set, and in step SB1004, a process is performed to subtract 1 from the support count counter value. In step SB1004, a process is also performed to subtract 1 from the game state specification counter Kj value. Then, the process proceeds to step SB1005.

[0472] In step SB1005, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is "0". In other words, it is determined whether the current variable display is the predetermined number of times after the end of the big win (after the high support mode is given). If the value of the support count counter is "0", the value of the support mode flag is switched to "A0 (H)" indicating "low support mode" in step SB1006, and this process is terminated.

[0473] On the other hand, if it is determined in step SB1005 that the counter value of the support count counter is not "0", this process ends.

[0474] Next, the variable winning device control process in step SB206 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0475] First, in step SB1201, it is determined whether the big win flag or the small win flag is on. If the determination is negative, this process ends.

[0476] If an affirmative decision is made in step SB1202, the count value of the first variable timer is decremented by one in the following step SB1202.

[0477] In the next step SB1203, it is determined whether the first variable flag is on. If the determination is affirmative, that is, if the variable winning device 32 is in the open state, it proceeds to step SB1204, and it is determined whether the count value of the first variable timer is "0", that is, whether the opening time (the specified time "30 seconds" or "0.4 seconds") per one opening / closing operation ("long opening" or "short opening") of the opening / closing plate 32a remains.

[0478] If the determination in step SB1204 is negative, the process proceeds to step SB1205, where it is determined whether the value of the winning counter Vx is equal to or greater than the specified number K1, i.e., whether the number of game balls that have won into the variable winning device 32 in one special prize state has reached the maximum number of expected winning balls (the specified number "10 balls" or "3 balls"). If the determination in step SB1205 is negative, i.e., if the timing for closing the variable winning device 32 (the timing for the special prize state to end) has not yet arrived, this process ends.

[0479] On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step SB1204 or step SB1205, the process proceeds to step SB1206 and performs processing to set the first variable timer.

[0480] Here, a predetermined value (for example, a value "750" equivalent to "3 seconds", or "250" equivalent to "1 second") is set in the first variable timer with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the special prize state (for example, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of a big win or small win, or whether an interval has elapsed between the end of a predetermined special prize state and the start of the next special prize state, etc.).

[0481] Then, the process proceeds to step SB1207, where it is determined whether the counter value of the opening number counter is "0", that is, whether the number of times the special prize state ("long opening" or "short opening") has been executed has reached a specified number of times.

[0482] If an affirmative decision is made in step SB1207, the opening end setting process is performed in step SB1210, and the process ends. In the end setting process in step SB1210, the first variable flag is turned off, and the winning end flag is turned on.

[0483] If a negative judgment is made in step SB1207, that is, if the number of times the special prize state ("long opening" or "short opening") has been executed has not reached the prescribed number of times, special prize transfer processing is performed in step SB1211, and this processing ends.

[0484] In the special prize sending process of step SB1211, the value of the opening number counter is decremented by 1 and the first variable flag is turned off. This causes the above opening and closing process to be repeated until the number of times the special prize state is executed reaches the above-mentioned specified number of times.

[0485] Now, if the above step SB1203 makes a negative judgment, i.e., if it is within a specified time after the end of the special prize state (within a specified time after the end of a win, or during an interval between special prize states), proceed to step SB1212 and determine whether the value of the first variable timer is "0".

[0486] If the determination in step SB1212 is affirmative, that is, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the special prize state and it is time to move to the next process (the start of the next special prize state or the start of normal play), the process proceeds to step SB1215. On the other hand, if the determination in step SB1212 is negative, the process ends.

[0487] In step SB1215, the CPU 111 determines whether to end the big win state or the small win state, taking into consideration the win end flag.

[0488] If an affirmative decision is made in step SB1215, the process proceeds to step SB1216 to perform a winning end setting process, and then ends this process.

[0489] On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SB1215, special prize state start processing is performed in step SB1217, and then this processing ends.

[0490] In the win end setting process of step SB1216, the big win flag or small win flag is turned off, and the lottery mode flag is switched, the support mode flag is switched, the support count counter is set, the game status notification command is set, and an ending command that announces the end of the big win or small win is set.

[0491] In the lottery mode flag switching process, the lottery mode flag is switched and set based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, when the "high probability mode" is set after the jackpot ends (when the various "variable jackpot flags" or "JUB jackpot flags" are on), the flag value is set to "53(H)", which indicates the occurrence of the "high probability mode". On the other hand, when the "low probability mode" is set (when the various "normal jackpot flags" are on), the flag value is set to "50(H)", which indicates the occurrence of the "low probability mode".

[0492] However, if the small win flag is on, the lottery mode flag is not switched, and the flag value for the original mode is set as is. For example, if the "high probability mode" is set before the small win occurs (the lottery mode flag has a flag value of "53(H)"), the "high probability mode" (the lottery mode flag has a flag value of "53(H)") is set as is even after the small win ends.

[0493] In the support mode flag switching process, the support mode flag is switched and set based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, if "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, the flag value is set to "A1(H)", if it is "30 times high support mode S", the flag value is set to "A2(H)", and if it is "Until next time high support mode", the flag value is set to "A3(H)".

[0494] In the setting process of the support count counter, the switching setting of the support count counter is performed based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, when "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, the value of the support count counter is set to "20" corresponding to 20 times of fluctuation display, "30" corresponding to 30 times of fluctuation display, "40" corresponding to 40 times of fluctuation display or "50" corresponding to 50 times of fluctuation display. Also, when "30 times high support mode S" is granted, the value of the support count counter is set to "30" corresponding to 30 times of fluctuation display. When "Until next time high support mode" is granted, the value of the support count counter is set to a value that is practically impossible to reach (for example, "99999" corresponding to 99999 times of fluctuation display).

[0495] The game status notification command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 of the game status that is set after the big win ends. When setting this command, a game status check process is first performed. This game status check process is the same as the game status check process of step SB109 (see FIG. 19), so a detailed description is omitted here.

[0496] The game status notification command includes the game status judgment value Xj relating to the new game status grasped by the game status check process. As described later, the sub-control device 262 that receives this command switches the game status (game status judgment value Xj) that it grasps to the new game status (game status judgment value Xj). Note that the game status notification command may be omitted, and instead, for example, the game status judgment value Xj may be included in an ending command that notifies the end of the big win state.

[0497] In addition, the big win flag, small win flag, and various "big win flags" are turned off after various processes such as the switching process of the lottery mode flag are completed. In addition, when a win setting (step SB1002) is performed in the variable end setting process of Fig. 22, the lottery mode flag may be reset once (set to "50 (H)"), and the "high probability mode" may be interrupted during a big win or a small win.

[0498] In the special prize state start process of step SB1217, the first variable flag is turned on, and the opening time ("7500" or "100") for the next special prize state is set in the first variable timer with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table, and the specified number K1 for the next special prize state is set. Furthermore, the value of the prize counter Vx is reset to "0".

[0499] Based on the on / off state of the first variable flag, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the external output process of the next normal process. When the first variable flag is on, a control signal to open the opening / closing plate 32a is output to the variable winning device 32, and the large winning opening is opened. On the other hand, when the first variable flag is off, a control signal to close the opening / closing plate 32a is output to the variable winning device 32, and the large winning opening is closed.

[0500] Next, the second display control process in step SB207 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0501] In Fig. 25, in step SB2101, the setting status of the second display flag indicating whether or not the normal pattern display device 41 is displaying a variable is checked to determine whether or not the normal pattern display device 41 is displaying a variable. In detail, when the second display flag is on, it is considered that the normal pattern display device 41 is displaying a variable, and when the second display flag is off, it is considered that the normal pattern display device 41 is displaying a stopped variable, which corresponds to a state in which the variable display is stopped.

[0502] If the result of the determination in step SB2101 is negative, the process proceeds to step SB2102, where it is determined whether the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than 0. At this time, if the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, the process ends.

[0503] Also, if the change is not being displayed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is >0, proceed to step SB2103. In step SB2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step SB2104, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the normal variable hold area. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the normal variable hold area to the execution area side in sequence, and the data in each area is 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, and so on.

[0504] After that, in step SB2105, a start setting process is executed. In this process, a process is executed to indicate that the condition for performing a variable display in the normal pattern display device 41 has been met. In detail, the second display flag is turned on, and a second display timer setting process is executed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed in the normal pattern display device 41, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display.

[0505] In this embodiment, in the "low support mode", the variable display time of the normal pattern display device 41 is set to 2 seconds, so the second display timer is set to "500". In the "high support mode", the variable display time of the normal pattern display device 41 is set to 0.4 seconds, so the second display timer is set to "100".

[0506] Based on the setting in the start setting process, when a control signal to start variable display is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process of the next normal process, variable display is started in the normal pattern display device 41. As described above, the normal pattern display device 41 is configured to light and display "○" or "×" as the normal pattern, and if "○" is displayed, it is switched to "×", and if "×" is displayed, it is switched to "○". Then, after step SB2105 is completed, the second display control process is completed.

[0507] Now, if the determination in step SB2101 is affirmative, that is, if a variable display is being performed on the normal symbol display device 41, the process proceeds to step SB2106, 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 one.

[0508] Next, the process proceeds to step SB2107, and it is determined whether the count value of the second display timer is "0", that is, whether the variable time has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative in step SB2107, the second display flag is turned off in step SB2108, and a normal pattern stop display setting is performed in step SB2109 to perform a stop display on the normal pattern display device 41. Then, based on the setting contents of this normal pattern stop display setting, a control signal to perform a stop display is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, if there is a win, the "○" pattern (winning pattern) is displayed as a stop (for example, lit for a few seconds), and if there is a loss, the "X" pattern is displayed as a stop.

[0509] As described above, whether or not a win occurs is determined based on the value of the normal pattern random number counter CB4 stored in the execution area of ​​the normal variable pending area.

[0510] Specifically, of the values ​​0 to 9 of the normal symbol random number counter CB4, the winning values ​​are the two values ​​"0, 1" in the "low support mode" and the eight values ​​"0 to 7" in the "high support mode".

[0511] Next, the process proceeds to step SB2110, where a setting process is performed at the end of the variation, and the process is terminated. In this process, if the stop display corresponds to a win, a setting process is performed to perform an opening and closing process of the opening and closing device 37Y. Specifically, the second variable flag is turned on, and the opening time is set in the second variable timer.

[0512] The second variable flag is state determination information for determining whether the opening / closing device 37Y is in the open state or not.

[0513] The second variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the opening / closing device 37Y, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the opening started. In this embodiment, the opening time of the opening / closing device 37Y differs between the "high support mode" and the "low support mode", and in the "high support mode", the second variable timer is set to "1000", and in the "low support mode", the second variable timer is set to "100".

[0514] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step SB2107, a switching display setting is made in step SB2111 to continue the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41, and this process is terminated. Then, based on the contents of this switching display setting, a control signal is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process in the next normal process to switch the display. Specifically, if the current lighting is "○", it is switched to "×", and if it is "×", it is switched to "○". This realizes the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 at the timing of the second display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

[0515] Next, the opening and closing feature control process of step SB208 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0516] First, in step SB2201, it is determined whether or not the second variable flag indicating whether the opening / closing part 37Y is in the open state is on. If it is determined that the second variable flag is not on (the opening / closing part 37Y is in the closed state), this process is terminated.

[0517] On the other hand, if the determination in step SB2201 is affirmative, that is, if the second variable flag is on, the opening / closing device 37Y is deemed to be in the open state, and second variable timer subtraction processing is performed in step SB2202. Each time this processing is performed, the value of the second variable timer is subtracted by 1.

[0518] Next, the process proceeds to step SB2203, where the process determines whether or not the specified open time has elapsed, taking into consideration the value of the second variable timer after the above subtraction. Here, when the specified open time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the second variable timer becomes "0", step SB2203 makes a positive determination. If a negative determination is made here, the process ends.

[0519] On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step SB2203, the process proceeds to step SB2204, where an end setting process is performed, and then the process ends. In the end setting process in step SB2204, a process of turning off the second variable flag is performed.

[0520] Based on the on / off state of the second variable flag, various control signals are output to the opening / closing device 37Y in the external output process of the next normal process. When the second variable flag is on, a control signal to open the movable blade 37Ya is output to the opening / closing device 37Y, and the opening / closing device 37Y is in an open state. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is off, a control signal to close the movable blade 37Ya is output to the opening / closing device 37Y, and the opening / closing device 37Y is in a closed state. This makes it impossible for the game ball to enter the lower start winning hole 33YB.

[0521] Next, a description will be given of the dispensing control executed by the CPU 511 in the dispensing control device 311. For convenience of explanation, first, the reception interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG. 27, and then the main processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0522] FIG. 27 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 put on hold for a while, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, first, in step SB3001, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and in step SB3002, the command reception flag is turned on to store that the command has been transmitted from the main control device 261, and this reception interrupt process is terminated. As described above, when the 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 to store the next received command in the next storage area.

[0523] In this embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the 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. 29, before the command judgment process (step SB3201) is performed, it may be confirmed whether or not the command has been received, and if the command has been received, the command may be stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513 and the command reception flag may be turned on, and if the command has not been received, the process may proceed to the command judgment process. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not the command has been received by checking the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

[0524] Next, the main processing of the dispensing control device 311 will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device 311, and this main processing is started in response to a reset when the power is turned on.

[0525] First, in step SB3101, the system executes initial setting processing associated with power-on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer and an interrupt mode is set. Then, in step SB3103, RAM access is permitted and in step SB3104, an external interrupt vector is set.

[0526] Thereafter, in step SB3106, 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 SB3107, and in the following step SB3108, it is determined whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at a working area address of 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.

[0527] If power failure occurrence information is not set in step SB3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed based on the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) in step SB3108, the process proceeds to initialization of RAM 513 from step SB3115 onwards.

[0528] At step SB3115, all areas of RAM 513 are cleared to 0, and at step SB3116, initial values ​​are set for RAM 513. After that, at step SB3117, initial settings are made for CPU peripheral devices, and the process proceeds to step SB3114 to enable interrupts.

[0529] On the other hand, on condition that the power failure occurrence information has been set in step SB3106 and that the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal in step SB3108, processing at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of recovery from power failure) is executed. That is, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored in step SB3109, the power failure occurrence information is cleared in step SB3110, and the payout permission flag that permits the payout of prize balls is cleared in step SB3111. Also, in step SB3112, the CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and in step SB3113, the registers in use are restored from the backup area 513a of RAM 513. Furthermore, in step SB3114, interrupts are permitted.

[0530] After the interrupt is permitted in step SB3114, in the process of step SB3122, it is determined whether or not information on the occurrence of power interruption is set in backup area 513a. If information on the occurrence of power interruption is set here, it means that the power has been cut off, and the processes from step SB3123 onwards are carried out as power outage processing at the time of power outage. In the power outage processing, first, in step SB3123, the occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited, and in...

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 awarding means for awarding 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 A predetermined advantageous state advantageous to a player is more likely to occur when the first rotation means and the second rotation means are in a specific second positional relationship than when the first rotation means and the second rotation means are in a predetermined second positional relationship, This gaming machine is The first rotating means is configured such that a diameter of the first rotating means having a circular shape in a front view in the predetermined region is larger than at least a diameter of the second rotating means having a circular shape in a front view, This gaming machine is The game machine includes an operating means operable by a player, A gaming machine characterized in that the movement manner of the second rotating means is changeable in accordance with the operation manner of the operating means operated by a player.

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