Pachinko machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can enhance interest. [Solution] The device comprises a movable device that can be moved from an initial position to a predetermined position, and a connecting member that operates in conjunction with the operation of the movable device. The connecting member includes a connecting section that is connected to the movable device. The connecting section is configured to be difficult to see even if the movable device changes position within a specific area until it is operated to the predetermined position. The movable device comprises a first movable section and a second movable section that can be operated when the first movable section is operated. The second movable section is operable to make the connecting section difficult to see when the connecting section changes position beyond the specific area. The device comprises a guide path that can guide game balls to a special winning port that can win a prize when controlled to a special game state. The predetermined winning port, which awards fewer game values ​​than the special winning port, is positioned in a position where both game balls that pass through the guide path and game balls that do not pass through the guide path can win a prize.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines or pachislot machines, there is known a gaming machine that performs a winning or losing determination and executes a game advantageous to a player according to the result of the winning or losing determination.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, as an expected effect for making the player expect that the result of the winning or losing determination is an advantageous result for the player, there is one in which a movable accessory is operated to enhance the effect of the presentation. A gaming machine in which a movable accessory is operated to enhance the effect of the presentation is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to operate a plurality of movable accessories, a plurality of motors for operating each of the plurality of movable accessories are provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in recent years, demands for presentations using more movable accessories or large movable accessories have been increasing. In order to meet such demands, it is necessary to secure an installation space and enhance the interest without complicating the control.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine in which a game medium can flow down in a game area and can be controlled to a special game state (for example, a winning game state) in which a special game value number can be given to a player based on the establishment of special conditions. a predetermined base member (for example, base member 1180), a movable device (for example, upper rear device 1100) that can be operated from an initial position (for example, the origin position) to a predetermined position (for example, the descending end position) based on the establishment of predetermined conditions, a connecting member (for example, upper left arm 1172, lower left arm 1174, upper right arm 1176, and lower right arm 1178) that changes its posture and operates as the movable device operates when the movable device operates toward the predetermined position, and includes The movable component includes a first movable part (for example, the movable decorative body 1110), and a second movable part (for example, the covering decorative body 1120) that can be actuated when the first movable part is actuated, and The connecting member includes a connecting portion (for example, lower left arm 1174, lower right arm 1178) connected to the movable device side. The connecting portion is the second movable part configured such that until is hidden behind the first movable part, while when the second movable part actuates beyond the predetermined position, it is exposed from behind the first movable part it is prior to being exposed from behind the first movable part operated to the predetermined position. The second movable part is is located on the back side of the second movable part configured to be operable such that when the connecting portion is

Figure 1

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] [Configuration of Pachinko Machine] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, an overview of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is an example of a perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an example of a front view showing the appearance of the game board unit of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an example of a perspective view showing the appearance of the game board unit of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the game board unit of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention seen from the front upper right obliquely. FIG. 6 is an example of a front view showing an LED unit including the first and second special symbol display portions. FIG. 7 is an example of a block diagram showing the main control circuit. Also, the directions shown in the drawings are the directions in a front view. Therefore, for example, what is described as "left" in the right direction of the drawing is the "left" in the front view because the drawing is a rear view, so the "right" on the drawing becomes the "left" in the front view. Similarly, what is described as "right" in the left direction of the drawing also has the "left" on the drawing become the "right" in the front view for the same reason.

[0011] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when viewing the pachinko machine 1 from the player's perspective, the front side is defined as the front and the back side is defined as the back, thereby defining the front-back direction. Also, when viewing the pachinko machine 1 from the player's perspective, the left side is defined as the left and the right side is defined as the right, thereby defining the left-right direction. Furthermore, the front face is the side surface visible when viewed from the player's side, and the back face is the side surface visible when viewed from the opposite side of the player.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pachinko machine 1 includes a wooden frame 11, a base door 12, a glass door 13, a dish unit 14, a launching device 15, a liquid crystal display device 16, a game board unit 17, a payout unit 18, and a substrate unit 19.

[0013] The wooden frame 11 is a frame body having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. An opening 21 penetrating in the front-back direction is provided in the wooden frame 11. The base door 12 is fitted into the opening 21 of the wooden frame 11. The base door 12 supports various members. Specifically, the base door 12 supports the payout unit 18 and the substrate unit 19 on the back surface side, and supports the glass door 13, the dish unit 14, the launching device 15, the liquid crystal display device 16, and the game board unit 17 on the front surface side.

[0014] The glass door 13 is pivotally attached to the base door 12 so as to be openable and closable. An opening 22 is provided in the glass door 13. A protective glass 23 having permeability is disposed in the opening 22 of the glass door 13. The protective glass 23 is arranged to face the game board unit 17, which will be described later, in the front-back direction when the glass door 13 is closed with respect to the base door 12. Also, a speaker 24 and a lamp 25 are disposed on the upper part of the glass door 13. The speaker 24 performs, for example, notifications by voice, effects, error notifications, etc. The lamp 25 performs, for example, notifications by light, effects, etc.

[0015] The dish unit 14 is a unit body integrating an upper dish 26 and a lower dish 27. The dish unit 14 is disposed at the front lower part of the base door 12 and below the glass door 13.

[0016] The upper tray 26 stores game balls, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 26 are launched from the launching device 15 toward the game area 20 described later. The upper tray 26 is provided with a payout port 61 and a production button 62. The game balls lent out or paid out as prize balls are paid out from the payout port 61 to the upper tray 26. The production button 62 is a so-called "CHANCE button", a "push button", etc. The production button 62 is operated by the player.

[0017] The lower tray 27 is mainly for storing the game balls that overflow from the upper tray 26. The lower tray 27 is provided with a payout port 63. The game balls that overflow from the upper tray 26 are paid out from the payout port 63 to the lower tray 27.

[0018] The launching device 15 is for launching the game balls stored in the upper tray 26 toward the game area 20. The launching device 15 is located at the front right lower part of the base door 12 and is arranged at the right lower part of the tray unit 14. The launching device 15 includes a panel body 31, a driving device (not shown), and a launching handle 32.

[0019] The panel body 31 is integrated with the right lower part of the tray unit 14 in the launching device 15. The launching handle 32 is arranged on the front surface side of the panel body 31. The driving device is arranged on the back surface side of the panel body 31 and is constituted by, for example, a launching solenoid. Thus, in the launching device 15, when the launching handle 32 is operated by the player, the game balls are launched by the operation of the driving device according to the operation.

[0020] The liquid crystal display device 16 displays the result of the winning determination and various images related to the game. The various images displayed in the display area of the production display device 16 include, for example, production identification symbols (decoration symbols), production images during a big win, demo production images, the number of times of holding the variable display of the identification symbol, etc. The liquid crystal display device 16 (more specifically, the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16) is arranged at the approximate center of the game board unit 17 (the inner peripheral side of the center rail 1742 described later).

[0021] The game board unit 17 is disposed in front of the base door 12 so as to be located behind the protective glass 23. A game area 20 is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 17 through which the launched game balls can roll down.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the game board unit 17 includes a transparent panel 172 in which a game area 20 through which the launched game balls can roll down is formed, a center unit 174 disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 20, a normal electric accessory unit 400, an attacker unit 500, a passing gate 49, and a back unit 176. The center unit 174, the normal electric accessory unit 400, the attacker unit 500, and the passing gate 49 are provided on the front side of the transparent panel 172. The back unit 176 is provided on the rear side of the transparent panel 172.

[0023] An opening 1722 is formed in the transparent panel 172 at a portion where the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16 described later is disposed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, guide rails 26 are provided on the front surface of the transparent panel 172 and game nails or the like are implanted. The game balls launched from the launcher 15 jump out from the guide rails 26 toward the game area 20, collide with the game nails or the like, and flow down toward the lower part of the game area 20 while changing the traveling direction.

[0024] The guide rail 26 is composed of two rail-shaped members (hereinafter referred to as "outer rail 26a" and "inner rail 26b"). The game area 20 is partitioned (defined) by the guide rail 26. The inner rail 26b, together with the outer rail 26a, is for guiding the launched game balls to the upper part of the game area 20. The inner rail 26b is disposed inside the outer rail 26a on the left side of the transparent panel 172.

[0025] The center unit 174 is provided with a center rail 1742 above the opening 1722 of the transparent panel 172 (above the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16), and is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the front. The center rail 1742 is disposed above the upper part of the game area 20, and divides the flowing-down area of the game balls in the game area 20 into left and right sides of the center rail 1742.

[0026] The game balls launched by the launching device 15 flow down through the game area 20 while being divided into left and right sides of the center rail 1742. The game balls flowing down through the game area 20 flow downward while changing their traveling directions due to collisions with game nails or the like implanted in the game board unit 17 (specifically, the transparent panel 172). The flowing-down area of the launched game balls is allocated according to the operation amount of the launch handle 52. Specifically, when the operation amount of the launch handle 52 is small, the launched game balls flow down through the left side area of the center rail 1742. On the other hand, when the operation amount of the launch handle 52 is large, the launched game balls flow down through the right side area of the center rail 1742. The shooting method of making the game balls flow down through the left side area of the center rail 1742 is called the so-called "left shooting", and the shooting method of making the game balls flow down through the right side area of the center rail 1742 is called the so-called "right shooting", and it can be selectively shot by the player.

[0027] The attacker unit 500 is a unit body integrating the first start port 5442, the big winning port 540, and the special electric accessory 600. The attacker unit 500 is disposed substantially at the lower right part within the game area 20 and below the passing gate 49.

[0028] The big winning port 540 is a part that can be opened in the case of a winning game state (big win game state or small win game state), which is a game state advantageous to the player. A count switch 541 is disposed at the big winning port 540 (see FIG. 7). When a game ball wins the big winning port 540, the winning game ball is detected by the count switch 541. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 541, a preset number of game balls are paid out from the payout port 47 to the upper tray 42 (or from the payout port 48 to the lower tray 44).

[0029] The special electric accessory 600 includes a shutter 610 that can move forward and backward in the front-rear direction, and a big winning opening solenoid 620 (see FIG. 7) that drives the shutter 610. The special electric accessory 600 is disposed above the big winning opening 540. The special electric accessory 600 is configured to be shiftable (driven) between an open state that enables (or facilitates) the winning of a game ball into the big winning opening 540 and a closed state that disables (or makes difficult) the winning of a game ball into the big winning opening 540 by driving the shutter 610 by the big winning opening solenoid 620. The opening drive by the special electric accessory 600 (shutter 610) is performed based on the result of a hit determination when a game ball wins in the first starting opening 5442 or a second starting opening 440 described later, and is performed when the game state shifts to a hit game state (a big hit game state or a small hit game state). Note that the result of the hit determination when a game ball wins in the first starting opening 5442 or the second starting opening 440 described later is indicated by the stop display mode of the special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74.

[0030] The first starting opening 5442 gives an opportunity for a hit determination on the condition of the winning (passing) of a game ball, and also gives an opportunity to display the result of the hit determination on the liquid crystal display device 16 and the first special symbol display unit 73 described later. A first starting opening switch 5472 is disposed at the first starting opening 5442 (see FIG. 7). When a game ball wins in the first starting opening 5442, the winning game ball is detected by the first starting opening switch 5472. When a game ball is detected by the first starting opening switch 5472, a hit determination is made inside the pachinko game machine 1 (the main CPU 101 shown in FIG. 7), and a preset number of game balls are paid out (discharged) from the payout port 61 to the upper tray 26 or from the payout port 63 to the lower tray 27. Note that the winning of a game ball into the first starting opening 5442 is performed by a left hit.

[0031] The general electric game unit 400 is a unit body integrating a second start port 440, an out port 450, and a general electric game device 460. The general electric game unit 400 is arranged at approximately the lower left part of the game area 20. The second start port 440 and the out port 450 are arranged adjacent to each other, with the second start port 440 on the right side in a front view and the out port 450 on the left side in a front view. Conventionally, the general electric game unit 400 was often arranged, for example, below the first start port 5442. However, in recent years, it has been required to make the liquid crystal display device 16 larger, and it has become difficult to arrange it below the first start port 5442. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the general electric game unit 400 is arranged at approximately the lower left part of the game area 20.

[0032] The second start port 440 provides an opportunity for a winning determination on the condition of winning (passing) of a game ball, and also provides an opportunity to display the result of the winning determination on the liquid crystal display device 16 and the second special symbol display section 74 described later. A second start port switch 441 is provided at the second start port 440 (see FIG. 7). When a game ball wins at the second start port 440, the winning game ball is detected by the second start port switch 441. When a game ball is detected by the second start port switch 441, a winning determination is made inside the pachinko game machine 1 (main CPU 101 shown in FIG. 5), and a preset number of game balls are paid out (discharged) from the payout port 61 to the upper tray or from the payout port 63 to the lower tray 27. The winning difficulty of the second start port 440 is determined by the general electric game device 460. In addition, the winning of a game ball at the second start port 440 is generally performed by a right hit.

[0033] The ordinary electric accessory 460, details of which will be described later, includes a blade member 4620 rotatable in the right direction, a start port solenoid 4630, and a power transmission mechanism 4640 (see, for example, FIG. 74) that transmits the power of the start port solenoid 4630 (see, for example, FIG. 74) to the blade member 4620. The ordinary electric accessory 460 is configured to be shiftable (driven) between an open state in which the passage of the game ball is easy and a closed state in which the passage of the game ball is difficult by driving the blade member 4620 by the start port solenoid 4630. When the game ball passes above the blade member 4620 while the blade member 4620 is being driven, the game ball wins in the second start port 440 or is discharged from the out port 450 to the outside of the pachinko game machine 1. The opening and closing drive by the ordinary electric accessory 460 (blade member 4620) is performed for a predetermined period and number of times when the ordinary symbol in the ordinary symbol display section 71 assumes a specific stop display mode.

[0034] The passage gate 49 provides an opportunity for ordinary symbol determination on the condition that the game ball wins (passes through). The passage gate 49 is disposed on the lower right side of the center unit 174 and above the right side of the attacker unit 500. A passage gate switch 49a is provided on the passage gate 49 (see FIG. 7). When the game ball passes through the passage gate 49, the passed game ball is detected by the passage gate switch 49a. When the game ball is detected by the passage gate switch 49a, ordinary symbol determination is performed inside the pachinko game machine 1 (main CPU 101 shown in FIG. 2). Note that the passage of the game ball through the passage gate 49 is performed by a right hit.

[0035] The attacker unit 500 is a unit body that integrates the first start port 5442, the big winning port 540, and the special electric accessory 600. The attacker unit 500 is disposed in the substantially lower right part of the game area 20. The reason why the attacker unit 500 is disposed in the substantially lower right part of the game area 20 is that in recent years, it has been required to increase the size of the liquid crystal display device 16, and in order to arrange various members such as the attacker unit 500 in the game area 20, it is necessary to avoid such a large-sized liquid crystal display device 16.

[0036] The large winning opening 540 is a part that can be opened in a winning game state (big win game state or small win game state) which is a game state advantageous to the player. A count switch 541 is disposed in the large winning opening 540 (see FIG. 7). When a game ball wins in the large winning opening 540, the winning game ball is detected by the count switch 541. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 541, a preset number of game balls are paid out (discharged) from the payout opening 61 to the upper tray 26 (or from the payout opening 63 to the lower tray 27).

[0037] The special electric accessory 600 includes a shutter 610 that can advance and retreat in the front-rear direction, and a large winning opening solenoid 620 that drives the shutter 610 (see FIG. 7). The special electric accessory 600 is disposed above the large winning opening 540. The special electric accessory 600 is configured to be shiftable (drivable) between an open state that enables (or facilitates) the winning of a game ball into the large winning opening 540 and a closed state that makes it impossible (or difficult) for a game ball to win into the large winning opening 540 when the shutter 610 is driven by the large winning opening solenoid 620. The opening drive by the special electric accessory 600 (shutter 610) is performed when the special symbol becomes a specific stop display mode in the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74 and a winning game state (big win game state or small win game state) is entered.

[0038] The general winning openings 53, 54, 55 are disposed at the lower left part of the game board unit 17, and the general winning opening 56 is disposed at the lower right part of the game board unit 17. Also, general winning opening switches 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a are disposed in the general winning openings 53, 54, 55, 56 (see FIG. 7). When a game ball wins in the general winning openings 53, 54, 55, 56, the winning game ball is detected by the general winning opening switches 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a. When a game ball is detected by the general winning opening switches 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, a preset number of game balls are paid out (discharged) from the payout opening 61 to the upper tray 26 (or from the payout opening 63 to the lower tray 27).

[0039] In this embodiment, the number of prize balls for the first starting port 5442 and the second starting port 440 is set to 3, the number of prize balls for the general winning ports 53, 54, 55, and 56 is set to 10, and the number of prize balls for the big winning port 540 is set to 15, respectively. These values (the number of prize balls) can be arbitrarily changed in design.

[0040] The out port 57 is arranged at the lowermost center of the game area 20 (the most downstream position in the flowing direction of the game balls). The out port 57 is finally flowed into when the launched game balls do not win any of the starting ports or winning ports.

[0041] The LED unit 70 is located at the lower right of the game board unit 17 and is arranged outside the guide rail 41. The LED unit 70 is a unit body integrating various display parts. Specifically, the LED unit 70 includes, as the various display parts, a normal symbol display part 71, a normal symbol hold display part 72, a first special symbol display part 73, a second special symbol display part 74, a first special symbol hold display part 75, and a second special symbol hold display part 76.

[0042] The normal symbol display part 71 displays the result of the determination (normal symbol determination) for the normal symbol game. Here, the normal symbol game refers to a game that determines whether to drive the normal electric accessory 460 to an open state according to the result of the determination (normal symbol determination). The normal symbol display part 71 includes display LEDs 71a and 71b. When a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, the display LEDs 71a and 71b start a variable display in which they alternately light and go out. The combination (display pattern) of the lighting and extinguishing of the display LEDs 71a and 71b is displayed as a normal symbol. After starting the variable display, the display LEDs 71a and 71b perform a stop display after a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0043] When the result of the determination (ordinary symbol determination) is a win, the combination of lighting and extinguishing of the display LEDs 71a and 71b (special symbol) becomes a specific stop display mode. In this way, when the ordinary symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific stop display mode, it is determined to release the ordinary electric accessory 460, and the ordinary electric accessory 460 is driven to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the difficulty of winning a game ball into the second start port 440 is changed.

[0044] The ordinary symbol hold display unit 72 displays the number of times of execution of the variable display of the held ordinary symbol (hereinafter referred to as "the number of holds of the variable display of the ordinary symbol"). The ordinary symbol hold display unit 72 includes display LEDs 72a and 72b. The ordinary symbol hold display unit 72 displays the number of holds of the variable display of the ordinary symbol by the combination of lighting and extinguishing of the display LEDs 72a and 72b. For example, when the execution of the variable display of the ordinary symbol is held for one time, the display LED 72a lights up and the display LED 72b goes out. When the execution of the variable display of the ordinary symbol is held for two times, the display LED 72a lights up and the display LED 72b lights up. When the execution of the variable display of the ordinary symbol is held for three times, the display LED 72a blinks and the display LED 72b lights up. When the execution of the variable display of the ordinary symbol is held for four times, the display LED 72a blinks and the display LED 72b blinks.

[0045] The first special symbol display unit 73 and the second special symbol display unit 74 display the result of the determination (win determination) for the special symbol game. Here, the special symbol game refers to a game in which the transition or maintenance of the game state is determined according to the result of the determination (win determination).

[0046] The first special symbol display unit 73 includes a display LED group 73a composed of eight LEDs. The display LED group 73a performs variable display triggered by the winning of a game ball in the first start port 5442 (start winning), and displays the result of the hit determination based on the winning of the game ball. When a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, the display LED group 73a starts variable display in which the eight LEDs repeatedly turn on and off. In the display LED group 73a, the combination (display pattern) of the lighting and extinguishing of the eight LEDs is displayed as a special symbol. After starting the variable display, the display LED group 73a performs stop display after a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0047] When the result of the hit determination based on the winning of a game ball in the first start port 5442 is a hit, the combination (special symbol) of the lighting and extinguishing of the eight LEDs in the display LED group 73a becomes a specific stop display mode. Thus, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific stop display mode, the transition of the game state is determined, the shutter 610 is driven to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the game state becomes such that a game ball can win in the big winning port 540. In the following description, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display unit 73 based on the winning of a game ball in the first start port 5442 is referred to as the first special symbol.

[0048] The second special symbol display unit 74 includes a display LED group 74a composed of eight LEDs. The display LED group 74a performs variable display triggered by the winning of a game ball in the second start port 440 (start winning), and displays the result of the hit determination based on the winning of the game ball. When a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, the display LED group 74a starts variable display in which the eight LEDs repeatedly turn on and off. In the display LED group 74a, the combination (display pattern) of the lighting and extinguishing of the eight LEDs is displayed as a special symbol. After starting the variable display, the display LED group 74a performs stop display after a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0049] When the result of the hit determination based on the winning of the game ball in the second start port 440 is a hit, the lighting and extinguishing combination (special symbol) of the eight LEDs of the display LED group 74a becomes a specific stop display mode. Thus, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific stop display mode, the transition of the game state is determined, the shutter 610 is driven to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the game state becomes such that the game ball can win the big winning port 540. In the following description, the special symbol that is variably displayed on the second special symbol display unit 74 based on the winning of the game ball in the second start port 440 is referred to as the second special symbol.

[0050] In this way, in the display LED groups 73a and 74a of the first special symbol display unit 73 and the second special symbol display unit 74, when the first or second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific stop display mode, the transition from the normal game state (normal game state) to the hit game state, which is an advantageous state for the player, is determined. In this embodiment, the hit determination includes a big hit determination and a small hit determination. That is, when the result of the hit determination is a big hit, the game state is shifted to the big hit game state as the hit game state. Also, when the result of the hit determination is a small hit, the game state is shifted to the small hit game state as the hit game state. In this way, in this embodiment, two types of hit game states are provided as the game states that transition from the normal game state.

[0051] The first special symbol hold display unit 75 and the second special symbol hold display unit 76 display the number of times of execution of the variable display of the held special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "the number of holds of the variable display of the special symbol"). The first special symbol hold display unit 75 includes display LEDs 75a and 75b. The second special symbol hold display unit 76 includes display LEDs 76a and 76b. The first special symbol hold display unit 75 and the second special symbol hold display unit 76 display the number of holds of the variable display of the special symbol by the lighting and extinguishing of the display LEDs 75a, 75b, 76a, and 76b. The lighting and extinguishing display mode of the display LEDs 75a, 75b, 76a, and 76b is the same as that of the display LEDs 72a and 72b of the normal symbol hold display unit 72.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the back unit 176 decorates the game board unit 17, and includes an upper front accessory 1000 disposed above the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16, an upper back accessory 1100 disposed behind the upper front accessory 1000 and above the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16 (see, for example, FIG. 36), a lower accessory 1200 disposed below the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16, a corner accessory 1300 disposed at four corners of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16 so that a movable body described later is located there (see, for example, FIG. 36), a side accessory 1400 disposed on the right side of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16, a middle panel 1500, a shooter ball gutter 1600, a main board case 1700, and a rear box 1800 that houses each of the above accessories and to which the main board case 1700 is attached to form a unit. Details of each of the accessories 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 included in the back unit 176 will be described later.

[0053] Hereinafter, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 configured as described above, an outline of internal processing when a game ball wins in the first start port 5442 or the second start port 440 will be described.

[0054] When a game ball wins in the first start port 5442, the winning game ball is detected by the first start port switch 5472, and the start memory for the first special symbol based on the winning of the game ball in the first special symbol display unit 73 is suspended (the variable display of the first special symbol is started). The suspension of the start memory for the first special symbol is released on the condition that neither the variable display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display unit 73 nor the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display unit 74 is being executed. That is, when a game ball wins in the first start port 5442 during the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the suspension of the start memory is released after the special symbol being variably displayed stops, and when a game ball wins in the first start port 5442 when neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is being variably displayed, the suspension of the start memory is immediately released. When the suspension of the start memory is released, the variable display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display unit 73 is started.

[0055] When a game ball wins a prize at the second start port 440, the winning game ball is detected by the second start port switch 441, and the start memory for the variable display of the second special symbol based on the game ball entering the second start port 440 is suspended (the variable display of the second special symbol is suspended). The suspension of the start memory for the second special symbol is released on the condition that neither the variable display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display unit 73 nor the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display unit 74 is being executed. That is, when a game ball wins a prize at the second start port 440 during the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the suspension of the start memory is released after the variable display of the special symbol during the variable display stops, and when a game ball wins a prize at the second start port 440 when neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is being variably displayed, the suspension of the start memory is immediately released. When the suspension of the start memory is released, the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display unit 74 is started.

[0056] Note that in the first special symbol display unit 73 and the second special symbol display unit 74, the special symbols (the first and second special symbols) do not vary simultaneously. That is, while the variable display of the special symbol is being performed on one of the first special symbol display unit 73 and the second special symbol display unit 74, the variable display of the special symbol is not performed on the other display unit. In the present embodiment, when both the start memory for the first special symbol and the start memory for the second special symbol are suspended, regardless of which start memory was suspended first, the release of the suspension of the start memory for the second special symbol is prioritized, and the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display unit 73 is performed.

[0057] Also, an upper limit is set for the number of times the variable display of the first and second special symbols is suspended. In the present embodiment, the upper limit for the number of times the variable display of the first and second special symbols is suspended is set to 4 times each. Therefore, the maximum number of times the variable display of the special symbol is suspended is 8 times, which is the sum of the number of times the variable display of the special symbol is suspended due to winning a prize at the first start port 5442 and the second start port 440.

[0058] Also, during the variation of the first special symbol display unit 73 and the second special symbol display unit 74, except for specific cases, an identification symbol composed of numbers is variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16. In the present embodiment, symbols from "1" to "8" are used as the numbers. Further, the identification symbol variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 stops being displayed together with the first or second special symbol that is being variably displayed in the first special symbol display unit 73 and the second special symbol display unit 74. Note that the identification symbol is also used as identification information for the effect.

[0059] Also, when the first or second special symbol stopped being displayed in the first special symbol display unit 73 and the second special symbol display unit 74 is in a specific stop display mode, an effect image for notifying the player that it is a winning combination is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, a plurality of types of winning combinations are provided. Further, the specific stop display modes when the first or second special symbol stops being displayed are set corresponding to the types of winning combinations. In such a configuration, the combination of the identification symbols stopped being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 becomes a specific display mode that can be recognized by the player according to the specific stop display mode of the first or second special symbol. Thereby, in addition to recognizing that it is a winning combination, the player can recognize the type of the winning combination. Note that some of the types of winning combinations become specific display modes that are difficult for the player to recognize according to the specific stop display mode of the first or second special symbol. According to this, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize that it is a winning combination and the type of the winning combination.

[0060] [Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 will be described.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the pachinko machine 1 mainly includes a main control circuit 100 that controls the game and a sub-control circuit 200 that controls the effects according to the progress of the game.

[0062] The main control circuit 100 includes a main CPU 101, a main ROM 102 (read-only memory), a main RAM 103 (read-write memory), and the like.

[0063] The main CPU 101 is connected to the main ROM 102, the main RAM 103, and the like. The main CPU 101 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the main ROM 102.

[0064] The main ROM 102 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko game machine 1 by the main CPU 101, various tables, and the like.

[0065] The main RAM 103 has a function of storing values of various flags and variables as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 101. In this embodiment, the main RAM 103 is used as the temporary storage area of the main CPU 101, but it is not limited thereto, and any readable and writable storage medium may be used.

[0066] The main RAM 103 is provided with a storage area for storing information on the special symbol game as start-up storage. Specifically, the main RAM 103 has a first special symbol start-up storage area (0) for storing information on the special symbol game corresponding to the first special symbol during variation as start-up storage, and first special symbol start-up storage areas (1) to (4) for storing information on the special symbol game corresponding to up to four first special symbols as start-up storage. Similarly, the main RAM 103 has a second special symbol start-up storage area (0) for storing information on the special symbol game corresponding to the second special symbol during variation as start-up storage, and second special symbol start-up storage areas (1) to (4) for storing information on the special symbol game corresponding to up to four second special symbols as start-up storage.

[0067] In addition, the main control circuit 100 includes an initial reset circuit 104 that generates a reset signal when power is turned on, an I / O port 105, a command output port 106, a backup capacitor 107, and the like. The initial reset circuit 104 is connected to the main CPU 101. The I / O port 105 transmits input signals from various devices to the main CPU 101 and transmits output signals from the main CPU 101 to various devices. The command output port 106 transmits commands from the main CPU 101 to the sub-control circuit 200. The backup capacitor 107 holds various data stored in the main RAM 103 by quickly supplying power to the main RAM 103, for example, when the power is cut off.

[0068] In addition, various devices (components) are connected to the main control circuit 100.

[0069] For example, connected to the main control circuit 100 are a normal symbol display unit 71, a normal symbol hold display unit 72, a first special symbol display unit 73, a second special symbol display unit 74, a first special symbol hold display unit 75, a second special symbol hold display unit 76, a start port solenoid 4630 that drives the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460, a big winning port solenoid 620 that drives the shutter 610, and the like. The main control circuit 100 can control the operations of these devices (components) by transmitting signals. In addition, connected to the main control circuit 100 are a calling device (not shown) having functions such as calling a croupier and displaying the number of wins, and an external terminal board 320 used for transmitting data to a hall computer that manages the pachinko gaming machine for the entire hall.

[0070] In addition, the main control circuit 100 is connected to a first start port switch 5472, a second start port switch 441, a passage gate switch 49a, a count switch 541, general winning port switches 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, etc. When a game ball is detected by these members, a predetermined detection signal is supplied from the member to the main control circuit 100. Further, the main control circuit 100 is connected to a backup clear switch 330 or the like that clears backup data at the time of power failure according to the operation of the game hall manager.

[0071] In addition, a payout / firing control circuit 300 is connected to the main control circuit 100. The payout / firing control circuit 300 is connected to a payout device 340 that pays out game balls, a firing device 15 that fires game balls, a card unit 360, etc. The payout device 340 is provided in the payout unit 18. A ball lending operation panel 370 is connected to the card unit 360, and a signal corresponding to the operation of the player on the ball lending operation panel 370 is supplied.

[0072] When the payout / firing control circuit 300 receives a bonus ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 100 and a lent ball control signal supplied from the card unit 360, it transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 340 and controls the payout device 340 to pay out game balls. Further, when the firing handle 32 is gripped by the player and rotated in the clockwise direction, the payout / firing control circuit 300 supplies power to the firing solenoid according to the rotation angle (rotation amount) and controls the firing of the game ball.

[0073] Furthermore, a sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the command output port 106. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control on the liquid crystal display device 16, control related to the sound generated from the speaker 24, control related to the light of the lamp 25, etc. according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 100.

[0074] In the present embodiment, while commands are supplied from the main control circuit 100 to the sub-control circuit 200, the sub-control circuit 200 is configured not to supply signals to the main control circuit 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub-control circuit 200 may be configured to be able to transmit signals to the main control circuit 100.

[0075] The sub-control circuit 200 includes a sub-CPU 201, a program ROM 202, a work RAM 203, a display control circuit 204, an audio control circuit 205, a lamp control circuit 206, an accessory control circuit 207, and the like. The sub-control circuit 200 executes effects according to the progress of the game in response to commands from the main control circuit 100. Further, an effect button switch 310 that is turned on and off by operating the effect button 62 is connected to the sub-control circuit 200.

[0076] The sub-CPU 201 has a function of executing various processes according to the programs stored in the program ROM 202. In particular, the sub-CPU 201 controls the sub-control circuit 200 according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 100.

[0077] The program ROM 202 stores programs for controlling the game effects of the pachinko machine 1 by the sub-CPU 201, various tables, and the like.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the main ROM 102 and the program ROM 202 are used as the storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any storage medium readable by a computer equipped with control means may be used in other embodiments. For example, as the storage means, a hard disk device, a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge may be used. Further, the programs, tables, and the like do not have to be pre-recorded, and may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 203 or the like. Furthermore, the programs, tables, and the like may be recorded on different storage media.

[0079] The work RAM 203 has a function of storing values of various flags and variables as a temporary storage area of the sub-CPU 201. In this embodiment, the work RAM 203 is used as the temporary storage area of the sub-CPU 201, but it is not limited to this, and any readable and writable storage medium may be used.

[0080] The display control circuit 204 is a circuit for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 16. The display control circuit 204 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP), an image data ROM in which data for generating various image data is stored, a frame buffer for buffering image data, a D / A converter for converting image data into an image signal, and the like.

[0081] The display control circuit 204 can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 16 according to the data supplied from the sub-CPU 201. The display control circuit 204 temporarily stores, in the frame buffer, the image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 in response to an image display command supplied from the sub-CPU 201. Note that the image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 includes various image data related to the game, such as identification symbol image data indicating an identification symbol, background image data, and effect image data.

[0082] Then, the display control circuit 204 supplies the image data stored in the frame buffer to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts the image data into an image signal and supplies the converted image signal to the liquid crystal display device 16 at a predetermined timing. When the image signal is supplied to the liquid crystal display device 16, an image related to the image signal is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16. In this way, the display control circuit 204 can perform control to display an image related to the game on the liquid crystal display device 16.

[0083] The audio control circuit 205 is a circuit for controlling the audio generated from the speaker 24. The audio control circuit 205 includes a sound source IC for controlling the audio, an audio data ROM for storing various types of audio data, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying the audio signal, and the like.

[0084] The sound source IC controls the audio generated from the speaker 24. The sound source IC selects one piece of audio data from a plurality of pieces of audio data stored in the audio data ROM in response to an audio generation command supplied from the sub CPU 201. Further, the sound source IC reads out the selected audio data from the audio data ROM, converts the audio data into a predetermined audio signal, and supplies the converted audio signal to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the audio signal and generates audio from the speaker 24.

[0085] The lamp control circuit 206 is a circuit for controlling the lamp 25 including a decorative lamp or the like. The lamp control circuit 206 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a decorative data ROM in which a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns are stored, and the like.

[0086] The accessory control circuit 207 is a circuit for controlling each of the accessories 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400. The accessory control circuit 207 has a drive circuit for supplying a drive signal to each of the accessories 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, a lighting circuit for supplying a lighting control signal, an accessory data ROM in which an operation pattern and a lighting pattern are stored, and the like.

[0087] Also, the drive circuit selects one operation pattern from a plurality of operation patterns stored in the accessory data ROM according to the accessory operation command supplied from the sub-CPU 201. Then, the selected operation pattern is read out from the accessory data ROM, and by supplying a drive signal corresponding to the read operation pattern, the mechanical operations of the respective accessories 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 are controlled. Further, the lighting circuit selects one lighting pattern from a plurality of lighting patterns stored in the accessory data ROM based on the lighting command supplied from the sub-CPU 201. Then, the selected lighting pattern is read out from the accessory data ROM, and by supplying a lighting control signal corresponding to the read lighting pattern, the lighting operations of the respective accessories 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 are controlled.

[0088] [Basic Specifications] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the basic specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a table showing the basic specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Specifically, FIG. 8(a) is a table showing the specifications of the special symbol game. Further, FIG. 8(b) is a table showing the specifications of the normal symbol game. Also, FIG. 8(c) is a table showing the distribution of wins. Further, FIG. 8(d) is a table showing the types of wins. Note that the data of the tables shown in FIGS. 8(a) to (d) are stored as tables in the main ROM 102.

[0090] In the special symbol game, the jackpot determination is performed in a low probability state or a high probability state. Thus, in the special symbol game, the gaming state in which the jackpot determination is performed in the low probability state is simply referred to as the low probability state (or the normal state or the non-variable probability state). Also, in the special symbol game, the gaming state in which the jackpot determination is performed in the high probability state is simply referred to as the high probability state (or the variable probability state). In this way, when the gaming state becomes the variable probability state, a state more advantageous than the normal state is given to the player.

[0091] In addition, in the normal symbol game, the normal symbol judgment is performed in a high probability state or a low probability state. The probability of winning the normal symbol in the high probability state is 100 / 100. The probability of winning the normal symbol in the low probability state is 1 / 60. When the result of the normal symbol judgment in the high probability state is a win, the opening of the normal electric device 460 (normal winning game) is performed three times for 1.5 seconds each time. When the result of the normal symbol judgment in the low probability state is a win, the opening of the normal electric device 460 (normal winning game) is performed only once for 2.0 seconds each time. In the normal symbol game, the game state in which the normal symbol judgment is performed in the high probability state is called the electric support state. When not in the electric support state (low probability state), the time for one normal symbol judgment is 3.0 seconds. A game state that is not an electric support state (a game state other than a time-saving state) in which a normal symbol determination is performed with a low probability is called a normal state (or a non-time-saving state). In the electric support state, the time per normal symbol determination is shorter than in the normal state. In this way, a state in which the electric support state and the time per normal symbol determination are performed in a short time are called a time-saving state. The high probability state of normal symbol determination is configured to be transitionable upon the end of a big win game state or the like. The high probability state of normal symbol determination ends when a predetermined termination condition is met, for example, when the time-saving state ends. The time-saving state continues after transitioning from the normal state, for example, until a predetermined number of hit determinations (big win determination and small win determination) in the special symbol game are performed.

[0092] As described above, the normal state refers to a gaming state in which a jackpot determination is made with a low probability in a special pattern game, and a gaming state in which a normal pattern determination is made with a low probability in a normal pattern game.

[0093] First, the specifications of the special symbol game will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 8(a), in the special symbol game, the probability that the result of the jackpot determination in the low-probability state (normal state) is a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot probability) is commonly set to 1 / 200 (1 coefficient for every 200 random number values) regardless of whether it is a winning start at the first start port 5442 or the second start port 440. Also, the jackpot probability in the high-probability state (probability change state) is commonly set to 1 / 100 (2 coefficients for every 200 random number values) regardless of whether it is a winning start at the first start port 5442 or the second start port 440. Further, the probability that the result of the small win determination becomes a win (hereinafter referred to as the small win probability) due to a winning start at the second start port 440 is set to 1 / 4 (50 coefficients for every 200 random number values). Note that the small win determination is not performed for a winning start at the first start port 5442. In other words, the probability that a small win game is started based on a game ball winning at the second start port 440 is set higher than the probability that a small win game is started based on a game ball winning at the first start port 5442.

[0095] Also, the number of ST times is commonly set to 100 regardless of whether it is a jackpot due to a winning start at the first start port 5442 or the second start port 440. Note that ST (Special Time) is a probability change state that ends according to the number of times (count-down type). In the following, unless otherwise specified, "times" refers to the number of winning determinations (jackpot determination and small win determination) after transitioning to the probability change state.

[0096] Note that the number of ST times is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 when it becomes the ultra probability change state described later. Specifically, when it becomes the ultra probability change state, 0 is displayed as the initial value. Then, each time a winning determination (the determination result is a miss) is repeated, it is displayed that the numerical value is incremented by 1. And when the numerical value of the number of ST times reaches 100, the ultra probability change state ends. Note that the initial value may be 100 instead of 0. Thus, when the initial value of the number of ST times is 100, the numerical value is decremented by 1 each time a winning determination is repeated.

[0097] Also, the number of prize balls for winning at the first start port 5442 is set to 3, the number of prize balls for winning at the second start port 440 is set to 1, the number of prize balls for winning at the general winning ports 53·54·55 is set to 10, and the number of prize balls for winning at the big winning port 540 is set to 15, respectively. Also, the maximum number of winning counts per opening of the big winning port 540 in the big win game is set to 10 counts. Also, the maximum number of winning counts per opening of the normal electric accessory 460 in the normal symbol game is set to 10 counts. Also, regardless of whether it is a start winning at the first start port 5442 or the second start port 440, the big win symbol number is commonly set to 100. Also, the small win symbol number in the case of a start winning at the second start port 440 is set to 100.

[0098] Next, with reference to FIG. 8(b), the specifications of the normal symbol game will be described.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 8(b), in the normal symbol game, the normal symbol determination is not performed in the low probability state. Also, the probability that the result of the normal symbol determination in the high probability state is a win is set to 100 / 100. Also, when the result of the normal symbol determination is a win, the second start port 440 (normal electric accessory 460) is opened 3 times for a relatively long time of 1.5 seconds.

[0100] Next, with reference to FIG. 8(c), the distribution of big wins and small wins will be described.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 8(c), the big win due to the start winning at the first start port 5442 is distributed among 6 types of big win contents (big win types). Specifically, the big win due to the start winning at the first start port 5442 is distributed to 15R probability variation, substantially 10R probability variation, substantially 5R probability variation, 15R normal, substantially 10R normal, and substantially 5R normal. These big win contents are set to correspond to the special figure (1) big win - 1 to 6 as the big win due to the start winning at the first start port 5442, respectively.

[0102] Specifically, corresponding to Special Figure (1) Jackpot - 1, 15R Probability Variable is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (1) Jackpot - 2, substantially 10R Probability Variable is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (1) Jackpot - 3, substantially 5R Probability Variable is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (1) Jackpot - 4, 15R Normal is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (1) Jackpot - 5, substantially 10R Normal is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (1) Jackpot - 6, substantially 5R Normal is set.

[0103] Also, the jackpot due to the start winning of the second start port 440 is divided into 6 types of jackpot contents (jackpot types). Specifically, the jackpot due to the start winning of the second start port 440 is divided into 15R Probability Variable, substantially less payout Probability Variable, special Probability Variable, 15R Normal, substantially less payout Normal, and special Normal. These jackpot contents are set to correspond to Special Figure (2) Jackpot - 1 to 6 as the jackpot due to the start winning of the second start port 440, respectively.

[0104] Specifically, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Jackpot - 1, 15R Probability Variable is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Jackpot - 2, substantially less payout Probability Variable is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Jackpot - 3, special Probability Variable is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Jackpot - 4, 15R Normal is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Jackpot - 5, substantially less payout Normal is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Jackpot - 6, special Normal is set.

[0105] Also, the small jackpot is divided into 2 types of small jackpot contents (small jackpot types). Specifically, the small jackpot is divided into 2 - time opening (1) and 2 - time opening (2). These small jackpot contents are set to correspond to Special Figure (2) Small Jackpot - 1 and 2 as the small jackpot, respectively. Specifically, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Small Jackpot - 1, 2 - time opening (1) is set. Also, corresponding to Special Figure (2) Small Jackpot - 2, 2 - time opening (2) is set.

[0106] Here, the "Number" column (notation) shown in the table of Fig. 8(c) indicates the number of big winning symbols or small winning symbols corresponding to each winning content. That is, since the number of big winning symbols due to the start winning of the first start port 5442 is 100 as described above, for special figure (1) big wins - 1 to 6, when it is a big win due to the start winning of the first start port 5442, the probabilities (expected values) assigned to each are set to 25%, 15%, 10%, 25%, 15%, 10%, respectively. Similarly, for special figure (2) big wins - 1 to 6, when it is a big win due to the start winning of the second start port 440, the probabilities (expected values) assigned to each are set to 25%, 15%, 10%, 25%, 15%, 10%, respectively. Similarly, for special figure (2) small wins - 1 and 2, when it is a small win, the probabilities (expected values) assigned to each are set to 98%, 2%, respectively.

[0107] Also, as shown in Fig. 8(c), for special figure (1) big wins - 1 to 6, special figure (2) big wins - 1 to 6, and special figure (2) small wins - 1 and 2, the number of time - shortening times given after each winning game (big winning game or small winning game) is set. The number of time - shortening times given after the winning game is set to be different according to the states of the special symbol game and the normal symbol game when the big win determination or small win determination is made.

[0108] Here, the notation "HH" shown in the table of Fig. 8(c) indicates that the special symbol game is in the probability - variable state and the normal symbol game is in the time - shortening state. Also, the notation "HL" indicates that the special symbol game is in the probability - variable state and the normal symbol game is in the non - time - shortening state. Also, the notation "LH" indicates that the special symbol game is in the non - probability - variable state and the normal symbol game is in the time - shortening state. Also, the notation "LL" indicates that the special symbol game is in the non - probability - variable state and the normal symbol game is in the non - time - shortening state. Furthermore, the notation "During high probability" indicates that during the high - probability state in the special symbol game, that is, a maximum of 100 time - shortening times are given.

[0109] In such a setting, for example, when the special symbol game is in a non-probability-variable state and the normal symbol game is in a non-time-reduced state (the "LL" case), if a jackpot of special figure (1) -1 or 6 occurs, 50 times of time reduction counts are awarded. On the other hand, for example, in the same "LL" case, if a jackpot of special figure (1) -2 to 5 occurs, no time reduction counts are awarded. That is, when the special symbol game is in a non-probability-variable state and the normal symbol game is in a non-time-reduced state, in the case of a jackpot due to the start winning of the first start port 5442, 50 times of time reduction counts are awarded with a probability of 35% (25% in the case of special figure (1) -1 + 10% in the case of special figure (1) -6), and no time reduction counts are awarded with the remaining probability of 65%.

[0110] Also, in the case of a minor win, after the minor win game ends, in principle, the game state before the minor win does not change and is maintained as it is. Specifically, if a minor win occurs during ST, after the minor win game ends, ST resumes counting continuously from the ST count related to the win determination of the minor win. For example, if a minor win occurs at the 60th time during ST, after the minor win game ends, ST resumes counting from the 61st time. In this case, the remaining number of ST times after the minor win game ends is 40 times. Similarly, if a minor win occurs during the time reduction state, after the minor win game ends, the time reduction state resumes counting continuously from the number related to the win determination of the minor win.

[0111] As an exception to the above principle, for example, if a minor win occurs at the 100th time (the last time of ST) during ST, after the minor win game ends, ST ends (the state before the minor win is not maintained). Similarly, for example, if a minor win occurs at the 100th time during the 100-time time reduction state, after the minor win game ends, the time reduction state ends (the state before the minor win is not maintained).

[0112] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8(d), the win details (jackpot details and minor win details) will be described in detail.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot contents (jackpot types) include 15R sure change, 15R normal, substantially 10R sure change, substantially 10R normal, substantially 5R sure change, substantially 5R normal, special sure change, special normal, substantially few winning balls sure change, and substantially few winning balls normal. Further, as the small win contents (small win types), two-time openings (1) and (2) are provided.

[0114] 15R sure change and 15R normal mean that when the jackpot game starts, in all 15 rounds, it is a jackpot in which the opening seconds of the big winning port 540 per round are set to 27.996 seconds. Thus, in 15R sure change and 15R normal, when the jackpot game starts, it is set so that the maximum number of game balls can be won into the big winning port 540 in all rounds.

[0115] Substantially 10R sure change and substantially 10R normal mean that when the jackpot game starts, among all 15 rounds, in the 1st to 10th rounds, the opening seconds of the big winning port 540 per round are set to 27.996 seconds, and in the 11th to 15th rounds, the opening seconds of the big winning port 540 per round are set to 0.102 seconds. Thus, in substantially 10R sure change and substantially 10R normal, when the jackpot game starts, it is set so that game balls can be won into the big winning port 540 in the 1st to 10th rounds, and it is set so that it is difficult (almost impossible) to win game balls into the big winning port 540 in the 11th to 15th rounds.

[0116] Substantially 5R sure change and substantially 5R normal mean that when the jackpot game starts, among all 15 rounds, in the 1st to 5th rounds, the opening seconds of the big winning port 540 per round are set to 27.996 seconds, and in the 6th to 15th rounds, the opening seconds of the big winning port 540 per round are set to 0.102 seconds. Thus, in substantially 5R sure change and substantially 5R normal, when the jackpot game starts, it is set so that game balls can be won into the big winning port 540 in the 1st to 5th rounds, and it is set so that it is difficult (almost impossible) to win game balls into the big winning port 540 in the 6th to 15th rounds.

[0117] The special probability variation and special normal refer to a jackpot game in which, when the jackpot game starts, out of all 15 rounds, in the first round, the big winning opening 540 is set to open 3 times, and in the 1st and 2nd openings of the first round, the opening second of the big winning opening 540 is set to 0.896 seconds, and in the remaining 3rd opening, the opening second of the big winning opening 540 is set to 26.466 seconds, and in the 2nd to 15th rounds, the opening second of the big winning opening 540 per round is set to 27.966 seconds. Thus, in the special probability variation and special normal, when the jackpot game starts, in the 1st and 2nd openings of the first round, it is set so that it is difficult for the game balls to win the big winning opening 540 (for example, about 1 ball wins per opening), and in the remaining 3rd opening and the 2nd to 15th rounds, it is set so that the upper limit number of game balls can win the big winning opening 540. Note that in the special probability variation and special normal, the opening interval between the 2nd opening and the 3rd opening in the first round is set to 5.0 seconds.

[0118] The substantially reduced ball output probability variation and substantially reduced ball output normal refer to a jackpot game in which, when the jackpot game starts, out of all 15 rounds, in the 1st to 2nd rounds, the opening second of the big winning opening 540 per round is set to 0.896 seconds, and in the 3rd to 15th rounds, the opening second of the big winning opening 540 per round is set to 0.102 seconds. Thus, in the substantially reduced ball output probability variation and substantially reduced ball output normal, when the jackpot game starts, in all rounds, it is set so that it is difficult for the game balls to win the big winning opening 540 (more specifically, in the 1st and 2nd rounds, for example, about 1 game ball wins per opening, and after the 3rd round, it is almost impossible for the game balls to win). Note that in the substantially reduced ball output probability variation and substantially reduced ball output normal, the round interval between the 2nd round and the 3rd round is set to 5.0 seconds.

[0119] The two-time openings (1) and (2) are small wins in which, when a small win game is started, the big winning opening 540 is opened twice for 0.896 seconds each. That is, the small win game is one that operates the big winning opening 540 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern. Thus, in the two-time openings (1) and (2), even when the small win game is started, it is set so that it is difficult for the game balls to win through the big winning opening 540 (for example, about 1 ball wins per opening). In the two-time opening (1), the small win end interval after the second opening of the big winning opening 540 ends is set to 1.0 second. Also, in the two-time opening (2), the small win end interval after the second opening of the big winning opening 540 ends is set to 5.0 seconds.

[0120] Thus, the opening seconds of the big winning opening 540 in the first and second openings in the case where the types of big wins are special probability variation and special normal, and the opening seconds of the big winning opening 540 in the first and second openings in the case of a small win (the two-time openings (1) and (2)) are set to the same 0.896 seconds for each other. That is, for special probability variation and special normal, and small wins (the two-time openings (1) and (2)), until the second opening of the big winning opening 540 ends, the opening pattern of the big winning opening 540 is set to be the same. Thus, the big win games of special probability variation and special normal operate the opening and closing of the big winning opening 540 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern (pseudo-small win opening and closing pattern) that mimics the small win game in the first and second openings of the first round.

[0121] Note that in the small wins (the two-time openings (1) and (2)), the win end intervals after the second opening of the big winning opening 540 ends are set to be different from each other. Specifically, in the two-time opening (1), the win end interval after the second opening of the big winning opening 540 ends is set to 1.0 second. Also, in the two-time opening (2), the win end interval after the second opening of the big winning opening 540 ends is set to 5.0 seconds.

[0122] Also, the opening interval between the second opening and the third opening in special probability variation and special normal, and the small win end interval in the second opening (2) of small wins are set to the same number of seconds (5.0 seconds). That is, in special probability variation and special normal, and the second opening (2) of small wins, the opening mode of the big winning opening 540 is set to be the same until the third opening of the big winning opening 540 starts. In other words, after the third opening of the first round in the big win games of special probability variation and special normal, it is found to be a big win game. Thus, the big win games of special probability variation and special normal operate with a pseudo-small win opening and closing mode and then open and close the big winning opening 540 with a specific opening and closing mode (the opening and closing mode after the big win is determined) that is found to be a big win game.

[0123] Similarly, the opening seconds of the big winning opening 540 in the first and second round openings when the type of big win is substantial payout reduction probability variation and substantial payout reduction normal are set to the same 0.896 seconds as the opening seconds of the big winning opening 540 in the first and second openings when it is a small win (in the case of the second opening (1) and (2)). That is, in substantial payout reduction probability variation and substantial payout reduction normal, and the small win (the second opening (1) and (2)), the opening mode of the big winning opening 540 is set to be the same until the second opening of the big winning opening 540 ends.

[0124] Also, the round interval between the second round opening and the third round opening in substantial payout reduction probability variation and substantial payout reduction normal, and the small win end interval in the second opening (2) of small wins are set to the same number of seconds (5.0 seconds). That is, in substantial payout reduction probability variation and substantial payout reduction normal, and the second opening (2) of small wins, the opening mode of the big winning opening 540 is set to be the same until the third opening of the big winning opening 540 starts. In this way, the big win games of substantial payout reduction probability variation and substantial payout reduction normal open and close the big winning opening 540 with a predetermined opening and closing mode (pseudo-small win opening and closing mode) that mimics a small win game in the first and second round openings.

[0125] [Game flow] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the flow of the game of the pachinko machine 1 will be described.

[0126] In the pachinko machine 1, the game progresses while repeatedly shifting to an appropriate game state at a predetermined timing. Here, a corresponding effect mode is set for each of the game states. Various effect contents are set for the effect mode. That is, when the game starts, it shifts to an appropriate game state, and an effect of the effect mode corresponding to the shifted game state is performed. In the present embodiment, mainly effect modes 1 to 6 are provided as the effect modes.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 9, at the start of the game, in many cases, the game state is the normal game state (non-probability variation state, non-time shortening (non-electric support) state). Also, when it is in the normal game state, an effect of effect mode 1 is performed as the effect mode (step S900). The transition from the normal game state to another game state is mainly triggered by the result of the hit determination due to the start winning of the first start port 5442. Exceptionally, for example, when there is a hold of the variable display of the second special symbol at the end of the 100-time electric support state, the hit determination of the second special symbol is performed in the normal game state with a maximum of 4 times as the number of hold times. If a certain big win occurs based on the determination result, it will shift to the electric support state, but since it is a rare case, it is omitted from this drawing. Note that since the above 4 times is a state where it is possible to return to the electric support state if a big win occurs at that time despite the end of the electric support state, while in the normal game state and during the hit determination of the second special symbol, a special effect mode different from effect mode 1 may be set to give the player a sense of expectation.

[0128] In the normal game state, the jackpot determination is made by the start winning of the first start port 5442 by so-called left hitting. Also, when the result of the jackpot determination by the start winning of the first start port 5442 becomes a jackpot and the game state shifts to the time-saving (power-saving) state, so-called right hitting is performed. Thus, while the time-saving (power-saving) state continues, the jackpot determination is made by the start winning of the second start port 440. Incidentally, although the result of the jackpot determination by the start winning of the first start port 5442 is a jackpot, if the game state does not shift to the time-saving (power-saving) state (if the game state remains in the non-time-saving (non-power-saving) state), left hitting continues to be performed.

[0129] When the game state shown in step S900 is in the non-variable probability state and non-time-saving (non-power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 1 is being performed, if the result of the jackpot determination (winning determination) becomes special figure (1) jackpot - 1, the game state shifts from the normal game state to the variable probability state and time-saving (power-saving) state. Also, along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 1 ends and the effect of effect mode 2 starts (steps S901, S902). Incidentally, in the game state where the effect of effect mode 2 is being performed, the ST count is set to 100 times and the time-saving count is set to 50 times.

[0130]

[0131] Also, when the game state shown in step S902 is in the variable probability state and time-saving (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 2 is being performed, if the result of the jackpot determination (winning determination) becomes any one of special figure (2) jackpot - 1 to 3, the game state shifts to the variable probability state and time-saving (power-saving) state (steps S910, S911). That is, the game state after the shift is the same as the game state before the shift. Also, along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 2 ends and the effect of effect mode 3 starts. Incidentally, in the game state where the effect of effect mode 3 is being performed, the ST count is set to 100 times and the time-saving count is set to continue during the variable probability state (up to 100 times).Also, when the game state shown in step S911 is the probability-variable state or the time-shortened (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 3 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is any one of special figure (2) big wins -1 to 3, the game state transitions back to the probability-variable state or the time-shortened (power-saving) state (steps S912, S911). Also, along with this transition of the game state, the effect of effect mode 3 continues. Also, along with this transition of the game state, the ST count and the time-shortened count counted until the big win are cleared. That is, the ST count and the time-shortened count are counted from 0.

[0132] Also, when the game state shown in step S911 is the probability-variable state or the time-shortened (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 3 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is any one of special figure (2) big wins -4 to 6, the game state transitions to the non-probability-variable state or the time-shortened (power-saving) state described later (steps S913, S921). Note that along with this transition of the game state, the effect of effect mode 3 ends and the effect of effect mode 4 starts.

[0133] Also, when the game state shown in step S911 is the probability-variable state or the time-shortened (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 3 is being performed, if the result of the small win determination (win determination) is a win (opened twice (1) and (2)), the game state is changed according to the number of win determinations related to the win. Specifically, when the number of win determinations related to the win is a predetermined number (100 times), since ST (probability-variable state) and the time-shortened state end, the game state transitions to the normal game state (steps S914, S915; Yes, S900). That is, the effect of effect mode 3 ends and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. On the other hand, when the number of win determinations related to the win is not the predetermined number (100 times), the current game state (probability-variable state or the time-shortened (power-saving) state) is maintained, the ST count and the time-shortened count are not cleared, and the counting resumes (steps S914, S915; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 3 continues.

[0134] Also, when the game state shown in step S911 is the probability variation state or the time shortening (power saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 3 is being performed, if the results of the big win determination and the small win determination (win determination) are a miss, the game state is changed according to the number of times of the win determination related to the miss. Specifically, when the number of times of the win determination related to the miss is a predetermined number of times (100 times), since the ST (probability variation state) and the time shortening state end, the game state shifts to the normal game state (steps S916, S915; Yes, S900). That is, the effect of effect mode 3 ends and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. On the other hand, when the number of times of the win determination related to the miss is not a predetermined number of times (100 times), the current game state (probability variation state or time shortening (power saving) state) is maintained, the ST count and the time shortening count are not cleared, and the counting resumes (steps S916, S915; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 3 continues.

[0135] Also, when the game state shown in step S902 is the probability variation state or the time shortening (power saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 2 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is any one of the special figure (2) big wins - 4 to 6, the game state shifts to the non - probability variation state or the time shortening (power saving) state (steps S920, S921). Also, along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 2 ends and the effect of effect mode 4 starts. In the game state where the effect of effect mode 4 is being performed, the time shortening count is set to 100 times.

[0136] Also, when the game state shown in step S921 is the non - probability variation state or the time shortening (power saving) state, and effect mode 4 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is any one of the special figure (2) big wins - 1 to 3, the game state shifts to the probability variation state or the time shortening (power saving) state (steps S922, S911). Also, along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 4 ends and the effect of effect mode 3 starts. Along with this shift of the game state, the time shortening count counted until a big win is cleared.

[0137] Also, when the gaming state shown in step S921 is a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (power-saving) state, and effect mode 4 is being executed, if the result of the jackpot determination (winning determination) is any one of special figure (2) jackpots -4 to 6, the gaming state shifts back to the non-probability-variable state and the time-limit (power-saving) state (steps S923, S921). Also, along with this shift in the gaming state, the effect of effect mode 4 continues. Also, along with this shift in the gaming state, the number of time-limit counts counted until the jackpot is reached is cleared.

[0138] Also, when the gaming state shown in step S921 is a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (power-saving) state, and effect mode 4 is being executed, if the result of the minor win determination (winning determination) is a win (two releases (1) and (2)), the gaming state is changed according to the number of winning determinations related to that win. Specifically, when the number of winning determinations related to that win is a predetermined number (100 times), the time-limit state ends, so the gaming state shifts to the normal gaming state (steps S924, S925; Yes, S900). That is, the effect of effect mode 4 ends and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. On the other hand, when the number of winning determinations related to that win is not the predetermined number (100 times), the current gaming state (non-probability-variable state and time-limit (power-saving) state) is maintained, the time-limit count is not cleared, and the count resumes (steps S924, S925; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 4 continues.

[0139] Also, when the gaming state shown in step S921 is a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 4 is being performed, if the results of the big win determination and the small win determination (win determination) are misses, the gaming state is changed according to the number of win determination misses related to the miss. Specifically, when the number of win determination misses related to the miss is a predetermined number (100 times), the time-limit state ends, so the gaming state shifts to the normal gaming state (steps S926, S925; Yes, S900). That is, the effect of effect mode 4 ends, and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. On the other hand, when the number of win determination misses related to the miss is not a predetermined number (100 times), the current gaming state (non-probability-variable state and time-limit (power-saving) state) is maintained, the time-limit count is not cleared, and the count resumes (steps S926, S925; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 4 continues.

[0140] Also, when the gaming state shown in step S902 is a probability-variable state and a time-limit (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 2 is being performed, if the result of the small win determination (win determination) is a win (two releases (1) and (2)), the gaming state is changed according to the number of win determinations related to the win. Specifically, when the number of win determinations related to the win is a predetermined number (50 times), while ST (probability-variable state) continues, the time-limit state ends, so the gaming state shifts to the probability-variable state and non-time-limit (non-power-saving) state (steps S930, S931; Yes, S933). That is, the effect of effect mode 2 ends, and the effect of effect mode 5 starts. On the other hand, when the number of win determinations related to the win is not a predetermined number (50 times), the current gaming state (probability-variable state and time-limit (power-saving) state) is maintained, the ST count and the time-limit count are not cleared, and the count resumes (steps S930, S931; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 2 continues.

[0141] Also, when the game state shown in step S902 is the probability-variable state or the time-shortened (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 2 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination and the small win determination (win determination) is a loss, the game state is changed according to the number of times of the win determination related to the loss. Specifically, when the number of times of the win determination related to the loss is a predetermined number of times (50 times), while ST (probability-variable state) continues, the time-shortened state ends, so the game state shifts to the probability-variable state and non-time-shortened (non-power-saving) state (steps S932, S931; Yes, S933). That is, the effect of effect mode 2 ends and the effect of effect mode 5 starts. On the other hand, when the number of times of the win determination related to the loss is not the predetermined number of times (50 times), the current game state (probability-variable state and time-shortened (power-saving)) is maintained, the ST count and the time-shortened count are not cleared, and the counting resumes (steps S932, S931; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 2 continues.

[0142] In this way, when the effect of effect mode 2 ends and the effect of effect mode 5 starts, while ST (probability-variable state) continues, the time-shortened (power-saving) state ends. That is, the player will perform left strikes instead of right strikes. In this embodiment, the effect of effect mode 5 is set to the same content as the effect of effect mode 1. Thus, when the effect of effect mode 5 starts, the player will be in a game state (latent probability-variable state) where it is difficult to recognize that ST (probability-variable state) continues. Note that the effect of effect mode 5 may be the same as the effect of effect mode 1 and may be performed to notify the player that the latent probability-variable state has been determined.

[0143] Also, when the game state shown in step S933 is the probability-variable state and non-time-shortened (non-power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 5 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is either special figure (1) big win - 1 or 2, the game state shifts to the probability-variable state and time-shortened (power-saving) state (steps S934, S911). Along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 5 ends and the effect of effect mode 3 starts. Along with this shift of the game state, the ST count counted until a big win is reached is cleared.

[0144] Also, when the game state shown in step S933 is a probability-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-electric support) state, and the effect of effect mode 5 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is special figure (1) big win - 3, the game state shifts back to the probability-variable state and the non-time-limit (non-electric support) state (steps S935, S933). Along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 5 is continued. Along with this shift of the game state, the ST count counted until a big win is cleared.

[0145] Also, when the game state shown in step S933 is a probability-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-electric support) state, and the effect of effect mode 5 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is either special figure (1) big win - 4 or 5, the game state shifts to the non-probability-variable state and the non-time-limit (non-electric support) state (i.e., the normal game state) (steps S936, S900). Along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 5 ends and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. Along with this shift of the game state, the ST count counted until a big win is cleared.

[0146] Also, when the game state shown in step S933 is a probability-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-electric support) state, and the effect of effect mode 5 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is special figure (1) big win - 6, the game state shifts to the non-probability-variable state and the time-limit (electric support) state (steps S937, S951). Along with this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 5 ends and the effect of effect mode 6 starts. Along with this shift of the game state, the ST count counted until a big win is cleared.

[0147] Also, when the gaming state shown in step S933 is the probability-variable state and non-time-limit (non-electric support) state, and the effect of effect mode 5 is being performed, if the result of the jackpot determination (hit determination) is a miss, the gaming state is changed according to the number of times of the miss-related hit determination. Specifically, when the number of times of the miss-related hit determination is a predetermined number of times, ST (probability-variable state) ends, so the gaming state shifts to the normal gaming state (steps S938, S939; Yes, S900). That is, the effect of effect mode 5 ends, and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. On the other hand, when the number of times of the miss-related hit determination is not a predetermined number of times, the current gaming state (probability-variable state and non-time-limit (non-electric support) state) is maintained, the ST count is not cleared, and the count resumes (steps S938, S939; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 5 continues.

[0148] Note that the predetermined number of times in step S939 is set according to what triggered the start of the currently performed effect of effect mode 5. Specifically, when the currently performed effect of effect mode 5 starts triggered by the number of times of hit determination reaching 50 after the start of the effect of effect mode 2 (step S931; Yes), the predetermined number of times in step S939 is 50 (from the start of the effect of effect mode 5). On the other hand, when the currently performed effect of effect mode 5 starts triggered by the special pattern (1) jackpot - 2 or 3 shown in step S960, or the special pattern (1) jackpot - 3 shown in step S935, the predetermined number of times in step S939 is 100 (from the start of the effect of effect mode 5).

[0149] Also, when the game state shown in step S900 is a non-probability-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-electricity support) state, and the effect of effect mode 1 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is special figure (1) big win - 6, the game state transitions from the normal game state to a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (electricity support) state. Also, accompanying this transition of the game state, the effect of effect mode 1 ends and the effect of effect mode 6 starts (steps S950, S951). Note that in the game state where the effect of effect mode 6 is being performed, the number of time-limit times is set to 50 times.

[0150] Also, when the game state shown in step S951 is a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (electricity support) state, and the effect of effect mode 6 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is any one of special figure (2) big win - 1 to 3, the game state transitions to a probability-variable state and a time-limit (electricity support) state (steps S952, S911). Also, accompanying this transition of the game state, the effect of effect mode 6 ends and the effect of effect mode 3 starts. Accompanying this transition of the game state, the number of time-limit times counted until a big win is cleared.

[0151] Also, when the game state shown in step S951 is a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (electricity support) state, and the effect of effect mode 6 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is any one of special figure (2) big win - 4 to 6, the game state transitions to a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (electricity support) state (steps S953, S921). Also, accompanying this transition of the game state, the effect of effect mode 6 ends and the effect of effect mode 4 starts. Accompanying this transition of the game state, the number of time-limit times counted until a big win is cleared.

[0152] In addition, when the gaming state shown in step S951 is a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 6 is being performed, if the result of the small-win determination (win determination) is a win (two openings (1) and (2)), the gaming state is changed according to the number of times of the win determination related to the win. Specifically, when the number of times of the win determination related to the win is a predetermined number of times (50 times), the time-limit state ends, so the gaming state shifts to the normal gaming state (steps S954, S955; Yes, S900). That is, the effect of effect mode 6 ends, and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. On the other hand, when the number of times of the win determination related to the win is not a predetermined number of times (50 times), the current gaming state (non-probability-variable state and time-limit (power-saving) state) is maintained, the time-limit count is not cleared, and the count resumes (steps S954, S955; No). That is, the effect of effect mode 6 continues.

[0153] In addition, when the gaming state shown in step S951 is a non-probability-variable state and a time-limit (power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 6 is being performed, if the results of the big-win determination and the small-win determination (win determination) are losses, the gaming state is changed according to the number of times of the win determination related to the loss. Specifically, when the number of times of the win determination related to the loss is a predetermined number of times (50 times), the time-limit state ends, so the gaming state shifts to the normal gaming state (steps S956, S955; Yes, S900). That is, the effect of effect mode 6 ends, and the effect of effect mode 1 starts. On the other hand, when the number of times of the win determination related to the loss is not a predetermined number of times (50 times), the current gaming state (non-probability-variable state and time-limit (power-saving)) is maintained, the time-limit count is not cleared, and the count resumes (steps S956, S955; No).

[0154] In addition, when the gaming state shown in step S900 is a non-probability-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-power-saving) state, and the effect of effect mode 1 is being performed, if the result of the big-win determination (win determination) is a special figure (1) big win - 2 or 3, the gaming state shifts to a probability-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-power-saving) state (steps S960, S933). That is, the effect of effect mode 1 ends, and the effect of effect mode 5 starts.

[0155] Further, when the game state shown in step S900 is a non-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-electric support) state, and the effect of effect mode 1 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is special figure (1) big win - 4 or 5, the game state shifts back to the normal game state. Also, accompanying this shift of the game state, the effect of effect mode 1 is continued (steps S970, S900).

[0156] Also, when the game state shown in step S900 is a non-variable state and a non-time-limit (non-electric support) state, and the effect of effect mode 1 is being performed, if the result of the big win determination (win determination) is a miss, the normal game state is maintained. That is, the effect of effect mode 1 is continued (steps S980, S900).

[0157] In such a game flow, when effect mode 2 is started (step S902), the game state shifts to a variable state and a time-limit (electric support) state, and the ST count is set to 100. Similarly, when effect mode 3 is started (step S911), the game state shifts to a variable state and a time-limit (electric support) state, and the ST count is set to 100. Thus, after effect mode 2 or 3 is started (that is, after ST is started), for example, if the result of the win determination is a small win, (in principle) after the small win game ends, the current game state is maintained, the ST count is not cleared, and the count resumes. In this way, the effect of effect mode 2 or 3 is continued.

[0158] Here, as described above, when a small win game is started, the big winning opening 540 is opened twice so that one game ball wins per opening. That is, when effect mode 2 or 3 is started (when ST is started), for example, during the period until the number of win determinations reaches a predetermined number and the effect mode ends (until ST ends), the small win game can be repeated. In this way, when the small win game is repeated, the acquisition of prize balls can be achieved by the small win game, and the number of game balls in the player's hand can be increased.

[0159] Hereinafter, an ST that can obtain prize balls through small wins and increase the number of game balls in the player's hand is referred to as a super high probability variation state. Also, after entering the super high probability variation state, a game that aims to obtain prize balls through small wins and increase the number of game balls in the player's hand is referred to as a rush. That is, a rush (per occurrence) is defined as starting from a jackpot that triggers the transition to the super high probability variation state and continuing until the next jackpot or the end of the time-saving state. Thus, in this embodiment, a game in which the time-saving state ends (for example, 100 or 50 games of winning determination described later) serves as the end condition of the rush.

[0160] Note that if, after the start of effect mode 2, effect mode 3 is started by any of the jackpots 1 to 3 in special figure (2), since the game states before and after the jackpot are also in the super high probability variation state, it is assumed that the super high probability variation state continues. In such a case, it is considered that a rush has been continuously performed (the second rush has been performed).

[0161] Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the super high probability variation state is entered, a game ball display regarding the obtained game balls is performed. Details of the game ball display will be described later.

[0162] [Explanation of the operation of the main control circuit] Hereinafter, the processing performed by the main control circuit 100 (main CPU 101) will be described.

[0163] [Main processing] First, with reference to FIG. 11, the main processing performed by the main control circuit 100 (main CPU 101) will be described.

[0164] In step S10, the main CPU 101 performs initialization processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 performs backup restoration processing, initialization setting processing, etc. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the processing to step S11.

[0165] In step S11, the main CPU 101 performs a random number value update process. In this process, the main CPU 101 updates an initial value random number value counter, a random number value counter for effect condition selection, etc. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S12.

[0166] In step S12, the main CPU 101 performs a timer update process. In this process, the main CPU 101 updates various timers such as a timer for synchronizing the main CPU 101 and the sub CPU 201 and an opening time timer for the big winning opening 540. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S13.

[0167] In step S13, the main CPU 101 performs a special symbol control process. In this process, the main CPU 101 determines whether the result of the hit determination is a hit according to the detection signal from the first start opening switch 5472 or the second start opening switch 441, and performs a process of storing the determination result in the main RAM 103, etc. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S14. Note that the details of this process will be described later.

[0168] In step S14, the main CPU 101 performs a normal symbol control process. In this process, the main CPU 101 determines whether the result of the normal symbol determination is a hit according to the detection signal from the passing gate switch 49a, and performs a process of storing the determination result in the main RAM 103, etc. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S15.

[0169] In step S15, the main CPU 101 performs symbol display device control processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 stores in the main RAM 103 a control signal for driving the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74 and the normal symbol display unit 71 according to the determination results of the winning determination and the normal symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 in the processing of steps S13 and S14. The main CPU 101 transmits the stored control signal to the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74 and the normal symbol display unit 71. In this way, the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74 variably displays and stops displaying special symbols based on the received control signal. Also, the normal symbol display unit 71 variably displays and stops displaying normal symbols based on the received control signal. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the processing to step S16.

[0170] In step S16, the main CPU 101 performs game information output processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 outputs game information to external devices (for example, the calling device, the hall computer, etc.). When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the processing to step S17.

[0171] In step S17, the main CPU 101 performs port output processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 outputs a control signal for driving the large winning opening 540 (shutter 610) and the second start opening 440 (normal electric accessory 460). When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the processing to step S18.

[0172] In step S18, the main CPU 101 performs command output processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 transmits various commands to the sub-control circuit 200 (sub-CPU 201). When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the processing to step S19.

[0173] In step S19, the main CPU 101 performs a payout process. In this process, the main CPU 101 determines whether a game ball has won a prize in various winning openings (specifically, the big winning opening 540, the first start opening 5442, the second start opening 440, and the general winning openings 53·54·55·56). When the main CPU 101 determines that a game ball has won a prize in various winning openings, it transmits a payout request command corresponding to the prize to the payout and launch control circuit 300. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process back to step S11 and repeats the processes from step S11 to step S19.

[0174] [System Timer Interrupt Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12, the system timer interrupt process performed by the main control circuit 100 (main CPU 101) will be described. The system timer interrupt process is performed by interrupting the main process at a predetermined cycle even when the main process is being performed.

[0175] In step S20, the main CPU 101 performs a register save process. In this process, the main CPU 101 saves the program being executed stored in the register. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S21.

[0176] In step S21, the main CPU 101 performs a random number value update process. In this process, the main CPU 101 updates the big win determination random number value counter, the big win symbol determination random number value counter, etc. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S22.

[0177] In step S22, the main CPU 101 performs switch input processing. In this process, the main CPU 101 determines the presence or absence of signals input to various switches (specifically, the first start port switch 5472, the second start port switch 441, the passage gate switch 49a, the count switch 541, the general winning port switches 53a·54a·55a·56a, etc.), that is, the presence or absence of detection of game balls in various switches. When the main CPU 101 determines that a game ball has been detected in any of the various switches (when a game ball has won in any of the various winning ports), it sends a command to the sub-control circuit 200. For example, when the count switch 541 counts (detects) a game ball, the main CPU 101 sends a big winning port winning command to the sub-control circuit 200. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S23. The details of this process will be described later.

[0178] In step S23, the main CPU 101 performs register return processing. In this process, the main CPU 101 returns the saved program to the register. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0179] [Special symbol control processing] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, the subroutine (special symbol control processing) performed in step S13 of FIG. 11 will be described. In FIG. 13, the numerical values described on the side from step S101 to step S108 indicate the control state flags corresponding to these steps. Here, the control state flag indicates the state of the special symbol game, and enables the execution of any of the processes from step S101 to step S108. The numerical values are stored in the storage area in the main RAM 103 that functions as the control state flag.

[0180] In step S100, the main CPU 101 performs a process of loading the control state flag. In this process, the main CPU 101 reads the control state flag. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S101.

[0181] Note that in steps S101 to S108 described later, the main CPU 101 executes the step corresponding to the value according to the value of the control state flag stored in the main RAM 103. More specifically, the main CPU 101 determines whether to perform the process in each step based on the value of the control state flag, and performs the process in each step at a predetermined timing set for each step according to the determination result. As a result, the specific symbol game proceeds. The predetermined timing is determined according to a waiting time timer or the like. Before reaching the predetermined timing, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine without performing the process in each step and performs another subroutine. Note that separately from this subroutine, the main CPU 101 also performs a system timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 12 at a predetermined cycle.

[0182] In step S101, the main CPU 101 performs a special symbol storage check process. Details of this process will be described later. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S102.

[0183] In step S102, the main CPU 101 performs a special symbol variation time management process. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (01H) indicating special symbol variation time management and the variation time has elapsed, the main CPU 101 sets a value (02H) indicating special symbol display time management in the control state flag and sets a determination waiting time (for example, 600 ms) in the waiting time timer. That is, the main CPU 101 is set to perform the process of step S103 after the determination waiting time has elapsed. Details of this process will be described later. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S103.

[0184] In step S103, the main CPU 101 performs special symbol display time management processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 determines whether the result of the winning determination is a win (big win or small win) when the control state flag is a value (02H) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. When the result of the winning determination is a win, the main CPU 101 sets a value (03H) indicating winning start interval management in the control state flag, and sets the time corresponding to the winning start interval in the waiting time timer. That is, the main CPU 101 is set to perform the processing of step S104 after the time corresponding to the winning start interval has elapsed. On the other hand, when the result of the winning determination is a loss, the main CPU 101 sets a value (07H) indicating the end of the special symbol game. That is, the main CPU 101 is set to execute the processing of step S108. Details of this processing will be described later. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the processing to step S104.

[0185] In step S104, the main CPU 101 performs winning start interval management processing. In this processing, when the control state flag is a value (03H) indicating winning start interval management and the time corresponding to the winning start interval has elapsed, the main CPU 101 supplies a signal for opening the big winning opening 540 to the big winning opening solenoid 620. Thereby, the main CPU 101 controls the opening and closing of the big winning opening 540.

[0186] Furthermore, the main CPU 101 sets a value (04H) indicating that the big winning opening is open in the control state flag, and sets the opening upper limit time (for example, about 0.1 second or about 30 seconds) in the big winning opening opening time timer. That is, the main CPU 101 is set to perform the processing of step S105. Details of this processing will be described later. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the processing to step S105.

[0187] In step S105, the main CPU 101 performs a jackpot reopening waiting time management process. In this process, when the control status flag has a value (05H) indicating jackpot reopening waiting time management and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the main CPU 101 updates the memory to increase the jackpot opening times counter by "1". The main CPU 101 sets a value (04H) indicating that the jackpot is open to the control status flag. The main CPU 101 sets the opening upper limit time (for example, about 0.1 second or about 30 seconds) to the jackpot opening time timer. That is, the main CPU 101 is set to perform the process of step S106. Details of this process will be described later. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S106.

[0188] In step S106, the main CPU 101 performs a jackpot opening process. In this process, when the control status flag has a value (04H) indicating that the jackpot is open, the main CPU 101 determines whether either of the conditions is satisfied: the condition that the jackpot winning counter is "10" or more, or the condition that the opening upper limit time has elapsed (the jackpot opening time timer is "0"). When either condition is satisfied, the main CPU 101 updates the variable located in the main RAM 103 to close the jackpot 540. Then, the main CPU 101 determines whether the condition that the jackpot opening times counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value of the jackpot opening times (the final round) is satisfied. When it is the final round, the main CPU 101 sets a value (06H) indicating the end-of-win interval to the control status flag, while when it is not the final round, the main CPU 101 sets a value (05H) indicating jackpot reopening waiting time management to the control status flag. Details of this process will be described later. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S107.

[0189] In step S107, the main CPU 101 performs a winning end interval process. In this process, when the control state flag has a value (06H) indicating a winning end interval and the time corresponding to the winning end interval has elapsed, the main CPU 101 sets a value (07H) indicating the end of the special symbol game in the control state flag. That is, the main CPU 101 sets to perform the process of step S108. Details of this process will be described later. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S108.

[0190] In step S108, the main CPU 101 performs a special symbol game end process. In this process, when the control state flag has a value (07H) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 101 sets a value (00H) indicating a special symbol memory check. That is, the main CPU 101 sets to perform the process of step S101. Details of this process will be described later. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0191] As described above, the main CPU 101 sets the control state flag to advance the special symbol game. Specifically, when the main CPU 101 is not in the big win or small win gaming state and the result of the win determination is a loss, the main CPU 101 sets the control state flag to "00H", "01H", "02H", "07H" in sequence to perform the processes of step S101, step S102, step S103, and step S108 shown in FIG. 13 at a predetermined timing. Also, when the main CPU 101 is not in the big win or small win gaming state and the result of the win determination is a big win or a small win, the main CPU 101 sets the control state flag to "00H", "01H", "02H", "03H" in sequence to perform the processes of step S101, step S102, step S103, and step S104 shown in FIG. 13 at a predetermined timing and control the transition to the big win or small win gaming state. Further, when the control to the big win or small win gaming state is performed, the main CPU 101 sets the control state flag to "04H", "05H" in sequence to perform the processes of step S105 and step S106 shown in FIG. 13 at a predetermined timing to conduct the big win or small win game. Also, when the end condition of the big win or small win game is satisfied, the main CPU 101 sets the control state flag to "04H", "06H", "07H" in sequence to perform the processes of step S105, step S107, and step S108 shown in FIG. 13 at a predetermined timing to end the big win or small win game.

[0192] [Special Symbol Memory Check Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, the subroutine (special symbol memory check process) performed in step S101 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0193] In step S110, the main CPU 101 determines whether the control state flag has a value (00H) indicating special symbol memory check. If the main CPU 101 determines that the control state flag has a value indicating special symbol memory check, the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the control state flag does not have a value indicating special symbol memory check, this subroutine ends.

[0194] In step S111, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining the presence or absence of start-up memory. In this process, if the main CPU 101 determines that there is no start-up memory for the special symbol game, that is, when data (winning determination random number value) is not stored in the first special symbol start-up memory area (0) to the first special symbol start-up memory area (4) or the second special symbol start-up memory area (0) to the second special symbol start-up memory area (4), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that there is start-up memory (more specifically, start-up memory corresponding to at least one of the first and second special symbols), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0195] In step S112, the main CPU 101 performs a demo display process. In this process, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a demo display permission value in the main RAM 103. When the state where the start-up memory of the special symbol game has become 0 is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the main CPU 101 sets a value that permits the execution of the demo display as the demo display permission value. Then, when the demo display permission value is a predetermined value, the main CPU 101 sets a demo display command. The demo display command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the demo display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 16 under the control of the sub control circuit 200. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0196] In step S113, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the start-up memory corresponding to the second special symbol is 0. In this process, the main CPU 101 discriminates the presence or absence of data in the second special symbol start-up memory area (0) to the second special symbol start-up memory area (4). If it is determined that the start-up memory corresponding to the second special symbol is 0, that is, no data is stored in the second special symbol start-up memory area (0) to the second special symbol start-up memory area (4), the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the start-up memory corresponding to the second special symbol is not 0, that is, data is stored in the second special symbol start-up memory area (0) to the second special symbol start-up memory area (4), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0197] In step S114, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103, a value (02H) indicating that the change is the change of the second special symbol as the change state number. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S116.

[0198] In step S115, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103, a value (01H) indicating that the change is the change of the first special symbol as the change state number. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S116.

[0199] In step S116, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (01H) indicating special symbol change time management as the control state flag. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S117.

[0200] In step S117, the main CPU 101 performs a special symbol memory transfer process. In this process, when the special symbol to be variably displayed is the first special symbol, the main CPU 101 shifts (stores) the data from the first special symbol start memory area (1) to the first special symbol start memory area (4) to the first special symbol start memory area (0) to the first special symbol start memory area (3). Also, when the special symbol to be variably displayed is the second special symbol, the main CPU 101 shifts (stores) the data from the second special symbol start memory area (1) to the second special symbol start memory area (4) to the second special symbol start memory area (0) to the second special symbol start memory area (3). When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S118.

[0201] In step S118, the main CPU 101 performs a big win determination process. In this process, the main CPU 101 reads the high probability flag, and based on the read high probability flag, selects one win determination table from a plurality of win determination tables with different numbers of win determination values (big win determination values) for a big win. That is, when the high probability flag is a predetermined value, a high probability win (big win) determination table with a large number of big win determination values is referred to, and when the high probability flag is not a predetermined value, a normal win (big win) determination table with a small number of big win determination values is referred to. Thus, when the high probability flag is a predetermined value, that is, when the game state is a high probability state (probability variation state), the probability of shifting to a big win game state is improved compared to normal times.

[0202] Then, the main CPU 101 refers to the random number value for determining a win in the special symbol start memory area that was extracted at the time of a starting win and previously set in the first special symbol start memory area (0) and the second special symbol start memory area (0), and the selected win determination table. Then, when the random number value for determining a win and the big win determination value match, the main CPU 101 determines that it is a big win. On the other hand, when the random number value for determining a win and the big win determination value do not match, the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big win (a loss). In this way, in the big win determination process, the main CPU 101 makes a determination (big win determination) as to whether to set a big win gaming state advantageous to the player. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S119.

[0203] In step S119, the main CPU 101 performs a small win determination process. Note that the small win determination process is performed when it is not a big win in the big win determination process in step S118. In this process, the main CPU 101 determines whether the random number value for determining a win in the special symbol start memory area that was previously set in the first special symbol start memory area (0) and the second special symbol start memory area (0) matches the preset small win determination value. Then, when the random number value for determining a win and the small win determination value match, the main CPU 101 determines that it is a small win. On the other hand, when the random number value for determining a win and the small win determination value do not match, the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a small win (a loss). In this way, in the small win determination process, the main CPU 101 makes a determination (small win determination) as to whether to set a small win gaming state.

[0204] In this embodiment, two types of winning determination tables, a normal type and a high probability type (probability variation type), are prepared as the winning determination random number values stored in the first special symbol start memory area and the reference winning determination tables. Two types of winning determination tables, a normal type and a high probability type (probability variation type), are prepared as the winning determination random number values stored in the second special symbol start memory area and the reference winning determination tables, and a total of four types of winning determination tables are prepared. Note that the two types of normal winning determination tables have the same big win probability, and the two types of high probability winning determination tables have the same big win probability. On the other hand, the number of small win determination values in the normal winning determination table and the high probability (probability variation) winning determination table referred to by the winning determination random number value stored in the first special symbol start memory area is the same. Also, the number of small win determination values in the normal winning determination table and the high probability (probability variation) winning determination table referred to by the winning determination random number value stored in the second special symbol start memory area is the same. In this way, the main CPU 101 is an example of a winning determination means for determining whether to shift to a first winning game state in which a player can obtain a large amount of game balls compared to the normal game state, a second winning game state in which a smaller amount of game balls can be obtained compared to the first winning game state, and a third winning game state in which the same amount of game balls as the second winning game state can be obtained, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the start area (the first start port 5442 and the second start port 440).

[0205] Note that the small win probability for winning at the first start port 5442 in the normal game may be made larger or smaller than the small win probability for winning at the second start port 440. The big win probability for winning at the first start port 5442 in the normal game may be made larger or smaller than the big win probability for winning at the second start port 440.

[0206] In this way, as a result of the winning determination for the special symbol game, either a big win, a small win, or a loss is determined by the processing in steps S118 and S119. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 moves on to the processing in step S120.

[0207] In step S120, the main CPU 101 performs special symbol determination processing. In this processing, when the result of the winning determination is a big win, the main CPU 101 determines the big win symbol; when the result of the winning determination is a small win, the main CPU 101 determines the small win symbol; and when it is neither a big win nor a small win, that is, when it is a loss, the main CPU 101 determines the losing symbol. The details of this processing will be described later. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the processing to step S121.

[0208] In step S121, the main CPU 101 performs special symbol variation pattern determination processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 selects a variation pattern determination table for determining the special symbol variation pattern based on the special symbol determined in the processing of step S120 and the result of the winning determination determined in the processing of steps S118 and S119. Then, the main CPU 101 determines (selects) the variation pattern based on the performance condition determination random number value extracted from the performance condition determination random number counter and the selected variation pattern determination table. The main CPU 101 stores the selected variation pattern in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. Based on the data indicating such a variation pattern, the main CPU 101 determines the variation display mode of the special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74.

[0209] The data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied to the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74. As a result, the special symbol is variably displayed in the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74 according to the determined variation pattern. Also, the data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200 as a special symbol variation pattern designation command. Thereby, under the control of the sub control circuit 200, an effect display corresponding to the received special symbol variation pattern designation command is performed. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the processing to step S122.

[0210] In step S122, the main CPU 101 performs special symbol variation time setting processing. In this processing, the main CPU 101 sets the variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern in the waiting time timer. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the processing to step S123.

[0211] In step S123, the main CPU 101 performs processing to set a special symbol effect start command in the main RAM 103. The special symbol effect start command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. The sub control circuit 200 starts the effect based on the received special symbol effect start command. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the processing to step S124.

[0212] In step S124, the main CPU 101 performs processing to clear the value of the storage area (0) used for the current variation display. When this processing is completed, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0213] [Special Symbol Determination Processing] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, the subroutine (special symbol determination processing) performed in step S120 of FIG. 14 will be described.

[0214] In step S150, the main CPU 101 performs processing to determine whether or not the result of the big win determination in step S118 is a big win. When the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is a big win, it transfers the processing to step S151. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is not a big win, it transfers the processing to step S156.

[0215] In step S151, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the variation state number is (01H). When the main CPU 101 determines that the variation state number is (01H), the process proceeds to step S152. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the variation state number is not (01H), the process proceeds to step S154.

[0216] In step S152, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol. In this process, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol based on the jackpot symbol determination random number value extracted from the jackpot symbol determination counter and the hit determination table. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S153.

[0217] In step S153, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the data of the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol and the command of the jackpot symbol. In this process, the main CPU 101 sets the data of the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103 and supplies it to the first special symbol display unit 73. The first special symbol display unit 73 variably displays the first special symbol and stops and displays it in a manner based on the data of the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol. Also, the main CPU 101 sets the command of the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103 and supplies it as a special symbol designation command from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the identification symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 in the jackpot stop display mode under the control of the sub control circuit 200. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S162.

[0218] In step S154, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining the jackpot symbol of the second special symbol. In this process, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining the jackpot symbol of the second special symbol based on the jackpot symbol determination random number value extracted from the jackpot symbol determination counter and the hit determination table. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S155.

[0219] In step S155, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the data of the jackpot symbol of the second special symbol and the command of the jackpot symbol. In this process, the main CPU 101 sets the data of the jackpot symbol of the second special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103 and supplies it to the second special symbol display unit 74. The second special symbol display unit 74 variably displays the second special symbol and stops the display in a mode based on the data of the jackpot symbol of the second special symbol. Further, the main CPU 101 sets the command of the jackpot symbol of the second special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103 and supplies it as a special symbol designation command from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the identification symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 in the jackpot stop display mode under the control of the sub control circuit 200. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S162.

[0220] In step S156, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the result of the minor hit determination in step S119 is a minor hit. When the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the minor hit determination is a minor hit, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S160. When the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the minor hit determination is not a minor hit, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S164.

[0221] In step S160, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining the small winning symbol of the second special symbol. In this process, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining the small winning symbol of the second special symbol based on the random number value extracted from the big winning symbol determination counter. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S161.

[0222] In step S161, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the data of the small winning symbol of the second special symbol and the command of the small winning symbol. In this process, the main CPU 101 sets the data of the small winning symbol of the second special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103 and supplies it to the second special symbol display unit 74. The second special symbol display unit 74 variably displays the second special symbol and stops the display in a mode based on the data of the small winning symbol of the second special symbol. Also, the main CPU 101 sets the command of the small winning symbol of the second special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103 and supplies it as a special symbol designation command from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. As a result, the identification symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 in the small winning stop display mode under the control of the sub control circuit 200. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S162.

[0223] In step S162, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the winning start interval display time data corresponding to the winning symbol (big winning symbol, small winning symbol). In this process, the main CPU 101 sets the winning start interval display time data corresponding to the winning symbol (big winning symbol, small winning symbol) in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103 in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S163.

[0224] In step S163, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the data related to the number of times the big winning opening is opened. In this process, the main CPU 101 sets the data related to the number of times the big winning opening is opened in the main RAM 103. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0225] In step S164, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the data of the losing combination symbols and the command of the losing combination symbols. In this process, the main CPU 101 sets the data of the losing combination symbols in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103, and supplies it to the first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74 according to whether the changing special symbol is the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The first special symbol display unit 73 or the second special symbol display unit 74 variably displays the special symbol and stops the display in a manner based on the data of the losing combination symbols of the special symbol. Also, the main CPU 101 sets the command of the losing combination symbols in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103, and supplies it as a special symbol designation command from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the identification symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 in the losing stop display mode under the control of the sub control circuit 200. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0226] [Special Symbol Variation Time Management Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, the subroutine (special symbol variation time management process) performed in step S102 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0227] In step S200, the main CPU 101 determines whether the control state flag is a value (01H) indicating special symbol variation time management. When the main CPU 101 determines that the control state flag is a value (01H) indicating special symbol variation time management, the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the control state flag is not a value (01H) indicating special symbol variation time management, this subroutine is ended.

[0228] In step S201, the main CPU 101 determines whether the waiting time timer is "0". If the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is "0", it transfers the process to step S202. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is not "0", it ends this subroutine.

[0229] In step S202, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (02H) indicating special symbol display time management as a control state flag. In this process, the main CPU 101 sets the value (02H) indicating special symbol display time management in the control state flag. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S203.

[0230] In step S203, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a symbol stop command. The symbol stop command data is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the sub control circuit 200 comes to recognize symbol stop. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S204.

[0231] In step S204, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a waiting time timer as the waiting time after determination. In this process, the main CPU 101 stores the waiting time after determination in the area that functions as the waiting time timer in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0232] [Special Symbol Display Time Management Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the subroutine (special symbol display time management process) performed in step S103 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0233] In step S300, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the control status flag is a value (02H) indicating the special symbol display time management process. When the main CPU 101 determines that the control status flag is a value (02H) indicating the special symbol display time management process, the process proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the control status flag is not a value (02H) indicating the special symbol display time management process, this subroutine ends.

[0234] In step S301, the main CPU 101 determines whether the waiting time timer corresponding to the special symbol display management process is "0". When the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is not "0", the process proceeds to step S304.

[0235] In step S302, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the result of the big win determination in step S118 is a big win. When the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is a big win, the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is not a big win, this subroutine ends.

[0236] In step S303, the main CPU 101 clears the game state flag in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0237] In step S304, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the result of the big win determination in step S118 is a big win. When the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is a big win, the process proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is not a big win, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0238] In step S305, the main CPU 101 determines whether the short-time count counter in the main RAM 103 is "0". If the main CPU 101 determines that the short-time count counter is "0", the process proceeds to step S325. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the short-time count counter is not "0", the process proceeds to step S306.

[0239] In step S306, the main CPU 101 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the short-time count counter in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S307.

[0240] In step S307, the main CPU 101 determines whether the short-time count counter in the main RAM 103 is "0". If the main CPU 101 determines that the short-time count counter is "0", the process proceeds to step S308. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the short-time count counter is not "0", the process proceeds to step S325.

[0241] In step S308, the main CPU 101 performs a process of clearing the short-time flag in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S309.

[0242] In step S309, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the short-time end command in the main RAM 103. The short-time end command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. As a result, the sub control circuit 200 can recognize the end of the short-time. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S325.

[0243] In step S325, the main CPU 101 determines whether the ST count counter in the main RAM 103 is "0". If the main CPU 101 determines that the ST count counter is "0", the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the ST count counter is not "0", the process proceeds to step S326.

[0244] In step S326, the main CPU 101 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the ST count counter in the main RAM 103. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S327.

[0245] In step S327, the main CPU 101 determines whether the ST count counter in the main RAM 103 is "0". If the main CPU 101 determines that the ST count counter is "0", the process proceeds to step S328. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the ST count counter is not "0", the process proceeds to step S310.

[0246] In step S328, the main CPU 101 performs a process of clearing the ST count flag in the main RAM 103. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S329.

[0247] In step S329, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the ST end command in the main RAM 103. The ST end command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. As a result, the sub control circuit 200 can recognize the end of ST. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S310.

[0248] In step S310, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the result of the small hit determination in step S119 is a small hit. If the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the small hit determination is a small hit, it transfers the process to step S311. If the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the small hit determination is not a small hit, it transfers the process to step S315.

[0249] In step S311, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (03H) indicating the hit start interval management process as the control state flag. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S312.

[0250] In step S312, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a waiting time timer as the hit start interval time corresponding to the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol). In this process, the main CPU 101 stores the hit start interval time in the area that functions as the waiting time timer in the main RAM 103. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S313. Note that the hit start interval time is also determined for each type of hit. In this embodiment, at least the hit start interval times for special probability variation, special normal, substantially few winning balls probability variation, substantially few winning balls normal, and special figure (2) small hit - 2 are set to be the same or times that are difficult for the player to distinguish (for example, 1 second).

[0251] In step S313, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a special symbol effect stop command. The special symbol effect stop command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub - CPU 201 of the sub - control circuit 200. As a result, the sub - control circuit 200 recognizes the stop of the special symbol effect. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S314.

[0252] In step S314, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a jackpot start command or a minor win start command corresponding to the special symbol. The jackpot start command or the minor win start command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the sub control circuit 200 comes to recognize the start of a jackpot or a minor win. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0253] In step S315, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (07H) indicating the special symbol game end process as the control state flag. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S316.

[0254] In step S316, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a special symbol display stop command. The special symbol display stop command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the sub control circuit 200 comes to recognize the stop of the special symbol display. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0255] [Jackpot start interval management process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, a subroutine (jackpot start interval management process) performed in step S104 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0256] In step S401, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether or not the control state flag is a value (03H) indicating the jackpot start interval management process. When the main CPU 101 determines that the control state flag is a value (03H) indicating the jackpot start interval management process, it transfers the process to step S402. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the control state flag is not a value (03H) indicating the jackpot start interval management process, it ends this subroutine.

[0257] In step S402, the main CPU 101 determines whether the waiting time timer corresponding to the special symbol display management process is "0". If the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is not "0", this subroutine is terminated.

[0258] In step S403, the main CPU 101 sets the upper limit value of the big winning opening count counter in the main RAM 103.

[0259] In step S404, the main CPU 101 performs a process of incrementing the value of the big winning opening count counter in the main RAM 103 by 1. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S405.

[0260] In step S405, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the opening / closing pattern for each round or small win according to the type of big win symbol. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S406.

[0261] In step S406, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a big winning opening display command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. The big winning opening display command in this case is data indicating the first round. The big winning opening display command is supplied as a big winning opening command from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S407.

[0262] In step S407, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (04H) indicating the big winning opening reopening waiting time management process as a control state flag. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S408.

[0263] In step S408, the main CPU 101 performs a process of clearing the jackpot winning counter in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S409.

[0264] In step S409, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the value of the waiting time timer as the jackpot opening time in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S410.

[0265] In step S410, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting jackpot opening data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. In this process, the main CPU 101 updates a variable located in the main RAM 103 based on the data read from the main ROM 102 in order to open the jackpot 540. The variable stored in this way will drive the jackpot solenoid 620 to open the jackpot 540. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0266] [Jackpot Reopening Waiting Time Management Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, the subroutine (jackpot reopening waiting time management process) performed in step S105 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0267] In step S500, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the control status flag is a value (05H) indicating the jackpot reopening waiting time management process. If the main CPU 101 determines that the control status flag is a value (05H) indicating the jackpot reopening waiting time management process, the process moves to step S501. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the control status flag is not a value (05H) indicating the jackpot reopening waiting time management process, this subroutine ends.

[0268] In step S501, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the waiting time timer corresponding to the special symbol display management process is "0". When the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is not "0", this subroutine ends.

[0269] In step S502, the main CPU 101 performs a process of adding 1 to the value of the big winning opening count counter in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S503.

[0270] In step S503, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a big winning opening display command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. The big winning opening display command in this case is data indicating the second round and subsequent rounds. The big winning opening display command data is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. The big winning opening display command includes an instruction to increment the round counter by 1 for the sub CPU 201. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S504.

[0271] In step S504, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (04H) indicating the big winning opening process as a control state flag. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step S505.

[0272] In step S505, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the result of the big win determination in step S118 is a big win. When the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is a big win, the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the big win determination is not a big win, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0273] In step S506, the main CPU 101 performs a process of clearing the jackpot winning counter in the main RAM 103. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S507.

[0274] In step S507, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the value of the waiting time timer as the jackpot opening time in the main RAM 103. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S508.

[0275] In step S508, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting jackpot opening data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. When this process is completed, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0276] [Jackpot Opening Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 21, the subroutine (jackpot opening process) performed in step S106 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0277] In step S600, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the control status flag is a value (04H) indicating the jackpot opening process. In this process, when the main CPU 101 determines that the control status flag is a value (04H) indicating the jackpot opening process, it moves the process to step S601. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the control status flag is not a value (04H) indicating the jackpot opening process, it ends this subroutine.

[0278] In step S601, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the jackpot winning counter is "10" or more. In this process, when the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot winning counter is "10" or more, it moves the process to step S604. On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot winning counter is not "10" or more, it moves the process to step S602.

[0279] In step S602, the main CPU 101 performs a large winning opening / closing process according to the set rounds or the opening / closing pattern of each small win. In this process, the main CPU 101 performs a process of opening and closing the large winning opening 540 according to the opening / closing pattern of each round or each small win set in step S405. Specifically, according to the opening / closing pattern of each round or each small win, the process of waiting for a time and then closing and opening the large winning opening 540 is repeated to perform a process of opening and closing the large winning opening 540 a plurality of times during a predetermined round. When this process ends, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0280] Here, in the present embodiment, the interval time between the first opening and the second opening in the first round of special probability variation and special normal, and the interval time between the first opening and the second opening in the small win - 2 of FIG. (2) are set to be the same or a time that is difficult for the player to distinguish (for example, 0.1 second). That is, in the process of step S602, special probability variation, special normal, and small win - 2 of FIG. (2) are executed in the order of "0.896 - second opening time → 0.1 - second opening interval time → 0.896 - second opening time". Also, although it is not processed in this step but is set in step S607, the interval time between the first round and the second round of substantially less payout probability variation and substantially less payout normal is also set to be the same or a time that is difficult for the player to distinguish (for example, 0.1 second), so that it is executed in the order of "0.896 - second opening time in the first round → 0.1 - second interval time between rounds → 0.896 - second opening time in the second round". Thereby, it is difficult for the player to distinguish the winning types even based on the time when the large winning opening 540 is closed.

[0281] In step S603, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the waiting time timer as the large winning opening time timer is "0". In this process, if the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the waiting time timer is not "0", this subroutine ends.

[0282] In step S604, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the big winning opening closing data. In this process, in order to close the big winning opening 540, the main CPU 101 updates a variable located in the main RAM 103 based on the data read from the main ROM 102. The variable stored in this way will cause the big winning opening solenoid 620 to be in a closed state. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S605.

[0283] In step S605, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the result of the small winning determination in step S119 is a small win. In this process, if the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the small winning determination is a small win, it moves the process to step S610. If the main CPU 101 determines that the result of the small winning determination is not a small win, it moves the process to step S606.

[0284] In step S606, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether the big winning opening release count value is greater than or equal to the big winning opening release count upper limit value. In this process, the main CPU 101 compares the big winning opening release count value stored in the main RAM 103 with the big winning opening release count upper limit value or more to determine whether the big winning opening release count value is greater than or equal to the big winning opening release count upper limit value. If the main CPU 101 determines that the big winning opening release count value is greater than or equal to the winning opening release count upper limit value, it moves the process to step S610. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the big winning opening release count value is not greater than or equal to the winning opening release count upper limit value, it moves the process to step S607.

[0285] In step S607, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the value of the waiting time timer as the opening time interval display time in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S608.

[0286] In step S608, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (05H) indicating the jackpot reopening waiting time management process as a control state flag. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S609.

[0287] In step S609, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting an inter-round display command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. The inter-round display command is supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0288] In step S610, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting the value of the waiting time timer as the win end interval display time in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S611.

[0289] In step S611, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a value (06H) indicating the win end interval process as a control state flag. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 moves the process to step S612.

[0290] In step S612, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting a special symbol win interval end display command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. Specifically, when the result of the win determination is a big win, the big win end display command is set, and when the result of the win determination is a small win, the small win end display command is set. The big win end display command and the small win end display command are supplied from the main CPU 101 of the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. When this process ends, the main CPU 101 ends this subroutine.

[0291] [Win End Interval Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 22, a subroutine (hit end interval process) executed in step S107 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0292] First, in step S700, the main CPU 101 performs a process of determining whether or not the control state flag in the main RAM 103 is a value (06H) indicating the hit end interval process. If it is determined that the control state flag is a value (06H) indicating the hit end interval process, the process proceeds to step S701. If it is not determined that the control state flag is a value (06H) indicating the hit end interval process, this subroutine ends.

[0293] In step S701, when the control state flag in the main RAM 103 is a value (06H) indicating the hit end interval process, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the waiting time timer (t) corresponding to the hit end interval is "0". Also, when the value of the waiting time timer is "0", the main CPU 101 transfers the process to step S702, and when the value of the waiting time timer is not "0", this subroutine ends.

[0294] In step S702, the main CPU 101 sets a value (07H) indicating the end of the special symbol game in the main RAM 103 to the control state flag. When this process ends, the process proceeds to step S703.

[0295] In step S703, the main CPU 101 performs a process of setting control data corresponding to the big hit symbol or small hit symbol and the game state in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. Specifically, game states such as the normal game state and the probability variable state are set as the control data. Also, the main CPU 101 transmits a hit end command to the sub-control circuit 200. When this process ends, this subroutine ends.

[0296] [Special symbol game end process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 23, the subroutine (special symbol game end process) executed in step S108 of FIG. 13 will be described.

[0297] First, in step S710, the main CPU 101 determines whether the control status flag in the main RAM 103 is a value (07H) indicating the special symbol game end process. If it is determined that the control status flag is a value (07H) indicating the special symbol game end process, the process proceeds to step S711. If it is not determined that the control status flag is a value (07H) indicating the special symbol game end process, this subroutine ends.

[0298] In step S711, the main CPU 101 sets a value (00H) indicating the special symbol memory check as the control status flag in the main RAM 103. When this process ends, this subroutine ends.

[0299] [Explanation of the operation of the sub-control circuit] Hereinafter, the processing of the sub-control circuit 200 will be described. The sub-control circuit 200 receives various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 100 and performs various processes such as display processing by the sub-CPU 201.

[0300] [Sub-control main process] First, with reference to FIG. 24, the sub-control main process performed by the sub-CPU 201 of the sub-control circuit 200 will be described.

[0301] In step S1101, the sub-CPU 201 performs an initialization process. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 initializes the work area of the work RAM 203 in response to power-on. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 proceeds to step S1102.

[0302] In step S1102, the sub-CPU 201 performs a random number value update process. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 updates the random number values (for example, the random number value for effect determination, the random number value for jackpot effect determination, the random number value for stop symbol determination, etc.) stored in the work RAM 203. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 moves the process to step S1103.

[0303] In step S1103, the sub-CPU 201 performs a command analysis process. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 analyzes the commands stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 203. Details of this process will be described later. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 moves the process to step S1104.

[0304] In step S1104, the sub-CPU 201 performs an effect control process. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 controls the effects using the effect button 62. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 moves the process to step S1105.

[0305] In step S1105, the sub-CPU 201 performs a display control process. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 transmits the data for display to the display control circuit 204 to the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 moves the process to step S1106.

[0306] Note that in the display control circuit 204, when receiving data from the sub-CPU 201, the VDP of the display control circuit 204 reads out various image data such as the data of the identification symbol, the background image data, and the effect image data from the image data ROM based on the received data. The VDP overlaps the various image data read out from the image data ROM and displays it in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 16.

[0307] In step S1106, the sub-CPU 201 performs sound and lamp control processing. In this processing, the sub-CPU 201 controls the sound generated from the speaker 24 and the light emission control of various lamps such as the lamp 25. When this processing is completed, the sub-CPU 201 transfers the processing to step S1107.

[0308] In step S1107, the sub-CPU 201 performs accessory control processing. In this processing, the sub-CPU 201 controls the operations (mechanical operations and lighting operations) of the accessories 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 via the accessory control circuit 207. When the control processing of the operations of the accessories 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 by this sub-CPU 201 is completed, the processing is transferred back to the random number value update processing in step S1102.

[0309] [Timer interrupt processing] Even when the sub-control main processing shown in FIG. 24 is being performed, the sub-control main processing may be interrupted and timer interrupt processing may be performed. Hereinafter, the timer interrupt processing performed by the sub-CPU 201 will be described with reference to FIG. 25.

[0310] In step S1201, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of saving the registers. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 saves the values used in the program being executed stored in each register (storage area). When this process is completed, the sub-CPU 201 transfers the process to step S1202.

[0311] In step S1202, the sub-CPU 201 performs timer update processing. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 updates the timer stored in the work RAM 203. Specifically, the sub-CPU 201 updates the timer for round effects and the like. When this process is completed, the sub-CPU 201 transfers the process to step S1203.

[0312] In step S1203, the sub-CPU 201 performs an effect button switch input detection process. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 detects the presence or absence of an input to the effect button switch 310 due to an operation of the effect button 62. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 transfers the process to step S1204.

[0313] In step S1204, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of restoring the registers. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 restores the values saved in step S201 to each register. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0314] [Command Interrupt Processing] Even when the sub-control main process shown in FIG. 24 is being executed, the sub-control main process may be interrupted and the command interrupt process may be performed. Below, with reference to FIG. 26, the command interrupt process performed by the sub-CPU 201 will be described.

[0315] In step S1301, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of saving the registers. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 saves the values used in the program being executed stored in each register (memory area). When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 transfers the process to step S1302.

[0316] In step S1302, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of storing the received command in a buffer. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 transfers the process to step S1303.

[0317] In step S1303, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of restoring the registers. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 restores the values saved in step S1301 to each register. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0318] [Command Analysis Processing] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, a subroutine (command analysis process) performed in step S1103 of FIG. 23 will be described.

[0319] In step S1401, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether a command has been received. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that there is a received command, the process proceeds to step S1402. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that there is no received command, this subroutine is terminated.

[0320] In step S1402, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of reading the received command. In this process, the sub-CPU 201 reads the command stored in the receive buffer. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 proceeds to step S1403.

[0321] In step S1403, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is a jackpot winning command. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is a jackpot winning command, the process proceeds to step S1404. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not a jackpot winning command, the process proceeds to step S1405.

[0322] In step S1404, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of updating the number of winning balls counter during the jackpot and the total number of winning balls counter. In this way, the sub-CPU 201 can acquire data regarding the number of prize balls (number of winning game balls) obtained by the player due to the winning of game balls into the big winning opening 540. Note that the number of winning balls counter during the jackpot and the total number of winning balls counter start counting with the start of the jackpot game as a boundary. In this manner, data regarding the number of prize balls is acquired each time a jackpot or a minor jackpot is performed. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 terminates this subroutine.

[0323] In step S1405, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is a special symbol designation command. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is a special symbol designation command, the process proceeds to step S1406. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not a special symbol designation command, the process proceeds to step S1407.

[0324] In step S1406, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining a stop symbol based on the special symbol designation command. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0325] In step S1407, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is a special symbol variation pattern designation command. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is a special symbol variation pattern designation command, the process proceeds to step S1408. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not a special symbol variation pattern designation command, the process proceeds to step S1409.

[0326] In step S1408, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining an effect pattern based on the special symbol variation pattern designation command, the stop symbol, and the extracted random number value for effect determination. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0327] In step S1409, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is a win start command (big win start command, small win start command). In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is a win start command (big win start command, small win start command), the process proceeds to step S1410. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not a win start command (big win start command, small win start command), the process proceeds to step S1411.

[0328] In step S1410, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining the big win start effect. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0329] In step S1411, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is a winning opening display command during the opening of the big winning opening. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is a winning opening display command during the opening of the big winning opening, the process proceeds to step S1412. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not a winning opening display command during the opening of the big winning opening, the process proceeds to step S1413.

[0330] In step S1412, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining the effect during the opening of the big winning opening. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0331] In step S1413, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is an inter-round display command. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is an inter-round display command, the process proceeds to step S1414. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not an inter-round display command, the process proceeds to step S1415.

[0332] In step S1414, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining the inter-round effect. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0333] In step S1415, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is a jackpot end display command. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is a jackpot end display command, the process proceeds to step S1416. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not a jackpot end display command, the process proceeds to step S1417.

[0334] In step S1416, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining the effect at the end of the big win. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0335] In step S1417, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process of determining whether the received command is a time shortening end command. In this process, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is a time shortening end command, the process proceeds to step S1418. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 201 determines that the received command is not a time shortening end command, the process proceeds to step S1419.

[0336] In step S1418, the sub-CPU 201 performs controls such as clearing the time shortening flag and ending the time shortening display. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0337] In step S1419, the sub-CPU 201 performs a process corresponding to the other received command. When this process ends, the sub-CPU 201 ends this subroutine.

[0338] [Flow of game balls] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31, the flow of the game balls launched toward the game area 20 will be described. FIG. 29 is an example of a diagram showing a mode in which the game balls flow down the left area when the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 is open. FIG. 30 is an example of a diagram showing a mode in which the game balls flow down the right area when the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 is open. FIG. 31 is an example of a diagram showing a mode in which the game balls flow down the right area when the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 is closed.

[0339] As described above, the attacker unit 500 is disposed substantially at the lower right in the game area 20 and below the passage gate 49. Therefore, in the jackpot game state, so-called right hitting is performed. When the big winning opening 540 is open by the shutter 610, the game balls right-hit are likely to win the big winning opening 540. Also, right hitting is performed even when not in the jackpot game state but during the electric assist.

[0340] However, when the player performs right hitting, for the game balls that flow down the right area, once they do not win the big winning opening 540, the sense of expectation is lost, and they are in a state of just waiting to flow into the out port 57. Therefore, when the game balls right-hit do not win the big winning opening 540, the player feels disadvantaged, which has been a cause for the decrease in interest. In particular, in recent years, there has been a demand for a larger size of the liquid crystal display device 16, and currently, the places where the attacker unit 500 and the like can be disposed within the game area 20 are limited. Therefore, in order to meet the demand for the larger size of the liquid crystal display device 16, the attacker unit 500 has to be disposed at the lower part of the game area 20 as in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. When the attacker unit 500 is disposed at the lower part within the game area 20, if the game balls right-hit do not win the big winning opening 540, it becomes more prominent that they will directly flow into the out port 57.

[0341] In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the normal electric accessory unit 400 is disposed at substantially the lower left part of the game area 20. Further, the attacker unit 500 is configured to include a game ball guiding member 580. The game ball guiding member 580 guides the game balls that are hit to the right (flow down in the right area) and do not win in the big winning opening 540, including the guiding nails 700, upstream of the blade member 4620 disposed in the left area beyond the center of the game area 20 where the out port 57 is disposed. The game ball guiding member 580 is a member that forms a passage for the game balls extending on the extension line of the big winning opening 540 in the flowing direction of the game balls. Here, the "upstream of the blade member 4620" is an area where the game balls can be received into the second starting opening 440 if the blade member 4620 is open (hereinafter referred to as the "second starting opening receiving area" in this specification). This second starting opening receiving area is, for example, the peripheral area of the game ball 223 located above the blade member 4620 in FIG. 30.

[0342] Note that in the game area 20, as a flow path for the game balls that are hit to the right (flow down in the right area) and do not win in the big winning opening 540 and reach the exit side of the big winning opening 540, a flow path connecting the exit side part of the game ball guiding member 580 and the out port 57 is formed by the guiding nails 700. And the game balls flowing down this flow path will surely pass through the second starting opening receiving area before reaching the out port 57.

[0343] As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the normal symbol determination shifts to the high probability state triggered by the end of the big win game state, it is in the electric assist state during the time-saving state, and the blade member 4620 is opened at a high frequency.

[0344] As shown in FIG. 29, when the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 is open and the game balls hit to the right (flowed down in the right area) do not win in the big winning opening 540, the game balls will surely be guided by the game ball guiding member 580 and the guiding nails 700 to the second starting opening receiving area which is upstream of the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460.

[0345] Among the game balls hit to the right (flowing down the right area), the game balls that did not win the big winning opening 540 are always guided to the second starting opening receiving area, which is upstream of the blade member 4620. Therefore, if the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 is open when the game ball is guided to the second starting opening receiving area, the game ball is received by the blade member 4620 without flowing into the out opening 57, and the possibility of winning the second starting opening 440 is increased. That is, when the blade member 4620 is closed, as described above, the out opening 57 is the most downstream position in the game area 20, but when the blade member 4620 is open, the second starting opening 440 becomes the most downstream position instead of the out opening 57. Thus, the blade member 4620 has a function of changing the most downstream position in the game area 20.

[0346] In this way, even if the game ball hit to the right (flowing down the right area) does not win the big winning opening 540, since the game ball is always guided to the second starting opening receiving area (upstream of the blade member 4620), the expectation of winning the second starting opening 440 continues, and the interest can be enhanced.

[0347] In particular, hitting to the right is performed in the electric assist state. Therefore, although the big winning opening 540 is not in an open state during the electric assist, since the most downstream position is changed from the out opening 57 to the second starting opening 440 by the blade member 4620, the progress of the game in the electric assist state is promoted, and the interest can be enhanced.

[0348] By the way, as shown in FIG. 30, when the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 is closed, the game ball hit to the right (flowing down the right area) and not winning the big winning opening 540 is always guided upstream of the blade member 4620, but flows into the out opening 57 through the space between the blade member 4620 and the guide nail 700 (that is, the left side of the guide nail 700).

[0349] Among the game balls hit to the right (flowing down in the right area), the game balls that did not reach the big winning opening 540 (for example, the game balls that flowed down the flow path continuing from the right side of the general winning opening 56 to the out opening 57) may be configured to be guided to the out opening 57. At this time, among the game balls hit to the right, as the game balls that did not win at the big winning opening 540, there are game balls that reached the big winning opening 540 but did not win, and game balls that did not reach the big winning opening 540 and did not win. However, any of these game balls may be guided upstream of the blade member 4620, or only one of the game balls may be guided upstream of the blade member 4620.

[0350] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 31, a left-shot game ball (a game ball flowing down in the left area) generally wins a prize at the first start port 5442 or the general winning ports 53, 54, 55, or flows into the out port 57 or the out port 450. After the game ball is left-shot, for the game ball 224 that rolls along the flow path 222 leading to the first start port 5442, the expectation of winning a prize at the first start port 5442 continues. However, for the game ball 2226 that deviates from the flow path 222 leading to the first start port 5442 and does not win a prize at the general winning ports 53, 54, 55 either, in a conventional pachinko machine, the expectation of winning a prize at the first start port (corresponding to the first start port 5442 of the present embodiment) is lost. Also, even for the game ball 224 that rolls along the flow path 222 leading to the first start port 5442, if it does not win a prize at the first start port 5442, the expectation of winning a prize is lost at that point. In the present embodiment, when a left-shot game ball (a game ball flowing down in the left area) rolls along the flow path 222 leading to the first start port 5442 but does not win a prize at the first start port 5442, and in any case where it deviates from the flow path 222 leading to the first start port 5442 and does not win a prize at the general winning ports 53, 54, 55 either, these game balls will surely pass through the second start port receiving area (upstream of the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460) before reaching the out port 57. As described above, the upstream of the blade member 4620 is an area (second start port receiving area) where a game ball can be received at the second start port 440 if the blade member 4620 is open. Therefore, when a game ball rolls along the flow path 222 leading to the first start port 5442 but does not win a prize at the first start port 5442, and in any case where it deviates from the flow path 222 leading to the first start port 5442 and does not win a prize at the general winning ports 53, 54, 55 either, the expectation of winning a prize at the second start port 440 continues, and a decrease in interest can be suppressed.

[0351] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the passing gate 49 is arranged in the right area, when hitting left, there is a low expectation that the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 will be opened. However, immediately after the jackpot gaming state or the time-saving state ends, the variable display of the normal symbol may be suspended. Also, even if the player is hitting left, the game ball that has rushed out vigorously into the game area 20 may flow down through the right area. Therefore, even in the normal gaming state, it is rare for the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 to be opened. Moreover, the guide nail 700 has a function of suppressing the immediate inflow into the out port 57 for not only the game ball that has flowed down through the right area but also the game ball that has rolled vigorously to the guide member 700 side after flowing down through the left area. Therefore, if the blade member 4620 is opened, there is a possibility of winning the second start port 440. Therefore, even if the expectation of winning the first start port 5442 or the general winning ports 53, 54, 55 for the game ball hit left is lost, the expectation of winning the second start port 440 continues, and a decrease in interest can be suppressed.

[0352] In the present embodiment, the passing gate 49 is arranged in the right area, but instead, a passing gate 491 may be arranged in the left area. In this case, the frequency of the blade member 4620 of the normal electric accessory 460 being opened may be increased compared to the case where the passing gate 49 is arranged in the right area. Therefore, even if the expectation of winning the first start port 5442 for the game ball hit left is lost, regarding winning the second start port 440, it is possible to continue with a higher expectation.

[0353] Among the game balls hit to the left (game balls flowing down in the left area), as game balls that did not reach above the normal electric accessory unit 400 or did not reach the first start port 5442, for example, there may be game balls that flow down a flow path leading to the out port 450 (see, for example, FIGS. 3 and 66) existing below the normal electric accessory unit 400 or the out port 57. At this time, among the game balls hit to the left, as game balls that did not win the first start port 5442, there are game balls that did not reach above the normal electric accessory unit 400 or the first start port 5442, and game balls that reached above the normal electric accessory unit 400 or near the first start port 5442 but did not win. Any of these game balls may be guided upstream of the blade member 4620, or only one of the game balls may be guided upstream of the blade member 4620.

[0354] In addition, when a game ball among the game balls hit to the left (game balls flowing down in the left area) that has rolled in the direction of the big winning port 540 rolls on the game ball guiding member 580, the game ball collides with the shutter 610 of the big winning port 540 or a rib provided on the game ball guiding member 580 and wins the first start port 5442, or is configured to flow into the out 55 or the out port 450.

[0355] In addition, in the present embodiment, a game ball guiding member 580 is provided that always guides a game ball that is hit to the right (flows down in the right area) and did not win the big winning port 540 beyond the center of the game area 20 where the out port 57 is arranged to the second start port receiving area in the left area. However, the game ball guiding member 580 does not necessarily have to have a function of always guiding such a game ball (a game ball that is hit to the right (flows down in the right area) and did not win the big winning port 540) to the second start port receiving area, and it may only lead to the left area beyond the center of the game area 20. For example, the game ball guiding member 580 has a function of guiding such a game ball to the left area, but a configuration in which the game ball guided to the left area is further distributed to a plurality of areas including the second start port receiving area corresponds.

[0356] Also, in the present embodiment, the game balls that are hit to the right (flow down in the right area) and do not win in the big winning opening 540 are guided to the left area by the game ball guiding member 580. However, the game ball guiding member 580 is not necessarily essential. For example, a configuration in which the game balls that are hit to the right and do not win in the big winning opening 540 are guided to the left area only by guiding nails may be used.

[0357] Also, in the present embodiment, as a flow-down path of the game balls that are hit to the right (flow down in the right area) and reach the outlet side of the big winning opening 540 without winning in the big winning opening 540, a flow-down path connecting the outlet side portion of the game ball guiding member 580 and the out port 57 is formed. The game balls flowing down this flow-down path will surely pass through the second start opening receiving area before reaching the out port 57. In the present embodiment, since the second start opening 440 is formed in the left area, the game balls flowing down the above flow-down path will surely be guided to the left area. However, in view of the idea that the game balls flowing down the above path will surely pass through the second start opening receiving area before reaching the out port 57, in such a case, it is not essential that the second start opening 440 be arranged in the left area.

[0358] [Configuration of the back unit] Hereinafter, the configuration of the back unit 176 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 37. FIG. 32 is an example of a front view of the back unit 176. FIG. 33 is an example of a rear view of the back unit 176. FIG. 34 is an example of a perspective view of the back unit 176 as seen from the front upper right obliquely. FIG. 35 is an example of a perspective view of the back unit 176 as seen from the rear upper left obliquely. FIG. 36 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the back unit 176 as seen from the front upper right obliquely. FIG. 37 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the back unit 176 as seen from the rear upper left obliquely.

[0359] As described above, the back unit 176 includes at least an upper front part 1000, an upper back part 1100, a lower part 1200, a corner part 1300, a side part 1400, a middle panel 1500, a drain gutter for attacking balls 1600, a main board case 1700, and a rear box 1800. Note that the corner part 1300 includes an upper corner part 1320 and a lower corner part 1350.

[0360] The rear box 1800 has a box shape, and an opening 1820 is formed substantially at the center. The liquid crystal display device 16 and the like are arranged in this opening 1820.

[0361] The upper back part 1100 (specifically, a base member 1180 described later (see, for example, FIG. 84)) is attached and fixed above the opening 1820 on the front side of the rear box 1800. Details of the upper back part 1100 will be described later.

[0362] The lower part 1200 (specifically, a lower part fixing base 1220 described later (see, for example, FIG. 92)) is attached and fixed below the opening 1820 on the front side of the rear box 1800. Details of the lower part 1200 will be described later.

[0363] The side part 1400 (specifically, a mounting plate 1410 described later (see, for example, FIG. 116)) is attached and fixed to the right side of the opening 1820 on the front side of the rear box 1800. Details of the side part 1400 will be described later.

[0364] The upper corner component 1320 (see, for example, FIG. 100) is attached and fixed to the rear box 1800 such that the first movable body 1330 is positioned at the upper left corner of the liquid crystal display device 16 and the second movable body 1340 is positioned at the upper right corner of the liquid crystal display device 16 so as to be on the front side of the upper rear component movable decorative body 110. The lower corner component 1350 is attached and fixed to the rear box 1800 such that the third movable body 1355 is positioned at the lower left corner of the liquid crystal display device 16 and the fourth movable body 1357 is positioned at the lower right corner of the liquid crystal display device 16 so as to be on the front side of the lower component 1200. The first movable body 1330, the second movable body 1340, the third movable body 1355, and the fourth movable body 1357 are arranged to be substantially in the same position in the front-rear direction. Details of the upper corner component 1320 will be described later.

[0365] The upper front component 1000 (specifically, the decorative component base member 1010 described later (see, for example, FIG. 84)) is attached and fixed to the rear box 1800 so as to be arranged on the front side of the upper rear component 1000. Details of the upper front component 1000 will be described later.

[0366] The middle panel 1500 is arranged in a region corresponding to a part of the game area 20 on the back surface of the transparent panel 172, and includes a first middle panel 1520 and a second middle panel 1550. The first middle panel 1520 is a plate-like member with a pattern or design applied to its front surface, and the pattern or design applied to the front surface can be visually recognized through the transparent panel 172. The second middle panel 1550 is a plate-like member having an annular opening window 1552, and is configured such that a predetermined picture floats up in the opening window when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Details of the second middle panel 1550 will be described later.

[0367] The attacker ball gutter 1600 is a gutter-shaped member that receives the game balls that have won in the general winning opening 56 and discharges them to the outside of the pachinko game machine 1. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is configured to merge with the game balls that have won in the big winning opening 540 and be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 1.

[0368] The main substrate case 1700 houses a lamp relay substrate 1710, a main control relay substrate 1720, and the like.

[0369] The back unit 176 further includes a first decorative design 1900 and a second decorative design 1920. The first decorative design 1900 is attached to the right side on the front side of the upper rear accessory 1100. The second decorative design 1920 is attached to the left side on the front side of the upper rear accessory 1100. The first decorative design 1900 and the second decorative design 1920 are decorated on the front and both have a decorative function without being movable.

[0370] [Attacker Unit] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 38 to 49, the configuration of the attacker unit 500 will be described in detail.

[0371] The attacker unit 500 includes a base member 510, a front side plate portion 520, a guide path 530, a large winning opening 540, a rear case 550, and a special electric accessory 600.

[0372] The base member 510 shown in FIGS. 38 to 43, 45, and 46 is a member that serves as the basis of the attacker unit 500. The base member 510 is formed in an elongated substantially flat plate shape. The base member 510 is arranged with its longitudinal direction oriented in the left - right direction and its plate surface oriented in the front - rear direction. Various members constituting the attacker unit 500 are attached to the base member 510. A slit 511 is formed in the base member 510.

[0373] The slit 511 is formed to penetrate the base member 510 in the front - rear direction. The slit 511 is formed in a substantially straight - line shape that extends while gently inclining from right to left in a front view at the upper part of the base member 510. A shutter 610 (more specifically, a guide portion 611 of the shutter 610) described later is arranged in the slit 511.

[0374] The front side plate portion 520 shown in FIGS. 38 to 42 and FIG. 44 is a member disposed at the front end portion of the attacker unit 500. The front side plate portion 520 is formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the base member 510. The front side plate portion 520 is disposed with its plate surface facing in the front-rear direction. The front side plate portion 520 faces the base member 510 in the front-rear direction and is disposed in a state of being spaced apart forward from the base member 510. Thus, a gap (hereinafter referred to as "special electric accessory space R2") that allows a game ball to enter is formed between the front side plate portion 520 and the base member 510. Note that the special electric accessory space R2 is formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the front side plate portion 520 and the base member 510 in a front view. The front side plate portion 520 is attached to the base member 510 via screws or the like. The front side plate portion 520 is formed of a transparent resin material, allowing the player to visually recognize the rear of the front side plate portion 520.

[0375] The guide path 530 shown in FIGS. 38, 40 to 46 appropriately guides the moving game ball in a predetermined direction. The guide path 530 is formed by the shutter 610 and a substantially plate-shaped member (wall portion) erected rearward from the front side plate portion 520. The guide path 530 includes a first guide path 531, a second guide path 532, and a third guide path 533.

[0376] As described above, the guide path 530 (more specifically, the first guide path 531) is formed by the shutter 610. Here, the shutter 610 is configured to be able to advance and retreat in the front-rear direction with respect to the base member 510 via the slit 511, as will be described later. In such a configuration of the shutter 610, the first guide path 531 is formed when the shutter 610 advances forward with respect to the base member 510. Therefore, hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the description will be made assuming that the shutter 610 is in a state of advancing forward with respect to the base member 510 (a state in which the first guide path 531 is formed).

[0377] The first guiding path 531 is arranged near the upper end of the special electric component space R2. The first guiding path 531 is formed in a substantially straight line shape that extends while gently inclining from right to left. The length of the first guiding path 531 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) is formed slightly shorter than the base member 510. The left end of the first guiding path 531 is formed near the left end of the special electric component space R2. The right end of the first guiding path 531 is formed near the right end of the special electric component space R2. The first guiding path 531 configured in this way guides the moving game ball from right to left. The first guiding path 531 includes a deceleration rib 534.

[0378] The deceleration rib 534 is a means (deceleration means) for reducing the moving speed of the game ball guided (moved) by the first guiding path 531. The deceleration rib 534 is composed of a plurality of rear protrusions 534a protruding forward from the base member 510 and a plurality of front protrusions 534b protruding rearward from the front side plate portion 520. In the present embodiment, six rear protrusions 534a are provided. Also, five front protrusions 534b are provided. These plurality of rear protrusions 534a and front protrusions 534b are arranged at appropriate intervals along the extending direction (left-right direction) of the first guiding path 531. The appropriate interval is set to be at least longer than the diameter of the game ball. Also, these plurality of rear protrusions 534a and front protrusions 534b are arranged so as not to overlap in a front view (not facing each other in the front-rear direction and shifted in the left-right direction).

[0379] Due to the configuration of the first guiding path 531 like this, the game ball (moved by the first guiding path 531) moves in a zigzag shape in a plan view while colliding with the rear protrusions 534a and the front protrusions 534b (because the smooth movement of the game ball is restricted), and its moving speed will decrease.

[0380] Thus, when the moving speed of the game balls moved by the first guide path 531 is decreased, a situation where a plurality of game balls are moving on the first guide path 531 can be created. In such a situation where a plurality of game balls are moving on the first guide path 531, just by opening the shutter 610 once, the plurality of game balls can be guided to the third guide path 533 and made to win in the big winning opening 540. That is, the round digestion in the big win game can be quickly performed. Also, even if the opening time of the shutter 610 is short, if many game balls stay on the shutter 610, many winnings can be generated. Further, since many game balls can be made to win at once, it is easy to generate winnings exceeding the number of possible winnings in one round of the big win game (so-called over winnings).

[0381] The second guide path 532 is arranged immediately to the right of the first guide path 531 in the special electric accessory space R2. The second guide path 532 is formed in a substantially straight line shape that extends while gently inclining from right to left. Note that the inclination angle of the second guide path 532 is formed to be substantially the same as the inclination angle of the first guide path 531. Thus, the second guide path 532 is configured as one substantially straight guide path that gently inclines from right to left together with the first guide path 531. The second guide path 532 configured in this way guides the moving game balls from right to left (toward the first guide path 531).

[0382] The third guide path 533 is arranged at substantially the center of the special electric accessory space R2 in the vertical direction. The third guide path 533 is formed in a substantially straight line shape that extends while gently inclining from right to left. The third guide path 533 is arranged below the first guide path 531. The third guide path 533 is formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first guide path 531 in a front view.

[0383] Also, as shown in FIG. 46 and the like, a wall portion connected to the third guide path 533 is disposed between the left end portion of the third guide path 533 and the left end portion of the first guide path 531. Also, a wall portion connected to the third guide path 533 is disposed between the right end portion of the third guide path 533 and the right end portion of the second guide path 532. Thus, the third guide path 533 is formed in a concave shape when viewed from the front.

[0384] The third guide path 533 configured as described above guides the moving game ball from the right side to the left side (toward the big winning opening 540). The third guide path 533 includes a guide portion 535.

[0385] The guide portion 535 is formed at the lowermost part of the third guide path 533. The guide portion 535 is a plate-like member having a substantially triangular shape in plan view. The guide portion 535 is configured to be able to guide the game ball guided (moved) by the third guide path 533 backward.

[0386] The big winning opening 540 shown in FIGS. 42, 43, 45, and 46 is formed by the base member 510 penetrating in the front-rear direction. The big winning opening 540 is formed behind the lowermost part of the third guide path 533 (behind the guide portion 535). The big winning opening 540 includes a count switch 541. As shown in FIG. 42, the count switch 541 is disposed below and behind the big winning opening 540.

[0387] The rear case 550 shown in FIGS. 38, 40 to 42, 46, 48, and 49 houses various members (such as the shutter 610, the big winning opening solenoid 620, and the link arm 630, etc.) that constitute the special electric accessory 600. The rear case 550 is formed in a substantially box-shaped hollow shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view. As shown in FIG. 48, the rear case 550 is partitioned into an upper space and a lower space by a substantially flat mounting portion 551 that is substantially rectangular in plan view. That is, the rear case 550 is formed in a two-story structure by the mounting portion 551, and predetermined members are arranged in each of the upper space and the lower space. Specifically, the shutter 610, the link arm 630, etc. are arranged in the upper space. Also, the big winning opening solenoid 620, etc. are arranged in the lower space. The rear case 550 is attached to the rear surface of the base member 510 via screws or the like. The inside and the outside (front of the base member 510) of the rear case 550 communicate with each other via the slit 511.

[0388] [Special electric accessory] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 50 to 65, the configuration of the special electric accessory 6000 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

[0389] The special electric accessory 6000 is a member that operates to switch between a state where it is easy for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 540 (open state) and a state where it is difficult for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 540 (closed state). However, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the arrangement configuration of various members will be described assuming the closed state.

[0390] As shown in FIGS. 50 to 52, the special electric accessory 6000 includes a housing portion 6001, a shutter 6002, a big winning opening solenoid 6003, a link arm 6004, and a regulating member 6005.

[0391] The accommodating portion 6001 shown in FIGS. 50 to 53 is a member that accommodates various members (such as the shutter 6002, the large winning opening solenoid 6003, the link arm 6004, and the regulating member 6005, etc.) that constitute the special electric accessory 6000. The accommodating portion 6001 is formed in a substantially box shape with its upper side and front side open. The accommodating portion 6001 is attached to the rear surface of the base member 510 (see FIGS. 38, etc.) via screws or the like. The accommodating portion 6001 includes a communication opening 6011, a support shaft 6012, a boss portion 6013, and a guiding opening 6014.

[0392] The communication opening 6011 communicates the upper side and the lower side of the accommodating portion 6001. The communication opening 6011 is formed in the right portion of the accommodating portion 6001. The communication opening 6011 is formed so as to penetrate the accommodating portion 6001 in the vertical direction. The communication opening 6011 is formed so as to surround from the rear to the right of the boss portion 6013, which will be described later, in a plan view.

[0393] The support shaft 6012 rotatably supports the link arm 6004, which will be described later. The support shaft 6012 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the vertical direction. The support shaft 6012 is formed so as to protrude upward. The support shaft 6012 is formed at the right rear portion of the accommodating portion 6001 and behind the communication opening 6011.

[0394] The boss portion 6013 rotatably supports the regulating member 6005, which will be described later. The boss portion 6013 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the vertical direction. The boss portion 6013 is formed so as to protrude upward. The boss portion 6013 is formed near the center (slightly to the right from the center) of the accommodating portion 6001 in a plan view and in front of the left of the communication opening 6011. In FIGS. 50 to 52, etc., appropriate drawings, the boss portion 6013 shows a state in which a screw is attached to support the regulating member 6005.

[0395] The guiding opening 6014 is for inserting the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 described later. More specifically, as will be described later, it defines the movement (displacement) path of the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005. The guiding opening 6014 is formed near the center of the accommodating portion 6001 in plan view (slightly to the right of the center and to the left of the boss portion 6013). The guiding opening 6014 is formed so as to penetrate the accommodating portion 6001 in the vertical direction. The guiding opening 6014 is formed in a substantially L shape in plan view with a bend in the middle from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 53(a), the guiding opening 6014 includes a first guiding opening 6016 and a second guiding opening 6017.

[0396] The first guiding opening 6016 is formed to extend substantially linearly in the left-right direction. The first guiding opening 6016 is formed rearward in the front-rear direction with respect to the center P of the boss portion 6013. Note that the length of the first guiding opening 6016 in the left-right direction is formed to be substantially the same as the length of the connecting opening 6036 of the large winning opening solenoid 6003 described later in the left-right direction.

[0397] The second guiding opening 6017 is formed to extend in an arc shape in plan view. More specifically, the second guiding opening 6017 is formed to overlap a part of a virtual circle centered on the center P of the boss portion 6013 (see the dashed-dotted arrow in Fig. 53(a)). Thus, the second guiding opening 6017 is formed to extend along the outer shape of the boss portion 6013 in plan view in the vicinity of the boss portion 6013. The rear end portion of the second guiding opening 6017 is connected to the left end portion of the first guiding opening 6016. The front end portion of the second guiding opening 6017 is formed forward in the front-rear direction with respect to the center P of the boss portion 6013.

[0398] The shutter 6002 shown in FIGS. 50 to 52 is a member that opens and closes the large winning opening 540 by the power from the large winning opening solenoid 6003 described later (a member that switches between the open state and the closed state). Note that the configuration of the shutter 6002 is substantially the same as that of the shutter 610 of the special electric accessory 600 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 46 and 47(c), etc.). The shutter 6002 includes an elongated plate portion 6021, a connection plate portion 6022, and a connecting shaft 6023.

[0399] The elongated plate portion 6021 is a member that forms the first guide path 531 (see FIGS. 46, etc.). The elongated plate portion 6021 is formed in an elongated substantially flat plate shape. The elongated plate portion 6021 is formed such that the longitudinal direction is oriented in the left-right direction in a plan view and slopes downward to the left (the upper surface faces the upper left) in a front view.

[0400] The connection plate portion 6022 is a member that connects the elongated plate portion 6021 and the connecting shaft 6023 described later. The connection plate portion 6022 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in a plan view. The connection plate portion 6022 is formed so as to extend rearward from the central portion in the left-right direction of the elongated plate portion 6021.

[0401] The connecting shaft 6023 is connected to a link arm 6004 described later. The connecting shaft 6023 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the longitudinal direction oriented in the up-down direction. The connecting shaft 6023 is formed so as to project upward. The connecting shaft 6023 is formed near the rear end portion of the connection plate portion 6022.

[0402] The shutter 6002 having such a configuration is accommodated in the accommodating portion 6001 in a state where the elongated plate portion 6021 is inserted into the slit 511 (see FIGS. 46, etc.) from the rear and the connection plate portion 6022 is placed on the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 6001. The shutter 6002 is configured to be slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the accommodating portion 6001.

[0403] The big winning opening solenoid 6003 shown in FIGS. 51, 52, and 54 is a member for driving the shutter 6002. The big winning opening solenoid 6003 includes a solenoid housing portion 6031, a power generation portion 6032, a plunger 6033, a power transmission portion 6034, and a spring 6035.

[0404] The solenoid housing portion 6031 is a member that houses various members constituting the big winning opening solenoid 6003. The solenoid housing portion 6031 is formed in a substantially box shape with an open upper side. The solenoid housing portion 6031 is arranged with its longitudinal direction oriented in the left - right direction. The solenoid housing portion 6031 is attached to the housing portion 6001 from below.

[0405] The power generation portion 6032 is a member that generates the power of the big winning opening solenoid 6003. The power generation portion 6032 is composed of a coil, a fixed iron core, etc. (not shown). The power generation portion 6032 can attract a plunger 6033, which will be described later, in response to energization from a predetermined power source. The power generation portion 6032 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The power generation portion 6032 is housed inside (the left part) of the solenoid housing portion 6031 with its longitudinal direction (axial direction) oriented in the left - right direction.

[0406] The plunger 6033 is a member (movable iron core) formed in a substantially rod shape. The plunger 6033 is arranged with its longitudinal direction (axial direction) oriented in the left - right direction. The plunger 6033 is arranged to extend rightward from the power generation portion 6032. The plunger 6033 is configured to be reciprocally movable in the left - right direction with respect to the power generation portion 6032.

[0407] The power transmission portion 6034 is a member that transmits the power generated by the big winning opening solenoid 6003 to other members (specifically, the link arm 6004). The power transmission portion 6034 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The power transmission portion 6034 is housed inside (the right part) of the solenoid housing portion 6031 and is attached to the right end portion of the plunger 6033. The power transmission portion 6034 includes a connection opening portion 6036 and a connection protrusion portion 6037.

[0408] The connection opening 6036 is connected to a link arm 6004, which will be described later. The connection opening 6036 is formed in the right part of the power transmission part 6034 in a plan view. The connection opening 6036 is formed so as to penetrate the power transmission part 6034 in the vertical direction.

[0409] The connection protrusion 6037 is connected to a regulating member 6005, which will be described later. The connection protrusion 6037 is formed by a pair of plate-like parts protruding upward. The pair of plate-like parts are formed so as to be parallel to each other left and right. With such a configuration, the connection protrusion 6037 has a gap extending in the front-rear direction between the pair of plate-like parts. The connection protrusion 6037 is formed at the left rear end of the power transmission part 6034. Hereinafter, the connection protrusion 6037 refers to the gap.

[0410] The spring 6035 is a so-called compression coil spring. The spring 6035 has a plunger 6033 inserted therethrough and is always disposed in a compressed state between the power generation part 6032 and the power transmission part 6034. Thus, the spring 6035 always applies a biasing force to the right to the plunger 6033 (power transmission part 6034).

[0411] In the big winning opening solenoid 6003 having such a configuration, when no current is applied to the power generation part 6032, the plunger 6033 moves to the right by the biasing force of the spring 6035. On the other hand, when current is applied to the power generation part 6032, the plunger 6033 moves to the left against the biasing force of the spring 6035 by the suction force of the power generation part 6032. Thus, in the big winning opening solenoid 6003, by turning on and off the current applied to the power generation part 6032, the plunger 6033 can be reciprocally moved in the left-right direction with respect to the power generation part 6032 to generate power.

[0412] In this embodiment, when the plunger 6033 moves to the right (that is, when the power generation unit 6032 is not energized), the shutter 6002 slides forward, making it difficult for the game balls to enter the big winning opening 540 (closed state). On the other hand, when the plunger 6033 moves to the left (that is, when the power generation unit 6032 is energized), the shutter 6002 slides backward, making it easy for the game balls to enter the big winning opening 540 (open state).

[0413] The link arm 6004 shown in FIGS. 50 to 52 and FIG. 55 is a member that connects the big winning opening solenoid 6003 and the shutter 6002 in an interlockable manner (interlocking connection) and transmits the power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 to the shutter 6002. The link arm 6004 is formed in a substantially L shape in plan view by a portion extending generally in the left-right direction (first link extension portion 6041) and a portion extending generally in the front-rear direction (second link extension portion 6042). The link arm 6004 includes a central cylindrical portion 6043, a connection opening portion 6044, a connection shaft 6045, and a regulating projection portion 6046.

[0414] The central cylindrical portion 6043 is inserted into the support shaft 6012 of the housing portion 6001. The central cylindrical portion 6043 is formed at substantially the center of the link arm 6004 in plan view (the connection portion between the first link extension portion 6041 and the second link extension portion 6042). The central cylindrical portion 6043 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the vertical direction. When the support shaft 6012 is inserted into the central cylindrical portion 6043, the link arm 6004 is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise about the central cylindrical portion 6043 in plan view.

[0415] The connection opening 6044 is inserted into the connection shaft 6023 of the shutter 6002. The connection opening 6044 is formed at the left (front) end of the first link extension 6041. The connection opening 6044 is formed so as to penetrate the first link extension 6041 in the vertical direction. The connection opening 6044 is formed in a long hole shape extending linearly from the tip end side to the base end side (central cylinder part 6043 side). The length in the short direction in the plan view of the connection opening 6044 is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the connection shaft 6023 of the shutter 6002.

[0416] The connection shaft 6045 is connected to the connection opening 6036 of the large winning opening solenoid 6003. The connection shaft 6045 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the longitudinal direction facing the vertical direction. The connection shaft 6045 is formed so as to protrude downward. The connection shaft 6045 is formed at the front (tip) end of the second link extension 6042. The outer diameter of the connection shaft 6045 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter (length in the left - right direction) of the connection opening 6036 of the large winning opening solenoid 6003.

[0417] The regulation protrusion 6046 is abutted against the regulation block part 6054 of the regulation member 6005 to be described later in a predetermined case. The regulation protrusion 6046 is formed in a plate shape protruding downward. The regulation protrusion 6046 is formed near the base end of the first link extension 6041 and in front - left of the central cylinder part 6043 in the plan view. The rear surface of the regulation protrusion 6046 is formed to be a plane facing rearward.

[0418] The regulation member 6005 shown in FIGS. 50 to 52 and FIG. 56 is a member for regulating an unintended opening of the shutter 6002 when the shutter 6002 is in the closed state. The regulation member 6005 includes a central cylinder part 6053, a regulation block part 6054, a connection shaft 6055, and a guide shaft 6056.

[0419] The central cylindrical portion 6053 is inserted into the boss portion 6013 of the accommodating portion 6001. The central cylindrical portion 6053 is formed substantially at the center of the regulating member 6005 in plan view. The central cylindrical portion 6053 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the vertical direction. Also, the central cylindrical portion 6053 is formed in a long hole shape extending in the left-right direction in plan view.

[0420] Also, at the right rear of the central cylindrical portion 6053, a plate-like portion (first regulating extension portion 6051) extending so as to spread in plan view is formed. Also, at the left of the central cylindrical portion 6053, a plate-like portion (second regulating extension portion 6052) extending so as to spread in plan view is formed. Thus, the central cylindrical portion 6053, the first regulating extension portion 6051, and the second regulating extension portion 6052 are formed in a substantially L-shape in their positional relationship with each other in plan view. When the boss portion 6013 is inserted into the central cylindrical portion 6053, the regulating member 6005 is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise about the central cylindrical portion 6053 in plan view.

[0421] The regulating block portion 6054 is configured to contact the regulating protrusion portion 6046 of the link arm 6004 in a predetermined case. The regulating block portion 6054 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped (block-shaped) portion protruding upward. The regulating block portion 6054 is formed substantially at the center of the first regulating extension portion 6051 (that is, at the right rear of the central cylindrical portion 6053) in plan view. The front surface of the regulating block portion 6054 is formed as a plane facing forward.

[0422] The connecting shaft 6055 is connected to the large winning opening solenoid 6003. The connecting shaft 6055 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the vertical direction. The connecting shaft 6055 is formed so as to protrude downward. The connecting shaft 6055 is formed substantially at the center of the first regulating extension portion 6051 (that is, at the right rear of the central cylindrical portion 6053) in plan view. Thus, the axis of the connecting shaft 6055 is formed to generally overlap the axis of the regulating block portion 6054 in the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the connecting shaft 6055 is formed to be smaller than the width of the connecting protrusion portion 6037 of the power transmission portion 6034 (that is, the gap of the connecting protrusion portion 6037).

[0423] The guide shaft 6056 is inserted into the guide opening 6014 of the housing portion 6001. The guide shaft 6056 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically. The guide shaft 6056 is formed to protrude downward. The connecting shaft 6055 is formed at substantially the center of the second regulating extension portion 6052 (i.e., to the left of the central cylindrical portion 6053) in a plan view. The outer diameter of the guide shaft 6056 is formed to be substantially the same as the length in the short direction in the plan view of the guide opening 6014 (the first guide opening 6016 and the second guide opening 6017).

[0424] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 50 to 52 and FIGS. 57 to 61, the assembly configuration of the housing portion 6001, the shutter 6002, the big winning opening solenoid 6003, the link arm 6004, and the regulating member 6005 in the special electric accessory 6000 will be described.

[0425] In the drawings after FIG. 60, the housing portion 6001 is shown by a dashed line, but the support shaft 6012, the boss portion 6013, and the guide opening 6014 are shown by solid lines for convenience of explanation. Also, in the drawings after FIG. 60, the link arm 6004 is shown by a dashed line, but the regulating protrusion 6046 is shown by a solid line for convenience of explanation. Further, in the drawings after FIG. 61, for convenience of explanation, the illustration of the configuration of each member is simplified.

[0426] First, an overview of the assembly configuration of various members (the shutter 6002, the big winning opening solenoid 6003, the link arm 6004, and the regulating member 6005) with respect to the housing portion 6001 will be described.

[0427] The shutter 6002 is placed on the bottom surface of the housing portion 6001. Thus, the shutter 6002 is arranged to be slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing portion 6001.

[0428] Also, the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is attached to the housing portion 6001 from below. Thus, the upper side and the lower side (the power transmission portion 6034 of the big winning opening solenoid 6003) of the housing portion 6001 are communicated via the communication opening 6011.

[0429] Further, the support shaft 6012 of the housing portion 6001 is inserted into the central tubular portion 6043 of the link arm 6004 so as to be relatively rotatable from below. In this way, the link arm 6004 is supported by the housing portion 6001 so as to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise in a plan view about the support shaft 6012 of the housing portion 6001.

[0430] Further, the boss portion 6013 of the housing portion 6001 is inserted into the central tubular portion 6053 of the regulating member 6005 so as to be relatively rotatable from below. In this way, the regulating member 6005 is supported by the housing portion 6001 so as to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise in a plan view about the boss portion 6013 of the housing portion 6001.

[0431] Next, the detailed assembly configuration of various members will be described.

[0432] As described above, in a state where the link arm 6004 is supported by the support shaft 6012 of the housing portion 6001, the connecting shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 protrudes downward from the housing portion 6001 through the communication opening 6011 of the housing portion 6001. The connecting shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 is inserted into the connecting opening 6036 of the large winning opening solenoid 6003 from above below the housing portion 6001. In this way, the link arm 6004 and the large winning opening solenoid 6003 are interlockingly connected via the connecting shaft 6045 and the connecting opening 6036.

[0433] Note that, as shown in FIG. 61(a), the connecting shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 is arranged so as to contact the left edge portion of the connecting opening 6036 of the large winning opening solenoid 6003. That is, the connecting shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 is arranged with a gap in the left-right direction in a plan view between the right edge portion of the connecting opening 6036 of the large winning opening solenoid 6003.

[0434] Also, in a state where the link arm 6004 is supported by the support shaft 6012 of the housing portion 6001, the connection shaft 6023 of the shutter 6002 is inserted into the connection opening 6044 of the link arm 6004 from below. In this way, the link arm 6004 and the shutter 6002 are connected to be interlockable via the connection opening 6044 and the connection shaft 6023.

[0435] Also, in a state where the link arm 6004 is supported by the support shaft 6012 of the housing portion 6001, the regulating projection 6046 of the link arm 6004 abuts against the regulating block portion 6054 of the regulating member 6005.

[0436] Note that as shown in Fig. 61(a), the rear side surface of the regulating projection 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the front side surface of the regulating block portion 6054 of the regulating member 6005 are planes parallel to each other, so they are in surface contact (not point contact).

[0437] Also, in a state where the link arm 6004 is supported by the support shaft 6012 of the housing portion 6001, as shown in Figs. 61(a) and (b), the boss portion 6013 of the housing portion 6001 is arranged to abut against the left edge portion of the central cylinder portion 6053 of the regulating member 6005.

[0438] Also, in a state where the regulating member 6005 is supported by the boss portion 6013 of the housing portion 6001, the connection shaft 6055 of the regulating member 6005 projects downward from the housing portion 6001 through the communication opening 6011 of the housing portion 6001. The connection shaft 6055 of the regulating member 6005 is inserted into the connection projection 6037 (i.e., the gap of the connection projection 6037) of the large winning opening solenoid 6003 from above below the housing portion 6001. In this way, the link arm 6004 and the regulating member 6005 are connected to be interlockable via the connection shaft 6055 and the connection projection 6037.

[0439] Note that as shown in Fig. 61(b), the connection shaft 6055 of the regulating member 6005 is arranged at the front portion of the connection projection 6037 (i.e., the gap of the connection projection 6037) of the large winning opening solenoid 6003.

[0440] Further, in a state where the regulating member 6005 is supported by the boss portion 6013 of the accommodating portion 6001, the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 is inserted into the guiding opening 6014 of the accommodating portion 6001 from above.

[0441] As shown in FIG. 61(b), the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 is arranged so as to be located within the first guiding opening 6016 (more specifically, so as to contact the right end portion of the first guiding opening 6016) among the first guiding opening 6016 and the second guiding opening 6017 of the guiding opening 6014 of the accommodating portion 6001.

[0442] Thus, in a state where the left edge portion of the central cylinder portion 6053 of the regulating member 6005 is in contact with the boss portion 6013 of the accommodating portion 6001 as described above, the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 is in a state of being in contact with the right end portion of the first guiding opening 6016.

[0443] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 61 and 65, when the shutter 6002 is in the closed state, the regulation of the unintended opening of the shutter 6002 (more specifically, the unintended rotation of the link arm 6004 and the unintended movement of the shutter 6002) by the regulating member 6005 and the guiding opening 6014 (locking means) of the accommodating portion 6001 will be described in detail.

[0444] In the present embodiment, the unintended opening of the shutter 6002 refers to an opening not due to the power generated by the big winning opening solenoid 6003, but an opening in response to an external force directly applied to the shutter 6002 (for example, the collision of a game ball against the shutter 6002 or an improper act on the shutter 6002 by an improper actor).

[0445] In the following description, the rotation direction of each member is based on a plan view unless otherwise specified. Further, in the following description, a state in which the unintended opening of the shutter 6002 is regulated by the regulating member 6005 and the guiding opening 6014 (locking means) of the accommodating portion 6001 is referred to as a "locked state".

[0446] In the special electric actuator 6000 assembled as described above, when an external force (a force that slides the shutter 6002 backward) is directly applied to the shutter 6002, a force that rotates the link arm 6004 clockwise is transmitted from the shutter 6002 via the connection opening 6044 and the connection shaft 6023.

[0447] As shown in Fig. 61(a), the regulating projection 6046 of the link arm 6004 abuts against the regulating block portion 6054 of the regulating member 6005 in the rearward direction (i.e., the moving direction when the link arm rotates clockwise). Therefore, when a force that rotates the link arm 6004 clockwise is transmitted from the shutter 6002, a force that rotates the regulating member 6005 counterclockwise is transmitted from the link arm 6004 via the regulating projection 6046 and the regulating block portion 6054.

[0448] Here, as shown in Fig. 61(b), the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 is arranged so as to be located within the first guiding opening 6016 (more specifically, so as to abut against the right end portion of the first guiding opening 6016). That is, the edge portion (hereinafter referred to as the front edge portion) of the first guiding opening 6016 is arranged in front of the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 (the moving direction when the regulating member 6005 rotates counterclockwise). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 65(a), even when a force that rotates the regulating member 6005 counterclockwise is transmitted from the link arm 6004, the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 interferes with the front edge portion of the first guiding opening 6016, so that the regulating member 6005 cannot rotate.

[0449] Thus, since the restricting member 6005 cannot rotate, the link arm 6004 that transmits force to the restricting member 6005 also cannot rotate. Further, since the link arm 6004 cannot rotate, the shutter 6002 that transmits force to the link arm 6004 also cannot move. That is, even when an external force is directly applied to the shutter 6002, the shutter 6002 does not move rearward against the external force and can maintain the closed state.

[0450] As described above, when the guiding shaft 6056 of the restricting member 6005 is positioned within the first guiding opening 6016, the restricting member 6005 and the guiding opening 6014 (locking means) of the accommodating portion 6001 regulate an unintentional opening of the shutter 6002 (more specifically, an unintentional rotation of the link arm 6004 and an unintentional movement of the shutter 6002) to be in a regulated state (locked state).

[0451] Note that when in the locked state, if a force that causes counterclockwise rotation is transmitted from the link arm 6004 to the restricting member 6005, the rear surface of the regulating protrusion 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the front surface of the regulating block portion 6054 of the restricting member 6005 will press against each other with a relatively strong force. However, since the rear surface of the regulating protrusion 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the front surface of the regulating block portion 6054 of the restricting member 6005 are in surface contact rather than point contact with each other as described above, the durability of each can be improved.

[0452] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 61 to 65, a configuration in which the shutter 6002 is opened in response to the power generated by the big winning opening solenoid 6003 when the shutter 6002 is in the closed state will be described in detail.

[0453] Note that as will be described later, when the shutter 6002 is opened in response to the power generated by the big winning opening solenoid 6003, unlike the case where an external force is directly applied to the shutter 6002, the locked state by the guiding opening 6014 (locking means) of the restricting member 6005 and the accommodating portion 6001 is released.

[0454] When the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 is positioned within the first guide opening 6016 (when the shutter 6002 is in the closed state), when the shutter 6002 is to be opened, the power generation part 6032 of the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is energized. When the power generation part 6032 is energized, as shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, the plunger 6033 starts to move leftward, and power is generated by the big winning opening solenoid 6003. Further, when the leftward movement of the plunger 6033 starts, the power transmission part 6034 (connection opening 6036 and connection protrusion 6037) fixed to the right end part of the plunger 6033 also moves leftward in the same manner.

[0455] When the connection protrusion 6037 of the power transmission part 6034 moves leftward, power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is transmitted to the regulating member 6005 via the connection shaft 6055 between the connection protrusion 6037 and the regulating member 6005. Specifically, the connection protrusion 6037 of the power transmission part 6034 presses the connection shaft 6055 of the regulating member 6005 leftward. Thus, when the power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is transmitted, the regulating member 6005 moves leftward with respect to the housing part 6001.

[0456] Specifically, the central cylinder part 6053 of the regulating member 6005 moves leftward with respect to the boss part 6013 of the housing part 6001, and the right edge part of the central cylinder part 6053 abuts against the boss part 6013. Also, the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 moves leftward with respect to the first guide opening 6016 of the housing part 6001, and abuts against the left end part (the rear end part of the second guide opening 6017) of the first guide opening 6016.

[0457] Hereinafter, the movement of the power transmission part 6034 until the right edge of the central cylinder part 6053 of the regulating member 6005 abuts against the boss part 6013 (the movement until the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 abuts against the left end of the first guiding opening 6016 of the accommodating part 6001) is referred to as "the first movement of the power transmission part 6034". Also, the movement of the power transmission part 6034 after the right edge of the central cylinder part 6053 of the regulating member 6005 abuts against the boss part 6013 (the movement after the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 abuts against the left end of the first guiding opening 6016 of the accommodating part 6001) is referred to as "the second movement of the power transmission part 6034".

[0458] Also, when the connection opening 6036 of the power transmission part 6034 moves leftward due to the first movement of the power transmission part 6034, the connection opening 6036 moves leftward with respect to the connection shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004, and the right edge of the connection opening 6036 abuts against the connection shaft 6045. In the first movement of the power transmission part 6034, the connection opening 6036 of the power transmission part 6034 does not press the connection shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 during the movement. That is, in the first movement of the power transmission part 6034, power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is not transmitted to the link arm 6004.

[0459] In the first movement of the power transmission part 6034, the timing when the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 abuts against the left end (the rear end of the second guiding opening 6017) of the first guiding opening 6016, the timing when the right edge of the central cylinder part 6053 of the regulating member 6005 abuts against the boss part 6013, and the timing when the right edge of the connection opening 6036 of the power transmission part 6034 abuts against the connection shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 are all set to be substantially the same.

[0460] Also, in the first movement of the power transmission unit 6034, the guiding shaft 6056 of the restricting member 6005 is positioned within the first guiding opening 6016, and the front edge of the first guiding opening 6016 is disposed in front of the guiding shaft 6056 (the moving direction when the restricting member 6005 rotates counterclockwise). That is, in the first movement of the power transmission unit 6034, even when a force that rotates the restricting member 6005 counterclockwise from the link arm 6004 is transmitted, the guiding shaft 6056 of the restricting member 6005 interferes with the front edge of the first guiding opening 6016. Therefore, the locked state by the restricting member 6005 and the guiding opening 6014 (locking means) of the accommodating portion 6001 is continued.

[0461] Also, as described above, in the first movement of the power transmission unit 6034, power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is not transmitted to the link arm 6004. That is, although the power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is transmitted from the power transmission unit 6034 to the restricting member 6005, it is not transmitted to other members (for example, the link arm 6004). Thus, although the restricting member 6005 moves leftward, the link arm 6004 and the shutter 6002 do not rotate (move) in any direction and maintain the posture when the shutter 6002 is in the closed state.

[0462] In such a state, as shown in FIGS. 62 and 63, when the power transmission unit 6034 further moves leftward (when the power transmission unit 6034 makes a second movement), power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is transmitted to the restricting member 6005 via the connecting protrusion 6037 of the power transmission unit 6034 and the connecting shaft 6055 of the restricting member 6005. Specifically, the connecting protrusion 6037 of the power transmission unit 6034 presses the connecting shaft 6055 of the restricting member 6005 leftward.

[0463] Here, when the power transmission unit 6034 makes the second movement, the right edge of the central cylinder portion 6053 of the restricting member 6005 is in contact with the boss portion 6013. That is, the central cylinder portion 6053 of the restricting member 6005 cannot move leftward with respect to the boss portion 6013 of the accommodating portion 6001. Therefore, when the connecting protrusion 6037 presses the connecting shaft 6055 of the restricting member 6005 leftward, the restricting member 6005 attempts to rotate counterclockwise about the boss portion 6013 of the accommodating portion 6001.

[0464] Also, when the power transmission unit 6034 makes the second movement, the guiding shaft 6056 of the restricting member 6005 is in contact with the left end of the first guiding opening 6016 (the rear end of the second guiding opening 6017) of the accommodating portion 6001. The second guiding opening 6017 is formed so as to overlap a part of a virtual circle centered on the center P of the boss portion 6013. That is, in front of the guiding shaft 6056 of the restricting member 6005 (the moving direction when the restricting member 6005 rotates counterclockwise), an opening is formed along the trajectory along which the guiding shaft 6056 moves (there is nothing that interferes when the guiding shaft 6056 moves).

[0465] Thus, when the connecting protrusion 6037 presses the connecting shaft 6055 of the restricting member 6005 leftward and the restricting member 6005 attempts to rotate counterclockwise about the boss portion 6013 of the accommodating portion 6001, as shown in FIG. 65(b), the guiding shaft 6056 of the restricting member 6005 is guided by the second guiding opening 6017 of the accommodating portion 6001 and moves forward toward the second guiding opening 6017. When the restricting member 6005 attempts to rotate counterclockwise about the boss portion 6013 of the accommodating portion 6001, the connecting shaft 6055 of the restricting member 6005 moves relatively rearward with respect to the power transmission unit 6034.

[0466] Note that the regulating member 6005 has different positions of the rotation center in the left - right direction when the power transmission part 6034 makes the first movement and when the power transmission part 6034 makes the second movement as described above. Specifically, when the power transmission part 6034 makes the first movement, the boss part 6013 of the housing part 6001 in contact with the left - hand edge part of the central cylinder part 6053 of the regulating member 6005 is set as the position of the rotation center. Also, when the power transmission part 6034 makes the second movement, the boss part 6013 of the housing part 6001 in contact with the right - hand edge part of the central cylinder part 6053 of the regulating member 6005 is set as the position of the rotation center.

[0467] In this way, by varying the position of the rotation center, the regulating member 6005 switches whether the front - side edge part of the first guiding opening 6016 or the second guiding opening 6017 extends in front of the guiding shaft 6056 (the moving direction when the regulating member 6005 rotates counterclockwise).

[0468] Thus, when the power transmission part 6034 makes the second movement, the locking state of the guiding opening 6014 (locking means) of the regulating member 6005 and the housing part 6001 is released, and the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 can move forward with the second guiding opening 6017 of the housing part 6001 facing forward. That is, when the connecting protrusion part 6037 of the power transmission part 6034 presses the connecting shaft 6055 of the regulating member 6005 to the left, the regulating member 6005 rotates counterclockwise around the boss part 6013 of the housing part 6001.

[0469] Also, when the power transmission unit 6034 makes the second movement, the right edge of the connection opening 6036 of the power transmission unit 6034 is in contact with the connection shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004. That is, the power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is transmitted to the link arm 6004 through the connection opening 6036 of the power transmission unit 6034 and the connection shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004. Specifically, the connection opening 6036 of the power transmission unit 6034 presses the connection shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 to the left. Thus, when the connection opening 6036 of the power transmission unit 6034 presses the connection shaft 6045 of the link arm 6004 to the left, the link arm 6004 tends to rotate counterclockwise.

[0470] In addition, when the power transmission unit 6034 is making the first movement (in the locked state), if the link arm 6004 tends to rotate counterclockwise, that is, when a force that rotates counterclockwise is transmitted from the link arm 6004 to the regulating member 6005 through the regulating protrusion 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the regulating block portion 6054 of the regulating member 6005, the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 interferes with the front edge of the first guiding opening 6016, so the regulating member 6005 cannot rotate.

[0471] However, when the power transmission unit 6034 makes the second movement, as described above, the guiding shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 can move forward toward the second guiding opening 6017 of the accommodating portion 6001, so the regulating block portion 6054 of the regulating member 6005 also moves backward. Note that when the regulating block portion 6054 of the regulating member 6005 moves backward, it moves in a direction away from the regulating protrusion 6046 of the link arm 6004.

[0472] Therefore, when the power transmission unit 6034 makes the second movement, if the link arm 6004 tends to rotate counterclockwise, the regulating protrusion 6046 of the link arm 6004 does not interfere with the regulating block portion 6054 of the regulating member 6005. That is, the link arm 6004 can rotate counterclockwise.

[0473] Also, when the link arm 6004 rotates counterclockwise, power from the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is transmitted to the shutter 6002 via the connection opening 6044 of the link arm 6004 and the connection shaft 6023 of the shutter 6002. Specifically, the connection opening 6044 of the link arm 6004 presses the connection shaft 6023 of the shutter 6002 backward. Thus, when the connection opening 6044 of the link arm 6004 presses the connection shaft 6023 of the shutter 6002 backward, the shutter 6002 starts to slide backward.

[0474] The second movement of the power transmission part 6034 ends when the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 reaches the front end of the second guide opening 6017 of the housing part 6001 as shown in FIG. 64. Thus, when the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 reaches the front end of the second guide opening 6017 of the housing part 6001, the shutter 6002 is in an open state.

[0475] Although the configuration in which the shutter 6002 is opened from the closed state has been described as above, when the shutter 6002 is closed from the open state, after the energization of the big winning opening solenoid 6003 is stopped, various members (the shutter 6002, the big winning opening solenoid 6003, the link arm 6004, and the regulating member 6005) operate in the reverse order of the case where the shutter 6002 is opened.

[0476] Here, conventionally, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines or pachislot machines, for example, a technique of providing a displacement member that can be displaced between a position where it is easy for a game ball to pass through a passage area and a position where it is difficult for the game ball to pass through is known. For example, it is as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-307103.

[0477] In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-307103, a door member of a winning device is provided as the displacement member. Also, a solenoid is adopted as a drive source for displacing (reciprocating between an open position and a closed position) the door member.

[0478] Further, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-307103, when a lock portion provided in the transmission means of the solenoid and an engagement protrusion portion provided in the door member come into contact with each other, it is possible to regulate (lock) the opening of the door member at the closed position.

[0479] However, since a certain degree of accuracy is required in the positional relationship between the lock portion and the engagement protrusion portion, when there is secular deterioration of the solenoid or foreign matter enters the drive path of the solenoid, they will not come into complete contact with each other. Thus, when the lock portion and the engagement protrusion portion do not come into complete contact, there is a possibility that play in the door member will occur at the closed position or the door member will be slightly opened (the possibility of unintended displacement), which is inconvenient.

[0480] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can more reliably regulate unintended displacement of a displacement member when the displacement member is displaced to a position where it is difficult for a game ball to pass through.

[0481] As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a game board 17 having a game area 20 on which game balls roll, a second start port 440 (passage area) provided in the game area 20 through which game balls can pass, a displacement member (shutter 6002 and link arm 6004) that can be displaced to a position where it is easy for a game ball to pass through and a position where it is difficult for a game ball to pass through with respect to the second start port 440 (passage area), a jackpot solenoid 6003 (driving means) for driving the displacement member, and a main control circuit 100 (driving control means) capable of controlling the jackpot solenoid 6003 (driving means). In a state where the displacement member is displacement-controlled to a position where it is difficult for the game ball to pass through, and when the main control circuit 100 (drive control means) is not performing control to displace the displacement member to a position where it is easy for the game ball to pass through, it is provided with locking means (the regulating member 6005 and the guiding opening 6014 of the accommodating portion 6001) capable of locking the displacement member at a position where it is difficult for the game ball to pass through. The big winning opening solenoid 6003 (drive means) includes a power generation portion 6032 that generates power, and a power transmission portion 6034 that can transmit the power generated by the power generation portion 6032 to at least a part of the displacement member by contacting at least a part of the displacement member. The locking means includes a regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) that regulates the displacement of the displacement member by contacting at least a part of the displacement member, and a guiding opening 6014 (displacement guiding portion) that defines the displacement path of the regulating portion. The displacement path includes a first guiding opening 6016 (first displacement section) and a second guiding opening 6017 (second displacement section) different from the first guiding opening 6016 (first displacement section). The displacement member is displacement-controlled to a position where it is easy for the game ball to pass through and a position where it is difficult for the game ball to pass through while being in contact with at least a part of the power transmission portion 6034. The regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) can be displacement-controlled along the guiding opening 6014 (displacement guiding portion) with the displacement of the power transmission portion 6034. The locking means maintains the locked state of the displacement member when the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) is located at the first guiding opening 6016 (first displacement section), and releases the locked state of the displacement member when the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) is located at the second guiding opening 6017 (second displacement section).

[0482] With such a configuration, the locking means (the guide member 6005 and the guide opening 6014 of the housing 6001) can maintain the locked state of the displacement members (the shutter 6002 and the link arm 6004) not only when, for example, the guide shaft 6056 of the regulating member 6005 is located at the right end of the first guide opening 6016, but also while the guide shaft 6056 is located within the first guide opening 6016. That is, even when the relative positional relationship between the regulating member 6005 and the guide opening 6014 of the housing 6001 is somewhat displaced (for example, even if the power transmission unit 6034 is not arranged in a normal position), the locked state can be maintained. Therefore, when the displacement members (the shutter 6002 and the link arm 6004) are displaced to a position where it is difficult for the game ball to pass through, the unintentional displacement of the displacement members (the shutter 6002 and the link arm 6004) can be more reliably restricted.

[0483] Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the displacement of the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) includes movement and rotation. The locking means restricts the rotation of the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) while allowing the movement of the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) to maintain the locked state when the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) is located in the first guide opening 6016 (first displacement section). When the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) is located in the second guide opening 6017 (second displacement section), the position of the rotation center of the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) is made different from the case where the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) is located in the first guide opening 6016 (first displacement section), thereby enabling the rotation of the regulating member 6005 (regulating portion) to release the locked state.

[0484] With such a configuration, a regulating member 6005 (regulating portion), which is a single member, can switch between maintaining and releasing the locked state by combining two operations (movement and rotation). Thus, for example, compared with the case where members that perform two operations (movement and rotation) are provided respectively, the number of components can be reduced. Particularly in a special electric accessory as in the present embodiment, since the arrangement space of components is limited, having such a configuration is beneficial.

[0485] Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, The displacement member includes a shutter 6002 (game ball guiding portion) that guides game balls and a link arm 6004 (link portion) connected to the game ball guiding portion, and the power transmission portion 6034 is in contact with the link arm 6004 (link portion).

[0486] With such a configuration, since the power transmission portion 6034 is in contact with the link arm 6004 (link portion) instead of the shutter 6002 (game ball guiding portion), the shutter 6002 (game ball guiding portion) can be put into the locked state without directly contacting the shutter 6002 (game ball guiding portion).

[0487] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0488] For example, in the present embodiment, the special electric accessory 6000 has been described as an example of the object to be put into the locked state, but the object to be put into the locked state is not limited to this, and it may be a normal electric accessory or the like.

[0489] Further, when the first movement of the power transmission unit 6034 is completed, the regulation block portion 6054 of the regulation member 6005 moves leftward with respect to the link arm 6004. In this way, when the regulation block portion 6054 of the regulation member 6005 moves leftward with respect to the link arm 6004, the contact state between the regulation protrusion portion 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the regulation block portion 6054 of the regulation member 6005 can be released. That is, the regulation protrusion portion 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the regulation block portion 6054 of the regulation member 6005 can be arranged so as not to overlap in the front-rear direction.

[0490] According to such a configuration, when the power transmission unit 6034 performs the second movement, if the link arm 6004 attempts to rotate counterclockwise, interference between the regulation protrusion portion 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the regulation block portion 6054 of the regulation member 6005 (regulation of the rotation of the link arm 6004) can be more reliably prevented.

[0491] Also, even when the first movement of the power transmission unit 6034 is completed, the contact state between the regulation protrusion portion 6046 of the link arm 6004 and the regulation block portion 6054 of the regulation member 6005 is maintained. When the link arm 6004 attempts to rotate counterclockwise, the rotation of the regulation member 6005 can also be assisted by the regulation protrusion portion 6046 of the link arm 6004 pressing the regulation block portion 6054 of the regulation member 6005.

[0492] Moreover, the configuration of the guiding opening 6014 (the first guiding opening 6016 and the second guiding opening 6017) is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment. For example, the guiding opening 6014 (displacement guiding portion) may be formed so as to interfere with the movement of the guiding shaft 6056 in front of the guiding shaft 6056 (the moving direction when the regulation member 6005 rotates counterclockwise) when the link arm 6004 attempts to rotate counterclockwise while the power transmission unit 6034 is performing the first movement (in the locked state). From the viewpoint of smoothly promoting the movement of the guiding shaft 6056, the configuration according to the present embodiment formed along the movement path of the guiding shaft 6056 is desirable.

[0493] [Configuration of the ordinary electric accessory unit 400] With reference to FIGS. 66 and 67, the configuration of the ordinary electric accessory unit 400 will be briefly described. FIG. 66 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the ordinary electric accessory unit 400 seen from the front upper right obliquely. FIG. 67 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the ordinary electric accessory unit 400 seen from the rear upper left (left in the front view) obliquely.

[0494] The ordinary electric accessory unit 400 is fixedly attached to the lower left of the liquid crystal display device 16 in the game area 20. The ordinary electric accessory unit 400 includes general winning openings 53, 54, 55, a second start opening 440, a second start opening switch 441 for detecting the winning of a game ball into the second start opening 440, an out opening 450, a housing member 443 for receiving the game balls that have won in the second start opening 440 and the game balls received at the out opening 450 and discharging them outside the pachinko game machine 1, a front cover 445 provided on the front surfaces of the second start opening 440 and the out opening 450, and an ordinary electric accessory 460. The second start opening 440 and the out opening 450 are formed in a plate-shaped opening forming member 420. A hole 442 through which a rotation shaft 4622 of a blade member 4620 described later passes is formed in the opening forming member 420.

[0495] The second start opening 440 and the out opening 450 are arranged adjacent to each other, with the second start opening 440 arranged on the right side in the front view and the out opening 450 arranged on the left side in the front view.

[0496] A wall 4452 for partitioning the second start opening 440 and the out opening 450 is formed on the back surface of the front cover 445. This wall 4452 has a function of preventing the game balls (the game balls that have won in the second start opening 440) that have passed through the upper part of the blade member 4620 when the blade member 4620 is opened from being received at the out opening 450, and preventing the game balls from winning in the second start opening 440 when the blade member 4620 is not opened.

[0497] The second start port switch 441 is disposed on the back side of the second start port 440 so as to be able to detect a game ball that has won in the second start port 440.

[0498] The housing member 443 is provided with an opening 4434 and an opening 4436 at portions corresponding to the second start port 440 and the out port 450, respectively. A game ball that has won in the second start port 440 and has been detected by the second start port switch 441 is housed in the opening 4434, and a game ball received by the out port 450 is housed in the opening 4436. The game balls housed in the openings 4434 and 4436 are recovered by a game ball circulation facility provided in island facilities (not shown). Further, the housing member 443 has a hole 4432 through which a rotation shaft 4622 of a blade member 4620 described later passes.

[0499] [Configuration of the normal electric accessory 460] With reference to FIGS. 66 to 70, the configuration of the normal electric accessory 460 will be described. FIG. 68 is an example of a diagram showing the normal electric accessory 460, the second start port switch 441, and the housing member 443. FIG. 69 is a rear view of the normal electric accessory 460. FIG. 70 is an example of a rear view of the normal electric accessory 460 as viewed obliquely from above on the right.

[0500] The normal electric accessory 460 includes a base cover 4610, a blade member 4620, a start port solenoid 4630, and a power transmission mechanism 4640 that transmits power from the start port solenoid 4630 to the blade member 4620.

[0501] The base cover 4610 houses the start port solenoid 4630 and the power transmission mechanism 4640 between itself and the housing member 443, and is then attached to the back side of the opening forming member 420. The back side of the base cover 4610 is attached and fixed to the above-described transparent panel 172. On the front side of the base cover 4610, a guide groove 4612 that is long in the left-right direction is formed. Further, on the front side of the base cover 4610, a bearing (not shown) that rotatably supports a pin 4648 described later is formed.

[0502] The blade base member 4620 has a rotation axis 4622 provided below the paper surface. This rotation axis 4622 passes through the hole 442 formed in the opening forming member 420 and the hole 4432 formed in the housing member 443, and is rotatably supported by the bearing 46444 of the blade connecting member 4642 described later. The portion of the rotation axis 4622 supported by the bearing 46444 of the blade connecting member 4642 is notched, and the cross-sectional shape in the axial direction is non-circular. Also, when the power from the start port solenoid 4630 is transmitted to the rotation axis 4622 as a rotational force by the power transmission mechanism 4640, the blade base member 4620 rotates about the rotation axis 4622. In the present embodiment, the blade base member 4620 is in a closed state when standing upright, and becomes an open state when rotating rightward about the rotation axis 4622 from the closed state.

[0503] The start port solenoid 4630 includes a plunger 4632...

Claims

【Claim 1】 In a gaming machine in which a game medium can flow down in a game area and can be controlled to a special game state in which a special game value number can be given to a player based on the establishment of special conditions, a predetermined base member, a movable device that can operate from an initial position to a predetermined position based on the establishment of predetermined conditions, a connecting member that changes its posture and operates as the movable device operates when the movable device operates toward the predetermined position, and is provided with, the movable device, a first movable part, a second movable part that can operate when the first movable part operates, and includes, the connecting member includes a connecting part connected to the movable device side, the connecting part is configured to be hidden behind the first movable part until the second movable part operates to the predetermined position, and to be exposed from behind the first movable part when the second movable part operates beyond the predetermined position, the second movable part can operate so that the connecting part is located on the back side of the second movable part prior to the connecting part being exposed from behind the first movable part, the game area, a special winning opening where a game medium can win and a special game value number can be given when controlled to the special game state, a predetermined winning opening where a game value number less than the special game value number can be given to a player based on the game medium winning, a guiding path capable of guiding the game medium to the special winning opening, and is provided with, the predetermined winning opening is disposed at a position where both the game medium that has passed through the guiding path and the game medium that has not passed through the guiding path can win A gaming machine characterized by this.

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