Gaming machine

Abstract

To properly operate a movable portion.SOLUTION: Due to a change of at least one of a position and a posture of a specific movable portion, the specific movable portion can perform a shift from a state being placed at an original position to a state being placed at a presentation position or a shift from a state being placed at the presentation position to a state being placed at the original position. On the basis of establishment of a preset operation condition, a sub CPU can perform control for allowing a performance of specific operation in which the specific movable portion is shifted from a state being placed in the original position to a state being placed at the presentation position. The sub CPU can perform special control when a special condition is established. When the special condition is established, due to a performance of the special control, a performance of the specific operation by the specific movable portion is regulated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Some gaming machines are equipped with a movable part as an example of a device for executing an effect. Patent Document 1 discloses a pachinko gaming machine as a gaming machine equipped with a movable part. The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 executes an effect of operating the movable part during the execution of a variable game. Such a gaming machine equipped with a movable part can affect the interest of the player when the movable part operates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Today, it is required to appropriately operate the movable part according to the situation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The gaming machine that solves the above problems is a gaming machine capable of executing a variable game based on the result of a predetermined lottery and capable of executing various effects. The gaming machine includes a counting generation unit that generates counting information regarding the number of gaming media, a specific movable part, and a control unit that controls the operation of the specific movable part. The effects include an effect capable of suggesting or notifying the winning expectancy by the operation of the specific movable part. The state of the specific movable part includes a first state and a second state. The specific movable part can shift from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state by changing at least one of the position and posture of the specific movable part. The control unit can execute control to cause the specific movable part to execute a specific operation of shifting from the first state to the second state based on the establishment of a predetermined operation condition. A special condition that is established based on the number of gaming media that can be specified by the counting information is established in at least a part of the period after It is possible to execute special control, and the special condition is established in at least a part of the period after When the special control is executed, the execution of the specific operation by the specific movable part is restricted it may be the case that the variable game can be executed in at least a part of the period after the special condition is satisfied This is the gist

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the movable part can be operated appropriately

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

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Figure 15

Figure 16

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments embodied in a pachinko game machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions when viewed from the player.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a frame body 11. The frame body 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine body to the island equipment, and a middle frame 11b and a front frame 11c for mounting various game parts. The middle frame 11b is supported by the outer frame 11a so as to be openable and closable. The middle frame 11b has a game board YB. The front frame 11c is supported by the middle frame 11b so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 11c has a protective glass Hg for protecting the game board YB. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a locking device Ss for locking the middle frame 11b and the front frame 11c. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that the middle frame 11b and the front frame 11c cannot be opened with respect to the outer frame 11a unless unlocked using a key compatible with the locking device Ss.

[0013] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a firing handle HD. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a game ball as a gaming medium is fired with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the firing handle HD. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the firing intensity is adjusted by operating the firing handle HD, and the game ball is fired with the adjusted firing intensity.

[0014] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a speaker SP. The speaker SP executes an effect (hereinafter referred to as a voice effect) of outputting sounds such as voices of people and animals, sound effects, and music. As an example, the speaker SP is provided on the front frame 11c.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA executes an effect (hereinafter referred to as a light emission effect) of lighting, flashing, and turning off a built-in light emitter. As an example, the decorative lamp LA is provided on the front frame 11c and the game board YB. The decorative lamp LA provided on the front frame 11c includes a left frame decorative lamp LAa and a right frame decorative lamp LAb. The left frame decorative lamp LAa is provided on the left side portion of the front frame 11c. The right frame decorative lamp LAb is provided on the right side portion of the front frame 11c.

[0016] The decorative lamp LA provided on the game board YB includes an on-board decorative lamp LAc, a left board decorative lamp LAd, a right board decorative lamp LAe, a lower left board decorative lamp LAf, and a lower right board decorative lamp LAg. The on-board decorative lamp LAc is provided on the upper side portion of the game board YB. The left board decorative lamp LAd is provided on the left side portion of the game board YB and is provided below the on-board decorative lamp LAc. The right board decorative lamp LAe is provided on the right side portion of the game board YB and is provided below the on-board decorative lamp LAc. The lower left board decorative lamp LAf is provided on the left side portion of the game board YB and is provided below the left board decorative lamp LAd. The lower right board decorative lamp LAg is provided on the right side portion of the game board YB and is provided below the right board decorative lamp LAe. The decorative lamps LAa to LAe are an example of a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification by lighting, flashing, and turning off a built-in light emitter.

[0017] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with an information display device 13. The information display device 13 has a first special symbol display unit 13a and a second special symbol display unit 13b as display units capable of displaying a special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a special game). The special game is an example of a variation game. The special symbol variation game includes a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as the first special game) and a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as the second special game). The first special game is an example of a first variation game. The second special game is an example of a second variation game. In the first special game, a predetermined symbol is variably displayed, and finally, a first special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is fixedly stopped and displayed. In the second special game, a predetermined symbol is variably displayed, and finally, a second special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is fixedly stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the jackpot lottery as the result of the special game. The first special symbol display unit 13a displays the first special game. The second special symbol display unit 13b displays the second special game. In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the symbol is fixedly stopped and displayed and the type of the displayed symbol does not change. For a symbol, "fixed stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning. The second special game is preferentially executed with respect to the first special game. The first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously in parallel.

[0018] The special symbols include a jackpot symbol, which is an example of a jackpot display result as the result of the special game, and a losing symbol, which is an example of a non-jackpot display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery, after the jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, a jackpot game is generated (awarded). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when not winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery, a losing symbol is derived in the special game.

[0019] The information display device 13 has a first special hold display section 13c. The first special hold display section 13c displays information that can identify the number of times of the first special game (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number) whose execution is on hold because the start condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. The information display device 13 has a second special hold display section 13d. The second special hold display section 13d displays information that can identify the number of times of the second special game (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number) whose execution is on hold because the start condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. As an example, the upper limit values of the first special hold number and the second special hold number are each 4.

[0020] The information display device 13 has a normal symbol display section 13e. The normal symbol display section 13e displays a normal game. In the normal game, a predetermined symbol is variably displayed, and finally the normal symbol is fixedly stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a normal lottery as the result of the normal game. The normal symbol includes a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when winning a normal win in the normal lottery, a normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and after the end of the normal winning normal game, a normal winning game occurs (is granted). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when not winning a normal win in the normal lottery, a normal losing symbol is derived in the normal game. The information display device 13 has a normal hold display section 13f. The normal hold display section 13f displays information that can identify the number of times of the normal game (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number) whose execution is on hold because the start condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. As an example, the upper limit value of the normal hold number is 4.

[0021] On the front side of the game board YB provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a game area YBa is formed where game balls, which are an example of game media, flow down. In the game board YB, an opening window YBb is formed approximately at the center in a front view. A center frame W with various designs is assembled in the opening window YBb. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has an image display unit GH capable of displaying images. The image display unit GH is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The effect display device EH is assembled to the game board YB such that the image display area of the image display unit GH is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front. The effect display device EH executes an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) of displaying an image imitating a predetermined character or text. In the present embodiment, the effect display device EH is an example of an image display unit capable of displaying images.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP are each an effect device that executes an effect, and these constitute an effect device group DE that is an example of effect execution means. The effect execution means is not limited to including all of the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP, and may be configured by one or a plurality of effect devices that can be arbitrarily selected from these effect devices.

[0023] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a movable part that performs a predetermined operation. The movable part executes an effect (hereinafter referred to as a movable effect) that operates the movable part. That is, the effects executable in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment include an effect in which the movable part operates. As an example, the movable part is provided on the game board YB. The movable part is provided on the front side of the effect display device EH. The movable part includes an upper movable part 80, a left movable part 81, a right movable part 82, a lower left movable part 90, and a lower right movable part 91.

[0024] The state of the upper movable part 80 includes a state where it is disposed at the original position P0a and a state where it is disposed at the effect position P1a. The state where the upper movable part 80 is disposed at the original position P0a is an example of a predetermined state and an example of a first state. The state where the upper movable part 80 is disposed at the effect position P1a is an example of a second state. The upper movable part 80 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0a and the effect position P1a. The upper movable part 80 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a to the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1a by the change in the position of the upper movable part 80. The upper movable part 80 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1a to the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a by the change in the position of the upper movable part 80. The operation of the upper movable part 80 shifting from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a to the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1a is an example of a specific operation. Thus, the upper movable part 80 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a to a state different from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a. The original position P0a is the position where the upper movable part 80 is disposed above the upper part of the opening window YBb. The effect position P1a is the position where the upper movable part 80 is displaced downward from the original position P0a and disposed closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view.

[0025] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an upper original position sensor GSa (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the upper movable part 80 when the upper movable part 80 is in the state of being disposed at the original position P0a. The upper original position sensor GSa is, as an example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an upper movable actuator KA1 as means for operating the upper movable part 80 (shown in FIG. 3). The upper movable actuator KA1 is, as an example, a stepping motor. The upper movable part 80 operates when the power of the upper movable actuator KA1 is transmitted through a power transmission mechanism (a gear mechanism as an example) not shown. That is, the upper movable part 80 is configured to be displaceable between the original position P0a and the effect position P1a by the power of the upper movable actuator KA1. The upper movable part 80 is an example of a specific movable part and an example of a first movable part.

[0026] The state of the left movable part 81 includes a state where it is disposed at the original position P0b and a state where it is disposed at the effect position P1b. The state where the left movable part 81 is disposed at the original position P0b is an example of a predetermined state and an example of the first state. The state where the left movable part 81 is disposed at the effect position P1b is an example of the second state. The left movable part 81 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0b and the effect position P1b. The left movable part 81 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0b to the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1b as the position of the left movable part 81 changes. The left movable part 81 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1b to the state where it is disposed at the original position P0b as the position of the left movable part 81 changes. The operation of the left movable part 81 shifting from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0b to the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1b is an example of a specific operation. Thus, the left movable part 81 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0b to a state different from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0b. The original position P0b is a position where the left movable part 81 is disposed at the left side portion of the opening window YBb. The effect position P1b is a position where the left movable part 81 is displaced rightward from the original position P0b and is disposed closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. The left movable part 81 is disposed below the upper movable part 80 regardless of whether it is disposed at either the original position P0b or the effect position P1b.

[0027] When the left movable part 81 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a state where it is arranged at the original position P0b, the left original position sensor GSb (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the left movable part 81 is provided. The left original position sensor GSb is, as an example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a left movable actuator KA2 (shown in FIG. 3) as means for operating the left movable part 81. The left movable actuator KA2 is, as an example, a stepping motor. The left movable part 81 operates when the power of the left movable actuator KA2 is transmitted through a power transmission mechanism (a gear mechanism as an example) not shown. That is, the left movable part 81 is configured to be displaceable between the original position P0b and the effect position P1b by the power of the left movable actuator KA2. The left movable part 81 is an example of a specific movable part and an example of a second movable part.

[0028] The state of the right movable part 82 includes a state where it is disposed at the original position P0c and a state where it is disposed at the effect position P1c. The state where the right movable part 82 is disposed at the original position P0c is an example of a predetermined state and an example of the first state. The state where the right movable part 82 is disposed at the effect position P1c is an example of the second state. The right movable part 82 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0c and the effect position P1c. The right movable part 82 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c to the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1c by changing the position of the right movable part 82. The right movable part 82 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1c to the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c by changing the position of the right movable part 82. The operation of the right movable part 82 shifting from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c to the state where it is disposed at the effect position P1c is an example of a specific operation. Thus, the right movable part 82 can shift from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c to a state different from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c. The original position P0c is a position where the right movable part 82 is disposed at the right side portion of the opening window YBb. The effect position P1c is a position where the right movable part 82 is displaced leftward from the original position P0c and is disposed closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. The right movable part 82 is disposed below the upper movable part 80 regardless of whether it is disposed at either the original position P0c or the effect position P1c.

[0029] When the right movable part 82 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in the state of being arranged at the original position P0c, it is provided with a right original position sensor GSc (shown in FIG. 3) for detecting the right movable part 82. The right original position sensor GSc is, as an example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a right movable actuator KA3 (shown in FIG. 3) as means for operating the right movable part 82. The right movable actuator KA3 is, as an example, a stepping motor. The right movable part 82 operates when the power of the right movable actuator KA3 is transmitted through a power transmission mechanism (a gear mechanism as an example) not shown in the figure. That is, the right movable part 82 is configured to be displaceable between the original position P0c and the effect position P1c by the power of the right movable actuator KA3. The right movable part 82 is an example of a specific movable part and an example of a second movable part.

[0030] The state of the lower left movable part 90 includes a state of being arranged at the original position P0d and a state of being arranged at the effect position P1d. The state where the lower left movable part 90 is arranged at the original position P0d is an example of a predetermined state. The lower left movable part 90 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0d and the effect position P1d. The lower left movable part 90 can shift from the state of being arranged at the original position P0d to the state of being arranged at the effect position P1d by changing the position of the lower left movable part 90. The lower left movable part 90 can shift from the state of being arranged at the effect position P1d to the state of being arranged at the original position P0d by changing the position of the lower left movable part 90. Thus, the lower left movable part 90 can shift to a state different from the state of being arranged at the original position P0d from the state of being arranged at the original position P0d. The original position P0d is the position where the lower left movable part 90 is arranged at the left side portion of the opening window YBb. The effect position P1d is the position where the lower left movable part 90 is displaced rightward from the original position P0d and is arranged closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. The lower left movable part 90 is arranged below the left movable part 81 in any case of being arranged at either the original position P0d or the effect position P1d.

[0031] When the left - lower movable part 90 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a state where it is arranged at the original position P0d, it is provided with a left - lower original - position sensor GSd (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the left - lower movable part 90. The left - lower original - position sensor GSd is, as an example, a photo - sensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a left - lower movable actuator KA4 (shown in FIG. 3) as means for operating the left - lower movable part 90. The left - lower movable actuator KA4 is, as an example, a stepping motor. The left - lower movable part 90 operates when the power of the left - lower movable actuator KA4 is transmitted through a power - transmission mechanism (a gear mechanism as an example) not shown in the figure. That is, the left - lower movable part 90 is configured to be displaceable between the original position P0d and the effect position P1d by the power of the left - lower movable actuator KA4.

[0032] Regarding the state of the right - lower movable part 91, there are a state where it is arranged at the original position P0e and a state where it is arranged at the effect position P1e. The state where the right - lower movable part 91 is arranged at the original position P0e is an example of a predetermined state. The right - lower movable part 91 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0e and the effect position P1e. The right - lower movable part 91 can shift from the state where it is arranged at the original position P0e to the state where it is arranged at the effect position P1e as the position of the right - lower movable part 91 changes. The right - lower movable part 91 can shift from the state where it is arranged at the effect position P1e to the state where it is arranged at the original position P0e as the position of the right - lower movable part 91 changes. Thus, the right - lower movable part 91 can shift from the state where it is arranged at the original position P0e to a state different from the state where it is arranged at the original position P0e. The original position P0e is a position where the right - lower movable part 91 is arranged at the right - hand side portion of the opening window YBb. The effect position P1e is a position where the right - lower movable part 91 is displaced leftward from the original position P0e and is arranged closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. The right - lower movable part 91 is arranged below the right - hand movable part 82 regardless of whether it is arranged at either the original position P0e or the effect position P1e.

[0033] When the right - lower movable part 91 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a state where it is arranged at the original position P0e, it is provided with a right - lower original - position sensor GSe (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the right - lower movable part 91. The right - lower original - position sensor GSe is, as an example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a right - lower movable actuator KA5 (shown in FIG. 3) as means for operating the right - lower movable part 91. The right - lower movable actuator KA5 is, as an example, a stepping motor. The right - lower movable part 91 operates when the power of the right - lower movable actuator KA5 is transmitted through a power - transmission mechanism (a gear mechanism as an example) not shown in the figure. That is, the right - lower movable part 91 is configured to be displaceable between the original position P0e and the effect position P1e by the power of the right - lower movable actuator KA5. In the following description, when simply referred to as the "movable part", it includes all of the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, the lower - left movable part 90, and the right - lower movable part 91.

[0034] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes, as an example of a winning port, a first start port 15. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a first start sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 3) that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 15. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the start condition of the first special game can be satisfied, and the payout condition of a predetermined number (3 as an example) of prize balls is satisfied. The first start port 15 is always open so that a game ball can enter.

[0035] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second start port 16 as an example of a winning port. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second start sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 16 (shown in FIG. 3). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the start condition for the second special game can be satisfied, and the payout condition for a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls is satisfied. The second start port 16 has a normal variable member 17 that can operate between an open state in which a game ball can enter the second start port 16 and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the second start port 16. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal actuator SL1 as a means for operating the normal variable member 17 (shown in FIG. 3). The normal actuator SL1 is, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid. The normal variable member 17 is operated to the open state in a normal winning game.

[0036] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a big winning port 18 as an example of a winning port. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a special winning sensor SE3 that detects a game ball that has entered the big winning port 18 (shown in FIG. 3). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the special winning sensor SE3, the payout condition for a predetermined number (for example, ten) of prize balls is satisfied. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a special variable member 19 that can operate between an open state in which a game ball can enter the big winning port 18 and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the big winning port 18. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a special actuator SL2 as a means for operating the special variable member 19 (shown in FIG. 3). The special actuator SL2 is, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid. The special variable member 19 is operated to the open state in a big winning game.

[0037] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gate 25. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal start sensor SE4 that detects a game ball passing through the gate 25 (shown in FIG. 3). When a game ball is detected by the normal start sensor SE4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can satisfy the start condition of a normal game, while the condition for paying out a prize ball is not satisfied. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal winning opening 26 as an example of a winning opening. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal winning sensor SE5 that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning opening 26 (shown in FIG. 3). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the normal winning sensor SE5, the condition for paying out a predetermined number (one as an example) of prize balls is satisfied. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an out port 27. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an out sensor SE6 that detects a game ball passing through the out port 27 (shown in FIG. 3). The out port 27 is formed at the lower end of the game area YBa. Among the game balls launched into the game area YBa, the game balls that have not entered any of the first start opening 15, the second start opening 16, the big winning opening 18, and the normal winning opening 26 are discharged from the out port 27 to the outside of the machine.

[0038] As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can adjust the firing intensity of the game balls according to the operation amount (rotation amount) of the firing handle HD. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game balls can be distributed so as to flow down either in the left area R1 of the center frame W or in the right area R2 of the center frame W. In the flow path of the game balls in the left area R1, a first starting port 15 and a normal winning port 26 are arranged. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, in the game area YBa, by firing the game balls so as to flow down in the left area R1, it is possible to make the game balls enter the first starting port 15 and the normal winning port 26. In the following description, firing the game balls at the firing intensity such that the game balls flow down in the left area R1 among the firing intensities of the game balls is referred to as "left hitting". In the flow path of the game balls in the right area R2, a second starting port 16, a big winning port 18, and a gate 25 are arranged. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, in the game area YBa, by firing the game balls so as to flow down in the right area R2, it is possible to make the game balls enter the second starting port 16, the big winning port 18, and the gate 25. In the following description, firing the game balls at the firing intensity such that the game balls flow down in the right area R2 among the firing intensities of the game balls is referred to as "right hitting".

[0039] Next, the game states of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function for varying the big win probability to a high probability and a ball entry assistance function for assisting the entry of game balls into the second starting port 16. The game states in the pachinko gaming machine 10 are configured by combining the operating states (operating and non-operating) of these functions.

[0040] The probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as the probability variation function) will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of probability states as states with different big win probabilities. The plurality of probability states include a low probability state and a high probability state in which the big win probability is higher than that of the low probability state. When the probability variation function is activated, the probability state shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state, and the possibility of winning a big win increases.

[0041] The ball entry assistance function will be described. The ball entry assisting function is a function that assists the entry of balls into the second starting port 16, which is the so-called "electric assist function". The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of ball entry states with different ball entry rates into the second starting port 16. The plurality of ball entry states include a non-time-limit state and a time-limit state in which the ball entry rate of the pachinko balls into the second starting port 16 per unit time is higher than that in the non-time-limit state. The time-limit state is the so-called "electric assist state" and "high base state". The non-time-limit state is the so-called "non-electric assist state" and "low base state". In the time-limit state and the non-time-limit state, the ball entry rate of the pachinko balls into the first starting port 15 per unit time is the same. In the time-limit state, the ball entry rate of the pachinko balls into the second starting port 16 per unit time is improved, and it becomes easier for the pachinko balls to enter the second starting port 16 than the first starting port 15. Therefore, in the time-limit state, it is recommended to hit the ball to the right so that the pachinko balls can easily enter the second starting port 16. On the other hand, in the non-time-limit state, the ball entry rate of the pachinko balls into the second starting port 16 per unit time is lower than that in the time-limit state, and it is difficult for the pachinko balls to enter the second starting port 16 than the first starting port 15. Therefore, it is recommended to hit the ball to the left. When the ball entry assisting function is activated in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the ball entry state shifts from the non-time-limit state to the time-limit state.

[0042] For example, the time-limit state can be realized by executing any one of the following three controls to be described, or by combining and executing a plurality of controls. The first control is a control that makes the variation time of the normal game shorter than that in the non-time-limit state. The second control is a control that varies the normal winning probability in the normal lottery to a higher probability than that in the non-time-limit state. The third control is a control that makes the total opening time of the normal variable member 17 in one normal winning game longer than that in the non-time-limit state. Note that as the third control, at least one of the control of increasing the number of opening times of the normal variable member 17 in one normal winning game compared to the non-time-limit state and the control of making the opening time of the normal variable member 17 in one normal winning game longer than that in the non-time-limit state may be performed.

[0043] Alternatively, the time-saving state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a control that makes the variation time (average variation time) of the special game shorter than that in the non-time-saving state. As a result, in the time-saving state, the average variation time of the special game is shorter than that in the non-time-saving state. The average variation time of the special game can be obtained by dividing the integrated time of the variation time in the special game per unit number by the unit number assuming that the special game of the unit number is executed. In the time-saving state, the number of times of the special game that can be substantially executed per unit time increases compared to the non-time-saving state. That is, the digestion efficiency of the hold of the special game is improved.

[0044] In this embodiment, the gaming states include a low-probability non-time-saving state, a low-probability time-saving state, and a high-probability time-saving state. The low-probability non-time-saving state is a gaming state in which neither the probability-variable function nor the ball-entry assisting function operates. The low-probability time-saving state is a gaming state in which the probability-variable function does not operate while the ball-entry assisting function operates. The high-probability time-saving state is a gaming state in which both the probability-variable function and the ball-entry assisting function operate. Not limited to this, the gaming state may include a high-probability non-time-saving state in which the probability-variable function operates while the ball-entry assisting function does not operate.

[0045] As described above, in the low-probability non-time-saving state and the low-probability time-saving state, the control is to the low-probability state. In the high-probability time-saving state, the control is to the high-probability state. And in the low-probability non-time-saving state, the control is to the non-time-saving state. In the low-probability time-saving state and the high-probability time-saving state, the control is to the time-saving state. The low-probability time-saving state and the high-probability time-saving state are gaming states in which the degree of advantage regarding the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 16 in the right area R2 is higher than that in the low-probability non-time-saving state, and it is recommended to let the game ball flow down to the right area R2. The low-probability non-time-saving state is a gaming state in which the degree of advantage regarding the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 16 in the right area R2 is lower than that in the high-probability time-saving state, and it is recommended to let the game ball flow down to the left area R1.

[0046] Next, the jackpot will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. Specifically, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a jackpot symbol ZA and a jackpot symbol ZB as special jackpot symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol is determined by a jackpot symbol lottery performed using a jackpot symbol random number. Hereinafter, the jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol ZA is referred to as the "first jackpot game", and the jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol ZB is referred to as the "second jackpot game". In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery and the jackpot symbol is the jackpot symbol ZA, the first jackpot game is generated (awarded) after the jackpot symbol ZA is derived as a result of the special game. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery and the jackpot symbol is the jackpot symbol ZB, the second jackpot game is generated after the jackpot symbol ZB is derived as a result of the special game.

[0047] The jackpot game will be described. In the jackpot game, first, an opening effect that can identify the start of the jackpot game is performed over a predetermined opening time. In the jackpot game, after the elapse of the opening time, a round game for opening the big winning opening 18 is performed with a predetermined upper limit number of times as the upper limit. One round game ends when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter or when a predetermined upper limit time elapses. In the round game, the big winning opening 18 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. In the jackpot game, it is possible to acquire game balls when game balls enter the big winning opening 18, which is an advantageous state.

[0048] In the first jackpot game, the round game is performed with a maximum of 5 times. In the second jackpot game, the round game is performed with a maximum of 10 times. In each round game, a round effect is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, an ending effect that can identify the end of the jackpot game is performed over a predetermined ending time. The jackpot game ends as the ending time elapses.

[0049] The game state after the end of a big win game will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game state controlled after the end of a big win game differs according to the type of big win game. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the end of the first big win game, it is controlled to the low probability short state. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after being controlled to the low probability short state after the end of the first big win game, until the end of the special game of the upper limit number of times (for example, 100 times) since being controlled to the low probability short state, or until the next big win game occurs, it is controlled to the low probability short state. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the special game of the upper limit number of times ends without a big win game occurring after the end of the first big win game, it is controlled to the low probability non - short state. Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a big win game occurs before the end of the special game of the upper limit number of times after the end of the first big win game, it is controlled to the low probability non - short state. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the end of the second big win game, it is controlled to the high probability short state. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after being controlled to the high probability short state after the end of the second big win game, until the next big win game occurs, it is controlled to the high probability short state. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a big win game occurs after the end of the second big win game, it is controlled to the low probability non - short state.

[0050] The display effects that the effect display device EH can execute will be described. In the effect display device EH, as an example of the display effect, an effect game is displayed. In the effect game, a plurality of columns of effect symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is derived. The effect symbols are also called "ornamental symbols" or "decoration symbols". As an example, the effect game of this embodiment is performed by variably displaying (scroll - displaying) the effect symbols of the left symbol column, the middle symbol column, and the right symbol column in a predetermined direction respectively.

[0051] The performance game starts and ends together with the special game. In the performance game, a symbol combination corresponding to the special symbol derived in the special game is derived. In the special game, when a jackpot symbol is derived, in the performance game, a jackpot symbol combination is derived. The jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in all columns are the same performance symbol, such as "777". In the special game, when a losing symbol is derived, in the performance game, a non-jackpot symbol combination is derived. As an example, the non-jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in at least some of the symbol columns are different from the performance symbols in other symbol columns, such as "738" or "787". Thus, the performance display device EH can execute a performance game in which the performance symbols in a plurality of symbol columns are variably displayed when the special game is being executed. The performance display device EH is an example of a performance game execution unit.

[0052] In this embodiment, in the performance game, when a reach is formed, a reach performance is executed. A reach is a state in which the same performance symbol has once stopped being displayed in a plurality of specific symbol columns, and the performance symbols in other symbol columns are continuously being variably displayed. As an example, in this embodiment, the left symbol column and the right symbol column correspond to specific symbol columns, and the middle symbol column corresponds to other symbol columns. The reach performance includes a normal reach performance and a super reach performance with a higher jackpot expectation level than the normal reach performance. The jackpot expectation level can be calculated by the ratio of the appearance rate in the case of a jackpot to the overall appearance rate obtained by adding the appearance rate in the case of a non-jackpot and the appearance rate in the case of a jackpot.

[0053] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40, a sub-control board 50, and a power supply unit 60. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that the main control board 40 can output control signals in one direction to the sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 performs various controls and outputs various control information (control commands). The sub-control board 50 controls an effect display device EH, a decorative lamp LA, a speaker SP, an upper movable part 80, a left movable part 81, a right movable part 82, a lower left movable part 90, and a lower right movable part 91 so as to execute various effects based on the various control commands output by the main control board 40.

[0054] First, the main control board 40 will be described. The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the main CPU 42) and a storage unit. The main CPU 42 executes various processes by executing a program for main control. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as the main ROM 43) in which information can be read but writing is not possible, and a RWM area (hereinafter referred to as the main RWM 44) in which information can be read and written.

[0055] The main ROM 43 stores determination values, tables, etc. used for various determinations and lotteries. The main ROM 43 stores a jackpot determination value used for determining whether a jackpot has been won in a jackpot lottery. Note that the main ROM 43 stores different jackpot determination values for each probability state. The main ROM 43 stores a jackpot symbol determination value used for a jackpot symbol lottery. The main ROM 43 stores an effect determination value used for an effect lottery. The effect lottery is a lottery for determining whether to execute a reach effect when a jackpot has not been won in a jackpot lottery.

[0056] The main ROM 43 stores multiple types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start to the end of a special game. The variation pattern is information that can specify at least a part of the production content (variation content) of the production game performed during the execution of the special game. There are a jackpot variation pattern and a losing variation pattern in the variation pattern. The jackpot variation pattern is a variation pattern that finally derives a jackpot symbol combination. The losing variation pattern is a variation pattern that finally derives a non-jackpot symbol combination.

[0057] The main RWM 44 stores various information that can be rewritten according to the results of processing by the main CPU 42. For example, the information stored in the main RWM 44 includes flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 includes a random number circuit 45 that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may be able to generate software random numbers by random number generation processing by the main CPU 42. Note that the main CPU 42, the main ROM 43, the main RWM 44, and the random number circuit 45 are not limited to being configured as one chip as the microprocessor 41, and may be configured separately.

[0058] The main control board 40 is connected to sensors SE1 to SE6. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to input detection signals output when the sensors SE1 to SE6 detect a game ball. The main control board 40 is connected to the display units 13a to 13f. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the display content of the display units 13a to 13f. The main control board 40 is connected to the normal actuator SL1 and the special actuator SL2. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the operations of the normal variable member 17 and the special variable member 19 by controlling the operations of the normal actuator SL1 and the special actuator SL2.

[0059] The sub-control board 50 will be described. The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-CPU 51, a sub-ROM 52, a sub-RWM 53, and an RTC 54. The sub-CPU 51 performs various processes related to the presentation by executing a program for sub-control. The sub-CPU 51 executes a process related to the execution of the presentation based on the control command input from the main CPU 42. The sub-ROM 52 stores a sub-control program, determination values used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The sub-ROM 52 stores display presentation data used for display presentation, light emission presentation data used for light emission presentation, voice presentation data used for voice presentation, movable presentation data used for movable presentation, and the like.

[0060] The sub-RWM 53 stores various information that can be rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-RWM 53 includes a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. Further, the sub-control board 50 is configured to be able to generate a software random number by a random number generation process by the sub-CPU 51. Note that the sub-control board 50 may include a random number circuit and be able to generate a hardware random number.

[0061] The RTC 54 is a so-called real-time clock. The RTC 54 generates time information related to time. Specifically, the RTC 54 continuously measures the current time regardless of whether the power is turned on or not by the power supplied from a backup power source (such as a battery) not shown in the figure and generates time information. The time information generated by the RTC 54 includes information that can identify the time (hour, minute, second) at each moment. Not limited to this, the time information generated by the RTC 54 may include information that can identify the date (year, month, day) at each moment. The RTC 54 is an example of a time generation unit.

[0062] The sub-control board 50 is connected to the effect display device EH. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the display content of the effect display device EH. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the upper original position sensor GSa, the left original position sensor GSb, the right original position sensor GSc, the lower left original position sensor GSd, and the lower right original position sensor GSe. In the following description, "the upper original position sensor GSa, the left original position sensor GSb, the right original position sensor GSc, the lower left original position sensor GSd, and the lower right original position sensor GSe" may be referred to as "the original position sensors GSa to GSe". In the following description, "the upper original position sensor GSa, the left original position sensor GSb, the right original position sensor GSc" may be referred to as "the original position sensors GSa to GSc". The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to input the detection signal output when the original position sensors GSa to GSe detect the movable part.

[0063] The sub-control board 50 is connected to the upper movable actuator KA1, the left movable actuator KA2, the right movable actuator KA3, the lower left movable actuator KA4, and the lower right movable actuator KA5. In the following description, "the upper movable actuator KA1, the left movable actuator KA2, the right movable actuator KA3, the lower left movable actuator KA4, and the lower right movable actuator KA5" may be referred to as "actuators KA1 to KA5". In the following description, "the upper movable actuator KA1, the left movable actuator KA2, and the right movable actuator KA3" may be referred to as "actuators KA1 to KA3". In the following description, "the lower left movable actuator KA4 and the lower right movable actuator KA5" may be referred to as "actuators KA4, KA5". The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the operations of the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, the lower left movable part 90, and the lower right movable part 91 by controlling the operations of the actuators KA1 to KA5. In the following description, "the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, the lower left movable part 90, and the lower right movable part 91" may be referred to as "movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91". In the following description, "the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, and the right movable part 82" may be referred to as "movable parts 80 to 82". In the following description, "the lower left movable part 90 and the lower right movable part 91" may be referred to as "movable parts 90, 91". The sub-CPU 51 is an example of a movable control unit that controls the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91.

[0064] Next, the power supply unit 60 will be described. The power supply unit 60 is provided with a power switch 60a. The power switch 60a can be switched between an on state and an off state, and is configured to maintain the switched operation state. In the present embodiment, when the power switch 60a is operated from the off state to the on state while power is being supplied from an external power source to the pachinko gaming machine 10, power is supplied to each of the control boards 40 and 50. And in the present embodiment, when the power switch 60a is operated from the on state to the off state while power is being supplied from an external power source to the pachinko gaming machine 10, the power supply to each of the control boards 40 and 50 is cut off. Therefore, in order to start the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is necessary to start the power supply from the external power source with the power switch 60a in the on state, or to operate the power switch 60a from the off state to the on state while the power supply from the external power source is being provided. In this specification, "turning on the power" means to make the state such that power is being supplied to each of the control boards 40 and 50 by operating the power switch 60a or the like, and "turning off the power (power-off)" means to make the state such that power is not being supplied to each of the control boards 40 and 50.

[0065] Next, various processes performed by the main CPU 42 of the main control board 40 will be described. The main CPU 42 executes a special symbol input process, a special symbol start process, a big win game process, a normal symbol input process, a normal symbol start process, and a normal win game process as timer interrupt processes performed every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms). In the present embodiment, the control information (control command) stored in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 50 by an information output process executed as a timer interrupt process.

[0066] First, the special symbol input process will be described. In the special symbol input process, the main CPU 42 determines whether a game ball has entered the first start port 15 based on whether a detection signal is input from the first start sensor SE1. When a game ball enters the first start port 15, the main CPU 42 determines whether the first special reserved number stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number. If the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 adds 1 to the first special reserved number and updates it. Subsequently, the main CPU 42 controls the first special reserved display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserved number. The main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved command) that can identify the first special reserved number in the output buffer. Thus, the start condition of the first special game is established when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1.

[0067] Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 44. For example, the random numbers are special winning random numbers used for jackpot lottery, jackpot symbol random numbers used for determining jackpot symbols, variable pattern random numbers used for determining variable patterns, and effect judgment random numbers used for effect lottery. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it can be identified as random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself or information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. By storing the random number information used for the first special game in the main RWM 44, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment can hold the execution of the first special game until the execution condition of the first special game is satisfied.

[0068] When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main RWM44, if no game ball has entered the first start port 15 and the first special reservation count is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 determines whether a game ball has entered the second start port 16 based on whether a detection signal is input from the second start sensor SE2. If no game ball has entered the second start port 16, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol input process. If a game ball has entered the second start port 16, the main CPU 42 determines whether the second special reservation count stored in the main RWM44 is less than the upper limit number. If the second special reservation count is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol input process. If the second special reservation count is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 increments the second special reservation count by 1 and updates it. The main CPU 42 controls the second special reservation display unit 13d to display information that can identify the updated second special reservation count. The main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the second reservation command) that can identify the second special reservation count in the output buffer. Thus, the start condition for the second special game is satisfied when the second special reservation count is less than the upper limit number and a game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2.

[0069] Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM44. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it can be identified that it is the random number information used for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. By storing the random number information used for the second special game in the main RWM44, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment can hold the execution of the second special game until the execution condition of the second special game is satisfied. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol input process.

[0070] Next, the special symbol start process will be described. In the special symbol start process, the main CPU 42 determines whether the special game is executable. The main CPU 42 makes a negative determination when it is not in a big win game and not during the execution of the special game. On the other hand, the main CPU 42 makes an affirmative determination when it is in a big win game or during the execution of the special game. If the special game is not executable, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start process. If the special game is executable, the main CPU 42 determines whether the second special reservation number is 1 or more. If the second special reservation number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 42 determines whether the first special reservation number is less than 1. If the first special reservation number is less than 1, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start process.

[0071] If the first special reservation number is not less than 1, the main CPU 42 performs a process to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main CPU 42 updates by subtracting 1 from the first special reservation number. The main CPU 42 controls the first special reservation display unit 13c so as to display information capable of specifying the updated first special reservation number. Then, the main CPU 42 conducts a big win lottery which is an example of a predetermined lottery. Specifically, the main CPU 42 acquires the earliest stored random number information from the main RWM 44 among the random number information for the first special game. Subsequently, the main CPU 42 conducts a big win lottery to determine whether to win a big win using the special winning random number and the big win determination value specified from the acquired random number information.

[0072] When winning the big hit, the main CPU 42 performs big hit game processing. In the big hit game processing, the main CPU 42 conducts a big hit symbol lottery using a big hit symbol random number and a big hit symbol determination value that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the big hit symbol to be derived in the first special game. The main CPU 42 conducts a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the big hit variation pattern. Then, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing. When not winning the big hit, the main CPU 42 performs a losing game processing. In the losing game processing, the main CPU 42 determines the losing symbol to be derived in the first special game. The main CPU 42 conducts a production lottery and determines whether to execute a reach production. The main CPU 42 conducts a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the losing variation pattern. Then, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing.

[0073] When the second special reservation number is 1 or more, the main CPU 42 performs a process of executing the second special game. Since the process of executing the second special game is a process in which "the first special game" is replaced with "the second special game", "the first special reservation number" is replaced with "the second special reservation number", and "the first special reservation display unit 13c" is replaced with "the second special reservation display unit 13d" in the process of executing the first special game, the detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, after the main CPU 42 performs subtraction of the second special reservation number, a big hit lottery, and any game processing based on the result of the big hit lottery, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing.

[0074] The main CPU 42 stores the variation start command and the special symbol command in the output buffer in the jackpot game process or the losing game process. The variation start command is a control command that can identify the variation pattern determined in each game process and the start of a special game (production game). The special symbol command is a control command that can identify the special symbol determined in each game process. Note that the variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the game process of the first special game is executed and when the game process of the second special game is executed. In the following description, the variation start command when the game process of the first special game is executed is referred to as the "first variation start command", and the variation start command when the game process of the second special game is executed is referred to as the "second variation start command". Also, in the following description, the special symbol command when the game process of the first special game is executed is referred to as the "first special symbol command", and the special symbol command when the game process of the second special game is executed is referred to as the "second special symbol command".

[0075] When the special symbol start process ends, the main CPU 42 causes the first special game or the second special game to be executed by a process different from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when the main CPU 42 causes the first special game to be executed, it controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The main CPU 42 measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. When the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. Then, when the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as the variation end command) that can identify the end of the special game.

[0076] On the other hand, when the main CPU 42 executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The main CPU 42 measures the variable time defined in the variable pattern. When the variable time defined in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. Also, when the variable time defined in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 stores a variable end command in the output buffer. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute a special game based on the result of the jackpot lottery.

[0077] Next, the jackpot game process will be described. The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main CPU 42 causes a jackpot symbol to be derived in the special game, it executes the jackpot game process after the end of the special game of the jackpot. The main CPU 42 identifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The main CPU 42 awards the identified type of jackpot game.

[0078] First, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) that can specify the start of the opening time in the output buffer. When the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 performs processing to execute a round game. That is, the main CPU 42 controls the special actuator SL2 using the opening control data for the identified jackpot game to open the big winning opening 18. When the number of game balls detected by the special winning sensor SE3 reaches the upper limit number or the upper limit time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the special actuator SL2 to close the big winning opening 18, thereby ending the round game. The main CPU 42 repeatedly performs such processing for executing a round game until the round games up to the upper limit number defined for the jackpot game are completed. Each time the main CPU 42 starts a round game, it stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of the round game in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 finishes the last round game, it stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending command) that can specify the start of the ending time in the output buffer. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 ends the jackpot game.

[0079] Next, the processing performed by the main CPU 42 to shift the game state will be described. When the main CPU 42 shifts to the probability state and the ball entry state, it updates the game state information and stores it in the main RWM 44. Specifically, when the main CPU 42 controls to the low probability state and the non-time reduction state, it stores the low probability non-time reduction information in the main RWM 44 as the game state information. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the low probability non-time reduction command) that can identify being controlled to the low probability non-time reduction state in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 controls to the low probability state and the time reduction state, it stores the low probability time reduction information in the main RWM 44 as the game state information. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the low probability time reduction command) that can identify being controlled to the low probability time reduction state in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 controls to the high probability state and the time reduction state, it stores the high probability time reduction information in the main RWM 44 as the game state information. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the high probability time reduction command) that can identify being controlled to the high probability time reduction state in the output buffer.

[0080] When the main CPU 42 finishes the second big win game, it sets the high probability flag in the main RWM 44. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to the high probability state. On the other hand, when the main CPU 42 finishes the first big win game, it does not set the high probability flag in the main RWM 44. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to the low probability state. When the main CPU 42 starts a big win game and the high probability flag is set, it erases the high probability flag. That is, during the big win game, the main CPU 42 controls to the low probability state.

[0081] When the main CPU 42 finishes the big win game, it sets the time reduction flag in the main RWM 44. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to the time reduction state. When the main CPU 42 finishes the first big win game, it stores the initial time reduction number (for example, 100 times) as the time reduction number in the main RWM 44. The time reduction number is information that can identify the remaining number of special games executable in the low probability time reduction state when no big win game is given after being controlled to the low probability time reduction state. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the time reduction number command) that can identify the time reduction number in the output buffer.

[0082] After the end of the first jackpot game, each time the main CPU 42 ends a special game, it updates (subtracts 1 as an example) the short-time count stored in the main RWM 44. When the main CPU 42 updates the short-time count, it stores in the output buffer a short-time count command that can identify the updated short-time count. When the updated short-time count becomes 0, the main CPU 42 clears the short-time flag. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to the non-short-time state. Therefore, when the updated short-time count becomes 0, the main CPU 42 controls to the low-probability non-short-time state. When the main CPU 42 starts a jackpot game and the short-time flag is set, it clears the short-time flag. That is, during the jackpot game, the main CPU 42 controls to the non-short-time state. The main CPU 42 is an example of a game state control unit that can control the game state.

[0083] Next, the normal symbol input process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. In the normal symbol input process, the main CPU 42 determines whether a game ball has passed through (entered) the gate 25 based on whether it has received a detection signal from the normal start sensor SE4. If the game ball has not passed through the gate 25, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol input process. On the other hand, if the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main CPU 42 determines whether the normal hold count stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number. If the normal hold count is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol input process. If the normal hold count is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 adds 1 to the normal hold count and updates it. The main CPU 42 controls the normal hold display unit 13f to display information that can identify the updated normal hold count.

[0084] Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number generated by the random number circuit 45, and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 44. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it can be specified that it is random number information for a normal game and the storage order of the random number information. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol input process. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment can hold the execution of the normal game until the execution conditions of the normal game are satisfied by storing the random number information used for the normal game in the main RWM 44.

[0085] Next, the normal symbol start process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. In the normal symbol start process, the main CPU 42 determines whether the execution conditions of the normal game are satisfied. The main CPU 42 makes an affirmative determination when it is not during a normal win game and not during the execution of the normal game, while making a negative determination when it is during a normal win game or during the execution of the normal game. When the execution conditions of the normal game are not satisfied, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol start process. When the execution conditions of the normal game are satisfied, the main CPU 42 determines whether the normal hold count is greater than 0. When the normal hold count is 0, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol start process. When the normal hold count is greater than 0, the main CPU 42 performs a process of executing the normal game. Specifically, the main CPU 42 updates by subtracting 1 from the normal hold count. The main CPU 42 controls the normal hold display unit 13f so as to display information that can specify the updated normal hold count. Next, the main CPU 42 acquires from the main RWM 44 the random number information that was stored first among the random number information for the normal game. Subsequently, the main CPU 42 performs a normal lottery (normal win determination) as to whether or not to win normally using the acquired random number information. Note that the main CPU 42 performs the normal lottery with a normal win probability corresponding to the current ball entry state (either the non-time reduction state or the time reduction state), and determines whether or not it has won normally. The normal win probability in the time reduction state is higher than the normal win probability in the non-time reduction state.

[0086] When winning a normal win, after determining the normal winning symbol to be fixedly stopped and displayed in the normal game and the variable time of the normal game, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol start process. When not winning a normal win, after determining the normal losing symbol to be fixedly stopped and displayed in the normal game and the variable time of the normal game, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol start process. In the present embodiment, the variable time of the normal game in the time-saving state is shorter than the variable time of the normal game in the non-time-saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the number of normal lotteries executed per unit time tends to be larger than in the non-time-saving state. After ending the normal symbol start process, the main CPU 42 causes the normal game to be executed by a process different from the normal symbol start process. Specifically, the main CPU 42 starts the normal game and controls the normal symbol display unit 13e so that the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start process is fixedly stopped and displayed when the variable time determined in the normal symbol start process has elapsed.

[0087] Next, the normal win gaming process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. The normal win gaming process is a process for awarding a normal win game. When the main CPU 42 causes a normal winning symbol to be derived in the normal game, it executes the normal win gaming process after the end of the normal game of the normal win. In the normal win gaming process, when in the time-saving state, the main CPU 42 controls the normal actuator SL1 so that the second start port 16 is opened in the opening mode in the time-saving state. Also, when in the non-time-saving state, the main CPU 42 controls the normal actuator SL1 so that the second start port 16 is opened in the opening mode in the non-time-saving state. In the present embodiment, the opening mode in the time-saving state has a larger number of times the second start port 16 is opened and a longer total time the second start port 16 is opened in one normal win game than the opening mode in the non-time-saving state.

[0088] Next, the winning process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. When the main CPU 42 receives detection signals from the sensors SE1 to SE3 and SE5, it executes a winning process. When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1, it performs control to grant a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls. When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2, it performs control to grant a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls. When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from the special winning sensor SE3, it performs control to grant a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls. When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from the normal winning sensor SE5, it performs control to grant a predetermined number (for example, 1) of game balls.

[0089] Next, the game stop process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. When the main CPU 42 receives detection signals from the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, and SE6, it executes a game stop process.

[0090] The game stop process is a process that stops the processes related to the progress of the game based on the establishment of a predetermined game stop condition. When the game stop condition is established in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, it enters a game impossible state (game stop state) where the game cannot be played. As an example, the process related to the progress of the game is a process of firing a game ball by operating the firing handle HD. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game stop condition is established, the game ball cannot be fired even if the firing handle HD is operated. Not limited to this, the processes related to the progress of the game may include processes executed as timer interrupt processes. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game stop condition is established, the above-described special symbol input process, special symbol start process, jackpot game process, normal symbol input process, normal symbol start process, and normal win game process may not be executed. Hereinafter, the game stop process will be described in detail.

[0091] In the game stop process, the main CPU 42 counts the difference balls, which is the difference between the number of game balls launched into the game area YBa and the number of game balls awarded in the winning process. When the main CPU 42 updates the difference balls, it stores information that can identify the difference balls in the main RWM 44. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the difference ball command) that can identify the updated difference balls in the output buffer.

[0092] When the main CPU 42 inputs any detection signal from the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, it adds the number of game balls awarded to the difference balls and stores them in the main RWM 44. For example, when the main CPU 42 inputs the detection signal of the first start sensor SE1, it adds 3 to the difference balls and stores them in the main RWM 44. When the main CPU 42 inputs any detection signal from the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, SE6, it subtracts 1 from the difference balls and stores them in the main RWM 44. For example, when the main CPU 42 inputs the detection signal of the first start sensor SE1, it adds 3 to the difference balls and subtracts 1, and then stores them in the main RWM 44. When the main CPU 42 is powered on, it initializes the difference balls (for example, to 0) and stores them in the main RWM 44. The difference balls in this embodiment are an example of the counting information regarding the number of game balls from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off. The main CPU 42 is an example of a counting generation unit that generates counting information regarding the number of game balls as a game medium.

[0093] When the main CPU 42 adds the number of balls in deficit and the number of balls in deficit reaches the upper limit of the number of balls in deficit (for example, 95,000), the main CPU 42 stops the processing related to the progress of the game. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as a game stop command) that can specify stopping the processing related to the progress of the game. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the number of balls in deficit reaches the upper limit of the number of balls in deficit, the game stop condition is satisfied and the game becomes an unplayable state. Note that in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when it becomes an unplayable state, the unplayable state continues at least until the power is turned on after the power is turned off. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when it becomes a game stop state, when the power is turned on after the power is turned off, it becomes a playable state in which the game can be played, and it becomes possible to launch a game ball by operating the launch handle HD.

[0094] Next, various processes executed by the sub-CPU 51 of the sub-control board 50 will be described. First, the process when a control command is input will be described. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a low-probability non-time-shortening command, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information that can specify that it is controlled in the low-probability non-time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a low-probability time-shortening command, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information that can specify that it is controlled in the low-probability time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a high-probability time-shortening command, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information that can specify that it is controlled in the high-probability time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a time-shortening count command, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information that can specify the remaining number of special games that can be executed in the low-probability time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a ball deficit number command, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information that can specify the number of balls in deficit.

[0095] Next, the effect game process will be described. The performance game process is a process for executing a performance game as one of the display performances related to the special game during the execution of the special game. The sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH to start the performance game when the start condition of the performance game (hereinafter referred to as the performance game start condition) is satisfied. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the performance game start condition is satisfied when a variation start command and a special symbol command are input. Note that the sub-CPU 51 varies the variation start command and the special symbol command for determining that the performance game start condition is satisfied based on the controlled gaming state.

[0096] As a specific example, when controlled in the low-probability non-time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the performance game start condition is satisfied when the first variation start command and the first special symbol command are input. On the other hand, when controlled in the low-probability non-time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 does not determine that the performance game start condition is satisfied even if the second variation start command and the second special symbol command are input. As an example, when controlled in either the low-probability time-shortening state or the high-probability time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the performance game start condition is satisfied when the second variation start command and the second special symbol command are input. On the other hand, when controlled in either the low-probability time-shortening state or the high-probability time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 does not determine that the performance game start condition is satisfied even if the first variation start command and the first special symbol command are input.

[0097] When controlled in the low-probability short-time state, when the sub-CPU 51 receives the first variation start command, it selects the production pattern (production content) of the production game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the control command. Also, the sub-CPU 51 determines the symbol combination to be derived in the production game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the input first special symbol command. When the sub-CPU 51 can specify the jackpot symbol from the first special symbol command, it determines the jackpot symbol combination. When the sub-CPU 51 can specify the losing symbol from the first special symbol command, it determines the non-jackpot symbol combination. The sub-CPU 51 controls the production display device EH to start the variable display of the production symbols in each symbol column upon receiving the input of the first variation start command. That is, the sub-CPU 51 starts the production game.

[0098] When controlled in the low-probability short-time state and the high-probability short-time state, when the sub-CPU 51 receives the second variation start command, it selects the production pattern (production content) of the production game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the control command. Also, the sub-CPU 51 determines the symbol combination to be derived in the production game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the input second special symbol command. When the sub-CPU 51 can specify the jackpot symbol from the second special symbol command, it determines the jackpot symbol combination. When the sub-CPU 51 can specify the losing symbol from the second special symbol command, it determines the non-jackpot symbol combination. The sub-CPU 51 controls the production display device EH to start the variable display of the production symbols in each symbol column upon receiving the input of the second variation start command. That is, the sub-CPU 51 starts the production game.

[0099] When the performance game is started, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH so that the performance game is played based on the determined performance pattern during the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The sub-CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH to end the performance game when the end condition of the performance game (hereinafter referred to as the performance game end condition) is satisfied. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the performance game end condition is satisfied when a variation end command is input. After starting the performance game, when a predetermined timing arrives, the sub-CPU 51 temporarily stops displaying the symbol combination and, when the performance game end condition is satisfied, causes the symbol combination to be fixedly stopped and displayed. For example, when a variation start command of a losing variation pattern associated with the execution of a super reach performance is input, after starting the performance game, the sub-CPU 51 causes the super reach performance to be executed, and when a predetermined timing arrives, temporarily stops displaying the symbol combination and, when a variation end command is input, causes the symbol combination to be fixedly stopped and displayed. As described above, the performance game is executed along with the execution of one of the first special game and the second special game based on the game state, while it is not executed along with the execution of the other special game.

[0100] The sub-CPU 51 causes a pre-performance to be executed in relation to the performance game. The pre-performance is a performance that suggests or notifies whether the special game being executed will result in a big win (big win expectancy). When a variation start command is input, the sub-CPU 51 determines the type of pre-performance to be executed. The sub-CPU 51 determines the type of pre-performance to be executed based on the performance pattern selected in the performance game process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as pre-performance information) that can identify the type of pre-performance to be executed in the sub-RWM 53. The sub-CPU 51 controls the performance device group DE including the performance display device EH and the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to execute the pre-performance based on the pre-performance information. Note that the game performance execution process, which is the process of causing the pre-performance to be executed, will be described in detail later.

[0101] As an example, the pre-warning effect includes a movable effect. The movable effect includes an effect in which the movable parts 80 to 82 operate and an effect in which the movable parts 90 and 91 operate. The effect in which the movable parts 80 to 82 operate includes a first movable effect in which the movable parts 80 to 82 simultaneously move from their original positions to the effect positions and stop at the effect positions. When executing the first movable effect, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA3 to execute an operation (specific operation) of shifting the movable parts 80 to 82 from the state where they are arranged at the original positions to the state where they are arranged at the effect positions. Then, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA3 to maintain the state where the movable parts 80 to 82 are arranged at the effect positions for a predetermined time (5 seconds as an example). After the elapse of the predetermined time, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA3 to execute an operation of shifting the movable parts 80 to 82 from the state where they are arranged at the effect positions to the state where they are arranged at the original positions.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable parts 80 to 82 are respectively arranged at the effect positions, the movable parts 80 to 82 are close to each other. And when the movable parts 80 to 82 are respectively arranged at the effect positions, a predetermined shape (a heart shape as an example) is formed by the combination of the movable parts 80 to 82. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first movable effect is executed, an effect in which a plurality of movable parts are combined to form a predetermined shape is executed. Therefore, the movable parts 80 to 82 in the present embodiment can be grasped as one group that executes the movable effect.

[0103] For the effect in which the movable parts 90 and 91 operate, there is a second movable effect in which the movable parts 90 and 91 simultaneously move from their original positions to the effect positions and stop at the effect positions. When executing the second movable effect, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA4 and KA5 so as to execute an operation of shifting the movable parts 90 and 91 from the state where they are arranged at the original positions to the state where they are arranged at the effect positions. Then, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA4 and KA5 so as to maintain the state where the movable parts 90 and 91 are arranged at the effect positions for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). After the elapse of the predetermined time, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA4 and KA5 so as to execute an operation of shifting the movable parts 90 and 91 from the state where they are arranged at the effect positions to the state where they are arranged at the original positions.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable parts 90 and 91 are respectively arranged at the effect positions, the movable parts 90 and 91 are close to each other. And when the movable parts 90 and 91 are respectively arranged at the effect positions, a predetermined shape (for example, a star shape) is formed by the combination of the movable parts 90 and 91. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second movable effect is executed, an effect is executed in which a plurality of movable parts are combined to form a predetermined shape. Therefore, the movable parts 90 and 91 of the present embodiment can be grasped as one group that executes the movable effect.

[0105] When the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute the first movable effect as a pre-warning effect, the sub-CPU 51 stores, in the sub-RWM 53, information (hereinafter referred to as the first movable effect information) that can specify the execution of the first movable effect as the pre-warning effect information. When the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute the second movable effect as a pre-warning effect, the sub-CPU 51 stores, in the sub-RWM 53, information (hereinafter referred to as the second movable effect information) that can specify the execution of the second movable effect as the pre-warning effect information.

[0106] In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, during the execution of one special game, there are cases where the first movable effect is executed and cases where the second movable effect is executed. Not limited to this, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, both the first movable effect and the second movable effect may be executed during the execution of one special game. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first movable effect is executed, the jackpot expectation degree is higher than when the second movable effect is executed. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second movable effect is executed, the jackpot expectation degree is higher than when neither the first movable effect nor the second movable effect is executed.

[0107] Thus, based on the determination that the sub-CPU 51 has decided to execute the first movable effect as a pre-announcement effect, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to cause the movable parts 80 to 82 to shift from the state where they are respectively arranged at the original positions to the state where they are arranged at the effect positions. In the present embodiment, the determination that the first movable effect is to be executed as a pre-announcement effect is an example of the establishment of the operation conditions. Whether to execute the first movable effect or not is determined when a variation start command is input. Therefore, it can be said that the determination that the first movable effect is to be executed as a pre-announcement effect is an operation condition that can be established when the special game is executed.

[0108] Next, the jackpot effect process will be described. The jackpot effect process is a process for executing an effect during the jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot effect). When the sub-CPU 51 inputs an opening command, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute the opening effect. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs an opening command, the sub-CPU 51 controls the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to shift to their respective original positions. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 executes an original position check process. Although it will be described in detail later, the original position check process is a process of determining whether the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are in the state of being arranged at the original positions and checking whether the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 can operate normally based on the determination.

[0109] When the sub-CPU 51 receives an input of a round command, it controls the effect device group DE and the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to execute a round effect. For example, the round effect includes a first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 and a second movable effect by the movable parts 90 and 91. When the sub-CPU 51 receives an input of an ending command, it controls the effect device group DE to execute an ending effect. When the sub-CPU 51 receives an input of an ending command, it controls the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to move to their original positions respectively. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 executes an original position check process.

[0110] In this way, the sub-CPU 51 causes the first movable effect to be executed during the round game. That is, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to cause the movable parts 80 to 82 to perform a specific operation of shifting from the state where they are respectively arranged at the original positions to the state where they are arranged at the effect positions based on the start of the round game. In the present embodiment, the start of the round game is an example of the establishment of the operation conditions. The round game is started during the jackpot game. Therefore, it can be said that the start of the round game is an operation condition that can be established during the jackpot game.

[0111] Next, the standby effect execution process will be described. The standby effect execution process is a process for executing a standby effect. Here, the outline of the standby effect execution process will be described, and the details will be described later. The standby effect is an effect that is also called a so-called demonstration effect or a customer waiting effect. When the start condition of the standby effect (hereinafter referred to as the standby effect start condition) is satisfied, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE including the effect display device EH and the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to start the standby effect. The standby effect start condition is satisfied when the jackpot game is not in progress, the special game is not in progress, and there is no special game on hold.

[0112] As an example, when a specified time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed after the sub-CPU 51 inputs an ending command or a variation end command without inputting a variation start command, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the standby performance start condition is satisfied. Not limited to this, when the main CPU 42 determines that the standby performance start condition is satisfied when there is no pending special game at the end of the ending time or at the end of a special game, the main CPU 42 may be configured to output information (hereinafter referred to as a standby performance start command) that can specify the start of the standby performance to the sub-CPU 51. Then, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs the standby performance start command, the sub-CPU 51 may determine that the standby performance start condition is satisfied.

[0113] The standby performance includes a standby display performance by the effect display device EH and a first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82. As an example, the standby display performance is an effect of displaying a moving image related to a character that is the title or motif of the pachinko game machine 10. As described above, the first movable effect is an effect in which the movable parts 80 to 82 simultaneously shift from their original positions to their effect positions. In this way, based on the fact that the standby performance start condition is satisfied, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to cause the movable parts 80 to 82 to execute a specific operation of shifting from a state where they are respectively arranged at their original positions to a state where they are arranged at their effect positions. In the present embodiment, the fact that the standby performance start condition is satisfied is an example of the fact that the operation condition is satisfied. The standby performance start condition is satisfied when it is not during a jackpot game or during the execution of a special game. Therefore, it can be said that the fact that the standby performance start condition is satisfied is an operation condition that can be satisfied when it is not during a jackpot game or during the execution of a special game.

[0114] The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE including the effect display device EH and the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 so as to end the standby effect when the end condition of the standby effect (hereinafter referred to as the standby effect end condition) is satisfied. As an example, when the standby effect end condition is satisfied, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby display effect by the effect display device EH. As an example, when the standby effect end condition is satisfied, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA3 so that the movable parts 80 to 82 move to their original positions respectively. Note that when the sub-CPU 51 inputs the detection signals of the original position sensors GSa to GSc, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA3. That is, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80 to 82 if the movable parts 80 to 82 are arranged at their original positions. The standby effect end condition is satisfied when the special game starts. As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a change start command, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the standby effect end condition is satisfied. Thus, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute the standby effect during a part of the period when the special game is not being executed.

[0115] As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 during the execution of the special game, the jackpot game, and the standby effect. In the present embodiment, when it is determined to execute the first movable effect as a pre-announcement effect, when the round game starts, and when the standby effect start condition is satisfied, the operation condition is satisfied. Then, when the operation condition is satisfied, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to cause the movable parts 80 to 82 to execute a specific operation of shifting from the state where they are arranged at their original positions to the state where they are arranged at the effect positions. That is, based on the satisfaction of a predetermined operation condition, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to cause the movable parts 80 to 82 to execute a specific operation of shifting from the state where they are arranged at their original positions to the state where they are arranged at the effect positions.

[0116] Then, as described above, the first movable effect is an effect in which the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, and the right movable part 82 simultaneously shift from the original position to the effect position and stop at the effect position. That is, when the first movable effect is executed, the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, and the right movable part 82 simultaneously or substantially simultaneously shift from the original position to the effect position and stop at the effect position. The second movable effect is an effect in which the lower left movable part 90 and the lower right movable part 91 simultaneously shift from the original position to the effect position and stop at the effect position. That is, when the second movable effect is executed, the lower left movable part 90 and the lower right movable part 91 simultaneously or substantially simultaneously shift from the original position to the effect position and stop at the effect position. Thus, the effects in the pachinko gaming machine 10 include an effect in which the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, and the right movable part 82 operate simultaneously, and an effect in which the lower left movable part 90 and the lower right movable part 91 operate simultaneously.

[0117] Here, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, control for restricting (limiting) the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 is executed depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. This will be specifically described below.

[0118] First, the conditions for restricting the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 (hereinafter referred to as movable restriction conditions) will be described together with the control by the sub-CPU 51. As shown in FIG. 4, when the sub-CPU 51 receives a ball count command, it executes a ball count regulation determination process. The ball count regulation determination process is a process of determining whether or not a movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the ball count. The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the ball count exceeds a first specified number (for example, 90,000) (step S101). The first specified number is less than the upper limit of the ball count. If the ball count exceeds the first specified number (step S101: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that the movement regulation condition is satisfied. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information (hereinafter referred to as the first regulation flag) that can identify that the movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the fact that the ball count exceeds the first specified number (step S102). On the other hand, if the ball count does not exceed the first specified number (step S101: NO), the sub-CPU 51 erases the first regulation flag (step S103). Note that "set" in the figure corresponds to storing information (flag) in the sub-RWM 53. Also, "clear" in the figure corresponds to erasing information (flag) from the sub-RWM 53.

[0119] Thus, in this embodiment, the movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the fact that the ball count exceeds the first specified number. The movement regulation condition that is satisfied when the first regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the ball count (count information) is an example of a specific condition. That is, the specific condition is satisfied based on the number of game balls as a game medium that can be specified by the count information.

[0120] After finishing the process related to the first regulation flag, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the number of balls in the strike zone exceeds a second specified number (for example, 92,500) (step S104). The second specified number is less than the upper limit number of balls in the strike zone. The second specified number is greater than the first specified number. If the number of balls in the strike zone exceeds the second specified number (step S104: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that the movement regulation condition is satisfied. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 causes the auxiliary RWM 53 to store information (hereinafter referred to as the second regulation flag) that can identify that the movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the fact that the number of balls in the strike zone has exceeded the second specified number (step S105). On the other hand, if the number of balls in the strike zone does not exceed the second specified number (step S104: NO), the sub-CPU 51 erases the second regulation flag (step S106).

[0121] Thus, in the present embodiment, the movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the fact that the number of balls in the strike zone has exceeded the second specified number. The movement regulation condition that is satisfied when the second regulation flag is stored in the auxiliary RWM 53 based on the number of game balls (counting information) that can be specified by the number of balls in the strike zone is an example of a special condition. That is, the special condition is satisfied based on the number of game balls as a game medium that can be specified by the counting information. The first specified number is less than the second specified number. Therefore, the first regulation flag is stored in the auxiliary RWM 53 before the second regulation flag. That is, the movement regulation condition that is satisfied when the first regulation flag is stored in the auxiliary RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the number of balls in the strike zone is satisfied before the movement regulation condition that is satisfied when the second regulation flag is stored in the auxiliary RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the number of balls in the strike zone. Although details will be described later, the sub-CPU 51 executes control to regulate the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 based on the fact that the first regulation flag and the second regulation flag are stored in the auxiliary RWM 53.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-CPU 51 executes a time regulation determination process as a timer interrupt process performed every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms). The time regulation determination process is a process for determining whether or not a movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the time information of the RTC 54. As described above, the RTC 54 can continuously measure the current time and generate time information by the power supplied from the backup power source regardless of whether the power is turned on. On the other hand, the timer interrupt process performed by the sub-CPU 51 is a process that can be executed when the power is turned on. The sub-CPU 51 acquires the time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time in the time regulation determination process. The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the current time that can be specified by the acquired time information is the first time (for example, 22:00 to 06:59) (step S201). If the current time is the first time (step S201: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that the movement regulation condition is satisfied. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as the third regulation flag) that can specify that the movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the fact that the current time is the first time in the sub-RWM 53 (step S202). On the other hand, if the current time is not the first time (step S201: NO), the sub-CPU 51 erases the third regulation flag (step S203). The time when the current time is not the first time is 07:00 to 21:59.

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, the movement regulation condition is satisfied based on the fact that the current time is the first time. The movement regulation condition that is satisfied when the third regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the time that can be specified by the time information is an example of a specific condition. That is, the specific condition is satisfied based on the time that can be specified by the time information.

[0124] After finishing the process related to the third regulation flag, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the current time that can be specified by the acquired time information is the second time (for example, 22:30 to 06:59) (step S204). If the current time is the second time (step S204: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that the movable regulation condition is satisfied. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 causes the sub-RWM 53 to store information (hereinafter referred to as the fourth regulation flag) that can specify that the movable regulation condition is satisfied based on the fact that the current time is the second time (step S205). On the other hand, if the current time is not the second time (step S204: NO), the sub-CPU 51 erases the fourth regulation flag (step S206). The time when the current time is not the second time is 07:00 to 22:29.

[0125] The business hours of the game parlor are restricted by ordinance on a prefecture-by-prefecture basis. And generally, the game parlor does not open before 09:00. Also, generally, the game parlor closes at 23:00. The first time and the second time can be said to be the times close to the closing time of the game parlor among the times when the game parlor is open, or the times when the game parlor is closed. For example, when the closing time is 23:00, the first time is reached one hour before the closing time, and the second time is reached 30 minutes before the closing time. That is, the first time is reached earlier than the second time. The time when the second time is reached is closer to the closing time of the game parlor than the time when the first time is reached. In this embodiment, the first time and the second time are predetermined times.

[0126] As described above, in this embodiment, based on the current time being the second time, the movement restriction condition is satisfied. The movement restriction condition that is satisfied when the fourth restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the time that can be specified by the time information is an example of a special condition. That is, the special condition is satisfied based on the time that can be specified by the time information. The current time reaches the first time before the second time. Therefore, the third restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 before the fourth restriction flag. That is, the movement restriction condition that is satisfied when the third restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the time that can be specified by the time information is satisfied before the movement restriction condition that is satisfied when the fourth restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the time that can be specified by the time information. Although details will be described later, the secondary CPU 51 executes control to restrict the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 based on the third restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag being stored in the secondary RWM 53. In the following description, for the first to fourth restriction flags, the state of being stored in the secondary RWM 53 is indicated as "on". Also, for the first to fourth restriction flags, the state of not being stored in the secondary RWM 53 is indicated as "off".

[0127] Next, the standby effect execution process will be described in detail. As described above, the standby effect execution process is a process for executing a standby effect. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 executes the standby effect execution process as a timer interrupt process. During the execution of the standby effect, the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 can be executed. Here, in this embodiment, the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 may be restricted during the execution of the standby effect based on whether the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are on. That is, in this embodiment, the execution of the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 may be restricted during the execution of the standby effect. This will be specifically described below.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 6, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a standby effect is being executed (step S301). If the standby effect is not being executed (step S301: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a standby effect end condition is satisfied (step S303). If the standby effect end condition is not satisfied (step S303: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a standby effect start condition is satisfied (step S306). If the standby effect start condition is not satisfied (step S306: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process.

[0129] If the standby effect start condition is satisfied (step S306: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are off (step S307). If both the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are off (step S307: YES), the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to execute a standby display effect (standby effect) (step S308). Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the movable parts 80 to 82 to execute the first movable effect (step S309). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process.

[0130] On the other hand, if the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are not off, that is, if at least one of the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag is on (step S307: NO), the sub-CPU 51 stops the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 (step S310). Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to execute a standby display effect (step S311). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process. Note that the standby display effect started in step S308 is the same standby display effect as the standby display effect started in step S311. That is, the mode of the image displayed on the effect display device EH in step S308 is the same as the mode of the image displayed on the effect display device EH in step S311.

[0131] When the standby effect is being executed (step S301: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the first regulation flag and the third regulation flag are off (step S302). When both the first regulation flag and the third regulation flag are off (step S302: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process. On the other hand, when at least one of the first regulation flag and the third regulation flag is on (step S302: NO), the sub-CPU 51 moves each of the movable parts 80 to 82 to their original positions and stops them. Note that when the sub-CPU 51 is receiving the detection signals of the original position sensors GSa to GSc, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA3. That is, if the movable parts 80 to 82 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80 to 82. Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process.

[0132] When the standby effect end condition is satisfied (step S303: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the currently-executing standby effect (step S304). When ending the standby effect, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby display effect. Also, the sub-CPU 51 moves each of the movable parts 80 to 82 to their original positions and stops them (step S305). Note that when the sub-CPU 51 is receiving the detection signals of the original position sensors GSa to GSc, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA3. That is, if the movable parts 80 to 82 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80 to 82. Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process.

[0133] In this way, the sub-CPU 51 regulates the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 during the execution of the standby effect based on whether the first regulation flag and the third regulation flag are on. In this embodiment, the control when either the first regulation flag or the third regulation flag is on (steps S305, S310, S311) corresponds to specific control. That is, the sub-CPU 51 can execute specific control when a specific condition is satisfied.

[0134] In this embodiment, the standby performance composed of the standby display performance by the effect display device EH in step S308 and the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 in step S309 is an example of the first standby performance. In this embodiment, the standby performance composed of the standby display performance by the effect display device EH in step S311 and the transition and stop of the movable parts 80 to 82 in steps S305 and S309 is an example of the second standby performance. Thus, there are the first standby performance and the second standby performance in the standby performance. During the execution of the first standby performance, the movable parts 80 to 82 can execute a specific operation of moving from their original positions to the effect positions. On the other hand, during the execution of the second standby performance, the movable parts 80 to 82 do not execute a specific operation of moving from their original positions to the effect positions. And when a specific condition is satisfied, the second standby performance can be executed, while the first standby performance is not executed by executing specific control.

[0135] Here, for example, when the first regulation flag and the third regulation flag are both off when the standby performance start condition is satisfied, the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 is executed. Therefore, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be in a state of being arranged at the effect positions. In such a situation, thereafter, when either the first regulation flag or the third regulation flag is turned on, the movable parts 80 to 82 move to their original positions by the control in step S305. Thus, when a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where the first standby performance is being executed, the movable parts 80 to 82 can move to a state of being arranged at their original positions.

[0136] Next, the game effect execution process will be described in detail. As described above, the game effect execution process is a process for executing a pre-announcement effect. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 executes the game effect execution process as a timer interrupt process. During the execution of a special game (effect game), the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 can be executed. Also, during the execution of a special game (effect game), the second movable effect by the movable parts 90 and 91 can be executed. In the present embodiment, based on whether the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are on or not, the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 may be regulated during the execution of the special game. That is, in the present embodiment, during the execution of the special game, the execution of the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 and the second movable effect by the movable parts 90 and 91 may be regulated. This will be specifically described below.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a performance game is being executed (step S401). If a performance game is not being executed (step S401: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a performance game end condition is satisfied (step S403). If the performance game end condition is not satisfied (step S403: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a performance game start condition is satisfied (step S406). If the performance game start condition is not satisfied (step S406: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0138] If the performance game start condition is satisfied (step S406: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are off (step S407). If both the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are off (step S406: YES), the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute a pre-announcement effect based on the pre-announcement effect information (step S408). Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to execute the first movable effect or the second movable effect based on the pre-announcement effect information (step S409). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0139] On the other hand, when the second control flag and the fourth control flag are not off, that is, when at least one of the second control flag and the fourth control flag is on (step S407: NO), the sub-CPU 51 stops the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 (step S410). Then, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the first movable effect information and the second movable effect information stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S410). That is, the sub-CPU 51 cancels the execution of the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 and the second movable effect by the movable parts 90 and 91, which it had determined to execute as a pre-announcement effect. After that, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute the pre-announcement effect based on the pre-announcement effect information (step S411). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0140] During the execution of the effect game, that is, during the execution of the pre-announcement effect (step S401: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the second control flag and the fourth control flag are off (step S402). When both the second control flag and the fourth control flag are off (step S402: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process. On the other hand, when at least one of the second control flag and the fourth control flag is on (step S402: NO), the sub-CPU 51 moves the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to their original positions and stops them. Note that when the sub-CPU 51 is receiving the detection signals of the original position sensors GSa to GSe, it does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA5. That is, if the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91. Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0141] When the performance game end condition is satisfied (step S403: YES), the sub CPU 51 ends the ongoing preview performance. When ending the preview performance, the sub CPU 51 moves the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to their original positions and stops them. Note that when the sub CPU 51 is receiving the detection signals of the original position sensors GSa to GSe, the sub CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA5. That is, if the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, the sub CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91. In this way, the sub CPU 51 can be controlled so that when the special game ends, the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions.

[0142] Then, the sub CPU 51 executes the original position check process (step S404). Note that the sub CPU 51 executes the original position check process regardless of whether the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are off. Although details will be described later, the original position check process is a process of determining whether the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are arranged at their original positions and checking whether the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 can operate normally based on the determination. When the sub CPU 51 ends the original position check process, the sub CPU 51 ends the game performance execution process.

[0143] In this way, the sub-CPU 51 controls the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 during the execution of a special game (a presentation game) based on whether the second control flag and the fourth control flag are on or not. In this embodiment, the control (steps S405, S410, S411) when either the second control flag or the fourth control flag is on corresponds to special control. That is, the sub-CPU 51 can execute special control when special conditions are satisfied. And in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when special conditions are satisfied, the execution of special control restricts the movable parts 80 to 82 from performing a specific operation. More specifically, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even when the operation conditions are satisfied, when special conditions are satisfied, the execution of special control restricts the movable parts 80 to 82 from performing a specific operation during the execution of the special game. As described above, the first control flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 before the second control flag. Also, the third control flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 before the fourth control flag. That is, the specific conditions are satisfied before the special conditions are satisfied. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if the specific conditions are satisfied, the movable parts 80 to 82 can perform a specific operation during the execution of the special game.

[0144] Here, for example, when the second control flag and the fourth control flag are both off when the presentation game start condition is satisfied, the first movable presentation by the movable parts 80 to 82 can be executed. In this case, the movable parts 80 to 82 are in a state of being arranged at the presentation position. In such a situation, then, when either the second control flag or the fourth control flag becomes on, by the control of step S405, the movable parts 80 to 82 shift to the original position and stop. In this way, when special conditions are satisfied in a situation where the first movable presentation is being executed, the movable parts 80 to 82 can shift to a state of being arranged at the original position.

[0145] Also, for example, when the second restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag are both off when the production game start condition is satisfied, the second movable production by the movable parts 90 and 91 can be executed. In this case, the movable parts 90 and 91 are in a state of being arranged at the production position. In such a situation, if either the second restriction flag or the fourth restriction flag then turns on, the movable parts 90 and 91 move to the original position and stop under the control of step S405. In this way, when a special condition is satisfied in a situation where the second movable production is being executed, the movable parts 90 and 91 can move to a state where they are arranged at the original position.

[0146] Here, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute an abnormality determination process as a process for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 in order to operate the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 normally. The abnormality determination process includes an original position check process and an operation check process. The original position check process and the operation check process are executed when a predetermined trigger arrives.

[0147] First, the original position check process performed by the sub-CPU 51 will be described. The home position check process is a process for determining whether or not the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are each arranged at the home position. For example, if there is a movable part that is not arranged at the home position, a retry operation is executed to operate the movable part so that it is arranged at the home position. The timing for executing the home position check process includes a timing based on the start of power supply, a timing based on the execution of a special game, and a timing based on the execution of a jackpot game. The timing based on the start of power supply is an example of the first execution timing. The timing based on the execution of a special game is an example of the second execution timing. More specifically, the home position check process is executed when the power is turned on, when the special game ends, when the jackpot game starts, and when the jackpot game ends. Thus, the timings for executing the home position check process, which is an example of the abnormality determination process, include the first execution timing based on the start of power supply and the second execution timing based on the execution of a special game.

[0148] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 7, the home position check process executed when the special game ends is executed as the production game ends. As described above, the production game is executed along with the execution of one of the first special game and the second special game based on the gaming state, while it is not executed along with the execution of the other special game. When controlled to the low-probability non-time-short state, the home position check process is executed when the first special game ends, while the home position check process is not executed when the second special game ends. When controlled to the low-probability time-short state and the high-probability time-short state, the home position check process is executed when the second special game ends, while the home position check process is not executed when the first special game ends. The home position check process is executed based on the execution of the special game in which the production game is executed, while it is not executed based on the execution of the special game in which the production game is not executed. Not limited to this, the sub-CPU 51 may execute the home position check process based on the execution of the special game in which the production game is not executed. As an example, when the special game in which the production game is not executed is a big win, the sub-CPU 51 may execute the home position check process when the special game ends. On the other hand, when the special game in which the production game is not executed is a loss, the sub-CPU 51 does not have to execute the home position check process when the special game ends. That is, when the special game in which the production game is not executed is executed, the home position check process may not be executed based on the execution of the special game.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 8, when the opportunity to execute the home position check process arrives, the sub-CPU 51 executes the home position check process. Based on the detection signals of the home position sensors GSa to GSe, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not any of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are not arranged at the home position (step S501). When all of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are arranged at the home position (step S501: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the home position check process. When any of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are not arranged at the home position (step S501: YES), the sub-CPU 51 stops the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 (step S502). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the upper movable part 80 is arranged at the home position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper home position sensor GSa (step S503).

[0150] When the upper movable part 80 is arranged at the home position P0a (step S503: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S506. When the upper movable part 80 is not arranged at the home position P0a (step S503: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the upper home position check 1 process (step S504).

[0151] As shown in FIG. 9, in the upper home position check 1 process, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the home position P0a (step S551). After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the home position P0a, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move to the effect position P1a (step S552). That is, in step S552, the sub-CPU 51 executes control to execute a specific operation in which the upper movable part 80 moves from the state of being arranged at the home position P0a to the state of being arranged at the effect position P1a.

[0152] For example, when the upper movable part 80 is not in the original position P0a when the special game ends, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to cause the upper movable part 80 to execute a specific operation of transitioning from the state of being arranged at the original position P0a to the state of being arranged at the effect position P1a in the original position check process. In the present embodiment, the fact that the upper movable part 80 is not in the original position P0a when the special game ends is an example of the establishment of the operation condition.

[0153] When the upper movable part 80 is in the state of being arranged at the original position P0a when the special game ends, the sub-CPU 51 does not execute control to cause the upper movable part 80 to execute a specific operation of transitioning from the state of being arranged at the original position P0a to the state of being arranged at the effect position P1a in the original position check process. Therefore, the operation condition established by the fact that the upper movable part 80 is not in the original position P0a when the special game ends can be said to be an operation condition that can be established when the special game ends. In this way, the operation condition that can be established when the special game ends is established when the upper movable part 80 is at the effect position P1a when the special game ends, while it is not established when the upper movable part 80 is at the original position P0a when the special game ends. And the sub-CPU 51 executes the original position check process regardless of whether the second restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag are off. That is, when the operation condition that can be established when the special game ends is established, even if the special condition is established and the special control is being executed, the upper movable part 80 is allowed to execute the specific operation.

[0154] After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 so that the upper movable part 80 moves to the effect position P1a, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 so that it moves to the original position P0a (step S553). In the present embodiment, the operation of the upper movable part 80 by the processing in step S552 and step S553 is an example of the retry operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 adds 1 to the information that can identify the number of times the retry operation has been performed (hereinafter referred to as the retry operation count) and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0155] After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 so as to move the upper movable part 80 to the original position P0a, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the upper movable part 80 is disposed at the original position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper original position sensor GSa (step S554). If the upper movable part 80 is in the state of being disposed at the original position P0a (step S554: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 1 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes (for example, to 0) the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0156] If the upper movable part 80 is not in the state of being disposed at the original position P0a (step S554: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (for example, 5) (step S555). The specified number Rk is not limited to 5 times, and may be 6 times or more, or may be 4 times or less. The specified number Rk is preferably a plurality of times, that is, 2 times or more. The specified number Rk is an example of a predetermined number of times. If the number of retry operation times has not reached the specified number Rk (step S555: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S552. If the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (step S555: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information (hereinafter referred to as the upper original position abnormality flag) that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 in the upper original position check 1 process. Further, the sub-CPU 51 stores in the sub-RWM 53 information (hereinafter referred to as the first operation prohibition flag) that can identify that the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 are prohibited (step S556). By storing the first operation prohibition flag in the sub-RWM 53, the process of prohibiting the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 will be described later. Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 1 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0157] Thus, when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk and the upper home position check 1 process ends, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred where the upper movable part 80 cannot shift to the state where it is arranged at the home position P0a (the upper movable part 80 cannot return to the state where it is arranged at the home position P0a). On the other hand, when the upper home position check 1 process ends without the number of retry operations reaching the specified number Rk, it can be said that the abnormality where the upper movable part 80 cannot shift to the state where it is arranged at the home position P0a has been resolved by the retry operation. Then, if the upper movable part 80 cannot shift to the state where it is arranged at the home position P0a even after performing the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and prohibits the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0158] Returning to FIG. 8, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the upper home position check 1 process (step S505). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S505: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S511. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S505: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines, based on the detection signal of the left home position sensor GSb, whether or not the left movable part 81 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0b (step S506).

[0159] If the left movable part 81 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0b (step S506: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S509. If the left movable part 81 is not in the state of being arranged at the home position P0b (step S506: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the left home position check 1 process (step S507).

[0160] The left home position check 1 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 1 process, the "upper movable part 80" is read as the "left movable part 81", the "home position P0a" is read as the "home position P0b", and the "effect position P1a" is read as the "effect position P1b". Also, the left home position check 1 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 1 process, the "upper movable actuator KA1" is read as the "left movable actuator KA2", the "upper home position sensor GSa" is read as the "left home position sensor GSb", and the "upper home position abnormal flag" is read as the "left home position abnormal flag". Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 and prohibits the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 when the left movable part 81 cannot shift to a state where it is arranged at the home position P0b (cannot return to a state where it is arranged at the home position P0b) even if the left movable part 81 performs a retry operation a specified number of times Rk.

[0161] The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the left home position check 1 process (step S508). When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S508: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S511. When the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S508: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines, based on the detection signal of the right home position sensor GSc, whether or not the right movable part 82 is in a state where it is arranged at the home position P0c (step S509).

[0162] When the right movable part 82 is in a state where it is arranged at the home position P0c (step S509: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S511. When the right movable part 82 is not in a state where it is arranged at the home position P0c (step S509: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the right home position check 1 process (step S510).

[0163] The right home position check 1 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 1 process, the "upper movable part 80" is read as the "right movable part 82", the "home position P0a" is read as the "home position P0c", and the "effect position P1a" is read as the "effect position P1c". Also, the right home position check 1 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 1 process, the "upper movable actuator KA1" is read as the "right movable actuator KA3", the "upper home position sensor GSa" is read as the "right home position sensor GSc", and the "upper home position abnormality flag" is read as the "right home position abnormality flag". Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, when the right movable part 82 cannot shift to a state where it is arranged at the home position P0c (cannot return to the state where it is arranged at the home position P0c) even if the right movable part 82 performs the retry operation of the specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0164] When the lower left movable part 90 is in a state of being arranged at the home position P0d (step S511: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S514. When the lower left movable part 90 is not in a state of being arranged at the home position P0d (step S511: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the lower left home position check 1 process (step S512).

[0165] As shown in FIG. 10, in the lower left home position check 1 process, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower left movable part 90 to the home position P0d (step S561). After controlling the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower left movable part 90 to the home position P0d, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move to the effect position P1d (step S562). After controlling the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower left movable part 90 to the effect position P1d, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move to the home position P0d (step S563). In the present embodiment, the operation of the lower left movable part 90 in the processes of steps S562 and S563 is an example of a retry operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 adds 1 to the number of retry operations and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0166] After controlling the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower left movable part 90 to the home position P0d, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower left movable part 90 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0d based on the detection signal of the lower left home position sensor GSd (step S564). If the lower left movable part 90 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0d (step S564: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the lower left home position check 1 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0167] When the left - lower movable part 90 is not in the original position P0d (step S564: NO), the sub - CPU 51 determines whether the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (step S565). When the number of retry operation times has not reached the specified number Rk (step S565: NO), the sub - CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S562. When the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (step S565: YES), the sub - CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left - lower movable part 90. At this time, the sub - CPU 51 stores in the sub - RWM 53 information (hereinafter referred to as the left - lower original - position abnormality flag) that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left - lower movable part 90 in the left - lower original - position check 1 process. Also, the sub - CPU 51 stores in the sub - RWM 53 information (hereinafter referred to as the second operation prohibition flag) that can identify the prohibition of the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 (step S566). By storing the second operation prohibition flag in the sub - RWM 53, the process of stopping the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 will be described later. Then, the sub - CPU 51 ends the left - lower original - position check 1 process. At this time, the sub - CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub - RWM 53.

[0168] As described above, when the number of retry operation times reaches the specified number Rk and the left - lower original - position check 1 process ends, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred where the left - lower movable part 90 cannot shift to the state where it is arranged at the original position P0d (cannot return to the state where the left - lower movable part 90 is arranged at the original position P0d). On the other hand, when the left - lower original - position check 1 process ends without the number of retry operation times reaching the specified number Rk, it can be said that the abnormality that the left - lower movable part 90 cannot shift to the state where it is arranged at the original position P0d has been resolved by the retry operation. And when the sub - CPU 51 determines that, even after performing the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the left - lower movable part 90 cannot shift to the state where it is arranged at the original position P0d, the sub - CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left - lower movable part 90 and prohibits the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91.

[0169] Returning to FIG. 8, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the lower left home position check 1 process (step S513). If the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S513: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the home position check process. If the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S513: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower right movable part 91 is arranged in the home position P0e based on the detection signal of the lower right home position sensor GSe (step S514).

[0170] If the lower right movable part 91 is arranged in the home position P0e (step S514: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the home position check process. If the lower right movable part 91 is not arranged in the home position P0e (step S514: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the lower right home position check 1 process (step S515).

[0171] The lower right original position check 1 process is a process in which, for the lower left original position check 1 process, "lower left movable part 90" is replaced with "lower right movable part 91", "original position P0d" is replaced with "original position P0e", and "production position P1d" is replaced with "production position P1e". Also, the lower right original position check 1 process is a process in which, for the lower left original position check 1 process, "lower left movable actuator KA4" is replaced with "lower right movable actuator KA5", "lower left original position sensor GSd" is replaced with "lower right original position sensor GSe", and "lower left original position abnormality flag" is replaced with "lower right original position abnormality flag". Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, when the lower right movable part 91 cannot shift to a state where it is arranged at the original position P0e (cannot return to a state where it is arranged at the original position P0e) even if the lower right movable part 91 performs a retry operation a specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower right movable part 91 and prohibits the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91. When the sub-CPU 51 finishes the lower right original position check 1 process, it finishes the original position check process. Note that when the sub-CPU 51 finishes the original position check process, it controls the actuators KA1 to KA5 so that the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are each shifted to the original position.

[0172] A process of prohibiting the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 because the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and a process of prohibiting the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 because the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 will be described.

[0173] When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 prohibits all operations except the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 in the abnormality determination process. That is, when the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, after the completion of the original position check process, even if the operation conditions are satisfied, the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 are prohibited. When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA3 even if the operation conditions are satisfied. Thereby, when the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 stops the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82. However, the secondary CPU 51 can operate the movable parts 80 to 82 in the operation check process described later.

[0174] When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 prohibits all operations except the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 in the abnormality determination process. That is, when the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, after the completion of the original position check process, the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 are prohibited. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA4 and KA5. Thereby, when the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 stops the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91. However, the secondary CPU 51 can operate the movable parts 90 and 91 in the operation check process.

[0175] Note that the first operation prohibition flag and the second operation prohibition flag are initialized when the power is turned off. Therefore, after the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are prohibited by the first operation prohibition flag and the second operation prohibition flag, if the power is turned off and then turned on, the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are possible even outside the abnormality determination process.

[0176] Next, the operation check process performed by the secondary CPU 51 will be described. The operation check process is a process of determining whether the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 operate normally by operating the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91. The trigger for executing the operation check process is the trigger based on the start of power supply. More specifically, the operation check process is executed only when the power is turned on. Note that the sub-CPU 51 executes the operation check process after finishing the home position check process when the power is turned on.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 11, when the trigger for executing the operation check process arrives, the sub-CPU 51 executes the operation check process. The sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1-KA5 to move the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 to their respective effect positions (step S601). Then, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the upper movable part 80 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper home position sensor GSa (step S602). If the upper movable part 80 is not in the state of being arranged at the home position P0a (step S602: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the home position P0a (step S603). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S607. If the upper movable part 80 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0a (step S602: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes the upper home position check 2 process (step S604).

[0178] As shown in FIG. 14, in the upper home position check 2 process, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the effect position P1a (step S651). In this embodiment, the operation of the upper movable part 80 by the process in step S651 is an example of a retry operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 adds 1 to the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0179] After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 so as to move the upper movable part 80 to the production position P1a, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the upper movable part 80 is disposed at the original position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper original position sensor GSa (step S652). If the upper movable part 80 is not in the state of being disposed at the original position P0a (step S652: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 2 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0180] If the upper movable part 80 is in the state of being disposed at the original position P0a (step S652: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (step S653). If the number of retry operation times has not reached the specified number Rk (step S653: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S651. If the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (step S653: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as the upper operation abnormality flag) that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 in the upper original position check 2 process in the sub-RWM 53. Further, the sub-CPU 51 stores the first operation prohibition flag in the sub-RWM 53 (step S654). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 2 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0181] Thus, when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk and the upper home position check 2 process ends, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred where the upper movable part 80 cannot shift from the state of being arranged at the home position P0a (cannot escape from the state of being arranged at the home position P0a). On the other hand, when the upper home position check 2 process ends without the number of retry operations reaching the specified number Rk, it can be said that the abnormality where the upper movable part 80 cannot shift from the state of being arranged at the home position P0a has been resolved by the retry operation. Then, if the upper movable part 80 cannot shift from the state of being arranged at the home position P0a even after performing the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable part 80 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0182] Returning to FIG. 11, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to shift the upper movable part 80 to the home position P0a (step S605). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the upper home position check 2 process (step S606). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S606: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S606: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the upper movable part 80 is arranged at the home position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper home position sensor GSa (step S607). If the upper movable part 80 is arranged at the home position P0a (step S607: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S610 in FIG. 12.

[0183] When the upper movable part 80 is not in the original position P0a (step S607: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the upper original position check 1 process shown in FIG. 9 (step S608). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the upper original position check 1 process (step S609). When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S609: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. When the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S609: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S610 in FIG. 12.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 12, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the left movable part 81 is in the original position P0b based on the detection signal of the left original position sensor GSb (step S610). When the left movable part 81 is not in the original position P0b (step S610: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the left movable actuator KA2 to move the left movable part 81 to the original position P0b (step S611). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S615. When the left movable part 81 is in the original position P0b (step S610: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes the left original position check 2 process (step S612).

[0185] The left home position check 2 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 2 process, the "upper movable part 80" is replaced with the "left movable part 81", the "home position P0a" is replaced with the "home position P0b", and the "effect position P1a" is replaced with the "effect position P1b". Also, the left home position check 2 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 2 process, the "upper movable actuator KA1" is replaced with the "left movable actuator KA2", the "upper home position sensor GSa" is replaced with the "left home position sensor GSb", and the "upper operation abnormality flag" is replaced with the "left operation abnormality flag". Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, when the left movable part 81 cannot shift from the state where it is arranged at the home position P0b even if it performs the retry operation of the specified number of times Rk (cannot escape from the state where the left movable part 81 is arranged at the home position P0b), the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0186] The sub-CPU 51 controls the left movable actuator KA2 so as to shift the left movable part 81 to the home position P0b (step S613). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the left home position check 2 process (step S614). When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S614: NO), the sub-CPU 51 shifts to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. When the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S614: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the left movable part 81 is arranged at the home position P0b based on the detection signal of the left home position sensor GSb (step S615). When the left movable part 81 is arranged at the home position P0b (step S615: YES), the sub-CPU 51 shifts to the process of step S618.

[0187] When the left movable part 81 is not in the original position P0b (step S615: NO), the sub CPU 51 executes the left original position check 1 process (step S616). Note that the left original position check 1 process is the same process as the left original position check 1 process in step S507 in the original position check process described above. The sub CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 in the left original position check 1 process (step S617). When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 (step S617: NO), the sub CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. When the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub RWM 53 (step S617: YES), the sub CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S618.

[0188] The sub CPU 51 determines whether or not the right movable part 82 is in the original position P0c based on the detection signal of the right original position sensor GSc (step S618). When the right movable part 82 is not in the original position P0c (step S618: NO), the sub CPU 51 controls the right movable actuator KA3 to move the right movable part 82 to the original position P0c (step S619). Then, the sub CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S623. When the right movable part 82 is in the original position P0c (step S618: YES), the sub CPU 51 executes the right original position check 2 process (step S620).

[0189] The right home position check 2 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 2 process, the "upper movable part 80" is replaced with the "right movable part 82", the "home position P0a" is replaced with the "home position P0c", and the "effect position P1a" is replaced with the "effect position P1c". Also, the right home position check 2 process is a process in which, for the upper home position check 2 process, the "upper movable actuator KA1" is replaced with the "right movable actuator KA3", the "upper home position sensor GSa" is replaced with the "right home position sensor GSc", and the "upper operation abnormality flag" is replaced with the "right operation abnormality flag". Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 when the right movable part 82 cannot shift from the state where it is arranged at the home position P0c even after performing the retry operation of the specified number of times Rk (cannot escape from the state where it is arranged at the home position P0c).

[0190] The sub-CPU 51 controls the right movable actuator KA3 to move the right movable part 82 to the home position P0c (step S621). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the right home position check 2 process (step S622). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S622: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S622: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the right movable part 82 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0c based on the detection signal of the right home position sensor GSc (step S623). If the right movable part 82 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0c (step S623: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13.

[0191] When the right movable part 82 is not in the original position P0c (step S623: NO), the sub CPU 51 executes the right original position check 1 process (step S624). Note that the right original position check 1 process is the same process as the right original position check 1 process in step S510 in the original position check process described above. When the sub CPU 51 finishes the right original position check 1 process, it proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 13, the sub CPU 51 determines whether the lower left movable part 90 is in the original position P0d based on the detection signal of the lower left original position sensor GSd (step S625). When the lower left movable part 90 is not in the original position P0d (step S625: NO), the sub CPU 51 controls the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower left movable part 90 to the original position P0d (step S626). Then, the sub CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S630. When the lower left movable part 90 is in the original position P0d (step S625: YES), the sub CPU 51 executes the lower left original position check 2 process (step S627).

[0193] As shown in FIG. 15, in the lower left original position check 2 process, the sub CPU 51 controls the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower left movable part 90 to the effect position P1d (step S661). In the present embodiment, the operation of the lower left movable part 90 by the process in step S661 is an example of a retry operation. At this time, the sub CPU 51 adds 1 to the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub RWM53.

[0194] After controlling the lower left movable actuator KA4 so as to move the lower left movable part 90 to the effect position P1d, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower left movable part 90 is arranged at the original position P0d based on the detection signal of the lower left original position sensor GSd (step S662). If the lower left movable part 90 is not in the state of being arranged at the original position P0d (step S662: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the lower left original position check 2 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0195] If the lower left movable part 90 is in the state of being arranged at the original position P0d (step S662: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (step S663). If the number of retry operation times has not reached the specified number Rk (step S663: NO), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S661. If the number of retry operation times has reached the specified number Rk (step S663: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower left movable part 90. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as the lower left operation abnormality flag) that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower left movable part 90 in the lower left original position check 2 process in the sub-RWM 53. Further, the sub-CPU 51 stores the second operation prohibition flag in the sub-RWM 53 (step S664). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the lower left original position check 2 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operation times and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0196] Thus, when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk and the lower left home position check 2 process ends, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred where the lower left movable part 90 cannot shift from the state of being arranged at the home position P0d (cannot escape from the state of being arranged at the home position P0d). On the other hand, when the lower left home position check 2 process ends without the number of retry operations reaching the specified number Rk, it can be said that the abnormality where the lower left movable part 90 cannot shift from the state of being arranged at the home position P0d has been resolved by the retry operation. And that is to say, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower left movable part 90 and prohibits the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 if, even after performing the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the lower left movable part 90 cannot shift from the state of being arranged at the home position P0d.

[0197] Returning to FIG. 13, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower left movable part 90 to the home position P0d (step S628). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the lower left home position check 2 process (step S629). If the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S629: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the operation check process. If the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S629: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines based on the detection signal of the lower left home position sensor GSd whether or not the lower left movable part 90 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0d (step S630). If the lower left movable part 90 is in the state of being arranged at the home position P0d (step S630: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S633.

[0198] When the lower left movable part 90 is not in the original position P0d (step S630: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the lower left original position check 1 process shown in FIG. 10 (step S631). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the lower left original position check 1 process (step S632). When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S632: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the operation check process. When the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S632: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S633.

[0199] Based on the detection signal of the lower right original position sensor GSe, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower right movable part 91 is in the original position P0e (step S633). When the lower right movable part 91 is not in the original position P0e (step S633: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower right movable actuator KA5 to move the lower right movable part 91 to the original position P0e (step S634). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S638. When the lower right movable part 91 is in the original position P0e (step S633: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes the lower right original position check 2 process (step S635).

[0200] The lower right original position check 2 process is a process in which, for the lower left original position check 2 process, "lower left movable part 90" is replaced with "lower right movable part 91", "original position P0d" is replaced with "original position P0e", and "effect position P1d" is replaced with "effect position P1e". Also, the lower right original position check 2 process is a process in which, for the lower left original position check 2 process, "lower left movable actuator KA4" is replaced with "lower right movable actuator KA5", "lower left original position sensor GSd" is replaced with "lower right original position sensor GSe", and "lower left operation abnormality flag" is replaced with "lower right operation abnormality flag". Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower right movable part 91 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 90 and 91 when the lower right movable part 91 cannot transition from the state where it is arranged at the original position P0e even after performing the retry operation the specified number of times Rk (cannot escape from the state where it is arranged at the original position P0e).

[0201] The sub-CPU 51 controls the lower right movable actuator KA5 to move the lower right movable part 91 to the original position P0e (step S636). The sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the lower right original position check 2 process (step S637). If the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S637: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the operation check process. If the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S637: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower right movable part 91 is arranged at the original position P0e based on the detection signal of the lower right original position sensor GSe (step S638). If the lower right movable part 91 is arranged at the original position P0e (step S638: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the operation check process.

[0202] When the right-lower movable part 91 is not in the original position P0e (step S638: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the right-lower original position check 1 process (step S639). Note that the right-lower original position check 1 process is the same process as the right-lower original position check 1 process in step S515 of the original position check process described above. When the sub-CPU 51 finishes the right-lower original position check 1 process, it finishes the operation check process. Note that when the sub-CPU 51 finishes the operation check process, it controls the actuators KA1 to KA5 to move the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to their original positions respectively.

[0203] As described above, the sub-CPU 51 is capable of executing an abnormality determination process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91. In the abnormality determination process, for each of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of that movable part. That is, the abnormality determination process includes a process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80, a process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81, and a process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82. Further, the abnormality determination process includes a process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 and a process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-right movable part 91.

[0204] When it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of any of the movable parts 80 to 82, the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 are stopped. For example, when the upper movable part 80 is the first movable part and the left movable part 81 is the second movable part, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first movable part and the second movable part, the operations of both the first movable part and the second movable part are stopped.

[0205] And the abnormality determination process includes an in - place check process and an operation check process. In the in - place check process, an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 is determined to have occurred because the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 cannot transition to the state where they are arranged at the in - place position (cannot return to the state where the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 are arranged at the in - place position). In the operation check process, an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 is determined to have occurred because the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 cannot transition from the state where they are arranged at the in - place position (cannot escape from the state where the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 are arranged at the in - place position). Also, in the operation check process, an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 is determined to have occurred because the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 cannot transition to the state where they are arranged at the in - place position (cannot return to the state where the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 are arranged at the in - place position).

[0206] Thus, there are multiple abnormal causes that are the reasons for determining that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 has occurred in the abnormality determination process. Among the reasons for determining that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 has occurred, the reason that the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 cannot transition to the state where they are arranged at the in - place position is an example of the first abnormal cause. Among the reasons for determining that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 has occurred, the reason that the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 cannot transition from the state where they are arranged at the in - place position is an example of the second abnormal cause. The abnormal causes that are the reasons for determining that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 - 82, 90, 91 has occurred in the abnormality determination process include the first abnormal cause and the second abnormal cause that is different from the first abnormal cause.

[0207] In the abnormality determination process, for the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91, whether an abnormality has occurred is determined based on whether the cause of the abnormality has been eliminated as a result of the retry operation. For example, the process of determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 includes an upper home position check 1 process and an upper home position check 2 process. The retry operation executed in the upper home position check 1 process and the upper home position check 2 process is an example of the first determination operation. In the abnormality determination process, the first determination operation of operating the upper movable part 80 is executed, and whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 is determined based on whether the cause of the abnormality determined to have occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 has been eliminated. The retry operation (first determination operation) executed in the upper home position check 1 process and the upper home position check 2 process can be executed a plurality of times over the specified number of times Rk.

[0208] And when the cause of the abnormality determined to have occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 is eliminated as a result of the execution of the first determination operation, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80. On the other hand, when the cause of the abnormality determined to have occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 is not eliminated even after the first determination operation is executed the specified number of times Rk, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80.

[0209] For example, the process of determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 includes a left home position check 1 process and a left home position check 2 process. The retry operation executed in the left home position check 1 process and the left home position check 2 process is an example of the second determination operation. In the abnormality determination process, the second determination operation of operating the left movable part 81 is executed, and whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 is determined based on whether the cause of the abnormality determined to have occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 has been eliminated. The retry operation (second determination operation) executed in the left home position check 1 process and the left home position check 2 process can be executed a plurality of times over the specified number of times Rk.

[0210] When the cause of an abnormality that is determined to have occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 when the second determination operation is executed is resolved, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81. On the other hand, when the cause of an abnormality that is determined to have occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 even after the second determination operation is executed a specified number of times Rk is not resolved, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81.

[0211] For example, the process of determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 includes a right home position check 1 process and a right home position check 2 process. The retry operation executed in the right home position check 1 process and the right home position check 2 process is an example of the second determination operation. In the abnormality determination process, the second determination operation for operating the right movable part 82 is executed, and it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 depending on whether the cause of the abnormality that is determined to have occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 is resolved. The retry operation (second determination operation) executed in the right home position check 1 process and the right home position check 2 process can be executed over a specified number of times Rk, which is a plurality of times.

[0212] When the cause of an abnormality that is determined to have occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 when the second determination operation is executed is resolved, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82. On the other hand, when the cause of an abnormality that is determined to have occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 even after the second determination operation is executed a specified number of times Rk is not resolved, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82.

[0213] Next, an example of abnormality notification executed when the first operation prohibition flag and the second operation prohibition flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53 will be described together with the control by the sub-CPU 51. The abnormal notification is a notification executed by the decorative lamp LA when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 in the home position check process and the operation check process. Note that the notification mode of the decorative lamp LA when the abnormal notification is executed is different from the notification mode other than during the execution of the abnormal notification. That is, the notification mode of the decorative lamp LA when the abnormal notification is executed can be said to be a notification mode dedicated to the abnormal notification.

[0214] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 in the home position check process and the operation check process executed when the power is turned on, the abnormal notification is executed by the decorative lamp LA. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 in the home position check process executed when the special game ends, when the big win game starts, and when the big win game ends, the abnormal notification is not executed. That is, the abnormal notification is executed when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 in the abnormality determination process executed based on the start of power supply. On the other hand, the abnormal notification is not executed even when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 in the abnormality determination process executed based on the execution of the special game. Note that the sub-CPU 51 executes a process of causing the abnormal notification to be executed after the operation check process is completed.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 16, when the first operation prohibition flag or the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the home position check process and the operation check process executed when the power is turned on, the sub-CPU 51 controls the decorative lamp LA to execute the abnormal notification.

[0216] When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies a movable part in which an abnormality related to the operation has occurred (hereinafter referred to as an abnormal movable part) and the cause of the abnormality based on the upper original position abnormality flag, the upper operation abnormality flag, the left original position abnormality flag, the left operation abnormality flag, the right original position abnormality flag, and the right operation abnormality flag.

[0217] The case where either the upper original position abnormality flag or the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53 will be described. When the upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the cause that "it is impossible to shift to the state of being arranged at the original position" (hereinafter referred to as the first abnormal cause). In FIG. 16, for the first abnormal cause, it is shown as "impossible to shift to the original position". In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the on-board decorative lamp LAc to blink in blue.

[0218] When the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the cause that "it is impossible to shift from the state of being arranged at the original position" (hereinafter referred to as the second abnormal cause). In FIG. 16, for the second abnormal cause, it is shown as "impossible to shift from the original position". In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the on-board decorative lamp LAc to blink in green.

[0219] The case where both the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM53 will be described. The situation where both the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM53 is a situation where the upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53 in the original position check process and then the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53 in the operation check process.

[0220] When both the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the panel decoration lamp LAc to blink in blue.

[0221] The case where either the left original position abnormality flag or the left operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53 will be described. When the left original position abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the panel left decoration lamp LAd to blink in blue. When the left operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the panel left decoration lamp LAd to blink in green.

[0222] The case where both the left original position abnormality flag and the left operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM53 will be described. When both the left original position abnormality flag and the left operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the panel left decoration lamp LAd to blink in blue.

[0223] The case where either the right original position abnormality flag or the right operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53 will be described. When the right home position abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the right panel decoration lamp LAe to blink in blue. When the right operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the right panel decoration lamp LAe to blink in green.

[0224] The case where both the right home position abnormality flag and the right operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM53 will be described. When both the right home position abnormality flag and the right operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the right panel decoration lamp LAe to blink in blue.

[0225] When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies the abnormal movable part and the cause of the abnormality based on the lower left home position abnormality flag, the lower left operation abnormality flag, the lower right home position abnormality flag, and the lower right operation abnormality flag.

[0226] The case where either the lower left home position abnormality flag or the lower left operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53 will be described. When the lower left home position abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower left movable part 90 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the lower left panel decoration lamp LAf to blink in blue. When the lower left operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower left movable part 90 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the secondary CPU51 controls the lower left panel decoration lamp LAf to blink in green.

[0227] The case where both the lower left original position abnormality flag and the lower left operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM53 will be described. When both the lower left original position abnormality flag and the lower left operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM53, the sub-CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower left movable part 90, and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU51 controls the panel lower left decoration lamp LAF to blink in blue.

[0228] The case where either the lower right original position abnormality flag or the lower right operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM53 will be described. When the lower right original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM53, the sub-CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower right movable part 91, and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU51 controls the panel lower right decoration lamp LAG to blink in blue. When the lower right operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM53, the sub-CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower right movable part 91, and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU51 controls the panel lower right decoration lamp LAG to blink in green.

[0229] The case where both the lower right original position abnormality flag and the lower right operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM53 will be described. When both the lower right original position abnormality flag and the lower right operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM53, the sub-CPU51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower right movable part 91, and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU51 controls the panel lower right decoration lamp LAG to blink in blue.

[0230] When the sub-CPU 51 executes an abnormality notification, it terminates the abnormality notification when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the abnormality notification. In addition, when the sub-CPU 51 executes an abnormality notification, it starts the abnormality notification and controls the left frame decoration lamp LAa and the right frame decoration lamp LAb to blink in red. Then, when the abnormality notification ends, the sub-CPU 51 turns off the left frame decoration lamp LAa and the right frame decoration lamp LAb.

[0231] As described above, when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute an abnormality notification. When the abnormal movable part is the upper movable part 80, the abnormality notification is executed by the on-board decoration lamp LAc. When the abnormal movable part is the left movable part 81, the abnormality notification is executed by the left-board decoration lamp LAd. When the abnormal movable part is the right movable part 82, the abnormality notification is executed by the right-board decoration lamp LAe. When the abnormal movable part is the lower left movable part 90, the abnormality notification is executed by the lower left-board decoration lamp LAf. When the abnormal movable part is the lower right movable part 91, the abnormality notification is executed by the lower right-board decoration lamp LAg. Thus, when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute an abnormality notification that can recognize the movable part that is the subject of the determination.

[0232] In particular, the on-board decorative lamps LAc to LAg are provided at the following positions when the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are arranged at their original positions. The on-board decorative lamp LAc is provided near the upper movable part 80 rather than the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, the lower left movable part 90, and the lower right movable part 91. The left on-board decorative lamp LAd is provided near the left movable part 81 rather than the upper movable part 80, the right movable part 82, the lower left movable part 90, and the lower right movable part 91. The right on-board decorative lamp LAe is provided near the right movable part 82 rather than the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the lower left movable part 90, and the lower right movable part 91. The lower left on-board decorative lamp LAf is provided near the lower left movable part 90 rather than the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, and the lower right movable part 91. The lower right on-board decorative lamp LAg is provided near the lower right movable part 91 rather than the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, and the lower left movable part 90.

[0233] When the cause of the abnormality is the first cause of abnormality, the abnormality notification blinks in blue. When the cause of the abnormality is the second cause of abnormality, the abnormality notification blinks in green. Thereby, when the abnormality notification is executed, when it blinks in blue, it is possible to recognize that the cause of the abnormality is the first cause of abnormality. Blinking in blue is an example of the first abnormality notification. When the abnormality notification is executed, when it blinks in green, it is possible to recognize that the cause of the abnormality is the second cause of abnormality. Blinking in green is an example of the second abnormality notification. In this way, the abnormality notification includes a first abnormality notification that can recognize that the cause determined to be an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 in the abnormality determination process is the first cause of abnormality. The abnormality notification includes a second abnormality notification that can recognize that the cause determined to be an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 in the abnormality determination process is the second cause of abnormality. When it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 has occurred, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute an abnormality notification that can recognize the cause of the determined abnormality.

[0234] From the above, for example, when the upper movable part 80 is used as the first movable part and the left movable part 81 is used as the second movable part, in the pachinko game machine 10, when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first movable part and the second movable part, it is possible to execute an abnormality notification that can recognize which of the first movable part and the second movable part the one movable part is, and the cause of the abnormality that has caused the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the one movable part. And when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first movable part and the second movable part, the operations of both the first movable part and the second movable part are stopped. However, even if the operation of either the first movable part or the second movable part has stopped, the notification regarding the other movable part different from the one movable part is not executed. That is, when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first movable part and the second movable part, while stopping the operations of both the first movable part and the second movable part, the notification regarding the other movable part different from the one movable part is not executed.

[0235] Here, for example, when the upper original position abnormality flag and the left operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LAc to blink in blue and controls the board left decoration lamp LAd to blink in green. In this way, when the sub-CPU 51 identifies that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of a plurality of movable parts, it causes the corresponding decoration lamp LA to execute an abnormality notification for each of them.

[0236] On the one hand, as described above, when the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 controls the panel decoration lamp LAc to blink in blue. In this way, when the secondary CPU 51 identifies that there are multiple causes of abnormality for a single movable part, it executes an abnormality notification that can recognize the previously occurred cause of abnormality. That is, after it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to the first cause of abnormality, if it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to the second cause of abnormality, the first abnormality notification is executed without executing the second abnormality notification.

[0237] The effects of the embodiment will be described. (1) According to this embodiment, when a special condition, which is an example of the movable restriction condition, is satisfied, the specific operation in which the movable parts 80 to 82 shift from the state of being arranged at the original position to the state of being arranged at the effect position is restricted by executing special control. Since the movable parts 80 to 82 are devices (members) used for effects, they are devices that can affect the player's interest by operating. For such movable parts 80 to 82, in this embodiment, in the situation where the special condition is satisfied, it is possible to restrict the shift from the state of being arranged at the original position to the state of being arranged at the effect position. Therefore, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0238] (2) Since the movable parts 80 to 82 are devices (members) used for effects, in particular, when the movable parts 80 to 82 execute a specific operation during the execution of a special game, it can affect the player's interest. In this embodiment, even during the execution of a special game, when the special condition is satisfied, it is possible to restrict the movable parts 80 to 82 from executing a specific operation by executing special control. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since it is possible to restrict the execution of a specific operation during the execution of a special game, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0239] (3) The movable parts 80 to 82 can be controlled so that when the special game ends, the movable parts 80 to 82 are in a state of being arranged at their original positions. For example, when the special game ends and the movable parts 80 to 82 are not in the state of being arranged at their original positions, there is a risk that the movable parts 80 to 82 may not operate properly. Therefore, when the special game ends and the movable parts 80 to 82 are not in the state of being arranged at their original positions, it may be considered to operate the movable parts 80 to 82. In such a situation, if the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 is restricted by executing special control, as a result, there is a risk that the movable parts 80 to 82 may not operate properly thereafter. According to the present embodiment, even if special control has been executed, when the special game ends, the movable parts 80 to 82 are allowed to execute a specific operation. Thereby, it is possible to make it easier for the movable parts 80 to 82 to operate properly, and the movable parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately.

[0240] (4) According to the present embodiment, for example, in a situation where the current time is close to the closing time of the game arcade, even if a big win occurs, it is conceivable that the game may be stopped. In the present embodiment, based on the time, it is possible to restrict the movable parts 80 to 82 from shifting from the state of being arranged at their original positions to the state of being arranged at the effect positions, so that the movable parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately according to the situation.

[0241] (5) According to the present embodiment, the situation of the game, such as the operating status of the gaming machine, can be estimated from the number of game media used in the game. In the present embodiment, based on the number of such game media, it is possible to restrict the movable parts 80 to 82 from shifting from the state of being arranged at their original positions to the state of being arranged at the effect positions, so that the movable parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately according to the situation.

[0242] (6)Generally, the standby effect also includes encouraging the player to play the game as its execution purpose. Since the first standby effect is an effect in which the movable parts 80 to 82 can execute a specific operation, it can be said that it is an effect that is more easily recognized than the second standby effect. Therefore, the movable parts 80 to 82 are devices that can affect the player's interest by their operations. In the present embodiment, when a specific condition, which is an example of the movement restriction condition, is satisfied, the second standby effect can be executed, while the first standby effect is not executed by executing the specific control. According to the present embodiment, when the specific condition is satisfied, the second standby effect can be executed without executing the first standby effect, so that the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0243] (7)According to the present embodiment, even if the special condition is not satisfied, if the specific condition is satisfied, the first standby effect is not executed. That is, according to the present embodiment, when the special condition is not satisfied, the specific control can be executed and the special control can be prevented from being executed. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 can be controlled according to the satisfaction of the special condition and the specific condition. Therefore, for example, when the special game is not being executed, the execution of the specific operation by the movable parts 80 to 82 can be restricted, while when the special game is being executed, a situation where the movable parts 80 to 82 execute the specific operation can be created, so that the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0244] (8)According to the present embodiment, in the situation where the first standby effect is being executed, when the specific condition is satisfied, the movable parts 80 to 82 can shift to the state where they are arranged at the original positions. That is, even if the state in which the movable parts 80 to 82 are arranged at the original positions is different from the state in which the first standby effect is executed, when the specific condition is satisfied, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be made to be in the state where they are arranged at the original positions. Therefore, when the specific condition is satisfied, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be prevented from operating from the state where they are arranged at the original positions.

[0245] (9) According to this embodiment, for example, in a situation where the current time is close to the closing time of the game parlor, even if a big win occurs, it is conceivable that the game may be stopped. In such a situation, if the first standby effect is executed, it is conceivable that the interest may actually decrease as a result of playing the game. In this embodiment, since it is possible not to execute the first standby effect according to the time, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0246] (10) According to this embodiment, the situation of the game, such as the operating status of the gaming machine, can be inferred from the number of game media used in the game. In this embodiment, based on such a number of game media, it is possible not to execute the first standby effect, so that the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0247] (11) According to this embodiment, when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred, it is possible to execute an abnormality notification that can recognize the cause of the abnormality that has become the determined cause. Thereby, when an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part occurs, it is easy to notice that the abnormality has occurred, and it is easy to specify the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality. Therefore, it is possible to easily eliminate the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, and by eliminating the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, the movable part can be appropriately operated.

[0248] (12) According to this embodiment, when an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part occurs in the abnormality determination process executed based on the start of power supply, an abnormality notification is executed. On the other hand, when an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part occurs in the abnormality determination process executed based on the execution of a special game, no abnormality notification is executed. As a situation where power supply starts, for example, it is conceivable to turn on the power of the gaming machine before the game arcade opens. Therefore, as a situation where power supply starts, a situation where the player has not started the game is conceivable. Since an abnormality notification can be executed in such a situation, for example, it is possible to easily eliminate an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part before the game arcade opens. On the other hand, as a situation where a special game is executed, for example, a situation after the game arcade has opened and the player can play the game is conceivable. Since no abnormality notification is executed in such a situation, for example, it is possible to suppress the inhibition of the effect and the decrease in interest caused by the execution of the abnormality notification while the player is playing the game.

[0249] (13) According to this embodiment, when a special game in which the effect game is not executed is executed, the abnormality determination process may not be executed. A special game in which the effect game is not executed is more difficult to recognize as being executed than a special game in which the effect game is executed. Therefore, during the execution of a special game in which the effect game is not executed, if an effect using the movable part is executed, it may give the player a sense of discomfort, so it is conceivable that the movable part may not be operated. For this reason, when a special game in which the effect game is not executed is executed, a situation may occur where there is little need to determine whether an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred. According to this embodiment, since the abnormality determination process may not be executed based on the execution of a special game in which the effect game is not executed, the abnormality determination process can be executed according to the situation.

[0250] (14) According to this embodiment, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable part in the abnormality determination process, an abnormality notification capable of recognizing the type of the movable part in which the abnormality has occurred and the cause of the abnormality that has been determined can be executed. Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the movable part, it is easy to notice that an abnormality has occurred, and it is possible to easily identify the movable part in which the abnormality has occurred and the cause of the abnormality in that movable part. Therefore, it is possible to easily eliminate the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, and it is possible to appropriately operate the movable part by eliminating the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part.

[0251] (15) In this embodiment, an effect in which the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81 operate simultaneously can be executed. For example, when an abnormality occurs in either the upper movable part 80 or the left movable part 81, a sense of discomfort may be given to the player when the effect in which the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81 operate simultaneously is executed. According to this embodiment, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81, the operations of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81 are stopped, so that it is possible to suppress giving a sense of discomfort to the player and appropriately operate the movable part.

[0252] (16) According to this embodiment, for example, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81, while suppressing giving a sense of discomfort to the player by stopping the operations of both movable parts, it is possible to easily identify the movable part in which the abnormality has occurred by the abnormality notification. Thereby, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily eliminate the abnormality related to the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, and it is possible to appropriately operate the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91.

[0253] (17) According to this embodiment, when the special game ends, it is allowed for the movable parts 80 to 82 to shift from the state where they are arranged at the original positions to the state where they are arranged at the effect positions. Thereby, in this embodiment, when the special game ends, it is possible to make it easier for the movable parts 80 to 82 to be in the state where they are arranged at the original positions. Therefore, for example, during the execution of the special game in the subsequent times, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated.

[0254] (18) According to this embodiment, even if a specific condition is satisfied, the movable parts 80 to 82 can execute a specific operation during the execution of the special game. For this reason, when the specific condition is satisfied, since it is possible to regulate that the specific operation is executed while the special game is being executed and that the specific operation is not executed when the special game is not being executed, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0255] (19) According to this embodiment, in either the first standby effect or the second standby effect, images of the same mode are displayed. For this reason, it is easy to recognize that the standby effect is being executed, and the movable parts 80 to 82 can be appropriately operated according to the situation.

[0256] (20) According to this embodiment, for example, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81, the operations of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81 are stopped until at least the power supply is stopped and restarted. For example, in the state where the power supply is being performed, since the power supply is also being performed to the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, by trying to eliminate the abnormalities of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, on the contrary, the abnormalities of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 can become serious. According to this embodiment, since it is possible to induce to stop the power supply and eliminate the abnormalities of the movable parts, it is possible to easily and safely eliminate the abnormalities of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91. Therefore, by eliminating the abnormalities related to the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, the movable parts can be appropriately operated.

[0257] The above-described embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above-described embodiments and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non-conflicting range. · The movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be configured to be movable from the state of being arranged at the original position to the state of being arranged at the effect position by changing the position of the movable part. The change in the position of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 means that the state of the movable part changes by the whole of the movable part moving. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper movable part 80 may be movable from the state of being arranged at the original position P0a to the state of being arranged at the effect position P1a by the whole of the upper movable part 80 moving.

[0258] The movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be configured to be movable from the state of being arranged at the original position to the state of being arranged at the effect position by changing the posture of the movable part. The change in the posture of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 means that the state of the movable part changes by the movable part rotating, pivoting, or expanding and contracting. For example, in the state of being arranged at the original position P0a, the upper movable part 80 may change its posture by pivoting and tilting leftward in a front view and shift to the state of being arranged at the effect position P2a. In this case, the state where the upper movable part 80 is arranged at the effect position P2a is an example of the second state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may include an actuator that can be controlled by the sub-CPU 51 as means for changing the posture of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91.

[0259] The movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be configured to be movable from the state of being arranged at the original position to the state of being arranged at the effect position by changing the position and posture of the movable parts. That is, the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be movable to a state different from the state of being arranged at the original position by changing at least one of the position and posture of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91. The movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be movable from the state of being arranged at the original position to the state of being arranged at the effect position by changing at least one of the position and posture of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91. The movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be movable from the state of being arranged at the effect position to the state of being arranged at the original position by changing at least one of the position and posture of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91.

[0260] · When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on, it may execute the original position check process after executing the operation check process. When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on, it may execute the operation check process after finishing the original position check process, and further execute the original position check process. Also in this modification example, when the sub-CPU 51 identifies that there are multiple causes of abnormality for one movable part, it may execute an abnormality notification that can recognize the previously occurred cause of abnormality. For example, when the upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and then the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the on-board decoration lamp LAc to blink in blue. That is, after it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the first cause of abnormality, when it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the second cause of abnormality, the first abnormality notification may be executed without executing the second abnormality notification. For example, when the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and then the upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the on-board decoration lamp LAc to blink in green. That is, after it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the second cause of abnormality, when it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the first cause of abnormality, the second abnormality notification may be executed without executing the first abnormality notification. According to this modification example, when it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the first cause of abnormality and the second cause of abnormality, an abnormality notification that can recognize the previously determined cause of abnormality is executed, while an abnormality notification that can recognize the later determined cause of abnormality is not executed. Here, it is considered that the later determined cause of abnormality is caused by the previously determined cause of abnormality. Therefore, first, it is required to eliminate the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part based on the previously determined cause of abnormality.According to this modification example, since an abnormality notification capable of recognizing the cause of the abnormality that has been previously determined is executed, it is possible to easily eliminate the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, and by eliminating the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, the movable part can be appropriately operated.

[0261] · When the sub-CPU 51 identifies that there are multiple causes of an abnormality for a single movable part, it may execute an abnormality notification that can recognize all of the multiple causes of the abnormality. For example, when the sub-CPU 51 identifies that the causes of the abnormality are the first cause of the abnormality and the second cause of the abnormality for the abnormality notification, it may control the decorative lamps LAc to LAg to blink in a color different from blue and green (for example, yellow). For example, when the sub-CPU 51 identifies that the causes of the abnormality are the first cause of the abnormality and the second cause of the abnormality for the abnormality notification, it may control the decorative lamps LAc to LAg to blink alternately between blue and green. As a specific example, when the upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and then the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the on-board decorative lamp LAc to blink alternately between blue and green. That is, after it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the first cause of the abnormality, if it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the second cause of the abnormality, the first abnormality notification and the second abnormality notification may be executed. If it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the second cause of the abnormality and then it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the first cause of the abnormality, the second abnormality notification and the first abnormality notification may be executed. According to this modified example, when it is determined that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred in the abnormality determination process due to the first cause of the abnormality and the second cause of the abnormality, both the first abnormality notification and the second abnormality notification are executed. Therefore, according to this modified example, since both the first cause of the abnormality and the second cause of the abnormality can be recognized as the determined cause of the abnormality, it is possible to easily eliminate the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, and it is possible to appropriately operate the movable part by eliminating the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part.

[0262] · The upper original position check 1 process, the left original position check 1 process, and the right original position check 1 process may be executed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. For example, the sub-CPU 51 may perform the processes of steps S503, S506, and S509 of the original position check process simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. When the upper original position check 1 process is executed, if the sub-CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 1 process without the retry operation count reaching the specified count Rk, it may store the upper original position anomaly resolution flag in the sub-RWM 53 as an anomaly resolution flag. When the left original position check 1 process is executed, if the sub-CPU 51 ends the left original position check 1 process without the retry operation count reaching the specified count Rk, it may store the left original position anomaly resolution flag in the sub-RWM 53 as an anomaly resolution flag. When the right original position check 1 process is executed, if the sub-CPU 51 ends the right original position check 1 process without the retry operation count reaching the specified count Rk, it may store the right original position anomaly resolution flag in the sub-RWM 53 as an anomaly resolution flag.

[0263] The upper original position check 2 process, the left original position check 2 process, and the right original position check 2 process may be executed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. For example, the sub-CPU 51 may perform the processes of steps S602, S610, and S618 of the original position check process simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. When the upper original position check 2 process is executed, if the sub-CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 2 process without the number of retry operations reaching the specified number Rk, the sub-CPU 51 may store the upper operation abnormality resolution flag as an abnormality resolution flag in the sub-RWM 53. When the left original position check 2 process is executed, if the sub-CPU 51 ends the left original position check 2 process without the number of retry operations reaching the specified number Rk, the sub-CPU 51 may store the left operation abnormality resolution flag as an abnormality resolution flag in the sub-RWM 53. When the right original position check 2 process is executed, if the sub-CPU 51 ends the right original position check 2 process without the number of retry operations reaching the specified number Rk, the sub-CPU 51 may store the right operation abnormality resolution flag as an abnormality resolution flag in the sub-RWM 53. Then, after the upper original position check 2 process, the left original position check 2 process, and the right original position check 2 process are completed, similar to the original position check process of the above modification example, the upper original position check 1 process, the left original position check 1 process, and the right original position check 1 process may be executed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0264] When the abnormality resolution flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, during the execution of the abnormality notification, the sub-CPU 51 may notify that the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part that can be specified by the abnormality resolution flag has been resolved. For example, when the upper original position abnormality flag and the left original position abnormality resolution flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the on-board decoration lamp LAc to blink in blue. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 may control the left-board decoration lamp LAd to blink in red. For example, when the left operation abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality resolution flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the left-board decoration lamp LAd to blink in green. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 may control the on-board decoration lamp LAc to blink in red.

[0265] As described above, the first determination operation and the second determination operation may be executed simultaneously. And, for example, when the upper movable part 80 is taken as the first movable part and the left movable part 81 is taken as the second movable part, even if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable part and it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable part, when the abnormal cause that the second determination operation is executed and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable part has been eliminated, an abnormality notification that can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable part and the abnormal cause that has caused the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable part may be executed, and a notification regarding the operation of the second movable part may also be executed. Thus, according to this modification example, in addition to the abnormality notification regarding the first movable part, it is also possible to specify that the abnormal cause for which it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable part has been eliminated. Therefore, each of the first movable part and the second movable part can be inspected, and the movable part can be appropriately operated by eliminating the abnormality regarding the operation of the movable part. Also, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable part, even if it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable part, when the abnormal cause that the first determination operation is executed and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable part has been eliminated, an abnormality notification that can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable part and the abnormal cause that has caused the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable part may be executed, and a notification regarding the operation of the first movable part may also be executed. Thus, according to this modification example, in addition to the abnormality notification regarding the second movable part, it is also possible to specify that the abnormal cause for which it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable part has been eliminated. Therefore, each of the first movable part and the second movable part can be inspected, and the movable part can be appropriately operated by eliminating the abnormality regarding the operation of the movable part.

[0266] · The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a locking portion that locks the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 so as not to shift from the state where they are arranged at their original positions. The locking portion is, as an example, an electromagnetic solenoid. For example, the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be formed with locking holes penetrating in the front-rear direction. When the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, they may be configured to be locked by inserting the plunger (movable iron core) of the electromagnetic solenoid into the locking holes of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91. The sub-CPU 51 may be able to control the electromagnetic solenoid. When operating the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 from their original positions, the sub-CPU 51 may control the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to be in an operable state by passing an electric current through the electromagnetic solenoid to draw in the plunger. When the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, the sub-CPU 51 may control the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to be locked by protruding the plunger without passing an electric current through the electromagnetic solenoid. Of course, when the power is turned off, no electric current flows through the electromagnetic solenoid. Therefore, when the power is turned off while the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are locked by the electromagnetic solenoid. That is, when the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are in the state of being arranged at their original positions, even if the power supply is stopped, they may be configured not to shift from the state of being arranged at their original positions to the state of being arranged at the effect position. Thereby, when moving the gaming machine such as transporting the gaming machine, the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 can be arranged at their original positions. For example, it is possible to prevent the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 from contacting the protective glass Hg and being damaged. Thus, in this modified example, it is possible to suppress the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 from malfunctioning and to appropriately operate the specific movable parts. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured such that the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are not locked when the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are in the state of being arranged at the effect position.That is, when the power supply is stopped, it may be more difficult for the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to operate than when the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are arranged at the effect position. Therefore, for example, by moving the gaming machine when the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are arranged at the original positions, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 and appropriately operate the specific movable parts.

[0267] · The game stop condition may be established when the number of game balls launched into the game area YBa after the power is turned on reaches the launch upper limit number (for example, 40000). Specifically, in the game stop process, the main CPU 42 may count the number of launched game balls as the number of game balls launched into the game area YBa. When the main CPU 42 updates the number of launched game balls, it may store information that can identify the number of launched game balls in the main RWM 44. At this time, the main CPU 42 may store a control command (hereinafter referred to as a launch number command) that can identify the updated number of launched game balls in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 inputs any detection signal of the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, SE6, it may add 1 to the number of launched game balls and store it in the main RWM 44. The main CPU 42 may initialize the number of launched game balls (for example, 0) and store it in the main RWM 44 when the power is turned on. When the number of launched game balls reaches the launch upper limit number by adding the number of launched game balls, the main CPU 42 may stop the process related to the progress of the game. The number of launched game balls is an example of the counting information regarding the number of game balls during the period from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off.

[0268] The sub-CPU 51 may execute a ball number regulation determination process when a launch number command is input. The sub-CPU 51 may determine whether the number of launched balls exceeds a third specified number (for example, 38000). The third specified number may be a number less than the launch upper limit number. When the launch upper limit number exceeds the third specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may store the first regulation flag in the sub-RWM 53. On the other hand, when the launch upper limit number does not exceed the third specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may erase the first regulation flag. The movable regulation condition that is satisfied when the first regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the number of launched balls (counting information) is an example of a specific condition. That is, the specific condition may be satisfied based on the number of game balls as a game medium that can be specified by the counting information.

[0269] The sub-CPU 51 may determine whether the number of launched balls exceeds a fourth specified number (for example, 39000). The fourth specified number may be a number less than the launch upper limit number. The fourth specified number may be a number greater than the third specified number. When the launch upper limit number exceeds the fourth specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may store the second regulation flag in the sub-RWM 53. On the other hand, when the launch upper limit number does not exceed the fourth specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may erase the second regulation flag. The movable regulation condition that is satisfied when the second regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the number of launched balls (counting information) is an example of a special condition. That is, the special condition may be satisfied based on the number of game balls as a game medium that can be specified by the counting information. The movable regulation condition that is satisfied when the first regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the number of launched balls may be satisfied earlier than the movable regulation condition that is satisfied when the second regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the number of launched balls.

[0270] · The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a launch sensor SE7 that detects a game ball that has reached the game area YBa. Under the game stop condition, when the main CPU 42 inputs a detection signal from the launch sensor SE7, the difference ball count may be decremented by 1 and stored in the main RWM 44. In this case, even if the main CPU 42 inputs a detection signal from any of the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, SE6, the difference ball count may not be updated. Further, when the main CPU 42 inputs a detection signal from the launch sensor SE7, the launched ball count may be incremented by 1 and stored in the main RWM 44. In this case, even if the main CPU 42 inputs a detection signal from any of the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, SE6, the launched ball count may not be updated.

[0271] · When the secondary CPU 51 is powered on, it may acquire the time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time and store the time information in the secondary RWM 53 as the startup time information. Then, the RTC 54 may specify the elapsed time since the power-on based on the startup time information stored in the secondary RWM 53 and the time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time. In the time regulation determination process, the secondary CPU 51 may acquire the time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time and specify the elapsed time since the power-on. Then, when the elapsed time since the power-on exceeds the first time (12 hours as an example), the secondary CPU 51 may store the third regulation flag in the secondary RWM 53. On the other hand, when the elapsed time since the power-on does not exceed the first time, the secondary CPU 51 may erase the third regulation flag. The movable regulation condition that is established when the third regulation flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the elapsed time specifiable by the time information is an example of a specific condition. That is, the specific condition may be established based on the elapsed time specifiable by the time information. Thus, the specific condition may be established based on the time or elapsed time specifiable by the time information. Also, when the elapsed time since the power-on exceeds the second time (12.5 hours as an example), the secondary CPU 51 may store the fourth regulation flag in the secondary RWM 53. On the other hand, when the elapsed time since the power-on does not exceed the second time, the secondary CPU 51 may erase the fourth regulation flag. The movable regulation condition that is established when the fourth regulation flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the elapsed time specifiable by the time information is an example of a special condition. That is, the special condition may be established based on the elapsed time specifiable by the time information. Thus, the special condition may be established based on the time or elapsed time specifiable by the time information. The movable regulation condition that is established when the third regulation flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the time or elapsed time specifiable by the time information may be established earlier than the movable regulation condition that is established when the fourth regulation flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the time or elapsed time specifiable by the time information.

[0272] · When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on, it may be configured to initialize at least a part of the information stored in the main RWM 44 (hereinafter referred to as RWM clear) by operating a predetermined operation unit. The non-playable state may be continued until the RWM clear is performed. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when it is powered on after being powered off, the non-playable state may be continued if the RWM clear is not performed. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when it is powered on after being powered off, the non-playable state may end and the playable state may be entered if the RWM clear is performed.

[0273] · The standby display effects executed on the effect display device EH in the first standby effect and the second standby effect may be different effects. That is, the mode of the image displayed on the effect display device EH in step S308 in the standby effect execution process may be different from the mode of the image displayed on the effect display device EH in step S311. According to this, the first standby effect can execute a standby display effect on the premise that the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 is executed. The second standby effect can execute a standby display effect on the premise that the first movable effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 is not executed. Therefore, a standby effect without a sense of incongruity can be executed according to the situation.

[0274] · When either the first control flag or the second control flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may not execute the home position check process for the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91. When the first control flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and the second control flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may not execute the home position check process for the movable parts 80 to 82, while it may execute the home position check process for the movable parts 90 and 91. When the second control flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and the first control flag is not stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may not execute the home position check process for the movable parts 90 and 91, while it may execute the home position check process for the movable parts 80 to 82. Regardless of whether the first control flag and the second control flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may execute the home position check process for the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91.

[0275] · The operation check process may be executed based on the execution of a special game. More specifically, the operation check process may be executed when the power is turned on and when the special game ends. That is, as an opportunity for executing the operation check process which is an example of the abnormality determination process, there may be a first execution opportunity based on the start of power supply and a second execution opportunity based on the execution of a special game. In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to execute the operation check process after ending the home position check process when the special game ends. Thus, the operation check process which is an example of the abnormality determination process may be executable based on the execution of a special game.

[0276] · In the above modification example, the operation check process may be executed when the special game starts, instead of or in addition to when the special game ends. The sub-CPU 51 may execute the operation check process when a variation start command and a special symbol command are input.

[0277] · The home position check process may be executed based on the execution of either the first special game or the second special game, regardless of the gaming state. ·The original position check process may be executed when the special game ends, or in addition to this, when the special game starts. The sub-CPU 51 may execute the original position check process when the variation start command and the special symbol command are input.

[0278] ·When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may prohibit all operations including the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 in the abnormality determination process. That is, after storing the first operation prohibition flag in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may not operate the movable parts 80 to 82 until the power is turned off and then turned on again. For example, when the upper movable part 80 is the first movable part and the left movable part 81 is the second movable part, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first movable part and the second movable part in the abnormality determination process, the operations of the first movable part and the second movable part may be stopped at least until the power supply is stopped and restarted. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may prohibit all operations including the operations of the movable parts 90, 91 in the abnormality determination process. That is, after storing the second operation prohibition flag in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may not operate the movable parts 90, 91 until the power is turned off and then turned on again.

[0279] ·When the sub-CPU 51 executes the abnormality notification, it starts the abnormality notification and controls the left frame decoration lamp LAa and the right frame decoration lamp LAb to blink in red, but is not limited to this. The sub-CPU 51 may control the left frame decoration lamp LAa and the right frame decoration lamp LAb to blink in the same color as the color executed in the abnormality notification. For example, when the first abnormality notification is executed, the left frame decoration lamp LAa and the right frame decoration lamp LAb may perform notification in the same mode as the notification mode executed in the first abnormality notification.

[0280] · The sub-CPU 51 may be configured to end the abnormality notification when the power is turned off. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 may not execute the abnormality notification even when the power is turned on. That is, as a condition for ending the abnormality notification, the sub-CPU 51 may use, instead of or in addition to, the elapse of a predetermined time since the start of the abnormality notification, the power being turned off. The sub-CPU 51 may use, as a condition for ending the abnormality notification, instead of or in addition to, the elapse of a predetermined time since the start of the abnormality notification, the power being turned off and then turned on. For example, the sub-CPU 51 may be configured to end the abnormality notification when the power is turned off even before the elapse of a predetermined time since the start of the abnormality notification.

[0281] ·The sub-CPU 51 may be configured to end the abnormality notification when an operation unit (e.g., an abnormality notification cancellation switch) that can be operated when the middle frame 11b is opened is operated. The abnormality notification cancellation switch may be an operation unit that can be operated when the front frame 11c is opened. As a condition for ending the abnormality notification, the sub-CPU 51 may be configured such that the abnormality notification cancellation switch is operated instead of a predetermined time elapsing after the start of the abnormality notification. Since the abnormality notification cancellation switch cannot be operated unless the middle frame 11b or the front frame 11c is opened, it can be said to be an operation unit that can be operated by the administrator of the gaming machine (e.g., a store clerk at a game parlor). According to this, for example, since the abnormality notification can be continued until the store clerk at the game parlor operates the abnormality notification cancellation switch, it is easy to make the store clerk at the game parlor aware that the abnormality notification is being executed. As a condition for ending the abnormality notification, the sub-CPU 51 may be configured such that the abnormality notification cancellation switch is operated in addition to a predetermined time elapsing after the start of the abnormality notification. Even before a predetermined time elapses after the start of the abnormality notification, the sub-CPU 51 may be configured to end the abnormality notification when the abnormality notification cancellation switch is operated. According to this, for example, the store clerk at the game parlor can end the abnormality notification by operating the abnormality notification cancellation switch, and the abnormality notification can also be ended when a predetermined time elapses after the start of the abnormality notification, so the convenience for ending the abnormality notification can be improved. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured such that the abnormality notification ends when an operation unit that can be operated by unlocking the locking device Ss is operated. Also, the first operation prohibition flag and the second operation prohibition flag may be initialized in accordance with the operation of the abnormality notification cancellation switch. The abnormality notification cancellation switch may be a dedicated operation unit for ending the abnormality notification. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may include an operation unit (e.g., an error cancellation switch) for canceling an error in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and ending the error notification, and the abnormality notification may be ended by operating the error cancellation switch. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may include an error cancellation switch instead of the abnormality notification cancellation switch.The error reset switch is an operation unit for ending the abnormality notification and may also be used as an operation unit for resetting various errors to end the error notification.

[0282] · The sub-CPU 51 may cause the effect display device EH to execute an abnormality notification. For example, when the upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause, and control the effect display device EH to display an image (as an example, a character string "The upper movable part cannot be shifted to the state where it is arranged at the original position"). For example, when the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause, and control the effect display device EH to display an image (as an example, a character string "The upper movable part cannot be shifted from the state where it is arranged at the original position"). For example, when both the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the effect display device EH to display an image that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the effect display device EH may be controlled to display an image (as an example, character strings "The upper movable part cannot be shifted to the state where it is arranged at the original position" and "The upper movable part cannot be shifted from the state where it is arranged at the original position") that can identify both the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause as the cause of the abnormality.

[0283] · When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 may operate without prohibiting the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 in the home position check process. When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 may prohibit the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82 in the home position check process. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 may operate without prohibiting the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 in the home position check process. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM53, the secondary CPU 51 may prohibit the operations of the movable parts 90 and 91 in the home position check process.

[0284] · The first time and the second time may be configured to be settable by, for example, the administrator of the gaming machine or the like. As an example, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the power is turned on, the first time and the second time may be set by an operation means (for example, a cross key) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the secondary CPU 51 can input an operation signal of the operation means and may set the first time and the second time based on the operation signal. That is, the first time and the second time may be arbitrarily settable.

[0285] · The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine that performs a small win lottery in addition to the big win lottery. Generally, when winning a small win in the small win lottery, a small win game is given after the end of the special game. The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a state (so-called small win RUSH) in which the number of times (frequency) of winning a small win per unit time or the number of times (frequency) of giving a small win game per unit time is improved compared to a normal gaming state (for example, a gaming state that is a low probability state and not a time-saving state).

[0286] · As a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a high-probability state, there are specifications such as being controlled to a high-probability state until winning a fall lottery (fall machine), or being controlled to a probability-varying state until a predetermined number of special games end (ST machine). Also, among pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high-probability state, there is a specification (V probability-varying machine) that is controlled to a high-probability state when a game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be embodied in any of these types of pachinko gaming machines. The pachinko gaming machine may also be a pachinko gaming machine with a specification that mixes the above-described fall machine and V probability-varying machine.

[0287] · The special game may be displayed on the effect display device EH. In this case, the effect game may not be displayed. The first special game and the second special game may be executed in the order of reservation, or may be executed simultaneously in parallel.

[0288] · The pachinko gaming machine 10 may not be provided with the movable parts 90, 91. · Instead of or in addition to the game board YB, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a movable part on the frame 11 (for example, the front frame 11c). That is, the movable part included in the pachinko gaming machine 10 may include a movable part provided on the frame 11. For example, the movable part provided on the frame 11 may have an operation part (for example, a button and a lever) that can be operated by the player and may be able to shift from the original position to the effect position. The sub-CPU 51 may be able to execute control to cause a movable part having an operation part that can be operated by the player to shift from a state where it is arranged at the original position to a state where it is arranged at the effect position based on the establishment of predetermined operating conditions.

[0289] · The mechanical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine may be appropriately changed. For example, the effect display device EH may be composed of a plurality of display means, and a part of the display means may be configured to be displaceable.

[0290] The above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko game machine in which a virtual medium composed of electronic data is provided when a game ball is provided. That is, the above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko game machine in which a physical game medium is not paid out (a so-called managed game machine). Such a pachinko game machine is configured to convert a game ball that can be launched by using the virtual medium, and to be able to launch the game ball.

[0291] The function of the main control board 40 may be realized by dividing it among multiple boards. The main control board 40 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board. The function of the sub-control board 50 may be realized by dividing it among multiple boards. For example, a pachinko game machine may be equipped with a display board that specializes in controlling the performance display device EH, a lamp board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA, an audio board that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and a movable part board that specializes in controlling the movable parts, and may further be equipped with a general board that controls these board groups in a general manner. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0292] The above embodiment may be embodied in a slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine. The slot machine has a movable part. As an example, the slot machine has a main cabinet in a square box shape. The main cabinet has an opening at the front. The slot machine has a front door that covers the opening of the main cabinet. The main cabinet may be provided with a movable part. The front door may be provided with a movable part. For example, the movable part provided on the front door may have an operation part (for example, a button and a lever) that can be operated by a player, and may be capable of moving from an original position to a performance position.

[0293] · In the above modification example, the slot machine may be configured to count the difference in the number of sheets instead of the number of balls. The difference in the number of sheets may be the difference between the number of game medals used to execute the variable game (so-called bet amount) and the number of game medals paid out as a result of the variable game (the number of game medals paid out due to winning). In the slot machine, when the difference in the number of sheets reaches the upper limit of the difference in the number of sheets (for example, 19,000), the game stop condition may be satisfied and the game may be in an unplayable state.

[0294] · In the slot machine in the above modification example, after a predetermined number of game medals (for example, 3) are inserted, when an operation unit (for example, a lever) operable by the player is operated, a variable game for rotating a plurality of reels can be executed. When the slot machine executes the variable game, it is configured to be able to execute an internal lottery (for example, a combination lottery and an AT lottery based on the combination lottery). The slot machine may be configured to be able to control the game state from the normal state to an advantageous state (for example, bonus, AT, or RT) more advantageous than the normal state according to the result of the internal lottery.

[0295] · The slot machine in the above modification example may be embodied in a slot machine that uses a virtual medium composed of electronic data as a physical game medium (for example, a game medal). That is, the slot machine in the above modification example may be embodied in a slot machine that plays a game without using a physical game medium (so-called medal-less slot machine). Such a slot machine is configured to be able to execute a variable game by using a virtual medium.

[0296] Describe the technical ideas that can be grasped from each embodiment and modification example. (a) The operation condition that can be satisfied when the variable game ends is satisfied when the specific movable part is in the second state when the variable game ends, while it is not satisfied when the specific movable part is in the first state when the variable game ends.

[0297] (b) When the power supply is stopped, the specific movable part is less likely to operate when it is in the first state than when it is in the second state. (c) When the specific movable part is in the first state, even when the power supply is stopped, the specific movable part is configured not to shift from the first state to the second state.

Explanation of Signs

[0298] 10... Pachinko gaming machine 11... Frame 11a... Outer frame 11b... Middle frame 11c... Front frame 13a... First special symbol display section 13b... Second special symbol display section 15... First start port 16... Second start port 18... Big winning port 26... Normal winning port 27... Out port 40... Main control board 41... Microprocessor 42... Main CPU 43... Main ROM 44... Main RWM 45... Random number circuit 50... Sub-control board 51... Sub CPU 52... Sub ROM 53... Sub RWM 60... Power supply unit 60a... Power switch 80... Upper movable part 81... Left movable part 82... Right movable part 90... Lower left movable part 91... Lower right movable part DE... Effect device group EH... Effect display device GH... Image display section GSa... Upper original position sensor GSb... Left original position sensor GSc... Right original position sensor GSd... Lower left original position sensor GSe... Lower right original position sensor HD... Launch handle KA1... Upper movable actuator KA2... Left movable actuator KA3... Right movable actuator KA4... Lower left movable actuator KA5... Lower right movable actuator LAa... Frame left decorative lamp LAb... Frame right decorative lamp LAc... On-board decorative lamp LAd... Board left decorative lamp LAe... Board right decorative lamp LAf... Board lower left decorative lamp LAg... Board lower right decorative lamp SE1... First start sensor SE2... Second start sensor SE3... Special winning sensor SE4... Normal start sensor SE5... Normal winning sensor SE6... Out sensor SP... Speaker YB... Game board

Claims

【Claim 1】 In a gaming machine capable of executing a variable game based on the result of a predetermined lottery and capable of executing various effects, a count generation unit that generates count information regarding the number of game media, a specific movable part, a control unit that controls the operation of the specific movable part, and is provided with, the effect includes an effect capable of suggesting or notifying the winning expectancy by the operation of the specific movable part, the state of the specific movable part includes a first state and a second state, the specific movable part can shift from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state by changing at least one of the position and posture of the specific movable part, the control unit can execute control to cause the specific movable part to execute a specific operation of shifting from the first state to the second state based on the establishment of a predetermined operation condition, special control can be executed in at least a part of the period after a special condition established based on the number of game media identifiable by the count information is established, in at least a part of the period after the special condition is established, the special control may be executed to restrict the specific movable part from executing the specific operation, a gaming machine characterized in that the variable game can be executed in at least a part of the period after the special condition is established.

Images