Pachinko machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine, for example, capable of enhancing a player's interest by utilizing space effectively.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine includes: a game board 30; an inner frame 12 for supporting the game board; a front frame set provided in the front side; and a shooting device 60 for shooting game balls. In a front side of the game board 30, a game area to which game balls shot by the shooting device 60 are guided is provided. A winning lottery is held when game balls enter start winning holes 33A, 33B provided within the game area, and a winning state advantageous to a player is generated when a predetermined lottery result is obtained. When a winning state occurs, an opening / closing shutter of a variable winning device 32 is opened or closed and a large winning hole is opened. By allowing game balls to enter the large winning hole, a player can acquire a predetermined number of winning balls. The variable winning device 32 (large winning hole) is provided in a part positioned below the game board 30 in the inner frame 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine that fires game balls to play a game is known. The pachinko machine is provided with a game board having a game area on the front side where the fired game balls are guided. The game board is provided with various winning means into which the game balls guided to the game area can win, and an out port for discharging the game balls that have not won any of the winning means outside the game area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a pachinko machine, for example, a predetermined lottery process is performed based on the winning of a game ball in a start winning means, and when a predetermined lottery result is obtained, a winning state advantageous to the player is generated. When the winning state occurs, the special winning means is opened, and by winning the game ball here, the player can obtain a predetermined number of game values.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional gaming machine, further improvement in interest has been desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest for the player and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a predetermined game board; a support member for supporting the game board; launching means capable of launching a game ball; a rail member capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching means; 、 a game area provided on the front surface portion of the game board so that the game ball guided by the rail member can flow down, and at least a part of which is defined by the rail member; a frame-shaped member provided on the game board so as to surround a predetermined display area of a predetermined display device in a front view; a first start ball entry means provided at a position where the game ball launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the left side area of the frame-shaped member in the game area, and allowing the game ball to enter; a trigger ball entry means provided at a position where the game ball launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member in the game area, and allowing the game ball to enter; a second start ball entry means provided at a position where the game ball launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member in the game area, and capable of changing its state between a first state in which the game ball cannot enter and a second state in which the game ball can enter when a predetermined release condition is satisfied based on at least the entry of the game ball into the trigger ball entry means; lottery means for performing a predetermined winning or losing lottery due to the entry of the game ball into the first start ball entry means or the second start ball entry means; display means for performing a stop display in a predetermined manner based on the lottery result of the winning or losing lottery after performing a change display; a gaming machine including gaming state generation means capable of generating a predetermined gaming state advantageous to the player when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the winning or losing lottery, a specific inflow area into which the game ball flowing down in the game area can flow through a predetermined opening; when the predetermined gaming state occurs, the specific inflow area、 a specific state and the aforesaid the specific state different from switching means capable of changing the state to a predetermined state, and 、 at least with main control means capable of controlling the switching means is provided with in the specific state, the game balls flowing into the specific inflow area are made detectable as game balls capable of giving a predetermined game value to the player by first detection means detectable and configured to be in a non-detectable state as game balls not giving the predetermined game value, the game balls detected by the first detection means are configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area through a predetermined passageway in the predetermined state, the game balls flowing into the specific inflow area are made detectable as game balls not giving the predetermined game value to the player by second detection means detectable and configured to be in a non-detectable state as game balls capable of giving the predetermined game value the game balls detected by the second detection means are configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area through the predetermined passageway the main control means is configured to be able to determine the presence or absence of game balls that can be given the predetermined game value based on the detection information of the first detection means, and to be able to determine the presence or absence of game balls that are not given the predetermined game value based on the detection information of the second detection means The gist is that it is like this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest for the player and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30 and the like. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the back pack unit 203 and the like are opened. However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, nails, accessories disposed on the surface of the game board 30, the glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, etc. are omitted.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that constitutes the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. The inner frame 12 constitutes the support frame in the present embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the outer frame 11 has an upper side frame component 11a and a lower side frame component 11b made of wooden plates, and a left side frame component 11c and a right side frame component 11d made of aluminum alloy extrusion materials. These frame components 11a to 11d are assembled into a rectangular frame shape as a whole by detachable fasteners such as screws.

[0013] An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of the left side frame component 11c (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower parts of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, whereby the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. And the inner frame 12 and the like are accommodated in the space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0014] Further, on the right side frame component 11d, an extension wall portion 83 protruding from the vicinity of the rear end portion in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11 is formed. The extension wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back side of the right side portion of the inner frame 12 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84 and 85 for locking the locking member of the locking device 600 are provided on the front side of the extension wall portion 83. Further, on the lower receiving portion 85, a pressing portion 86 that abuts against an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later protrudes toward the inside of the outer frame 11.

[0015] Furthermore, a resin curtain plate decoration 87 is attached to the lower side frame component 11b. A rib 88 protruding upward is integrally formed at the inner part of the upper surface of the curtain plate decoration 87. This makes it difficult to form a gap between the inner frame 12.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set vertically on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward about this opening / closing axis. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base frame 38 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the central portion of the base frame 38.

[0017] Further, a front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. Similar to the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward about an opening / closing axis set vertically on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0018] The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape similar to that of the inner frame 12, and in the closed state, it covers substantially the entire front side of the inner frame 12. A substantially elliptical window portion 101 is formed in the central portion of the front frame set 14. Thereby, the game board 30 (game area 30a) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later. The front frame set 14 constitutes the front frame in the present embodiment, and the window portion 101 constitutes the viewing window.

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

[0020] In addition, an effect button 125 as an operation means operable by a player is provided on the left part of the lower plate 15. The effect button 125 is configured to be pressable (pressed downward) by the player. Further, an operation detection switch (not shown) for detecting the pressing operation of the effect button 125 is provided inside the lower plate 15. When the effect button 125 is pressed, an operation detection signal is output from the operation detection switch to a sub-control device 262 described later. As a result, when the player presses the effect button 125, corresponding effects are performed or the effect content is changed in a decoration symbol display device 42 or the like described later.

[0021] On the right side of the lower plate 15, a game ball launch handle (hereinafter simply referred to as the handle) 18 protruding forward is provided. Note that the handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and operation amount detection means (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation part of the handle 18.

[0022] An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls and guides them to a game ball launch device (hereinafter simply referred to as the launch device) 60 as a launch means described later while aligning them in a row. Note that when the upper plate 19 is full of game balls, the paid-out game balls are guided to the lower plate 15 through a lower plate communication path 71 and a discharge port 16 described later.

[0023] A ball lending button 121 and a return button 122 are provided on the upper plate 19. Thereby, in a game hall or the like, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with a bill, a card, or the like inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, lent balls are supplied to the upper plate 19 according to the operation. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. However, in a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lent to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without passing through the card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are unnecessary.

[0024] Furthermore, a ball-draining button 123 is provided on the upper plate 19. When the ball-draining button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper plate 19 and communicating with the lower plate 15 opens, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 19 are guided (dropped) to the lower plate 15. That is, the player can move the game balls on the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 15 at any time by operating the ball-draining button 123.

[0025] In addition, light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front surface of the front frame set 14. These light-emitting means are controlled to change their light-emitting modes such as lighting and blinking according to changes in the game state at the time of a big win or a predetermined reach, etc., and play a role in enhancing the production effect during the game. For example, a frame lamp 102 incorporating light-emitting means such as an LED is provided at the periphery of the window portion 101. Also, error display lamps 104 that light up at the time of a predetermined error are provided on both side portions of the frame lamp 102. Incidentally, a large number of fine through holes are formed above each error display lamp 104 in the frame lamp 102 corresponding to a speaker SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14.

[0026] A glass frame portion 14a is provided on the back side of the front frame set 14 (see FIG. 3), and a glass unit 137 is attached to the glass frame portion 14a. The glass unit 137 includes glass plates 137a and 137b as a pair of front and rear transparent plates arranged at a predetermined interval (see FIG. 9 etc.).

[0027] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. As described above, the game board 30 is mounted on the base frame 38 of the inner frame 12 on the rear side of the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached in a state where its peripheral portion (excluding the central portion in the left-right direction of the lower edge portion 30b) abuts against the back side of the base frame 38. Therefore, the range from the substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 to the central portion in the left-right direction of the lower edge portion 30b is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the base frame 38.

[0028] Further, in the base frame 38, in a portion located below the window hole 39 (game board 30) (hereinafter referred to as "lower base frame 38A"), a launching device 60 for launching game balls is disposed on the front side thereof. In the present embodiment, a solenoid type launching device is adopted as the launching device 60.

[0029] Also, at an upper position of the launching device 60 in the lower base frame 38A, a ball feeding device 63 is provided which guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19, one by one, to the launching position of the launching device 60 (launching rail 61 described later) by driving of built-in driving means (for example, a solenoid).

[0030] Furthermore, in the lower base frame 38A, a launching rail 61 on which the game balls guided by the ball feeding device 63 are placed and which guides the game balls immediately after being launched by the launching device 60, and a relay rail 62 disposed on the extension line of the launching rail 61 and guiding the game balls jumping out from the launching rail 61 to the game board 30 (induction rail 54 described later) are disposed. The launching rail 61 and the relay rail 62 constitute the support frame side rail portion in the present embodiment.

[0031] Note that the launching rail 61 and the relay rail 62 are disposed at a predetermined interval, and a foul ball dropping portion 65 as a dropping hole portion through which the game balls can drop is formed between them. Thus, if the game ball launched from the launching device 60 does not reach the game area 30a and returns in reverse along the induction rail 54 as a foul ball, the foul ball is guided to the foul ball dropping portion 65 by one of the side wall portions 169b on one side (induction rail 54 side) of the front side guiding portion 169 described later, and drops downward through the foul ball dropping portion 65. Therefore, the side wall portion 169b on one side (induction rail 54 side) constitutes the foul ball guiding portion in the present embodiment.

[0032] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the front frame set 14, a resin rail side wall member (rail side wall portion) 69 is provided at a position below the window portion 101. When the front frame set 14 is closed with respect to the inner frame 12, the rail side wall member 69 is arranged along the emission rail 61 and the relay rail 62, and is a portion that forms the side walls of these rails 61, 62. Thereby, it prevents the emission balls from spilling from the emission rail 61 and the relay rail 62.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and the like. On the front side of the game board 30, an outer rail member 51, an inner rail member 52, and a right rail member 53, which are formed in a strip shape by a thin metal steel plate, are attached in a state of being curved in an arc shape.

[0034] And the outer peripheral edge of the game area 30a, which is partitioned front and back by the front surface of the game board 30 and the rear surface of the glass unit 137 (glass plate 137b), is mainly defined in a substantially circular shape by these rail members 51 to 53.

[0035] More specifically, in a front view of the game board 30, the outer rail member 51 is curved and extends obliquely upward to the left from the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30 to near the substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the left edge portion of the game board 30 so as to be continuous with the relay rail 62 described above, and then from near the substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the left edge portion of the game board 30 to near the substantially central portion in the horizontal direction of the upper edge of the game board 30, it curves and extends obliquely upward to the right, and further from near the substantially central portion in the horizontal direction of the upper edge of the game board 30 to the upper right area of the game board 30, it curves and extends obliquely downward to the right, and is arranged in a substantially arc shape as a whole.

[0036] The inner rail member 52 curves and extends in parallel with the outer rail member 51 from near the substantially central portion in the horizontal direction of the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30 (near the left end of the out port 36 described later) to the upper left area of the game board 30, and is arranged in a substantially arc shape as a whole.

[0037] The right rail member 53 is disposed in a substantially arc shape as a whole so as to curve and extend obliquely upward to the right from the vicinity of the substantially central portion in the left-right direction (near the right end of the out port 36 to be described later) in the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30 to the lower right area of the game board 30.

[0038] And, the outer peripheral edge of the game area 30a is defined by the outer rail member 51 at the portion where only the outer rail member 51 extends, defined by the inner rail member 52 at the portion where only the inner rail member 52 extends, and defined by the right rail member 53 at the portion where only the right rail member 53 extends.

[0039] On the other hand, in the section where the outer rail member 51 and the inner rail member 52 are arranged in parallel, the outer peripheral edge of the game area 30a is defined by the inner rail member 52, and in the section where none of the rail members 51 to 53 exist (excluding the formation section of the out port 36 to be described later), the outer peripheral edge of the game area 30a is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the window hole 39 of the base frame 38.

[0040] Also, in the section where the outer rail member 51 and the inner rail member 52 are arranged in parallel, a guide rail 54 for guiding the game ball launched from the launching device 60 is formed. Thereby, the game ball launched from the launching device 60 along with the rotation operation of the handle 18 is guided to the upper part of the game area 30a through the launching rail 61, the relay rail 62, and the guide rail 54.

[0041] Near the upper end portion of the inner rail member 52, a return ball prevention member 56 is provided (see FIG. 4). Thereby, a situation where the game ball once guided from the guide rail 54 to the game area 30a returns into the guide rail 54 again is prevented.

[0042] Also, in the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30, an opening 55 through which the game ball can pass is formed between the lower end portion (right end portion) of the inner rail member 52 and the lower end portion (left end portion) of the right rail member 53.

[0043] Corresponding to the opening 55, an out port 36 is formed at approximately the center in the left-right direction of the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30 by notching the lower edge portion 30b. Among the game balls guided into the game area 30a, the game balls that did not win in various winning ports described later are discharged outside the game area 30a through this out port 36. Therefore, the out port 36 constitutes the out ball discharge area (out ball discharge portion) in the present embodiment.

[0044] Also, at approximately the center in the left-right direction of the upper edge portion 145 of the lower part 38A of the base frame, which is located below the out port 36, a variable winning device 32 is provided as variable ball entry means. Note that the variable winning device 32 according to the present embodiment is provided on the lower part 38A of the base frame, not on the game board 30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the game area 30a formed on the front side of the game board 30 is regarded as the main game area (first game area), the area where the variable winning device 32 is disposed or the internal area of the variable winning device 32 on the front side of the lower part 38A of the base frame can be regarded as the sub-game area (second game area).

[0045] Here, the variable winning device 32 and the configurations related thereto will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 and the like.

[0046] A mounting recess 146 is formed at approximately the center in the left-right direction of the upper edge portion 145 of the lower part 38A of the base frame, and the variable winning device 32 is fixedly mounted here. As a result, the variable winning device 32 is in a state where substantially the entire device is located below the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30.

[0047] The variable winning device 32 is disposed such that the front surface of the lower portion 38A of the base frame (substantially in the same position in the front-rear direction as the front surface of the game board 30 in this embodiment) is flush with the front wall portion 149, a large winning opening 151 formed in the front wall portion 149, a bottom wall portion 152 extending rearward from the lower side portion of the large winning opening 151 on the back side of the front wall portion 149, and a pair of side wall portions 153 extending rearward from both side portions of the large winning opening 151 and formed along the side edge portions of the bottom wall portion 152. The large winning opening 151 is configured such that the game ball can pass through in the front-rear direction. In FIGS. 8 to 12, the game ball is illustrated as "game ball B" by a two-dot chain line.

[0048] In this embodiment, the left-right width of the large winning opening 151 is set to be substantially the same as the left-right width of the out opening 36 formed in the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30. The large winning opening 151 constitutes the special ball entry area (special ball entry portion) in this embodiment.

[0049] The rear portion of the bottom wall portion 152 reaches the ball collection member 216, and its rear end portion is connected to the winning ball discharge passage 232 formed in the ball collection member 216. Therefore, the ball passage structure in this embodiment is constituted by the variable winning device 32.

[0050] A count switch 223 is attached to the winning ball discharge passage 232 (below the bottom wall portion 152). The count switch 223 constitutes the winning ball detection means (ball detection means) in this embodiment.

[0051] In addition, the bottom wall portion 152 continuous with the large winning opening 151, the pair of side wall portions 153, the winning ball discharge passage 232, etc. constitute the ball passage (winning ball passage) and the support frame side passage component in this embodiment. Here, the attachment position of the count switch 223 is not limited to the above position, and it may be anywhere as long as it is a portion constituting the ball passage (winning ball passage).

[0052] A solenoid 154 is attached to the rear of the variable prize device 32. The solenoid 154 is provided with a plunger 155 on its front side that can be slid and displaced in the front-rear direction. The plunger 155 has a disk-shaped tip portion (reference numeral omitted) with a diameter larger than that of its shaft portion. Also, a coil spring (not shown) is attached around the shaft portion in a compressed state.

[0053] Accordingly, when the solenoid 154 is in a non-excited state, the plunger 155 is maintained at the protruding position by the biasing force of the coil spring. Also, when the solenoid 154 is excited, the plunger 155 is immersed in the solenoid 154, and in the excited state, the plunger 155 is maintained at its immersed position.

[0054] The variable prize device 32 is provided with an opening / closing shutter 160 as an opening / closing member at a position above the bottom wall portion 152 and in front of the solenoid 154. The opening / closing shutter 160 is fixed to the tip portion of the plunger 155 and is provided so as to be slidably displaceable in the front-rear direction along with the drive of the plunger 155.

[0055] The body portion of the opening / closing shutter 160 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and its left and right widths are set to be substantially the same as the left and right widths of the out port 36 formed at the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30. Also, a connecting portion 161 that is connected and fixed to the plunger 155 is provided on the lower surface of the body portion of the opening / closing shutter 160.

[0056] The opening / closing shutter 160 in the present embodiment constitutes the bottom of the out port 36 and is disposed at a lower position inside the out port 36 so as to penetrate the out port 36 in the front-rear direction. Also, the upper surface of the opening / closing shutter 160 is gently inclined downward from the front side to the rear side as a whole so that the game balls (out balls) can be smoothly guided backward.

[0057] Correspondingly, the ball collection member 216 is formed with a pair of left and right out ball discharge passages 241A and 241B communicating with the out port 36. And the ball collection member 216 and the variable winning device 32 are assembled so that the rear part of the opening and closing shutter 160 and the out ball discharge passages 241A and 241B are continuous.

[0058] Out ball detection switches 226A and 226B are respectively attached to the out ball discharge passages 241A and 241B. The out ball detection switches 226A and 226B constitute the out ball detection means (ball detection means) in the present embodiment.

[0059] In addition, the out port 36, the opening and closing shutter 160 (the shutter part 160a and the guiding part 160b described later), and the out ball discharge passages 241A and 241B, etc. constitute the ball passage (out ball passage) in the present embodiment. Here, the attachment positions of the out ball detection switches 226A and 226B are not limited to the above positions, and any position may be used as long as it is a part constituting the ball passage (out ball passage).

[0060] Under the above configuration, the opening and closing shutter 160 is in a protruding state that protrudes forward to the vicinity of the glass unit 137 (glass plate 137b) during normal times, that is, when the solenoid 154 is in a non-excited state and the plunger 155 is in a protruding position. On the other hand, when the solenoid 154 is in an excited state and the plunger 155 is in a retracted position, the opening and closing shutter 160 is in a retracted state that retracts to the vicinity of the front wall portion 149.

[0061] Hereinafter, when the opening and closing shutter 160 is in a protruding state, the portion protruding forward from the front wall portion 149 is referred to as the shutter part 160a, and the portion located in the out port 36 is referred to as the guiding part 160b.

[0062] The shutter part 160a is curved along the left - right direction so as to be concave upward when viewed from the front. And in the protruding state where the opening - closing shutter 160 protrudes forward, the left end part of the shutter part 160a is disposed close to the right end part (lower end part) of the inner rail member 52, and at the same time, the right end part of the shutter part 160a is disposed close to the left end part (lower end part) of the right rail member 53.

[0063] On the other hand, the guiding part 160b is configured such that the upper surface of the left half part slopes gently downward toward the left rear from the central part in the left - right direction, and the upper surface of the right half part slopes gently downward toward the right rear so that the game balls can be smoothly distributed to the left and right out - ball discharge passages 241A and 241B.

[0064] Also, on the front side (passage side) of the rear wall part 216a of the ball collection member 216, a branching part 216b for branching the out - ball discharge passages 241A and 241B is formed to protrude. Correspondingly, a V - shaped notch part 160c is formed at the rear end part of the guiding part 160b of the opening - closing shutter 160. And when the opening - closing shutter 160 is in the retracted state, the branching part 216b is inserted into the V - shaped notch part 160c of the guiding part 160b (see Fig. 12).

[0065] Now, corresponding to the above - mentioned opening 55 and the big winning opening 151, a front - side guiding part 169 is provided in the front - frame set 14. The front - side guiding part 169 constitutes the guiding means and the front - frame - side passage - forming part in the present embodiment.

[0066] The front - side guiding part 169 is formed to protrude rearward from the upper - part position of the above - mentioned rail side - wall member 69 provided on the rear - side of the front - frame set 14. The front - side guiding part 169 is integrally formed with the rail side - wall member 69 by a synthetic resin or the like.

[0067] The front - side guiding part 169 is formed in a concave shape when viewed from the rear, and has a bottom - wall part 169a that slopes downward toward the rear and a pair of left - and - right side - wall parts 169b formed on both the left and right sides thereof, and is open upward and rearward.

[0068] The left - right width of the bottom wall portion 169a in the front - side guiding portion 169 (the left - right width between both side wall portions 169b) is set to be approximately the same as the left - right width of the large winning opening 151. And when the front frame set 14 is in a closed state with respect to the inner frame 12, the front - side guiding portion 169 is arranged to face the front of the large winning opening 151 (see FIG. 9 etc.).

[0069] As a result, the bottom wall portion 169a of the front - side guiding portion 169 and the bottom wall portion 152 of the variable winning device 32 are in a continuous state, and both side wall portions 169b of the front - side guiding portion 169 and both side wall portions 153 of the variable winning device 32 are in a continuous state.

[0070] Under such a configuration, in the normal state where the solenoid 154 is in a non - excited state and the plunger 155 is in a protruding position, the opening - closing shutter 160 is in a protruding state where it protrudes forward to the vicinity of the glass unit 137, and closes the opening 55 between the right end portion of the inner rail member 52 and the left end portion of the right rail member 53.

[0071] At the same time, the opening - closing shutter 160 (shutter portion 160a) closes the upper part of the front - side guiding portion 169 (bottom wall portion 169a) of the front frame set 14.

[0072] Therefore, in such a state, a partition portion that divides the game area 30a is constituted by the opening - closing shutter 160 and the rail members 51 - 53 and the window hole 39 etc.

[0073] Also, in such a state, the front end portion of the opening - closing shutter 160 is in a state where it is located at approximately the same position in the front - rear direction as the front end portions of the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53, and the game ball cannot pass between it and the glass unit 137. Therefore, normally, the large winning opening 151 is in a closed state with respect to the game area 30a, and the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 151.

[0074] And in such a state, when the game ball has flowed down to the lowermost part of the game area 30a, the game ball falls onto the opening and closing shutter 160 (shutter part 160a) through the opening 55 between the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53, rolls along the upper surface part of the opening and closing shutter 160, and flows into the out port 36.

[0075] Subsequently, the game ball that has rolled backward on the opening and closing shutter 160 (guide part 160b) passes through the out port 36 and is sorted by the branch part 216b of the ball collection member 216 into either the left or right out ball discharge passage 241A, 241B.

[0076] After that, the game ball is discharged to the discharge ball receiving part 217 described later through the out ball discharge passages 241A, 241B. Also, when the game ball passes through the out ball discharge passages 241A, 241B, it is detected by the out ball detection switches 226A, 226B.

[0077] On the other hand, when a winning state occurs and the solenoid 154 is in an excited state, the plunger 155 slides and displaces backward, and the opening and closing shutter 160 is in a retracted state. When the opening and closing shutter 160 is in a retracted state, the opening and closing shutter 160 is accommodated in the out port 36, and the opening 55 between the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53 is in an open state. That is, the big winning port 151 is in an open state with respect to the game area 30a.

[0078] In such a state, when the game ball has flowed down to the lowermost part of the game area 30a, the game ball falls downward through the opening 55 between the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53 and is guided to the front side guide part 169 provided on the front frame set 14.

[0079] The game ball guided to the front side guide part 169 rolls backward along the inclination of the bottom wall part 169a and enters the big winning port 151.

[0080] The game balls that enter the large winning opening 151 roll backward along the bottom wall portion 152 of the variable winning device 32 and are guided to the winning ball discharge passage 232. Thereafter, the game balls are discharged to a discharge ball receiving portion 217, which will be described later, via the winning ball discharge passage 232. Further, when the game balls pass through the winning ball discharge passage 232, they are detected by a count switch 223.

[0081] In addition, in the present embodiment, even while the large winning opening 151 is open, the out opening 36 is always open without being closed. Further, in the present embodiment, even when the opening / closing shutter 160 is in the retracted state, the opening / closing shutter 160 is not completely housed in the out opening 36, and a space through which game balls can pass is left while slightly protruding from the front surface of the front wall portion 149. Therefore, even while the large winning opening 151 is open, depending on the behavior of the game balls, the game balls may flow into the out opening 36.

[0082] In the game area 30a of the game board 30, a general winning opening 31, an upper start winning opening 33A, a lower start winning opening 33B, a through gate 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L, a second special display device 43R, etc. are disposed in through holes formed by routing processing, and are attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. Here, the upper start winning opening 33A constitutes the first start ball entry means, and the lower start winning opening 33B constitutes the second start ball entry means.

[0083] As in the prior art, when a game ball wins (enters) a various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper start winning opening 33A, and the lower start winning opening 33B, it is detected by various detection switches, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or the lower tray 15). For example, when there is a win at the upper start winning opening 33A, 3 game balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (lower tray 15), when there is a win at the lower start winning opening 33B, 1 game ball is paid out, when there is a win at the general winning opening 31, 10 game balls are paid out, and when there is a win at the variable winning device 32, 15 game balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (lower tray 15). The prize balls correspond to the game value in the present embodiment, and the various functions for executing the payout of the prize balls constitute the game value imparting means in the present embodiment.

[0084] In addition, a large number of pins are implanted on the game board 30 to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, etc., and various members (effect devices) such as windmills are arranged. Thereby, the winning at the above-described start winning openings 33A, 33B, etc. is adjusted so as to occur at an appropriate probability. In addition, in the present embodiment, the general winning opening 31, the upper start winning opening 33A, and the lower start winning opening 33B constitute the "ball entry means provided in the game area".

[0085] The upper start winning opening 33A allows the game balls to always win. On the other hand, the lower start winning opening 33B is provided with an opening and closing effect device 37 as an opening and closing type winning auxiliary device.

[0086] The opening and closing effect device 37 includes a pair of left and right movable blades 37a that rotate and displace in the left-right direction with the lower end side as an axis, and a solenoid for the start winning opening (not shown) that drives the opening and closing of the movable blades 37a. When the movable blades 37a perform an opening and closing operation in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, the game balls flowing down the game area 30a can be in an open state where they can win at the lower start winning opening 33B and a closed state where they cannot win at the lower start winning opening 33B. It is configured to be able to change states.

[0087] In addition, although it will be described in detail later, the upper start winning opening 33A and the lower start winning opening 33B are respectively provided with a first start winning switch 224A and a second start winning switch 224B for detecting the game balls that have won. When the game balls are detected by the start winning switches 224A and 224B, a winning or losing lottery for whether to generate a big win state or the like is performed, and variable display is performed by the special display devices 43L and 43R (and the decorative symbol display device 42 described later). And when winning in the winning or losing lottery, a big win state or the like is given.

[0088] Here, the jackpot types in this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 40, in this embodiment, the jackpot types include "16R Probability Jackpot A", "16R Probability Jackpot B", "4R Probability Jackpot A", "4R Probability Jackpot B", "16R Normal Jackpot A", "16R Normal Jackpot B", "4R Normal Jackpot A", "4R Normal Jackpot B", and "JUB (Jump Up Bonus) Jackpot".

[0089] In the jackpot state of "16R Probability Jackpot A", "Long Open" is used as a single special prize state, and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds).

[0090] In this embodiment, "Long Open" means an opening and closing operation that starts when the opening and closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and remains in the open state until 30 seconds of the specified time elapses or a specified number of 10 game balls are won in the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151), at which point it returns to the closed state.

[0091] In the jackpot state of "16R Probability Jackpot B", "Long Open" is used as a single special prize state and is repeated 4 times (4 rounds). Then, "Short Open" is used as a single special prize state and is repeated 12 times (12 rounds).

[0092] In this embodiment, "Short Open" means an opening and closing operation that starts when the opening and closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and remains in the open state until 0.4 seconds of the specified time elapses or a specified number of 3 game balls are won in the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151), at which point it returns to the closed state.

[0093] Further, in the present embodiment, based on the operation of the player's handle 18, the game balls are configured to be launched from the launch device 60 toward the game area 30a at a rate of one ball per "0.6 seconds". On the other hand, in the above-mentioned "short opening", the opening regulation time of the opening / closing shutter 160 is 0.4 seconds. That is, in the case of "short opening", the opening time of the opening / closing shutter 160 for one time is shorter than the launch cycle of the game balls. Therefore, with only one "short opening", it is possible that not even one game ball wins a prize. For this reason, based on the condition related to the number of winning balls (the number of winning balls is 3) among the above two closing conditions corresponding to "short opening", the opening / closing shutter 160 is hardly closed, and once the opening / closing shutter 160 is opened, it is usually closed based on the elapse of the specified time (0.4 seconds). As a result, during the execution period of "short opening", it is avoided that the execution period changes each time.

[0094] In the jackpot states of "4R certain-variable jackpot A" and "4R certain-variable jackpot B", "long opening" is set as one special prize state, and this is repeated 4 times (4 rounds).

[0095] In the jackpot state of "16R normal jackpot A", "long opening" is set as one special prize state, and this is repeated 8 times (8 rounds), and then "short opening" is set as one special prize state, and this is repeated 8 times (8 rounds).

[0096] In the jackpot state of "16R normal jackpot B", "long opening" is set as one special prize state, and this is repeated 4 times (4 rounds), and then "short opening" is set as one special prize state, and this is repeated 12 times (12 rounds).

[0097] In the jackpot states of "4R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot B", "long opening" is set as one special prize state, and this is repeated 4 times (4 rounds).

[0098] In the jackpot state of "JUB Jackpot", "Short Opening" is regarded as one prize state, which is repeated 5 times. After that, "Long Opening" is regarded as one prize state, which is repeated 15 times. In other words, 5 times of "Short Opening" are carried out in the first round, and "Long Opening" is carried out in the second round to the sixteenth round respectively.

[0099] In addition, when the above various "Sure Change Jackpots" and "JUB Jackpots" occur, "High Probability Mode (High Probability State)" is given as the lottery mode after the end of the jackpot state. On the other hand, when various "Normal Jackpots" occur, "Low Probability Mode (Low Probability State)" is given after the end of the jackpot state.

[0100] "High Probability Mode" refers to a state in which the jackpot probability is increased compared to the "Low Probability Mode" set during normal times. The "High Probability Mode" set after the end of the jackpot continues until the next jackpot state occurs.

[0101] In addition, after the end of the above various jackpots, during the period when the special display devices 43L and 43R perform variable displays a predetermined number of times, or until the next jackpot state occurs, "High Support Mode (High Winning State)" is given as the winning support mode related to the opening and closing winning device 37.

[0102] "High Support Mode" refers to a state in which the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time in the opening and closing winning device 37 of the lower start winning opening 33B is higher than that in the "Low Support Mode (Low Winning State)" set during normal times.

[0103] For example, as the "high support mode", (1) the variable display time in the ordinary symbol display device 41 described later is shorter than that in the "low support mode", (2) the one-time opening time (prescribed time) of the movable blade 37a of the opening / closing accessory 37 is longer than that in the "low support mode", (3) the prescribed number of game balls that can be won per one-time opening of the movable blade 37a is larger than that in the "low support mode", (4) the number of executions of the opening / closing process of the movable blade 37a per time a winning result is obtained by the opening lottery of the opening / closing accessory 37 caused by the game ball passing through the through gate 34 is larger than that in the "low support mode", (5) the winning probability in the opening lottery of the opening / closing accessory 37 is higher than the winning probability in the "low support mode", and so on. In the high support mode in the present embodiment, the configurations (1), (2), and (5) above are adopted. Of course, it is not limited to this, and as the "high support mode", any one of the configurations (1) to (5), or any combination of these configurations (1) to (5) may be adopted. As a result, it becomes easier for game balls to frequently win the lower start winning opening 33B, the number of times the jackpot lottery is executed increases, and the state of having a large number of balls is achieved.

[0104] Also, in the present embodiment, in the state where the "high support mode" is given, as described later, by changing the variable pattern table to the table for the "high support mode", the variable display time in the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R (decoration symbol display device 42) is configured to be shorter than that in the "low support mode".

[0105] In the present embodiment, after the end of "16R certain-variable jackpot A" and "4R certain-variable jackpot A", the "high support mode" is given until the next jackpot state occurs. The said "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as the "high support mode until the next time".

[0106] After the end of "16R Certain Variable Jackpot B" and "4R Certain Variable Jackpot B", while the variable display of "20 times", "30 times", "40 times" or "50 times" is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R, the "High Support Mode" is granted. The said "High Support Mode" is hereinafter referred to as "20 - time High Support Mode", "30 - time High Support Mode", "40 - time High Support Mode" or "50 - time High Support Mode" respectively.

[0107] After the end of "16R Normal Jackpot A" and "4R Normal Jackpot A", while the variable display of "30 times" is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R, the "High Support Mode" is granted. The said "High Support Mode" is hereinafter referred to as "30 - time High Support Mode S".

[0108] After the end of "16R Normal Jackpot B" and "4R Normal Jackpot B", the "20 - time High Support Mode", "30 - time High Support Mode", "40 - time High Support Mode" or "50 - time High Support Mode" is granted.

[0109] After the end of "JUB Jackpot", the "High Support Mode until Next Time" is granted.

[0110] In this embodiment, by combining the above - mentioned various modes, various gaming states will occur.

[0111] For example, if the "High Probability Mode" and the "High Support Mode" are granted, it will be in a so - called "Variable Probability State (Probability Fluctuation State)".

[0112] If the "Low Probability Mode" and the "Low Support Mode" are granted, it will be in a so - called "Normal State".

[0113] If the "Low Probability Mode" and the "High Support Mode" are granted, it will be in a so - called "Time - Shortening State (Time Reduction State)".

[0114] When the "high probability mode" and the "low support mode" are assigned, a so-called "latent probability state (latent probability change state)" is established. That is, when in the "latent probability state", only the jackpot probability is increased, and on the surface, it becomes a state indistinguishable from the "normal state", making it difficult for the player to recognize the state in which the "high probability mode" is assigned.

[0115] Also, in this embodiment, apart from the above-mentioned various "jackpots", a "small win" occurs when a predetermined result is obtained in the above-mentioned win / loss lottery. In the small win state, "short opening" is used as one special prize state, and this is repeated 5 times (5 rounds). However, the lottery mode and the winning support mode assigned after the end of the small win state are the original modes before the small win state occurred. For example, if the lottery mode before the small win state occurred was the "high probability mode", the "high probability mode" will also be maintained after the end of the small win state.

[0116] Note that although details will be described later, in this embodiment, when a game ball wins in the upper start winning opening 33A and when it wins in the lower start winning opening 33B, the distribution of the jackpot types awarded when winning in the win / loss lottery is different. When winning in the win / loss lottery triggered by a game ball winning in the upper start winning opening 33A, it will be allocated to any one of "16R probability-variable jackpot A", "16R probability-variable jackpot B", "4R probability-variable jackpot A", "4R probability-variable jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B", and "4R normal jackpot B". When winning in the win / loss lottery triggered by a game ball winning in the lower start winning opening 33B, it will be allocated to any one of "16R probability-variable jackpot A", "4R probability-variable jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot A", and "JUB jackpot". Also, regarding the "small win", it is configured to occur only when winning in the win / loss lottery triggered by a game ball winning in the lower start winning opening 33B.

[0117] The first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are each composed of two segment display devices and are installed at the lower part of the game board 30. Each segment display device is provided with eight display segments. Each display segment has an individual light source composed of an LED, and by controlling the on / off of these individual light sources, only any one display segment can be lit, and any combination of display segments can be lit. As a result, a predetermined symbol (including alphabets and numbers) is individually displayed on each segment display device.

[0118] Then, a variable display is performed on the first special display device 43L triggered by the winning of a game ball into the upper start winning opening 33A, and a variable display is performed on the second special display device 43R triggered by the winning of a game ball into the lower start winning opening 33B. Incidentally, the display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261 described later. The first special display device 43L constitutes the first display means, and the second special display device 43R constitutes the second display means.

[0119] Also, after the variable display is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, whether or not a jackpot lottery is won is definitely displayed according to the display mode when the variable display stops. For example, when a game ball wins into the upper start winning opening 33A, a high-speed variable display is performed on the corresponding first special display device 43L, and after a predetermined time elapses, any display mode is stopped (for example, stopped for several seconds). When winning the jackpot lottery, numerical values corresponding to various jackpots (see FIG. 40) are displayed at the time of variable stop, and a jackpot state occurs.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 40, for example, when winning the "16R Probability-Variable Big Win A", "9-" is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R. When winning the "16R Probability-Variable Big Win B" with "50 times · High Support Mode", "84" is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R. Also, when winning the "JUB Big Win", "1.-" is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R. When winning the "Small Win", "1-" is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R. Here, in order to enhance the production effect of the "JUB Big Win", it is preferable that the stop modes of the "JUB Big Win" and the "Small Win" are in a configuration where they are easily confused, such as the stop mode "1.-" related to the "JUB Big Win" and the stop mode "1-" related to the "Small Win".

[0121] Of course, the stop modes of the special display devices 43L and 43R corresponding to various wins are not limited to the above modes. For example, there may be a plurality of stop modes instead of one for the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R indicating one win type. For example, when winning the "16R Probability-Variable Big Win A", it may be configured such that any one of "91", "92", "93", ··· is selected and stopped and displayed on the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R.

[0122] Even when there are multiple stop modes for the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R that each indicate one winning type, it is preferable that the multiple stop modes related to "JUB big win" and the multiple stop modes related to "small win" are in a confusing configuration. For example, as the multiple stop modes related to "JUB big win", any of "-1.", "-2", "-3.", "-4", ··· may be stopped and displayed, and as the multiple stop modes related to "small win", any of "-1", "-2.", "-3", "-4.", ··· may be stopped and displayed. In such a configuration, among the pairs of a specific symbol (here, "1", "2", "3", ···) where a predetermined display segment (here, ".") is lit and a specific symbol that is not lit, one is included in the multiple stop modes related to "JUB big win", the other is included in the multiple stop modes related to "small win", and they are in an alternating and interlaced configuration.

[0123] Also, it may be configured such that the color displayed in any or all of the display segments can be appropriately changed.

[0124] Further, when a new game ball wins the start winning openings 33A and 33B during the variable display of the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R, the variable display for that amount is performed after the end of the variable display being performed at that time. That is, the variable display is put on standby (held in reserve). The maximum number of times of the held-in-reserve variable display is determined for each model of the pachinko machine. In this embodiment, corresponding to the game balls that win the upper start winning opening 33A and the game balls that win the lower start winning opening 33B, up to 4 times of variable display (a total of 8 times of variable display) are held in reserve for each. Also, the number of held-in-reserve times is lit and displayed by the first held-in-reserve lamp 46a and the second held-in-reserve lamp 46b. Incidentally, when a new game ball wins the start winning openings 33A and 33B during the big win state, the variable display for that amount is also held in reserve.

[0125] Basically, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A is memorized in the order in which the corresponding game balls win the upper start winning opening 33A and consumed in the order of winning. The variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B is memorized in the order in which the corresponding game balls win the lower start winning opening 33B and consumed in the order of winning. However, when both the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A and the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B are on hold (when one or more of the first hold lamp 46a and the second hold lamp 46b are lit), the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B is preferentially consumed. That is, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A is not performed unless all the variable displays triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B are consumed. For example, in a state where one of the first hold lamps 46a is lit, when a game ball wins the lower start winning opening 33B and one of the second hold lamps 46b is lit, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A is postponed, and first, the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B is performed. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A is also referred to as "first variable display", and the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B is also referred to as "second variable display".

[0126] In addition, the through gate 34 is configured such that game balls flowing down in the game area 30a can pass through one by one. Although details will be described later, the through gate 34 includes a through gate switch 225 capable of detecting a game ball passing through the through gate 34. When a game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, a release lottery is performed to determine whether to open the opening and closing accessory 37 (lower start winning opening 33B), and a variable display is performed by the normal symbol display device 41. When winning the release lottery, the opening and closing accessory 37 is opened for a specified time.

[0127] The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays upon the passage of the through gate 34, and a decorative symbol display device 42 that variably displays in accordance with the variable displays by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R.

[0128] Furthermore, the variable display device unit 35 is provided with a variable identification lamp 40 that indicates whether the variable display performed by the decorative symbol display device 42 corresponds to the winning of which of the upper start winning opening 33A and the lower start winning opening 33B.

[0129] The normal symbol display device 41 is configured to be able to turn on and display "○" or "×" as normal symbols, and every time a game ball passes through the through gate 34, for example, the normal symbols are variably displayed at high speed in the order of "○" → "×" → "○" → ···. When the variable display stops for several seconds with the "○" symbol (winning symbol), the opening and closing device 37 of the lower start winning opening 33B is in the open state for a predetermined time. The display content of this normal symbol display device 41 is directly controlled by the main control device 261 described later.

[0130] Also, during the variable display of the normal symbol display device 41, when a new game ball passes through the through gate 34, the corresponding variable display is configured to be performed after the end of the variable display being performed at that time. That is, the variable display is put on standby (held). The maximum number of times of the held variable display is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the number of held times is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44.

[0131] The decorative symbol display device 42 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, based on the command from the main control device 261, the sub-control device 262 determines auxiliary display content so as to correspond to the results displayed by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and the display is performed by the display control device 45 described later.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 46, the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided with, for example, three symbol display areas, namely, an upper, a middle, and a lower symbol display area. In each symbol display area, a plurality of types of symbols (numbers) are sequentially displayed (fluctuated), and then the symbols are stopped and displayed in order for each symbol display area (for example, in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area). For example, when each of the above-described various "probability-variable big wins" or various "normal big wins" is determined by the main control device 261, corresponding displays are made by the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R, and the symbols are stopped and displayed in a combination corresponding to a big win by the decorative symbol display device 42 (for example, the symbols stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area are the same), and the big win state is started. In the case of "JUB big win" or "small win", as will be described later, the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed by the decorative symbol display device 42 does not correspond to a big win.

[0133] Also, when the symbols are stopped and displayed in a combination corresponding to a big win, as a previous stage, for example, the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area. In this way, the state where the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area and the symbols are still fluctuated and displayed in the middle symbol display area is the reach state.

[0134] Even when the reach state occurs, if the big win state does not occur, a symbol different from the symbol stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area is stopped and displayed in the middle symbol display area. Also, when each of the various "probability-variable big wins" or various "normal big wins" occurs, although the same numbers are stopped and displayed by the decorative symbol display device 42 as described above, in this embodiment, depending on the type of the symbol stopped and displayed, the game state (whether it is a "high probability mode" or not, etc.) given after the big win ends cannot be determined.

[0135] Also, when it comes to a "JUB big win" or "small win", instead of a straight flush, a predetermined specific combination of numbers (hereinafter referred to as the chance symbols) is stopped and displayed. For example, in the present embodiment, in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas, "3", "4", and "1" are stopped and displayed. As a result, when the chance symbols are stopped and displayed, the player cannot distinguish between a "JUB big win" that is more advantageous to the player and a "small win" that is not as advantageous, and can expect the occurrence of a "JUB big win", so it is possible to suppress a decrease in the player's interest.

[0136] Of course, the specific combination of numbers stopped and displayed in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas may be different between the case of a "JUB big win" and the case of a "small win". Also, when it comes to a "JUB big win" or "small win", instead of a predetermined specific combination of numbers, it may be stopped and displayed as a random non-winning combination, seemingly the same as when it misses, on the surface.

[0137] Also, in the decorative symbol display device 42, corresponding to the above-mentioned hold lamps 46a and 46b, the number of holds of the variable display in the special display devices 43L and 43R is displayed (see FIG. 46 and the like).

[0138] In the present embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L and 43R and the hold lamps 46a and 46b are covered by the front frame set 14, and become in a state that cannot be visually recognized by the player. Therefore, the player grasps the game state, lottery result, etc. solely based on the display content (such as symbol display and hold display) of the decorative symbol display device 42.

[0139] Of course, the configurations of the special display devices 43L and 43R and the hold lamps 46L and 46R are not limited to such configurations, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. may have a configuration that allows them to be visible. However, the special display devices 43L and 43R are provided in inconspicuous places that are difficult for players to notice, such as the lower corners of the game area 30a as described above. The size of the display unit is also small, and the time during which the discriminative characters are stopped and displayed is relatively short. Therefore, it is substantially impossible to grasp the game states to be given without keeping an eye on the special display devices 43L and 43R and observing carefully.

[0140] The variable specific lamp 40 includes an LED with a blue emission color and an LED with a red emission color. In the decorative symbol display device 42, when variable display is performed triggered by winning a prize at the upper start winning opening 33A, it emits light in blue, and when variable display is performed triggered by winning a prize at the lower start winning opening 33B, it emits light in red.

[0141] Next, the configuration of the variable display device unit 35 will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the center frame 47 is fixed to the front side of the game board 30 (see FIG. 4), and the frame cover 213 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 30 (see FIG. 6), whereby the variable display device unit 35 is integrated.

[0142] A rectangular opening is formed in the center of the frame cover 213, and the decorative symbol display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is detachably attached to the back side thereof.

[0143] The center frame 47 has a frame shape with a substantially circular opening 751 formed at its center, and the liquid crystal display portion 42a of the decorative symbol display device 42 is visible through the opening 751.

[0144] Incidentally, the center frame 47 is not composed of a single member. For example, various decorative members with plating or the like and lens members made of transparent resin that transmit light such as LEDs are assembled to a base member.

[0145] On the upper surface of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47, a stage portion 770 is provided along the left - right direction. On the stage portion 770, a gentle undulation is formed along the left - right direction.

[0146] At the center of the rear wall portion 772 of the stage portion 770, a drop hole 774 that opens forward and through which a game ball can fall is formed. Also, below (inside) the center of the stage portion 770, a communication passage 776 that leads to the drop hole 774 is provided. The other side of the communication passage 776 opens to the front side of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47, and is configured to be able to discharge the game ball that has fallen into the drop hole 774 onto the game board 30 surface. In a state where the center frame 47 is disposed on the game board 30, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening of the communication passage 776 is located above the upper start winning opening 33A.

[0147] At the center of the stage portion 770, at a position in front of the drop hole 774, a guide groove (not shown) that gently slopes downward toward the back side is formed. Thereby, the game ball can fall from the stage portion 770 into the drop hole 774.

[0148] Inside the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47, a ball passage (warp flow path) 764 through which a game ball passes is formed. The inlet portion 764a of the ball passage 764 opens at approximately the center in the vertical direction of the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47, while the outlet portion 764b opens toward the upper surface (stage portion 770) of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47. By this ball passage 764, the game ball flowing down on the game board 30 surface can be guided onto the stage portion 770 inside the center frame 47.

[0149] The game balls guided onto the stage portion 770 roll on the stage portion 770 and then fall onto the game board 30 from the front or fall into the above-described drop hole 774. Among these, the game balls that fall into the drop hole 774 are guided onto the game board 30 through the communication passage 776. The game balls discharged from the communication passage 776 enter the upper start winning opening 33A with a relatively high probability.

[0150] In addition, reference numeral 67 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out by the payout mechanism portion 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and it is divided into a passage leading to the upper tray communication passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray communication passage 71 (lower tray 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67. In a state where the front frame set 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by a biasing force such as a spring to substantially close the outlet of the payout passage 67. Also, in a state where the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end portion on the inlet side of the lower tray communication passage 71. In addition, the inlets (ball inflow portions) of the lower tray communication passage 71 and the upper tray communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and in a closed state of the front frame set 14, the respective inlets and the payout passage 67 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and the game balls can pass through the gap therebetween. For this reason, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray communication passage 73 are full of game balls, the paid-out game balls flow to the lower tray communication passage 71 side (overflow to the inlet side of the lower tray communication passage 71) and are paid out to the lower tray 15 through the lower tray communication passage 71.

[0151] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided below the rail side wall member 69 on the back side of the front frame set 14. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray communication passage 71 that connects from the payout mechanism portion 352 described later to the discharge port 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray communication passage 73 that connects from the payout mechanism portion 352 to the upper tray 19.

[0152] Furthermore, a far ball passage 72 for guiding the game balls that have fallen from the above-described far ball dropping portion 65 to the lower tray 15 is formed in the ball passage unit 70. Thereby, the far balls are discharged to the lower tray 15 through the far ball passage 72.

[0153] In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) for detecting the game balls located in the lower plate connection passage 71. Due to the presence of the full detection switch, it is possible to grasp that the lower plate 15 is full of game balls (the lower plate 15 is full of game balls and the game balls are staying in the lower plate connection passage 71). In the present embodiment, control such as prohibiting the launching of the launching device 60 is performed based on the fact that game balls are continuously detected by the full detection switch for a predetermined time. Note that when the stay of the game balls in the lower plate connection passage 71 is eliminated and the game balls are no longer detected by the full detection switch (when they are no longer detected continuously for a predetermined time), the launching of the launching device 60 is permitted.

[0154] Next, the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, etc. On the rear surface of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged side by side vertically and horizontally and are partially overlapped front and back. Further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a resin protection cover, etc. are attached. The payout mechanism and the protection cover are integrated as one unit, and since the resin part is generally also referred to as a back pack, the unit will be referred to as the "back pack unit 203" here.

[0155] First, the rear configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, etc. As described above, on the back side of the variable display device unit 35 (see FIG. 4) disposed corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30, a resin frame cover 213 that covers the center frame 47 from behind is provided so as to protrude rearward. Further, on the back side of the frame cover 213, a decorative pattern display device 42 that is a liquid crystal display device facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, a display control device 45, and a sub-control device 262 are detachably attached in a state of being stacked front and back.

[0156] The decorative pattern display device 42 is housed in a housing box (reference numeral omitted) having an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative pattern display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is fixed to the back side of the frame cover 213. The display control device 45 is housed in the substrate box 45a and is fixed to the back side of the decorative pattern display device 42 (housing box). The sub-control device 262 is housed in the substrate box 262a and is fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (substrate box 45a). The substrate boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the inside is visible. Incidentally, inside the frame cover 213, an LED control board or the like for driving an LED or the like built in the center frame 47 is disposed.

[0157] Also, on the back surface of the game board 30, a back frame set 215 is attached at a position below the frame cover 213. This back frame set 215 is a thin resin molded product provided so as to stick to the back surface of the game board 30.

[0158] Also, a ball recovery member 216 is attached to the back surface of the back frame set 215. The ball recovery member 216 has a ball passage for covering various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 and the start winning openings 33A and 33B from behind and recovering the game balls that have won in these various winning openings.

[0159] However, the ball recovery member 216 in the present embodiment extends and is formed up to a position covering the upper part of the back surface of the lower base frame 38A beyond the lower edge portion 30b of the game board 30 and the upper edge portion 145 of the lower base frame 38A, and also covers the back of the variable winning device 32, and has a ball passage for recovering the game balls that have won in the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151).

[0160] More specifically, the ball recovery member 216 is a member integrally formed of a resin material, and as shown in FIG. 8, it includes winning ball discharge passages 231, 232, and 233 for guiding the game balls that have won in the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, and the start winning openings 33A and 33B to the downstream side.

[0161] In addition, the ball collection member 216 includes out-ball discharge passages 241A and 241B that guide the game balls discharged from the out-port 36 to the downstream side.

[0162] Then, the game balls collected by the ball collection member 216 are guided to a discharge ball receiving portion 217 described later, and are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 from a discharge chute 218 (see FIG. 5 etc.) of the discharge ball receiving portion 217.

[0163] Also, in the present embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, a substrate box 263 on which the main control device 261 is mounted is pivotally supported with respect to the back frame set 215 so as to be rotatable, and can be opened to the rear.

[0164] The main control device 261 is housed in a substrate box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The substrate box 263 connected by the sealing member is configured such that it cannot be opened without leaving a predetermined trace. Thereby, it is possible to easily detect that the substrate box 263 has been illegally opened.

[0165] In addition, on the game board 30 and the ball collection member 216 on the back side thereof, prize detection switches (ball entry detection means) for detecting the game balls that have won prizes in the various prize openings such as the general prize opening 31 are provided corresponding to the various prize openings.

[0166] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a prize opening switch 221 is provided in the ball passage 231 of the ball collection member 216 corresponding to the general prize opening 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the ball passage 232 of the ball collection member 216 corresponding to the variable prize device 32 (big prize opening 151). Also, start prize switches 224A and 224B are provided in the ball passage 233 of the ball collection member 216 corresponding to the start prize openings 33A and 33B, respectively.

[0167] However, in the present embodiment, the count switch 223 is configured to be fixed below the variable prize device 32, and a part of it is configured to be inserted into the ball passage 232 when the ball recovery member 216 and the variable prize device 32 are assembled. Of course, instead of this, the count switch 223 may be configured to be attached to the ball recovery member 216 (ball passage 232) side.

[0168] Furthermore, a through gate switch 225 is provided on the game board 30 corresponding to the through gate 34. In addition, out ball detection switches 226A and 226B are provided in the ball passages 241A and 241B of the ball recovery member 216 corresponding to the out ports 36, respectively.

[0169] Although not shown in the figure, a first board relay board that is electrically connected to the winning port switch 221, the count switch 223, the through gate switch 225, and a cable connector is provided on the back frame set 215. This first board relay board relays the winning port switch 221, etc. and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector.

[0170] On the other hand, the start winning switches 224A and 224B that detect winning in the start winning ports 33A and 33B are directly connected to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without passing through a relay board.

[0171] The detection results detected by the various winning detection switches are taken into the main control device 261. Then, a payout command (the number of game balls to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation each time is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the output signal from the payout control device 311 (except when detected by the through gate switch 225). Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a payout mechanism section 352 for game balls. Further, the back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side portion (the right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward about an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, an external relay terminal board 240 is provided at the upper left portion (the upper right portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203.

[0172] The external relay terminal board 240 is for relaying the transmission of various information to the hall computer of the game hall or the like, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For the sake of convenience, although not numbered, for example, a terminal for outputting information regarding the current game state (such as a jackpot state or a high probability mode), a terminal for outputting information regarding the opening of the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 detected by the opening detection switches 91 and 92 described later, a terminal for outputting information regarding various error states such as a winning error, a lower tray full error, a no tank ball error, and a payout error, and a terminal for outputting information regarding the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control device 311 are provided.

[0173] However, in the present embodiment, a terminal for outputting information regarding "small win" is not provided, and the configuration is such that the occurrence information of "small win" is not output. In the present embodiment, during the "high support mode", "small win" is likely to occur relatively frequently. Therefore, if the occurrence information is always output every time "small win" occurs, there is a risk of a significant increase in the output signal. Thus, for example, during the "low support mode" or the like when such a problem is less likely to occur, the configuration may be such that the occurrence information of "small win" is output.

[0174] In addition, the output of the occurrence information of "JUB jackpot" is preferably performed in a state where the occurrence of "JUB jackpot" is confirmed at the timing of, for example, outputting an opening command (jackpot notification effect) described later, after the end of five "short openings" related to "JUB jackpot", that is, after getting out of a situation where it is indistinguishable from the case of "small win". If only the occurrence information of "JUB jackpot" is output in advance in a situation where it is still indistinguishable from the case of "small win", by looking at the information display device etc. installed in the island facility of the hall corresponding to the pachinko machine 10, the player may grasp the occurrence of "JUB jackpot" in advance, and the effect of the "JUB jackpot" performance may be diminished.

[0175] The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes to the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in the present embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to also cover the upper portion and the right portion (the left side portion in FIG. 5) of the substrate box 263. Thereby, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided in the right portion of the substrate box 263 and the terminal portion (substrate side connector) provided along the upper edge portion of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0176] The payout mechanism portion 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, above the protective cover portion 354, a tank 355 that opens upward is provided, and the tank 355 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 having two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected, and further, a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and the payout of the necessary number of game balls is appropriately performed by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper tray 19 or the like.

[0177] In addition, in the payout mechanism unit 352, a payout relay board 381 for relaying the signal of the payout command from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358 is installed, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power supply from the outside is installed. The main power supply of, for example, AC 24V is supplied to the power switch board 382 via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by the switching operation of the power switch 382a.

[0178] Below the back pack unit 203 (substrate box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided which is pivotally supported at the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened rearward. As shown in FIG. 6, in the lower frame set 251, a discharged ball receiving portion 217 into which the game balls recovered by the above-described ball recovery member 216 flow is formed. Further, at the most downstream portion of the discharged ball receiving portion 217, a discharge chute 218 for discharging the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed (see FIG. 5 etc.).

[0179] Therefore, the game balls that have won in various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31, and the game balls that have not won in any winning opening and are discharged through the out opening 36 are all guided to the discharged ball receiving portion 217 via the ball recovery member 216, and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (the island equipment in the game hall) via the discharge chute 218 of the discharged ball receiving portion 217. A global detection switch 227 for detecting all the game balls launched into the game area 30b is provided in the discharge chute 218.

[0180] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate bodies and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may be integrally formed.

[0181] Further, as shown in FIG. 5, on the back side of the lower frame set 251, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board 314 as payout control means are detachably attached in a state of being stacked one on top of the other in the front-rear direction.

[0182] The emission control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in a substrate box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251. Incidentally, although the emission control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices for convenience, they are actually constituted by a single substrate (printed circuit board).

[0183] Also, the dispensing control device 311 is housed in a substrate box 311a and fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313a (emission control device 312 and power supply device 313). Incidentally, the substrate box 311a in which the dispensing control device 311 is housed is provided with a sealing member in the same manner as the substrate box 263 in which the main control device 261 described above is housed, so that traces of the opening of the substrate box 311a remain.

[0184] In addition, the card unit connection substrate 314 is housed in a substrate box 314a and fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313a (emission control device 312 and power supply device 313).

[0185] Note that each of the above substrate boxes 311a, 313a, 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the inside is visible.

[0186] Also, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball clogging in the dispensing motor unit, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and backward to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state).

[0187] Furthermore, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 313a. The pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, which can hold the state at the time of a power outage and can return to the state at the time of a power outage when resuming power supply after a power outage. Therefore, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, at the end of business hours in the game hall), the state before the power-off is stored and retained. Thus, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323.

[0188] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the back side of the right side portion of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1 etc.) that is exposed on the front side of the front frame set 14. By inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 700 and rotating it in one direction, the inner frame 12 can be unlocked, and by rotating it in the other direction, the front frame set 14 can be unlocked. In the present embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

[0189] Note that, as described above, an extension wall portion 83 that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the back side of the inner frame 12 is formed in the right side frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 (see FIG. 5). As a result, it becomes difficult to insert a wire or the like from the back side of the outer frame 11 and operate the locking device 600 with the wire or the like. As a result, the defensive performance can be improved. Furthermore, the extension wall portion 83 is configured to cover the back side of the back pack unit 203 and the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the lower frame set 251. In the closed state of the inner frame 12, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

[0190] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a front frame opening detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided at the lower right front side (right side of the launching device 60) of the inner frame 12. As shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided at the lower right rear side (lower left in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12. The front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 each include a detection part that can protrude and retract with respect to the switch main body part. The front frame opening detection switch 91 is provided such that the detection part faces forward, and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is provided such that the detection part faces rearward. When the detection part is in a state of protruding from the switch main body part, an on signal is output to the main control device 261. When the detection part is pressed by the switch main body part side and is in a state of being immersed in the switch main body part, an off signal is output to the main control device 261. That is, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the detection part of the front frame opening detection switch 91 is pressed by the back surface of the front frame set 14 and becomes an off state. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection part returns to a protruding state and becomes an on state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection part of the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is pressed by a pressing part 86 integrally formed on a receiving part 85 of the outer frame 11 and becomes an off state. When the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection part returns to a protruding state and becomes an on state.

[0191] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the present pachinko machine 10. A CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer, which is an arithmetic device, is mounted on the main control device 261 (main board). The CPU 501 has a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, a RAM 503 that temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 502, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit built therein. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into one chip, and may be configured to be integrated into chips for each function.

[0192] The RAM 503 includes a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 501, a work area (working area) that stores various flags, counters, values of I / O, etc., and a backup area 503a.

[0193] In addition, the RAM 503 is configured such that a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all data stored in the stack area, the work area, and the backup area 503a can be held (backed up).

[0194] The backup area 503a is an area that stores the stack pointer, values of each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power-off (including the occurrence of a power failure. The same applies hereinafter) in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power-off when the power is restored in the event of a power failure or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed at the time of power-off by the main process. Conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is executed in the main process at the time of power-on (including power-on due to the elimination of a power failure. The same applies hereinafter). Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured such that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542 described later is input at the time of power-off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, and the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed due to the occurrence of a power failure.

[0195] Note that it is not always necessary to back up all the data stored in all areas as long as the data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, and the data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0196] The CPU 501 incorporating such a ROM 502 and a RAM 503 has an input / output port 505 connected thereto via a bus line 504 composed of an address bus, a data bus, etc. Connected to the input / output port 505 are a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, a normal symbol display device 41, etc., which will be described later. With this configuration, the above-described special display devices 43L and 43R and the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

[0197] In addition, for the sake of convenience, illustration of various relay boards and the like is omitted, but connected to the input / output port 505 are various detection switches such as a winning port switch 221, a count switch 223, start winning unit switches 224A and 224B, a through gate switch 225, etc., and various electrical components such as various boards. That is, the main control device 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (board-side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is constituted by these terminal portions and the like.

[0198] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) includes a CPU 551 which is an arithmetic device, a ROM 552 storing various control programs and fixed-value data executed by the CPU 551, a RAM 553 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data etc. when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 552, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, and also includes various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0199] Connected to the input / output port 554 are the CPU 551, the ROM 552, and the RAM 553 via the bus line 555, and a display control device 45 is also connected. Further, connected to the input / output port 554 are a speaker SP, an effect button 125, various electrical decoration parts, and lamps 102 to 104.

[0200] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control and causes the decorative pattern display device 42 to display based on, for example, a command (such as a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261. As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261 display whether or not there is a big hit, etc., and the decorative pattern display device 42 controlled by the sub-control device 262 performs display in accordance with the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R.

[0201] Also, the payout control device 311 performs payout control of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511, which is an arithmetic device, includes a ROM 512 that stores control programs, fixed value data, etc. executed by the CPU 511, and a RAM 513 used as a work memory, etc.

[0202] Similar to the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 includes a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return destination addresses of control programs executed by the CPU 511, a work area (work region) that stores values of various flags, counters, I / O, etc., and a backup area 513a.

[0203] The RAM 513 is configured such that backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all data stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a can be held (backed up). Note that it is not always necessary to back up all data stored in all areas as long as the data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up and the data stored in the work area is not backed up.

[0204] Backup area 513a is an area that stores the values of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power-off in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before power-off when the power is restored in the event of a power failure or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is executed at the time of power-off by the main process, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process at the time of power-on. Note that, similar to the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, the power failure signal SK1 is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When the power failure signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, the NMI interrupt process as the power failure time process is immediately executed.

[0205] The working area is provided with a payout permission flag for setting the payout permission of the prize balls by the payout control device 311, a command reception flag for setting when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and a command buffer for storing the command transmitted from the main control device 261.

[0206] The payout permission flag is a flag for setting the payout permission of the prize balls. It is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of the prize balls is transmitted from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is turned off in the case of the initial setting process or when restored to before power-off. In the present embodiment, the specific commands are three commands: a payout initialization command for instructing the initial process of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command for instructing the payout of the prize balls, and a payout return command transmitted when the main control device 261 is restored to power.

[0207] The command reception flag is a flag for checking whether the payout control device 311 has received a command. It is turned on when any command is received, and like the payout permission flag, it is turned off in the case of the initial setting process or when restored to before power-off, and is also turned off when the determination of the received command is made by the command determination process.

[0208] The command buffer is composed of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main controller 261.

[0209] The CPU 511 incorporating such a ROM 512 and a RAM 513 is connected to an input / output port 515 via a bus line 514 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The RAM erase switch circuit 543, the main controller 261, the emission control device 312, the payout device 358, etc. are respectively connected to the input / output port 515.

[0210] The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the loan ball operation unit (the ball loan button 121 and the return button 122) in front of the pachinko machine 10 and the card unit (the ball loan unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall, etc., and takes in the command of the ball loan operation by the player and outputs it to the card unit. In the case of a money machine in which game balls are directly lent from a ball lending device or the like to the upper tray 19 without passing through the card unit, it is also possible to omit the card unit connection board 314.

[0211] The emission control device 312 permits or prohibits the emission of game balls by the emission device 60, and the emission device 60 is permitted to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, on the condition that an emission permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, it is detected by a sensor signal that the player is touching the handle 18, and the emission stop switch for stopping the emission is not operated, the emission device 60 is driven, and the game balls are emitted with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18.

[0212] The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative pattern in the decorative pattern display device 42 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-control device 262. This display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. The input / output port 554 of the sub-control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. Also, the CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 via the bus line 530. Further, the output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via the bus line 531, and the decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is connected to the output port 529.

[0213] The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to control the VDP 526 (specifically, generate an internal command for the VDP 526). Thereby, display control in the decorative pattern display device 42 is performed.

[0214] The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs.

[0215] The video RAM 524 is a memory that stores display data to be displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42. By rewriting the content of this video RAM 524, the display content of the decorative pattern display device 42 is changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as patterns to be displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0216] The VDP526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative pattern display device 42. Since the VDP526 is integrated into an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and its entity should be said to be a microcontroller chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP526 adjusts the timings of each of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc., intervenes in the reading and writing of data, and reads out the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing to be displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0217] Also, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323.

[0218] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, etc. through a power supply path (not shown). As an overview, the power supply unit 541 takes in the AC 24V power supply supplied from the outside, generates a +12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, etc., a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supply to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, etc. Note that the operating power supply (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) is supplied to the emission control device 312 via the payout control device 311. Similarly, operating power supply is supplied to various switches, motors, etc. via the control devices to which they are connected.

[0219] The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of 24 volts of DC stabilized power, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541. When this voltage becomes less than 22 volts, it determines that a power failure (power cut) has occurred and outputs the power failure signal SK1 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. By the output of this power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0220] Note that even after the voltage of 24 volts of DC stabilized power becomes less than 22 volts, the power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value for a sufficient time for the execution of such power failure processing. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can execute the power failure processing normally and complete it.

[0221] The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that captures the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on in the state where the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (including power-on due to the restoration of power failure), the data of the respective RAMs 503 and 513 in the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 are cleared.

[0222] Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

[0223] In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 performs a lottery using various counter information during the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot lottery (win / loss lottery) to determine whether to generate a jackpot state, a jackpot type determination counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type, a reach selection counter C3 used for determining whether to generate a reach state when the decorative symbol display device 42 is deviated and fluctuated, determining the type of reach to be generated, etc., an initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a variation type counter CS1, CS2 used for determining the variation display time of the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (decorative symbol display device 42), determining the variation pattern (production pattern) in the decorative symbol display device 42, etc., and a normal symbol random number counter C4 used for a lottery of the normal symbol display device 41 (opening lottery for determining whether to open the opening and closing device 37 of the lower start winning opening 33B) are used.

[0224] The counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS1, CS2, C4 are loop counters that are incremented by 1 to the previous value each time they are updated, and return to 0, which is the lower limit value, after reaching the upper limit value. Each counter is updated periodically, and its updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 (excluding the random number initial value counter CINI).

[0225] In the RAM 503, a special variation hold area for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3, and a normal variation hold area for storing the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 are provided. The normal variation hold area includes one execution area and four hold areas (hold first to hold fourth areas).

[0226] Further, the special variation hold area includes a first special variation hold area and a second special variation hold area each having four hold areas (hold first to hold fourth areas), and one execution area.

[0227] In each holding area of the first special variation holding area, the values of the jackpot random counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 are stored in time series according to the winning history of the game balls in the upper start winning port 33A. The first special variation holding area constitutes the first holding means.

[0228] In each holding area of the second special variation holding area, the values of the jackpot random counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 are stored in time series according to the winning history of the game balls in the lower start winning port 33B. The second special variation holding area constitutes the second holding means.

[0229] In each holding area of the normal variation holding area, the value of the normal symbol random counter C4 is stored in time series according to the passing history of the game balls through the through gate 34.

[0230] By adopting such a configuration, the variable displays in the special display devices 43L and 43R and the normal symbol display device 41 can be held up to 4 times as described above.

[0231] Regarding each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by one in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 599) as the end value, it returns to 0 which is the lower limit value as the start value. Usually, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once per timer interrupt and repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal process. On the other hand, the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. And at the timing when the game ball wins in the upper start winning port 33A or the lower start winning port 33B, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is stored in the first special variation reservation area or the second special variation reservation area. Therefore, such processing constitutes a part of the first win / loss lottery and the second win / loss lottery.

[0232] The values of the random numbers for a jackpot are set in two types, namely, the "low probability mode" and the "high probability mode". In this embodiment, in the "low probability mode", the number of random number values for a jackpot is two, and the values are "7, 307", and in the "high probability mode", the number of random number values for a jackpot is 20, and the values are "7 to 16, 307 to 316". That is, in the "low probability mode", the win / loss lottery is won with a probability of 1 / 300 (a jackpot state occurs), and in the "high probability mode", the win / loss lottery is won with a probability of 1 / 30. These winning probabilities correspond to the first winning probabilities in this embodiment.

[0233] In this embodiment, a win / loss determination table is provided in the ROM502 for reference when determining whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to a jackpot. Note that in this embodiment, there are two win / loss determination tables, namely, the first win / loss determination table storing "7, 307" and the second win / loss determination table storing "7 to 16, 307 to 316".

[0234] Also, in this embodiment, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is also used when determining a "small win". The number of random number values for a "small win" is 50, and the values are "101 to 125, 401 to 425". That is, the probability of winning the win / loss lottery (a small win state occurs) is 1 / 12. Such a winning probability corresponds to the second winning probability in this embodiment.

[0235] The jackpot type determination counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 19, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 19), it returns to the lower limit value of 0. In this embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter C2 determines which jackpot type, that is, "16R sure change jackpot A", "16R sure change jackpot B", "4R sure change jackpot A", "4R sure change jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B", "4R normal jackpot A", "4R normal jackpot B", or "JUB jackpot" is to be awarded.

[0236] Note that the ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table that is referred to when determining which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 corresponds to. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the distribution of jackpot types is different when the game ball wins at the upper start winning opening 33A and when it wins at the lower start winning opening 33B. That is, in this embodiment, there are two jackpot type determination tables, a first jackpot type determination table that is considered when the game ball wins at the upper start winning opening 33A, and a second jackpot type determination table that is considered when the game ball wins at the lower start winning opening 33B.

[0237] Specifically, when the game ball wins at the upper start winning opening 33A, referring to the first jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 41), if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "0, 1", it is determined that "16R sure change jackpot A" is to be awarded.

[0238] Also, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "2", the awarding of "16R sure-win jackpot B" with "20 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "3", the awarding of "16R sure-win jackpot B" with "30 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "4", the awarding of "16R sure-win jackpot B" with "40 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "5", the awarding of "16R sure-win jackpot B" with "50 times · high support mode" is determined.

[0239] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "6", the awarding of "4R sure-win jackpot A" is determined.

[0240] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "7", the awarding of "4R sure-win jackpot B" with "20 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "8", the awarding of "4R sure-win jackpot B" with "30 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "9", the awarding of "4R sure-win jackpot B" with "40 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "10", the awarding of "4R sure-win jackpot B" with "50 times · high support mode" is determined.

[0241] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "11", the awarding of "16R normal jackpot A" is determined.

[0242] If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "12", the awarding of "16R normal jackpot B" with "20 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "13", the awarding of "16R normal jackpot B" with "30 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "14", the awarding of "16R normal jackpot B" with "40 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "15", the awarding of "16R normal jackpot B" with "50 times · high support mode" is determined.

[0243] If the value of the big win type determination counter C2 is "16", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "20 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "17", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "30 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "18", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "40 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "19", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "50 times · high support mode" is determined.

[0244] That is, when winning the win / loss lottery triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A, there is a 10% probability of getting "16R sure change big win A", a 20% probability of getting "16R sure change big win B", a 5% probability of getting "4R sure change big win A", a 20% probability of getting "4R sure change big win B", a 5% probability of getting "16R normal big win A", a 20% probability of getting "16R normal big win B", and a 20% probability of getting "4R normal big win B".

[0245] On the other hand, when the game ball wins the lower start winning opening 33B, referring to the second big win type determination table (see Figure 42), if the value of the big win type determination counter C2 is "0 to 9", the awarding of "16R sure change big win A" is determined; if it is "10, 11", the awarding of "4R sure change big win A" is determined; if it is "12, 13", the awarding of "4R normal big win A" is determined; if it is "14", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "20 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "15", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "30 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "16", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "40 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "17", the awarding of "4R normal big win B" with "50 times · high support mode" is determined; if it is "18, 19", the awarding of "JUB big win" is determined.

[0246] That is, when winning the validity lottery triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B, there is a 50% probability of getting a "16R sure change big win A", a 10% probability of getting a "4R sure change big win A", a 10% probability of getting a "4R normal big win A", a 20% probability of getting a "4R normal big win B", and a 10% probability of getting a "JUB big win".

[0247] In addition, the big win type determination counter C2 is updated periodically (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the big win type determination counter C2 is stored in the big win type determination counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins the upper start winning opening 33A or the lower start winning opening 33B, the value of the big win type determination counter C2 stored in the big win type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variation hold area (the first special variation hold area or the second special variation hold area) of the RAM503.

[0248] Also, the reach selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 238), it returns to 0 which is the lower limit value. In this embodiment, by the reach selection counter C3, after a reach occurs for the decorative symbol, a "front and rear deviation reach" in which the final stop symbol stops with a deviation of only one before and after the reach symbol, a "reach other than front and rear deviation" in which the final stop symbol stops outside the front and rear of the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and a "complete deviation" in which no reach occurs are to be lottery-selected. In this embodiment, a reach determination table is provided in the ROM502 for reference when determining whether the value of the reach selection counter C3 is a value corresponding to the occurrence of the reach state and which reach it corresponds to. The reach determination table stores values of "0 to 238", and C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to the front and rear deviation reach, C3 = 2 to 21 corresponds to the reach other than front and rear deviation, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to the complete deviation.

[0249] The reach selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the reach selection counter C3 is stored in the reach selection counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins in the upper start winning port 33A or the lower start winning port 33B, the value of the reach selection counter C3 stored in the reach selection counter buffer is stored in the special variation reservation area (the first special variation reservation area or the second special variation reservation area) of the RAM 503.

[0250] Also, among the two variation type counters CS1 and CS2, one variation type counter CS1, for example, is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 198, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 198), it returns to 0 which is the lower limit value. The other variation type counter CS2, for example, is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 240, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 240), it returns to 0 which is the lower limit value. In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as the "first variation type counter" and CS2 is also referred to as the "second variation type counter". This is also shown in this way in FIG. 14.

[0251] For example, in the variable pattern table (see FIG. 44) for the sure win big hit in the normal state, the reach type of the decorative pattern such as the so-called normal reach, super reach, and premium reach, and other rough variation modes are determined by the first variation type counter CS1, and the more detailed variation modes such as the variation time are determined by the second variation type counter CS2. Therefore, by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2, it is possible to easily realize the diversification of the variable patterns. Of course, it is also possible to determine the variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1 or the like.

[0252] Normal reach is a reach pattern in which no special effect display is made except for the variation of the decorative pattern. Super reach is a reach pattern in which, during the variation display of the decorative pattern (after the reach state is established), characters or the like are displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 in addition to the decorative pattern, thereby creating an expectation for the player. Premium reach is an effect mode that can only be derived when the jackpot state occurs. During the variation display of the decorative pattern (after the reach state is established), in addition to the decorative pattern, characters or the like in a pattern different from that of the super reach are displayed, thereby creating an expectation for the player.

[0253] In addition, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time the normal process described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation of the decorative pattern by the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0254] Note that the size and range of each counter are only examples and can be arbitrarily changed. However, the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1, the reach selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers, and it is desirable to set them as non-synchronized numerical values in any case.

[0255] Also, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is incremented by 1 in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 9, and is configured as a loop counter that returns to the lower limit value (i.e., 0) after reaching the upper limit value (i.e., 9). The normal symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through the through gate 34.

[0256] When the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 that wins is acquired, after the variation display is performed for a predetermined time on the normal symbol display device 41, the symbol corresponding to the win (in this example, "○") is stopped and displayed, and the opening / closing accessory 37 of the lower start winning opening 33B is in the open state for a predetermined time.

[0257] In this embodiment, in the "low support mode", the values of the random numbers selected are two, namely "0, 1". On the other hand, in the "high support mode", the values of the random numbers selected are eight, namely "0 to 7". That is, in the "low support mode", the opening and closing device 37 is in the open state with a probability of 1 / 5, and in the "high support mode", the opening and closing device 37 is in the open state with a probability of 4 / 5. These selection probabilities correspond to the third selection probability in this embodiment.

[0258] Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart. The processing of such a CPU 501 is roughly classified into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and an NMI interrupt process that is started by the input of a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For the convenience of explanation, here, first, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described, and then the main process will be described.

[0259] The NMI interrupt process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power failure or the like. Due to this NMI interrupt, the state of the main control device 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

[0260] That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power failure or the like, a power-off signal SK1 is output from the power-off monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process, stores the power-off occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power-off occurrence information, and ends the NMI interrupt process.

[0261] The above-described NMI interrupt process is similarly executed by the payout control device 311. Due to such an NMI interrupt, the power-off occurrence information is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. That is, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the ongoing control and starts the NMI interrupt process. The content is as described above.

[0262] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, for example, every 2 msec.

[0263] In FIG. 17, first, in step S301, the reading process of various winning detection switches is executed. Here, the states of various winning detection switches (winning port switch 221, count switch 223, start winning switches 224A, 224B, through gate switch 225) connected to the main control device 261 are read, and the state of the switch is determined to save the detection information.

[0264] In step S302, the random number initial value update process is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit value (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0265] Also, in step S303, the random number update process is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, the reach selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when their counter values reach the upper limit value, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1, C2, C3, C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503.

[0266] After that, in step S304, a start winning process associated with winning in the start winning openings 33A and 33B is executed, and in step S305, a through gate passing process associated with the passage of the game ball through the through gate 34 is executed. After that, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

[0267] Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18. In addition, in the execution area of the special variation hold area and each hold area, there are provided a jackpot random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a jackpot type random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2, and a reach random number storage area for storing the value of the reach selection counter C3.

[0268] First, in step S501, it is determined based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 224B whether or not the game ball has won in the lower start winning opening 33B. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, then in step S502, it is determined whether or not the value of the lower hold counter Nb that counts the number of holds of the variable display triggered by winning in the lower start winning opening 33B is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If a negative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503, and the lower hold counter Nb is incremented by 1.

[0269] In the subsequent step S504, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 updated in the random number update process of step S303 are stored in the first area among the available hold areas of the second special variation hold area. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0270] In step S505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation hold area is a value corresponding to a jackpot. The details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

[0271] In the subsequent step S506, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the value for a jackpot, a second jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variation hold area.

[0272] Here, first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot winning flag was set in the immediately preceding jackpot determination process. If the determination is negative, this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the determination is positive, referring to the second jackpot type determination table, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variation hold area is any of the values "0 to 9" corresponding to "16R sure change jackpot A", the "16R sure change jackpot A flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "10, 11" corresponding to "4R sure change jackpot A", the "4R sure change jackpot A flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "12, 13" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot A", the "4R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "14 to 17" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "18, 19" corresponding to "JUB jackpot", the "JUB jackpot flag" is turned on.

[0273] In addition, when winning "16R sure change jackpot A", "4R sure change jackpot A", or "JUB jackpot", that is, when "next time until high support mode" is given after the jackpot ends, a performance lottery is conducted, for example, with a lottery probability of about 1 / 100, to determine whether or not to perform a non-notification performance that does not notify that the given "high support mode" is "next time until high support mode" for a predetermined period (20 times of variable display in this embodiment) after the jackpot ends. And if it is determined as a lottery result that the non-notification performance is to be performed, the non-notification performance execution flag is turned on.

[0274] In the subsequent step S507, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 does not correspond to the value for a jackpot, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variation hold area. The details of the reach determination process will be described later.

[0275] In the further subsequent step S508, a setting process for the hold control command is performed. The hold control command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 in advance of various hold information (information used to determine the content of the variable display) stored in the second special variation hold area. The hold control command set in this process is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step S201). The hold control command includes, for example, as hold information, information indicating the results of the above-mentioned jackpot determination process and jackpot type determination process, and information indicating which of the start winning openings 33A and 33B triggers the variable display.

[0276] Here, the details of the jackpot determination process in step S505 will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

[0277] First, in step S5101, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation hold area matches either of the values "7" and "307" corresponding to a jackpot stored in the first pass / fail determination table. In FIG. 19, for the sake of simplicity, the process of step S5101 is described in a simplified manner. In actuality, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is "7", and if the determination is a negative determination, it is then determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is "307". If either of these determinations is an affirmative determination, the determination in step S5101 is an affirmative determination, and if both determinations are negative determinations, the determination in step S5101 is a negative determination.

[0278] If an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state has occurred, then after turning on the jackpot winning flag in step S5102, the process proceeds to step S5105. In step S5102, the first special game state generating means in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that generates a jackpot state corresponding to the first special game state.

[0279] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5101, then in step S5103, based on the value of the lottery mode flag described later, it is determined whether or not it is in the "high probability mode".

[0280] If an affirmative determination is made in step S5103, that is, if it is in the "high probability mode", then in step S5104, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation reservation area is any one of "8 to 16, 308 to 316" excluding the above "7" and "307" among the values corresponding to the jackpot stored in the second win / loss determination table. Incidentally, also in this determination process, actually, it is determined one by one whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 matches each value corresponding to the jackpot as described above.

[0281] If an affirmative determination is made in step S5104, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state has occurred during the "high probability mode", then after turning on the jackpot winning flag in step S5102, this process is terminated as it is.

[0282] The determination processes in step S5101 and step S5104 constitute the first win / loss lottery in the present embodiment, and the first lottery means is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that executes this.

[0283] If a negative determination is made in step S5103 or step S5104, that is, if it is not a "jackpot", then the process proceeds to step S5105.

[0284] In step S5105, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation reservation area matches the values corresponding to small wins, namely "101 to 125, 401 to 425".

[0285] If an affirmative determination is made in step S5105, that is, if it is determined that a small win state has occurred, then after turning on the small win winning flag in step S5106, this process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5105, this process ends as it is.

[0286] The determination process in step S5105 constitutes the second win / loss lottery in this embodiment, and the second lottery means is constituted by the function of the main control device 261 that executes this. Also, the function of the main control device 261 that generates a small win state corresponding to the second special game state in step S5106 constitutes the second special game state generation means in this embodiment.

[0287] Next, the reach determination process in step S507 will be described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0288] First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not a winning flag (jackpot winning flag or small win winning flag) was set in the immediately preceding jackpot determination process. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if a jackpot state or a small win state has occurred, then this process ends as it is.

[0289] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if a winning state has not occurred, then in step S5302, referring to the reach determination table, it is determined whether or not the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variation reservation area matches either of the values "0, 1" corresponding to "front-back off reach". If an affirmative determination is made in step S5302, then in step S5303, after turning on the front-back off flag indicating the occurrence of front-back off reach, this process ends.

[0290] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5302, then in step S5304, referring to the reach determination table, it is determined whether or not the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variation hold area matches any of the values "2 to 21" corresponding to "reaches other than front and rear deviations". If an affirmative determination is made in step S5304, then in step S5305, after turning on the flag for other than front and rear deviations, this process ends.

[0291] Also, if a negative determination is made in step S5304, that is, if it is a "complete deviation", then this process ends as it is.

[0292] Returning to the description of FIG. 18, after the process of step S508 or when a negative determination is made in step S501, in step S509, it is determined based on the detection information of the first start winning switch 224A whether or not the game ball has won in the upper start winning opening 33A. If a negative determination is made in step S509, then this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made, then in step S510, it is determined whether or not the value of the upper hold counter Na that counts the number of holds of the variable display triggered by the winning in the upper start winning opening 33A is less than the upper limit value (in this embodiment, "4"). If a negative determination is made in step S510, then this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S510, then it proceeds to step S511 and the upper hold counter Na is incremented by 1.

[0293] In the subsequent step S512, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 are stored in the first area among the available hold areas in the first special variation hold area. After step S512, it proceeds to step S513.

[0294] In step S513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special variation hold area corresponds to a jackpot value. Note that the jackpot determination process in step S513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step S505, except for the small win determination, and the only difference is that the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on winning in the upper start winning opening 33A. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, detailed description is omitted.

[0295] In the subsequent step S514, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to a jackpot value, a first jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variation hold area.

[0296] Here, first, it is determined whether the jackpot winning flag was set in the immediately preceding jackpot determination process. If the determination is negative, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the determination is positive, referring to the first jackpot type determination table, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variation hold area is either of the values "0, 1" corresponding to "16R sure win jackpot A", the "16R sure win jackpot A flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "2 - 5" corresponding to "16R sure win jackpot B", the "16R sure win jackpot B flag" is turned on. If it is the value "6" corresponding to "4R sure win jackpot A", the "4R sure win jackpot A flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "7 - 10" corresponding to "4R sure win jackpot B", the "4R sure win jackpot B flag" is turned on. If it is the value "11" corresponding to "16R normal jackpot A", the "16R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "12 - 15" corresponding to "16R normal jackpot B", the "16R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on. If it is any of the values "16 - 19" corresponding to "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on.

[0297] If the player wins the "16R Certain Variable Big Win A" or "4R Certain Variable Big Win A" at this time, that is, if the "Next Time to High Support Mode" is granted after the big win ends, an effect lottery is conducted to determine whether to perform the above non-notification effect, similar to step S506. And if it is determined as a result of the lottery that the non-notification effect is to be performed, the non-notification effect execution flag is turned on.

[0298] In the subsequent step S515, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the big win random number counter C1 does not correspond to the value for the big win, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the first special variable hold area. Note that the reach determination process in step S515 is the same as the reach determination process in step S507, and the only difference is that the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on the balls entering the upper start winning opening 33A. For the sake of convenience, detailed description is omitted.

[0299] In the further subsequent step S516, a setting process for the hold control command is performed. Then, this process ends. Note that the setting process for the hold control command in step S516 is the same as the setting process for the hold control command in step S508, and the only difference is that the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on the balls entering the upper start winning opening 33A. For the sake of convenience, detailed description is omitted.

[0300] Next, the through gate passing process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 21.

[0301] In step S601, it is determined based on the detection information of the through gate switch 225 whether the game ball has passed through the through gate 34.

[0302] If a negative determination is made in step S601, this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S601, that is, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34, then in step S602, it is determined whether the value of the normal hold counter Nc that counts the number of holds of the variable display performed by the normal symbol display device 41 is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If a negative determination is made here, this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S602, that is, if the passage of the game ball through the through gate 34 is confirmed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc < 4, the process proceeds to step S603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

[0303] Also, in the subsequent step S604, a random number related to a pass / fail determination is acquired. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated in the random number update process of step S303 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the normal variable hold area of the RAM 503. Then, the through gate passage process ends.

[0304] Next, the flow of the main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15. This main process is started with a reset at power-on.

[0305] First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set for the stack pointer, and a wait process is executed for about 1 second, for example, to wait for the sub-control devices (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the subsequent step S102, RAM access is permitted.

[0306] Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON). If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S112 to clear (erase) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, in the subsequent step S104, it is determined whether or not power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, since the backup data is not stored, the process also proceeds to step S112 in this case. If power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S105. In the subsequent step S106, it is determined whether or not the calculated RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored at the time of power-off, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. If the calculated RAM determination value does not match the RAM determination value stored at the time of power-off, the backed-up data has been destroyed, so the process also proceeds to step S112 in this case.

[0307] In the process of step S112, an initialization command is transmitted to initialize the sub-control device 262, which is the sub-side control device, the payout control device 311, and the like. The sub-control device 262 that has received the initialization command executes its own initialization process and stores the value "0" of the game state determination value Xj corresponding to the "normal state", which is the initial setting, in the game state storage area, as will be described later.

[0308] Thereafter, the process proceeds to the initialization process of the RAM (step S113, etc.). The RAM determination value is, for example, the checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of this RAM determination value, it is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

[0309] As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state at power-on, for example, at the start of business in the hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to the initialization process of the RAM (step S113, etc.). Also, when the power-off occurrence information is not set or when an abnormality in the backup is confirmed based on the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.), the process similarly proceeds to the initialization process of the RAM 503 (step S113, etc.). That is, in step S113, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S114, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, in step S115, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal process described later.

[0310] On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step S103: NO), the process of power restoration (process at power restoration) is executed on the condition that the power-off occurrence information is set and the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, and in step S108, the power-off occurrence information is cleared.

[0311] In step S109, a game state check process is executed to grasp the game state at the time of power-off stored in the RAM 503.

[0312] In the subsequent step S110, a return command for returning the sub-control device 262 and the payout control device 311, etc., which are the sub-side control devices, to the game state at the time of power-off is transmitted. Note that the return command transmitted to the sub-control device 262 includes information (game state determination value Xj described later) related to the game state at the time of power-off specified in the above game state check process.

[0313] In step S111, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, in step S115, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal process described later.

[0314] Here, the game state check process in step S109 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the game state check process, and FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship among the lottery mode flag, support mode flag, game state specific counter Kj, and game state determination value Xj, which will be described later. Note that the game state check process is also executed in the variable display setting process (step S807) and the win end setting process (step S1216), which will be described later.

[0315] As shown in FIG. 22, in step S1901, a process of reading various information related to the game state at the time of power-off, which is backup-stored in the RAM 503, is executed. Specifically, the value of the lottery mode flag, the value of the support mode flag, and the value of the game state specific counter Kj are respectively read from the RAM 503.

[0316] The lottery mode flag is state determination information for determining whether the lottery mode is "low probability mode" or "high probability mode". As its flag value, "50(H)" is set when the lottery mode is "low probability mode", and "53(H)" is set when the lottery mode is "high probability mode". Note that the upper 4-bit value "5" in the lottery mode flag is uniformly added for noise countermeasures and is not particularly for discriminating the game state.

[0317] The support mode flag is state determination information for determining the state of the winning support mode. As its flag value, "A0(H)" is set when the winning support mode is "low support mode". Note that the upper 4-bit value "A" in the support mode flag is uniformly added for noise countermeasures and is not particularly for discriminating the game state.

[0318] Also, when the winning support mode is "20 times · high support mode", "30 times · high support mode", "40 times · high support mode", or "50 times · high support mode", "A1(H)" is set as the flag value.

[0319] Also, when the winning support mode is "30 - time high - support mode S", "A2 (H)" is set as the flag value, and when it is the "next - time - until high - support mode", "A3 (H)" is set as the flag value.

[0320] The game - state specifying counter Kj is state - determination information for counting the number of executions of the variable display after the jackpot ends and specifying the switching timing of the game state. A predetermined initial value is set at the end of the jackpot, and it is decremented by 1 each time the variable display is performed once. For example, as will be described later, "50" is set as the initial value of the game - state specifying counter Kj. If the value of the counter Kj is "31" at that time, the variable display at that point can be specified as the 20th variable display after the jackpot ends.

[0321] In this embodiment, when winning "16R certain - probability jackpot B", "4R certain - probability jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot B", or "4R normal jackpot B", that is, when "20 - time high - support mode", "30 - time high - support mode", "40 - time high - support mode", or "50 - time high - support mode" is given after the jackpot ends, "50" is set as the initial value.

[0322] Also, when winning "16R normal jackpot A" or "4R normal jackpot A", that is, when "30 - time high - support mode S" is given after the jackpot ends, "30" is set as the initial value.

[0323] Also, when winning "16R certain - probability jackpot A", "4R certain - probability jackpot A", or "JUB jackpot", that is, when "next - time - until high - support mode" is given after the jackpot ends, "0" is set as the initial value. However, when the non - notification performance execution flag is on and the non - notification performance is executed, "30" is set as the initial value. The non - notification performance execution flag is turned off after the initial value is set.

[0324] Returning to the description of FIG. 22, in step S1902, the value of the lottery mode flag read in step S1901 is added to the value of the support mode flag.

[0325] In the subsequent step S1903, a logical product is taken between the addition value calculated in step S1902 and a predetermined mask value ("07(H)" in this embodiment), the lower 3-bit data is extracted, and is set as the game state determination value Xj in a predetermined work area.

[0326] In step S1904, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "1". That is, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is in the state of "20 times · high support mode", "30 times · high support mode", "40 times · high support mode" or "50 times · high support mode".

[0327] If the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step S1905, and it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "4". That is, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is in the state of "20 times · high support mode", "30 times · high support mode", "40 times · high support mode" or "50 times · high support mode".

[0328] If the determination in step S1904 or step S1905 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1909. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1905 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1906.

[0329] In step S1906, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "2". That is, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is in the state of "30 times · high support mode S".

[0330] If a negative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1907 to determine whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "5". That is, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is in the state of "30 times · high support mode S".

[0331] If an affirmative determination is made in step S1906 or step S1907, the process proceeds to step S1912. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1907, the process proceeds to step S1908.

[0332] In step S1908, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "6". That is, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is in the state of "until next time · high support mode".

[0333] If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1914. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S1916, and the value "6" of this game state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM503, and this process ends.

[0334] Now, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1904 or step S1905 above and the process proceeds to step S1909, it is determined whether the value of the game state specific counter Kj is "31". That is, it is determined whether the variable display after the jackpot ends is the 20th time. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1913, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S1910.

[0335] In step S1910, it is determined whether the value of the game state specific counter Kj is "21". That is, it is determined whether the variable display after the jackpot ends is the 30th time. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1913, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S1911.

[0336] In step S1911, it is determined whether the value of the game state specifying counter Kj is "11". That is, it is determined whether it is the 40th time of the variable display after the big win ends. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1913, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S1912.

[0337] In step S1912, it is determined whether the value of the game state specifying counter Kj is "1". That is, it is determined whether it is the "50th time (when the initial value is "50")" or the "30th time (when the initial value is "30")".

[0338] If a negative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1916, the value of the game state determination value Xj ("1", "4", "2", or "5") is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM503, and this process ends.

[0339] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1912, that is, if the value of the game state specifying counter Kj is "1", the process proceeds to step S1913, and the value of the game state determination value Xj is changed to "7". Then, the process proceeds to step S1916, the value "7" of this game state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM503, and this process ends.

[0340] Now, in step S1914 where an affirmative determination was made in step S1908 and the process proceeded, it is determined whether the value of the game state specifying counter Kj is "0". That is, it is determined whether the winning support mode is the "next time until·high support mode" in which the above non-notification effect is not performed. If an affirmative determination is made here, the value "6" of the game state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM503, and this process ends.

[0341] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1914, that is, if it is in the "until next time / high support mode" where a non-notification effect is performed, the process proceeds to step S1915, and the value of the game state determination value Xj is changed to "5". Then, the process proceeds to step S1916, and the value "5" of this game state determination value Xj is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 503, and this process ends. As a result, even in the state of the "until next time / high support mode", for a predetermined number of times (20 times in this embodiment), the lottery mode is the "high probability mode", and an effect similar to the state where the winning support mode is the "30 times / high support mode S" is performed.

[0342] Next, the flow of the normal process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16. In this normal process, the main processes of the game are executed. As an overview, the processes of steps S201 to S210 are executed as periodic processes with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processes of steps S211 and S212 are executed during the remaining time.

[0343] First, in step S201, an external output process is executed to transmit a control signal based on the control contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R, the opening and closing accessory 37, etc. updated in the previous process to each device, or to transmit output data such as commands to each control device on the sub side. Some more specific examples will be given below.

[0344] For example, based on the detection information of the above various detection switches, it is determined whether a game ball has won a prize at various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31. If there is a win, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number corresponding to the win is transmitted to the payout control device 311.

[0345] Also, if a command for blinking the error display lamp 104 is set, the command is output to the sub-control device 262.

[0346] In the external output process, information for grasping the gaming state is externally output to the hall computer in the gaming hall, taking into account various information such as the above-mentioned lottery mode flag and the jackpot in-progress flag described later. Further, output of error information to the hall computer is also executed in this output process.

[0347] For example, when a winning error is detected, an on signal (pulse signal) is output to the hall computer in the gaming hall via a predetermined terminal of the external relay terminal board 240, and an off signal is output when there is no winning error.

[0348] Also, when the decorative symbol display device 42 variably displays the decorative symbols, a variable pattern command, a symbol command, etc. are transmitted to the sub-control device 262. In contrast, the sub-control device 262 that has input the variable pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the variation mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on such various commands, and instructs the display control device 45 to display (variably display) the variation mode on the decorative symbol display device 42.

[0349] In step S202, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, similar to other counters, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values reach the upper limit value (198,240 in this embodiment), they are cleared to 0 respectively. Then, the updated values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503.

[0350] In the subsequent step S203, the prize ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

[0351] Thereafter, in step S205, the first display control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the special display devices 43L and 43R is set to determine what kind of control is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and the setting of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol in the big win determination and the decorative symbol display device 42 is also performed. The details of this first display control process will be described later.

[0352] In step S206, the variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set to determine what kind of control is performed on the variable winning device 32. As a result, when the big win state or the small win state is reached, the opening and closing process of the opening and closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times. The details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

[0353] In step S207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the normal symbol display device 41 is set to determine what kind of control is performed on the normal symbol display device 41. The details of this second display control process will be described later.

[0354] In step S208, the opening and closing accessory control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the opening and closing accessory 37 is set to determine what kind of control is performed on the opening and closing accessory 37. The details of the opening and closing accessory control process will be described later.

[0355] Thereafter, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If the power-off occurrence information is not set in the backup area 503a here, in step S210, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S201, and the processes after step S201 are repeatedly executed.

[0356] On the one hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed yet since the start of the previous normal process, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the update of the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is repeatedly executed (step S211, step S212).

[0357] That is, in step S211, the update of the random number initial value counter CINI is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when its counter value reaches the upper limit value (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

[0358] Also, in step S212, the update of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is executed (similar to the above step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values reach the upper limit values (198 and 240 in this example), they are respectively cleared to 0. Then, the changed values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM503.

[0359] Here, since the execution times of the processes in steps S201 to S209 vary depending on the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but varies. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using such remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

[0360] Now, if power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), it means that the power has been cut off. Therefore, as power-off processing, the processing after step S213 is performed. The power-off processing first prohibits the occurrence of each interrupt processing in step S213. In step S214, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area. In step S215, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. Then, in step S216, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to other control devices (such as the payout control device 311). And in step S217, a RAM determination value is calculated and saved in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, the checksum value at the working area address of the RAM 503. After that, in step S218, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

[0361] Note that the processing in step S209 is executed at the timing when a series of processing corresponding to the state change of the game performed in steps S201 to S208 ends, or at the end of one cycle of the processing in steps S211 and S212 performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in the normal processing of the main control device 261, since the occurrence information of power-off is confirmed at the end of each processing, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is less compared to the case where each processing is in the middle, and it can be easily stored. Also, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily restored, and the processing burden on the main control device 261 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the occurrence of interrupt processing is prohibited (step S213) before storing the data, it is possible to prevent the data when the power is cut off from being changed, and the state before power-off can be reliably stored.

[0362] Next, the first display control processing in step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24.

[0363] In FIG. 24, in step S801, specifically referring to various winning-in flags (big win in-flag and small win in-flag) which will be described in detail later, it is determined whether it is currently in a winning state (in a big win state or a small win state). Note that the winning state (big win state and small win state) includes the middle of the winning state and a predetermined time after the end of the winning state. The predetermined time after the end of the winning state mentioned here is the time until the start of the normal game (fluctuating display on the special display devices 43L and 43R) after the end of the winning state. Generally, during this time period, the decoration pattern display device 42 performs displays indicating the end of the winning state, various game states, and various modes given after a win. Also, the period from when the fluctuating display on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decoration pattern display device 42 stops and is displayed in a manner corresponding to a win until the variable winning device 32 is opened (generally, during this time period, the decoration pattern display device 42 performs a display indicating the start of the winning state) is also included in the winning state.

[0364] If an affirmative determination is made in step S801, that is, if it is in a winning state, this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S801, in step S802, specifically looking at the setting status of the first display in-flag which will be described in detail later, it is determined whether the special display devices 43L and 43R (decoration pattern display device 42) of the first or second type are in a fluctuating display state. Specifically, when the first display in-flag is set (in an on state), it is regarded as being in a fluctuating display state, and when the first display in-flag is released (in an off state), it is regarded as being in a stop display state where the fluctuating display has stopped. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the first display in-flag is turned on when starting the fluctuating display of the special display devices 43L and 43R of the first and second types (refer to step S920, refer to step S807), and is turned off when the fluctuating display of the special display devices 43L and 43R of the first and second types is stopped and displayed (refer to step S814).

[0365] And when a negative determination is made in step S802, that is, when it is not in a winning state and not in a variable display state, the process proceeds to step S803 to determine whether the value of the lower hold counter Nb that counts the number of holds of the variable display (second variable display) triggered by winning in the lower start winning opening 33B is greater than 0.

[0366] When an affirmative determination is made in step S803, that is, when even one second variable display is stored in hold, in step S804, 1 is subtracted from the lower hold counter Nb. In this embodiment, by the determination process of step S803, when the second variable display is stored in hold, the second variable display is executed without executing the first variable display. That is, even when the first variable display is stored in hold earlier than the second variable display, the second variable display is preferentially processed (the first variable display is postponed).

[0367] In the subsequent step S805, a process of shifting the data stored in the second special variable hold area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the hold first to fourth areas of the second special variable hold area to the execution area side, such as hold first area → execution area, hold second area → hold first area, hold third area → hold second area, hold fourth area → hold third area, and the data in each area is shifted. After step S805, in step S806, a process of turning on and off the second hold lamp 46b and a process of causing the variable identification lamp 40 to emit red light are performed, and then the process proceeds to step S807.

[0368] Also, when a negative determination is made in step S803, that is, when not even one second variable display is stored in hold, in step S808, it is determined whether the value of the upper hold counter Na that counts the number of holds of the variable display (first variable display) triggered by winning in the upper start winning opening 33A is greater than 0. When a negative determination is made in step S808, this process is terminated as it is.

[0369] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S808, then in step S809, 1 is subtracted from the pending counter Na. In the subsequent step S810, a process of shifting the data stored in the first special change pending area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth pending areas of the first special change pending area to the execution area side, such that the data within each area is shifted as follows: pending area 1 → execution area, pending area 2 → pending area 1, pending area 3 → pending area 2, and pending area 4 → pending area 3. After step S810, in step S811, a process of turning on / off the first pending lamp 46a and a process of causing the change identification lamp 40 to emit blue light are performed, and then the process proceeds to step S807. Note that in the present embodiment, there is one execution area in the special change pending area, and the data stored in the first special change pending area and the second special change pending area is shifted to the common execution area when performing a change display based on the data.

[0370] In step S807, a change display setting process is performed. Here, the details of the change display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 26.

[0371] First, in step S900, a game state check process is executed. Note that since the game state check process is the same as the game state check process in step S109 (see FIG. 22), a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0372] Subsequently, in step S901, it is determined whether the variable display corresponds to a minor win by determining whether the minor win winning flag is on.

[0373] If it is determined here that it corresponds to a minor win, the process proceeds to step S910. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a minor win, the process proceeds to step S902.

[0374] In step S902, it is determined whether the jackpot winning flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a jackpot.

[0375] If it is determined here that it corresponds to a jackpot, the process proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is neither a jackpot nor a minor win, that is, if it is a loss, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0376] In step S903, it is determined whether any of the above various probability-variable jackpot flags ("16R probability-variable jackpot A flag", "16R probability-variable jackpot B flag", "4R probability-variable jackpot A flag", "4R probability-variable jackpot B flag") is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "probability-variable jackpot".

[0377] If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, that is, if it is a "probability-variable jackpot", in step S904, a variable pattern is determined with reference to the variable pattern table corresponding to the "probability-variable jackpot" and set in the variable pattern command. Subsequently, in step S905, a jackpot symbol (whether it is an odd symbol or an even symbol in this embodiment) is determined with reference to the symbol table corresponding to the "probability-variable jackpot", and a corresponding symbol command (in this embodiment, "B1" or "B2" to be described later) is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S920.

[0378] If a negative determination is made in step S903, the process proceeds to step S906, where it is determined whether any of the above various normal jackpot flags (the "16R normal jackpot A flag", the "16R normal jackpot B flag", the "4R normal jackpot A flag", the "4R normal jackpot B flag") is on, so as to determine whether the variable display corresponds to a "normal jackpot". If an affirmative determination is made in step S906, that is, if it is a "normal jackpot", then in step S907, the variable pattern is determined with reference to the variable pattern table corresponding to the "normal jackpot" and set in the variable pattern command. Subsequently, in step S908, the jackpot symbol (whether it is an odd symbol or an even symbol in this embodiment) is determined with reference to the symbol table corresponding to the "normal jackpot", and the corresponding symbol command (in this embodiment, "B1" or "B2" to be described later) is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S920.

[0379] However, in this embodiment, as described above, depending on the type of symbol stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, the game state such as the lottery mode given after the jackpot ends cannot be determined. That is, the relationship between the variable pattern and the stopped symbol and the type of jackpot is not clearly associated, such that for example, an "odd symbol" is stopped and displayed for a "probability-variable jackpot" and an "even symbol" is stopped and displayed for a "normal jackpot". In this embodiment, at most, the various tables are used to divide the types of jackpots, such that for example, for a "probability-variable jackpot", it is more likely to stop and display an "odd symbol", and the predetermined variable pattern and the appearance rate of the symbol differ depending on the type of jackpot. Therefore, for example, regardless of the type of jackpot such as a "probability-variable jackpot" or a "normal jackpot" during a jackpot, it may be configured to select the variable pattern and the stopped symbol based on one jackpot table.

[0380] Also, when a negative determination is made in step S906, the process proceeds to step S909 to determine whether the JUB jackpot flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to "JUB jackpot". If an affirmative determination is made in step S909, that is, if it is a "JUB jackpot", the process proceeds to step S910.

[0381] In step S910, the variable pattern is determined with reference to the variable pattern tables corresponding to "JUB jackpot" and "small win", and is set in the variable pattern command. Thereafter, in step S911, the symbol command corresponding to the chance symbol (in this embodiment, "B6" to be described later) is set, and the process proceeds to step S920.

[0382] Also, when a negative determination is made in step S902, that is, if it is a "miss", in step S912, it is determined whether the front and back miss flag is on.

[0383] If an affirmative determination is made in step S912, that is, if it is a "front and back miss reach", in step S913, the variable pattern is determined with reference to the variable pattern table corresponding to "front and back miss reach", and is set in the variable pattern command and the front and back miss flag is turned off. Subsequently, in step S914, the symbol command corresponding to the front and back miss symbol (in this embodiment, "B3" to be described later) is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S920.

[0384] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 912, in step S915, it is determined whether the flag other than front and back miss is on. If an affirmative determination is made in step S915, that is, if it is a "reach other than front and back miss", in step S916, the variable pattern is determined with reference to the variable pattern table corresponding to "reach other than front and back miss", and is set in the variable pattern command and the flag other than front and back miss is turned off. Subsequently, in step S917, the symbol command corresponding to the symbol other than front and back miss (in this embodiment, "B4" to be described later) is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S920.

[0385] Also, when a negative determination is made in step S915, that is, when it is a "complete miss", the deviation variation pattern is determined with reference to the variation pattern table corresponding to "complete miss" in step S918 and set in the variation pattern command. Subsequently, in step S919, it is set to the symbol command corresponding to the complete miss symbol (in this embodiment, "B5" described later). Then, the process proceeds to step S920.

[0386] Here, for the sake of convenience, the variation pattern table and the variation pattern command will be described. In this embodiment, a plurality of variation pattern tables corresponding to the above-mentioned "big hit with probability change" (hereinafter referred to as the variation pattern table at the time of big hit with probability change), the variation pattern table corresponding to "ordinary big hit", the variation pattern tables corresponding to "JUB big hit" and "small hit", the variation pattern table corresponding to "front and back miss reach", the variation pattern table corresponding to "reach other than front and back miss", and the variation pattern table corresponding to "complete miss" (hereinafter referred to as the variation pattern table at the time of complete miss) are provided according to the game state (the value of the game state determination value Xj from "0" to "7").

[0387] For example, regarding the variation pattern table at the time of big hit with probability change, as shown in Fig. 43(a), at the "100th address" which is the reference address, the variation pattern table at the time of big hit with probability change corresponding to the "normal state" where the value of the game state determination value Xj is "0" is stored.

[0388] Similarly, at "Lot No. 101", the variable pattern table for the sure-change big win corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "1" is stored; at "Lot No. 102", the variable pattern table for the sure-change big win corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "2" is stored; at "Lot No. 103", the variable pattern table for the sure-change big win corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "3" is stored; at "Lot No. 104", the variable pattern table for the sure-change big win corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "4" is stored; at "Lot No. 105", the variable pattern table for the sure-change big win corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "5" is stored; at "Lot No. 106", the variable pattern table for the sure-change big win corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "6" is stored; at "Lot No. 107", the variable pattern table for the sure-change big win corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "7" is stored.

[0389] Also, regarding the variable pattern table in the case of a complete miss, as shown in Fig. 43(b), at "Lot No. 700" which is the reference address, the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the "normal state" where the value of the game state determination value Xj is "0" is stored.

[0390] Similarly, at "Lot No. 701", the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "1" is stored; at "Lot No. 702", the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "2" is stored; at "Lot No. 703", the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "3" is stored; at "Lot No. 704", the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "4" is stored; at "Lot No. 705", the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "5" is stored; at "Lot No. 706", the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "6" is stored; at "Lot No. 707", the variable pattern table for the complete miss corresponding to the value of the game state determination value Xj being "7" is stored.

[0391] Although illustration is omitted, with regard to the other variable pattern tables corresponding to the above-mentioned "normal big hit", the variable pattern tables corresponding to "JUB big hit" and "small hit", the variable pattern table corresponding to "front and rear out-of-reach", and the variable pattern table corresponding to "reach other than front and rear out-of-reach", similar to the case of the variable pattern table at the time of the above-mentioned sure-variable big hit and the variable pattern table at the time of complete out-of-reach, a plurality of table groups corresponding to the values "0" to "7" of the game state determination value Xj are stored in sequence from a predetermined reference address.

[0392] Therefore, when determining the variable pattern in the above steps S904, S907, S910, S913, S916, and S918, first, based on the game state determination value Xj specified in the above game state check process (step S900), a process of selecting a table corresponding to a predetermined game state (values "0" to "7" of the game state determination value Xj) is performed from among a plurality of table groups. At this time, by adding the value of the game state determination value Xj to the reference address (for example, "address 100" in the case of the variable pattern table at the time of sure-variable big hit), the address where the table to be selected is stored can be specified. That is, the value of the game state determination value Xj directly serves as the offset value.

[0393] Then, based on the selected variable pattern table (for example, the variable pattern table at the time of sure-variable big hit corresponding to the "normal state (Xj = 0)" stored at "address 100": see FIG. 44), the variable pattern is determined, and a variable pattern command corresponding thereto is set.

[0394] The variable pattern command in the present embodiment has a 2-byte configuration, and the upper 4 bits in the upper byte are configured by information specifying the game state. In the present embodiment, the value of the above game state determination value Xj is directly set. Also, the lower 4 bits of the upper byte are configured by information specifying the big hit type, etc., and the 8 bits of the lower byte are configured by information specifying the variable pattern (variable time, reach type, etc.).

[0395] For example, as can be seen by referring to the variable pattern table [see Fig. 43(a)] for the certain variable jackpot in the normal state (Xj = 0), in the variable pattern command for the certain variable jackpot in the normal state, "0", which is the value of the game state determination value Xj, is set in the upper 4 bits of the upper byte, and "F", which indicates "certain variable jackpot", is set in the subsequent lower 4 bits. Then, for the remaining 8 bits of the lower byte, a value specifying the variable pattern corresponding to the values of the variable type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 is set. Incidentally, in the sub-control device 262, the relationship between these variable pattern commands and the variable states (production patterns) of the decorative symbols is stored in a table, and when a variable pattern command is received, the variable pattern (production pattern) corresponding to the variable pattern command becomes executable.

[0396] Next, the symbol command will be described in detail. The symbol command is a command for causing the sub-control device 262 to determine the stop symbol. In the present embodiment, it designates six categories: the combination of symbols for odd jackpot, the combination of symbols for even jackpot, the combination of symbols for front and rear misses, the combination of symbols other than front and rear misses, the combination of symbols for complete misses, and the combination of symbols for chance. These categories are indicated by, for example, "B1", "B2", "B3", "B4", "B5", "B6", and any one of these is set as the symbol command. On the other hand, in the sub-control device 262, the relationship between these commands and the stop symbols is stored in a table. Then, the sub-control device 262 displays the stop symbol corresponding to the symbol command.

[0397] The combination of symbols for odd jackpot is a combination of symbols consisting of the same numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and "B1" is set as the symbol command corresponding to the combination of symbols for odd jackpot. Then, when "B1", which indicates the symbols for odd jackpot, is set in the symbol command in the sub-control device 262, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the combinations of symbols consisting of the same numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 as the stop symbol.

[0398] The combination of even big win symbols is a combination of symbols consisting of the same number for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, and "B2" is set for the symbol command corresponding to the combination of even big win symbols. Then, when "B2" indicating an even big win symbol is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the combinations of symbols consisting of the same number for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 as the stop symbol.

[0399] The combination of front / back deviation symbols corresponds to "front / back deviation reach" where, after a reach occurs, the final stop symbol stops with a deviation of only one in front of or behind the reach symbol, and "B3" is set for the symbol command corresponding to the combination of front / back deviation symbols.

[0400] The combination of symbols other than front / back deviation corresponds to "reach other than front / back deviation" where, after a reach occurs, the final stop symbol stops outside the front or back of the reach symbol, and "B4" is set for the symbol command corresponding to the combination of symbols other than front / back deviation.

[0401] The combination of complete deviation symbols corresponds to "complete deviation" where no reach occurs, and "B5" is set for the symbol command corresponding to the combination of complete deviation symbols.

[0402] Also, "B6" is set for the symbol command corresponding to the combination of chance symbols. Incidentally, there is one type of chance symbol, and in this example, as described above, the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in each symbol display area are "3", "4", and "1" from the top.

[0403] Incidentally, although details will be described later, when "B3" to "B5" are set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines the combination of symbols stored in the corresponding counter buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. Specifically, when "B3", which indicates a combination of front and rear off symbols, is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 that has received the symbol command determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the front and rear off reach stored in the front and rear off reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. When "B4", which indicates a combination of symbols other than the front and rear off, is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the reach other than the front and rear off stored in the reach symbol buffer other than the front and rear off of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol. When "B5", which indicates a combination of completely off symbols, is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines the combination of symbols corresponding to the complete off stored in the completely off symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as the stop symbol.

[0404] Also, when "A6" is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 selects a chance symbol as a combination of decorative symbols.

[0405] The variable pattern command and the symbol command set as described above are output in the external output process (step S201) described later. Then, the sub-control device 262 that has input these commands determines the variation mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on such commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (variation display) the variation mode on the decorative symbol display device 42.

[0406] Now, in step S920, start setting processing is performed to indicate that the condition for performing variation display on the special display devices 43L and 43R is satisfied. In this start setting processing, a first display flag indicating whether or not variation display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is turned on, and setting processing of a first display timer is performed.

[0407] The first display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time of variable display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of variable display.

[0408] In the present embodiment, the variable display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is set to a value corresponding to the variable pattern of the decorative pattern selected by the above variable type counters CS1 and CS2. Based on such a setting of the first display timer, when a control signal for starting variable display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output process of the next normal process, variable display is started in the special display devices 43L and 43R. Then, after the end of step S920, the variable display setting process ends.

[0409] Returning to the description of FIG. 24, if an affirmative determination is made in step S802, that is, if it is in the middle of variable display, the process proceeds to step S812 to perform the first display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, when the variable time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), "2500" is set for the first display timer and it is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

[0410] Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S813, and it is determined whether a predetermined variable time has elapsed in consideration of the value of the first display timer after the above subtraction. At this time, when the predetermined variable time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the first display timer becomes "0", an affirmative determination is made in step S813.

[0411] If a negative determination is made in step S813, in step S817, switching display setting for continuing the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and this process ends. Note that based on the setting content of the switching display setting, a control signal for performing switching display on the special display devices 43L and 43R is output in the external output process of the next normal process. Thereby, the timing of the first display control process, that is, the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is realized every 4 ms.

[0412] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S813, then in step S814, the first display flag is cleared (turned off), and in step S815, a stop display setting for performing a stop display is made on the special display devices 43L and 43R.

[0413] Furthermore, based on the setting content of the stop display setting, in the external output process in the next normal process, a control signal indicating that a stop display is to be performed is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R. For example, when it is "16R sure-variable big win A", "9-" is stopped and displayed (for example, lit for several seconds).

[0414] Subsequently, after performing the setting process at the end of variation in step S816, this process ends. Here, the setting process at the end of variation will be described with reference to FIG. 25.

[0415] First, in step S1001, in consideration of the big win winning flag and the small win winning flag, it is determined whether the stop display corresponds to a big win or a small win. Here, if it corresponds to a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S1002 to perform a win setting. Specifically, setting processes for the big win in flag, the small win in flag, the first variable flag, the first variable timer, the release number counter, the winning counter Vx, etc. are performed. Then, after the end of step S1002, the setting process at the end of variation ends.

[0416] The big win in flag is state determination information for determining whether it is in a big win state. Here, "1" indicating the occurrence of the big win state is set (turned on) as the flag value.

[0417] The small win in flag is state determination information for determining whether it is in a small win state. Here, similar to the big win in flag, "1" indicating the occurrence of the small win state is set (turned on) as the flag value.

[0418] The first variable flag is state determination information for determining whether the variable winning device 32 is in an open state.

[0419] The first variable timer is a measuring means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32 (the occurrence time of the special prize state), the interval between each special prize state, etc., and is considered when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the start or end of the opening of the opening / closing shutter 160. In the setting process at the hit of step S1002, predetermined values corresponding to various hits are set with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table (see FIG. 45). For example, when the first time is the above-mentioned "long opening" like "16R certain variable big hit A", "7500" is set in the first variable timer, and when the first time is the above-mentioned "short opening" like "JUB big hit", "100" is set in the first variable timer. As a result, the maximum opening time (specified time) per one opening / closing operation of the opening / closing shutter 160 is set to "30 seconds" or "0.4 seconds".

[0420] In addition, as shown in FIG. 45, in the opening / closing pattern control table, the number of occurrences (rounds) of the special prize state in various hit states, the opening time of the opening / closing shutter 160 in each special prize state (each round), the interval time between each special prize state, etc. are set in advance.

[0421] The opening count counter is state determination information for determining the number of occurrences of the special prize state executed during the big hit state or the small hit state, that is, the number of executions of the opening / closing process ("long opening" or "short opening") of the variable winning device 32. In the setting process at the hit of step S1002, initial values corresponding to various hits are set with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table. For example, in the case of "16R certain variable big hit A", "16" indicating 16 times is set, and in the case of "JUB big hit", "20" indicating 20 times which is the total of 5 times of "short opening" and 15 times of "long opening" is set as the initial value.

[0422] The winning counter Vx is a winning count means for counting the number of game balls that have won the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151). In the present embodiment, in the switch reading process of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 17), it is determined based on the detection information of the count switch 223 whether or not there has been a win at the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151). When it is determined that there has been a win at the variable winning device 32, the value of the winning counter Vx is incremented by 1.

[0423] Also, in the hit setting process of step S1002, with reference to the opening / closing pattern control table, the specified number K1, which is the maximum planned number of wins at the variable winning device 32 per one opening / closing operation (one special prize state) of the opening / closing shutter 160, is set. As described above, the specified number K1 is predetermined for each opening type (operation mode of the opening / closing shutter 160 related to one opening / closing operation) such as "long opening" or "short opening". For example, if it is "long opening", "10" is set as the specified number K1, and if it is "short opening", "3" is set as the specified number K1.

[0424] In the hit setting process of step S1002, the setting of the opening command for announcing the start of a big win or a small win is also performed. However, in the case of "JUB big win", the opening command is set after the end of 5 "short openings" (such as the special prize state start process in step S1217 described later). As a result, in the case of "JUB big win", a big win notification effect or the like is performed after the end of 5 "short openings", and so far, it has been indistinguishable from the case of a small win.

[0425] Now, in step S1001, when it is determined that it does not correspond to a big win or a small win, that is, when the big win winning flag and the small win winning flag are off, the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0426] In step S1003, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is "0". The support count counter is a means for measuring the duration of the "high support mode" (for how many times of variable display), and after the jackpot ends as will be described later, values corresponding to various jackpots are set as the counter value.

[0427] Here, if the counter value of the support count counter is "0", this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the support count counter is set (when the counter value is other than "0"), it is regarded as being in the process of setting the high support mode, and in step S1004, a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the support count counter is performed. In step S1004, a process of also subtracting 1 from the value of the above-mentioned game state specifying counter Kj is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S1005.

[0428] In step S1005, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is "0". That is, it is determined whether the current variable display is the predetermined number of variable displays after the jackpot ends (after the high support mode is granted). Here, if the value of the support count counter is "0", in step S1006, a process of switching the value of the support mode flag to "A0(H)" indicating the "low support mode" is performed, and this process is terminated.

[0429] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the counter value of the support count counter is not "0", this process is terminated as it is.

[0430] Next, the variable winning device control process of step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27. The opening / closing control means in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that executes the variable winning device control process of step S206.

[0431] First, in step S1201, it is determined whether the jackpot in flag or the small win in flag is on. If a negative determination is made here, this process is terminated as it is.

[0432] If an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, then in the subsequent step S1202, the count value of the first variable timer is decremented by 1.

[0433] In the subsequent step S1203, it is determined whether or not the first variable flag is on. If an affirmative determination is made here, that is, if the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151) is in an open state (a state where a game ball can enter), the process proceeds to step S1204, and it is determined whether or not the count value of the first variable timer is "0", that is, whether or not the opening time (prescribed time "30 seconds" or "0.4 seconds") per one opening / closing operation ("long opening" or "short opening") of the opening / closing shutter 160 remains.

[0434] If a negative determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1205, and it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter Vx is equal to or greater than the prescribed number K1, that is, whether or not the number of game balls that have won in the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151) in one special prize state has reached the maximum winning scheduled number (prescribed number "10" or "3"). If a negative determination is made in step S1205, that is, if the timing (the timing of the end of the special prize state) to set the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening 151) to a closed state (a state where a game ball cannot enter) has not yet arrived, this process is terminated as it is.

[0435] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1204 or step S1205, the process proceeds to step S1206, and setting processing of the first variable timer is performed.

[0436] Here, in order to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the special prize state (for example, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of a big win or a small win, whether or not the interval from the end of a predetermined special prize state until the start of the next special prize state has elapsed, etc.) in the first variable timer, a predetermined value (for example, a value "750" corresponding to "3 seconds", or "250" corresponding to "1 second") is set with reference to the above opening / closing pattern control table.

[0437] Thereafter, proceed to step S1207 to determine whether the counter value of the release count counter is "0", that is, whether the number of executions of the special prize state ("long release" or "short release") has reached the specified number of times.

[0438] If an affirmative determination is made in step S1207, then in step S1210, end setting processing for the release is performed, and this processing ends. In the end setting processing of step S1210, the first variable flag is turned off and the winning end flag is turned on.

[0439] If a negative determination is made in step S1207, that is, if the number of executions of the special prize state ("long release" or "short release") has not reached the specified number of times, then in step S1211, special prize advancement processing is performed, and this processing ends.

[0440] In the special prize advancement processing of step S1211, the value of the release count counter is decremented by 1 and the first variable flag is turned off. As a result, the above opening and closing processing is repeatedly performed until the number of executions of the special prize state reaches the above specified number of times.

[0441] Now, if a negative determination is made in step S1203 above, that is, if it is within a predetermined time after the end of the special prize state (within a predetermined time after winning or during the interval between special prize states), then proceed to step S1212 to determine whether the value of the first variable timer is "0".

[0442] If an affirmative determination is made in step S1212, that is, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the special prize state and the timing to shift to the next process (start of the next special prize state or start of the normal game) has arrived, then shift to step S1215. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1212, then this processing ends as it is.

[0443] In step S1215, in consideration of the above winning end flag, it is determined whether to end the big win state or the small win state.

[0444] If an affirmative determination is made in step S1215, after performing the jackpot end setting process in step S1216, this process ends.

[0445] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1215, after performing the special prize state start process in step S1217, this process ends.

[0446] In the jackpot end setting process of step S1216, the big win middle flag or the small win middle flag is turned off, and at the same time, processes such as the switching process of the lottery mode flag, the switching process of the support mode flag, the setting process of the support count counter, the setting process of the game state notification command, and the setting process of the ending command indicating the end of the big win or small win are performed.

[0447] In the switching process of the lottery mode flag, based on the various big win flags described above, the switching setting of the lottery mode flag is performed. As a result, when the "high probability mode" is set after the big win ends (when various "probability variable big win flags" or "JUB big win flags" are on), "53(H)", which indicates the occurrence of the "high probability mode", is set as the flag value. On the other hand, when the "low probability mode" is set (when various "normal big win flags" are on), "50(H)", which indicates the occurrence of the "low probability mode", is set as the flag value. The probability state switching means in this embodiment is configured by the function that performs the switching process of the lottery mode flag.

[0448] However, when the small win winning flag is on, the switching process of the lottery mode flag is not performed, and the flag value related to the original mode is set as it is. For example, if the "high probability mode" is set before the occurrence of the small win state (the flag value of the lottery mode flag is "53(H)"), after the small win ends, the "high probability mode (the flag value of the lottery mode flag is "53(H)") remains set as it is.

[0449] In the switching process of the support mode flag, based on the various jackpot flags described above, the switching setting of the support mode flag is performed. As a result, when "20 - time high support mode", "30 - time high support mode", "40 - time high support mode" or "50 - time high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, "A1(H)" is set as the flag value; when it is "30 - time high support mode S", "A2(H)" is set as the flag value; and when it is "until next time high support mode", "A3(H)" is set as the flag value.

[0450] In the setting process of the support count counter, based on the various jackpot flags described above, the switching setting of the support count counter is performed. As a result, when "20 - time high support mode", "30 - time high support mode", "40 - time high support mode" or "50 - time high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, "20" corresponding to 20 times of variable display, "30" corresponding to 30 times of variable display, "40" corresponding to 40 times of variable display or "50" corresponding to 50 times of variable display are set as the values of the support count counter respectively. Also, when "30 - time high support mode S" is granted, "30" corresponding to 30 times of variable display is set as the value of the support count counter. When "until next time high support mode" is granted, a value that cannot be actually reached (for example, "99999" corresponding to 99999 times of variable display) is set as the value of the support count counter.

[0451] The game state notification command is a command for notifying the sub - control device 262 of the game state set after the jackpot ends. When setting this command, first, a game state check process is performed. Since the game state check process is the same as the game state check process in step S109 (refer to FIG. 22), detailed description here is omitted.

[0452] Then, the game state notification command includes a game state determination value Xj related to the new game state grasped by the above-described game state check process. As will be described later, upon receiving this, the sub-control device 262 switches its grasped game state (game state determination value Xj) to the new game state (game state determination value Xj). Note that the game state notification command may be omitted, and instead, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the game state determination value Xj is included in an ending command or the like that notifies the end of the jackpot state.

[0453] Note that regarding the jackpot winning flag, small win winning flag, and various "jackpot flags", they are turned off after the completion of various processes such as the switching process of the above-described lottery mode flag. Also, when a winning setting (step S1002) is performed in the setting process at the end of the variation in FIG. 25, the lottery mode flag may be reset once (set to "50 (H)"), and the "high probability mode" may be interrupted during the jackpot or small win.

[0454] In the special prize state start process of step S1217, the first variable flag is turned on, and with reference to the above-described opening / closing pattern control table, the opening time ("7500" or "100") related to the next special prize state is set in the first variable timer, and the setting of the specified number K1 related to the next special prize state is performed. Further, the value of the winning counter Vx is reset to "0".

[0455] Note that based on the on / off status of the first variable flag, in the external output process of the next normal process, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32. When the first variable flag is on, a control signal for opening the opening / closing shutter 160 (big winning port 151) is output to the variable winning device 32, and the opening / closing shutter 160 (big winning port 151) becomes the open state. On the other hand, when the first variable flag is off, a control signal for closing the opening / closing shutter 160 (big winning port 151) is output to the variable winning device 32, and the opening / closing shutter 160 (big winning port 151) becomes the closed state.

[0456] Next, the second display control process of step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28.

[0457] In FIG. 28, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol display device 41 is in variable display by looking at the setting status of the second display-in progress flag indicating whether or not the normal symbol display device 41 is in variable display. Specifically, when the second display-in progress flag is on, it is considered that the normal symbol display device 41 is in variable display, and when the second display-in progress flag is off, it is considered that the normal symbol display device 41 is in a stopped display state where the variable display has stopped.

[0458] If a negative determination is made in step S2101, the process proceeds to step S2102, and it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than 0. At this time, if the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, this process is terminated as it is.

[0459] Also, if it is not in variable display and the value of the normal hold counter Nc > 0, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step S2104, a process of shifting the data stored in the normal variable hold area is executed. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the normal variable hold area to the execution area side in order, that is, the data in each area is shifted such as hold area 1 → execution area, hold area 2 → hold area 1, hold area 3 → hold area 2, hold area 4 → hold area 3.

[0460] Thereafter, in step S2105, start setting processing is executed. In this processing, processing indicating that the condition for performing variable display in the normal symbol display device 41 is satisfied is performed. Specifically, the second display-in progress flag is turned on, and the setting processing of the second display timer is performed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed by the normal symbol display device 41, and is taken into consideration when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display.

[0461] In this embodiment, during the "low support mode", since the variation time of the variation display performed by the normal symbol display device 41 is set to 2 seconds, "500" is set for the second display timer. Also, during the "high support mode", since the variation time of the variation display performed by the normal symbol display device 41 is set to 0.4 seconds, "100" is set for the second display timer.

[0462] Based on the setting in the start setting process, when a control signal for starting the variation display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the external output process of the next normal process, the variation display is started in the normal symbol display device 41. As described above, the normal symbol display device 41 is configured to turn on and display "○" or "×" as the normal symbol, and if "○" is being displayed, it switches to display "×", and if "×" is being displayed, it switches to display "○". Then, after the end of step S2105, the second display control process ends.

[0463] Now, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2101, that is, if the normal symbol display device 41 is in the variation display state, the process proceeds to step S2106 to perform the second display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the second display timer is decremented by 1.

[0464] Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2107 to determine whether the count value of the second display timer is "0", that is, whether the variation time has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, the second display in progress flag is turned off in step S2108, and a normal symbol stop display setting for performing a stop display is performed on the normal symbol display device 41 in step S2109. Then, based on the setting content of this normal symbol stop display setting, a control signal for performing a stop display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the external output process of the next normal process. That is, if it is a winning result, the "○" symbol (winning symbol) is stopped and displayed (for example, lit for a few seconds), and if it is a losing result, the "×" symbol is stopped and displayed.

[0465] Note that, as described above, it is determined whether or not a winning occurs based on the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the normal variation retention area.

[0466] Specifically, among the numerical values 0 to 9 of the normal symbol random number counter C4, the winning values are two values, "0" and "1", in the "low support mode", and eight values from "0" to "7" in the "high support mode".

[0467] Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2110, where setting processing at the end of variation is performed, and this process ends. In this process, when the stop display corresponds to a winning, setting processing for performing the opening / closing process of the opening / closing accessory 37 is performed. Specifically, the second variable flag is turned on, and the release time is set in the second variable timer.

[0468] The second variable flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the opening / closing accessory 37 is in an open state.

[0469] The second variable timer is a means for measuring the release time (remaining time) of the opening / closing accessory 37, and is taken into consideration when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the start of release. In this embodiment, the release time of the opening / closing accessory 37 differs between the "high support mode" and the "low support mode". In the "high support mode", "1000" is set for the second variable timer, and in the "low support mode", "100" is set for the second variable timer.

[0470] On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2111, switching display setting for continuously performing the variation display of the normal symbol display device 41 is performed, and this process ends. Then, based on the setting content of this switching display setting, in the external output process in the next normal process, a control signal for performing switching display on the normal symbol display device 41 is output. Specifically, if the current lighting is "○", it is switched to "×", and if it is "×", it is switched to "○". Thereby, the timing of the second display control process, that is, the variation display of the normal symbol display device 41 is realized every 4 ms.

[0471] Next, the opening / closing device control process in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29.

[0472] First, in step S2201, it is determined whether a second variable flag indicating whether the opening / closing device 37 is in an open state is on. Here, if it is determined that the second variable flag is not on (the opening / closing device 37 is in a closed state), this process is terminated as it is.

[0473] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, that is, if the second variable flag is on, it is considered that the opening / closing device 37 is in an open state, and the second variable timer subtraction process is performed in step S2202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the second variable timer is decreased by 1.

[0474] Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2203, and it is determined whether the specified opening time has elapsed in consideration of the value of the second variable timer after the subtraction. Here, when the specified opening time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the second variable timer becomes "0", step S2203 is affirmatively determined. If a negative determination is made here, this process is terminated as it is.

[0475] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2203, the process proceeds to step S2204. After performing the end setting process in step S2204, this process is terminated. In the end setting process of step S2204, the process of turning off the second variable flag is performed.

[0476] In addition, based on the on / off status of the second variable flag, various control signals are output to the opening / closing device 37 in the external output process of the next normal process. When the second variable flag is on, a control signal indicating that the movable blade 37a is to be opened is output to the opening / closing device 37, and the opening / closing device 37 becomes an open state. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is off, a control signal indicating that the movable blade 37a is to be closed is output to the opening / closing device 37, and the opening / closing device 37 becomes a closed state. As a result, it becomes impossible for the game balls to win at the lower starting winning opening 33B.

[0477] Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, first, the reception interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. 30, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG. 31.

[0478] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the reception interrupt process executed by the payout control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process that is interrupted and executed when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that a command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, other processes executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 are put on hold, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, first, in step S3001, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and in step S3002, the command reception flag is turned on to store that a command has been transmitted from the main control device 261, and this reception interrupt process is terminated. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referenced and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is updated to store the next received command in the next storage area.

[0479] In this embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by an interrupt process executed when the command is received. However, for example, in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 32, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it is confirmed whether a command has been received. If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, the command reception flag is turned on, and if no command has been received, the process proceeds to the command determination process. In such a case, it is confirmed whether a command has been received by checking the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

[0480] Next, the main process of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. 31. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311, and this main process is started with the reset at power-on.

[0481] First, in step S3101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and the interrupt mode is set. Then, in step S3103, RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, the external interrupt vector is set.

[0482] Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. If the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a, then in step S3107, a RAM determination value is calculated, and in the subsequent step S3108, it is determined whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value saved at the time of power-off, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the working area address of the RAM 513. It is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 is correctly saved.

[0483] If the power-off occurrence information is not set in step S3106, or if an abnormality in the backup is confirmed based on the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) in step S3108, the process proceeds to the initialization process of the RAM 513 after step S3115.

[0484] In step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, the initial setting of the CPU peripheral devices is performed, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit interrupts.

[0485] On one hand, on the condition that the power-off occurrence information is set in step S3106 and the RAM determination value (such as the checksum value) is normal in step S3108, the processing at the time of power restoration (processing at the time of power-off recovery) is executed. That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, in step S3110, the power-off occurrence information is cleared, and in step S3111, the payout permission flag that permits the payout of prize balls is cleared. Also, in step S3112, the initial setting of the CPU peripheral devices is performed, and in step S3113, the used registers are restored from the backup area 513a of RAM513. Furthermore, in step S3114, interrupts are permitted.

[0486] After interrupts are permitted in step S3114, in the processing of step S3122, it is determined whether the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the power-off occurrence information is set, it means that the power has been cut off, so the processing from step S3123 onward is performed as the power-off processing at the time of power failure. The power-off processing first prohibits the occurrence of each interrupt processing in step S3123, and in the next step S3124, the command determination processing described later is executed. Then, in step S3125, the contents of each register used by the CPU511 are saved in the stack area, in step S3126, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 513a, in step S3127, the RAM determination value is calculated and saved in the backup area 513a, in step S3128, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, the checksum value in the stack area and the work area backed up by RAM513.

[0487] Note that since the process of step S3122 checks the power-off occurrence information after the completion of the process performed at power-on, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is smaller compared to the case where each process is in the middle, and it can be easily stored. Also, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored, and the processing load on the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

[0488] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 32, the timer interrupt process of the payout control device 311 will be described. This timer interrupt process is periodically activated (at a cycle of 2 msec in this embodiment).

[0489] In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and the determination process of the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG. 33.

[0490] FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the command determination process performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124, S3201), first, in step S3301, it is determined whether the command reception flag is on. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 30).

[0491] If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is off, since a new command has not been received from the main control device 261, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, in step S3302, the received command is read from the RAM 513, and in step S3303, the command reception flag is turned off. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processes from step S3302 to step S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, and the control of the payout control device 311 can also be reduced.

[0492] The type of the command read from the RAM 513 in the processes of steps S3304 to S3306 is determined. In step S3304, it is determined whether the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S3305, it is determined whether it is a payout return command. In step S3306, it is determined whether it is a bonus ball command.

[0493] If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether the payout permission flag has already been turned on. If the payout permission flag is off, since the main control device 261 has instructed the initialization of the RAM 513 at power-on, in step S3308, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3309, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Then, in step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on to set the permission for the payout of the bonus ball.

[0494] As described above, the main control device 261 performs the initialization process of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 performs the initialization process of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially the same. Thus, even if the payout control device 311 receives the command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a deviation in the initialization timing, the RAM 513 will be initialized, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of drawbacks such as the inability to perform the control corresponding to the received command. Also, after the RAM 513 is initialized, the payout permission flag is turned on, so that the permission for the payout of the bonus ball can be surely set.

[0495] On the other hand, if the payout permission flag is already on in step S3307, the present command determination process ends without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and without performing the initialization process of the RAM 513. That is, the process of step S3307 prohibits the RAM 513 from being initialized with the payout permission flag set. Note that the payout initialization command is a command that is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is on at power-on. Therefore, it is not received with the payout permission flag on. In such a case, it is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized it as a payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set (step S3309) with the payout permission flag on, there will be drawbacks such as the failure to pay out the prize balls when there are remaining prize balls, which will cause losses to the player. However, since the initialization of the RAM 513 is prevented with the payout permission flag on, it is possible to prevent losses to the player.

[0496] Also, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before power-off. Therefore, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311 to permit the payout of prize balls. That is, when there is information on the occurrence of power-off and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before power-off, the payout of prize balls is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, it means that the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer has ended. Therefore, the read pointer is updated to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area.

[0497] Furthermore, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a bonus ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), in step S3310, the received number of bonus balls is added to the total number of bonus balls and stored, and the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311 to permit the payout of bonus balls. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads out the bonus ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), adds the number of bonus balls corresponding to the commands to the total number of bonus balls stored in a predetermined buffer area, and stores the result. Since the payout of bonus balls corresponding to the number of bonus balls is performed based on the bonus ball command transmitted from the main control device 261, the bonus ball command is a payout instruction command for instructing the payout of bonus balls. Also, when the bonus ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the payout of bonus balls can be performed early for a winning. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, it means that the process based on the command stored in a predetermined storage area of the command buffer has been completed, so the read pointer is updated to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area.

[0498] Note that if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is neither a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), nor a payout return command (step S3305: NO), nor a bonus ball command (step S3306: NO), the command determination process ends without turning on the payout permission flag.

[0499] Here, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 32 for explanation. When the command determination process ends, in step S3202, it is determined whether the payout permission flag has been turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this process ends as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent the payout of bonus balls before the command is transmitted from the main control device 261.

[0500] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the emission control device 312 is set to permit emission in step S3203. In step S3204, the state return switch 321 is checked, and if it is determined that the state return operation should start, the state return operation is executed. By this process, for example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a jam of balls in the payout motor, the payout motor is rotated forward and backward to clear the jam (return to the normal state).

[0501] After that, in step S3205, the setting of the full state or the released state of the lower tray is executed according to the change in the state of the lower tray 15. That is, the full state of the lower tray 15 is determined by the detection signal of the full lower tray switch. When the lower tray becomes full, the setting of the full lower tray state is executed. When the lower tray is no longer full, the setting of the released state of the full lower tray is executed. Also, in step S3206, the setting of the state of no tank balls (out-of-ball state) or the released state of no tank balls (with balls state) is executed according to the change in the state of the tank balls. That is, the state of no tank balls is determined by the detection signal of the no tank balls switch. When there are no tank balls, the setting of the state of no tank balls is executed. When there are tank balls again, the setting of the released state of no tank balls is executed.

[0502] After that, in step S3207, for example, it is determined whether there is a state to be notified such as an error state, and if there is a state to be notified, it is notified.

[0503] Subsequently, the payout control process for the prize balls and the loan balls is executed. Specifically, in step S3208, the payout number setting process is performed. In step S3209, the motor control state acquisition process is performed. In step S3210, the motor drive process is performed.

[0504] In step S3211, the payout motor 358a (see FIG. 5) is driven to execute the ball removal process on the condition that the state return switch 321 is checked and it is not in the non-ball-removable state and the ball removal operation has not started. In the subsequent step S3212, control of a vibrator (vibration motor control) (not shown) is executed on the condition that it is in a ball jam state. Then, the process returns to the start of this timer interrupt process.

[0505] Next, the normal process of the sub-control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. 34. Note that this normal process is a timer interrupt process that is periodically (at a cycle of 2 msec in this embodiment) started.

[0506] In this normal process, first, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554 is confirmed, and it is determined whether the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received.

[0507] If the command has been received, then in step S3902, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553. The command buffer of the RAM 553 is configured as a ring buffer that temporarily stores the commands transmitted from the main control device 261.

[0508] Note that the ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored regularly from the start to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all the storage areas, the process returns to the start of the storage area and the commands are updated. Therefore, when a command is stored and when a command is read out, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and commands are stored and read out based on each of these pointers.

[0509] In the subsequent step S3903, command determination processing is performed. Here, the command determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. 37.

[0510] First, in step S4101, the received command is read from the command buffer of the RAM 553. In the subsequent step S4102, it is determined whether the command is an initialization command. In step S4103, it is determined whether it is a return command. In step S4104, it is determined whether it is a hold control command. In step S4110, it is determined whether it is a game state notification command. In step S4111, it is determined whether it is a variation pattern command. In step S4112, it is determined whether it is a symbol command.

[0511] If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is an initialization command, it means that the main control device 261 has instructed the initialization of the RAM 553 at power-on. Therefore, in step S4105, the RAM 553 is cleared, and in step S4106, the initial value of the RAM 553 is set. As a result, the value "0" of the game state determination value Xj corresponding to the "normal state" which is the initial setting is stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. Then, this process ends.

[0512] Also, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a return command (step S4102: NO, step S4103: YES), since the main control device 261 returns to the state before power-off, the sub-control device 262 without a backup function reads, in step S4107, the value (any one of "0" to "7") of the game state determination value Xj included in the return command and stores it in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. Then, this process ends.

[0513] Furthermore, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a hold control command (step S4103: NO, step S4104: YES), in step S4108, a storage process is performed to store various information (such as jackpot determination information, jackpot type information, and information indicating which of the start winning openings 33A and 33B is the trigger for the variation display) included in the hold control command in the sub-variation hold area, and this process ends.

[0514] The sub-variation reservation area is provided corresponding to the special variation reservation area of the main control device 261. That is, the sub-variation reservation area includes a first sub-variation reservation area corresponding to the upper start winning port 33A, a second sub-variation reservation area corresponding to the lower start winning port 33B, and one sub-execution area. Each of the two sub-variation reservation areas includes four reservation areas (reservation first to reservation fourth areas).

[0515] In each reservation area, information related to the variation display (such as jackpot determination information and jackpot type information) executed by the decoration symbol display device 42 is stored in chronological order according to the reception history (reception order) of the reservation control command and the winning history of the game balls included in the reservation control command (such as which of the start winning ports 33A and 33B the winning is based on). Thereby, the sub-control device 262 can grasp the number of reserved variation displays and their contents.

[0516] If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a game state notification command (step S4104: NO, step S4110: YES), then in step S4107, the value (any one of "0" to "7") of the game state determination value Xj included in the game state notification command is read and stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. Then, this process ends.

[0517] If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a variation pattern command (step S4110: NO, step S4111: YES), since it is the timing to start the variation display by the decoration symbol display device 42, the start setting process is performed in step S4113 and the process proceeds to step S4114.

[0518] In the start setting process of step S4113, various settings related to the variation display performed by the decoration symbol display device 42 are performed.

[0519] In this start setting process, first, similar to the case of the special change reservation area of the main control device 261, a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the sub change reservation area to the sub execution area side is executed. Subsequently, the change time corresponding to the received change pattern command is set in the change display timer. The change display timer is a means for measuring the change time (remaining time of the change display) in the decorative pattern display device 42, and is referred to when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the change display.

[0520] Also, in the start setting process, the change display in-progress flag, which is referred to when determining whether the decorative pattern display device 42 is in the process of change display, is turned on.

[0521] In this embodiment, based on the change pattern information stored in the change pattern command, an effect pattern related to the change display of the decorative pattern is selected, and based on the winning type information (including "miss"), the stop pattern (combination of stop patterns) to be stopped and displayed after the elapse of the change time is determined. The information regarding the effect pattern and the stop pattern determined here is added to the sub execution area of the sub change reservation area. Incidentally, the correspondence relationship between the change time information and the effect pattern, and the correspondence relationship between the big winning type information and the stop pattern are stored in a table in the ROM 552 of the sub control device 262.

[0522] Incidentally, also in the sub control device 262, similar to the main control device 261, regarding the change pattern corresponding to "certain big win", the change pattern corresponding to "normal big win", the change patterns corresponding to "JUB big win" and "small win", the change pattern corresponding to "front and rear miss reach", the change pattern corresponding to "reach other than front and rear miss", and the change pattern corresponding to "complete miss", a plurality of table groups corresponding to the values "0" to "7" of the game state determination value Xj are stored in sequence from a predetermined reference address.

[0523] That is, when determining the display mode in the decorative pattern display device 42, the sub-control device 262 selects a table corresponding to a predetermined gaming state (the values of the gaming state determination value Xj from "0" to "7") from among a plurality of table groups based on the gaming state determination value Xj included in the variation pattern command. At this time, regarding specifying the address where the table to be selected is stored by adding the value of the gaming state determination value Xj to the reference address, it is the same as when selecting the above variation pattern table.

[0524] If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a symbol command (step S4111: NO, step S4112: YES), symbol setting processing is performed in step S4116, and this process ends.

[0525] In the symbol setting process of step S4116, based on the winning type information stored in the hold area of the sub-variation hold area, the symbol stored in the counter buffer (see FIG. 35) of the RAM 553 described later is set as the stop symbol to be stopped and displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 in the above sub-execution area.

[0526] More specifically, when "B1" is set in the symbol command, a combination of symbols of any of the triplets of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 is determined as the stop symbol. On the other hand, when "B2" is set in the symbol command, a combination of symbols of any of the triplets of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 is determined as the stop symbol. Also, when "B3" is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the front and rear off-reach symbol buffer is determined as the stop symbol. When "B4" is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the front and rear off-except reach symbol buffer is determined as the stop symbol. When "B5" is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the complete off-symbol buffer is determined as the stop symbol. When "B6" is set in the symbol command, a combination of the symbols "3", "4", "1" corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas of the decorative pattern display device 42 is determined as the stop symbol.

[0527] Now, in step S4114, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj included in the variation pattern command matches the value of the game state determination value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. Here, if the values of both match, the process ends as it is.

[0528] On the other hand, if the values of both are different, the state error flag is turned on in step S4115, and in step S4117, the value of the game state determination value Xj included in the newly received variation pattern command is regarded as an appropriate value, and the value of the game state determination value Xj is stored in the game state information storage area. Then, this process ends. When the state error flag is turned on, if the values of both are different, the fact will be notified by the error display lamp 104 or the like. Of course, the error notification means is not limited to the error display lamp 104, and it may be configured to perform error notification by the decorative symbol display device 42, the speaker SP, or the like.

[0529] In addition, since recent gaming machines are equipped with a backup function in the main control device and the like, even when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, various data including the game mode (game state) at that time can be stored and retained. Therefore, even if the power is cut off during the high-probability mode, when the power is restored, the player can resume the game in the high-probability mode.

[0530] However, when using the above backup function, in a game hall, it becomes possible to set the gaming machines to the high-probability mode from the start of business, which is the so-called "morning" behavior. Such an act is carried out by the game hall to enhance the customer attraction at the start of business, but there is a risk of making fun of the players' gambling mentality. As for the setting method of the above act, various methods can be considered. As an example, there is a method of not initializing and resetting the gaming machines whose game mode was the high-probability mode at the end of the previous day's business. Also, in the configuration where information on the game mode (game state determination value Xj) is transmitted from the main control device to the sub-control device by a return command or the like when the pachinko machine is powered on, etc., as in this embodiment, if the cable connector connecting the main control device and the sub-control device is removed at the time of power-on or the like, the sub-control device cannot grasp the actual game mode set by the main control device and will perform control related to the initial set game mode, that is, the "normal mode".

[0531] In general gaming machines, when performing an effect in a display effect means such as a liquid crystal display device, by making the display mode (for example, background color, etc.) different between the normal mode and the high-probability mode, it is made easier for players, etc. to grasp the current game mode.

[0532] Also, generally, the sub-control device that controls a liquid crystal display device, etc. does not have a backup function. Therefore, when the power is turned off, it will perform control related to the initial set game mode ("normal mode").

[0533] Therefore, by using this, even though the actual game mode set by the main control device is the high-probability mode, it becomes possible to make the display mode of the liquid crystal display device, etc. the same as that in the normal mode. Then, since the current game mode cannot be easily judged just by taking a glance at the liquid crystal display device, etc., it also becomes substantially difficult to confirm this act through a predetermined investigation or the like.

[0534] In particular, in a gaming machine in which a high-probability mode that is difficult to distinguish from the "normal mode" on the surface, such as the "latent probability-changing state" of the present embodiment, if the high-probability mode is set from the start of business operation of the game hall by the above-described actions, the actual game mode cannot be determined from the display mode of the liquid crystal display device or the like.

[0535] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, if the value of the game state determination value Xj included in the variation pattern command is different from the value of the game state determination value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553, an error is notified to that effect, and the value of the game state determination value Xj included in the newly received variation pattern command is stored in the game state information storage area. That is, the sub-control device 262 can grasp the appropriate game mode at that time. As a result, even if the above-described actions such as "morning" are performed and the actual game mode set by the main control device 261 is the high-probability mode, but the effect mode in the sub-control device 262 is in the normal mode, when a variation pattern command is received, it is notified that the game modes are different, and the effect mode corresponding to the game state determination value Xj included in the variation pattern command is adopted. As a result, actions such as the above-described "morning" by the game hall can be suppressed.

[0536] Returning to the description of FIG. 34, if it is determined negatively in step S3901 or after step S3903, the process proceeds to step S3904 to determine whether the execution timing of the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (1 msec in this example) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3905, while if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal process, the process proceeds to step S3912.

[0537] In step S3905, update processing of various counters is executed. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying the decorative pattern. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, a jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 and upper, middle, and lower off-pattern counters CL, CM, and CR used for setting each off-pattern in the upper pattern display area, the middle pattern display area, and the lower pattern display area are used.

[0538] For the off-pattern counters CL, CM, and CR, the register value is incremented using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, the numerical value changes randomly. The values of these counters are appropriately stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 553.

[0539] The jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is for determining the pattern (jackpot pattern) that is stopped and displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 at the time of a jackpot ("certain variable jackpot" or "normal jackpot"). In this embodiment, five odd patterns and five even patterns are set as the jackpot patterns. Therefore, five (0 to 4) counter values are prepared for the jackpot decorative pattern counter C5. That is, the jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 4 and return to 0 after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 4). When the pattern command transmitted from the main control device 261 is "B1" indicating a combination of odd jackpot patterns, based on a table (a table associating the counter value with the decorative pattern) (not shown), for example, if the counter value is 0, it is "1" (a pair of identical numbers), if it is 1, it is "3" (a pair of identical numbers), if it is 2, it is "5" (a pair of identical numbers), if it is 3, it is "7" (a pair of identical numbers), and if it is 4, it is "9" (a pair of identical numbers), and the combination of odd jackpot patterns is determined.

[0540] Also, when the symbol command is "B2" indicating a combination of even jackpot symbols, based on a table (a table associating the counter value with the decorative symbol) not shown in the figure, for example, if the counter value is 0, it is "0" (a double-zero), if it is 1, it is "2" (a double-two), if it is 2, it is "4" (a double-four), if it is 3, it is "6" (a double-six), if it is 4, it is "8" (a double-eight), and so on to determine the combination of even jackpot symbols.

[0541] The jackpot decoration symbol counter C5 is periodically updated in the counter update process of step S3905 and read from the counter buffer of the RAM553 at the timing when the sub-control device 262 receives the symbol command as described above. In this embodiment, the jackpot decoration symbol counter C5 is stored in the jackpot decoration symbol counter buffer of the RAM553. However, it may not be stored in the buffer, and the counter value may be referred to at the timing of receiving the symbol command or the like.

[0542] The upper, middle, and lower off-symbol counters CL, CM, and CR determine the stop symbols (combinations of off-symbols) in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas when the jackpot lottery results in "off". Since any one of the 10 decorative symbols is displayed in each column, 10 (0 to 9) counter values are prepared for each of them. The stop symbol in the upper symbol display area is determined by the upper off-symbol counter CL, the stop symbol in the middle symbol display area is determined by the middle off-symbol counter CM, and the stop symbol in the lower symbol display area is determined by the lower off-symbol counter CR.

[0543] In this embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated by using the numerical value of the R register built in the CPU 551. That is, when updating each off-design counter CL, CM, and CR, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 10 is subtracted to determine the current value. Each off-design counter CL, CM, and CR is updated so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these off-design counters CL, CM, and CR is stored in any one of the front and rear off-reach symbol buffers, the off-reach symbol buffers other than the front and rear off-reach, and the complete off-design symbol buffer in the RAM 553.

[0544] Here, the update process of each off-design counter CL, CM, and CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 36, in step S4001, it is determined whether it is the update time of the upper / off-design counter CL, and in step S4002, it is determined whether it is the update time of the middle / off-design counter CM. It should be noted that the upper, middle, and lower off-design counters CL, CM, and CR are configured to be updated one by one in order in one update process. Therefore, if the lower / off-design counter CR was updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination will be made in step S4001. Also, if the upper / off-design counter CL was updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination will be made in step S4002. If it is the update time of the upper / off-design counter CL (step S4001 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4003 to update the upper / off-design counter CL. Also, if it is the update time of the middle / off-design counter CM (step S4002 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4004 to update the middle / off-design counter CM. Further, if it is the update time of the lower / off-design counter CR (both steps S4001 and S4002 are NO), the process proceeds to step S4005 to update the lower / off-design counter CR. In the update of the off-design counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 10 is subtracted, and the calculation result is used as the current value of the off-design counters CL, CM, and CR.

[0545] According to the above update processes of CL, CM, and CR, the upper, middle, and lower out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in order in one update process, and the update times of each counter value do not overlap. As a result, every time the update process is executed three times, a set of the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is updated.

[0546] After that, in step S4006, it is determined whether the combination of the updated out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is the combination of the reach symbols (the symbols in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area are the same, and the symbols in the upper and lower symbol display areas are different from the symbols in the middle symbol display area). If it is the combination of the reach symbols (S4006 is YES), then in step S4007, it is further determined whether it is a front and back out-of-frame reach. If the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are the combination of the front and back out-of-frame reach (front and back out-of-frame symbols) (S4007 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4008, and the combination of the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the front and back out-of-frame reach symbol buffer of the RAM553. If the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are the combination of the reach other than the front and back out-of-frame (symbols other than the front and back out-of-frame) (S4007 is NO), the process proceeds to step S4009, and the combination of the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the reach symbol buffer other than the front and back out-of-frame of the RAM553.

[0547] Also, if it is a combination other than the reach symbols (S4006 is NO), the process proceeds to step S4010, and it is determined whether the combination of the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is the combination of the out-of-frame symbols. If it is the combination of the out-of-frame symbols (complete out-of-frame symbols) (S4010 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4011, and the combination of the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the complete out-of-frame symbol buffer of the RAM553. If both steps S4006 and S4010 are NO, it means that the symbols are aligned in the upper, middle, and lower positions, that is, it corresponds to the combination of the jackpot symbols. In such a case, the process ends without storing the out-of-frame symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in the buffer.

[0548] In the present embodiment, since there is only one pattern ("3", "4", "1") for the combination of decorative symbols that is stopped and displayed in the case of "JUB big win", it is not necessary to use counter information when displaying the decorative symbols.

[0549] Returning to the description of FIG. 34, in step S3907, display setting processing for performing various displays is performed by the decorative symbol display device 42. In this display setting processing, mainly, variable display setting processing for performing variable display of decorative symbols and the like by the decorative symbol display device 42, hold display setting processing for performing hold display, and the like are performed.

[0550] First, the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 38, in step S4301, it is determined whether or not the decorative symbol display device 42 is in variable display by checking the setting status of the variable display flag. Specifically, when the variable display flag is set (in the on state), it is regarded as being in variable display, and when the variable display flag is cleared (in the off state), it is regarded as being in stop display where the variable display has stopped. As described above, the variable display flag is turned on when starting the variable display of the decorative symbol display device 42 (start setting process in step S4113), and is turned off when the variable display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed (see step S4305).

[0551] If an affirmative determination is made here, that is, if it is at the start or during the variation, the process proceeds to step S4302. If a negative determination is made, this process ends as it is.

[0552] In step S4302, variable display timer subtraction processing is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, when the variable time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), "2500" is set for the variable display timer, and it is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

[0553] Subsequently, proceed to step S4303 to determine whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed in consideration of the value of the variation display timer after the subtraction. At this time, step S4303 is affirmatively determined when the predetermined variation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the variation display timer becomes "0".

[0554] If a negative determination is made in step S4303, then in step S4304, perform a variation execution process for executing the variation display of the decoration symbol display device 42, and end this process.

[0555] In this variation execution process, various arithmetic processes such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and output setting of commands are performed based on various information stored in the execution area of the sub-variation reservation area of the RAM 553, for example.

[0556] Thereby, the display control device 45 performs a drawing process in response to a command from the sub-control device 262 and starts the variation display of the symbol on the decoration symbol display device 42. And once a variation pattern command is received from the main control device 261, until the variation time of the variation display corresponding to the variation pattern command elapses (until the value of the variation display timer set in the start setting process of step S4113 becomes "0"), the variation display of the symbol is continued under the cooperation of the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45.

[0557] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4303, that is, if it is determined that the value of the variation display timer is "0", then in step S4305, perform a stop display setting for performing a stop display on the decoration symbol display device 42, and end this process. In the stop display setting, the variation display in-progress flag is released (turned off), and a stop command for instructing the display control device 45 to stop the variation display on the decoration symbol display device 42 is set, etc.

[0558] In addition, in the variation execution process of step S4304, an effect mode switching setting process for performing the display mode of the decoration symbol display device 42 in a mode (effect mode) corresponding to the type of the game state is also performed together.

[0559] The production mode in this embodiment is switched and set among a "normal mode" to which a "high support mode" is not given, a "chance mode" in which the "high support mode" is given and the duration thereof is unknown, and a "gold mode" in which the "high support mode until the next time" is given and which is explicitly notified to the player, according to the game state (the value of the game state determination value Xj).

[0560] More specifically, when the value of the game state determination value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553 is "0", that is, in a state where a "low probability mode" and a "low support mode" are given, the production mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 is set to the "normal mode" (see FIG. 46).

[0561] Further, when the value of the game state determination value Xj is "3", that is, after the end of the "high support mode" for a predetermined period, in a state where a "high probability mode" and a "low support mode" are given, a so-called "latent probability state" is formed. Therefore, also in such a case, in order to make the state on the surface indistinguishable from the case of the "normal state", the production mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 is set to the "normal mode".

[0562] When the value of the game state determination value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553 is "1", "2", "4", "5", or "7", that is, during the non-notification production of the "20-time high support mode", "30-time high support mode", "40-time high support mode", "50-time high support mode", "30-time high support mode S", "high support mode until the next time", or during the "support continuation production" described later, the production mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 is set to the "chance mode" (see FIG. 48).

[0563] When the value of the game state determination value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553 is "6", that is, in the state where "until next time · high support mode" is given (excluding the non-notification effect period), the effect mode in the decoration symbol display device 42 is set to the "gold mode" (see Fig. 49).

[0564] Next, the hold display setting process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 39. First, in step S4501, it is determined whether the winning type information stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the second sub-variable hold area corresponding to the lower start winning opening 33B among the sub-variable hold areas is information corresponding to a minor win (minor win information).

[0565] If a negative determination is made here, that is, if minor win information is not included, then in step S4502, normal hold display update processing is performed. As shown in Fig. 46, in the normal hold display, in the first hold display area W3a and the second hold display area W3b, hold images TA1 to TA4 and TB1 to TB4 corresponding to four hold areas (hold first to hold fourth areas) are respectively displayed. Normally, as each of the hold images TA1 to TA4 and TB1 to TB4, a "hold lamp image" imitating a circular hold lamp is displayed.

[0566] And in the normal hold display update processing of step S4502, display update processing is performed to increase or decrease the number of hold images TA1 to TA4 and TB1 to TB4 displayed in the lit or unlit state according to the increase or decrease of the number of holds in the sub-variable hold area.

[0567] On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4501, that is, if minor win information is included in any of the first to fourth hold areas of the second sub-variable hold area, then in step S4503, hold display change processing is performed, and then this process ends.

[0568] When the hold display change process in step S4503 is performed, any one of the hold images TB1 to TB4 corresponding to the hold area including the above-mentioned small hit information among the four hold images TB1 to TB4 displayed in the second hold display area W3b is replaced from the "hold lamp image" during normal hold display to the "star image". For example, in the example shown in FIG. 51, the third hold image TB3 is changed to the "star image".

[0569] Returning to the description of FIG. 34, in the lamp setting process of step S3908, the lighting pattern of the lamps and electric ornaments is set in synchronization with the display effect performed by the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0570] In the voice setting process of step S3909, the output pattern of the speaker SP is set in synchronization with the display effect performed by the decorative pattern display device 42. Also, when a voice-related command such as notification of an error occurrence is transmitted from the main control device 261, the settings for performing these controls are also made in step S3909.

[0571] In step S3910, control settings and other processes for the customer waiting effect (for example, the display of a demo screen set to be displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the variable display of the decorative pattern display device 42 is not performed) are performed.

[0572] In step 3912, an external output process for transmitting a control signal based on the setting contents of steps S3905 to 3911 to each device is executed. For example, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative pattern is variably displayed by the decorative pattern display device 42.

[0573] After the processes of steps S3905 to S3911 performed every 1 msec are executed, or when a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912 to determine whether information on the occurrence of a power failure is stored in the RAM 553. Note that the information on the occurrence of a power failure is stored when the main control device 261 receives a power-off command.

[0574] If the information on the occurrence of power-off is not stored, the process proceeds to step S3913 to determine whether the RAM 553 has been destroyed. If the RAM 553 has not been destroyed here, the process returns to the process of step S3901, and the normal process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the RAM 553 has been destroyed, the process enters an infinite loop to stop the execution of subsequent processes.

[0575] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3912 that the information on the occurrence of power-off is stored, the power-off process is executed in step S3914. In the power-off process, the generation of interrupt processing is prohibited and each output port is turned off. Also, the storage of the information on the occurrence of power-off is erased. After the execution of the power-off process, the process enters an infinite loop.

[0576] Next, the display mode and the like in the display unit 42a of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described together with the flow of the game by the player.

[0577] In the display unit 42a of the decorative symbol display device 42, in the normal state (when the value of the game state determination value Xj is "0"), a variable display area W1 composed of three symbol display areas, upper, middle, and lower, is set (see FIG. 46). Also, below the variable display area W1, an instruction display area W2 for instructing (recommending) the shooting mode of the game ball to the player is set, and further below that, a hold display area W3 for indicating the number of holds of the variable display is set.

[0578] The hold display area W3 is set corresponding to the sub-variable hold area. That is, the hold display area W3 is divided into a first hold display area W3a and a second hold display area W3b corresponding to the first sub-variable hold area and the second sub-variable hold area. And in each hold display area W3a, W3b, hold images TA1 to TA4, TB1 to TB4 corresponding to four hold areas (hold first to hold fourth areas) are displayed (see FIG. 46).

[0579] The held images TA1 to TA4 and TB1 to TB4 are displayed in a turned-off state during normal times (when not held) (refer to the shaded area), and when a variable display is held in a predetermined held area, the held images TA1 to TA4 and TB1 to TB4 corresponding to the held area are switched to a turned-on display state (refer to the white area).

[0580] In the example shown in FIG. 46, the first held image TA1 and the second held image TA2 in the first held display area W3a are displayed in a turned-on state, and the remaining held images TA3, TA4, and TB1 to TB4 are shown in a turned-off state. That is, it is shown that the variable display is held in the first held area and the second held area of the first sub-variable held area, and the current number of held variable displays has started to increase to the "2" related to the upper start winning opening 33A.

[0581] In the normal state, "← Left shot" is displayed in the instruction display area W2 so as to recommend the player to perform an act of firing a game ball toward the left side area of the variable display unit 35 (such an act is hereinafter referred to as "left shot"). Accordingly, the player performs the game by making a "left shot".

[0582] When a "left shot" is made, most of the game balls are guided by the above-mentioned pins or the like toward the upper start winning opening 33A located below the variable display unit 35. Among them, several game balls will win the upper start winning opening 33A.

[0583] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the through gate 34 that triggers the opening of the lower start winning opening 33B (opening and closing accessory 37) is arranged at a position where the game balls flowing down the left side area of the variable display unit 35 cannot reach, that is, on the right side area of the variable display unit 35, when the player continues to make a "left shot", the opening and closing accessory 37 will not be opened, and the game balls will not win the lower start winning opening 33B.

[0584] However, in this embodiment, since the inlet portion 764a of the warp channel 764 capable of guiding the game ball onto the stage portion 770 is formed only on the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47, in the normal state, the game can be advanced more advantageously by playing with a "left-handed" shot.

[0585] When the game ball wins a prize through the upper start winning port 33A, in the variable display area W1 of the decorative symbol display device 42, a plurality of types of decorative symbols are variably displayed for each of the above symbol display areas. In this embodiment, decorative symbols Z with numbers from "1" to "9" are displayed. The various decorative symbols Z are scroll-variably displayed from right to left periodically in ascending or descending order of the numbers, thereby constituting a series of symbol columns.

[0586] In such a case, in the upper symbol display area, the various decorative symbols Z are displayed in descending order (the order in which the attached numbers decrease), and in the middle symbol display area and the lower symbol display area, the various decorative symbols Z are also displayed in ascending order (the order in which the attached numbers increase). Then, when a predetermined time elapses, the variable display stops in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area, and the decorative symbol Z stops being displayed in each symbol display area. ...

Claims

【Claim 1】 A predetermined game board, A support member for supporting the game board, Launching means capable of launching game balls, A rail member capable of guiding the game balls launched by the launching means, A game area provided on the front surface portion of the game board so that the game balls guided by the rail member can flow down, and at least a part of which is defined by the rail member, A frame-shaped member provided on the game board so as to surround a predetermined display area of a predetermined display device in a front view, In the game area, at a position where the game balls launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the left side area of the frame-shaped member, a first starting ball-in means provided so that the game balls can enter, In the game area, at a position where the game balls launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member, a trigger ball-in means provided so that the game balls can enter, Provided at a position in the game area where the game balls launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member, and when a predetermined opening condition is satisfied based on at least the entry of the game balls into the trigger ball-in means, a second starting ball-in means capable of changing states between a first state in which the game balls cannot enter and a second state in which the game balls can enter, Lottery means for conducting a predetermined win / loss lottery due to the entry of the game balls into the first starting ball-in means or the second starting ball-in means, Display means for performing a stop display in a predetermined manner based on the lottery result of the win / loss lottery after performing a change display, A gaming machine comprising gaming state generating means capable of generating a predetermined gaming state advantageous to a player when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the win / loss lottery, A specific inflow area into which the game balls flowing down in the game area can flow through a predetermined opening, Switching means capable of changing the state of the specific inflow area between a specific state and a predetermined state different from the specific state when the predetermined gaming state occurs, Main control means capable of controlling at least the switching means, In the specific state, the game balls flowing into the specific inflow area are configured to be detectable by a first detection means as game balls that can confer a predetermined gaming value on the player and not detectable as game balls that do not confer the predetermined gaming value, and the game balls detected by the first detection means are configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area through a predetermined passage, In the predetermined state, the game balls that have flowed into the specific inflow area can be detected by the second detection means as game balls that do not give the player the predetermined game value, and are configured to be in a state where game balls that can give the predetermined game value cannot be detected. The game balls detected by the second detection means are configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area through the predetermined passage. The gaming machine is characterized in that the main control means is configured to be able to determine the presence or absence of game balls that can give the predetermined game value based on the detection information of the first detection means, and to be able to determine the presence or absence of game balls that do not give the predetermined game value based on the detection information of the second detection means.

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