Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving the visibility of specific suggestions made in connection with stopping a game based on a differential ball.SOLUTION: In a game machine capable of setting a game impossible state in which it is impossible to proceed with a game on the basis of a fact that a difference amount which is the difference between the amount of game value related to imparting by imparting means from the start of calculation and the amount of game value used in the game reaches a specific amount, and capable of executing a specific performance when the game is not in progress, a specific suggestion can be started at a specific point between the start of calculation and the time when the difference amount reaches a specific amount. Setting is made so that, when the game is not in progress, after a specific suggestion is started, execution of the specific performance in a specific mode that may hinder the visibility of the specific suggestion is restricted, and when the game is not in progress, before the specific suggestion is started, execution of the specific performance in the specific mode is not restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 67

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there are a pachinko machine that conducts a jackpot lottery on the condition that a game ball enters a start winning opening, and when winning the jackpot in this lottery, a special game is executed in which a big winning opening is opened, and a slot machine that conducts a role lottery by inserting game medals and operating a start switch, and when winning a bonus in the role lottery, a bonus game can be executed. In a pachinko machine, when a game ball enters a winning opening such as a start winning opening or a big winning opening opened during a special game, a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to each winning opening are paid out (a predetermined amount of game value is given). In a slot machine, when a small role wins, a predetermined number of game medals corresponding to the type of the small role are paid out (a predetermined amount of game value is given). In addition, in these gaming machines, in general, specific effects are executed to give suggestions regarding the result of the jackpot lottery or the result of the role lottery in order to enhance the player's interest. Furthermore, in recent years, as the above-described gaming machine, in order to prevent a situation where the gambling nature of the game becomes too high by obtaining a large number of game balls (game medals), when the difference balls, which are the difference between the number of game balls (game medals) paid out and the number of game balls (game medals) used in the game, reach a specific number, a device has been devised to stop the game (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a gaming machine as described above, at a specific time point before the above-mentioned difference balls reach a specific number (for example, when the above-mentioned difference balls reach a predetermined number less than the specific number), a specific suggestion is executed to suggest that the difference balls are about to reach the specific number. Since this specific suggestion is for arousing attention that the game will stop soon, it has been desired to make it surely visible.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the visibility of a specific suggestion performed in relation to the stop of a game based on difference balls.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0007] (1) The present invention includes game control means for controlling the progress of a game, and giving means for giving a predetermined amount of game value based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. The game control means can set a game impossible state in which the progress of the game becomes impossible based on the fact that a difference amount, which is the difference between the amount of game value related to the giving by the giving means from a predetermined calculation start time point and the amount of game value used in the game, reaches a specific amount. At a specific time point during the period from the predetermined calculation start time point until the difference amount reaches the specific amount, a specific suggestion can be started. and play A gaming machine capable of executing a specific effect when the game is not in progress. As an aspect of the specific effect, Patent for the game a first aspect that hinders the visibility of the specific suggestion, and Patent for the game a second aspect that does not hinder the visibility of the specific suggestion. When the specific suggestion Execute the specific effect during the execution of the game occurs, the first aspect is adopted for depending on the specific effect to execution do However, when the specific suggestion Execute the specific effect during the non-execution of the game occurs, the first aspect is adopted for depending on the specific effect to execution do This is characterized by. Here, the gaming value refers to data having a value equivalent to that of a gaming medium, in addition to physical gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals, and includes numerical data in which a value corresponding to the number of gaming media is stored. Further, giving a gaming value means, based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, in addition to actually paying out a corresponding amount of gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media), it includes adding a corresponding amount to the above-described numerical data based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions. From the above, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, in addition to a gaming machine that gives a gaming value by actually paying out a corresponding amount of gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media) based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, it includes numerical data having a value equivalent to that of a gaming medium and storing a value corresponding to the number of gaming media, and based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, instead of paying out gaming media, a gaming machine that gives a gaming value by adding a corresponding amount to the above-described numerical data based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions is included. Further, examples of the predetermined conditions include, when the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, the ball entering a winning opening (starting winning opening, big winning opening, etc.) provided in the gaming area where the gaming balls can flow down. Also, when the gaming machine is a slot machine, examples include winning a minor combination by a winning combination lottery and the symbol combination corresponding to the won minor combination being displayed on the effective line when all the rotating reels stop.

[0008] In the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the game is not in progress, a specific effect can be executed, and at a specific time point from a predetermined calculation start time point until the difference amount reaches a specific amount, a specific suggestion can be started. After the specific suggestion is started, when the game is not in progress, During execution a first mode specific effect by will not be executed Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the specific suggestion from being obstructed by the execution of the specific effect, and it becomes possible to improve the visibility of the specific suggestion performed in relation to the stop of the game based on the difference balls. Also, before the specific suggestion is started, when the game is not in progress,First Specific performance according to the aspect will be executed Therefore, the performance effect of the specific performance can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the visibility of specific suggestions made in connection with the stop of a game based on a difference ball.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (External Configuration of Pachinko Machine P) The gaming machine according to this embodiment is a pachinko machine P that uses game balls as gaming media. Although not particularly shown, in the game hall where the pachinko machine P is installed, a plurality of pachinko machines P are arranged side by side in an installation area of the gaming machine called an island, and a game ball lending device for lending out game balls is installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. Also, each pachinko machine P is connected to the corresponding game ball lending device R. The game ball lending device R can insert a storage medium (card) in which value information necessary for inserting paper money and lending out game balls is stored. And after inserting paper money (or inserting a card) into the game ball lending device R and performing a predetermined operation on the pachinko machine P, it is possible to receive the lending out of game balls from the game ball lending device R.

[0012] The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, a rectangular frame fixed to the island, having a machine frame 1 with a hollow part (not particularly shown), and a rectangular frame that is attached to this machine frame 1 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not particularly shown), having a main body frame 2 with a hollow part (not particularly shown), and a front door 3 that is attached to this main body frame 2 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not particularly shown) and has an opening (not particularly shown) formed in the front.

[0013] At the lower left part of the machine frame 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a speaker as the audio output device 10 is provided. Further, in the hollow part of the main body frame 2, a game board 11 for forming a game area 12 is accommodated. Also, on the front door 3, a transparent plate 4 attached to the opening, a light guide plate GB in the form of a transparent thin plate arranged on the back surface of the transparent plate 4 (in front of the game board 11) and covering the entire surface of the game board 11, a light guide plate lamp BL capable of irradiating light to the end surface of the light guide plate GB, an upper plate 6 and a saucer 7 located below the transparent plate 4 and capable of receiving game balls, an operation handle 5 attached to the right of the saucer 7 for performing a launch operation of the game balls, and speakers as the audio output device 10 each attached to the upper left and upper right of the transparent plate 4 are provided. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, on the outer periphery of the front door 3, a front door effect lamp DL that performs an effect by emitting light in various colors and light emission patterns is provided. At the upper left part on the outer periphery of the front door 3, a state notification lamp EL that notifies various states generated by the establishment of a predetermined generation condition by emitting light in various colors is provided. Both the front door effect lamp DL and the state notification lamp EL are composed of LEDs capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors.

[0014] In this pachinko machine P, when the main body frame 2 is closed with respect to the machine frame 1 and further the front door 3 is closed, the transparent plate 4 and the light guide plate LB are positioned with a gap interposed in front of the game board 11. As a result, the game board 11 located behind can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 4 and the light guide plate LB. Also, a latent image indicating a predetermined character, logo, etc. is formed on the light guide plate GB. The light guide plate lamp BL is composed of an LED capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors. When the light of the light guide plate lamp BL irradiated to the end surface of the light guide plate GB enters the inside of the light guide plate GB, the latent image emits light (is visualized), and illumination display of the latent image is performed on the light guide plate GB.

[0015] In addition, the upper tray 6 is configured to guide the game balls lent out by the game ball lending device R and the prize balls paid out from the pachinko machine P. The upper tray 6 can receive a predetermined amount of game balls. When the upper tray 6 is full of game balls, the game balls lent out or paid out thereafter are guided to the saucer 7. Although not particularly shown, a discharge hole for discharging the stored game balls and an opening / closing plate capable of opening and closing the discharge hole are provided on the bottom surface of the saucer 7. In a normal state, although the discharge hole is closed by the opening / closing plate, by moving the opening / closing lever 8 (see FIG. 1) attached integrally with the opening / closing plate in the lateral direction, the opening / closing plate also moves in the same direction, and the discharge hole is opened. Thereby, the game balls can be dropped from the discharge hole and discharged outside the saucer 7.

[0016] In addition, the operation handle 5 is formed so that the player can perform a rotation operation in a predetermined direction. When the player rotates the operation handle 5, the game balls received in the upper tray 6 are sent to a launching device (not particularly shown), and the game balls are launched toward the game area 12 by the launching device with an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 5. The game balls launched in this way are guided by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11 and ascend to reach the game area 12.

[0017] The game area 12 is a portion of the space formed between the game board 11 and the transparent plate 4 with the main body frame 2 and the front door 3 closed with respect to the machine frame 1, which is partitioned into a substantially circular shape by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and is an area where the game balls can flow down. As shown in FIG. 3A, this game area 12 is composed of a first game area 12a, which is the area on the left when viewed from a player facing the pachinko machine P, and a second game area 12b, which is the area on the right when viewed from a player facing the pachinko machine P. These two game areas 12 are designed such that the possibility of a game ball entering varies depending on the firing intensity of the firing device. Specifically, when the firing intensity of the firing device is less than a predetermined intensity (an intensity such that the game ball fired by the firing device does not reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the first game area 12a. On the other hand, when the firing intensity of the firing device is equal to or greater than the predetermined intensity (an intensity such that the game ball fired by the firing device can reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the second game area 12b.

[0018] Here, the rails 13a and 13b will be described in detail. The game board 11 is a plate-shaped member that is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front (see FIG. 3A). As described above, a pair of rails 13a and 13b are provided on the board surface of the game board 11. Hereinafter, the outer rail 13a (the rail closer to the outer periphery of the game board 11) among the rails 13a and 13b will also be referred to as the outer rail 13a, and the inner rail 13b (the rail farther from the outer periphery of the game board 11) will also be referred to as the inner rail 13b.

[0019] The outer rail 13a is a long, thin metal plate-shaped member having a width larger than the diameter of the game ball (see FIG. 3A), and is attached (supported) along the base surface of a rail base (not particularly shown) installed on the board surface of the game board 11. The rail base is a plate-shaped member that is substantially C-shaped when viewed from the front. When installed on the board surface of the game board 11, it opens downward to the right and is cut out in an arc shape centered on the substantially central portion of the game area 12 (game board 11) (that is, an arc shape that protrudes to the left). The cutout surface formed by this cutout serves as the base surface. The outer rail 13a is arranged in an arc shape that protrudes to the left, starting from a position to the left of the lower central part of the game board 11 and extending to the left end, upper end, and upper right end of the game board 11 (see FIG. 2) by being attached to the base surface.

[0020] The inner rail 13b is a long, thin plate-like member made of synthetic resin having substantially the same width as the outer rail 13a. It is erected on the playing board surface of the game board 11 so as to face the outer rail 13a with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball. Starting from a position slightly to the left of the lower center of the game board 11, it is arranged in an arc shape that bulges to the left from near the left end to near the upper left end of the game board 11. Then, by the front surface of the space portion sandwiched between the outer rail 13a and the inner rail 13b facing the back surface of the transparent plate 4b, a guiding passage 640 through which the game ball launched by the launching device can pass is formed (see FIGS. 3D to 3G). This guiding passage 640 communicates with the game area 12 and guides the game ball launched by the launching device to the game area 12. Also, at the upper end of the inner rail 13b (the tip of the inner rail 13b, in other words, the boundary portion between the guiding passage 640 and the game area 12), a backflow prevention portion 700 for preventing the game ball that has entered the game area 12 from returning to the guiding passage 640 is provided.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the backflow prevention portion 700 includes a rotating portion 710, a case portion 730 in which the rotating portion 710 is disposed, and a cover plate 750 that covers the case portion 730 with the rotating portion 710 disposed therein. The rotating portion 710 is attached to the case portion 730 and the cover plate 750 so as to be rotatable while being sandwiched between the case portion 730 and the cover plate 750.

[0022] The case portion 730 includes a thin plate-like base plate 731 made of synthetic resin fixed to the game board 11, and a thin plate-like side plate 732 erected from a portion corresponding to substantially the right half of the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 731 (substantially the right half of the base plate 731 in the state fixed to the game board 11). The base plate 731 and the side plate 732 form a space S that opens in the front direction of the game board 11 and the direction of the guiding passage 640 (see FIG. 3C). The base plate 731 is provided with a cylindrical boss 731a that is located at its upper end (the upper end of the base plate 731 in the state of being fixed to the game board 11) and stands upright from the base plate 731, a cylindrical base-side bearing portion 731b that is located below the boss 731a (slightly above the center of the base plate 731) and stands upright from the base plate 731, a substantially fan-shaped guide groove 731c that is located below the base-side bearing portion 731b (slightly below the center of the base plate 731) and penetrates the base plate 731, and an elongated rod-shaped engagement pin 731d that is located below the guide groove 731c (the lower end portion of the base plate 731) and stands upright from the base plate 731 (see FIG. 3C).

[0023] The cover plate 750 is a thin plate-shaped member made of synthetic resin that covers the opening in the front direction of the game board 11 in the case portion 730. The cover plate 750 is provided with a screw hole 750a that is disposed at a position corresponding to the boss 731a of the base plate 731 in a state of covering the above-mentioned opening and penetrates the cover plate 750, and a cylindrical cover-side bearing portion 750b that is disposed at a position corresponding to the base-side bearing portion 731b of the base plate 731 on the back surface of the cover plate 750 (the surface facing the base plate 731 in the state of covering the above-mentioned opening) and stands upright from the back surface of the cover plate 750, and an engagement hole 750c that is disposed at a position corresponding to the engagement pin 731d of the base plate 731 in a state of covering the above-mentioned opening and penetrates the cover plate 750 (see FIG. 3C).

[0024] The rotating portion 710 is a member having a "く"-shaped outer shape, and includes a substantially elliptical columnar rotating base 711 made of synthetic resin that is rotatably attached to the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750, and a thin plate-shaped rotating valve 712 made of synthetic resin that protrudes from the vicinity of the upper end of the rotating base 711 (the vicinity of the upper end of the rotating base 711 in the state of being attached to the case portion 730) (see FIG. 3C). In a state where the rotating portion 710 is attached to the case portion 730, the rotating base 711 is located within the space S of the case portion 730 and is rotatable within this space S while being sandwiched between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750, and the rotating valve 712 protrudes outside the space S through the opening in the direction of the guiding passage 640 in the case portion 730 and is rotatable along with the rotating base 711.

[0025] The rotating base 711 includes a substantially elliptical base bottom surface 711a facing the base plate 731 in a state of being attached to the case portion 730, a base side surface 711b standing upright from the outer peripheral edge of the base bottom surface 711a, and a substantially elliptical base top surface 711c located at the standing end of the base side surface 711b and facing the base bottom surface 711a with the base side surface 711b interposed therebetween (see FIG. 3C). In addition, at positions corresponding to the base-side bearing portion 731b of the base plate 731 and the cover-side bearing portion 750b of the cover plate 750 on the rotating base 711 in a state of being attached to the case portion 730, a shaft hole 711d penetrating from the base top surface 711c to the base bottom surface 711a is provided, and at a position corresponding to the guide groove 731c of the base plate 731, a guide pin (not particularly shown) protruding in the direction of the base plate 731 from the base bottom surface 711a is provided. Also, the length from the base bottom surface 711a to the base top surface 711c is slightly shorter than the length from the surface of the base plate 731 of the case portion 730 to the standing end of the side plate 732. Thereby, when the rotating portion 710 is attached to the case portion 730, the rotating base 711 is housed in the space S in a state of being sandwiched between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750.

[0026] The rotating valve 712 is a substantially rectangular thin plate-like member extending vertically upward from the upper left end of the base side surface 711b of the rotating base 711 in a state of being attached to the case portion 730, and includes a guide passage side surface 712a facing the direction of the guide passage 640 (opposing the guide passage 640), a game area side surface 712b facing the game area side surface 712a and facing the direction of the game area 12 (opposing the game area 12), a downwardly inclined upper end surface 712c extending from the upper end edge of the guide passage side surface 712a to the upper end edge of the game area side surface 712b, and a protruding piece 712d protruding toward the game area 12 from a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the game area side surface 712b (see FIG. 3C). The length from the base side surface 711b to the upper end edge of the guide passage side surface 712a is longer than the length from the base side surface 711b to the upper end edge of the game area side surface 712b. Also, when the rotating base 711 is attached to the case portion 730, the rotating valve 712 protrudes from the space S into the guiding passage 640 through the opening in the direction of the guiding passage 640 in the case portion 730. In the normal state, it extends vertically upward in the guiding passage 640, and the tip of the rotating valve 712 is positioned slightly below the outer rail 13a (see Fig. 3D). That is, the length from the base side surface 711b of the rotating base 711 to the tip of the rotating valve 712 is such that, in the normal state when the rotating base 711 is attached to the case portion 730, it can substantially shield the guiding passage 640.

[0027] When attaching the above-described rotating portion 710 to the above-described case portion 730 and the cover plate 750, first, align the base side bearing portion 731b of the base plate 731 with the shaft hole 711d of the rotating base 711, and arrange the rotating portion 710 on the case portion 730 such that the guide pin of the rotating base 711 is inserted into the guide groove 731c of the base plate 731. Next, insert an elongated shaft pin 760 with a length from the base side bearing portion 731b to the cover side bearing portion 750b of the cover plate 750 through the shaft hole 711d of the rotating base 711. Then, align the boss 731a of the base plate 731 with the screw hole 750a of the cover plate 750, and align the cover side bearing portion 750b with the tip of the shaft pin 760 protruding from the shaft hole 711d of the rotating base 711. Further, arrange the cover plate 750 such that the engaging pin 731d of the base plate 731 is inserted into the engaging hole 750c of the cover plate 750. Finally, by screwing a screw 764 into the boss 731a and the screw hole 750a from the surface (the surface facing the back of the cover plate 750) side of the cover plate 750, the rotating base 711 is sandwiched between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750 (with the cover plate 750 covering the opening in the front direction of the game board 11 in the case portion 730), and the rotating portion 710 is attached to the case portion 730 and the cover plate 750 (see Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D, etc.).

[0028] Then, as described above, when the rotating part 710 is attached to the case part 730 and the cover plate 750, one end of the shaft pin 760 is locked to the base-side bearing part 731b, and the other end is locked to the cover-side bearing part 750b. As a result, the rotating base part 711 is supported in a state of being sandwiched between the base plate 731 and the cover plate 750 so as to be rotatable about the shaft pin 760 as an axis. Here, as described above, the rotating base part 711 is a substantially elliptical columnar member, the rotating valve 712 extending from the rotating base part 711 is a thin plate-like member, and the rotating base part 711 is a heavier member than the rotating valve 712. Accordingly, when the rotating part 710 is attached to the case part 730 and the cover plate 750, normally, although the rotating base part 711 is biased to rotate counterclockwise about the shaft pin 760 by its own weight, it stays in a state where the guide pin inserted into the guide groove 731c of the base plate 731 abuts against the left end of the guide groove 731c. At this time, the rotating valve 712 extends vertically upward in the guide passage 640, and the guide passage 640 is substantially shielded by the rotating valve 712 (see FIG. 3D). On the other hand, when a game ball launched by the launching device and rising in the guide passage 640 contacts the guide passage side surface 712a of the rotating piece 712, the rotating base part 711 rotates clockwise about the shaft pin 760 until the game area side surface 712b of the rotating piece 712 abuts against the side surface of the boss 731a on the base plate 731, against its own weight. Further, in a state where the game area side surface 712b abuts against the side surface of the boss 731a, the rotating valve 712 extends in the upper right direction (toward the upper end of the game area 12), and the guide passage 640 is opened (see FIG. 3E).

[0029] Next, the rotation of the rotary valve 712 and the prevention of backflow of the game balls that have entered the game area 12 by the rotary valve 712 into the guiding passage 640 will be described in detail. Hereinafter, when the rotating portion 710 is attached to the case portion 730 and the cover plate 750, the normal state (when the rotary valve 712 extends vertically upward) may be referred to as the "non-rotating state", and the state where the rotating base 711 rotates and the game area 712b abuts against the side surface of the boss 731a may be referred to as the "rotating state", and the state during the period from the non-rotating state to the rotating state of the rotating base 711 (the state where the rotating base 711 is rotating) may be referred to as the "rotating state".

[0030] As described above, in the non-rotating state, the rotary valve 712 extends vertically upward in the guiding passage 640, and the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 at this time (the upper edge of the upper end of the guiding passage side surface 712a) to the outer rail 13a is shorter than the diameter of the game ball. Furthermore, it is the shortest among the distances from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a during the period from the non-rotating state to the rotating state. Also, as described above, in the rotating state, the rotary valve 712 extends obliquely upward to the right, and the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 at this time to the outer rail 13a is longer than the diameter of the game ball. Furthermore, it is the longest among the distances from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a during the period from the non-rotating state to the rotating state.

[0031] In the non-rotating state, when a game ball launched by the launching device and rising in the guiding passage 640 contacts the guiding passage side surface 712a of the rotating piece 712, the rotating base 711 rotates until it reaches the rotating state. As described above, in this rotating state, the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is longer than the diameter of the game ball, and the guiding passage 640 is opened. As a result, the game ball that has contacted the guiding passage side surface 712a enters the game area 12. After the game ball enters the game area 12, the force generated by the contact of the game ball with the side surface 712a of the guiding passage is released, and promptly, the rotating base 711 rotates counterclockwise by its own weight and enters a non-rotating state. In this non-rotating state, since the guiding pin abuts against the left end of the guiding groove 731c, the rotating base 711 cannot rotate further counterclockwise. Also, the distance from the tip of the rotating valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is shorter than the diameter of the game ball, and the guiding passage 640 is substantially shielded by the rotating valve 712. Then, even if the game ball that has entered the game area 12 contacts, for example, a windmill or a nail and heads from the game area 12 toward the guiding passage 640, it will contact the game area side surface 712b of the rotating valve 712, preventing its entry into the guiding passage 640. Thus, in the non-rotating state, the rotating valve 712 prevents the game ball that has entered the game area 12 from returning to the guiding passage 640.

[0032] Also, in the rotating state during the transition from the rotating state to the non-rotating state, there may be a situation where a game ball (hereinafter also referred to as a returning game ball) BB that has entered the game area 12 but attempts to return into the guiding passage 640 contacts a game ball (hereinafter also referred to as an entering game ball) BG that is launched by the launching device, ascends in the guiding passage 640, and attempts to enter the game area 12 (see FIGS. 3F and 3G).

[0033] In this rotating contact state, the entering game ball BG contacts the guiding passage side surface 712a of the rotating valve 712, the outer rail 13a, and the returning game ball BB, and the returning game ball BB contacts the tip of the rotating valve 712, the outer rail 13a, and the entering game ball BG (see FIGS. 3F and 3G). Also, in this state of contact during rotation, the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is longer than the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a in the non-rotating state and shorter than the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a in the rotating state. Further, the distance D1 from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is shorter than the distance D2 from the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB to the outer rail 13a (see Fig. 3G). Furthermore, in this state of contact during rotation, the tip of the rotating piece 712 is positioned on the upper left side of the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB (that is, above and to the left of the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB) (see Fig. 3G).

[0034] When the returning game ball BB tries to return into the guiding passage 640 after the incoming game ball BG and the returning game ball BB come into contact in this state of contact during rotation, since the returning game ball BB contacts the tip of the rotary valve 712 from the direction of the game area 12, the rotary valve 712 that has come into contact with this returning game ball BB tries to rotate counterclockwise and displace to the non-rotating state. Then, as it displaces toward the non-rotating state, the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a gradually becomes shorter, and the guiding passage 640 will be shielded by the rotary valve 712. Therefore, in this case, although the incoming game ball BG ascending in the guiding passage 640 will flow down (flow backward) through the ascending guiding passage 640, it becomes difficult for the returning game ball BB to return into the guiding passage 640. Thus, when it becomes a state of contact during rotation and the incoming game ball BG and the returning game ball BB come into contact at the boundary between the guiding passage 640 and the game area 112, it is possible to prevent the returning game ball BB from returning to the guiding passage 640, and it is possible to prevent a situation where both the incoming game ball BG and the returning game ball BB flow down through the guiding passage 640.

[0035] In addition, in the above-described contact state during rotation, if the distance D1 from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is longer than the distance D2 from the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB to the outer rail 13a, after the entering game ball BG and the returning game ball BB come into contact, the returning game ball BB is likely to enter the gap between the tip of the rotary valve 712 and the outer guide rail 13a. And if the returning game ball BB enters this gap, the rotary valve 712 will rotate clockwise due to the returning game ball BB, and will try to displace into the rotating state. Then, as the displacement toward the rotating state occurs, the distance from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a gradually becomes longer, and the guiding passage 640 opens, so a situation will occur where the returning game ball BB returns into the guiding passage 640. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the above-described contact state during rotation, since the distance D1 from the tip of the rotary valve 712 to the outer rail 13a is shorter than the distance D2 from the lowest point P of the returning game ball BB to the outer rail 13a, the occurrence of the above-described situation can be suppressed.

[0036] Next, return to the description of the game area 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, inside the game area 12, there are a windmill and a number of pins for making the flowing direction of the game balls irregular, a general winning opening 14 into which the game balls can enter, a first starting winning opening 15 and a second starting winning opening 16 as starting areas, a gate 20 through which the game balls can pass, an attacker device 17 that operates by satisfying a predetermined condition, an out port 19 that guides the game balls outside the game area 12, and an effect display device 21, a board surface effect lamp GL, a right hitting notification lamp RL (not particularly shown), and a device effect device YS that perform various effects and various suggestions (notifications) as the game progresses.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3A, the general winning opening 14 is provided at the lower left of the game area 12. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 14, a predetermined number (five in this embodiment) of prize balls are paid out. Note that the number and installation position of the general winning openings 14 are not particularly limited.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first start winning opening 15 is provided at a position slightly below the center of the game area 12. Game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning opening 15, while game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can hardly enter. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second start winning opening 16 is provided at a position to the right of the center of the game area 12 (i.e., within the second game area 12b). Game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the second start winning opening 16, while game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can hardly enter.

[0039] Also, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second start winning opening 16 is provided with a movable piece 16b (ordinary electric accessory) that can open and close left and right. When the movable piece 16b is closed, the second start winning opening 16 is in a closed state, and it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter the second start winning opening 16. On the other hand, when the movable piece 16b opens, the second start winning opening 16 becomes an open state, and this movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides game balls toward the second start winning opening 16, making it easier for game balls to enter the second start winning opening 16. Moreover, the configuration of this movable piece 16b is not particularly limited. For example, it may be constituted by a pair of blade members that rotate left and right around an axis orthogonal to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or a lid member that rotates back and forth around a horizontal axis to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or it may also be constituted by a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second start winning opening 16. Note that the installation positions of the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 are not particularly limited. For example, the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 may be arranged at positions where game balls flowing down any of the game areas 12 (the first game area 12a, the second game area 12b) can easily enter.

[0040] When a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a jackpot lottery is conducted to determine one special symbol from a plurality of pre-determined special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with the availability of a special game advantageous to the player, the game state set after the end of the special game, etc. Depending on the type of the determined special symbol, the player can receive game benefits such as the execution of a special game. The number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16 is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more, and can be any number. Also, the number of prize balls may be the same or different between the start winning opening provided with the movable piece 16b (the second start winning opening 16) and the start winning opening not provided with the movable piece 16b (the first start winning opening 15). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning opening 15 is three, and the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning opening 16 is one.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3A, the gate 20 is provided above the second start winning opening 16. When a game ball passes through this gate 20, a lottery for normal symbols described later is conducted. And when the result of the lottery is a win, the movable piece 16b provided in the above-mentioned second start winning opening 16 is opened for a predetermined time.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3A, the attacker device 17 is provided below the second start winning opening 16. This attacker device 17 includes a large winning opening 18 into which a game ball can enter, and an opening / closing door 18b that opens and closes this large winning opening 18. This opening / closing door 18b is displaceable between an open position that opens the large winning opening 18 and a closed position that closes the large winning opening 18. And under normal conditions, the opening / closing door 18b is in the closed position (i.e., the opening / closing door 18b is closed) and the large winning opening 18 is closed, so it is impossible for game balls to enter the large winning opening 18. However, when the above-mentioned special game is executed, the opening / closing door 18b is in the open position (i.e., the opening / closing door 18b is opened), the large winning opening 18 is opened, and the opening / closing door 18b functions as a tray member that guides game balls to the large winning opening 18, making it possible for game balls to enter the large winning opening 18. Also, when game balls enter the large winning opening 18, a predetermined number (15 in this embodiment) of prize balls are paid out.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3A, the out port 19 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 12 and accepts game balls that did not enter any of the general winning openings 14, the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, and the large winning opening 18. Then, the game balls received by the out port 19 and all of the above-mentioned winning openings (general winning opening 14, first start winning opening 15, second start winning opening 16, large winning opening 18) are all guided to the back side of the game board 11 through an out passage (not particularly shown) and collected.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3A, the effect display device 21 is provided substantially at the center of the game area 12. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 21. The effect display device 21 is provided with a display unit 21a for displaying images such as moving images and still images. In the display unit 21a, in addition to the background image being displayed, a variable effect is performed in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol. In this variable effect, the effect symbol 50 (dummy symbol) is variably displayed, and the result of the jackpot lottery is notified (suggested) to the player according to the stop display mode of each effect symbol 50. Also, during special games, on the display unit 21a, an opening effect executed at the start of the special game, a round game effect executed during the round games described later, and an ending effect executed after all round games have ended (at the end of the special game) (hereinafter, the opening effect, the round game effect, and the ending effect are collectively referred to as the in-special-game effect) are performed. In the opening effect, an opening image is displayed, in the round game effect, a round game image is displayed, and in the ending effect, an ending image is displayed. Note that the effect display device 21 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device. For example, a drum-type display device that performs various displays using a plurality of drums with patterns attached to the outer periphery may be used.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the board effect lamp GL is provided above the game area 12 and is a device that performs effects and suggestions by emitting light in various colors and emission patterns. The board effect lamp GL is composed of LEDs capable of emitting light in multiple colors. Note that the installation position and the number of installed board effect lamps GL are not particularly limited. Although not particularly shown, the right-hit notification lamp RL is provided on the right side of the effect display device 21 and is composed of an LED capable of lighting and extinguishing.

[0046] The accessory effect device YS is a device that performs effects by operating in a predetermined manner. The accessory effect device YS of this embodiment is a disc-shaped structure as shown in FIG. 2, and can be displaced (moved) up and down within a range from an initial position corresponding to the upper center of the game area 12 to a movable position corresponding to above the center of the game area 12 by a drive motor M (not particularly shown). Further, the accessory effect device YS can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by a rotation motor RM (not particularly shown) at the movable position. The accessory effect device YS normally stays at the initial position, and is displaced to the movable position at various timings (for example, during the execution of the reach development effect described later), and at this movable position, an accessory rotation effect that rotates (operates in a predetermined manner) clockwise or counterclockwise is performed. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the above-described initial position is a position above the upper center of the effect display device 21, and the above-described movable position is the position of the upper center of the effect display device 21. That is, although the accessory effect device YS is configured not to overlap the effect display device 21 at the initial position where it normally stays, at the movable position, it sandwiches a predetermined gap with the effect display device 21 and overlaps on its front surface. Thereby, normally, it is possible to prevent the variable effect executed by the effect display device 21 from being obstructed by the accessory effect device YS and ensure the visibility of the variable effect. On the other hand, since the accessory rotation effect is performed when the accessory effect device YS is displaced to the movable position, the player can be made to pay attention to the accessory rotation effect. Further, when the accessory effect device YS is in the movable position, it overlaps with the activation warning character image described later displayed on the display unit 21a on its front surface, and the activation warning character image becomes difficult or impossible to view due to the accessory effect device YS. Note that the effect executed by the accessory effect device YS is not limited to the accessory rotation effect. For example, a lamp such as an LED may be provided on the accessory effect device YS, and an effect in which this lamp lights up in a predetermined manner may be executed.

[0047] In front of the upper tray 6, there is provided an effect operation device 9 that enables a player to operate to progress or switch effects executed during a game or during standby. The effect operation device 9 is composed of an operation dial 9a that can be rotated and an operation button 9b that can be pressed. When a predetermined effect is being executed by the effect display device 21, performing a rotation operation of the operation dial 9a or a pressing operation of the operation button 9b causes various effects such as variable effects to progress or switch to different displays. Note that a dedicated lamp (for example, an LED capable of emitting light of multiple colors) may be provided on the operation button 9b and lit in a predetermined manner at a predetermined timing to improve the effect of the performance.

[0048] On the right side of the effect operation device 9 on the upper tray 6, there is provided a cross key 25 that can be operated by the player (see FIG. 1). This cross key 25 has an up key, a down key, a left key, and a right key. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, by pressing the up key or the down key of the cross key 25, the volume of the audio output device 10 (that is, the volume of the audio or music output from the audio output device 10) can be changed within a plurality of steps described later. Note that the change in the volume of the audio output device 10 may be set to be performed not by pressing the cross key 25 but by operating the above-described effect operation device 9. Further, a touch panel that can be touched by the player may be provided, and a button portion for changing the volume of the audio output device 10 may be displayed on the touch panel, and the volume of the audio output device 10 may be set to be changed by touching the button portion.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 3A, at the lower right of the game board 11 and outside the game area 12, as a device for displaying various situations regarding the game, a first special symbol display device 30, a second special symbol display device 31, a first special symbol hold display device 38, a second special symbol hold display device 39, a normal symbol display device 32, and a normal symbol hold display device 33 are provided.

[0050] Also, as described above, although the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the game ball lending device R, operations on the game ball lending device R such as lending out game balls and discharging cards can be received by the pachinko machine P. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine P is provided with a value information display device 35 for displaying value information (remaining balance information) stored in a card, a ball lending button 36 that can be pressed, and a card return button 37 that can be pressed.

[0051] Also, on the back side of the game board 11, as shown in FIG. 4, a main control board 100 that stores setting values and control states of the pachinko machine P to be described later and controls the basic operation of the game of the pachinko machine P is installed in a transparent box-shaped main control board case 150. A launch payout control board 200 that controls the launch of game balls and the payout of bonus balls is installed in a transparent box-shaped launch payout control board case 250. A sub-control board 300 that controls various effects is installed in a transparent box-shaped sub-control board case 350. A game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R is installed in a transparent box-shaped game ball lending control board case 450.

[0052] Also, on the back side of this game board 11, a power supply board 600 for supplying power to each board is provided, and a power switch 650 is provided on this power supply board 600. The power switch 650 can be switched between on and off. When the power switch 650 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply board 600 to each board, and when the power switch 650 is turned off, the supply of power from the power supply board 600 to each board stops. In this specification, it is also said that when the power switch 650 is turned on and power is supplied, it is "the power is on", and when the power switch 650 is turned off and the supply of power stops, it is "the power is off".

[0053] (Configuration of the control means of the pachinko machine P) Next, the control means for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine P will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the above-described control means is composed of a main control board 100, a firing payout control board 200, a sub-control board 300, a game ball lending control board 400, and a power supply board 600. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the firing payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 are connected to the main control board 100, and the game ball lending control board 400 is connected to the firing payout control board 200. Further, an external information terminal board 500 for transmitting various external signals (hereinafter also referred to as external information) during the game progress to the outside of the pachinko machine P (for example, a hall computer in a game parlor, etc.) is connected to the main control board 100 and the firing payout control board 200. In addition, a power supply board 600 is connected to each board.

[0054] (Outline of the main control board 100) As described above, the main control board 100 stores setting values, the control state of the pachinko machine P, etc., and controls the games performed in the pachinko machine P. Specifically, it controls a special figure game started when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, a general figure game started when a game ball passes through the gate 20, and the above-described special games, etc.

[0055] Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as settings regarding the balls in play, a plurality of levels from setting value 1 to setting value 6 are defined, and due to differences in the setting values, the winning probability of a big win, which will be described later, varies. For example, setting value 6 has a higher winning probability of a big win than setting value 1, and if the winning probability of a big win is high, the possibility of obtaining a prize ball is also high. Therefore, by changing the setting value, the payout amount of the prize balls assumed in that pachinko machine P changes. Also, the big win determination random number determination table 110 that determines the winning probability of a big win, which will be described later, is provided corresponding to each of setting values 1 to 6, and when the setting value is changed, the entire big win determination random number determination table 110 provided for each setting value is changed. Note that the set value may be not six levels, but two to five levels, or only one set value may be provided.

[0056] In addition, when the power of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is on, it stays in any one of four control states: a playable state in which a game can be executed, a setting confirmation state in which the set set value can be confirmed, a setting change state in which the set set value can be changed, and a game stop state in which execution of the game, confirmation, and change of the set value are impossible. When the control state of the pachinko machine P is the setting change state, the set set value can be changed (switched) by performing a predetermined operation. Details of the storage and change of the set value, the control state set when the power is turned on, etc. will be described later in detail.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the main control board 100 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate-shaped board, and is a single-sided board (one-layer board) in which a wiring pattern is provided only on one side. Note that the main control board 100 may employ a double-sided board (two-layer board) in which the wiring pattern is provided on both sides.

[0058] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, on the surface of the main control board 100, there are provided a one-chip type main IC 104 in which a main CPU 101, a main ROM 102, and a main RAM 103 are integrally formed, other a plurality of ICs, a main information display device 105, a connector 106, a test dedicated output terminal 107, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, and the like.

[0059] The main CPU 101 is a device that performs various arithmetic operations. Also, the main ROM 102 is a device (Read Only Memory) having a storage area for storing a specification code indicating the specifications of the pachinko machine P (such as the type of high or low jackpot winning probability, the method of determining the game state after the end of a special game, etc.), a control program necessary for the game, tables, etc. (such as the jackpot determination random number determination table 110, the winning symbol random number determination table 111, etc., which will be described later). Further, the main RAM 103 is a device (Read Write Memory) that can store the above-described set values, the control state of the pachinko machine P, various data related to the progress of the game, etc., and has a readable and writable storage area used for temporarily storing data during the arithmetic processing by the main CPU 101. Based on signals from various sensors and timers (to be described later), the main CPU 101 reads out the control programs and tables stored in the main ROM 102 to perform arithmetic processing, and also performs control of various devices connected to the main CPU 101 and processing such as sending commands to other boards (sub-control board 300, etc.) based on the results of the arithmetic processing.

[0060] Although not particularly shown, the storage area of the main RAM 103 in this embodiment is roughly divided into a used area that is an area between a predetermined start address (for example, F00H (the alphanumeric characters with "H" appended at the end are in hexadecimal notation; the same applies hereinafter)) and a predetermined end address (for example, F200H), and an unused area that is an area between a specific start address (for example, F300H) that is a predetermined distance (for example, 16 bytes) or more away from the end address of the used area and a specific end address (for example, F400H).

[0061] Although not particularly shown, in the used area, four areas, namely, a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, are arranged in order from a predetermined start address to a predetermined end address. In the first area, set values, a gaming machine status flag indicating the control status during stay (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stop state), test signal information to be described later, and activation security information to be described later are stored. Note that the test signal information and the activation security information may be stored not in the first area but, for example, in the fourth area or an unused area. In the second area, a checksum of the main RAM 103 calculated when the power is turned off and a backup flag for determining whether there is an abnormality in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed when the power is turned off are stored. In the third area, information on errors generated in the pachinko machine P and the like is stored. In the fourth area, various data related to the progress of the game (information on the special symbols in fluctuation to be described later, the firing position of the game balls (the game area 12 where the game balls are launched), the number of reserved first special patterns, the number of reserved second special patterns, the number of sure change times, the number of time shortening times, execution phase data indicating the progress of the special pattern game, the number of reserved normal patterns, normal pattern execution phase data indicating the progress of the normal pattern game, information indicating that the special symbols are not in fluctuation, etc.) are stored. Note that the data stored in the fourth area is not limited to these. For example, in a pachinko machine P set such that a special fluctuation pattern is determined when the number of fluctuations after the end of a special game reaches a specific number, information such as the above-mentioned specific number may be stored.

[0062] Also, in the unused area, data such as the number of launched balls and the number of paid-out prize balls after the game starts in the initial state after factory shipment is stored. Specifically, the total number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the general winning opening 14, the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, and the big winning opening 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of prize balls), the total number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the big winning opening 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of prize balls for the special electric accessory), the total number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, and the big winning opening 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of prize balls for the accessory), etc. are stored. And in this unused area, information related to the game such as the ball output rate, the special electric accessory ratio, and the accessory ratio is calculated based on data such as the number of balls launched and the number of prize balls described above. Here, the ball output rate is the ratio of the total number of prize balls to the number of balls launched, and is a value calculated by total number of prize balls / number of balls launched. Also, the special electric accessory ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls of the special electric accessory to the total number of prize balls, and is a value calculated by total number of special electric accessory prize balls / total number of prize balls. Also, the accessory ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls of the accessory to the total number of prize balls, and is a value calculated by total number of accessory prize balls / total number of prize balls.

[0063] Note that the data stored in the unused area is not limited to these, and for example, the total number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the general winning opening 14 may be stored. Also, in this specification, the data such as the number of balls launched and the number of prize balls paid out stored in the above-mentioned unused area is also referred to as "game performance data", and the information related to the game such as the ball output rate described above is also referred to as "game performance display information".

[0064] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in a specific area in the unused area, a difference ball count value used for operation stop control based on the difference ball count (hereinafter also referred to as difference ball operation stop control) described later, and difference ball operation stop control phase data for setting various states related to the difference ball operation stop control (activation warning before state, activation warning state, activation notice state, activation state) described later are stored. Note that the difference ball count value and the difference ball operation stop control phase data may be stored not in the unused area but in any of the above-mentioned first area to fourth area. The difference ball operation stop control will be described in detail later.

[0065] The main information display device 105 is a device that displays various types of information and is composed of four 7-segment displays with decimal points arranged side by side. The main information display device 105 in this embodiment does not incorporate a processing device such as a CPU that performs unique arithmetic processing on the received data, and only performs display based on the data received from the main IC 104. Specifically, during the setting confirmation state or the setting change state, the set values stored in the used area (first area) of the main RAM 103 are displayed. Also, during the playable state, the game performance display information stored in the unused area of the main RAM 103 is displayed. Further, when the game is in the stopped state or an error occurs in the pachinko machine P, a code indicating that fact is displayed. Note that the main information display device 105 may be composed not of 7-segment displays but of a liquid crystal display, a dot matrix display, or the like. Also, the main information display device 105 may incorporate other devices as long as it does not incorporate a device that uniquely processes the data received from the main IC 104. For example, it may incorporate a driver circuit or the like for controlling the operation of the main information display device 105.

[0066] The connector 106 is for connecting various harnesses, cables, etc., and a plurality of them are provided on the surface of the main control board 100. In addition, the test dedicated output terminal 107 is a terminal for outputting a test signal used during the type test, and is provided on the surface of the main control board 100. Here, the type test is a test for determining whether the pachinko machine P conforms to a predetermined rule, and the test signal is a signal used during the type test. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, various test signals are generated by the main CPU 101 at various timings, and the generated test signals can be output from the test dedicated output terminal 107 to the outside of the pachinko machine P. Specifically, a test computer (not particularly shown) is used for the type test, and this test computer is provided with a dedicated receiving terminal (not particularly shown) that can be connected to the test dedicated output terminal 107. When the above-mentioned receiving terminal is connected to the test dedicated output terminal 107, the test signal generated by the main CPU 101 and output from the test dedicated output terminal 107 is input to the test computer outside the pachinko machine P via this receiving terminal. The output of the test signal will be described in detail later.

[0067] In addition, the setting switch 108 is referred to for setting the control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stop state) when the power is turned on. The setting switch 108 is provided with an operation part (not particularly shown) having a keyhole, and is formed such that a rotation operation is possible with a predetermined key inserted into this keyhole. Normally, the setting switch 108 is off, but when a rotation operation is performed, the setting switch 108 is turned on. In addition, the RAM clear switch 109 is used for clearing various data stored in the main RAM 103 and changing the set values. The RAM clear switch 109 is provided with a push button 109a (see FIG. 5) that can be pushed. When the push button 109a is not pushed, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, but when the push button 109a is pushed, the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on.

[0068] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the power is turned on from off (when power is restored after a power failure), depending on the control state that was in effect before the power was turned off (immediately before the power failure occurred), whether the setting switch 108 is on or off at the time the power is turned on (when power is restored), whether the RAM clear switch 109 is on or off, whether the main body frame opening detection sensor 2a described later is on or off (i.e., whether the main body frame 2 is open or closed), whether an abnormality occurred in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed when the power is turned off, and whether an abnormality occurred in the main RAM 103, one of the control states is set. And by operating the push button 109a during the setting change state (when the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on), the set value can be changed (switched). As described above, the set value is stored in the used area of the main RAM 103, and when the set value is changed, the set value stored in the used area of this main RAM 103 will be changed.

[0069] In the main RAM 103 in this embodiment, in addition to the above-described game performance data and set values, various data related to the progress of the game (the number of reserved first special figures, the number of reserved second special figures, execution phase data indicating the progress of the special figure game, the number of reserved normal figures, normal figure execution phase data indicating the progress of the normal figure game, etc., described later) are stored. Note that the devices and electronic components provided on the surface of the main control board 100 are not limited to those described above. For example, a switch or the like for executing the display of various information on the main information display device 105 and switching the display content may be provided. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, both the clearing of the data stored in the main RAM 103 and the change of the set value are performed by operating the RAM clear switch 109, but it is not limited to this. For example, a setting change switch independent of the RAM clear switch 109 may be provided. The RAM clear switch 109 may be set to be used for clearing the data stored in the main RAM 103, and the setting change switch may be set to be used for changing the set value.

[0070] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, on the main control board 100, there are a general winning opening detection sensor 14a for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning opening 14, a first start winning opening detection sensor 15a for detecting that a game ball has entered the first start winning opening 15, a second start winning opening detection sensor 16a for detecting that a game ball has entered the second start winning opening 16, a big winning opening detection sensor 18a for detecting that a game ball has entered the big winning opening 18, a gate detection sensor 20a for detecting that a game ball has passed through the gate 20, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, a magnetic detection sensor 70a for detecting the magnetism directed toward the game board 11, a radio wave detection sensor 71a for detecting radio waves irradiated to specific locations (such as the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, the big winning opening 18, etc.) of the game board 11, and a vibration detection sensor 72 for detecting vibrations caused by illegal acts such as shaking the pachinko machine P, are connected. And detection signals output from these respective detection sensors and signals indicating on or off of each switch are input to the main control board 100.

[0071] Note that the magnetic detection sensor 70a turns on when detecting magnetism and outputs a magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100, and during the detection of magnetism, the magnetic detection signal is continuously output. And when the magnetic detection sensor 70a stops detecting magnetism, it turns off and stops outputting the magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100. Also, in the main control board 100, when a magnetic detection signal is input from the magnetic detection sensor 70a, it is determined that a main control magnetic error has occurred. Further, the radio wave detection sensor 71a turns on when detecting radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100, and during the detection of radio waves, the radio wave detection signal is continuously output. And when the radio wave detection sensor 71a stops detecting radio waves, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100. Also, in the main control board 100, when a radio wave detection signal is input from the radio wave detection sensor 71a, it is determined that a main control radio wave error has occurred. In addition, when the vibration detection sensor 72 detects that the pachinko machine P is vibrating, it turns on and outputs a vibration detection signal to the main control board 100. During the detection of vibration, the vibration detection signal is continuously output. Then, when the vibration detection sensor 72 stops detecting the vibration of the pachinko machine P, it turns off and stops outputting the vibration detection signal to the main control board 100. Also, in the main control board 100, when a vibration detection signal is input from the vibration detection sensor 72, it is determined that a main control vibration error has occurred.

[0072] In addition, the big winning opening detection sensor 18a is provided in the middle of the path from the big winning opening 18 to the big winning opening discharge port. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time from when a game ball enters the big winning opening 18 until the game ball is detected by the big winning opening detection sensor 18a is about 0.5 seconds.

[0073] Furthermore, connected to the main control board 100 as devices to be controlled are a start winning opening solenoid 16c that drives the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 to open and close, a big winning opening solenoid 18c that drives the opening and closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 to open and close, a first special symbol display device 30, a second special symbol display device 31, a normal symbol display device 32, a first special symbol hold display device 38, a second special symbol hold display device 39, a normal symbol hold display device 33, and a main information display device 105. Then, by the main control board 100, when each solenoid is driven, the opening and closing control of the second start winning opening 16 and the big winning opening 18 is performed, and also the display control of each display device is performed.

[0074] (Overview of the Launch Payout Control Board 200) The launch payout control board 200 mainly controls the payout of bonus balls based on the entry of game balls into various winning openings and the payout of lent game balls based on a player's predetermined operation, as well as the launch of game balls. As shown in FIG. 6, the launch payout control board 200 includes a payout CPU 201, a payout ROM 202, and a payout RAM 203, and is connected so as to be capable of two-way communication with the main control board 100.

[0075] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, on the emission payout control board 200, as devices for controlling the emission of game balls, there are a touch sensor 5a for detecting that a player has touched the operation handle 5, an operation volume 5b for detecting the operation angle (rotation angle) of the operation handle 5, an emission stop switch 5c for stopping the emission of game balls, a ball feed solenoid 60 for sending the game balls received in the upper tray 6 to a launcher (not shown), an emission motor 61 for launching game balls, and an emitted ball detection sensor 64 for detecting that a game ball has been launched by the emission motor 61. Control signals output from the touch sensor 5a, the operation volume 5b, and the emission stop switch 5c are input to the emission payout control board 200.

[0076] When the control state of the pachinko machine P is a playable state and the state regarding the differential ball operation stop control described later is a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, or a pre-activation notice state, when the player touches the operation handle 5 and performs a rotation operation, control signals (hereinafter also referred to as rotation operation signals) from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b are input to the emission payout control board 200, and control is performed to energize the ball feed solenoid 60 and the emission motor 61 to launch game balls. Then, when the contact of the player with the operation handle 5 is released or the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 stops, the input of the rotation operation signal to the emission payout control board 200 stops, and the control to launch game balls also stops. Also, even when a rotation operation signal is input to the emission payout control board 200, when a control signal (hereinafter also referred to as an emission stop control signal) from the emission stop switch 5c is input to the emission payout control board 200, control is performed to stop the energization of the ball feed solenoid 60 and the emission motor 61 and stop the emission of game balls. Note that when the control state of the pachinko machine P is a game stop state, or when the control state of the pachinko machine P is a playable state and the state regarding the differential ball operation stop control is an activation state, even if a rotation operation signal is input to the emission payout control board 200, the ball feed solenoid 60 and the emission motor 61 are not energized, and control to launch game balls is not performed. Also, when the control state of the pachinko machine P is the game stop state, or when the control state of the pachinko machine P is the playable state, regardless of the state related to the difference ball operation stop control (that is, regardless of whether the state related to the difference ball operation stop control is the pre-warning state before activation, the warning state during activation, the pre-announcement state before activation, or the activation state), when a rotation operation signal is input to the launch payout control board 200, the handle operation command is transmitted to the main control board 100, and when the input of the rotation operation signal stops, the transmission of the handle operation command to the main control board 100 is stopped. That is, while the rotation operation signal is being input (while the player touches the operation handle 5 and performs a rotation operation), the handle operation command is continuously transmitted to the main control board 100.

[0077] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, on the launch payout control board 200, as equipment for controlling the payout of game balls, a payout motor 62 for paying out the game balls stored in a game ball storage section (not particularly shown) and a payout counting switch 63 for detecting and counting the paid-out game balls are connected. Also, although not particularly shown, the payout counting switch 63 incorporates a payout radio wave detection sensor for detecting the radio wave irradiated to the switch. When the launch payout control board 200 receives the bonus ball designation command transmitted from the main control board 100, the launch payout control board 200 controls the payout motor 62 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls (bonus balls) based on this bonus ball designation command. At this time, the number of the paid-out game balls is counted by the payout counting switch 63, and it is possible to determine whether a predetermined number of game balls have been paid out.

[0078] In addition, the ejection payout control board 200 in this embodiment transmits an ejection bonus ball signal based on the fact that game balls have actually been ejected by the ejection motor 62 (game balls have been counted by the ejection count switch 63) as an external signal to be transmitted outside the pachinko machine P to the external information terminal board 500. As a result, the above-mentioned ejection bonus ball signal is transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P (an external information display device or a hall computer that displays information such as the number of variable times and the number of jackpot times) via the external information terminal board 500, and the number of game balls actually ejected can be grasped by a device outside the pachinko machine P. Note that the external signal related to the ejection of game balls (bonus balls) is not limited to the ejection bonus ball signal. For example, instead of a signal based on the actual ejection of game balls, a received bonus ball signal based on receiving a bonus ball designation command from the main control board 100 may be transmitted to the external information terminal board 500. As a result, even in a device outside the pachinko machine P, the number of game balls scheduled to be ejected based on the received bonus ball designation command may be grasped.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the ejection payout control board 200 is connected to a main body frame opening detection sensor 2a that detects the open state of the main body frame 2, a front door opening detection sensor 3a that detects the open state of the front door 3, a tray full detection sensor 7a that detects the full state of the tray 7, an out sensor 19a that detects game balls received into the out port 19 or entering each winning port and guided to the back side of the game board 11 via the out passage, and an out port radio wave detection sensor 71b that detects radio waves irradiated to the out port 19.

[0080] When the main body frame opening detection sensor 2a detects that the main body frame 2 is open, it turns on and outputs a main body frame opening detection signal to the ejection payout control board 200. While the main body frame 2 is open, the main body frame opening detection signal is continuously output. Then, when the ejection payout control board 200 receives the main body frame opening detection signal, it transmits a main body frame opening command to the main control board 100. On the other hand, when the main body frame opening detection sensor 2a stops detecting that the main body frame 2 is open, it turns off and stops outputting the main body frame opening detection signal. When the input of the main body frame opening detection signal stops, the ejection control board 200 determines that the main body frame 2 has been closed and stops sending the main body frame opening command to the main control board 100.

[0081] When the front door opening detection sensor 3a detects that the front door 3 is open, it turns on and outputs a door opening detection signal to the ejection control board 200. While the front door 3 is open, the door opening detection signal is continuously output. When the ejection control board 200 receives the door opening detection signal, it sends a door opening command to the main control board 100. On the other hand, when the front door opening detection sensor 3a stops detecting that the front door 3 is open, it turns off and stops outputting the door opening detection signal. When the input of the door opening detection signal stops, the ejection control board 200 determines that the front door 3 has been closed and stops sending the door opening command to the main control board 100.

[0082] The tray full detection sensor 7a is provided at a predetermined position of the tray 7. When a predetermined amount or more of game balls paid out as prize balls are stored in the tray 7 and it becomes full, the stored game balls reach the above-mentioned predetermined position. When the tray full detection sensor 7a detects that the game balls have reached the above-mentioned predetermined position, it turns on and outputs a tray detection signal to the ejection control board 200. While the stored game balls reach the above-mentioned predetermined position, the tray detection signal is continuously output. When the ejection control board 200 receives the tray detection signal, it sends a tray full command to the main control board 100. On the other hand, when the tray full detection sensor 7a stops detecting that the game balls have reached the above-mentioned predetermined position, it turns off and stops outputting the tray detection signal to the ejection control board 200. When the input of the tray detection signal stops, the ejection control board 200 determines that the full state of the tray 7 has been released and stops sending the tray full command to the main control board 100.

[0083] The out sensor 19a is provided in the out passage. Further, each time the out sensor 19a detects a game ball that is received at the out port 19 or enters a winning port and passes through the out passage, it turns on and outputs an out signal to the emission payout control board 200. Then, each time an out signal is input, the emission payout control board 200 transmits an out command to the main control board 100.

[0084] The out port radio wave detection sensor 71b is provided at a predetermined position around the out port 19. In addition, the out port radio wave detection sensor 71b turns on when detecting a radio wave and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the emission payout control board 200, and while detecting the radio wave, the radio wave detection signal is continuously output. On the other hand, when the out port radio wave detection sensor 71b stops detecting the radio wave, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the emission payout control board 200.

[0085] As described above, the payout radio wave detection sensor is built into the payout count switch 63. In addition, the payout radio wave detection sensor turns on when detecting a radio wave and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the emission payout control board 200, and while detecting the radio wave, the radio wave detection signal is continuously output. On the other hand, when the payout radio wave detection sensor stops detecting the radio wave, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the emission payout control board 200.

[0086] Also, as described above, a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R is connected to the emission payout control board 200. As shown in FIG. 6, connected to the emission payout control board 200 via the game ball lending control board 400 are a value information display device 35, a ball lending switch 36a that detects a pressing operation of the ball lending button 36, and a card return switch 37a that detects a pressing operation of the card return button 37. Note that these devices may be directly connected to the emission payout control board 200 instead of being connected to the emission payout control board 200 via the game ball lending control board 400.

[0087] When a card storing value information enabling lending of game balls (i.e., a card with a remaining balance) is inserted into and recognized by the game ball lending device R, a value information signal indicating the value information is transmitted from the game ball lending device R to the value information display device 35 via the firing payout control board 200 and the game ball lending control board 400. As a result, the value information corresponding to the received value information signal is displayed on the value information display device 35.

[0088] Also, when a card storing value information enabling lending of game balls is inserted into the game ball lending device R and recognized, and the ball lending button 36 is pressed while in this recognized state, a detection signal output from the ball lending switch 36a is transmitted to the game ball lending device R via the game ball lending control board 400 and the firing payout control board 200. Upon receiving the above detection signal, the game ball lending device R performs a process of subtracting predetermined value information from the stored value information, and transmits a lending payout command for paying out, as lent balls, the number (for example, 125) of game balls corresponding to the subtracted value information to the firing payout control board 200. At the same time, a subtraction command corresponding to the subtracted value information is transmitted to the value information display device 35 via the firing payout control board 200 and the game ball lending control board 400. Then, upon receiving the lending payout command, control for paying out the number (for example, 125) of game balls corresponding to the subtracted value information is performed on the firing payout control board 200. Also, upon receiving the subtraction command, an updated display of the value information after subtraction is performed on the value information display device 35.

[0089] Also, when the card return button 37 is pressed, a detection signal output from the card return switch 37a is input to the firing payout control board 200, and the firing payout control board 200 transmits a return request signal requesting return of the card to the game ball lending device R. Then, when the game ball lending device R receives the return request signal, control is performed by the game ball lending device R to eject the card.

[0090] In addition, when a card that does not store playable ball lending value information (i.e., a card with a zero balance) is inserted into the playable ball lending device R, or when all the value information stored in the card becomes zero as a result of subtracting predetermined value information by pressing the ball lending button 36 (i.e., when the balance of the card becomes zero), the playable ball lending device R may perform control to eject the card.

[0091] As described above, in the launch payout control board 200, both control of payout of prize balls based on entry of playable balls into various winning openings (general winning opening 14, first start winning opening 15, second start winning opening 16, big winning opening 18) and control of payout of playable balls (lent balls) lent based on the player's operation are performed.

[0092] Further, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as errors related to devices connected to the launch payout control board 200 (hereinafter also referred to as payout-related errors), there may occur a ball depletion error, a full error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, a payout motor error, and a door open error. And in the launch payout control board 200, based on the operating status of the above-described switches connected to the launch payout control board 200 and various signals output from the above-described sensors connected to the launch payout control board 200 to the launch payout control board 200, among the payout-related errors, determination (detection of occurrence) of the occurrence of a ball depletion error, a full error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error is performed. Note that in this specification, determination of the occurrence of an error not only means specifically determining the occurrence of an error based on the operating status of switches and detection by various sensors (for example, a payout radio wave detection sensor, a main body frame open detection sensor 2a, etc.), but also means that detection of the operating status of switches and detection by various sensors have been performed.

[0093] A ball depletion error is an error that occurs when there are no game balls stored in the game ball storage unit. In the launch payout control board 200, when the payout motor 62 is operating to pay out game balls, but the game balls are not counted by the payout count switch 63 for a predetermined period, it is determined that a ball depletion error has occurred. When a ball depletion error occurs, a ball depletion error command indicating that fact is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, enabling the main control board 100 to detect the occurrence of the ball depletion error.

[0094] A full tray error is an error that occurs when the tray 7 is in a full state. In the launch payout control board 200, when a tray detection signal is input, it is determined that a full tray error has occurred. When a full tray error occurs, a full tray error command indicating that fact is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, enabling the main control board 100 to detect the occurrence of the full tray error.

[0095] A payout count switch error is an error that occurs when the payout count switch 63 does not operate due to a disconnection in the harness or the like. In the launch payout control board 200, when the operation of the payout count switch 63 cannot be confirmed, it is determined that a payout count switch error has occurred. When a payout count switch error occurs, a payout count switch error command indicating that fact is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, enabling the main control board 100 to detect the occurrence of the payout count switch error.

[0096] A ball jam error is an error that occurs when an abnormal operation occurs in the payout motor 62. In the launch payout control board 200, when the payout motor 62 receives an operation signal but does not operate, it is determined that a ball jam error has occurred. When a ball jam error occurs, a ball jam error command indicating that fact is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, enabling the main control board 100 to detect the occurrence of the ball jam error.

[0097] An excess prize ball error occurs when game balls are paid out even though no prize ball designation command has been received, or when more game balls are paid out than the number of game balls scheduled to be paid out based on the received prize ball designation command. In the launch payout control board 200, when the number of game balls paid out unexpectedly reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), it is determined that an excess prize ball error has occurred. When an excess prize ball error occurs, an excess prize ball error command indicating that fact is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, enabling the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of the excess prize ball error.

[0098] A payout radio wave error is an error that occurs when radio wave irradiation is detected. In the launch payout control board 200, when a radio wave detection signal is input from the out port radio wave detection sensor 71b or the payout radio wave detection sensor, it is determined that a payout radio wave error has occurred. When a payout radio wave error occurs, a payout radio wave error command indicating that fact is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, enabling the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of the payout radio wave error.

[0099] A payout motor error is an error that occurs when the payout motor 62 does not operate due to a disconnection in the harness or the like. In the launch payout control board 200, when the operation of the payout motor 62 cannot be confirmed, it is determined that a payout motor error has occurred. When a payout motor error occurs, a payout motor error command indicating that fact is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, enabling the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of the payout motor error.

[0100] Among the payout-related errors, a door open error is an error that occurs when the main body frame 2 or the front door 3 is open. Here, as described above, both the main body frame opening detection sensor 2a that detects the opening of the main body frame 2 and the front door opening detection sensor 3a that detects the opening of the front door 3 are connected to the ejection control board 200. However, the determination of the occurrence of a door opening error is made not by the ejection control board 200 but by the main control board 100. Specifically, when the main control board 100 receives at least one of the main body frame opening command transmitted from the ejection control board 200 when a main body frame opening detection signal is input to the ejection control board 200, or the front door opening command transmitted from the ejection control board 200 when a front door opening detection signal is input to the ejection control board 200, it determines that a door opening error has occurred. When it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, the main control board 100 transmits an ejection stop command for stopping the control of the game ball ejection operation to the ejection control board 200. As a result, during the occurrence of the door opening error, the ejection control board 200 performs control to stop the game ball ejection operation.

[0101] Note that among the ejection-related errors, the errors whose occurrence is determined by the main control board 100 are not limited to the door opening error, and the occurrence of other errors may also be determined by the main control board 100.

[0102] Also, in the main control board 100, the occurrence of errors related to the devices connected to the main control board 100 (the above-mentioned main control radio wave error, main control magnetic error, main control vibration error, abnormal winning error that occurs when too many game balls enter the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, and the big winning opening 18, illegal winning error that occurs when a game ball enters the big winning opening 18 except during the execution of a special game, etc., hereinafter also referred to as main control-related errors) is also determined. And in the main control board 100, when it is detected that an error related to payout other than the door opening error has occurred, or when it is determined that a door opening error or a main control related error has occurred, the main CPU 101 transmits an error indication command indicating the occurred error to the sub-control board 300. As a result, the sub-control board 300 can also detect the occurrence of various errors, and can display an error indication image corresponding to the occurred error on the effect display device 21, or light up various lamps (the panel effect lamp GL, the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL) in a manner corresponding to the occurred error, or output an error indication voice corresponding to the occurred error from the voice output device 10, so that the occurred error is suggested. Also, when the cause of the error disappears and the occurred error is cleared, in the main control board 100, it is detected or determined that the occurred error has been cleared, for example, by no longer receiving the command used for error determination. And when it is detected that the occurred error has been cleared, or when it is determined that the occurred error has been cleared, the main CPU 101 transmits an error clearance command indicating the clearance of the error to the sub-control board 300. As a result, the sub-control board 300 can also detect the clearance of the occurred error and can end the suggestion of the occurred error.

[0103] (Overview of the sub-control board 300) The sub-control board 300 controls the effects executed during the game, standby, etc. As shown in FIG. 6, this sub-control board 300 includes a sub CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processes, a sub ROM 302 that stores a control program for executing effects, data, tables, etc. necessary for the execution of effects, and a sub RAM 303 that is used as a temporary storage area during arithmetic processes, and is connected so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300.

[0104] Also, the sub-CPU 301 reads out the control program stored in the sub-ROM 302 based on commands transmitted from the main control board 100 and signals from timers, performs arithmetic processing, and transmits commands for performance execution to an image control board (not particularly shown), an audio control board (not particularly shown) for controlling audio output, a lighting control board (not particularly shown) for controlling the lighting of various lamps, and an operation control board (not particularly shown) for controlling the displacement of the accessory effect device YS and the accessory rotation effect. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, the audio control board and the lighting control board are provided separately, but a single board (audio and lighting control board) integrating the functions of these boards may be provided, and this board may control both audio output and lighting.

[0105] Also, an effect display device 21 is connected to the sub-control board 300 via an image control board, an audio output device 10 and a cross key detection sensor 25a for detecting the pressing operation of the cross key 25 are connected via an audio control board. Further, various lamps (front door effect lamp DL, status notification lamp EL, panel effect lamp GL, right hitting notification lamp RL), a light guide plate lamp BL, a rotation operation detection sensor 9c for detecting the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a, and a pressing operation detection sensor 9d for detecting the pressing operation of the operation button 9b are connected to the sub-control board 300 via a lighting control board. Furthermore, a drive motor M and a rotation motor RM are connected to the sub-control board 300 via an operation control board.

[0106] Although not particularly shown, the image control board includes an image CPU, an image ROM, an image RAM, etc. Image data such as symbols and backgrounds to be displayed on the effect display device 21 is stored in the image ROM of this image control board. Then, based on the command transmitted from the sub-control board 300, the image CPU stores the image data read from the image ROM in the image RAM, thereby controlling the image display by the effect display device 21.

[0107] Although not particularly shown, the voice control board includes a sound CPU (sound chip) that executes various processes related to voice output, a sound ROM that stores sound data such as voice output from the voice output device 10, BGM, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as voice, etc.), a decoder that performs decoding, etc. of the sound data, a sound RAM used as a temporary storage area when executing various processes related to voice output, a sound timer counter that measures the time when executing various processes related to voice output, and the like. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the voice control board, when a command from the sub-control board 300 (commands related to execution of various effects and various suggestions, etc.) is received, the decoder reads out and decodes (decodes) the sound data corresponding to the received command from the sound ROM. This decoder has a predetermined number (40 in this embodiment) of channels for outputting voice, etc., and can output a predetermined number of types of voice, etc. independently and simultaneously. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, for each type of voice, etc. output in various effects and various suggestions, the channels used for outputting the voice, etc. are associated in advance. As a result, the voice, etc. are output through the pre-associated channels. Then, the sound data decoded in each channel of the decoder is converted into analog data, and based on this analog data, a predetermined voice, etc. is output from the voice output device 10 through the output interface.

[0108] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, for each type of voice, etc. output in various effects and various suggestions, the channels used for outputting the voice, etc. are associated in advance. As a result, even when outputting a plurality of types of voice, etc. simultaneously at a predetermined time, since each voice, etc. is output using a separate channel, it is possible to prevent a situation where another voice, etc. is not output while one of the voices, etc. is being output, and it is possible to surely perform simultaneous output of a plurality of types of voice, etc.

[0109] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as will be described later, in addition to being able to set the volume of the voice output device 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the speaker volume), the volume when outputting voices or the like can be adjusted for each channel. Thereby, voices or the like associated with each channel are output with the speaker volume adjusted for each channel. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, for each channel, any one of a plurality of levels of channel adjustment values, namely "0", "1", and "2", can be set. When the channel adjustment value is "2", voices or the like are output with the currently set speaker volume (hereinafter also referred to as the current speaker volume). Also, when the channel adjustment value is "1", voices or the like are output with the volume reduced by 75% of the current speaker volume (the volume of 25% of the current speaker volume). Further, when the channel adjustment value is "0", voices or the like are output with the volume reduced by 100% of the current speaker volume (the volume of 0% of the current speaker volume). That is, in a predetermined channel, when the channel adjustment value is "1", voices or the like associated with the channel are output at a volume smaller than when the channel adjustment value is "2", so it is more difficult to hear voices or the like compared to when the channel adjustment value is "2". Also, in a predetermined channel, when the channel adjustment value is "0", voices or the like associated with the channel are output silently, so although the output is being performed, the voices or the like cannot be heard. And in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when power is restored after a power failure, "2" is set as the initial value of the channel adjustment value for any channel. Also, the data of the currently set channel adjustment value (hereinafter also referred to as the current channel adjustment value) is stored in the sound RAM of the voice control board. Note that the channel adjustment values that can be set are not limited to the above description, and more levels of channel adjustment values may be set so that more stepwise volume adjustment becomes possible.

[0110] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the above-described speaker volume can be changed, by pressing the up key or the down key of the cross key 25, the speaker volume can be changed within a range of a plurality of predetermined levels. Specifically, by pressing the up key, the speaker volume can be gradually increased up to the maximum volume in the plurality of levels, and by pressing the down key, the speaker volume can be gradually decreased down to the minimum volume in the plurality of levels. Note that in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the speaker volume can be set within a range of 8 levels from "0" to "7" ("0" being the minimum volume and "7" being the maximum volume), but the range that can be set by operating the cross key 25 (hereinafter also referred to as the settable range) is preset to 5 levels from "3" to "7". Also, various data related to the speaker volume are stored in the sub-RAM 303 of the sub-control board 300.

[0111] The lighting control board controls the lighting and extinguishing of various lamps (front door effect lamp DL, status notification lamp EL, panel effect lamp GL, right hit notification lamp RL) and the light guide plate lamp BL based on commands from the sub-control board 300 (commands related to the execution of various effects and various suggestions, etc.). Also, when a rotation operation detection signal output from the rotation operation detection sensor 9c based on the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a or a press operation detection signal output from the press operation detection sensor 9d based on the press operation of the operation button 9b is input to the lighting control board, the lighting control board transmits a predetermined command to the sub-control board 300.

[0112] The operation control board controls the driving of the drive motor M and the rotation motor RM based on commands from the sub-control board 300. Then, when the drive motor M is driven, the effect device YS is displaced in the vertical direction within the range between the initial position and the movable position, and when the rotation motor RM is driven, a device rotation effect (an effect of rotating clockwise or counterclockwise) by the effect device YS is performed at the movable position.

[0113] (Overview of the power supply board 600) The power supply board 600 supplies power to each board such as the main control board 100, the emission payout control board 200, and the sub-control board 300. A backup power supply is provided for this power supply board 600. Further, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is provided with a power-off detection circuit for detecting the voltage value of the power supplied from the power supply board 600. When the voltage value of the supplied power becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, when the power switch 650 is turned off or an unexpected power failure occurs), this power supply detection circuit determines that a power-off has occurred and transmits a power-off occurrence signal to the main control board 100. Further, when the voltage value becomes greater than the predetermined value (for example, when the power switch 650 is turned on or when recovering from an unexpected power failure), it is determined that the power-off has been recovered, and the transmission of the power-off occurrence signal to the main control board 100 is stopped.

[0114] Then, when the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 detects a power-off occurrence signal (when a power-off has occurred), it prohibits access to the main RAM 103, calculates the checksum of the main RAM 103 (used area and unused area) and sets the backup flag, and stores various data stored in the storage area of the main RAM 103 (set values, game machine state flags indicating control states, test signal information, checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game (the number of reserved special figures in the first special figure, the number of reserved special figures in the second special figure, execution phase data indicating the progress of the special figure game, the number of reserved general figures, general figure execution phase data indicating the progress of the general figure game), game performance data) performs a backup process to hold. When the power-off occurrence signal is no longer detected (when recovering from a power-off), by comparing the checksum calculated at the time of the power-off occurrence with the checksum calculated at the time of recovery from the power-off and checking the backup flag set at the time of the power-off occurrence, it is determined whether there is an inconsistency between the stored data in the main RAM 103 at the time of the power-off occurrence and the stored data in the main RAM 103 at the time of recovery from the power-off (that is, whether an abnormality has occurred in the above backup process), and then, the process at the time of power-off recovery is executed.

[0115] Here, in order to prevent the processing at the time of power failure from becoming complicated, the sub-control board 300 in this embodiment is not provided with a power failure detection circuit, and the above-described backup processing is not performed on the sub-control board 300. Therefore, when returning from a power failure, the sub-CPU 301 controls the effect based on the various commands transmitted from the main CPU 101 as described above, so that an appropriate effect can be executed at that time.

[0116] Further, when the main CPU 101 stops detecting the power failure signal (returns from the power failure), when the playable state or the setting change state described later is set, at this time, and when the setting confirmation state described later is set, at the time when the setting confirmation state ends, the main CPU 101 transmits an initial processing execution signal for executing the initial processing for stopping the accessory effect device YS at the initial position to the sub-control board 300. Then, when this initial processing execution signal is received, the initial processing of the accessory effect device YS is executed on the sub-control board 300. Specifically, when this initial processing is executed, after the accessory effect device YS moves to the movable position, it moves to the initial position. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time from the start to the end of the initial processing is 25 seconds.

[0117] (Outline of the game of the pachinko machine P) Next, the game in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment will be described based on the various tables stored in the main ROM 102. As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the special drawing game and the general drawing game proceed in parallel. As the game states when proceeding with these two games, any game state in which either a low-probability game state (so-called non-probability variation state) or a high-probability game state (so-called probability variation state) and either a non-time-limited game state or a time-limited game state are combined is set. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a game state in which a low-probability game state and a non-time-limited game state are combined (hereinafter referred to as a normal game state), or a game state in which a high-probability game state and a time-limited game state are combined (hereinafter referred to as a high-probability time-limited game state) is set.

[0118] Here, the low-probability game state is a game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot by a jackpot lottery described later is set to a predetermined value. The high-probability game state is a game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot by a jackpot lottery is set to a value higher than that of the low-probability game state. That is, it is easier to win a jackpot by a jackpot lottery in the high-probability game state than in the low-probability game state. In addition, the non-time-limited game state is a game state in which the movable piece 16b is difficult to open (that is, the second start winning opening 16 is difficult to be in an open state), and it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. The time-limited game state is a game state in which the movable piece 16b is easier to open than in the non-time-limited game state (that is, the second start winning opening 16 is easier to be in an open state), and it is easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. Note that in the initial state immediately after factory shipment or after reset, the normal game state is set.

[0119] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched by a launching device (not shown) and flowing down the game area 12 enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, a jackpot lottery is conducted. If a jackpot is won by this jackpot lottery, a special game is executed in which the big winning opening 18 is opened and it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the big winning opening 18. Further, the game state after the end of the special game is set to the high-probability time-limited game state.

[0120] Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the game balls flowing down in the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning opening 15. Also, the game balls flowing down in the second game area 12b can enter the big winning opening 18, pass through the gate 20, and enter the second start winning opening 16. During the normal game state, the player is made to shoot out (so-called left shooting) the game balls toward the first game area 12a so that the game balls enter the first start winning opening 15. During the high-probability short-time game state and the special game, the player is made to shoot out (so-called right shooting) the game balls toward the second game area 12b so that the game balls enter the big winning opening 18, or the game balls pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning opening 16. Specifically, during the high-probability short-time game state and the special game, the effect display device 21 displays an instruction to shoot out the game balls toward the second game area 12b. When the normal game state is set, the effect display device 21 displays an instruction to shoot out the game balls toward the first game area 12a. Also, during the high-probability short-time game state and the special game, the right-shooting notification lamp RL is lit, and during the normal game state, the right-shooting notification lamp RL is turned off.

[0121] Also, the jackpot lottery is performed based on various random numbers obtained when the game balls enter the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, and various tables stored in the main ROM 102 for determining the random numbers. Here, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment has a jackpot determination random number used for jackpot determination, a winning symbol random number used for determining the type of special symbol, and a variation mode number, a reach group determination random number, a reach mode determination random number, and a variation pattern random number used for determining the pattern of the above-described variation effect (hereinafter referred to as the variation effect pattern) as random numbers used for the jackpot lottery. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number described above uses the hardware random number built into the main control board 100. This jackpot determination random number is updated according to a certain rule. Each time the random number sequence makes a round, the random number sequence is automatically changed, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset. Also, the random numbers used to determine the variable effect patterns are not limited to the above three types. For example, other random numbers may be used in addition to these random numbers, or any one or more of these random numbers may be used.

[0122] When a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, the random number values of the above-mentioned random numbers are respectively acquired, and each random number value is stored in the hold storage area of the main RAM 103. This hold storage area is composed of a first hold storage area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as the first special drawing random number) acquired by the entry of a game ball into the first start winning opening 15, and a second hold storage area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as the second special drawing random number) acquired by the entry of a game ball into the second start winning opening 16. And these hold storage areas are each composed of a total of four storage areas from the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit, and can store a total of four sets of the first special drawing random numbers and a total of four sets of the second special drawing random numbers.

[0123] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15, the first special figure random numbers are sequentially stored from the first storage unit in the first holding storage area. For example, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 in a state where no first special figure random number is stored in any storage unit of the first holding storage area, the first special figure random number obtained on this occasion is stored in the first storage unit of the first holding storage area. Also, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 in a state where the first special figure random number is stored in the first storage unit of the first holding storage area, the first special figure random number obtained on this occasion is stored in the second storage unit of the first holding storage area. Further, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 in a state where the first special figure random numbers are stored in the first and second storage units of the first holding storage area, the first special figure random number obtained on this occasion is stored in the third storage unit of the first holding storage area. Also, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 in a state where the first special figure random numbers are stored in the first to third storage units of the first holding storage area, the first special figure random number obtained on this occasion is stored in the fourth storage unit of the first holding storage area. And when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 in a state where the first special figure random numbers are stored in the first to fourth storage units of the first holding storage area, the first special figure random number related to this ball entry is not stored.

[0124] Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start winning opening 16, the second special figure random numbers are sequentially stored from the first storage unit in the second holding storage area. Since the specific storage process is the same as that of the above-described first special figure random number storage, the description thereof is omitted. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of sets of the first special figure random numbers stored in the first holding storage area (hereinafter referred to as the first special figure hold number) is stored in a first special figure hold number counter (not particularly shown), and the number of sets of the second special figure random numbers stored in the second holding storage area (hereinafter referred to as the second special figure hold number) is stored in a second special figure hold number counter (not particularly shown). In this specification, as described above, the storage of the first special figure random number and the second special figure random number in the save memory area is also referred to as "save" or "save memory", and the first special figure save number and the second special figure save number are also simply referred to as "save number".

[0125] In addition, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment has, as tables related to the jackpot lottery, a jackpot determination random number determination table 110, a winning symbol random number determination table 111, a reach group determination random number determination table 112, a reach mode determination random number determination table 113, and a variation pattern lottery table 114. Note that the tables related to the jackpot lottery are not limited to these, and when it is necessary to perform other determinations or decisions based on random numbers, tables may be provided as appropriate.

[0126] The jackpot determination random number determination table 110 is for determining whether it is a jackpot, and roughly includes a low probability determination table referred to in the low probability game state and a high probability determination table referred to in the high probability game state. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) to (l), six types corresponding to the set value being set are provided in each of the low probability determination table and the high probability determination table. Specifically, in the low probability determination table, there are provided a first low probability determination table 110a referred to when the set value is "1", a second low probability determination table 110b referred to when the set value is "2", a third low probability determination table 110c referred to when the set value is "3", a fourth low probability determination table 110d referred to when the set value is "4", a fifth low probability determination table 110e referred to when the set value is "5", and a sixth low probability determination table 110f referred to when the set value is "6". The high-probability determination table is provided with a first high-probability determination table 110g that is referred to when the set value is "1", a second high-probability determination table 110h that is referred to when the set value is "2", a third high-probability determination table 110i that is referred to when the set value is "3", a fourth high-probability determination table 110j that is referred to when the set value is "4", a fifth high-probability determination table 110k that is referred to when the set value is "5", and a sixth high-probability determination table 110l that is referred to when the set value is "6".

[0127] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, one jackpot determination random number is acquired within the numerical range of 0 to 65535. Then, according to the set value set in the pachinko machine P and the game state at the time of performing the jackpot lottery, any one of the above jackpot determination random number determination tables 110 is selected, and the jackpot lottery is performed based on the acquired jackpot determination random number and the selected jackpot determination random number determination table 110.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 7(a), according to the first low-probability determination table 110a, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10205, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is any other jackpot determination random number (0 to 10000, 10206 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this first low-probability determination table 110a is approximately 1 / 319.7.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 7(b), according to the second low-probability determination table 110b, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10208, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is any other jackpot determination random number (0 to 10000, 10209 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this second low-probability determination table 110b is approximately 1 / 315.1.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 7(c), according to the third low-probability determination table 110c, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10212, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is other jackpot determination random numbers (0 to 10000, 10213 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this third low-probability determination table 110c is approximately 1 / 309.1.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 7(d), according to the fourth low-probability determination table 110d, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10215, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is other jackpot determination random numbers (0 to 10000, 10216 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this fourth low-probability determination table 110d is approximately 1 / 304.8.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 7(e), according to the fifth low-probability determination table 110e, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10219, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is other jackpot determination random numbers (0 to 10000, 10220 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this fifth low-probability determination table 110e is approximately 1 / 299.2.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 7(f), according to the sixth low-probability determination table 110f, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10223, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is other jackpot determination random numbers (0 to 10000, 10224 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this sixth low-probability determination table 110a is approximately 1 / 293.9.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 7(g), according to the first high-probability determination table 110g, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11024, it is determined as a jackpot, and when the jackpot determination random number is other values (0 to 10000, 11025 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this first high-probability determination table 110g is 1 / 64.0.

[0135] As shown in Fig. 7(h), according to the second high-probability determination table 110h, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11040, it is determined as a jackpot, and when the jackpot determination random number is other values (0 to 10000, 11041 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this second high-probability determination table 110h is approximately 1 / 63.0.

[0136] As shown in Fig. 7(i), according to the third high-probability determination table 110i, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11057, it is determined as a jackpot, and when the jackpot determination random number is other values (0 to 10000, 11058 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this third high-probability determination table 110i is approximately 1 / 62.0.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 7(j), according to the fourth high-probability determination table 110j, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11074, it is determined as a jackpot, and when the jackpot determination random number is other values (0 to 10000, 11075 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this fourth high-probability determination table 110j is approximately 1 / 61.0.

[0138] As shown in Fig. 7(k), according to the fifth high-probability determination table 110k, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11092, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is other jackpot determination random numbers (0 to 10000, 11093 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this fifth high-probability determination table 110k is approximately 1 / 60.0.

[0139] As shown in Fig. 7(l), according to the sixth high-probability determination table 110l, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11110, it is determined as a jackpot, and when it is other jackpot determination random numbers (0 to 10000, 11111 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the winning probability of the jackpot in this sixth high-probability determination table 110l is approximately 1 / 59.0.

[0140] As described above, when comparing the high-probability determination table and the low-probability determination table with the same associated set value, the high-probability determination table is set such that the winning probability of the jackpot is approximately 5 times that of the low-probability determination table.

[0141] In addition, the jackpot determination random numbers determined as jackpots in the low-probability determination table are set to be included in the jackpot determination random numbers determined as jackpots in the high-probability determination table associated with the same set value as the low-probability determination table. That is, the jackpot determination random numbers determined as jackpots in the low-probability determination table will also be determined as jackpots in the high-probability determination table associated with the same set value.

[0142] The winning symbol random number determination table 111 is for determining the type of special symbol. As shown in Figs. 8(a) and (b), it includes a first start winning opening determination table 111a referred to when winning the jackpot by the first special symbol random number, and a second start winning opening determination table 111b referred to when winning the jackpot by the second special symbol random number. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, one winning symbol random number is obtained within the numerical range of 0 to 199. Then, when winning a jackpot by the above-described jackpot lottery, depending on the start winning opening into which the game ball has entered, one of the winning symbol random number determination tables 111, i.e., the first start winning opening determination table 111a or the second start winning opening determination table 111b, is selected, and the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained winning symbol random number and the selected winning symbol random number determination table 111.

[0143] Further, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, two types of special symbols (hereinafter referred to as jackpot symbols), X1 and X2, are provided as the special symbols determined when winning a jackpot, and two types of special symbols (hereinafter referred to as losing symbols), Y1 and Y2, are provided as the special symbols determined when losing.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 8(a), according to the first start winning opening determination table 111a, when the winning symbol random number is from 0 to 99, the special symbol X1 is determined, and when the winning symbol random number is from 100 to 199, the special symbol X2 is determined. That is, in this first start winning opening determination table 111a, the probability of determining the special symbol X1 and the probability of determining the special symbol X2 are both 50%.

[0145] Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), according to the second start winning opening determination table 111b, when the winning symbol random number is from 0 to 159, the special symbol X1 is determined, and when the winning symbol random number is from 160 to 199, the special symbol X2 is determined. That is, in this second start winning opening determination table 111b, the probability of determining the special symbol X1 is 80%, and the probability of determining the special symbol X2 is 20%. Note that in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the same jackpot symbol is determined regardless of which winning symbol random number determination table 111 it is, but it is not limited to this, and different jackpot symbols may be determined in each table.

[0146] Also, when losing in the jackpot lottery based on the first special figure random number, the special symbol Y1 is determined as a losing symbol without performing the above-described lottery based on the winning symbol random number. Further, when losing in the jackpot lottery based on the second special figure random number, the special symbol Y2 is determined as a losing symbol without performing the above-described lottery based on the winning symbol random number. That is, the winning symbol random number determination table 111 is referred to only when winning the jackpot and is not referred to when losing.

[0147] The reach group determination random number determination table 112, the reach mode determination random number determination table 113, and the variation pattern lottery table 114 are tables used to determine the variation mode number and the variation pattern number for determining the variation effect pattern. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the special symbol is determined by the jackpot lottery as described above, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number for determining the variation effect pattern are determined based on the result of the determination, and the variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number and the variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number are generated. Then, the generated variation mode command and variation pattern command are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 determines the specific mode of the variation effect (for example, the image displayed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21) for notifying the result of the jackpot lottery based on the received variation mode command and variation pattern command. The variation mode command and the variation pattern command are commands used to determine the variation time and mode of the variation effect.

[0148] The reach group determination random number determination table 112 is for determining the group to which the reach mode determination random number determination table 113 used to determine the variation mode number and the variation pattern number belongs. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, in determining the variation mode number and the variation pattern number, as a previous step, the type of the group is determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number determination table 112. A plurality of reach group determination random number determination tables 112 are provided for each game state, the type of the start winning opening related to the determination of the jackpot lottery (that is, by which start winning opening the jackpot determination random number used in the determination of the jackpot lottery was obtained by the entry of the game ball), and the number of holds (the number of holds in the first special figure, the number of holds in the second special figure). Here, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c), the reach group determination random number determination table 112 selected when the game state is a non-time-limit game state and the result of the jackpot lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening 15 is a miss, and the reach group determination random number determination table 112 selected when the game state is a time-limit game state and the result of the jackpot lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning opening 16 is a miss will be described.

[0149] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, one reach group determination random number is obtained within the numerical range of 0 to 10006. Then, when it becomes a miss by the above-described jackpot lottery, the reach group determination random number determination table 112 is selected according to the game state, the type of the start winning opening, and the number of holds at the time when the jackpot lottery is performed, and the type of the group is determined based on the obtained reach group determination random number and the selected reach group determination random number determination table 112.

[0150] Specifically, when the game state is a non-time-limit game state and the result of the jackpot lottery based on the first special figure random number obtained by the entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening 15 is a loss, if the first special figure retention number at the time of the lottery is 0 or 1, the first determination table 112a is selected, and if the first special figure retention number at the time of the lottery is 2 or more, the second determination table 112b is selected (see FIGS. 9(a) and (b)). Also, when the game state is a time-limit game state and the result of the jackpot lottery based on the second special figure random number obtained by the entry of the game ball into the second start winning opening 16 is a loss, when the second special figure retention number at the time of the lottery is 0 to 3 (that is, regardless of the number of the second special figure retention numbers), the third determination table 112c is selected (see FIG. 9(c)).

[0151] And, as shown in FIG. 9(a), according to the first determination table 112a, when the reach group determination random number is 0 to 299, the "first group" is determined, when the reach group determination random number is 300 to 8999, the "second group" is determined, when the reach group determination random number is 9000 to 9899, the "fourth group" is determined, and when the reach group determination random number is 9900 to 10006, the "fifth group" is determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), according to the second determination table 112b, when the reach group determination random number is 0 to 8999, the "second group" is determined, when the reach group determination random number is 9000 to 9899, the "fourth group" is determined, and when the reach group determination random number is 9900 to 10006, the "fifth group" is determined. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(c), according to the third determination table 112c, when the reach group determination random number is 0 to 7999, the "first group" is determined, when the reach group determination random number is 8000 to 8999, the "third group" is determined, and when the reach group determination random number is 9000 to 10006, the "fifth group" is determined.

[0152] Also, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the reach mode determination random number determination table 113 is determined without determining the group type. That is, the reach group determination random number determination table 112 is referred to only when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and is not referred to when the result is a jackpot.

[0153] The reach mode determination random number determination table 113 is for determining the variation mode number used for determining the variation presentation pattern (variation presentation mode, variation time), and for determining the variation pattern lottery table 114 used for determining the variation pattern number described later. This reach mode determination random number determination table 113 generally includes a miss determination table referred to when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and a jackpot determination table referred to when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot.

[0154] Also, a plurality of miss determination tables are provided for each type of group determined as described above. Here, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) to (e), the first group determination table 113a referred to when the "first group" is determined, the second group determination table 113b referred to when the "second group" is determined, the third group determination table 113c referred to when the "third group" is determined, the fourth group determination table 113d referred to when the "fourth group" is determined, and the fifth group determination table 113e referred to when the "fifth group" is determined will be described.

[0155] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, one reach mode determination random number is acquired within the numerical range of 0 to 2038. Then, when the group is determined by the lottery of the above-described group type, the losing determination table corresponding to the determined group type is selected, and based on the acquired reach mode determination random number and the selected losing determination table, the variable mode number and the variable pattern lottery table 114 are determined.

[0156] Specifically, for example, when the "first group" is determined by the lottery of the above-described group type, the determination table 113a for the first group is selected, when the "second group" is determined, the determination table 113b for the second group is selected, when the "third group" is determined, the determination table 113c for the third group is selected, when the "fourth group" is determined, the determination table 113d for the fourth group is selected, and when the "fifth group" is determined, the determination table 113e for the fifth group is selected (see FIGS. 10(a) to (e)).

[0157] Then, as shown in FIG. 10(a), according to the determination table 113a for the first group, when the reach mode determination random number is in the range of 0 to 2038 (that is, regardless of the value of the reach mode determination random number), the variable mode number of "00H" (the alphanumeric characters with "H" attached at the end are in hexadecimal notation. The same applies hereinafter) is determined, and the first variable table 114a is selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(b), according to the determination table 113b for the second group, when the reach mode determination random number is in the range of 0 to 2038, the variable mode number of "00H" is determined, and the second variable table 114b is selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(c), according to the determination table 113c for the third group, when the reach mode determination random number is in the range of 0 to 2038, the variable mode number of "00H" is determined, and the third variable table 114c is selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(d), according to the determination table 113d for the fourth group, when the reach mode determination random number is from 0 to 2038, a variation mode number "01H" is determined and the fourth variation table 114d is selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(e), according to the determination table 113e for the fifth group, when the reach mode determination random number is from 0 to 1799, a variation mode number "02H" is determined and the fifth variation table 114e is selected. Also, when the reach mode determination random number is from 1800 to 2038, a variation mode number "03H" is determined and the fifth variation table 114e is selected.

[0158] Also, a jackpot determination table is provided in plurality for each of the game state at the time of jackpot winning (i.e., at the time of jackpot lottery), the type of the start winning opening related to the determination of the jackpot lottery, and the type of the jackpot symbol determined when a jackpot is won. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) to (c), as the jackpot determination table, a first jackpot determination table 113f referred to when a special symbol X1 or X2 is determined based on the first special figure random number obtained by the entry of a game ball into the first start winning opening 15 or the second special figure random number obtained by the entry of a game ball into the second start winning opening 16 in a non-time-limited game state, a second jackpot determination table 113g referred to when a special symbol X1 or X2 is determined based on the first special figure random number obtained by the entry of a game ball into the first start winning opening 15 in a time-limited game state, and a third jackpot determination table 113h referred to when a special symbol X1 or X2 is determined based on the second special figure random number obtained by the entry of a game ball into the second start winning opening 16 in a time-limited game state are provided.

[0159] When a jackpot is won and the type of special symbol is determined, the game state at the time of winning the jackpot, the type of start winning opening (first special symbol random number, second special symbol random number), and the jackpot determination table corresponding to the determined type of special symbol are selected. Similar to the determination based on the above-mentioned losing determination table, based on the obtained reach mode determination random number and the selected jackpot determination table, the variable mode number and the variable pattern lottery table 114 are determined.

[0160] Specifically, when winning a jackpot based on the first special symbol random number or the second special symbol random number in the non-time-limited game state and the special symbol X1 or X2 is determined, the first jackpot determination table 113f is selected. When winning a jackpot based on the first special symbol random number in the time-limited game state and the special symbol X1 or X2 is determined, the second jackpot determination table 113g is selected. When winning a jackpot based on the second special symbol random number in the time-limited game state and the special symbol X1 or X2 is determined, the third jackpot determination table 113h is selected (see FIGS. 11(a) to (c)).

[0161] And as shown in FIG. 11(a), according to the first jackpot determination table 113f, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 199, the variable mode number of "01H" is determined and the 30th variable table 114f is selected. When the reach mode determination random number is 200 to 1299, the variable mode number of "02H" is determined and the 31st variable table 114g is selected. When the reach mode determination random number is 1300 to 2038, the variable mode number of "03H" is determined and the 32nd variable table 114h is selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(b), according to the second jackpot determination table 113g, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 999, the variable mode number of "02H" is determined and the 31st variable table 114g is selected. When the reach mode determination random number is 1000 to 2038, the variable mode number of "03H" is determined and the 32nd variable table 114h is selected. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(c), according to the third jackpot determination table 113h, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 999, the variation mode number of "A2H" is determined and the 31st variation table 114g is selected. When the reach mode determination random number is 1000 to 2038, the variation mode number of "A3H" is determined and the 32nd variation table 114h is selected. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the variation mode numbers of "A2H" and "A3H" are determined only when a jackpot is won based on the second special symbol random number in the time-saving game state and the special symbol X1 or X2 is determined.

[0162] The variation pattern lottery table 114 is for determining the variation pattern number used to determine the variation effect pattern (the mode of variation effect, variation time), and a number of them are provided. Here, as shown in FIGS. 12(a) to (h), the first variation table 114a, the second variation table 114b, the third variation table 114c, the fourth variation table 114d, and the fifth variation table 114e determined when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and the 30th variation table 114f, the 31st variation table 114g, and the 32nd variation table 114h determined when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot will be described.

[0163] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, one variation pattern random number is acquired within the numerical range of 0 to 249. Then, based on the acquired variation pattern random number and the variation pattern lottery table 114 determined together with the above-described variation mode number, the variation pattern number is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), according to the first variation table 114a, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 249 (that is, regardless of the value of the variation pattern random number), the variation pattern number of "00H" is determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 12(d), according to the fourth variation table 114d, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 249, the variation pattern number of "05H" is determined.

[0164] Also, as shown in FIG. 12(g), according to the 31st variation table 114g, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 249, a variation pattern number "A6H" is determined. Further, as shown in FIG. 12(h), according to the 32nd variation table 114h, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 89, a variation pattern number "A6H" is determined, and when the variation pattern random number is 90 to 249, a variation pattern number "A7H" is determined. Similarly, according to other variation pattern tables 114, a predetermined variation pattern number is determined corresponding to the variation pattern random number (see FIG. 12).

[0165] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, at the start of variation (that is, at the start of the variation display of a special symbol described later (at the start of the variation effect)), the above-described jackpot lottery is performed. When the jackpot lottery is performed, as a result of the jackpot lottery, according to the game state and the number of holds (the first special symbol hold number, the second special symbol hold number, etc.) at the time of the jackpot lottery, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number are determined. As described above, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number are for determining the variation effect pattern, and the mode and the variation time of the variation effect are determined by the variation mode number and the variation pattern number. Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the variation effect is divided into a first half part and a second half part. The mode and the variation time of the first half part of the variation effect are determined by the variation mode number, and the mode and the variation time of the second half part of the variation effect are determined by the variation pattern number.

[0166] Next, the determination process of the variation time of the variation effect in the special symbol game and the control of the special game will be described. The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment includes a variation time determination table 115, a special electric accessory operation table 116, a game state setting table 117, etc. as tables for performing the above-described determination process and the control of the special game.

[0167] The variable time determination table 115 is for determining the variable time. The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment includes, as this variable time determination table 115, a first variable time determination table 115a in which the variable time of the first half of the variable effect corresponding to each variable mode number (hereinafter referred to as the first half variable time) is determined, and a second variable time determination table 115b in which the variable time of the second half of the variable effect corresponding to each variable pattern number (hereinafter referred to as the second half variable time) is determined (see FIGS. 13(a) and (b)).

[0168] When the variable mode number is determined, the corresponding first half variable time is determined based on the determined variable mode number and the first variable time determination table 115a. Also, when the variable pattern number is determined, the corresponding second half variable time is determined based on the determined variable pattern number and the second variable time determination table 115b. And the total value of the first half variable time and the second half variable time thus determined corresponds to the total variable time of the variable effect for notifying the result of the jackpot lottery. Also, based on the variable time determined as described above, a variable effect is performed by the effect display device 21, and a variable display of the special symbol is performed by the special symbol display device (the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31). Specifically, when the start winning opening into which the game ball has entered is the first start winning opening 15, the first special symbol display device 30 is blinked for the determined variable time, and when the start winning opening into which the game ball has entered is the second start winning opening 16, the second special symbol display device 31 is blinked for the determined variable time. And after the elapse of the variable time, the determined special symbol is stopped and displayed.

[0169] For example, when the determined variable mode number is "03H" and the variable pattern number is "06H", a first half variable time of "20 seconds" is determined corresponding to the variable mode number "03H", and a second half variable time of "45 seconds" is determined corresponding to the variable pattern number "06H". And the total value of these, "65 seconds (=20 seconds + 45 seconds)", becomes the total variable time of the variable effect.

[0170] Note that, as shown in Fig. 13(a), the first half variation time of "0 seconds" is defined for the variation mode number of "00H". When this variation mode number is determined, the first half part of the variation effect is not executed, and only the second half part of the variation effect is executed based on the determined variation pattern number. Further, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the variation mode number "00H" is determined only when the result of the jackpot lottery is a loss (see Figs. 10 and 11). Therefore, when the variation mode number is determined, a loss display is always performed in the variation effect.

[0171] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, when the variation mode number and the variation pattern number are determined, a variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number and a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number are generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 300. Then, in the sub-control board 300, the mode of the variation effect is determined based on the received variation mode command and variation pattern command. Specifically, the mode of the first half part of the variation effect is determined based on the variation mode command, and the mode of the second half part of the variation effect is determined based on the variation pattern command. Note that, regarding the mode of the variation effect, instead of determining the mode of the first half part of the variation effect based on the variation mode command and the mode of the second half part of the variation effect based on the variation pattern command, the mode of the first half part of the variation effect may be determined based on the variation pattern command, and the mode of the second half part of the variation effect may be determined based on the variation mode command. Also, the variation effect may not be divided into the first half part and the second half part, but may be divided into more parts, and the mode of each part may be determined based on the variation mode command and the variation pattern command. Also, the mode of the variation effect may be determined based not only on the variation mode command and the variation pattern command but also on other commands. Also, it may be determined based on only one of the variation mode command or the variation pattern command.

[0172] The special electric accessory operation table 116 is for controlling special games executed when winning a jackpot, and is referred to for operating the big winning opening solenoid 18c during the execution of a special game. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14(a) and (b), as the special electric accessory operation table 116, there are provided a first operation table 116a referred to when the special symbol X1 is determined, and a second operation table 116b referred to when the special symbol X2 is determined.

[0173] Specifically, when the special symbol X1 is determined, as shown in FIG. 14(a), a special game is executed with reference to the first operation table 116a. According to this first operation table 116a, a round game that ends when either of the conditions that the big winning opening 18 is opened for 29.0 seconds or 10 game balls enter the big winning opening 18 is satisfied is executed 10 times. Also, during the execution of each round game, the big winning opening 18 is opened only once, and the time (i.e., the interval time) for the big winning opening 18 to close between each round game is set to 2.0 seconds. In this special game, the player can obtain a predetermined number of prize balls with an expected value.

[0174] Also, when the special symbol X2 is determined, as shown in FIG. 14(b), a special game is executed with reference to the second operation table 116b. According to this second operation table 116b, a round game similar to that of the first operation table 116a is executed 4 times. Also, the number of opening and closing times of the big winning opening 18 and the interval time during the execution of each round game are set to the same content as that of the first operation table 116a. In this special game, the player can obtain prize balls with an expected value less than that of the special game when the special symbol X1 is determined.

[0175] The game state setting table 117 is for setting the game state after the end of a special game when the special game is executed. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, regardless of whether the special symbol X1 or the special symbol X2 is determined, the game state after the end of the special game is set to the high-probability short-time game state. Further, both the number of times of continuation of the high-probability game state (hereinafter referred to as the high-probability number of times) and the number of times of continuation of the short-time game state (hereinafter referred to as the short-time number of times) are set to 100 times. That is, after the end of the special game, the high-probability short-time game state continues until the results of the jackpot lottery are derived 100 times. Also, when a jackpot is won during the continuation of this game state, the high-probability number of times and the short-time number of times are set again. Therefore, when the high-probability short-time game state is set after the end of the special game, and if all 100 lottery results are lost without winning a jackpot during the continuation of this game state, the game state will be changed to the normal game state.

[0176] Note that the game state after the end of the special game may be determined based on the type of special symbol determined by the jackpot lottery. For example, when either one of the special symbols X1 or X2 is determined, the game state after the end of the special game may be set to the high-probability short-time game state, and when the other is determined, it may be set to the normal game state, or a game state combining the low-probability game state and the short-time game state.

[0177] Next, the processing related to the normal pattern game will be described. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched by a launching device (not shown) and flowing down the game area 12 passes through the gate 20, a normal pattern lottery is performed to determine whether to operate the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and open the movable piece 16b. When a winning result is obtained by this normal pattern lottery, the movable piece 16b opens, and the second start winning opening 16 becomes an open state, so that it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. This normal pattern lottery is performed based on a winning determination random number obtained when the game ball passes through the gate 20 and a winning determination random number determination table 118 stored in the main ROM 102 for determining the random number.

[0178] When the game ball passes through gate 20, the above-mentioned hit determination random number is acquired, and the random number value is stored in the general pattern retention memory area of the main RAM 103 up to a maximum of four. Specifically, this general pattern retention memory area is composed of a total of four memory units from the first memory unit to the fourth memory unit, and is stored from the first memory unit in the order of passing through gate 20. Also, when the hit determination random number has already been stored in some memory units, the hit determination random number is stored in the memory unit with the smallest number among the empty memory units. And when four hit determination random numbers have already been stored in the general pattern retention memory area, even if the game ball passes through gate 20, the hit determination random number related to this passage is not stored in the general pattern retention memory area. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the hardware random number built into the main control board 100 is used as the hit determination random number. This hit determination random number is updated according to a certain rule, the random number sequence is automatically changed every time the random number sequence makes a full cycle, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of hit determination random numbers stored in the general pattern retention memory area (hereinafter referred to as the general pattern retention count) is stored in a general pattern retention count counter (not particularly shown). In this specification, as described above, the storage of the hit determination random number in the general pattern retention memory area is also referred to as "general pattern retention".

[0179] The hit determination random number determination table 118 is for determining whether it is a winning or not by lottery of the normal symbol. As shown in FIGS. 16(a) and (b), it includes a non-time-limited determination table 118a referred to in the non-time-limited game state and a time-limited determination table 118b referred to in the time-limited game state.

[0180] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball passes through the gate 20, one winning determination random number within the numerical range of 0 to 65535 is acquired. Then, if the game state at the time of performing the normal symbol lottery is a non-time-limit game state, the non-time-limit determination table 118a is selected, and the normal symbol lottery is performed based on the acquired winning determination random number and the selected non-time-limit determination table 118a. Further, if the game state at the time of performing the normal symbol lottery is a time-limit game state, the time-limit determination table 118b is selected, and the normal symbol lottery is performed based on the acquired winning determination random number and the selected time-limit determination table 118b. Note that in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, the special symbol game and the normal symbol game proceed in parallel, and even during the special game executed by winning a big hit, the normal symbol lottery is performed based on the game ball passing through the gate 20. During the special game, the non-time-limit determination table 118a is selected, and the normal symbol lottery is performed based on the table (see Fig. 16(a)).

[0181] According to the non-time-limit determination table 118a, when the winning determination random number is 1, it is determined as a win, and when the winning determination random number is other than 1 (0, 2 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the probability of winning in this non-time-limit determination table 118a is 1 / 65536. Also, according to the time-limit determination table 118b, when the winning determination random number is from 1 to 65000, it is determined as a win, and when the winning determination random number is other than this (0, 65001 to 65535), it is determined as a loss. Therefore, the probability of winning in this time-limit determination table 118b is 65000 / 65536, that is, approximately 99 / 100. Note that when winning by the normal symbol lottery, the winning symbol is determined, and when losing, the losing symbol is determined.

[0182] In addition, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment includes a normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119, a second start winning opening release control table 120, etc. as tables related to the control of the variation of the normal symbol and the opening and closing of the movable piece 16b.

[0183] The normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119 is for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol. Each variation pattern of the normal symbol has a corresponding variation time of the normal symbol associated with it. Then, as described above, when a lottery for the normal symbol is conducted by a game ball passing through the gate 20, the variation pattern (i.e., the variation time of the normal symbol) of the normal symbol is determined based on this normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, when the game state is a non-time-limited game state or during a special game, the variation time of the normal symbol is determined to be 13 seconds, and when the game state is a time-limited game state, the variation time of the normal symbol is determined to be 0.6 seconds. Then, when the variation time of the normal symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 32 (see FIG. 3A) blinks during the determined variation time of the normal symbol. When the normal symbol lottery results in a win and the winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 32 lights up, and when it results in a loss and the losing symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 32 turns off.

[0184] In addition, the second start winning opening release control table 120 is referred to for controlling the operation of the movable piece 16b provided at the second start winning opening 16. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the normal symbol display device 32 lights up, the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 opens and closes in a manner defined in the second start winning opening release control table 120. Specifically, when the game state is a non-time-limited game state or during a special game, as shown in FIG. 18, since the start winning opening solenoid 16c is energized for 0.2 seconds (= 0.2 seconds × 1 time), the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is opened for 0.2 seconds. Further, when the game state is a time-limited game state, as shown in FIG. 18, since the start winning opening solenoid 16c is energized for 5.6 seconds (= 2.8 seconds × 2 times), the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is opened for a total of 5.6 seconds.

[0185] As described above, conditions for opening and closing the second start winning opening 16 are defined for the non-time-limited game state and the time-limited game state, respectively. Due to the content of these conditions, in the time-limited game state, it is easier for game balls to enter the second start winning opening 16 than in the non-time-limited game state. That is, in the time-limited game state, as long as the game balls pass through the gate 20, the normal symbol lottery is continuously conducted and the second start winning opening 16 is frequently opened. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an opportunity for a jackpot lottery while suppressing the decrease in game balls accompanying the progress of the game.

[0186] (Outline of the process at the time of power failure recovery in the main control board 100) As described above, when the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on from off (when recovering from a power failure), the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 determines the control state where it stayed before the power was turned off (immediately before the power failure occurred), the on or off state of the setting switch 108 at the time when the power is turned on (at the time of power failure recovery), the on or off state of the RAM clear switch 109, the on or off state of the main body frame open detection sensor 2a (opening or closing of the main body frame 2), the occurrence or non-occurrence of an abnormality in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed when the power is turned off (hereinafter referred to as backup abnormality), and the occurrence or non-occurrence of an abnormality in the main RAM 103 (hereinafter referred to as RAM abnormality), and sets one of the control states accordingly.

[0187] (Occurrence and release of backup abnormality and RAM abnormality in the main control board 100) Here, the occurrence and resolution of backup anomalies and RAM anomalies in the main control board 100 will be described. When power failure occurs and there is an inconsistency between the stored data in the main RAM 103 at the time of power failure and the stored data in the main RAM 103 at the time of power failure recovery, it is determined that a backup anomaly has occurred. When the above inconsistency does not occur, it is determined that no backup anomaly has occurred. This backup anomaly is likely to occur due to transient causes (for example, when data reading or retention fails due to a temporary anomaly in any device). Also, when the main ROM 102, main RAM 103, etc. are newly installed and the power of the pachinko machine P is turned on, since the backup process has not been executed before this, a backup anomaly will surely occur.

[0188] Also, when data reading and writing become impossible within the used area of the main RAM 103, it is determined that a RAM anomaly has occurred. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, only the used area is the object of judgment for the occurrence of a RAM anomaly. When data reading and writing become impossible in the unused area, it is not determined that a RAM anomaly has occurred. Note that not only the used area but also both the used area and the unused area may be the object of judgment for the occurrence of a RAM anomaly. And when set in this way, when data reading and writing become impossible in at least one of the used area and the unused area, it may be determined that a RAM anomaly has occurred, and the processes described later (initialization process at the time of anomaly, setting of the game stop state) may be performed. This RAM anomaly is likely to occur because an anomaly has occurred in the hardware itself, such as chip damage, and replacement or repair of the main RAM 103 is required.

[0189] When a backup abnormality occurs during power failure recovery, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the backup abnormality is set. Also, when a RAM abnormality occurs during power failure recovery, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the RAM abnormality is set. When both a backup abnormality and a RAM abnormality occur simultaneously, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the RAM abnormality is set with priority given to the RAM abnormality over the backup abnormality. As will be described later, in the initialization process during abnormality that is executed when a game stop state is set, all data stored in the main RAM 103 (that is, all data stored in the used area and unused area, specifically, setting values, game machine state flags, test signal information, checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game, game performance data, etc.) is cleared.

[0190] When a game stop state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality is set, during power failure recovery, a setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions (specifically, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, and the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on) for setting the control state to the setting change state. Then, the game playable state is set when the setting switch 108 is turned off. On the other hand, when the setting change conditions are not met, the game remains in the game stop state. Also, when a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set, during power failure recovery, a setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions in a state where the RAM abnormality has been cleared (when the main RAM 103 has been replaced or repaired and there is no RAM abnormality). Then, the game playable state is set when the setting switch 108 is turned off. On the other hand, when the RAM abnormality has not been cleared during power failure recovery or when the setting change conditions are not met, the game remains in the game stop state. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality or a RAM abnormality, even if the power is turned on again, the game playable state is not directly set. Instead, through a setting change state set by turning on the power in a state where the setting change conditions are met, the game playable state is set (the game shifts to the playable state).

[0191] (Setting of the control state at power failure recovery) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 20, the control state set at power failure recovery will be specifically described. (1) When, at power failure recovery, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was the game playable state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, or the game stop state, the control state immediately before the power failure is set at power failure recovery. That is, the control state at power failure recovery remains the control state where it stayed immediately before the power failure. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the game playable state and a special game was in progress, the special game is resumed at power failure recovery. Note that in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in principle, it stays in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state only while the setting switch 108 is on. In the above case, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the setting change state, the setting change state is set at power failure recovery, and when the control state immediately before the power failure was the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is set at power failure recovery. However, since the setting switch 108 is off, the game playable state is set (changed to the game playable state) immediately after the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set.

[0192] (2) When, at power failure recovery, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, the control state immediately before the power failure is set at the time of power failure recovery. Further, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state and a special game was in progress, the special game is resumed at the time of power failure recovery. Also in this case, when the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set at the time of power failure recovery, the playable state is not set immediately thereafter.

[0193] (3) When, at the time of power failure recovery, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, and no backup abnormality or RAM abnormality has occurred In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, at the time of power failure recovery, normal initialization processing is performed based on the fact that the RAM clear switch 109 is on, and the playable state is set. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed at the time of power failure recovery, and the setting change state is set. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a game stop state, the game stop state is set at the time of power failure recovery. Also, as will be described later, in the normal initialization processing executed based on the fact that the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the data stored in the second to fourth regions in the used area of the main RAM 103 (that is, the checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game) is cleared. Therefore, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, if a hold was stored or during the variable display of the special symbol or normal symbol, the stored hold is cleared and the variable display of the special symbol or normal symbol is reset. When a special game is in progress, this special game is also reset. Also, when the control state immediately before power-off is the setting change state and the setting value is being changed, the setting value is not cleared in the above-described normal initialization process. Therefore, even in the setting change state set after power-off return, the setting value being changed immediately before power-off (the setting value stored in the main RAM 103) is maintained as it is. Then, the playable state is set immediately after the setting change state is set. As a result, the setting change state ends, and the setting value being changed will be determined as described later.

[0194] (4) When, at the time of power-off return, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, and there is no occurrence of backup abnormality or RAM abnormality Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 19, when the control state immediately before power-off is the playable state or the setting confirmation state, normal initialization processing is performed at the time of power-off return, and the playable state is set. Also, when the control state immediately before power-off is the setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed at the time of power-off return, and the setting change state is set. Also, when the control state immediately before power-off is the game stop state, the game stop state is set at the time of power-off return. Also, when the control state immediately before power-off is the playable state and there is a stored hold or the special symbol or normal symbol is in the middle of the variable display, the stored hold is cleared, and the variable display of the special symbol or normal symbol is reset. When in the middle of a special game, this special game is also reset. Also, when the control state immediately before power-off is the setting change state and the setting value is being changed, even in the setting change state set after power-off return, the setting value being changed immediately before power-off is maintained as it is. And since the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set and the setting change state does not end, the setting value being changed is not determined at this point.

[0195] (5) When, at the time of power-off return, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, and there is no occurrence of backup abnormality or RAM abnormality In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, the control state immediately before the power failure is set at the time of power failure recovery. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state and a special game was in progress, the special game is resumed at the time of power failure recovery. Also, the playable state is set immediately after the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set.

[0196] (6) When, at the time of power failure recovery, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, and there is no occurrence of backup abnormality or RAM abnormality In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is set at the time of power failure recovery. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a setting change state, the setting change state is set at the time of power failure recovery. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a game stop state, the game stop state is set at the time of power failure recovery. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was a playable state and a special game was in progress, the setting confirmation state is set at the time of power failure recovery, and then, when the setting switch 108 is turned off, the special game is resumed. Also, the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set.

[0197] (7) When, at the time of power failure recovery, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, and there is no occurrence of backup abnormality or RAM abnormality In this case, as shown in Fig. 19, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the playable state or the setting confirmation state, normal initialization processing is performed at the time of power failure recovery, and the playable state is set. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed at the time of power failure recovery, and the setting change state is set. Further, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the game stop state, the game stop state is set at the time of power failure recovery. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the playable state and there was a reservation stored or during the variable display of the special symbol or the normal symbol, the stored reservation is cleared, and the variable display of the special symbol or the normal symbol is reset. When in the middle of a special game, this special game is also reset. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before the power failure is maintained as it is even in the setting change state set after the power failure recovery. And the playable state is set immediately after the setting change state is set. As a result, the setting change state ends, and the setting value being changed is determined.

[0198] (8) When at the time of power failure recovery, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, and there is no occurrence of backup abnormality and no occurrence of RAM abnormality In this case, as shown in Fig. 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power failure was the playable state, the setting confirmation state, or the game stop state, normal initialization processing is executed at the time of power failure recovery, and the setting change state is set. Also, when the control state immediately before the power failure was the playable state and there was a reservation stored or during the variable display of the special symbol or the normal symbol, the stored reservation is cleared, and the variable display of the special symbol or the normal symbol is reset. When in the middle of a special game, this special game is also reset. Also, when the control state immediately before power-off is the setting change state and the setting value is being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before power-off is maintained as it is even in the setting change state set after power-off recovery. And since the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set and the setting change state does not end, the setting value being changed is not determined at this point.

[0199] (9) When power-off recovery occurs and there is a backup abnormality but no RAM abnormality (excluding the case where the setting switch 108, the RAM clear switch 109, and the main body frame open detection sensor 2a are all on). That is, when power-off recovery occurs and the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; when the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; when the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; when the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; when the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; when the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; when the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality, in any of these cases, regardless of whether the control state immediately before power-off is the playable state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, or the game stop state, at power-off recovery, the abnormal time initialization process is executed and the game stop state based on the occurrence of the backup abnormality is set (see Fig. 19).

[0200] (10) When the power is cut off and restored, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power cut-off is a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, when the power is cut off and restored, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and the setting change state is set. Also, when the control state immediately before the power cut-off is a playable state, if there is a reservation stored or during the variable display of a special symbol or a normal symbol, the stored reservation is cleared, and the variable display of the special symbol or the normal symbol is reset. When in the middle of a special game, this special game is also reset. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in this case (when there is a backup abnormality at the time of power cut-off and restoration), in the initialization process during abnormality executed at the time of power cut-off and restoration, the setting values are also cleared. Therefore, when the control state immediately before the power cut-off is a setting change state and the setting values are being changed, in the setting change state set after the power cut-off and restoration, the setting values being changed immediately before the power cut-off (the setting values stored in the main RAM 103) are not maintained, and the setting values stored in the main RAM 103 are changed to the preset setting values (in this embodiment, "1") as the initial values. Note that the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set, and the setting change state does not end, so the setting values are not determined at this point.

[0201] (11) When the power is cut off and restored, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is no backup abnormality, and there is a RAM abnormality In this case, as shown in FIG. 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power cut-off is a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, when the power is cut off and restored, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. Note that in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a backup abnormality occurs at power-off recovery or when normal initialization processing is executed at power-off recovery, the presence or absence of a RAM abnormality is determined. Therefore, when normal initialization processing is not executed at power-off recovery and no backup abnormality has occurred, there may be a case where, even though a RAM abnormality has occurred, it cannot be discovered (detected). In this case, even if a RAM abnormality has occurred, as if no RAM abnormality has occurred, the control state at power-off recovery is set in the same manner as in case (1) above.

[0202] (12) When, at power-off recovery, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, when the control state immediately before power-off was any of the playable state, setting change state, setting confirmation state, and game stop state, at power-off recovery, abnormality-time initialization processing is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. Also, when the fact that a RAM abnormality has occurred cannot be discovered even though a RAM abnormality has occurred, as if no RAM abnormality has occurred, the control state at power-off recovery is set in the same manner as in case (2) above.

[0203] (13) When, at power-off recovery, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, when the control state immediately before power-off was any of the playable state, setting change state, setting confirmation state, and game stop state, at power-off recovery, abnormality-time initialization processing is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, only the used area is the target for determining the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. If data cannot be read or written in the unused area, it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred. When it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred in this way, as if no RAM abnormality has occurred, the control state at the time of power-off recovery is set in the same manner as in case (3) above.

[0204] (14) When, at the time of power-off recovery, the setting switch 108 is ON, the RAM clear switch 109 is ON, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is OFF, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power-off was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, at the time of power-off recovery, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. Also, when it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred as described above, as if no RAM abnormality has occurred, the control state at the time of power-off recovery is set in the same manner as in case (4) above.

[0205] (15) When, at the time of power-off recovery, the setting switch 108 is OFF, the RAM clear switch 109 is OFF, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is ON, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power-off was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, at the time of power-off recovery, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. Also, even if a RAM abnormality has occurred but it cannot be detected, as if a RAM abnormality has occurred, the control state at the time of power-off recovery is set in the same manner as in case (5) above as if no RAM abnormality has occurred.

[0206] When power is restored after a power cut, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is no backup abnormality, and there is a RAM abnormality Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power cut was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, when power is restored after a power cut, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. Further, if it is not possible to detect that a RAM abnormality has occurred despite the occurrence of a RAM abnormality, even if a RAM abnormality has occurred, as if no RAM abnormality has occurred, the control state at the time of power restoration after a power cut is set in the same manner as in the case of (6) above.

[0207] When power is restored after a power cut, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is no backup abnormality, and there is a RAM abnormality Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power cut was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, when power is restored after a power cut, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. Further, if it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred as described above, as if no RAM abnormality has occurred, the control state at the time of power restoration after a power cut is set in the same manner as in the case of (7) above.

[0208] When power is restored after a power cut, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is no backup abnormality, and there is a RAM abnormality Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power cut was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, when power is restored after a power cut, an initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set. Also, when it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred as described above, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at power-off recovery is set in the same manner as in the case of (8) above. As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a RAM abnormality occurs, even when the setting change condition is satisfied, the game stop state is set with priority over the setting change state.

[0209] (19) When there is a backup abnormality and a RAM abnormality at power-off recovery That is, when power-off occurs and at the time of power-off restoration, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality; if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, there is a backup abnormality, and there is no RAM abnormality, in any of these cases, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power-off is a playable state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, at the time of power-off restoration, an abnormality-time initialization process is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set with priority over the game stop state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality (see Fig. 20).

[0210] Then, when the setting confirmation state or the setting change state is set by executing the above-mentioned processes (1) to (19), the setting values stored in the main RAM 103 are displayed on the main information display device 105. Also, when the playable state is set, playable state display information based on the game performance data stored in the main RAM 103 is displayed on the main information display device 105. Further, when the game stop state is set, a code indicating that the game stop state is set is displayed on the main information display device 105. In addition, when the playable state is set immediately after the setting confirmation state or the setting change state is set, the setting values are displayed on the main information display device 105 for an instant, and then the playable state display information is displayed in accordance with the setting of the playable state.

[0211] Also, when the setting confirmation state or the setting change state is set based on the setting switch 108 being on, then, when the setting switch 108 is turned off thereafter, a process of switching the setting confirmation state or the setting change state being set to the playable state is executed, and the playable state is set. And when the playable state is set, the display on the main information display device 105 also switches to the corresponding content.

[0212] Also, during the setting of the setting change state, on the condition that the main body frame opening detection sensor 2a detects the opening of the main body frame 2, each time the push button 109a is pushed and the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on, the setting values stored in the main RAM 103 are changed one step at a time. Specifically, the setting values stored in the main RAM 103 are changed to values incremented by 1. For example, when the set value stored in the main RAM 103 is "2", if the push button 109a is pressed while the main body frame 2 is open, the set value stored in the main RAM 103 will be changed to "3". Then, each time the push button 109a is pressed while the main body frame 2 is open, the set value stored in the main RAM 103 will be changed as "4" → "5" → "6", and after "6", it will be changed to "1". Note that each time the set value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed, the display of the set value on the main information display device 105 is also changed accordingly. And when the setting switch 108 is turned off, the change of the set value stored in the main RAM 103 will be disabled hereafter. That is, the set value stored in the main RAM 103 at this time will be determined as the new set value.

[0213] (Processing when an abnormal set value occurs) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when noise or the like occurs, a situation may occur where the set value stored in the used area of the main RAM 103 is rewritten to an abnormal value (for example, a value smaller than "1" or a value larger than "6", etc.). Thus, when a situation where the stored set value becomes an abnormal value (hereinafter also referred to as set value abnormality) occurs, it may not be possible to perform a jackpot lottery based on an appropriate set value, which may seriously affect the progress of the game. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the playable state, when the above-mentioned jackpot lottery or normal symbol lottery is being performed, the main CPU 101 performs a set value abnormality determination process to determine whether a set value abnormality has occurred. And when it is determined in this set value abnormality determination process that a set value abnormality has occurred, the above-mentioned initialization process during abnormality is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the set value abnormality is set. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the execution of a special game, the next jackpot lottery and the variable display of special symbols are not performed. Therefore, the setting value abnormality determination process based on the jackpot lottery can only be executed when the special game is not being executed. On the other hand, since the normal symbol lottery is performed both when the special game is not being executed and when it is being executed, the setting value abnormality determination process based on the normal symbol lottery can be executed both when the special game is not being executed and when it is being executed.

[0214] When a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, at the time of power failure recovery, a setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change condition, and then, when the setting switch 108 is turned off, a playable state is set. On the other hand, when the setting change condition is not satisfied, the game stop state remains. That is, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, similar to the case where a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality or a RAM abnormality, even if the power is turned on again, the playable state is not directly set. Instead, through the setting change state set by turning on the power in a state where the setting change condition is satisfied, the playable state is set.

[0215] (Normal initialization process, initialization process in case of abnormality, clear process) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality, a RAM abnormality, or a setting value abnormality, an initialization process in case of abnormality is executed. In this initialization process in case of abnormality, as described above, all the data stored in the main RAM 103 (all the data stored in the used area and the unused area, specifically, setting values, game machine state flags, test signal information, checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game, game performance data) is cleared. Note that when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality, a RAM abnormality, or a setting value abnormality, then, by setting the setting change state, "1" may be automatically stored in the used area of the main RAM 103 as the default setting value.

[0216] Also, when the power is restored and the RAM clear switch 109 is on and a control state other than the game stop state (playable state, setting change state, setting confirmation state) is set, except for the case where the abnormal-time initialization process is executed as described above (when a backup abnormality occurs at power restoration and the setting change state is set when the setting change conditions are satisfied), the normal initialization process is executed. In this normal initialization process, as described above, the data (checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game) stored in the second to fourth regions in the used area of the main RAM 103 is cleared. Also, when the power is restored and the RAM clear switch 109 is off and the playable state or the setting confirmation state is set, a clear process for clearing a part of the main RAM 103 is executed. In this clear process, the data (that is, the checksum, backup flag, error information) stored in the second and third regions in the used area of the main RAM 103 is cleared.

[0217] (Outline of various controls when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, backup abnormality, or RAM abnormality) As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a setting value abnormality occurs due to noise or the like during the playable state while a special pattern game, general pattern game, or special game is being executed, there may be a case where a game stop state based on the occurrence of the setting value abnormality is set. Also, in the above case, for example, when an instantaneous power outage (that is, momentary power failure) occurs and the power is restored (when the power is restored), if a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality occurs in the main control board 100, there may also be a case where a game stop state based on the occurrence of the backup abnormality or RAM abnormality is set. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when staying in the game stop state due to the above-described setting being made based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, backup abnormality, or RAM abnormality, the special pattern game, general pattern game, and special game that were being executed during the playable state before the game stop state was set are not performed, and the game does not progress.

[0218] Specifically, when the game is in a playable state and the state related to the differential ball operation stop control described later is in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or pre-announcement state, when the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 is performed, the control board 200 for launching and paying out controls the launch of the game ball. On the other hand, in the game stop state, even if the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 is performed, the control for launching the game ball by the launch payout control board 200 is not performed. That is, when the game is in a playable state and the state related to the differential ball operation stop control described later is in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or pre-announcement state, when the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 is performed, the game ball is launched. However, in the game stop state, even if the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 is performed, the game ball is not launched. Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when each control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stop state) is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 transmits a state setting command indicating that each control state has been set to the launch payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. As a result, the launch payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 can also grasp the set control state.

[0219] Also, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not detect the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 or the passage of the game ball through the game ball gate 20. As a result, even if the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, the jackpot lottery based on the entry is not performed. Even if the game ball passes through the gate 20, the normal symbol lottery based on the passage is not performed, and no new prize balls, reservation storage of new special symbol random numbers, or reservation storage of new normal symbol random numbers occur. Also, when the variable display of the special symbol, the variable display of the normal symbol, or the special game is being executed during the playable state, when the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbol, the variable display of the normal symbol, and the execution of the special game. In this way, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs the above-described control, so that the game does not proceed.

[0220] Also, when the game is in a playable state and in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or activation notice state, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, from a predetermined start time point (for example, the start time point of the variable display of the special symbol) after the ball entry to a predetermined end time point (for example, the time point when a predetermined time (for example, 3000 ms) has elapsed from the predetermined start time point), the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls to transmit a winning signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P as an external signal via the external information terminal board 500. Also, when the game is in a playable state and in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or activation notice state, when a jackpot is won, from a predetermined start time point (for example, the start time point of the special game based on the winning of the jackpot) after the winning of the jackpot to a predetermined end time point (for example, the end time point of the special game based on the winning of the jackpot), the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls to transmit a jackpot signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P as an external signal via the external information terminal board 500. As a result, even in the devices outside the pachinko machine P, it is possible to grasp the variable display of the special symbol and the winning of the jackpot based on the entry of the ball into the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16.

[0221] On the other hand, in the game stop state, since the game does not proceed as described above, the control for the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 to transmit external signals such as the above-described winning signal and jackpot signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is also restricted. For example, when the game stops during the transmission of the above winning signal, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbol, and the main CPU 101 cannot stop the transmission of the winning signal being executed, and the winning signal remains in the transmitted state. Also, when the game stops when the above winning signal has not been transmitted, even if a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 thereafter, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not detect the ball entry, and the main CPU 101 cannot start the transmission of the above winning signal. Also, when the game stops during the transmission of the above jackpot signal, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the execution of the special game, and the main CPU 101 cannot stop the transmission of the jackpot signal being executed, and the jackpot signal remains in the transmitted state. Also, when the game stops when the above jackpot signal has not been transmitted, thereafter, since the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not start the special game, the main CPU 101 does not start the transmission of the above jackpot signal.

[0222] Also, when the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 causes an error code to be displayed on the main information display device 105, transmits a state setting command (hereinafter also referred to as a game stop command) indicating that the game stop state is set to the sub-control board 300, generates a security signal indicating that the game stop state is set as an external signal, and outputs the security signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P via the external information terminal board 500. When the sub-control board 300 receives a game stop command, a predetermined game stop state setting suggestion image is displayed on the effect display device 21, a predetermined game stop state suggestion voice is output from the audio output device 10, and the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the panel effect lamp GL are lit or extinguished by a predetermined lighting pattern, thereby suggesting that the game stop state has been set. Further, the security signal output to the outside of the pachinko machine P can be received by a hall computer or an external display device for displaying various information. Accordingly, the hall computer can grasp that the game stop state has been set, and the external display device can suggest that the game stop state has been set.

[0223] (Outline of control of the movable piece 16b and the opening / closing door 18b during the game stop state) Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the operations of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 are restricted in the game stop state. Specifically, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls not to operate the start winning opening solenoid 16c that opens and closes the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16, and also controls not to operate the big winning opening solenoid 18c that opens and closes the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18.

[0224] Thereby, for example, when the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is open during the playable state, the movable piece 16b closes when the game stop state is set, and the closed state of the movable piece 16b is maintained during the game stop state. Also, for example, when the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 is open during the playable state, the opening / closing door 18b closes when the game stop state is set, and the closed state of the opening / closing door 18b is maintained during the game stop state. Also, for example, if the game stop state is set after winning in the normal symbol lottery during the playable state and before the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 opens, the movable piece 16b will not open and will remain closed during the game stop state. Also, for example, if the special game is being executed during the playable state, and after the predetermined round game ends and the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 closes, and then the game stop state is set before the next round game starts and the opening / closing door 18b opens, the opening / closing door 18b will not open and will remain closed during the game stop state.

[0225] (Outline of control related to payout of game balls during game stop state) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the game stop state, the main CPU 101 performs the above-described control so that the game does not progress. On the other hand, during the game stop state, although the control to launch the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 stops, the control to pay out the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 does not stop.

[0226] Specifically, after the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 transmits a prize ball designation command indicating that the corresponding number of prize balls will be paid out based on the entry of game balls into the general winning opening 14, the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, or the big winning opening 18 to the launch payout control board 200 (that is, after the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command), even if the game stop state is set, the control to pay out the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 is executed.

[0227] As a result, for example, when prize balls are being sequentially paid out due to game balls entering the big winning opening 18 during the execution of the special game (that is, during the playable state), even if the game stop state is set, all the prize balls based on the above-mentioned ball entry will be paid out. That is, even those prize balls that were obtained by game balls entering the big winning opening 18 before the game stop state was set but whose payout was not yet completed at the time the game stop state was set will all be paid out. Thus, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters any winning opening during the playable state and a game stop state is set during the payout of bonus balls based on the ball entry, the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and the launching of game balls by the launch payout control board 200 stop. However, the payout of bonus balls by the launch payout control board 200 continues without stopping even during the game stop state.

[0228] Similarly, after the player presses the ball loan button 36 and the ball loan payout command for the game ball lending device R to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as loan balls is transmitted to the launch payout control board 200, even if a game stop state is set, the control of the payout of game balls by the launch payout control board 200 is executed. As a result, when a predetermined number of game balls (loan balls) are being paid out by pressing the ball loan button 36, even if a game stop state is set, all of the predetermined number of game balls will be paid out. That is, even if the ball loan button 36 was pressed before the game stop state was set and the payout of game balls was started, all of the game balls that had not yet been completely paid out at the time the game stop state was set will also be paid out.

[0229] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even during the game stop state, the operation of the game ball lending device R, the value information display device 35, the ball loan switch 36a, and the card return switch 37a is not restricted, and the transmission of signals and commands from these devices and the reception of signals and commands by these devices are not restricted either. As a result, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even if the ball loan button 36 is pressed during the game stop state, all of the predetermined number of game balls will be paid out.

[0230] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even during the game stop state, the display of the value information on the value information display device 35 continues. Also, even when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the game stop state, since the game ball lending device R transmits a subtraction command to the value information display device 35, the value information on the value information display device 35 is updated and displayed even during the game stop state. Furthermore, even when the card return button 37 is pressed during the game stop state, since the card return switch 37a transmits a return request signal to the game ball lending device R, even during the game stop state, control for discharging the card by the game ball lending device R is performed.

[0231] (Outline of determination of payout-related errors during game stop state) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, among the payout-related errors, for the ball depletion error, full error, payout count switch error, ball jam error, excessive bonus ball error, radio wave error, and payout motor error, determination (detection of occurrence) of the occurrence is performed on the launch payout control board 200. Also, among the payout-related errors, for the door open error, determination (detection of occurrence) of the occurrence is performed on the main control board 100.

[0232] Here, when the game is in a playable state and the states related to the differential ball operation stop control described later are the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, and activation notice state, determination of the occurrence of the corresponding errors is performed on both the main control board 100 and the launch payout control board 200. On the other hand, during the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 only determines the occurrence of the door open error and does not determine the occurrence of other errors (the above-mentioned main control-related errors) determined by the main control board 100. Specifically, even during the game stop state, when the main body frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened, a main body frame opening detection signal or a front door opening detection signal is input to the launch payout control board 200, and thereby a main body frame opening command or a front door opening command is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100. When the main control board 100 receives the main body frame opening command or the front door opening command, the main CPU 101 determines that a door opening error has occurred. On the other hand, even during the game stop state, for example, when magnetism is directed at the game board 11, the magnetic detection sensor 70a detects the magnetism and outputs a magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100. However, even when the magnetic detection signal is input to the main control board 100, the main CPU 101 does not determine that a main control magnetic error has occurred. Therefore, during the game stop state, even if magnetism is directed at the game board 11, a main control magnetic error does not occur. Similarly, for example, when the game board 11 is irradiated with radio waves, the radio wave detection sensor 71a detects the radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100. However, even when the radio wave detection signal is input to the main control board 100, the main CPU 101 does not determine that a main control radio wave error has occurred. Therefore, during the game stop state, even if the game board 11 is irradiated with radio waves, a main control radio wave error does not occur. That is, during the game stop state, even if an event that causes a main control related error occurs, the main CPU 101 does not determine that a main control related error has occurred, so a main control related error does not occur.

[0233] Note that as described above, even during the game stop state, if it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, the main CPU 101 transmits an error suggestion command corresponding to the door opening error to the sub-control board 300. From the above, even during the game stop state, if the main body frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened, it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, and a suggestion that a door opening error has occurred is made by the effect display device 21, various lamps, and the audio output device 10.

[0234] Also, during the game stop state, the payout CPU 201 of the payout control board 200 does not determine the occurrence of any errors. Therefore, during the game stop state, the occurrence of a ball depletion error, a full ball error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive bonus ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error is not determined. Specifically, during the game stop state, for example, even if the payout motor 62 is operating, but the counting of game balls by the payout count switch 63 has not been performed for a predetermined period, the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a ball depletion error has occurred. Therefore, during the game stop state, a ball depletion error will not occur even if the counting of game balls has not been performed for a predetermined period. And since the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a ball depletion error has occurred, a ball depletion error command is not transmitted from the payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, and in the main control board 100, it is not recognized that a ball depletion error has occurred. Similarly, during the game stop state, for example, even if radio waves are irradiated to the out port 19 and the out port radio wave detection sensor 71b detects the radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the payout control board 200, the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a payout radio wave error has occurred even if the radio wave detection signal is input to the payout control board 200. Therefore, during the game stop state, a payout radio wave error will not occur even if radio waves are irradiated to the out port 19. And since the payout CPU 201 does not determine that a payout radio wave error has occurred, a payout radio wave error command is not transmitted from the payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, and in the main control board 100, it is not recognized that a payout radio wave error has occurred. That is, during the game stop state, even if events that cause a ball depletion error, a full ball error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive bonus ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error occur, the payout CPU 201 does not determine the occurrence of these errors, so these errors do not occur. Also, in the main control board 100, the occurrence of these errors is not recognized.

[0235] Note that even during the game stop state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 may continue to determine the occurrence of a ball depletion error, a full ball error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error.

[0236] (Outline of external signal transmission from the pachinko machine P to the outside during the game stop state) As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, control for transmitting external signals such as a winning signal and a jackpot signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is performed by the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100, and control for transmitting external signals such as a payout prize ball signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is performed by the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200. Here, during the playable state and when in the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, or activation notice state, both control for transmitting external signals such as a winning signal and a jackpot signal by the main CPU 101 and control for transmitting external signals such as a payout prize ball signal by the payout CPU 201 are performed. On the other hand, during the game stop state, as described above, control for transmitting external signals such as a winning signal and a jackpot signal by the main control board 100 is restricted.

[0237] Also, during the game stop state, control for transmitting external signals such as a payout prize ball signal by the launch payout control board 200 is continuously performed without being restricted. Specifically, for example, even if the game stop state is set during the transmission of an external signal such as a payout prize ball signal by the payout CPU 201, the transmission of the external signal by the payout CPU 201 ends after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, for example, if a game ball is paid out after the game stop state is set and the number of paid-out game balls reaches a predetermined number, the payout CPU 201 transmits a payout prize ball signal, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the transmission of the payout prize ball signal by the payout CPU 201 ends.

[0238] (Overview of Control When the Setting Change State or Setting Confirmation State is Set) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set, even if the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 is performed, the game ball is not launched, and the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not detect the entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16 or the passage of the game ball through the gate 20 of the game ball, and stops the variable display of the special symbol, the variable display of the normal symbol, and the execution of the special game. As a result, similar to the game stop state, the game does not proceed in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. Also, in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls so as not to operate the start winning opening solenoid 16c that opens and closes the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16, and also controls so as not to operate the big winning opening solenoid 18c that opens and closes the opening and closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18. As a result, similar to the game stop state, the movable piece 16b and the opening and closing door 18b remain closed during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. Also, in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, similar to the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 only determines the occurrence of a door release error, and does not determine the occurrence of other errors (the above-described main control related errors) determined by the main control board 100.

[0239] Furthermore, during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, similar to the game stop state, although the payout of the game ball by the launch payout control board 200 continues, the occurrence of a ball shortage error, a full ball error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive prize ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error is not determined, and the control of the transmission of external signals such as the payout prize ball signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is not restricted. Note that, during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the payout of game balls by the launch payout control board 200 may be stopped, or the determination of the occurrence of a ball shortage error, a full ball error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive bonus ball error, a payout radio wave error, or a payout motor error may be continuously performed, or the control of the transmission of external signals such as payout bonus ball signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be restricted.

[0240] (Outline of the operation stop control based on the number of balls received (operation stop control based on the number of balls received)) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in order to prevent a situation where the number of game balls acquired by the player during the game becomes excessive and the probability of winning becomes too high, based on the fact that the number of balls received from a predetermined calculation start time reaches a predetermined operation stop number (95,000 in this embodiment) during the playable state, the main CPU 101 executes an operation stop control (operation stop control based on the number of balls received) to stop the operation of the pachinko machine P.

[0241] The number of balls received is the difference between the bonus balls paid out based on the entry of game balls into each winning opening (general winning opening 14, first start winning opening 15, second start winning opening 16, big winning opening 18) (bonus balls paid out based on the detection of game balls by the general winning opening detection sensor 14a, the first start winning opening detection sensor 15a, the second start winning opening detection sensor 16a, and the big winning opening detection sensor 18a) and the game balls launched by the player and entering each winning opening or received at the out opening 19 (game balls detected by the out sensor 19a, in other words, game balls used in the game).

[0242] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the ball received count value used for determining the number of balls received is stored in a specific area in the unused area provided in the main RAM 103. The difference ball count value stored in this specific area is reset when power failure recovery occurs in a state where no specific error has occurred (when the power is turned off and on) in states other than the activation notice state and the activation state described later (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state). When power failure recovery occurs in a state where a specific error has occurred, it is not reset. That is, in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, when power failure recovery occurs in a state where a specific error has occurred, the difference ball count value stored at the time of power failure is maintained. Also, the above-mentioned difference ball count value is reset by performing an initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the setting change state in the activation notice state and the activation state. When reset, an initial value (100,000 in this form) is set for the difference ball count value. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this form, as a specific error, an error that significantly affects the progress of the game (for example, a main control radio wave error that may cause a malfunction of the main CPU 101, an illegal winning error that may cause a failure of the big winning port 18, etc.) is defined. The specific error is not limited to this, and for example, it may be an error that sets the game stop state when it occurs.

[0243] The difference ball count value is incremented by the number of prize balls scheduled to be paid out based on each ball entry (each time a game ball is detected by the general winning port detection sensor 14a, the first start winning port detection sensor 15a, the second start winning port detection sensor 16a, or the big winning port detection sensor 18a) and decremented by 1 each time a game ball is detected by the out sensor 19a. When the difference ball count value is 0, even if detected by the out sensor 19a, the difference ball count value remains 0 without being decremented. When the difference ball count value reaches a second reference value (195,000 in this form) described later, it means that the number of difference balls has reached a predetermined number of operation stop (95,000).

[0244] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, every time a game ball enters a winning opening, the number of prize balls scheduled to be paid out based on the entry is added to the difference ball count value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and every time a prize ball is actually paid out based on the entry of a game ball into a winning opening, the number of the paid-out prize balls may be added to the difference ball count value. Also, as described above, every time a game ball is detected by the out sensor 19a, the difference ball count value is decremented by 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 every time the launched game ball reaches the game area 12. That is, the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 every time a game ball is used in the game. Further, as described above, in the activation notice state and the activation state, the difference ball count value was reset by performing an initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with the setting in the setting change state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the RAM clear switch 109 is on at the time of power failure recovery and a playable state is set, it may be reset by performing an initialization process (that is, a normal initialization process executed without the setting of the setting change state). Alternatively, it may be reset by performing an initialization process at the time of abnormality. Also, as described above, in the state before activation warning and the activation warning state, the difference ball count value was reset by power failure recovery. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and similar to the activation notice state and the activation state, it may be reset by performing an initialization process (normal-time initialization process) associated with the setting in the setting change state. Alternatively, when the RAM clear switch 109 is on at the time of power failure recovery and a playable state is set, it may be reset by performing an initialization process (normal initialization process executed without the setting of the setting change state). Alternatively, it may be reset by performing an initialization process at the time of abnormality.

[0245] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as various states related to the control of the ball delivery operation stop, four types of states are provided: the pre-activation warning state, the activation warning state, the activation notice state, and the activation state. During the playable state, it stays in any one of the above four types of states.

[0246] (Pre-activation warning state) The pre-activation warning state is set when the ball delivery count value is reset, and it is a state where it stays when the ball delivery count value has not reached the first reference value (190,000 in this embodiment). During the playable state, it mainly stays in this pre-activation warning state. When the ball delivery count value reaches the first reference value, the pre-activation warning state ends and the activation warning state is set. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, it stays in the pre-activation warning state from when the ball delivery count value is reset until it reaches the first reference value.

[0247] (Activation warning state) As described above, the activation warning state is set when the ball delivery count value reaches the first reference value. When the ball delivery count value reaches the second reference value (195,000), the activation warning state ends. At this time of reaching, when a special game is being executed, the activation notice state is set, and when a special game is not being executed, the activation state is set. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, it stays in the activation warning state from when the ball delivery count value reaches the first reference value until it reaches the second reference value.

[0248] In addition, when the activation warning state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a first ball discharge operation stop control designation command indicating the same to the sub-control board 300. When the sub-control board 300 receives the first ball discharge operation stop control designation command, until the end condition that a power cut occurs, the activation warning state ends, or a predetermined time (600 seconds in this embodiment) elapses is satisfied, on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21, an activation warning suggestion indicating that it has just reached the first reference value and is about to reach the second reference value (for example, display of an activation warning character image such as "There are approximately 5,000 shots remaining until stopping") is performed (see FIGS. 51(e) to (g)), and the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the panel effect lamp GL are turned on or off according to a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, only the front door effect lamp DL is turned on in blue). Also, when the first ball discharge operation stop control designation command is received, until a predetermined activation warning voice output time (5 seconds in this embodiment) elapses from that point in time (that is, the time when the activation warning state is set), an activation warning voice (for example, a voice such as "There are approximately 5,000 shots remaining until stopping") is output. By these means, a suggestion that the activation warning state has been set is given. Regarding the output of the activation warning voice, it may be continuously output until a power cut occurs, or it may be continuously output until the activation warning state ends. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, after the activation warning state is set, unless a power cut recovery is performed, even if the ball discharge count value falls below the first reference value, the activation warning state does not end and the state before the activation warning is not set. In the case where the ball discharge count value falls below the first reference value after the activation warning state is set, the activation warning state may be ended and the state before the activation warning may be set.

[0249] (Activation notice state) As described above, the activation warning state is set when the ball count value reaches the second reference value and a special game is being executed at the time of this reaching. Then, when the ongoing special game ends, the activation warning state ends and the activation state is set. Also, when the initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the setting change state described above is performed during the activation warning state, the activation warning state ends and the pre-activation warning state is set. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a special game is being executed when the ball count value reaches the second reference value, after the ball count value reaches the second reference value and until the ongoing special game ends or the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed, the activation warning state will persist.

[0250] Note that the activation warning state may end not by performing the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state, but by performing the initialization process (normal initialization process performed without the setting of the setting change state) that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on and the playable state is set at the time of power failure recovery, or it may end by performing the initialization process at the time of abnormality.

[0251] Also, when the activation notice state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a second difference ball operation stop control designation command indicating that fact to the sub-control board 300. When the sub-control board 300 receives the second difference ball operation stop control designation command, until the end condition that a power cut occurs or the activation notice state ends is satisfied, on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21, an activation notice suggesting that the operation of the pachinko machine P stops after the special game ends (for example, display of an activation notice character image saying "It will stop after the jackpot ends", etc.) is performed (see Fig. 51(h)), and the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the panel effect lamp GL are turned on or off according to a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, only the front door effect lamp DL is turned on in blue, etc.). Also, when the second difference ball operation stop control designation command is received, until a predetermined activation notice voice output time (7 seconds in this embodiment) elapses from that point in time (i.e., the time when the activation notice state is set), an activation notice voice (for example, a voice saying "It will stop after the jackpot ends") is output. By these means, a suggestion that the activation notice state has been set is given. Note that the activation notice suggestion and the lighting or extinguishing of the various lamps according to the predetermined lighting pattern may be performed until a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) elapses. Also, the output of the activation notice voice may be continuously performed until a power cut occurs, or may be continuously performed until the activation notice state ends.

[0252] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as will be described later, when the bonus ball count value reaches the second reference value and the activation state is set, the game does not proceed (the game stops). However, as described above, when a special game is being executed when the bonus ball count value reaches the second reference value, an activation notice state is set instead of the activation state. When the ongoing special game ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. That is, when the bonus ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a special game, the game is not immediately stopped based on this arrival and the ongoing special game is not forcibly ended. Instead, the game proceeds until the final round game in the ongoing special game ends. Thereby, even when the bonus ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a special game, the player's interest can be sustained. Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even when the activation notice state is set, but the bonus ball count value decreases during the activation notice state and falls below the second reference value when the ongoing special game ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. Note that when the bonus ball count value is below the second reference value when the special game ends, the activation state may not be set.

[0253] (Activation state) As described above, the activation state is set when a special game is not being executed when the bonus ball count value reaches the second reference value, or when a special game is being executed when the bonus ball count value reaches the second reference value and the ongoing special game ends. Then, when the initialization process (normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the above-described setting change state is performed, the activation state ends and the pre-activation warning state is set. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the special game is not being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the activation state will remain until the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed after the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value. Further, when the special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the activation state will remain until the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed after the ongoing special game ends. In other words, after the activation state is set, the activation state continues without ending unless the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed.

[0254] Note that the activation state does not end by performing the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state. Instead, it may end when the initialization process (normal initialization process performed without setting the setting change state) that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on and the playable state is set at the time of power-off recovery is performed, or it may end by performing the initialization process at the time of abnormality.

[0255] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits an activation state setting command indicating that the activation state has been set to the launch payout control board 200. As a result, the launch payout control board 200 can also recognize that the activation state has been set. And in the activated state, similar to the above-described game stop state, even if the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 is performed, the game balls are not launched. Also, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is configured not to detect the entry of game balls into the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16 or the passage of game balls through the game ball gate 20. As a result, even if game balls enter the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, no jackpot lottery is conducted based on such entry, and even if game balls pass through the gate 20, no normal symbol lottery is conducted based on such passage. Also, no new prize balls, no reservation storage of new special symbol random numbers, and no reservation storage of new normal symbol random numbers occur. Further, when the variable display of the special symbol or the variable display of the normal symbol was being executed, when the activated state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbol and the variable display of the normal symbol. In this way, in the activated state, by the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performing the above-described control, the game does not proceed (the game stops), similar to during the game stop state. As described above, when the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 is performed in the activated state, although the game balls are not launched, a handle operation command is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100. And when the main CPU 101 receives the handle operation command, it transmits a rotation operation command to the sub-control board 300. Therefore, even during the activated state, the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 300 can recognize that the rotation operation of the operation handle 5 has been performed.

[0256] Also, in the activated state, since the game does not proceed as described above, similar to the game stop state, the control by the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 to transmit external signals such as winning signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P is also restricted. For example, when the activation state is set during the transmission of a winning signal, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbol, so the main CPU 101 cannot stop the transmission of the winning signal being executed, and the winning signal remains in the transmitted state. Also, when the activation state is set when no winning signal is being transmitted, even if a game ball then enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not detect the ball entry, so the main CPU 101 cannot start transmitting the winning signal.

[0257] Furthermore, in the activation state, similar to the game stop state, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 is restricted. Specifically, in the activation state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls so as not to operate the start winning opening solenoid 16c that drives the opening and closing of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16, and also controls so as not to operate the big winning opening solenoid 18c that drives the opening and closing of the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18. As a result, for example, if the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is open, when the activation state is set, the movable piece 16b closes, and the closed state of the movable piece 16b is maintained during the activation state. Also, the closed state of the opening / closing door 18b is maintained during the activation state. Also, for example, if the activation state is set before the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 opens after winning in the normal symbol lottery, the movable piece 16b is not opened and remains closed during the activation state.

[0258] Also, in the activation state, similar to the game stop state, although the control to launch the game ball by the launch payout control board 200 is stopped, the control of the payout of the game ball by the launch payout control board 200 is not stopped.

[0259] Specifically, after the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 transmits a prize ball designation command indicating that a corresponding number of prize balls are to be paid out based on the entry of a game ball into the general winning opening 14, the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, or the big winning opening 18 to the launch payout control board 200 (that is, after the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command), even if the activation state is set, the control of the payout of the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 is executed.

[0260] As a result, for example, when prize balls based on the entry of a game ball into any of the winning openings are being paid out, even if the activation state is set, all the prize balls based on the above-mentioned entry will be paid out. That is, even the prize balls that were obtained by the entry of a game ball into any of the winning openings before the activation state was set but whose payout had not been completed at the time when the activation state was set will all be paid out. In this way, when a game ball enters any of the winning openings before the activation state is set and the activation state is set during the payout of the prize balls based on the entry, although the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and the launch of the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 stop, the payout of the prize balls by the launch payout control board 200 continues without stopping during the activation state.

[0261] Similarly, after the player presses the ball loan button 36 and the game ball lending device R transmits a ball lending payout command for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as loan balls to the launch payout control board 200, even if the activation state is set, the control of the payout of the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 is executed. As a result, when a predetermined number of game balls (loan balls) are being paid out by the pressing operation of the ball loan button 36, even if the activation state is set, all the predetermined number of game balls will be paid out. That is, even the game balls that were started to be paid out by the pressing operation of the ball loan button 36 before the activation state was set but whose payout had not been completed at the time when the activation state was set will all be paid out.

[0262] Also, even during the activation state, the operation of the game ball lending device R, the value information display device 35, the ball lending switch 36a, and the card return switch 37a is not restricted, nor is the transmission of signals and commands from these devices or the reception of signals and commands by these devices restricted. Accordingly, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, all predetermined numbers of game balls are paid out.

[0263] Also, even during the activation state, the display of value information on the value information display device 35 continues. Further, when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, the game ball lending device R transmits a subtraction command to the value information display device 35, so that even during the activation state, the value information on the value information display device 35 is updated and displayed. Furthermore, when the card return button 37 is pressed during the activation state, the card return switch 37a transmits a return request signal to the game ball lending device R, so that even during the activation state, control is performed to eject the card by the game ball lending device R. Note that when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, the payout of game balls may not be performed, and the updated display of value information on the value information display device 35 may also not be performed. Also, when the card return button 37 is pressed during the activation state, the control to eject the card by the game ball lending device R may not be performed.

[0264] Also, in the activated state, similar to the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 only determines the occurrence of a door opening error, and does not determine the occurrence of other errors (the above-mentioned main control related errors) determined in the main control board 100. And even during the activated state, if it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, the main CPU 101 transmits an error suggestion command corresponding to the door opening error to the sub-control board 300. From the above, even during the activated state, if the main body frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened, it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, and the effect display device 21, various lamps, and the voice output device 10 suggest that a door opening error has occurred. Furthermore, in the activated state, similar to the game stop state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 does not determine the occurrence of any errors. Therefore, during the game stop state, the occurrence of a ball depletion error, a full ball error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive bonus ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error is not determined. Note that even during the activated state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 may also determine the occurrence of errors (main control related errors) other than the door opening error determined in the main control board 100. Thereby, even during the activated state, if the occurrence conditions for errors other than the door opening error are satisfied, the corresponding error will occur. Also, during the activated state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 may not determine the occurrence of a door opening error either. Also, even during the activated state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 may continuously determine the occurrence of a ball depletion error, a full ball error, a payout count switch error, a ball jam error, an excessive bonus ball error, a payout radio wave error, and a payout motor error.

[0265] Also, in the activated state, although the control for transmitting external signals such as winning signals and jackpot signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P by the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is restricted as in the game stop state, the control for transmitting external signals such as payout prize ball signals by the payout control board 200 is continuously performed without being restricted. Note that in the activated state, the control for transmitting the payout prize ball signal by the payout control board 200 may also be restricted.

[0266] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the activated state, the game does not proceed and the control for launching the game balls is stopped so that the game balls cannot be launched, but it is not limited to this. For example, in the activated state, although the game is not allowed to proceed, the control for launching the game balls by the payout control board 200 may not be stopped. That is, in the activated state, although the game does not proceed, the game balls may be launched.

[0267] Also, when the activated state is set, the main CPU 101 clears the displays on the first special symbol display device 30, the second special symbol display device 31, the normal symbol display device 32, the first special symbol hold display device 38, the second special symbol hold display device 39, and the normal symbol hold display device 33. Specifically, these display devices are composed of LEDs that can be lit or extinguished, and the LEDs constituting each display device are turned off. As a result, the special symbols that were in variable display or stop display on the first special symbol display device 30 and the second special symbol display device 32, the normal symbols that were in variable display or stop display on the normal symbol display device 32, the first special symbol hold number displayed by the first special symbol hold display device 38, the second special symbol hold number displayed by the second special symbol hold display device 39, and the normal symbol hold number displayed by the normal symbol hold display device 33 are all cleared. On the other hand, when the right hitting notification lamp RL connected to the sub-control board 300 is lit when the activation state is set, the lighting of this right hitting notification lamp RL continues even after the activation state is set. In addition to the right hitting notification lamp RL, for example, if a remaining number lamp or the like that indicates the first reserved figure number and the second reserved figure number by lighting in a predetermined manner is connected to the sub-control board 300, for this remaining number lamp as well, after the activation state is set, the lighting in a predetermined manner indicating the first reserved figure number and the second reserved figure number may continue. That is, for a display device connected to the sub-control board 300 that gives a suggestion related to the progress of the game, the suggestion may continue to be executed even after the activation state is set.

[0268] Also, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a third difference ball operation stop control designation command indicating that fact to the sub-control board 300. When the third difference ball operation stop control designation command is received by the sub-control board 300, at this time, after clearing various effect images such as the effect symbol 50 displayed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21, the reserved image indicating that reserved memory is being performed, and the background image, until a power failure occurs, on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21, an activation suggestion indicating that the operation of the pachinko machine P has stopped (for example, the display of an activation character image such as "The difference ball operation stop function is in operation. Hitting has stopped because the upper limit of the difference balls has been reached. Please call an attendant.") is performed (see Fig. 51(i)), a predetermined activation voice (for example, a voice saying "Hitting has stopped because the upper limit of the difference balls has been reached.") is output from the voice output device 10, and the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the board surface effect lamp GL are lit or extinguished according to a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, the front door effect lamp DL is lit in blue, the status notification lamp EL is lit in red, the board surface effect lamp GL is extinguished, etc.), whereby a suggestion that the activation state has been set is given. Note that, regarding the activation suggestion, output of activation voice, and suggestion indicating that the activation state has been set by lighting or extinguishing various lamps, it may be performed not until power-off occurs, but only until a predetermined time (a time longer than the time for which the suggestion indicating that the activation warning state has been set is made, for example, 10 minutes, etc.) has elapsed. Also, instead of clearing the various production images displayed at the time when the activation state is set, they may be continuously displayed as they are. And the above-mentioned activation suggestion (display of activation character image) may be performed overlaid on these various production images.

[0269] Also, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 is configured to display a code indicating the activation state on the main information display device 105. Thereby, it is possible to grasp by the main information display device 105 that the activation state has been set. Note that when the activation state is set, no display may be performed on the main information display device 105. That is, the display on the main information display device 105 may be cleared.

[0270] Also, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 generates a security signal indicating that the activation state has been set as an external signal, and outputs the security signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P (such as a hall computer or an external display device) via the external information terminal board 500. This security signal can be received by the hall computer or the above-mentioned external display device. Thereby, it is possible to grasp by the hall computer that the activation state has been set, and it is possible to suggest that the activation state has been set on the external display device. Also, during the generation and output of the security signal based on the setting of the activation state, activation security information indicating that the security signal is being generated and output is stored in the first area of the main RAM 103. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when power failure recovery (turning the power off and on) is performed without executing the initialization process (i.e., the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state) that will end the activation state during the activation state, the generation and output of the above-described security signal are resumed. As a result, even if a power failure occurs during the activation state, after the power failure recovery, the hall computer can recognize again that it is in the activation state, and the external display device can suggest again that it is in the activation state. In addition, even when the activation notice state is set, a security signal similar to that when the activation state is set is generated and output, and when power failure recovery is performed without executing the initialization process (i.e., the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state) that will end the activation notice state during the activation notice state, the generation and output of the security signal may be resumed.

[0271] In the activation state, since the game does not proceed and the game balls are not launched, the game balls do not enter the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, and the variable display of the special symbol, the special game, and the normal game are not executed. Therefore, various commands (for example, the start winning command based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, the variable mode command and the variable pattern command based on the start of the variable display of the special symbol, the opening command based on the start of the special game, etc.) associated with the execution (progress of the game) are not transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300. In addition, a cross key detection sensor 25a for detecting the pressing operation of the cross key 25 and a pressing operation detection sensor 9d for detecting the pressing operation of the operation button 9b are connected to the sub-control board 300, but even in the activation state, the detection by these sensors is executed. As a result, even during the activation state, the sub-control board 300 can recognize the pressing operation of the operation button 9b and the pressing operation of the cross key 25.

[0272] (Outline of settings for various states related to differential ball operation stop control) Also, as described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in a specific area in the unused area provided in the main RAM 103, various states related to the stop control of the difference balls (pre-warning state before activation, warning state before activation, pre-announcement state before activation, activation state) are stored. The difference ball operation stop control phase data for setting is stored. By storing state values corresponding to the above-described various states in this difference ball operation stop control phase data, one of the pre-warning state before activation, warning state before activation, pre-announcement state before activation, and activation state is set.

[0273] Specifically, when power failure recovery is performed in the pre-warning state before activation or the warning state before activation, or when initialization processing associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed in the pre-announcement state before activation or the activation state, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and then stores the state value corresponding to the pre-warning state before activation in this difference ball operation stop control phase data. Thereby, the pre-warning state before activation is set. That is, when power failure recovery is performed in the pre-warning state before activation or the warning state before activation, as described above, the difference ball count value is reset, so that the pre-warning state before activation is set. Also, when initialization processing associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed in the pre-announcement state before activation or the activation state, these states end and the difference ball count value is reset, so that the pre-warning state before activation is set.

[0274] Also, when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, the main CPU 101 stores the state value corresponding to the warning state before activation in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to the state value corresponding to the warning state before activation. Thereby, the warning state before activation is set. Also, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and a special game is being executed at the time of this arrival, the main CPU 101 stores the state value corresponding to the pre-announcement state before activation in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to the state value corresponding to the pre-announcement state before activation. Thereby, the pre-announcement state before activation is set. Also, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and no special game is being executed at the time of this reaching, or when the special game being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value ends, the main CPU 101 stores the state value corresponding to the activated state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to the state value corresponding to the activated state. Thereby, the activated state is set.

[0275] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the game stop state, setting change state, or setting confirmation state, which are control states where the game does not progress, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 is restricted, and the movable piece 16b and the big winning opening 18 remain closed during the control state where the game does not progress. Thereby, even though the game is not progressing, by continuously operating the start winning opening solenoid 16c and the big winning opening solenoid 18c, it is possible to prevent situations such as these components overheating, malfunctioning, or being damaged. Also, by keeping the second start winning opening 16 and the big winning opening 18 open continuously, it is possible to prevent illegal acts such as inserting illegal parts into these winning openings to obtain prize balls while the game is not progressing.

[0276] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the game stop state, which is a control state where the game does not progress, although the game balls are not launched, the payout of game balls (both the payout of prize balls and the payout of loan balls) by the payout control board 200 continues, and the display of value information on the value information display device 35, the ejection of cards by the game ball lending device R, etc. are also performed. This can prevent disadvantages such as, for example, even if a game ball enters any winning opening before the game stop state is set, the payout of bonus balls stops due to the setting of the game stop state, and a part of the bonus balls based on the above-mentioned ball entry cannot be obtained, or even if the player presses the ball lending switch 36 before the game stop state is set, the payout of lent balls stops due to the setting of the game stop state, and a part of the lent balls cannot be obtained. Also, even when the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 does not need to execute special processing such as sending a signal or command to stop the operation or stop the payout of game balls to the launch payout control board 200, so it is possible to prevent an increase in the load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101.

[0277] Further, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the game stop state which is a control state where the game does not progress, only for the door opening error among the errors determined to occur on the main control board 100, the determination of occurrence is made. This can prevent a situation where the main body frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened during the game stop state and an illegal act is performed on the main control board 100.

[0278] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the game stop state which is a control state where the game does not progress, although the control of transmitting external signals such as winning signals and jackpot signals from the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P is restricted, the control of transmitting external signals such as payout bonus ball signals from the launch payout control board 200 to the outside of the pachinko machine P is not restricted. This enables the information regarding the payout of the game balls to be reliably grasped by a device external to the pachinko machine P even during a game stop state in which the control of the payout of the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 is continuously performed. Also, even when the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 does not need to execute any special processing such as transmitting a command to stop the transmission of signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P to the launch payout control board 200. Further, since the control of the transmission of external signals such as winning signals and jackpot signals by the main control board 100 is restricted, it is possible to prevent an increase in the load on the hardware resources such as the main CPU 101.

[0279] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time during which the main control board 100 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is set to be longer than the time during which the launch payout control board 200 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. As a result, the external signal transmitted from the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P is more reliably transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P than the external signal transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the outside of the pachinko machine P.

[0280] Note that the setting of the transmission time is not limited to this. For example, the time during which the launch payout control board 200 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be set to be longer than the time during which the main control board 100 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. When set in this way, the external signal transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the outside of the pachinko machine P is more reliably transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P than the external signal transmitted from the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P. Also, the time during which the launch payout control board 200 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P and the time during which the main control board 100 transmits an external signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be set to be the same.

[0281] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, based on the difference ball count value reaching the second reference value (the number of difference balls reaching the predetermined number of operation stop counts), a starting state is set in which the game does not proceed and the shooting of game balls is not performed. This can prevent a situation where the number of game balls obtained by the player during the game becomes excessive and the probability of winning becomes too high, and the same effect as in the above-described game stop state occurs.

[0282] Also, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the starting state, among the errors determined by the main control board 100 during the game stop state, only the door opening error is determined to occur. This makes it possible to prevent a situation where the main body frame 2 or the front door 3 is opened during the starting state and an illegal act is performed on the main control board 100.

[0283] (Outline of generation and output of test signal) As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the main CPU 101 can generate a test signal used in the type test at various timings and output it to the outside of the pachinko machine P from the test dedicated output terminal 107. In principle, the main CPU 101 continuously outputs the generated test signal to the test dedicated output terminal 107 from the start to the end of the generation of the test signal (from the establishment of the output start condition to the establishment of the output end condition). At this time, by connecting a dedicated receiving terminal to the test dedicated output terminal 107, the above-described test signal is input to a test computer equipped with the receiving terminal. That is, the generated test signal is output to the outside of the pachinko machine P (test computer) via the test dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal when a dedicated receiving terminal is connected to the test dedicated output terminal 107. On the other hand, when a dedicated receiving terminal is not connected to the test dedicated output terminal 107, although the generated test signal is output to the test dedicated output terminal 107, it is not output to the outside of the pachinko machine P. In addition, in...

Claims

Claim 1 game control means for controlling the progress of the game; giving means for giving a predetermined amount of game value based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and comprising: The game control means is configured to set a game impossible state in which the progress of the game becomes impossible based on the fact that a difference amount, which is a difference between the amount of game value related to the giving by the giving means from a predetermined calculation start time point and the amount of game value used in the game, has reached a specific amount. At a specific time point between the predetermined calculation start time point and when the difference amount reaches the specific amount, a specific suggestion can be started. A gaming machine capable of executing a specific effect when the game is not in progress, As aspects of the specific effect, there are a first aspect that obstructs the visibility of the specific suggestion and a second aspect that does not obstruct the visibility of the specific suggestion. When the specific effect is executed during the execution of the specific suggestion, although the specific effect is not executed according to the first aspect, When the specific effect is executed during the non-execution of the specific suggestion, the gaming machine is characterized in that the specific effect is executed according to the first aspect.

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