gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can prevent such a situation that makes a player have a prescribed wrong idea with the display content.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: game control means which controls the progress of a game; application means which applies a prescribed amount of a game value; and display means which can execute display of an acquired game value amount being an amount of the game value related to application by application means from a prescribed start point. The game machine can set a game impossible state where the progress of the game is impossible on the basis of such a state that a difference between the amount of the game value related to application by the application means from a prescribed calculation start point and an amount of the game value used in the game reaches a specific amount, and does not display the specific amount in the display of the acquired game value amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 55

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the past, a gaming machine of this type has been known that executes a lottery for a jackpot on the condition that a gaming ball enters a starting winning slot, and if the jackpot is won in this lottery, a special game is executed in which the large winning slot is opened. In such a gaming machine, when a gaming ball enters a winning slot such as the starting winning slot or the large winning slot that is opened during the special game, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to each winning slot are paid out (a predetermined amount of gaming value is awarded). Among the gaming machines described above, there are also known ones that display the number of prize balls won during special games or in advantageous game states (such as time-saving game states) that can be set after the end of special games, so that the player can understand the number of prize balls won, and that update the displayed number of prize balls each time a game ball enters each winning slot (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-208554 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, in order to prevent the game from becoming too gambling-oriented due to the acquisition of a large number of game balls, gaming machines like those described above have been devised that stop the game when the difference between the number of prize balls paid out and the number of game balls used in the game (shot game balls) reaches a specific number. Here, while the display during special games or the above-mentioned game states shows the number of winning balls, some players may mistakenly believe that the display is the difference in number. In such cases, the display may show that the specific number has been reached, which could lead the player to mistakenly believe that the game has not stopped even though the difference in number has reached the specific number.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a situation in which the display content causes a player to have a certain misunderstanding. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] (1) The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a game control means for controlling the progress of a game; a special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to a player based on the establishment of a predetermined execution condition; and a game state control means for setting a normal game state or a specific game state more advantageous than the normal game state as a game state when the special game is not being executed; The game device is provided with: a granting means for granting a predetermined amount of game value when a predetermined condition is met; and a display means capable of displaying an acquired game value amount, which is the amount of game value related to granting by the granting means from a predetermined start point; The predetermined start time is a time based on the establishment of the predetermined execution condition in the normal gaming state, the game control means is capable of setting a game disable state in which progress of the game is disabled based on a difference between the amount of game value to be granted by the granting means from a predetermined calculation start point and the amount of game value used in the game reaching a specific amount; The display means displays 0 as the amount of acquired game value at the predetermined start point, and updates and displays the amount of acquired game value when predetermined information related to the awarding of game value based on the establishment of the predetermined condition is received, and the updated display of the amount of acquired game value can be executed based on the predetermined information received during a period in which the setting of the specific game state and the execution of the special game are consecutive, and even if the amount of acquired game value reaches the specific amount, Amount of gaming value acquired As the specific amount A value indicating is not displayed. Here, gaming value refers to physical gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals, as well as data having the same value as gaming media, including numerical data in which a value corresponding to the number of gaming media is stored. Also, granting gaming value refers to not only actually paying out a corresponding number of gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media) based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, but also adding a corresponding amount to the above-mentioned numerical data based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes not only gaming machines that, based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, grant gaming value by actually paying out a corresponding amount of gaming media such as gaming balls or gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media), but also gaming machines that have numerical data that has the same value as gaming media and stores a value corresponding to the number of gaming media, and that, instead of paying out gaming media based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, grant gaming value by adding a corresponding amount to the above-mentioned numerical data based on the fulfillment of the predetermined conditions. Furthermore, if the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, examples of the predetermined condition include a ball entering a winning hole (start winning hole, big winning hole, etc.) provided in a gaming area where the gaming ball can flow down. Also, if the gaming machine is a slot machine, examples of the predetermined condition include a small winning combination being won by a winning combination lottery, and when all the rotating reels have stopped, a symbol combination corresponding to the winning small winning combination is displayed on the pay line.

[0008] The gaming machine according to the present invention is capable of setting a non-playable state in which game progress is disabled based on the difference between the amount of game value granted by the granting means from a predetermined calculation start point and the amount of game value used in the game reaching a specific amount, but the above-mentioned specific amount is not displayed in the display of the acquired game value amount, which is the amount of game value granted by the granting means from the predetermined start point. Therefore, a situation does not arise in which the non-playable state is not set even though the specific amount is displayed, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player is misled by the displayed content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a situation in which the display content causes a player to have a certain misunderstanding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine with the front door open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the back of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the main control board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a random number determination table for determining a jackpot in a pachinko machine. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a winning symbol random number determination table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a reach group determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a variation pattern lottery table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a variable time determination table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a special electric device operating table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a game status setting table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a random number determination table for determining a win in a pachinko machine. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a normal symbol variation pattern determination table for a pachinko machine. [Figure 18] An explanatory diagram of the second start winning slot opening control table of a pachinko machine. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the control state set when power is restored from a power outage in a pachinko machine. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the control state set when power is restored from a power outage in a pachinko machine. [Figure 21]10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the power cut-off evacuation process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing when power is restored in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the differential ball control reset process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of timer interrupt processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a sensor detects something in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a gate is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 28] This is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing when the first start winning slot is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 29] This is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing when the second start winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 30] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a large prize slot is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 31] This is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing when a general winning slot is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when an out is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 33] This is a flowchart showing an outline of the special chart-related control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 34] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation start processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 35] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the jackpot lottery process in the main control board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 36]10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the variable presentation pattern determination process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special symbol variation stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of post-stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 39] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game control processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 40] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 41] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the general map-related control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 42] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal pattern variation start processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 43] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal symbol lottery process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 44] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal pattern variation stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 45] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing after the normal symbol stops on the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 46] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of a movable piece control process in a main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 47] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the solenoid control process in the main control board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 48] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball related command set processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 49] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball determination control process in the main control board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 50] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of setting-related processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 51]10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the payout power cutoff evacuation process in the launch payout control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 52] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the payout main processing in the shot payout control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 53] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing when power is restored from a payout power outage in the payout control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 54] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the payout timer interrupt processing in the payout control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the presentation of a pachinko machine. [Figure 56] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main processing in the sub-control board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 57] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of timer interrupt processing in a sub-control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 58] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ball difference related command reception processing in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 59] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the prize ball designation command reception processing in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. (External configuration of pachinko machine P) The gaming machine according to this embodiment is a pachinko machine P that uses gaming balls as a gaming medium. Although not shown in the figure, in an amusement parlor where the pachinko machines P are installed, a plurality of pachinko machines P are arranged side by side in an installation area for gaming machines called an island, and a gaming ball lending device for lending the gaming balls is installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. Furthermore, each pachinko machine P is connected to a corresponding gaming ball lending device R. The game ball lending device R can accept the insertion of bills and a storage medium (card) that stores the value information required for lending game balls. After inserting a bill (or a card) into the game ball lending device R, a player can receive game balls from the game ball lending device R by performing a predetermined operation on the pachinko machine P.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment comprises a machine frame 1 which is a rectangular frame body fixed to an island and has a hollow portion (not specifically shown), a main body frame 2 which is a rectangular frame body attached to the machine frame 1 by a hinge mechanism (not specifically shown) so as to be able to open and close freely, and which also has a hollow portion (not specifically shown), and a front door 3 which is attached to the main body frame 2 by a hinge mechanism (not specifically shown) so as to be able to open and close freely, and which has an opening (not specifically shown) formed on the front.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, a speaker serving as an audio output device 10 is provided at the lower left of the machine frame 1. A game board 11 for forming a game area 12 is housed in the hollow portion of the main body frame 2. The front door 3 is provided with a transparent plate 4 covering the opening, an upper tray 6 and a receiving tray 7 located below the transparent plate 4 and capable of receiving game balls, an operating handle 5 attached to the right of the receiving tray 7 for operating to launch the game balls, and two speakers serving as audio output devices 10 attached to the upper left and right of the transparent plate 4, one each. 1, a front door performance lamp DL that produces performance effects by emitting light in various colors and light patterns is provided on the outer periphery of the front door 3, and a status notification lamp EL that emits light in various colors to notify of various statuses that occur when predetermined conditions are met is provided on the upper left of the outer periphery of the front door 3. Both the front door performance lamp DL and the status notification lamp EL are composed of LEDs that can emit light in multiple colors.

[0015] In this pachinko machine P, when the main body frame 2 is closed against the machine casing 1 and the front door 3 is closed, the transparent plate 4 is positioned in front of the game board 11 with a gap between them. This allows the game board 11 located behind to be viewed through the transparent plate 4.

[0016] In addition, the upper tray 6 is configured to guide game balls dispensed by the game ball dispenser R and prize balls paid out from the pachinko machine P. The upper tray 6 is capable of holding a predetermined number of game balls, but when the upper tray 6 is full of game balls, game balls to be dispensed or paid out thereafter are guided to the receiving tray 7. In addition, although not specifically shown, the bottom surface of the receiving tray 7 is provided with a discharge hole for discharging the stored game balls and an opening / closing plate that can open and close the discharge hole. Normally, the discharge hole is closed by the opening / closing plate, but by moving an opening / closing lever 8 (see Figure 1) attached integrally with the opening / closing plate in the horizontal direction, the opening / closing plate also moves in the same direction, opening the discharge hole. This allows the game balls to fall through the discharge hole and be discharged out of the receiving tray 7.

[0017] The operating handle 5 is also formed so that the player can rotate it in a predetermined direction. When the player rotates the operating handle 5, the game balls held in the upper tray 6 are sent to a launching device (not shown), and the launching device launches the game balls toward the play area 12 with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the operating handle 5. The game balls thus launched are guided upward by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and reach the play area 12.

[0018] Here, the game area 12 is a portion of the space formed between the game board 11 and the transparent plate 4 when the main frame 2 and the front door 3 are closed to the machine frame 1, which is partitioned into an approximately circular shape by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and is an area where game balls can flow down. As shown in FIG. 3, the game area 12 is composed of a first game area 12a, which is the area on the left side as seen from the player facing the pachinko machine P, and a second game area 12b, which is the area on the right side as seen from the player facing the pachinko machine P. The possibility of a game ball entering these two game areas 12 differs depending on the firing strength of the launching device. Specifically, when the firing strength of the launching device is less than a predetermined strength (a strength that prevents the game ball launched by the launching device from reaching the highest point in the game area 12), the game ball enters the first game area 12a. On the other hand, when the firing strength of the launching device is greater than or equal to a predetermined strength (a strength that allows the game ball launched by the launching device to reach the highest point in the game area 12), the game ball enters the second game area 12b.

[0019] Also, within this game area 12, as shown in Figure 3, there are provided a windmill and numerous nails to make the flow direction of the game balls irregular, a general winning port 14 through which game balls can enter, a first starting winning port 15 and a second starting winning port 16 as starting areas, a gate 20 through which game balls can pass, an attacker device 17 that activates when predetermined conditions are met, an outlet 19 that leads game balls out of the game area 12, a performance display device 21 as a performance device that performs performances as the game progresses, a board performance lamp GL, a right-hit notification lamp RL, and a role-playing device YS.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the general winning opening 14 is provided at the lower left side of the game area 12. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 14, a predetermined number of prize balls (five in this embodiment) are paid out. Note that the number and location of the general winning openings 14 are not particularly limited.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the first start winning opening 15 is located slightly below the center of the game area 12. Game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning opening 15, but game balls flowing down the second game area 12b are almost unable to enter the first start winning opening 15. In contrast, the second start winning opening 16 is located to the right of the center of the game area 12 (i.e., within the second game area 12b), as shown in Fig. 3. Game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the second start winning opening 16, but game balls flowing down the first game area 12a are almost unable to enter the second start winning opening 16.

[0022] 3, the second start winning opening 16 is provided with a movable piece 16b (a normal electric device) that can be opened and closed to the left and right. When the movable piece 16b is closed, the second start winning opening 16 is in a closed state, and it is impossible or difficult for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. On the other hand, when the movable piece 16b is opened, the second start winning opening 16 is in an open state, and this movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball toward the second start winning opening 16, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. Furthermore, the configuration of this movable piece 16b is not particularly limited, and may be configured, for example, as a pair of blade members that rotate left and right around an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or a lid member that rotates back and forth around a horizontal axis to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or as a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second start winning opening 16. The installation locations of the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 are not particularly limited, and for example, the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 may be placed in a position that makes it easy for game balls flowing down either game area 12 (first game area 12a, second game area 12b) to enter.

[0023] When a game ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a lottery for a jackpot is held to determine one of a number of predetermined special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with the possibility of executing a special game advantageous to the player, the game state that is set after the special game ends, etc., and the player can receive game benefits such as the execution of a special game depending on the type of special symbol determined. The number of prize balls paid out based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more, and may be any number. Also, the number of prize balls may be the same or different between the start winning port (second start winning port 16) provided with the movable piece 16b and the start winning port (first start winning port 15) not provided with the movable piece 16b. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 is three, and the number of prize balls paid out based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 is one.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the gate 20 is provided above the second start winning opening 16. When a gaming ball passes through this gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held. If the result of the lottery is a win, the movable piece 16b provided in the second start winning opening 16 is opened for a predetermined time.

[0025] 3, the attacker device 17 is provided below the second start winning opening 16. This attacker device 17 is equipped with a large winning opening 18 through which game balls can enter, and an opening / closing door 18b that opens and closes this large winning opening 18. This opening / closing door 18b is displaceable between an open position that opens the large winning opening 18 and a closed position that closes the large winning opening 18. In normal operation, the opening and closing door 18b is in the closed position (i.e., the opening and closing door 18b is closed) and the large prize opening 18 is closed, so it is not possible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 18. However, when the above-mentioned special game is played, the opening and closing door 18b is in the open position (i.e., the opening and closing door 18b is open), so the large prize opening 18 is opened, and the opening and closing door 18b functions as a receiving member that guides game balls to the large prize opening 18, so it is possible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 18. When a game ball enters the big winning hole 18, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the outlet 19 is located at the bottom of the game area 12 and accepts game balls that do not enter any of the general winning openings 14, the first starting winning opening 15, the second starting winning opening 16, or the large winning opening 18. Then, the game balls received in the outlet 19 and all of the above-mentioned winning ports (general winning port 14, first start winning port 15, second start winning port 16, and large winning port 18) are guided through an out passage (not specifically shown) to the back side of the game board 11 and collected.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, the effect display device 21 is provided in approximately the center of the play area 12. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as this effect display device 21. In addition, this effect display device 21 is provided with a display unit 21a for displaying images such as moving images and still images, and this display unit 21a not only displays a background image but also displays effect symbols (not shown in particular) in a variable manner, and a variable effect is performed in which the player is notified of the result of the jackpot lottery, which will be described later, depending on the stop display mode of each effect symbol.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the board effect lamp GL is provided above the game area 12 and is an effect device that produces effects by emitting light in various colors and light patterns. The board effect lamp GL is composed of LEDs that can emit light in multiple colors. Note that the installation location and number of the board effect lamps GL are not particularly limited. Although not specifically shown, the right-hit notification lamp RL is located on the right side of the performance display device 21 and is composed of an LED that can be turned on and off.

[0029] The role-playing device YS is a device that performs effects by moving in a predetermined manner. This role-playing device YS can be moved up and down by a drive motor M within a range from an initial position corresponding to the upper center of the play area 12 to a movable position corresponding to approximately the center of the play area 12. The role-playing device YS normally stays at the initial position and moves to the movable position at various times (for example, when a predetermined effect is to be performed).

[0030] In addition, a performance operation device 9 is provided in front of the upper tray 6, which can be operated by the player to progress or switch the performances executed during play or while waiting. This performance operation device 9 is composed of an operation dial 9a that can be rotated and an operation button 9b that can be pressed. A dedicated lamp (for example, an LED that can emit light in multiple colors) may be provided on the operation button 9b, and the performance effect may be improved by lighting it in a predetermined manner at a predetermined timing.

[0031] Also, as shown in Figure 3, in the lower right part of the game board 11 and outside the game area 12, there are provided a first special pattern display device 30, a second special pattern display device 31, a first special pattern reserve display device 38, a second special pattern reserve display device 39, a normal pattern display device 32 and a normal pattern reserve display device 33 as devices for displaying various statuses of the game.

[0032] As described above, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the game ball lending device R, and operations for the game ball lending device R, such as lending game balls and discharging cards, can be accepted by the pachinko machine P. For this reason, the pachinko machine P is provided with a value information display device 35 that displays value information (balance information) stored in the card, a ball lending button 36 that can be pressed, and a card return button 37 that can be pressed, as shown in Fig. 1 .

[0033] Also, on the back side of the game board 11, as shown in Figure 4, a main control board 100, which stores setting values ​​and the control state of the pachinko machine P, which will be described later, and controls the basic game operations of the pachinko machine P, is attached and stored in a transparent box-shaped main control board case 150, a launch and payout control board 200, which controls the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls, is attached and stored in a transparent box-shaped launch and payout control board case 250, a sub-control board 300, which controls various effects, is attached and stored in a transparent box-shaped sub-control board case 350, and a game ball lending control board 400, which relays operations to the game ball lending device R, is attached and stored in a transparent box-shaped game ball lending control board case 450.

[0034] Further, on the back side of the game board 11, a power supply board 600 for supplying power to each board is provided, and this power supply board 600 is provided with a power switch 650. The power switch 650 can be switched on or off. When the power switch 650 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply board 600 to each board, and when the power switch 650 is turned off, the supply of power from the power supply board 600 to each board stops. In this specification, when the power switch 650 is turned on and power is supplied, this is also referred to as "power is on," and when the power switch 650 is turned off and power supply is stopped, this is also referred to as "power is off."

[0035] (Configuration of control means of pachinko machine P) Next, the control means for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine P will be described. The above-mentioned control means is composed of a main control board 100, a launch and payout control board 200, a sub-control board 300, a game ball lending control board 400, and a power supply board 600, as shown in FIG. 6, a launch / payout control board 200 and a sub-control board 300 are connected to the main control board 100, and a game ball lending control board 400 is connected to the launch / payout control board 200. An external information terminal board 500 is connected to the main control board 100 and the launch / payout control board 200 to transmit various signals (information) relating to the progress of the game to the outside of the pachinko machine P (for example, a hall computer in an amusement parlor). A power supply board 600 is also connected to each board.

[0036] (Outline of main control board 100) As described above, the main control board 100 stores the setting values ​​and the control state of the pachinko machine P, and controls the games played on the pachinko machine P. Specifically, it controls the special game that starts when the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, and the regular game that starts when the game ball passes through the gate 20.

[0037] Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, multiple stages, from setting value 1 to setting value 6, are defined as settings for ball output, and the probability of winning a jackpot, which will be described later, varies depending on the setting value. For example, setting value 6 is set to have a higher probability of winning a jackpot than setting value 1, and the higher the probability of winning a jackpot, the higher the possibility of winning prize balls. Therefore, changing the setting value changes the amount of prize balls expected to be paid out in the pachinko machine P. In addition, a jackpot determination random number determination table 110, which determines the probability of winning a jackpot, which will be described later, is provided for each of setting values ​​1 to 6, and when the setting value is changed, the jackpot determination random number determination table 110 provided for each setting value is changed as a whole. The set value may be set in two to five stages instead of six stages, or only one set value may be provided.

[0038] In addition, when the power is on, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment stays in one of four control states: a playable state in which games can be played, a setting confirmation state in which the set setting values ​​can be checked, a setting change state in which the set setting values ​​can be changed, and a play-stop state in which games cannot be played, and setting values ​​cannot be checked or changed. When the control state of the pachinko machine P is in the setting change state, the set setting value can be changed (switched) by performing a predetermined operation. The storage and modification of set values, the control state set when the power is turned on, etc. will be described in detail later.

[0039] Main control board 100 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate-shaped board, and is a single-sided board (single-layer board) with wiring patterns provided on only one side, as shown in Fig. 5. Note that main control board 100 may also be a double-sided board (two-layer board) with wiring patterns provided on both sides.

[0040] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the surface of the main control board 100 is provided with a one-chip main IC 104 which integrates a main CPU 101, a main ROM 102, and a main RAM 103, as well as several other ICs, a main information display device 105, a connector 106, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, etc.

[0041] The main CPU 101 is a device that performs various arithmetic processing. The main ROM 102 is a device (Read Only Memory) that has a storage area for storing spec codes that indicate the specifications of the pachinko machine P (such as the high and low probability of winning a jackpot, the method of determining the game status after the special game ends, etc.), control programs required for the game, tables, etc. (such as the jackpot determination random number determination table 110 and winning symbol random number determination table 111, which will be described later). The main RAM 103 is a device (Read Write Memory) that can store the above-mentioned setting values, the control status of the pachinko machine P, various data related to the progress of the game, etc., and also has a readable and writable storage area that is used for storing temporary data during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 101. The main CPU 101 reads out control programs and tables stored in the main ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing based on signals from various sensors and timers described below, and also performs processing such as controlling various devices connected to the main CPU 101 and sending commands to other boards (such as the sub-control board 300) based on the results of the arithmetic processing.

[0042] Also, although not specifically shown, the memory area of ​​the main RAM 103 in this embodiment is broadly divided into a used area, which is the area between a predetermined starting address (for example, F00H (alphanumeric characters with an "H" at the end are written in hexadecimal; the same applies below)) and a predetermined final address (for example, F200H), and an unused area, which is the area between a specific starting address (for example, F300H) that is a predetermined distance (for example, 16 bytes) or more away from the final address of the used area and a specific final address (for example, F400H).

[0043] Furthermore, although not specifically shown, the use area includes four areas, namely, a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, which are arranged in order from a predetermined start address to a predetermined end address. The first area stores setting values ​​and a gaming machine status flag indicating the current control status (playable status, setting confirmation status, setting change status, gaming stopped status). The second area stores a checksum of the main RAM 103 calculated when the power is turned off and a backup flag for determining whether there is an abnormality in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed when the power is turned off. The third area stores information on errors that have occurred in the pachinko machine P. In addition, the fourth area stores various data related to the progress of the game (information on the special symbols during the change described below, the launch position of the game ball (the game area 12 from which the game ball is launched), the number of reserved first special symbols, the number of reserved second special symbols, the number of probability changes, the number of time-saving times, execution phase data showing the progress of the special symbol game, the number of reserved normal symbols, normal symbol execution phase data showing the progress of the normal symbol game, information that the special symbol is not changing, etc.). Note that the data stored in the fourth area is not limited to these, and for example, in a pachinko machine P that is set so that a special change pattern is determined when the number of changes after the special game ends reaches a specific number, information on the specific number of times described above may be stored.

[0044] Furthermore, the unused area stores data such as the number of balls fired and the number of prize balls paid out since the start of play in the initial state after shipping from the factory, etc. Specifically, the total number of prize balls based on game balls entering the general prize opening 14, the first start prize opening 15, the second start prize opening 16, and the large prize opening 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of prize balls), the total number of prize balls based on game balls entering the large prize opening 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of prize balls for special electric devices), the total number of prize balls based on game balls entering the first start prize opening 15, the second start prize opening 16, and the large prize opening 18 (hereinafter referred to as the total number of prize balls for devices), etc. are stored. In this unused area, information about the game, such as the payout rate, special electric device ratio, and device ratio, is calculated based on data such as the number of balls fired and the number of winning balls mentioned above. Here, the payout rate is the ratio of the total number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, and is a value calculated by dividing the total number of winning balls by the number of balls fired. The special electric device ratio is the ratio of the total number of winning balls for special electric devices to the total number of winning balls, and is a value calculated by dividing the total number of winning balls for special electric devices by the total number of winning balls. The device ratio is the ratio of the total number of winning balls for devices to the total number of winning balls, and is a value calculated by dividing the total number of winning balls for devices by the total number of winning balls.

[0045] It should be noted that the data stored in the unused area is not limited to these, and for example, the total number of prize balls based on the number of game balls entering the general prize opening 14 may be stored. In addition, in this specification, data such as the number of balls fired and the number of prize balls paid out stored in the above-mentioned unused area is also referred to as "game performance data," and information regarding the game, such as the above-mentioned payout rate, is also referred to as "game performance display information."

[0046] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a difference ball count value used for operation stop control based on the difference ball count (hereinafter also referred to as difference ball operation stop control) described later, and difference ball operation stop control phase data for setting various states related to the difference ball operation stop control (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, activation state described later) are stored in a specific area in the out-of-use area. Note that the difference ball count value and the difference ball operation stop control phase data may be stored in any of the first to fourth areas described above, rather than being stored in the out-of-use area. The difference ball operation stop control will be described in detail later.

[0047] The main information display device 105 is a device that displays various types of information and is composed of four 7-segment displays with decimal points arranged side by side. In this embodiment, the main information display device 105 does not incorporate a processing device such as a CPU that performs its own calculation processing on the received data, and only displays information based on the data received from the main IC 104. Specifically, during the setting confirmation state or the setting change state, the setting values ​​stored in the use area (first area) of the main RAM 103 are displayed. Also, during the playable state, the game performance display information stored in the non-use area of ​​the main RAM 103 is displayed. Also, during the game stop state or if an error occurs in the pachinko machine P, a code indicating that fact is displayed. Note that main information display device 105 may not be configured with a 7-segment display, but may be configured with a liquid crystal display, a dot matrix display, etc. Also, main information display device 105 may have other devices built in as long as it does not have a built-in device that processes data received from main IC 104 independently, and may, for example, have a built-in driver circuit or the like for controlling the operation of main information display device 105.

[0048] The connectors 106 are for connecting various harnesses, cables, etc., and a plurality of connectors are provided on the surface of the main control board 100. Furthermore, the setting switch 108 is referenced to set the control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stop state) when the power is turned on. This setting switch 108 is provided with an operating unit (not specifically shown) with a keyhole, and is configured so that it can be rotated when a predetermined key is inserted into this keyhole. Normally, the setting switch 108 is off, but when rotated, the setting switch 108 turns on. The RAM clear switch 109 is used to clear various data stored in the main RAM 103 and to change setting values. This RAM clear switch 109 is provided with a push button 109a (see FIG. 5) that can be pressed, and when this push button 109a is not pressed, the RAM clear switch 109 is turned off, but when the push button 109a is pressed, the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on.

[0049] In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the power is turned on from off (recovered from a power outage), one of the control states is set depending on the control state that was in place before the power was turned off (immediately before the power outage occurred), whether the setting switch 108 is on or off at the time the power is turned on (when the power is restored from the power outage), whether the RAM clear switch 109 is on or off, whether the main frame open detection sensor 2a described below is on or off (i.e., whether the main frame 2 is open or closed), whether an abnormality has occurred in the backup process of the main RAM 103 that is performed at the time the power is turned off, and whether an abnormality has occurred in the main RAM 103. Then, by operating the push button 109a (turning on the RAM clear switch 109) during the setting change state, the setting value can be changed (switched). As described above, the setting value is stored in the usage area of ​​the main RAM 103, and when the setting value is changed, the setting value stored in the usage area of ​​the main RAM 103 is changed.

[0050] In this embodiment, the main RAM 103 stores not only the above-mentioned game performance data and setting values, but also various data related to the progress of the game (the number of first special charts reserved, the number of second special charts reserved, execution phase data indicating the progress of the special chart game, the number of regular charts reserved, regular chart execution phase data indicating the progress of the regular chart game, etc.). The devices and electronic components provided on the surface of the main control board 100 are not limited to those described above, and for example, switches may be provided for displaying various information on the main information display device 105 or for switching the display content. Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, both clearing of data stored in the main RAM 103 and changing of set values ​​are performed by operating the RAM clear switch 109, but this is not limited to this. For example, a setting change switch separate and independent from the RAM clear switch 109 may be provided, and the RAM clear switch 109 may be set to be used to clear data stored in the main RAM 103, and the setting change switch may be set to be used to change set values.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 100 is provided with a general prize opening detection sensor 14a for detecting that a game ball has entered the general prize opening 14, a first start prize opening detection sensor 15a for detecting that a game ball has entered the first start prize opening 15, a second start prize opening detection sensor 16a for detecting that a game ball has entered the second start prize opening 16, a special prize opening detection sensor 18a for detecting that a game ball has entered the special prize opening 18, and a gate 20 for detecting that a game ball has entered the special prize opening 20. Connected to the gate detection sensor 20a are a gate detection sensor 20a that detects when the gate has passed, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, a magnetic detection sensor 70a that detects magnetism directed toward the game board 11, a radio wave detection sensor 71a that detects radio waves irradiated to specific locations on the game board 11 (first start winning port 15, second start winning port 16, large winning port 18, etc.), and a vibration detection sensor 72 that detects vibrations caused by fraudulent acts such as shaking the pachinko machine P. The detection signals output from these detection sensors and signals indicating the on / off status of each switch are input to the main control board 100.

[0052] When the magnetic detection sensor 70a detects magnetism, it turns on and outputs a magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100. While the magnetic field is being detected, the magnetic detection signal is output continuously. When the magnetic detection sensor 70a no longer detects magnetism, it turns off and stops outputting the magnetic detection signal to the main control board 100. Furthermore, when the radio wave detection sensor 71a detects radio waves, it turns on and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100. While radio waves are being detected, the radio wave detection signal is output continuously. When the radio wave detection sensor 71a no longer detects radio waves, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the main control board 100. Furthermore, when the vibration detection sensor 72 detects that the pachinko machine P is vibrating, it turns on and outputs a vibration detection signal to the main control board 100, and while vibration is being detected, the vibration detection signal is output continuously. When the vibration detection sensor 72 no longer detects vibrations of the pachinko machine P, it turns off and stops outputting the vibration detection signal to the main control board 100.

[0053] The special prize opening detection sensor 18a is provided on the path from the special prize opening 18 to the special prize opening discharge port. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time from when a gaming ball enters the special prize opening 18 until the gaming ball is detected by the special prize opening detection sensor 18a is approximately 0.5 seconds.

[0054] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to the following devices to be controlled: a start prize opening solenoid 16c that drives the movable piece 16b of the second start prize opening 16 to open and close; a large prize opening solenoid 18c that drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large prize opening 18 to open and close; a first special pattern display device 30; a second special pattern display device 31; a normal pattern display device 32; a first special pattern reserve display device 38; a second special pattern reserve display device 39; a normal pattern reserve display device 33; and a main information display device 105. The main control board 100 drives each solenoid to control the opening and closing of the second start winning opening 16 and the large winning opening 18, and also controls the display of each display device.

[0055] (Outline of the firing and dispensing control board 200) The launch payout control board 200 mainly controls the payout of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into various winning ports, and game balls that are loaned out based on the player's specified operations, as well as the launch of game balls. As shown in FIG. 6, the shot payout control board 200 includes a payout CPU 201, a payout ROM 202, and a payout RAM 203, and is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

[0056] Specifically, the launch / payout control board 200 and the main control board 100 are connected by two signal lines (hereinafter referred to as launch / payout control transmission signal lines) used for transmission from the main control board 100 to the launch / payout control board 200, and two signal lines (hereinafter referred to as main control transmission signal lines) used for transmission from the launch / payout control board 200 to the main control board 100. One of the two launch / dispense control transmission signal lines is used to transmit a main command permission signal indicating that the main control board 100 is in a state where it can receive various commands and various signals, and the other is used to transmit various signals other than the various commands and main command permission signal. Also, one of the two main control transmission signal lines is used to transmit a dispense command permission signal indicating that the launch / dispense control board 200 is in a state where it can receive various commands and various signals, and the other is used to transmit various signals other than the various commands and dispense command permission signal.

[0057] In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, between the time the power is turned off and the time it is turned on again (during a power outage), the main control board 100 is not in a state where it can receive various commands, and the launch and payout control board 200 is not in a state where it can receive various commands, and the transmission of the main command permission signal and the payout command permission signal is prohibited (both the main command permission signal and the payout command permission signal are off). Then, when the power is turned on (restored after a power outage), the main control board 100 performs an initial setting process described below, after which the main control board 100 becomes able to receive various commands and signals, and starts transmitting a main command permission signal (the main command permission signal turns on), and the launch / dispense control board 200 performs an initial setting process described below, after which the launch / dispense control board 200 becomes able to receive various commands and signals, and starts transmitting a dispense command permission signal (the dispense command permission signal turns on). While the power is on, the main command permission signal and the dispense command permission signal are transmitted continuously.

[0058] When various commands and signals are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the launch / dispense control board 200, the main control board 100 determines whether or not a dispense command permission signal has been transmitted (whether or not the dispense command permission signal is on) before the transmission. If it is determined that a dispense command permission signal has been transmitted, various commands and signals are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the launch / dispense control board 200, and if it is determined that a dispense command permission signal has not been transmitted, various commands and signals are not transmitted from the main control board 100 to the launch / dispense control board 200. Similarly, when various commands and signals are transmitted from the launch / dispense control board 200 to the main control board 100, the launch / dispense control board 200 determines whether or not a main command permission signal has been transmitted (whether or not the main command permission signal is on) before the transmission. If it is determined that a main command permission signal has been transmitted, various commands and signals are transmitted from the launch / dispense control board 200 to the main control board 100, and if it is determined that a main command permission signal has not been transmitted, various commands and signals are not transmitted from the launch / dispense control board 200 to the main control board 100.

[0059] Furthermore, when the power is turned on, both the main control board 100 and the launch / dispense control board 200 monitor the output of a power interruption occurrence signal (occurrence of a power interruption) until a predetermined power interruption monitoring time (3000 ms for the main control board 100, 100 ms for the launch / dispense control board 200) has elapsed, and the above-mentioned initial setting process is performed after the above-mentioned power interruption monitoring time has elapsed without the power interruption occurrence signal being output. As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the power interruption monitoring time set in the main control board 100 is longer than the power interruption monitoring time set in the firing / payout control board 200. Therefore, the transmission of the payout command permission signal starts before the transmission of the main command permission signal starts, and communication between the main control board 100 and the firing / payout control board 200 is in a standby state until the transmission of the main command permission signal starts.

[0060] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, although not specifically shown, when the power is turned on and the transmission of the main command permission signal and the payout command permission signal begins, a main startup information designation command indicating that the main control board 100 has started is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the launch payout control board 200. Furthermore, when the main startup information designation command is received by the launch payout control board 200, a payout startup designation command indicating that the launch payout control board 200 is now able to pay out game balls is transmitted from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100. Furthermore, when the payout startup designation command is received by the main control board 100, a payout startup confirmation designation command indicating that the launch payout control board 200 has grasped that it is now able to pay out game balls is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the launch payout control board 200. Then, after the payout start confirmation designation command is received by the launch payout control board 200, the launch payout control board 200 can control the payout of game balls. In other words, after the power is turned on, the main control board 100 and the launch / payout control board 200 exchange a main startup information designation command, a payout startup designation command, and a payout startup confirmation designation command, and then the launch / payout control board 200 can control the payout of game balls. In addition, when the dispensing start confirmation designation command is received by the launch / dispensing control board 200, a status command indicating the status of the launch / dispensing control board 200 is sent from the launch / dispensing control board 200 to the main control board 100. In addition, among the main startup information designation command, payout startup designation command, and payout startup confirmation designation command exchanged between the main control board 100 and the launch / payout control board 200, the main startup information designation command and payout startup confirmation designation command sent from the main control board 100 to the launch / payout control board 200 are sent by the payout control process (step 207) described below, which is executed by the main CPU 101.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the launch and payout control board 200 is connected with the following devices for controlling the launch of game balls: a touch sensor 5a that detects when a player touches the operating handle 5; an operating volume 5b that detects the operating angle (rotation angle) of the operating handle 5; a launch stop switch 5c that stops the launch of game balls; a ball feed solenoid 60 that sends game balls held in the upper tray 6 to a launch device (not shown); a launch motor 61 that launches game balls; and a launched ball detection sensor 64 that detects when a game ball has been launched by the launch motor 61. Control signals output from the touch sensor 5a, the operating volume 5b, and the launch stop switch 5c are input to the launch and payout control board 200.

[0062] Here, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, while the control state is in a playable state, a launch permission signal indicating that game balls can be launched is continuously transmitted from the main control board 100 to the launch / payout control board 200, and when the control state becomes a play-stop state, the transmission of the launch permission signal is stopped. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as will be described later, the launch payout control board 200 and the game ball dispenser R are connected via the game ball dispenser control board 400. When the power is on and the launch payout control board 200 and the game ball dispenser R are connected (the harness is not disconnected, there is no disconnection, and communication is possible), regardless of the control state, a connection flag indicating that the above-mentioned connection has been made and stored in the payout RAM 203 is turned on (the connection signal is on). In other words, regardless of whether the control state is a playable state or a game stopped state, if the launch payout control board 200 and the game ball dispenser R are connected, the connection flag is turned on. In contrast, when the power is off or the launch / payout control board 200 and the game ball lending device R are not connected (the harness is disconnected or broken, making communication impossible), the connection flag is off (the connection signal is off).

[0063] When a launch permission signal is sent to the launch / payout control board 200 and the connection flag is on, and control signals from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b are input to the launch / payout control board 200, control is performed to energize the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 to launch the gaming ball. On the other hand, even if a launch permission signal is sent and the connection flag is on and control signals from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b are input to the launch / payout control board 200, when a control signal from the launch stop switch 5c is input to the launch / payout control board 200, control is performed to stop the energization of the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 to stop the launch of the gaming ball. Furthermore, when the launch permission signal is not sent or the connection flag is off, even if control signals from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b are input to the launch payout control board 200, the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 are not energized, and no control is performed to launch the game ball.

[0064] 6, the launch payout control board 200 is connected to a payout motor 62 that pays out game balls stored in a game ball storage section (not specifically shown) and a payout counting switch 63 that detects and counts the paid out game balls, as devices for controlling the payout of game balls. Also, although not specifically shown, the payout counting switch 63 has a built-in payout radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves irradiated to the switch. When the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command transmitted from the main control board 100, the launch payout control board 200 controls the payout motor 62 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) based on the prize ball designation command. At this time, the number of paid-out game balls is counted by the payout counting switch 63, making it possible to determine whether the predetermined number of game balls have been paid out.

[0065] Here, the launch payout control board 200 in this embodiment transmits a received prize ball signal and a paid prize ball signal as signals related to the payout of game balls (prize balls) to the external information terminal board 500. As a result, these signals are transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P (such as an external information display device or hall computer that displays information such as the number of fluctuations and the number of jackpots) via the external information terminal board 500.

[0066] The received prize ball signal is transmitted each time the number of game balls to be paid out based on the prize ball designation command received from the main control board 100 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls), until a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms) has elapsed. In other words, the signal is not transmitted in response to the payout of game balls, but rather in response to the reception of a prize ball designation command. This allows a device external to the pachinko machine P to grasp the number of game balls to be paid out based on the received prize ball designation command in units of the predetermined number. Furthermore, the payout ball signal is transmitted each time the number of game balls actually paid out by the payout motor 62 (game balls counted by the payout counting switch 63) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls), until a predetermined time (for example, 1000 ms) has elapsed. In other words, the signal is transmitted when a game ball is paid out. This allows a device external to the pachinko machine P to grasp the number of game balls actually paid out in units of the predetermined number. The time at which the received prize ball signal is transmitted and the time at which the paid-out prize ball signal is transmitted may be the same or different.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the launch and payout control board 200 is connected to a main frame open detection sensor 2a that detects the open state of the main frame 2, a front door open detection sensor 3a that detects the open state of the front door 3, a tray full detection sensor 7a that detects the full state of the tray 7, an out sensor 19a that detects game balls that are received into the out port 19 or that enter each winning port and are guided to the back side of the game board 11 through the out passage, and an out port radio wave detection sensor 71b that detects radio waves irradiated to the out port 19.

[0068] The main body frame open detection sensor 2a turns on when it detects that the main body frame 2 is open, and outputs a main body frame open detection signal to the launch / dispense control board 200. The main body frame open detection signal is output continuously while the main body frame 2 is open. When the main body frame open detection signal is input, the launch / dispense control board 200 sends a main body frame open command to the main control board 100. In response to this, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a turns off when it no longer detects that the main body frame 2 is open, and stops outputting the main body frame open detection signal. When the input of the main body frame open detection signal stops, the firing and dispensing control board 200 determines that the main body frame 2 is closed, and stops sending the main body frame open command to the main control board 100.

[0069] The front door open detection sensor 3a turns on when it detects that the front door 3 is open, and outputs a door open detection signal to the shooting and dispensing control board 200. The door open detection signal is output continuously while the front door 3 is open. Then, when the door open detection signal is input, the shooting and dispensing control board 200 sends a door open command to the main control board 100. In response to this, the front door open detection sensor 3a turns off when it no longer detects that the front door 3 is open, and stops outputting the door open detection signal. When the input of the door open detection signal stops, the shooting and dispensing control board 200 determines that the front door 3 is closed, and stops sending the door open command to the main control board 100.

[0070] The tray full detection sensor 7a is provided at a predetermined position on the tray 7. When the tray 7 is filled with a predetermined amount of game balls to be paid out as prize balls, the stored game balls reach the predetermined position. The tray full detection sensor 7a turns on when it detects that the game balls have reached the predetermined position, and outputs a tray detection signal to the launch / payout control board 200. The tray detection signal is continuously output while the stored game balls are at the predetermined position. When the tray detection signal is input, the launch / payout control board 200 sends a tray full command to the main control board 100. In response to this, when the tray full detection sensor 7a no longer detects that the gaming ball has reached the predetermined position, it turns off and stops outputting the tray detection signal to the launch / payout control board 200. Then, when the input of the tray detection signal stops, the launch / payout control board 200 determines that the tray 7 full state has been released, and stops sending the tray full command to the main control board 100.

[0071] The out sensor 19a is provided in the out passage. The out sensor 19a turns on every time it detects a game ball that is received by the out port 19 or enters one of the winning ports and passes through the out passage, and outputs an out signal to the launch / payout control board 200. The launch / payout control board 200 then transmits an out command to the main control board 100 every time an out signal is input.

[0072] The outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b is provided at a predetermined position around the outlet 19. Furthermore, outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b turns on when it detects radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the shooting and dispensing control board 200, and while it is detecting radio waves, it continuously outputs a radio wave detection signal. In contrast, outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b turns off when it no longer detects radio waves and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the shooting and dispensing control board 200.

[0073] As described above, the dispensing radio wave detection sensor is built into the dispensing counting switch 63. In addition, the dispensing radio wave detection sensor turns on when it detects radio waves and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the dispensing control board 200. While it is detecting radio waves, it continuously outputs the radio wave detection signal. In contrast, when the dispensing radio wave detection sensor no longer detects radio waves, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the dispensing control board 200.

[0074] As described above, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected to a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R. As shown in Figure 6, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected via the game ball lending control board 400 to a value information display device 35, a ball lending switch 36a that detects the pressing operation of the ball lending button 36, and a card return switch 37a that detects the pressing operation of the card return button 37. In addition, these devices may be connected directly to the launch and payout control board 200 rather than being connected to the launch and payout control board 200 via the game ball lending control board 400.

[0075] Then, when a card storing value information for allowing game balls to be loaned (i.e., a card with a balance) is inserted into the game ball loaning device R and recognized, a value information signal indicating the value information is transmitted from the game ball loaning device R to the value information display device 35 via the launch / payout control board 200 and the game ball loaning control board 400. As a result, the value information display device 35 displays value information corresponding to the received value information signal.

[0076] In addition, when a card storing value information for lending game balls is inserted into the game ball lending device R and recognized, and the ball lending button 36 is pressed, a detection signal output from the ball lending switch 36a is transmitted to the game ball lending device R via the game ball lending control board 400 and the launch and payout control board 200. Upon receiving the above-mentioned detection signal, the game ball lending device R performs a process of subtracting predetermined value information from the stored value information, and sends a loan ball payout command to the launch payout control board 200 to pay out the number of game balls (for example, 125) corresponding to the subtracted value information as loan balls, and also sends a subtraction command corresponding to the subtracted value information to the value information display device 35 via the launch payout control board 200 and the game ball lending control board 400. Then, when a loan ball payout command is received, the shot payout control board 200 performs control to pay out the number of game balls (for example, 125) corresponding to the subtracted value information. Also, when a subtraction command is received, the value information display device 35 updates and displays the value information after the subtraction.

[0077] Here, while the power is on, the launch / payout control board 200 is configured to continuously transmit the above-mentioned payout command permission signal that is transmitted to the main control board 100 to the game ball lending device R as well. When the game ball lending device R receives a payout command permission signal, it transmits a lending / payout command to the launch / payout control board 200, but when it does not receive a payout command permission signal, it does not transmit a lending / payout command to the launch / payout control board 200.

[0078] When the card return button 37 is pressed, a detection signal output from the card return switch 37a is input to the launch / payout control board 200, and the launch / payout control board 200 transmits a return request signal requesting the return of the card to the game ball lending device R. When the game ball lending device R receives the return request signal, the game ball lending device R is controlled to dispense the card.

[0079] In addition, the game ball lending device R may also control the card to be ejected when a card that does not have value information stored therein that allows game balls to be loaned out (i.e., a card with no balance) is inserted into the game ball lending device R, or when the specified value information is subtracted by pressing the ball lending button 36, resulting in all of the value information stored on the card being lost (i.e., when the card has no balance).

[0080] As described above, the launch payout control board 200 controls both the payout of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into various winning ports (general winning port 14, first start winning port 15, second start winning port 16, large winning port 18), and the payout of game balls (loan balls) loaned out based on the player's operation.

[0081] In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, errors related to the equipment connected to the launch payout control board 200 (hereinafter also referred to as payout-related errors) may occur, such as a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a radio wave error, a payout motor error, a main control connection error, and a door open error. The launch payout control board 200 determines (detects) the occurrence of payout-related errors, such as a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a radio wave error, a payout motor error, and a main control connection error, based on the operating status of the above-mentioned switch connected to the launch payout control board 200, and the various signals output to the launch payout control board 200 from the above-mentioned sensor connected to the launch payout control board 200. In this specification, determining whether an error has occurred does not only mean specifically determining whether an error has occurred based on the operating status of the switch and detection by various sensors (for example, the dispensing radio wave detection sensor, the main frame opening detection sensor 2a, etc.), but also means detecting the operating status of the switch and detection by various sensors.

[0082] A ball-out error occurs when there are no game balls stored in the game ball storage section. The launch / payout control board 200 determines that a ball-out error has occurred when the payout motor 62 is operating to pay out game balls, but the payout counting switch 63 does not count the game balls for a predetermined period of time. When a ball-out error occurs, a ball-out error command indicating this is sent from the launch / payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of the ball-out error. Furthermore, when a ball out error occurs, the launch payout control board 200 does not perform control to stop the payout operation of game balls. Therefore, since there are no game balls stored, no payout of game balls is performed, but the operation of the payout motor 62 continues.

[0083] A full tank error is an error that occurs when the tray 7 is full. When a tray detection signal is input, the launch / dispense control board 200 determines that a full tank error has occurred. When a full tank error occurs, a full tank error command indicating this is sent from the launch / dispense control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of a full tank error. Furthermore, when a full tank error occurs, control is performed to stop the payout operation of game balls on the launch payout control board 200. For example, if a full tank error occurs while game balls are being paid out, the payout is stopped, and no prize balls are paid out even if a prize ball designation command is received from the main control board 100 during the full tank error.

[0084] A payout counting switch error is an error that occurs when the payout counting switch 63 does not operate due to a broken harness or the like. The launch payout control board 200 determines that a payout counting switch error has occurred when it is unable to confirm the operation of the payout counting switch 63. When a payout counting switch error occurs, a payout counting switch error command indicating this is sent from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to grasp the occurrence of a payout counting switch error. Furthermore, when a payout counting switch error occurs, the launch payout control board 200 performs control to stop the payout operation of the game balls, just as when a full tank error occurs.

[0085] A ball jam error is an error that occurs when an operational malfunction occurs in the payout motor 62. The launch / payout control board 200 determines that a ball jam error has occurred when the payout motor 62 receives an activation signal but does not operate. When a ball jam error occurs, a ball jam error command indicating this is sent from the launch / payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of a ball jam error. In addition, when a ball jam error occurs, the launch payout control board 200 performs control to stop the payout operation of the game balls, just as when a full tank error or a payout counting switch error occurs.

[0086] An excess prize ball error is an error that occurs when game balls are dispensed despite the fact that a prize ball designation command has not been received, or when more game balls are dispensed than the number of game balls scheduled to be dispensed based on the received prize ball designation command. The launch payout control board 200 determines that an excess prize ball error has occurred when the number of game balls dispensed despite not being scheduled reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). When an excess prize ball error occurs, an excess prize ball error command indicating this is sent from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of the excess prize ball error. In addition, even if an excess prize ball error occurs, the launch payout control board 200 does not perform control to stop the payout operation of the game balls, just as it does when a ball shortage error occurs. Therefore, the payout motor 62 continues to operate, thereby paying out game balls.

[0087] A radio wave error is an error that occurs when radio wave irradiation is detected. The release / dispense control board 200 determines that a radio wave error has occurred when a radio wave detection signal is input from the outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b or the dispensing radio wave detection sensor. When a radio wave error occurs, a radio wave error command indicating this is sent from the release / dispense control board 200 to the main control board 100, so that the main control board 100 can recognize the occurrence of the radio wave error. Furthermore, when a radio wave error occurs, the launch and payout control board 200 does not perform control to stop the payout operation of game balls, just as it does when a ball out error or an excess prize ball error occurs. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a radio wave detection signal is input from the outlet radio wave detection sensor 71b and when a radio wave detection signal is input from the payout radio wave detection sensor, it is determined that a radio wave error has occurred in the firing / payout control board 200, and the above-mentioned control is performed, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined that a radio wave error has occurred in the firing / payout control board 200 in only one of the cases, and the above-mentioned control is performed. In this case, it is desirable to determine that a radio wave error has occurred in the main control board 100 in the other case.

[0088] A payout motor error is an error that occurs when the payout motor 62 does not operate due to a broken harness or the like. The launch payout control board 200 determines that a payout motor error has occurred when it is no longer possible to confirm the operation of the payout motor 62. When a payout motor error occurs, a payout motor error command indicating this is sent from the launch payout control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of a payout motor error. Furthermore, when a payout motor error occurs, the launch payout control board 200 does not perform control to stop the payout operation of the game balls, just as it does when a ball out error, excess prize ball error, or radio wave error occurs.

[0089] A main control connection error is an error that occurs when there is no connection with the main control board 100. The launch / dispense control board 200 determines that a main control connection error has occurred when it is unable to receive a main command permission signal or send a dispense command permission signal. When a main control connection error occurs, a main control connection error indicating this is sent from the launch / dispense control board 200 to the main control board 100, allowing the main control board 100 to recognize the occurrence of the main control connection error. Furthermore, when a main control connection error occurs, the launch payout control board 200 does not perform control to stop the payout operation of the game balls, just as it does when a ball out error, excess prize ball error, radio wave error, or payout motor error occurs.

[0090] Furthermore, among the dispensing-related errors, the door open error is an error that occurs when the main frame 2 or the front door 3 is open. As described above, the main frame opening detection sensor 2a that detects the opening of the main frame 2 and the front door opening detection sensor 3a that detects the opening of the front door 3 are both connected to the firing and dispensing control board 200, but the determination of the occurrence of a door opening error is made by the main control board 100, not the firing and dispensing control board 200. Specifically, when the main control board 100 receives at least one of a main frame open command transmitted from the launch / dispense control board 200 upon input of a main frame open detection signal to the launch / dispense control board 200, or a front door open command transmitted from the launch / dispense control board 200 upon input of a front door open detection signal to the launch / dispense control board 200, the main control board 100 determines that a door open error has occurred. When it is determined that a door opening error has occurred, the main control board 100 transmits a payout stop command to the launch payout control board 200 to stop the control of the payout operation of the game balls. As a result, the launch payout control board 200 performs control to stop the payout operation of the game balls while the door opening error is occurring.

[0091] In addition, among the dispensing-related errors, the errors whose occurrence is determined by the main control board 100 are not limited to door open errors, and the occurrence of other errors may also be determined by the main control board 100. In addition, the main control board 100 is also configured to determine the occurrence of errors related to the equipment connected to the main control board 100 (such as an abnormal winning error that occurs when an excessive number of game balls enter the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16, or the large winning port 18, and an illegal winning error that occurs when a game ball enters the large winning port 18 other than when a special game is being played; hereinafter referred to as a main control-related error).

[0092] (Outline of the sub-control board 300) The sub-control board 300 controls the effects that are executed during play, standby, etc. As shown in Figure 6, this sub-control board 300 is equipped with a sub-CPU 301 that performs various calculation processes, a sub-ROM 302 that stores control programs for executing performances, data and tables necessary for executing performances, and a sub-RAM 303 that is used as a temporary storage area during calculation processes, and is connected so that communication is possible in one direction from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300.

[0093] In addition, based on commands sent from the main control board 100 and signals from the timer, the sub-CPU 301 reads out the control program stored in the sub-ROM 302 and performs arithmetic processing, and also sends commands for executing the performance to an image control board (not specifically shown) for controlling image display, an audio control board (not specifically shown) for controlling audio output, an illumination control board (not specifically shown) for controlling the lighting of various lamps, and an operation control board (not specifically shown) for controlling the movement of the paraphernalia performance device YS. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the audio control board and the lighting control board are provided separately, but it is also possible to provide a single board (audio and lighting control board) that combines the functions of these boards, and to use this board to control both audio output and lighting.

[0094] The sub-control board 300 is also connected to the performance display device 21 via an image control board, and to the audio output device 10 via an audio control board. The sub-control board 300 is also connected, via an illumination control board, to the front door performance lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, the board performance lamp GL, the right-hit notification lamp RL, a rotation operation detection sensor 9c that detects the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a, and a press operation detection sensor 9d that detects the press operation of the operation button 9b. The sub-control board 300 is also connected to the drive motor M via an operation control board.

[0095] Although not specifically shown, the image control board is equipped with an image CPU, image ROM, image RAM, etc. The image ROM of this image control board stores image data such as the designs and backgrounds to be displayed on the performance display device 21. Then, based on commands sent from the sub-control board 300, the image CPU controls the image display by the performance display device 21 by storing the image data read from the image ROM in the image RAM.

[0096] Although not specifically shown, the audio control board includes a sound chip (CPU), sound ROM, sound RAM, etc. The sound ROM stores sound data such as audio and background music output from the audio output device 10. Based on commands sent from the sub-control board 300, the sound data read from the sound ROM is stored in the sound RAM, thereby controlling the audio output from the audio output device 10.

[0097] The illumination control board controls the turning on and off of the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, the board effect lamp GL, and the right-hit notification lamp RL based on commands from the sub-control board 300. In addition, when the illumination control board receives a rotation operation detection signal output from the rotation operation detection sensor 9c based on the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a, or a pressing operation detection signal output from the pressing operation detection sensor 9d based on the pressing operation of the operation button 9b, it transmits a predetermined command to the sub-control board 300.

[0098] The operation control board controls the driving of the drive motor M based on commands from the sub-control board 300. When the drive motor M is driven, the stage prop device YS moves up and down.

[0099] (Outline of power supply board 600) The power supply board 600 supplies power to each board, such as the main control board 100, the launch / payout control board 200, and the sub-control board 300. This power supply board 600 is provided with a backup power supply. The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is also provided with a power interruption detection circuit for detecting the voltage value of the power supplied from the power supply board 600. This power supply detection circuit determines that a power interruption has occurred when the voltage value of the supplied power falls below a predetermined value (for example, when the power switch 650 is turned off or an unexpected power interruption has occurred), and transmits a power interruption occurrence signal to the main control board 100 and the launch / payout control board 200. Furthermore, when the voltage value exceeds a predetermined value (for example, when the power switch 650 is turned on or when power is restored from an unexpected power interruption), it determines that power has been restored from the power interruption, and stops transmitting the power interruption occurrence signal to the main control board 100 and the launch / payout control board 200.

[0100] When the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 detects a power outage signal (when a power outage has occurred), it prohibits access to the main RAM 103, calculates the checksum of the main RAM 103 (used area and unused area), sets a backup flag, and performs backup processing to retain various data stored in the memory area of ​​the main RAM 103 (setting values, gaming machine status flag indicating the control status, checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game (number of first special charts reserved, number of second special charts reserved, execution phase data indicating the progress of special chart game, number of regular charts reserved, regular chart execution phase data indicating the progress of regular chart game), and game performance data). When the power outage signal is no longer detected (power is restored after power outage), the checksum calculated when the power outage occurred is compared with the checksum calculated when power is restored after power outage, and the backup flag set when power outage occurred is checked to determine whether or not there is an inconsistency between the data stored in main RAM 103 when power outage occurred and the data stored in main RAM 103 when power is restored after power outage (i.e., whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the above-mentioned backup processing), and then the processing when power is restored after power outage is executed.

[0101] Similarly, when the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 detects a power outage occurrence signal, it prohibits access to the payout RAM 203, calculates the checksum of the payout RAM 203, sets a backup flag, and performs backup processing to retain various data stored in the memory area of ​​the payout RAM 203. When the power outage occurrence signal is no longer detected, it compares the checksum calculated when the power outage occurred with the checksum calculated when the power is restored from the power outage, and checks the backup flag set when the power outage occurred, thereby determining whether or not there is an inconsistency between the data stored in the payout RAM 203 when the power outage occurred and the data stored in the payout RAM 203 when the power is restored from the power outage, and then the processing when the power is restored is executed. The processing performed when power is restored in the main control board 100 and the launch and payout control board 200 will be described in detail later.

[0102] Here, in order to prevent the processing when a power outage occurs from becoming complicated, the sub-control board 300 in this embodiment is not provided with a power outage detection circuit, and the above-mentioned backup processing is not performed on the sub-control board 300. Therefore, when power is restored after a power outage, the sub-CPU 301 controls the presentation based on the above-mentioned various commands sent from the main CPU 101, so that the appropriate presentation can be executed at that time.

[0103] Furthermore, when the main CPU 101 no longer detects the power interruption occurrence signal (recovery from power interruption), if a playable state or a setting change state described below is set, or if a setting confirmation state described below is set, at the time the setting confirmation state ends, the main CPU 101 transmits an initial processing execution signal to the sub-control board 300 to execute initial processing to stop the bonus item performance device YS at its initial position. Then, when this initial processing execution signal is received, the sub-control board 300 executes initial processing of the bonus item performance device YS. Specifically, when this initial processing is executed, the bonus effect device YS moves to a movable position and then moves to the initial position. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the time from the start to the end of the initial processing is 25 seconds.

[0104] (Overview of Pachinko Machine P) Next, the game in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment will be explained based on various tables stored in the main ROM 102. As described above, in this form of pachinko machine P, the special game and the regular game proceed in parallel. As the game state when these two games proceed, either a low probability game state (so-called non-probability game state) or a high probability game state (so-called probability game state) is set as a game state that is a combination of either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the game state is set to either a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a non-time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the normal game state), or a game state that combines a high-probability game state and a time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the high-probability time-saving game state).

[0105] Here, the low-probability gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot through a jackpot lottery, which will be described later, is set to a predetermined value. The high-probability gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot through a jackpot lottery is set to a higher value than in the low-probability gaming state. In other words, it is easier to win a jackpot through a jackpot lottery in the high-probability gaming state than in the low-probability gaming state. Moreover, the non-time-shortened gaming state is a gaming state in which the movable piece 16b is less likely to open (i.e., the second start winning port 16 is less likely to be in an open state), and it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second start winning port 16. Moreover, the time-shortened gaming state is a gaming state in which the movable piece 16b is more likely to open (i.e., the second start winning port 16 is more likely to be in an open state) than the non-time-shortened gaming state, and it is easy for a gaming ball to enter the second start winning port 16. In addition, the normal game mode is set in the initial state immediately after shipping from the factory or after resetting.

[0106] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a lottery for a jackpot is held when a game ball that is launched by a launching device (not shown) and flows down the game area 12 enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16. If a jackpot is won in this lottery, the big winning opening 18 is opened and a special game is executed in which the game ball can be allowed to enter the big winning opening 18, and furthermore, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high probability time-shortened game state.

[0107] Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a game ball flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning hole 15. Also, a game ball flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the big winning hole 18, pass through the gate 20, and enter the second start winning hole 16. During the normal game state, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (a so-called left shot) so that the game ball will enter the first start winning hole 15, and during the high probability time-saving game state and the special game state, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (a so-called right shot) so that the game ball will enter the big winning hole 18 or pass through the gate 20 and enter the second start winning hole 16. Specifically, during the high-probability time-shortening game state and during the special game state, a display instructing that the game ball should be shot toward the second game area 12b is displayed on the effect display device 21, and when the normal game state is set, a display instructing that the game ball should be shot toward the first game area 12a is displayed on the effect display device 21. Also, during the high-probability time-shortening game state and during the special game state, the right-hit notification lamp RL is lit, and during the normal game state, the right-hit notification lamp RL is turned off.

[0108] In addition, the lottery for the jackpot is conducted based on various random numbers obtained when a game ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, and various tables stored in the main ROM 102 for determining the random numbers. Here, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment has, as random numbers used in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot determination random number used to determine a jackpot, a winning pattern random number used to determine the type of special pattern, as well as a variation mode number for determining the pattern of the above-mentioned variable presentation (hereinafter referred to as the variable presentation pattern), a reach group determination random number used to determine the variable pattern number, a reach mode determination random number and a variable pattern random number. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the random number for determining a jackpot is a hardware random number built into the main control board 100. This random number for determining a jackpot is updated according to a set rule, and the random number sequence is automatically changed every time the random number sequence completes one cycle, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset. Furthermore, the random numbers used to determine the variable presentation pattern are not limited to the three types mentioned above; for example, other random numbers may be used in addition to these random numbers, or any one or more of these random numbers may be used.

[0109] When a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a random number value is obtained for each of the above-mentioned random numbers, and each random number value is stored in a reserved memory area of ​​the main RAM 103. This reserved memory area is composed of a first reserved memory area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as first special random number) obtained by the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning port 15, and a second reserved memory area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as second special random number) obtained by the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning port 16. Each of these reserved memory areas is composed of a total of four memory units, from the first memory unit to the fourth memory unit, and is capable of storing a total of four sets of first special random numbers and a total of four sets of second special random numbers.

[0110] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning port 15, the first special symbol random number is stored in order from the first storage unit of the first reserve storage area. For example, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning port 15 in a state where the first special symbol random number is not stored in any storage unit of the first reserve storage area, the first special symbol random number acquired in response to this is stored in the first storage unit of the first reserve storage area. Also, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning port 15 in a state where the first special symbol random number is stored in the first storage unit of the first reserve storage area, the first special symbol random number acquired in response to this is stored in the second storage unit of the first reserve storage area. Furthermore, in a state where the first special chart random number is stored in the first memory section and the second memory section of the first reserved memory area, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special chart random number acquired in response to this is stored in the third memory section of the first reserved memory area. Also, in a state where the first special chart random number is stored in the first to third memory sections of the first reserved memory area, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special chart random number acquired in response to this is stored in the fourth memory section of the first reserved memory area. And, in a state where the first special chart random number is stored in the first to fourth memory sections of the first reserved memory area, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special chart random number related to this entry is not stored.

[0111] Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the second special random number is stored in the second reserved memory area in order from the first memory section. The specific storage process is the same as the storage of the first special random number described above, so the explanation will be omitted. In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of sets of first special chart random numbers stored in the first reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the first special chart reserve number) is stored in a first special chart reserve number counter (not specifically shown), and the number of sets of second special chart random numbers stored in the second reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the second special chart reserve number) is stored in a second special chart reserve number counter (not specifically shown). In this specification, as described above, the storage of the first special chart random number and the second special chart random number in the reserved memory area is also referred to as "reservation" or "reserved memory," and the first special chart reserved number and the second special chart reserved number are also simply referred to as "reserved number."

[0112] In addition, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment has, as tables related to the jackpot lottery, a jackpot determination random number determination table 110, a winning pattern random number determination table 111, a reach group determination random number determination table 112, a reach mode determination random number determination table 113, and a variation pattern lottery table 114. It should be noted that the tables for the lottery for the big win are not limited to these, and other tables may be provided as appropriate when it is necessary to make judgments or decisions based on random numbers.

[0113] The jackpot determination random number judgment table 110 is used to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred, and is broadly divided into a low probability judgment table that is referenced in a low probability game state, and a high probability judgment table that is referenced in a high probability game state. As shown in FIGS. 7(a) to (l), the low probability determination table and the high probability determination table each have six types corresponding to the currently set values. Specifically, the low probability judgment tables include a first low probability judgment table 110a that is referenced when the set value is "1", a second low probability judgment table 110b that is referenced when the set value is "2", a third low probability judgment table 110c that is referenced when the set value is "3", a fourth low probability judgment table 110d that is referenced when the set value is "4", a fifth low probability judgment table 110e that is referenced when the set value is "5", and a sixth low probability judgment table 110f that is referenced when the set value is "6". The high probability judgment tables include a first high probability judgment table 110g that is referenced when the set value is "1", a second high probability judgment table 110h that is referenced when the set value is "2", a third high probability judgment table 110i that is referenced when the set value is "3", a fourth high probability judgment table 110j that is referenced when the set value is "4", a fifth high probability judgment table 110k that is referenced when the set value is "5", and a sixth high probability judgment table 110l that is referenced when the set value is "6".

[0114] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, one jackpot determining random number is obtained within the numerical range of 0 to 65535. Then, one of the above-mentioned jackpot determining random number judgment tables 110 is selected according to the setting value set in the pachinko machine P and the game status at the time when the jackpot lottery is held, and the jackpot lottery is held based on the obtained jackpot determining random number and the selected jackpot determining random number judgment table 110.

[0115] 7(a), according to the first low probability determination table 110a, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10205, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 10206 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this first low probability determination table 110a is approximately 1 / 319.7.

[0116] 7(b), according to the second low probability determination table 110b, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10208, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 10209 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this second low probability determination table 110b is approximately 1 / 315.1.

[0117] 7(c), according to the third low probability determination table 110c, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10212, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than these (0 to 10000, 10213 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot according to this third low probability determination table 110c is approximately 1 / 309.1.

[0118] 7(d), according to the fourth low probability determination table 110d, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10215, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 10216 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this fourth low probability determination table 110d is approximately 1 / 304.8.

[0119] 7(e), according to the fifth low probability determination table 110e, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10219, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 10220 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this fifth low probability determination table 110e is approximately 1 / 299.2.

[0120] 7(f), according to the sixth low probability determination table 110f, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10223, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than these (0 to 10000, 10224 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this sixth low probability determination table 110a is approximately 1 / 293.9.

[0121] As shown in Figure 7(g), according to the first high probability determination table 110g, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11024, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than these (0 to 10000, 11025 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot according to this first high probability determination table 110g is 1 / 64.0.

[0122] As shown in Figure 7(h), according to the second high probability determination table 110h, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11040, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 11041 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this second high probability determination table 110h is approximately 1 / 63.0.

[0123] As shown in Figure 7(i), according to the third high probability determination table 110i, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11057, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 11058 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this third high probability determination table 110i is approximately 1 / 62.0.

[0124] As shown in Figure 7(j), according to the fourth high probability determination table 110j, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11074, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 11075 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this fourth high probability determination table 110j is approximately 1 / 61.0.

[0125] As shown in Figure 7(k), according to the fifth high probability determination table 110k, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11092, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 11093 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this fifth high probability determination table 110k is approximately 1 / 60.0.

[0126] As shown in Figure 7(l), according to the sixth high probability determination table 110l, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11110, and a loss is determined when the jackpot determination random number is other than this (0 to 10000, 11111 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot according to this sixth high probability determination table 110l is approximately 1 / 59.0.

[0127] As described above, when comparing a high probability determination table and a low probability determination table with the same associated setting values, the high probability determination table is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately five times higher than that of the low probability determination table.

[0128] Furthermore, the jackpot determination random number determined as a jackpot in the low probability determination table is set to be included in the jackpot determination random numbers determined as a jackpot in the high probability determination table associated with the same set value as the low probability determination table. In other words, the jackpot determination random number determined as a jackpot in the low probability determination table will also be determined as a jackpot in the high probability determination table associated with the same set value.

[0129] The winning symbol random number determination table 111 is used to determine the type of special symbol, and as shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), it includes a first start winning port determination table 111a which is referenced when a jackpot is won using the first special symbol random number, and a second start winning port determination table 111b which is referenced when a jackpot is won using the second special symbol random number. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, one winning symbol random number is obtained within a numerical range of 0 to 199. Then, when a jackpot is won by the above-mentioned jackpot lottery, either the first start winning port determination table 111a or the second start winning port determination table 111b is selected according to the start winning port into which the gaming ball entered, and the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained winning symbol random number and the selected winning symbol random number determination table 111.

[0130] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, two types of special symbols (X1, X2) are provided as special symbols that are determined in the event of a jackpot win (hereinafter referred to as jackpot symbols), and two types of special symbols (Y1, Y2) are provided as special symbols that are determined in the event of a miss (hereinafter referred to as miss symbols).

[0131] As shown in Fig. 8(a), according to the first start winning port determination table 111a, the special symbol X1 is determined when the winning symbol random number is 0 to 99, and the special symbol X2 is determined when the winning symbol random number is 100 to 199. In other words, in this first start winning port determination table 111a, the probability that the special symbol X1 is determined and the probability that the special symbol X2 is determined are both 50%.

[0132] 8(b), according to the second start winning port determination table 111b, the special symbol X1 is determined when the winning symbol random number is 0 to 159, and the special symbol X2 is determined when the winning symbol random number is 160 to 199. That is, in this second start winning port determination table 111b, the probability that the special symbol X1 is determined is 80%, and the probability that the special symbol X2 is determined is 20%. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the same jackpot symbol is determined for any winning symbol random number determination table 111, but this is not limited to this, and different jackpot symbols may be determined for each table.

[0133] In addition, if the lottery for the jackpot based on the first special random number results in a loss, the above-mentioned lottery based on the winning random number is not conducted, and the special pattern Y1 is determined as the losing pattern. In addition, in the case where the lottery for the jackpot based on the second special random number results in a loss, the above-mentioned lottery based on the winning random number is not conducted, and the special pattern Y2 is determined as the losing pattern. That is, the winning symbol random number determination table 111 is referred to only when a big win is won, and is not referred to when a loss occurs.

[0134] The reach group determination random number judgment table 112, the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113, and the variation pattern lottery table 114 are tables used to determine the variation mode number and variation pattern number for determining the variation performance pattern. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a special symbol is determined by the lottery for a jackpot as described above, a variation mode number and a variation pattern number for determining a variation presentation pattern are determined based on the result of the determination, and a variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number and a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number are generated. The generated variation mode command and variation pattern command are then transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 determines the specific form of the variation presentation that notifies the result of the lottery for a jackpot (for example, an image to be displayed on the display unit 21a of the presentation display device 21) based on the received variation mode command and variation pattern command. The variation mode command and variation pattern command are commands used to determine the variation time and form of the variation presentation.

[0135] The reach group determination random number judgment table 112 is used to determine the group to which the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 used to determine the variation mode number and variation pattern number belongs. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, the type of group is determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table 112 as a preliminary step to determining the variation mode number and variation pattern number. A plurality of reach group determination random number judgment tables 112 are provided for each game state, type of start winning slot, and number of reserved balls (number of reserved first special symbols, number of reserved second special symbols). Here, as shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(c), only the reach group determination random number judgment table 112 that is selected when the game state is a non-time-shortened game state and the result of the lottery for a jackpot based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16 is a miss will be described in detail, and an explanation of the other reach group determination random number judgment tables 112 will be omitted.

[0136] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, one reach group determination random number is obtained within a numerical range of 0 to 10006. Then, if the jackpot lottery results in a miss, a reach group determination random number judgment table 112 is selected according to the game state at the time of the jackpot lottery, the type of start winning slot, and the number of reserved balls, and the type of group is determined based on the obtained reach group determination random number and the selected reach group determination random number judgment table 112.

[0137] Specifically, when the game state is a non-time-saving game state and the result of the jackpot lottery based on the first special chart random number obtained by the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 is a miss, if the number of first special charts reserved at the time of the lottery is 0 or 1, the first judgment table 112a is selected, and if the number of first special charts reserved at the time of the lottery is 2 or more, the second judgment table 112b is selected (see Figures 9(a) and (b)). Furthermore, when the game state is a non-time-saving game state and the result of the jackpot lottery based on the second special chart random number obtained by the game ball entering the second start winning port 16 is a miss, if the number of second special charts reserved at the time of the lottery is 0 to 3 (i.e., regardless of the number of second special charts reserved), the third judgment table 112c is selected (see Figure 9(c)).

[0138] As shown in Figure 9(a), according to the first judgment table 112a, if the reach group determination random number is 0 to 3999, the "first group" is determined, if the reach group determination random number is 4000 to 8999, the "second group" is determined, if the reach group determination random number is 9000 to 9899, ​​the "third group" is determined, and if the reach group determination random number is 9900 to 10006, the "fourth group" is determined. Also, as shown in Figure 9(b), according to the second judgment table 112b, if the reach group determination random number is 0 to 5999, the "first group" is determined, if the reach group determination random number is 6000 to 8999, the "second group" is determined, if the reach group determination random number is 9000 to 9899, ​​the "third group" is determined, and if the reach group determination random number is 9900 to 10006, the "fourth group" is determined. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(c), according to the third judgment table 112c, if the reach group determination random number is between 0 and 7999, the "first group" is determined, and if the reach group determination random number is between 8000 and 10006, the "second group" is determined.

[0139] Furthermore, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 is determined without determining the group type. In other words, the reach group determination random number judgment table 112 is referenced only when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and is not referenced when the result is a jackpot.

[0140] The reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 is used to determine the fluctuation mode number used to determine the fluctuation presentation pattern (variation presentation mode, fluctuation time), as well as to determine the fluctuation pattern lottery table 114 used to determine the fluctuation pattern number described below. This reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 is roughly divided into a loss judgment table which is referred to when the result of the jackpot lottery is a loss, and a jackpot judgment table which is referred to when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot.

[0141] 10(a) to 10(d), the following will be described: first group determination table 113a, which is referenced when the "first group" is determined; second group determination table 113b, which is referenced when the "second group" is determined; third group determination table 113c, which is referenced when the "third group" is determined; and fourth group determination table 113d, which is referenced when the "fourth group" is determined; and the description of the other loss determination tables will be omitted.

[0142] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, one reach mode determination random number is acquired within a numerical range of 0 to 2038. Then, when a group is determined by the above-mentioned group type lottery, a loss determination table corresponding to the determined group type is selected, and a variation mode number and a variation pattern lottery table 114 are determined based on the acquired reach mode determination random number and the selected loss determination table.

[0143] Specifically, for example, if the "first group" is determined by the lottery for the group type described above, the judgment table for the first group 113a is selected, if the "second group" is determined, the judgment table for the second group 113b is selected, if the "third group" is determined, the judgment table for the third group 113c is selected, and if the "fourth group" is determined, the judgment table for the fourth group 113d is selected (see Figures 10(a) to (d)).

[0144] As shown in Figure 10(a), according to the judgment table 113a for the first group, if the reach mode determination random number is between 0 and 2038 (i.e., regardless of the value of the reach mode determination random number), the variation mode number "00H" (alphanumeric characters with "H" at the end are written in hexadecimal; the same applies below) is determined, and the first variation table 114a is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. 10(b), according to the second group determination table 113b, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 1999, the variation mode number "00H" is determined and the second variation table 114b is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. When the reach mode determination random number is 2000 to 2038, the variation mode number "01H" is determined and the second variation table 114b is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. Also, as shown in Figure 10(c), according to the judgment table 113c for the third group, when the reach mode determination random number is between 0 and 2038 (i.e., regardless of the value of the reach mode determination random number), the variation mode number "02H" is determined and the third variation table 114c is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. 10(d), according to the fourth group determination table 113d, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 1899, the variation mode number "03H" is determined and the third variation table 114c is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. Also, when the reach mode determination random number is 1900 to 2038, the variation mode number "04H" is determined and the fourth variation table 114d is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114.

[0145] In addition, multiple jackpot determination tables are provided for each game state at the time of the jackpot lottery (i.e., when the jackpot is won) and each type of jackpot symbol determined when a jackpot is won. Here, as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), we will explain the first jackpot determination table 113e, which is referenced when special pattern X1 is determined in non-time-reduced game mode, and the second jackpot determination table 113f, which is referenced when special pattern X2 is determined in non-time-reduced game mode, and we will omit explanations of the other jackpot determination tables.

[0146] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a jackpot is won and the type of special symbol is determined, a jackpot determination table corresponding to the determined type of special symbol and the game state at the time of the jackpot lottery is selected. Then, similar to the case of determination based on the above-mentioned loss determination table, a variation mode number and a variation pattern lottery table 114 are determined based on the obtained reach mode determination random number and the selected jackpot determination table.

[0147] Specifically, when a jackpot is won in a non-time-reduced play state and a special symbol X1 is determined, the first jackpot determination table 113e is selected, and when a jackpot is won in a non-time-reduced play state and a special symbol X2 is determined, the second jackpot determination table 113f is selected (see Figures 11(a) and (b)).

[0148] 11(a), according to the first jackpot determination table 113e, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 199, the variation mode number "32H" is determined, and the 30th variation table 114e is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. When the reach mode determination random number is 200 to 1299, the variation mode number "33H" is determined, and the 31st variation table 114f is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. When the reach mode determination random number is 1300 to 2038, the variation mode number "34H" is determined, and the 31st variation table 114f is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. 11(b), according to the second jackpot determination table 113f, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 1399, the variation mode number "33H" is determined and the 32nd variation table 114g is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. When the reach mode determination random number is 1400 to 2038, the variation mode number "34H" is determined and the 32nd variation table 114g is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, a jackpot judgment table is provided for each game state at the time of the jackpot lottery and each type of jackpot pattern, but taking into account the type of starting winning slot, a jackpot judgment table may also be provided for each game state at the time of the jackpot lottery, each type of starting winning slot, and each type of jackpot pattern.

[0149] The variation pattern lottery table 114 is provided for determining the variation pattern number used to determine the variation performance pattern (mode of variation performance, variation time), and multiple tables are provided. Here, as shown in Figures 12(a) to (g), we will explain the first variation table 114a, the second variation table 114b, the third variation table 114c and the fourth variation table 114d which are determined when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and the 30th variation table 114e, the 31st variation table 114f and the 32nd table 114g which are determined when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, and we will omit explanations of the other variation pattern lottery tables 114.

[0150] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one fluctuation pattern random number is acquired within the numerical range of 0 to 249. Then, a fluctuation pattern number is determined based on the acquired fluctuation pattern random number and the fluctuation pattern lottery table 114 determined together with the above-mentioned fluctuation mode number. For example, as shown in Figure 12(a), according to the first variation table 114a, if the variation pattern random number is 0 to 124, the variation pattern number "00H" is determined, and if the variation pattern random number is 125 to 249, the variation pattern number "01H" is determined. Also, as shown in Figure 12(d), according to the fourth variation table 114d, if the variation pattern random number is 0 to 119, the variation pattern number "03H" is determined, and if the variation pattern random number is 120 to 249, the variation pattern number "04H" is determined.

[0151] 12(e), according to the 30th variation table 114e, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 124, the variation pattern number "30H" is determined, and when the variation pattern random number is 125 to 249, the variation pattern number "31H" is determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 12(g), according to the 32nd variation table 114g, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 199, the variation pattern number "33H" is determined, and when the variation pattern random number is 200 to 249, the variation pattern number "34H" is determined. Similarly, other variation pattern tables 114 also determine predetermined variation pattern numbers in correspondence with predetermined variation pattern random numbers (see FIG. 12).

[0152] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned jackpot lottery is held at the start of the variation (i.e., at the start of the variation display of the special symbols described later (the start of the variation presentation)), and when the jackpot lottery is held, a variation mode number and a variation pattern number are determined according to the result of the jackpot lottery, the game status at the time of the jackpot lottery and the number of reserved symbols (number of reserved first special symbols, number of reserved second special symbols), etc. As described above, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number are used to determine the variation presentation pattern, and the variation mode number and the variation pattern number determine the mode and variation time of the variation presentation. Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the variation presentation is divided into a first half and a second half. The mode and variation time of the first half of the variation presentation are determined by the variation mode number, and the mode and variation time of the second half of the variation presentation are determined by the variation pattern number.

[0153] Next, we will explain the process of determining the variable time of the variable effects in special gameplay and the control of special gameplay. The pachinko machine P of this embodiment is equipped with a variable time determination table 115, a special electric device operation table 116, and a game status setting table 117, etc., as tables for performing the above-mentioned determination processing and controlling special games.

[0154] The variable time determination table 115 is used to determine the variable time. The pachinko machine P of this embodiment is equipped with, as this fluctuation time determination table 115, a first fluctuation time determination table 115a in which the fluctuation time of the first half of the fluctuation performance corresponding to each fluctuation mode number (hereinafter referred to as the first half fluctuation time) is determined, and a second fluctuation time determination table 115b in which the fluctuation time of the second half of the fluctuation performance corresponding to each fluctuation pattern number (hereinafter referred to as the second half fluctuation time) is determined (see Figures 13(a) and (b)). Then, when the fluctuation mode number is determined, the corresponding first half fluctuation time is determined based on this determined fluctuation mode number and the first fluctuation time determination table 115a. Also, when the fluctuation pattern number is determined, the corresponding second half fluctuation time is determined based on this determined fluctuation pattern number and the second fluctuation time determination table 115b. Then, the sum of the first half fluctuation time and the second half fluctuation time determined in this way corresponds to the entire fluctuation time of the fluctuation presentation that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery. For example, if the determined fluctuation mode number is "03H" and the fluctuation pattern number is "04H", the first half fluctuation time of "13 seconds" is determined corresponding to the fluctuation mode number "03H", and the second half fluctuation time of "60 seconds" is determined corresponding to the fluctuation pattern number "04H". The sum of these values, "73 seconds (= 13 seconds + 60 seconds)", is the total fluctuation time of the fluctuation performance.

[0155] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, when the variation mode number and variation pattern number are determined, a variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number and a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number are generated and sent to the sub-control board 300. Then, in the sub-control board 300, the mode of the variation performance is determined based on the received variation mode command and variation pattern command. Specifically, the mode of the first half of the variation performance is determined based on the variation mode command, and the mode of the second half of the variation performance is determined based on the variation pattern command. Regarding the manner of the variable presentation, rather than determining the manner of the first half of the variable presentation based on the variable mode command and determining the manner of the second half of the variable presentation based on the variable pattern command, it is also possible to determine the manner of the first half of the variable presentation based on the variable pattern command and determine the manner of the second half of the variable presentation based on the variable mode command. Furthermore, instead of dividing the variation presentation into a first half and a second half, it may be divided into more parts, and the manner of each part may be determined based on the variation mode command and the variation pattern command. The mode of the variation effect may be determined based on not only the variation mode command and the variation pattern command but also other commands. Alternatively, the mode of the variation effect may be determined based on only either the variation mode command or the variation pattern command.

[0156] Furthermore, based on the variation time determined as described above, the variation effect is performed on the effect display device 21, and the variation display of the special pattern is performed on the special pattern display device (first special pattern display device 30 or second special pattern display device 31). Specifically, if the starting winning slot into which the gaming ball entered is the first starting winning slot 15, the first special pattern display device 30 is displayed in a blinking manner for the determined variation time, and if the starting winning slot into which the gaming ball entered is the second starting winning slot 16, the second special pattern display device 31 is displayed in a blinking manner for the determined variation time. Then, after the variation time has elapsed, the determined special pattern is displayed in a static manner.

[0157] The special electric device operation table 116 is for controlling the special game that is executed when a jackpot is won, and is referenced to operate the big prize opening solenoid 18c during the execution of the special game. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), the special electric device operation table 116 is provided with a first operation table 116a that is referenced when the special symbol X1 is determined, and a second operation table 116b that is referenced when the special symbol X2 is determined.

[0158] Specifically, when the special symbol X1 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the first operation table 116a, as shown in Fig. 14(a). According to this first operation table 116a, ten round games are executed, each of which ends when either the special prize opening 18 is open for 29.0 seconds or ten game balls enter the special prize opening 18. Furthermore, during the execution of each round game, the special prize opening 18 is opened only once, and the time for which the special prize opening 18 is closed between round games (i.e., the interval time) is set to 2.0 seconds. In this special game, the player can win a predetermined number of prize balls with an expected value.

[0159] 14(b), a special game is executed by referring to the second operation table 116b. According to this second operation table 116b, four round games are executed in the same manner as the first operation table 116a. Furthermore, the number of times the big prize opening 18 is opened and closed during each round game and the interval time are set to the same contents as the first operation table 116a. In this special game, the player can acquire prize balls with an expected value smaller than that in the special game when the special symbol X1 is determined.

[0160] The game state setting table 117 is used to set the game state after the special game is completed when the special game is executed. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, regardless of whether the special symbol X1 or the special symbol X2 is selected, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high-probability time-saving game state. Furthermore, the number of times the high-probability game state continues (hereinafter referred to as the high-probability number of times) and the number of times the time-saving game state continues (hereinafter referred to as the time-saving number of times) are both set to 100. That is, after the special game ends, the high-probability time-saving game state continues until 100 jackpot lottery results are derived. Furthermore, if a jackpot is won during this game state, the high-probability number of times and the time-saving number of times are set again. Therefore, if the high-probability time-saving game state is set after the special game ends, and no jackpot is won during this game state, and all 100 lottery results are losses, the game state is changed to the normal game state.

[0161] The game state after the special game ends may be determined based on the type of special symbol determined by the lottery for the jackpot. For example, if either special symbol X1 or X2 is determined, the game state after the special game ends may be set to a high-probability time-saving game state, and if either the special symbol X1 or X2 is determined, the game state may be set to a normal game state or a game state that combines a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state.

[0162] Next, the processing related to normal gameplay will be explained. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball that is launched by a launching device (not shown) and flows down the gaming area 12 passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol is held to determine whether or not to activate the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and open the movable piece 16b. If the lottery for the normal symbol results in a win, the movable piece 16b opens and the second start winning opening 16 is opened, making it easier for the gaming ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. The lottery for this normal symbol is conducted based on a winning determination random number obtained when the game ball passes through gate 20, and a winning determination random number determination table 118 stored in main ROM 102 for determining the random number.

[0163] When the gaming ball passes through gate 20, the above-mentioned winning determination random number is obtained, and the random number value is stored in the general map reserve memory area of ​​main RAM 103, up to a maximum of four. Specifically, this general map reserve memory area is composed of a total of four memory units, from the first memory unit to the fourth memory unit, and the numbers are stored starting from the first memory unit in the order of passing through gate 20. Furthermore, if winning determination random numbers have already been stored in several memory units, the winning determination random number is stored in the memory unit with the smallest number among the empty memory units. Therefore, if four winning determination random numbers have already been stored in the general map reserve memory area, even if the gaming ball passes through gate 20, the winning determination random number related to this passage will not be stored in the general map reserve memory area. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the winning determination random number is a hardware random number built into the main control board 100. This winning determination random number is updated according to a set rule, and the random number sequence is automatically changed every time the random number sequence completes one cycle, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset. In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of winning determination random numbers stored in the regular number reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the regular number reserve number) is stored in a regular number reserve number counter (not specifically shown). In this specification, as described above, the storage of the winning determination random number in the general map reserve memory area is also referred to as "general map reserve."

[0164] In addition, the winning determination random number judgment table 118 is used to determine whether or not a winning has occurred by drawing a normal pattern, and as shown in Figures 16(a) and (b), it is equipped with a non-time-saving judgment table 118a which is referenced in the non-time-saving game state, and a time-saving judgment table 118b which is referenced in the time-saving game state.

[0165] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball passes through the gate 20, one winning determination random number within a numerical range of 0 to 65535 is obtained. If the gaming state at the time of drawing the lottery for the normal symbol is a non-time-shortening gaming state, the non-time-shortening judgment table 118a is selected, and the lottery for the normal symbol is performed based on the obtained winning determination random number and the selected non-time-shortening judgment table 118a. If the gaming state at the time of drawing the lottery for the normal symbol is a time-shortening gaming state, the time-shortening judgment table 118b is selected, and the lottery for the normal symbol is performed based on the obtained winning determination random number and the selected time-shortening judgment table 118b. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, the special game and the normal game are played in parallel, and even during the special game that is played upon winning a jackpot, the lottery for the normal symbol is performed based on the game ball passing through the gate 20. During the special game, the non-time-reduction judgment table 118a is selected, and the lottery for the normal symbol is performed based on that table (see FIG. 16(a)).

[0166] According to the non-time-shortening determination table 118a, a win is determined when the winning determination random number is 1, and a loss is determined when the winning determination random number is other than this (0, 2 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning in this non-time-shortening determination table 118a is 1 / 65536. According to the time-saving determination table 118b, a win is determined when the winning determination random number is between 1 and 65000, and a loss is determined when the winning determination random number is other than this (0, 65001 to 65535). Therefore, the probability of winning in this time-saving determination table 118b is 65000 / 65536, or approximately 99 / 100. If the regular pattern is drawn and a winning pattern is selected, the winning pattern will be determined, and if the regular pattern is drawn and a losing pattern is selected, the losing pattern will be determined.

[0167] In addition, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is provided with a normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119 and a second start winning port opening control table 120 as tables related to the control of the variation of the normal symbol and the opening and closing of the movable piece 16b.

[0168] The normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119 is used to determine the variation pattern of the normal symbol. Each normal symbol variation pattern is associated with a variation time of the normal symbol. Then, as described above, when a game ball passes through the gate 20 and a lottery for a normal symbol is performed, the variation pattern of the normal symbol (i.e., the variation time of the normal symbol) is determined based on this normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, when the game state is in a non-time-saving game state or during a special game, the normal pattern variation time is determined to be 13 seconds, and when the game state is in a time-saving game state, the normal pattern variation time is determined to be 0.6 seconds. Once the normal pattern variation time is determined, the normal pattern display device 32 (see Fig. 3) flashes during this determined normal pattern variation time. When the normal pattern lottery results in a win and a winning pattern is determined, the normal pattern display device 32 lights up, and when the lottery results in a loss and a losing pattern is determined, the normal pattern display device 32 goes out.

[0169] In addition, the second start winning opening opening control table 120 is referenced to control the operation of the movable piece 16b provided in the second start winning opening 16. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the normal symbol display device 32 is turned on, the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 opens and closes in a manner determined by the second start winning opening opening opening opening control table 120. Specifically, when the game state is a non-time-saving game state or during a special game, as shown in FIG. 18, the start winning opening solenoid 16c is energized for 0.2 seconds (= 0.2 seconds × 1 time), so that the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is opened for 0.2 seconds. Also, when the game state is a time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 18, the start winning opening solenoid 16c is energized for 5.6 seconds (= 2.8 seconds × 2 times), so that the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is opened for a total of 5.6 seconds.

[0170] (Outline of processing when power is restored on the main control board 100) As described above, when the power supply of the pachinko machine P is turned on from off (recovered from a power outage), the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 sets one of the control states depending on the control state it was in before the power supply was turned off (immediately before the power outage occurred), whether the setting switch 108 is on or off at the time the power supply is turned on (when the power supply is restored), whether the RAM clear switch 109 is on or off, whether the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on or off (open or closed main frame 2), whether an abnormality has occurred in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed at the time the power supply is turned off (hereinafter referred to as a backup abnormality), and whether an abnormality has occurred in the main RAM 103 (hereinafter referred to as a RAM abnormality).

[0171] (Occurrence and release of backup abnormality and RAM abnormality in the main control board 100) Here, the occurrence and release of backup abnormalities and RAM abnormalities in the main control board 100 will be described. When power is restored after the power outage, if there is an inconsistency between the data stored in main RAM 103 at the time of the power outage and the data stored in main RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, it is determined that a backup abnormality has occurred, and if the above-mentioned inconsistency does not occur, it is determined that a backup abnormality has not occurred. This backup abnormality is likely to occur due to a temporary cause (for example, a failure to read or store data due to a temporary abnormality in one of the devices.) Furthermore, if a new main ROM 102, main RAM 103, etc. is installed and the power to the pachinko machine P is turned on, a backup abnormality will inevitably occur because the backup process has not been executed before.

[0172] Furthermore, if it becomes impossible to read or write data within the use area of ​​the main RAM 103, it is determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is determined only within the used area, and if data cannot be read or written in the non-used area, it is not determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred. Note that the occurrence of a RAM abnormality may be determined not only within the used area, but also within both the used area and the non-used area. When set in this way, if data cannot be read or written in at least one of the used area and the non-used area, it may be determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, and the processing described below (initialization processing in the event of an abnormality, setting of a game stop state) may be performed. This RAM abnormality is likely to occur due to an abnormality in the hardware itself, such as chip damage, and requires replacement or repair of the main RAM 103.

[0173] If a backup abnormality occurs when power is restored after a power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of the backup abnormality. Also, if a RAM abnormality occurs when power is restored after a power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of the RAM abnormality. Note that if a backup abnormality and a RAM abnormality occur simultaneously, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the RAM abnormality is set, with priority given to the backup abnormality. As will be described later, in the abnormality initialization process that is executed when a game stop state is set, all data stored in main RAM 103 (i.e., all data stored in the used area and the unused area, specifically, setting values, game machine status flags, checksums, backup flags, error information, various data related to the progress of the game, and game performance data) is cleared.

[0174] If a game-stop state is set due to the occurrence of a backup abnormality, when power is restored after the power outage, the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions for setting the control state to the setting change state (specifically, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, and the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on), and then the playable state is set by turning off the setting switch 108. On the other hand, if the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the game will remain in the game-stop state. Furthermore, if a gaming stop state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality, the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions when the RAM abnormality is resolved upon power recovery (when the main RAM 103 has been replaced or repaired and there is no RAM abnormality), and then the playable state is set by turning off the setting switch 108. On the other hand, if the RAM abnormality is not resolved upon power recovery or if the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the gaming stop state will remain. In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a play-stop state is set due to the occurrence of a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality, the playable state is not directly set even if the power is turned back on, but the playable state is set (transition to the playable state) after passing through the setting change state which is set by turning on the power with the setting change conditions satisfied.

[0175] (Setting the control state when power is restored) The control state that is set when power is restored after interruption will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. (1) When the power is restored after a power outage, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, even if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a game stop state, the control state immediately before the power outage is set when the power is restored. In other words, the control state when the power is restored remains the control state that was in place immediately before the power outage. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was being played, the special game will be resumed when the power outage is restored. In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as a general rule, the machine stays in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state only while the setting switch 108 is on. In the above-mentioned case, if the control state immediately before the power outage was the setting change state, the setting change state is set when the power is restored, and if the control state immediately before the power outage was the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is set when the power is restored, but because the setting switch 108 is off, the playable state is set (changed to the playable state) immediately after the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set.

[0176] (2) When the power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, the control state immediately before the power outage will be set when the power is restored. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was being played, the special game will be resumed when the power outage is restored. In this case, if the setting change state or setting confirmation state is set when power is restored after an interruption, the playable state will not be set immediately thereafter.

[0177] (3) When the power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, when the power is restored, normal initialization processing is performed based on the RAM clear switch 109 being on, and the playable state is set. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a setting change state, when the power is restored, normal initialization processing is performed and the setting change state is set. Also, if the control state immediately before the power interruption was a play-stop state, the play-stop state is set when the power is restored. As will be described later, in the normal initialization process that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the data stored in the second to fourth areas of the use area of ​​the main RAM 103 (i.e., checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game) is cleared. Therefore, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, and if a reserve was stored or if a variable display of a special or normal symbol was in progress, the stored reserve is cleared and the variable display of the special or normal symbol is reset. If a special game was in progress, this special game is also reset. Furthermore, when the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value is not cleared in the normal initialization process described above, so even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored, the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage (the setting value stored in main RAM 103) is maintained as is. Then, immediately after the setting change state is set, the playable state is set. This ends the setting change state, and the setting value being changed is confirmed, as described below.

[0178] (4) When the power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, normal initialization processing is performed and the playable state is set when the power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed and the setting change state is set when the power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a play-stop state, the play-stop state is set when the power is restored. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was playable, and if a reserve was stored or if a special or normal symbol was being displayed, the stored reserve will be cleared and the display of the special or normal symbol will be reset. If a special game was being played, the special game will also be reset. Furthermore, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage will be maintained even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored. And since the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set and the setting change state does not end, the setting value being changed is not confirmed at this point.

[0179] (5) When the power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, the control state immediately before the power outage will be set when the power outage is restored. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was being played, the special game will be resumed when the power outage is restored. Also, the playable state is set immediately after the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set.

[0180] (6) When the power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state will be set when the power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state, the setting change state will be set when the power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a game stop state, the game stop state will be set when the power is restored. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state and a special game was in progress, the setting confirmation state is set when the power is restored, and then, when the setting switch 108 is turned off, the special game is resumed. Also, the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set.

[0181] (7) When the power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state or a setting confirmation state, normal initialization processing is performed and the playable state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state, normal initialization processing is performed and the setting change state is set when power is restored. Also, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a play-stop state, the play-stop state is set when power is restored. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was playable, and if a reserve was stored or if a special or normal symbol was being displayed, the stored reserve will be cleared and the display of the special or normal symbol will be reset. If a special game was being played, the special game will also be reset. Furthermore, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage will be maintained even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored. Then, immediately after the setting change state is set, the playable state is set. This ends the setting change state, and the setting value being changed is confirmed.

[0182] (8) When the power is restored after a power outage, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality occurs, and no RAM abnormality occurs. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting confirmation state, or a play-stop state, when the power outage is restored, normal initialization processing is executed and the setting change state is set. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was playable, and if a reserve was stored or if a special or normal symbol was being displayed, the stored reserve will be cleared and the display of the special or normal symbol will be reset. If a special game was being played, the special game will also be reset. Furthermore, if the control state immediately before the power outage was a setting change state and the setting value was being changed, the setting value being changed immediately before the power outage will be maintained even in the setting change state set after the power outage is restored. And since the playable state is not set immediately after the setting change state is set and the setting change state does not end, the setting value being changed is not confirmed at this point.

[0183] (9) When power is restored, a backup error occurs but no RAM error occurs (excluding the case where the setting switch 108, RAM clear switch 109, and main frame open detection sensor 2a are all on). That is, when power is restored, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, the setting switch 108 is on ... off If the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, but no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, but no RAM abnormality has occurred, or if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, but no RAM abnormality has occurred, then when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play-stop state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality is set (see Figure 19).

[0184] (10) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power outage is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed and the setting change state is set. In addition, if the control state immediately before the power failure was playable, and if a reserve was stored or if a special or normal symbol was being displayed, the stored reserve will be cleared and the display of the special or normal symbol will be reset. If a special game was being played, the special game will also be reset. Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in this case (when a backup abnormality occurs when power is restored), the setting values ​​are also cleared in the abnormality initialization process executed when power is restored. Therefore, if the control state immediately before the power failure was a setting change state and the setting values ​​were being changed, in the setting change state established after power is restored, the setting values ​​being changed immediately before the power failure (the setting values ​​stored in the main RAM 103) are not maintained, and the setting values ​​stored in the main RAM 103 are changed to a setting value ("1" in this embodiment) that is predetermined as an initial value. Note that, since the playable state is not established immediately after the setting change state is established and the setting change state does not end, the setting values ​​are not finalized at this point.

[0185] (11) When the power is restored after a power outage, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the presence or absence of a RAM abnormality is determined when a backup abnormality occurs when power is restored or when normal initialization processing is performed when power is restored. Therefore, if normal initialization processing is not performed when power is restored and no backup abnormality has occurred, it may not be possible to discover (detect) a RAM abnormality even if one has occurred. In this case, even if a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that no RAM abnormality has occurred, and the control state at the time of power restoration is set in the same manner as in the case (1) above.

[0186] (12) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. Furthermore, if a RAM abnormality has occurred but this fact cannot be detected, the control state at the time of power recovery will be set as in (2) above, as if no RAM abnormality had occurred, even if a RAM abnormality had occurred.

[0187] (13) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as mentioned above, the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is judged only within the used area, and if data cannot be read or written in the unused area, it is not judged that a RAM abnormality has occurred. If it is not judged that a RAM abnormality has occurred, it is assumed that a RAM abnormality has not occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same way as in the case of (3) above.

[0188] (14) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. Furthermore, if it is determined that a RAM abnormality has not occurred as described above, it is assumed that a RAM abnormality has not occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the case of (4) above.

[0189] (15) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. Furthermore, if a RAM abnormality has occurred but this fact is not detected, the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in (5) above, as if no RAM abnormality had occurred, even if a RAM abnormality had occurred.

[0190] (16) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. Furthermore, if a RAM abnormality has occurred but this fact is not detected, the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in (6) above, as if no RAM abnormality had occurred, even if a RAM abnormality had occurred.

[0191] (17) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. Furthermore, if it is determined that a RAM abnormality has not occurred as described above, it is assumed that a RAM abnormality has not occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the case of (7) above.

[0192] (18) When power is restored, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on, no backup abnormality has occurred, and a RAM abnormality has occurred. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, or a play stopped state, when the power is restored after the power outage, an abnormality initialization process is executed and a play stopped state is set based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality. Furthermore, if it is determined that a RAM abnormality has not occurred as described above, it is assumed that a RAM abnormality has not occurred, and the control state at the time of power recovery is set in the same manner as in the case of (8) above. In this way, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a RAM abnormality occurs, the game stop state will be set in priority to the setting change state, even if the setting change conditions are met.

[0193] (19) When power is restored, if a backup error or RAM error occurs That is, when power is restored after a power outage, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, if the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, If there is a RAM abnormality, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred; if there is a backup abnormality, the setting switch 108 is off, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred; if there is a backup abnormality, the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, a backup abnormality has occurred, and no RAM abnormality has occurred, then, regardless of whether the control state immediately before the power outage was a playable state, a setting confirmation state, or a game-stopped state, when power is restored, an abnormality initialization process is executed, and a game-stopped state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality is set in preference to a game-stopped state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality (see Figure 20).

[0194] Then, when the setting confirmation state or the setting change state is set by executing the above-mentioned processes (1) to (19), the main information display device 105 displays the setting values ​​stored in the main RAM 103. Furthermore, when the playable state is set, the main information display device 105 displays game performance display information based on the game performance data stored in the main RAM 103. Furthermore, when the game stop state is set, the main information display device 105 displays a code indicating that the game stop state has been set. In addition, if the playable state is set immediately after the setting confirmation state or setting change state is set, the setting value will be displayed for a moment on the main information display device 105, and then the game performance display information will be displayed in conjunction with the setting of the playable state.

[0195] Furthermore, if the setting confirmation state or setting change state is set based on the setting switch 108 being on, when the setting switch 108 is subsequently turned off, processing is executed to switch the currently set setting confirmation state or setting change state to a playable state, and the playable state is set. Then, when the playable state is set, the display on the main information display device 105 also switches to the corresponding content.

[0196] Furthermore, while the setting change state is being set, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed by one step each time the push button 109a is pressed and the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on, provided that the body frame open detection sensor 2a detects that the body frame 2 is open. Specifically, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed to a value incremented by one. For example, if the setting value stored in main RAM 103 is "2," pressing push button 109a while body frame 2 is open will change the setting value stored in main RAM 103 to "3." Each time push button 109a is pressed while body frame 2 is open, the setting value stored in main RAM 103 will change from "4" to "5" to "6," and after "6" it will be changed to "1." Each time the setting value stored in main RAM 103 is changed, the display of the setting value on main information display device 105 will also change. Then, when the setting switch 108 is turned off, it becomes impossible to change the setting value stored in the main RAM 103. In other words, the setting value stored in the main RAM 103 at this point is fixed as the new setting value.

[0197] (Processing when an abnormal setting occurs) When noise or the like occurs in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a situation may occur in which the setting value stored in the use area of ​​the main RAM 103 is rewritten to an abnormal value (for example, a value smaller than "1" or a value larger than "6"). When a situation occurs in which the stored setting value becomes an abnormal value (hereinafter referred to as "setting value abnormality"), it is not possible to draw a jackpot based on the appropriate setting value, which may have a serious impact on the progress of the game. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the main CPU 101 performs a setting value abnormality determination process to determine whether or not a setting value abnormality has occurred when the lottery for the jackpot or the lottery for the normal symbol is performed during a playable state. If it is determined that a setting value abnormality has occurred in this setting value abnormality determination process, the abnormality initialization process is performed, and a game stop state based on the occurrence of the setting value abnormality is set. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the drawing of the next jackpot and the variable display of the special symbols are not performed while the special game is being played, so the setting value abnormality determination process based on the drawing of the jackpot can be performed only when the special game is not being played. On the other hand, the drawing of the normal symbols is performed whether the special game is being played or not, so the setting value abnormality determination process based on the drawing of the normal symbols can be performed whether the special game is being played or not.

[0198] If a gaming stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, when power is restored, the setting change state is set by satisfying the setting change conditions, and then the playable state is set by turning off the setting switch 108. On the other hand, if the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the gaming stop state remains. In other words, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, just as when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality, the game will not be set directly to a playable state even if the power is turned off and on again, but will be set to a playable state via a setting change state that is set by turning on the power with the setting change conditions met.

[0199] (Normal initialization process, abnormal initialization process, clear process) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality, a RAM abnormality, or a setting value abnormality, an abnormality initialization process is executed. In this abnormality initialization process, as described above, all data stored in the main RAM 103 (all data stored in the use area and the non-use area, specifically, the set value, the gaming machine status flag, the checksum, the backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game, and the gaming performance data) is cleared. In addition, when a game stop state is set based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality, a RAM abnormality, or a setting value abnormality, the setting change state is then set, and "1" may be automatically stored in the use area of ​​main RAM 103 as the default setting value.

[0200] Furthermore, when power is restored after a power outage, if the RAM clear switch 109 is on and a control state other than the game stop state (playable state, setting change state, setting confirmation state) is set, normal initialization processing is executed. In this normal initialization processing, as described above, the data stored in the second to fourth areas of the use area of ​​the main RAM 103 (checksum, backup flag, error information, various data related to the progress of the game) are cleared. Furthermore, when power is restored after a power outage, if the RAM clear switch 109 is off and the playable state or the setting confirmation state is set, a clearing process is executed to clear part of the main RAM 103. In this clearing process, data stored in the second and third areas of the use area of ​​the main RAM 103 (i.e., checksum, backup flag, and error information) is cleared.

[0201] (Outline of processing when power is restored in the firing and dispensing control board 200) As described above, when power is restored after a power outage, the launch and payout control board 200 also compares the checksum of the payout RAM 203 calculated at the time of the power outage with the checksum of the payout RAM 203 calculated when power is restored from the power outage, and checks the backup flag that was set when power was lost, to determine whether or not there is an inconsistency between the data stored in the payout RAM 203 at the time of the power outage and the data stored in the payout RAM 203 when power is restored from the power outage. The payout CPU 201 determines that the above-mentioned inconsistency has occurred if an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the backup flag and the checksum, and determines that the above-mentioned inconsistency has not occurred if an abnormality has occurred in neither the backup flag nor the checksum. If it is determined that the above-mentioned inconsistency has occurred, a payout initialization process is executed to clear the entire area of ​​payout RAM 203 (clear all data stored in payout RAM 203), and if it is determined that the above-mentioned inconsistency has not occurred, a payout clear process is executed to clear a portion of the area of ​​payout RAM 203 (clear a portion of the data stored in payout RAM 203).

[0202] Specifically, the payout RAM 203 is provided with a first timing data memory area and a second timing data memory area for storing timing data for timing various times, a first control data memory area and a second control data memory area for storing control data for operating the payout motor 62, a first judgment data memory area and a second judgment data memory area for storing judgment data for error judgment, a first startup data memory area and a second startup data memory area for storing startup data used when power is restored after a power outage, a buffer area for storing commands etc. received from the main control board 100, a prize ball number memory area for storing the number of prize balls paid out, a signal memory area for storing data related to signals to be transmitted outside the pachinko machine P, a communication data memory area for storing data such as commands sent and received between the game ball lending device R, an unused memory area, and a stack area. In the payout initialization process, all of the above-mentioned areas are cleared. In contrast, in the payout clear process, only the first timing data storage area, the first control data storage area, the first determination data storage area, the first startup data storage area, the unused storage area, and the stack area are cleared.

[0203] (Overview of various controls when a game stop state is set due to a setting value abnormality, backup abnormality, or RAM abnormality) As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a special game, a normal game, or a special game is being executed in a playable state, a setting value abnormality may occur due to the occurrence of noise, etc., and a game stop state may be set based on the occurrence of the setting value abnormality. In addition, in the above-mentioned case, for example, a momentary power outage (i.e., a momentary blackout) may occur, and when the power outage is restored (when the power is restored), a backup abnormality or RAM abnormality may occur in the main control board 100, and a game stop state may be set based on the occurrence of the backup abnormality or RAM abnormality. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the game is stopped due to the above-mentioned setting being made based on the occurrence of a setting value abnormality, a backup abnormality, or a RAM abnormality, the special game, normal game, and special game that were being executed during the playable state before the game stopped state was set are not executed, and the game does not proceed.

[0204] Specifically, when the game is playable, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 sends a launch permission signal to the launch / payout control board 200 (the launch permission signal is turned on), and if the connection flag stored in the payout RAM 203 is on (the connection signal is on), the game ball is launched when the operating handle 5 is rotated. In contrast, when the game is stopped, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops sending the launch permission signal to the launch payout control board 200 (the launch permission signal is turned off), and even if the connection flag stored in the payout RAM 203 is on, the game ball will not be launched even if the operating handle 5 is rotated. Furthermore, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is configured not to detect the entry of game balls into the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, or the passage of game balls through the gate 20. As a result, even if a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a lottery for a jackpot based on the ball's entry is not conducted, and even if a game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol based on the passage is not conducted, and new prize balls, reserved memories of new special symbol random numbers, and reserved memories of new normal symbol random numbers are not generated. In addition, if the display of the variable special symbols, the display of the variable normal symbols, or the execution of a special game is in progress during the playable state, when the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the display of the variable special symbols, the display of the variable normal symbols, and the execution of the special game. In this way, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs the above-mentioned control, so that the game does not proceed.

[0205] In addition, in the playable state, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs control to send a winning signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P via the external information terminal board 500 from a predetermined start point after the ball enters (for example, the start point of the variable display of the special symbol) to a predetermined end point (for example, the point when a predetermined time (for example, 3000 ms) has passed from the predetermined start point). In addition, in the playable state, when a jackpot is won, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs control to send a jackpot signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P via the external information terminal board 500 from a predetermined start point after the jackpot is won (for example, the start point of a special game based on the winning of the jackpot) to a predetermined end point (for example, the end point of a special game based on the winning of the jackpot). This makes it possible for devices external to the pachinko machine P to grasp the changing display of special symbols based on balls entering the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, as well as winning a jackpot.

[0206] In contrast, when the game is stopped, the game does not progress as described above, and therefore the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 also restricts the control of transmitting the above-mentioned winning signals and jackpot signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P. For example, if the game is stopped while the winning signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbol, so the main CPU 101 is unable to stop the transmission of the winning signal that is being executed, and the winning signal remains in a transmitted state. Also, if the game is stopped when the winning signal is not being transmitted, even if a gaming ball subsequently enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 will not detect the ball, and the main CPU 101 will not be able to start transmitting the winning signal. In addition, if the game is stopped during the transmission of the jackpot signal, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the execution of the special game, so the main CPU 101 cannot stop the transmission of the jackpot signal being executed, and the jackpot signal remains in the transmitted state. In this case, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not start the special game thereafter, and therefore the main CPU 101 does not start transmitting the big win signal.

[0207] In addition, when the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 displays an error code on the main information display device 105, sends a game stop command to the sub-control board 300 indicating that the game stop state has been set, and sends a predetermined security signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P via the external information terminal board 500. When the sub-control board 300 receives a game stop command, a predetermined notification image is displayed on the effect display device 21, a predetermined notification sound is output from the audio output device 10, and the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the board effect lamp GL light up or go out in a predetermined lighting pattern to notify that a game stop state has been set. In addition, the security signal transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P can be received by the hall computer or an external display device for displaying various information, so that the hall computer can grasp that a game stop state has been set, and the external display device can notify that a game stop state has been set.

[0208] (Outline of control of the movable piece 16b and the opening / closing door 18b during the game stop state) Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the game is stopped, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 is restricted. Specifically, when game play is stopped, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the start winning port solenoid 16c, which drives the movable piece 16b of the second start winning port 16 to open and close, so as not to operate, and also controls the large winning port solenoid 18c, which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning port 18 to open and close, so as not to operate.

[0209] As a result, for example, if the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is open during the playable state, the movable piece 16b closes when the game stop state is set, and the closed state of the movable piece 16b is maintained during the game stop state. Also, for example, if the opening / closing door 18b of the special winning opening 18 is open during the playable state, the opening / closing door 18b closes when the game stop state is set, and the closed state of the opening / closing door 18b is maintained during the game stop state. Also, for example, if a game stop state is set after a winning normal symbol lottery has been drawn during a playable state and before the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 opens, the movable piece 16b will not be opened, and the movable piece 16b will remain closed during the game stop state. Also, for example, if a special game is being played during a playable state, and after a predetermined round of game has ended and the opening / closing door 18b of the special winning opening 18 has closed, and the game stop state is set before the next round of game starts and the opening / closing door 18b opens, the opening / closing door 18b will not be opened, and the opening / closing door 18b will remain closed during the game stop state.

[0210] (Outline of control related to payout of game balls during game stop state) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 performs the control as described above, so that the game does not proceed. Furthermore, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 stops sending a launch permission signal to the launch payout control board 200, thereby stopping the control of the launch of game balls by the launch payout control board 200. On the other hand, in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 does not send any signals or commands to the launch payout control board 200 to limit or stop various controls performed by the launch payout control board 200, except for stopping the sending of the launch permission signal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even in the game stop state, the control of the payout of game balls by the launch payout control board 200 is not stopped.

[0211] Specifically, after the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 sends a prize ball designation command to the launch payout control board 200 to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls based on the entry of a game ball into the general prize opening 14, the first start prize opening 15, the second start prize opening 16 or the large prize opening 18 (i.e., after the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command), even if a game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not send a board stop command to stop the operation of the launch payout control board 200, a payout stop command to stop the payout of game balls, a motor stop command to stop the operation of the payout motor 62, etc. to the launch payout control board 200.

[0212] As a result, for example, when prize balls are being paid out sequentially as a result of game balls entering the big prize opening 18 during the execution of a special game (i.e., a playable state), even if the game stop state is set, all prize balls based on the above-mentioned balls entering will be paid out. In other words, all prize balls that were acquired by game balls entering the big prize opening 18 before the game stop state was set but that have not yet been paid out at the time the game stop state was set will also be paid out. In this way, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a game ball enters one of the winning slots while the machine is in a playable state and a game stop state is set while prize balls are being paid out based on that ball, the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and the firing of game balls by the firing and payout control board 200 will stop, but the payout of prize balls by the firing and payout control board 200 will continue without stopping even during the game stop state.

[0213] Similarly, even if a game stop state is set after the player presses the ball lending button 36 and the game ball lending device R sends a ball lending payout command to the launch payout control board 200 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as loan balls, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not send a board stop command, payout stop command, motor stop command, etc. to the launch payout control board 200. As a result, even if a game stop state is set when a predetermined number of game balls (loan balls) are being paid out by pressing the ball loan button 36, all of the predetermined number of game balls will be paid out. In other words, even if the ball loan button 36 was pressed before the game stop state was set and payout of game balls was started, all game balls that had not yet been paid out at the time the game stop state was set will be paid out.

[0214] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even when play is stopped, the operation of the game ball lending device R, value information display device 35, ball lending switch 36a, and card return switch 37a is not restricted, and the transmission of signals and commands from these devices, and the reception of signals and commands by these devices, are not restricted. Therefore, even when the game is stopped, if the ball loan button 36 is pressed, the game ball loan device R sends a loan ball payout command to the launch payout control board 200. Also, as described above, even when the game is stopped, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not send a board stop command, payout stop command, motor stop command, etc. to the launch payout control board 200. As a result, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even if the ball loan button 36 is pressed while the game is stopped, all of the predetermined number of game balls are paid out.

[0215] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even when the game is stopped, the value information continues to be displayed on the value information display device 35. Also, when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the game is stopped, the game ball lending device R transmits a subtraction command to the value information display device 35, so that the updated value information is displayed on the value information display device 35 even during the game is stopped. Furthermore, even if the card return button 37 is pressed while the game is stopped, the card return switch 37a sends a return request signal to the game ball lending device R, so that the game ball lending device R is controlled to eject the card even while the game is stopped.

[0216] (Outline of determination of payout-related errors during game suspension) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, among the payout-related errors, the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a radio wave error, a payout motor error, and a main control connection error is determined (detected) by the launch payout control board 200. Furthermore, among the payout-related errors, the occurrence of a door open error is determined (detected) by the main control board 100.

[0217] Here, during the playable state, both the main control board 100 and the shot / payout control board 200 determine whether a corresponding error has occurred. On the other hand, during a game stop state, as described above, the main control board 100 performs control to prevent the game from progressing, and therefore, the main control board 100 does not determine whether an error has occurred. Therefore, during a game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not determine whether a door open error has occurred. Note that during a game stop state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not determine whether a door open error has occurred, nor does it determine whether a main control-related error has occurred.

[0218] In contrast, during a game stop state, signals or commands (such as a board stop command) that limit or stop various controls in the launch payout control board 200 are not sent to the launch payout control board 200, so the occurrence of an error is determined by the launch payout control board 200. Therefore, even during a game stop state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 continues to determine the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a radio wave error, a payout motor error, or a main control connection error.

[0219] (Outline of signal transmission to outside of pachinko machine P during game stop state) As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the transmission of winning signals and jackpot signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P, and the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 controls the transmission of received prize ball signals and payout prize ball signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P. Here, during the playable state, the main CPU 101 controls the transmission of a winning signal and a big win signal, and the payout CPU 201 controls the transmission of a received prize ball signal and a paid-out prize ball signal. On the other hand, during the game stop state, as described above, the control for transmitting a winning signal or a big win signal to the main control board 100 is restricted.

[0220] In contrast, during the game stop state, no signals or commands (such as a board stop command) that restrict or stop various controls in the launch / payout control board 200 are sent to the launch / payout control board 200, so the control by the launch / payout control board 200 to send received prize ball signals and payout prize ball signals continues without any restrictions. Specifically, for example, even if a game stop state is set while the payout CPU 201 is transmitting a received prize ball signal or a payout prize ball signal, the payout CPU 201 will terminate transmission of these signals after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, for example, if game balls are paid out after the game stop state is set and the number of paid out game balls reaches a predetermined number, the payout CPU 201 will transmit a payout prize ball signal, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the payout CPU 201 will terminate transmission of the payout prize ball signal.

[0221] (Overview of control when setting change state or setting confirmation state is set) In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops sending a launch permission signal to the launch payout control board 200, does not detect the entry of game balls into the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, or the passage of game balls through the gate 20, and stops the display of variable special symbols, the display of variable normal symbols, and the execution of special games. As a result, in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the game does not progress, just like in the game stop state.

[0222] Then, in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls not to operate the start winning port solenoid 16c that drives the movable piece 16b of the second starting winning port 16 to open and close, and also controls not to operate the special winning port solenoid 18c that drives the opening and closing door 18b of the special winning port 18 to open and close. As a result, the movable piece 16b and the opening and closing door 18b remain closed during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, just like the game stop state. On the other hand, during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the main CPU 101 transmits a board stop command to the firing / payout control board 200. This stops the firing / payout control board 200 from paying out game balls and judging payout-related errors, and restricts the control of the transmission of the received prize ball signal and the paid-out prize ball signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. Furthermore, even during the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the main CPU 101 may be configured not to send a board stop command to the launch and payout control board 200, so that the launch and payout control board 200 continues to pay out game balls and determine payout-related errors, and the control of the transmission of received prize ball signals and payout prize ball signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P is not restricted.

[0223] (Overview of control related to differential ball activation stop control (control based on the number of differential balls)) In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in order to prevent a situation in which the number of game balls acquired by the player during play becomes excessive and the game becomes too gambling-like, the main CPU 101 executes operation stop control (difference ball operation stop control) to stop the operation of the pachinko machine P when the number of difference balls from a predetermined point in time during the playable state reaches a predetermined operation stop number (95,000 in this embodiment).

[0224] The difference in the number of balls is the difference between the number of prize balls (prize balls paid out based on the detection of game balls by the general prize opening detection sensor 14a, the first start prize opening detection sensor 15a, the second start prize opening detection sensor 16a, and the large prize opening detection sensor 18a) that are paid out based on the game balls entering each winning opening (general prize opening 14, first start prize opening 15, second start prize opening 16, and large prize opening 18), and the number of game balls that are fired by the player and enter each winning opening or are received by the outlet 19 (game balls detected by the outlet sensor 19a, in other words, game balls used in the game).

[0225] As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the difference ball count value used to determine the difference ball number is stored in a specific area in the unused area provided in the main RAM 103. The difference ball counter value stored in this specific area is reset by power recovery (power off / on) in states other than the activation notice state and activation state (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state) described below, and is reset in the activation notice state and activation state by performing initialization processing (abnormal initialization processing, normal initialization processing) associated with the setting change state. When reset, the difference ball count value is set to the initial value (100000 in this embodiment). The difference ball count value is incremented by the number of prize balls to be paid out based on each game ball that enters a prize opening (each time a game ball is detected by the general prize opening detection sensor 14a, the first start prize opening detection sensor 15a, the second start prize opening detection sensor 16a, or the large prize opening detection sensor 18a), and is decremented by 1 each time a game ball is detected by the out sensor 19a.When the difference ball count value is 0, even if a game ball is detected by the out sensor 19a, the difference ball count value is not decremented and remains 0. When the difference ball count value reaches a second reference value (195,000 in this embodiment) described later, the number of difference balls reaches the predetermined operation stop number (95,000).

[0226] In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, each time a game ball enters each winning slot, the number of prize balls scheduled to be paid out based on that ball is added to the difference ball count value, but this is not limited to this, and each time prize balls are actually paid out based on a game ball entering each winning slot, the number of prize balls paid out may be added to the difference ball count value. Furthermore, as described above, the difference ball count value is decremented by 1 each time a gaming ball is detected by the out sensor 19a, but this is not limited to this, and the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 each time a launched gaming ball reaches the gaming area 12. In other words, the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 each time a gaming ball is used in a game. Furthermore, as described above, in the activation notice state and activation state, the difference ball count value is reset by performing the initialization process (abnormal initialization process, normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the setting change state, but this is not limited to this, and the value may also be reset by performing the initialization process (normal initialization process) that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on when the power is restored and the setting confirmation state or playable state is set.

[0227] In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, four types of states related to the differential ball operation stop control are provided: a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, an activation notice state, and an activation state. During the playable state, the machine stays in one of the four states.

[0228] The pre-warning state is set by resetting the difference ball count value, and is a state in which the game remains when the difference ball count value has not reached a first reference value (190,000 in this embodiment), and the game remains mainly in this pre-warning state during the playable state. When the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, the pre-warning state ends and the activation warning state is set. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the difference ball count value remains in the pre-warning state from when it is reset until it reaches the first reference value.

[0229] As described above, the activation warning state is set when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value. Then, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value (195000), the activation warning state ends. If a special game is being played at the time of reaching this reference value, the activation notice state is set, and if a special game is not being played, the activation state is set. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the activation warning state is maintained from the time when the differential ball count value reaches the first reference value until the time when the differential ball count value reaches the second reference value.

[0230] Furthermore, when the activation warning state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a first difference ball operation stop control designation command indicating this to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the first difference ball operation stop control designation command, an activation warning indication (for example, displaying an activation warning text image saying "There are about 5000 shots left until the limit is reached") is performed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21 until a predetermined time (60 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, indicating that the first reference value has been reached and that the second reference value will soon be reached (see Figures 55(e) to (g)), a predetermined activation warning sound (for example, a sound saying "There are about 5000 shots left until the limit is reached") is output from the audio output device 10, and the front door effect lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the board effect lamp GL light up or turn off in a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, only the front door effect lamp DL lights up in blue), thereby indicating that the activation warning state has been set. In addition, the indication of an activation warning, the output of an activation warning sound, and the indication that an activation warning state has been set by turning on or off various lamps may be performed not only for a specified period of time, but may be performed continuously until a power outage occurs. Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, once the activation warning state is set, unless a power interruption restoration is performed, even if the difference ball count value falls below the first reference value, the activation warning state will not end and the pre-activation warning state will not be set. Note that if the difference ball count value falls below the first reference value after the activation warning state is set, the activation warning state may be ended and the pre-activation warning state may be set.

[0231] As described above, the activation notice state is set when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and a special game is being played at the time of this reaching. Then, when the special game being played ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. Also, when the initialization process (abnormal initialization process, normal initialization process) accompanying the setting of the setting change state described above is performed during the activation notice state, the activation notice state ends and the pre-activation warning state is set. In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if a special game is being played when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the machine will remain in the activation notification state from the time the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value until the special game being played ends or the initialization process associated with setting the setting change state is performed.

[0232] In addition, the activation notice state may not be terminated by the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state, but by the initialization process (normal initialization process) that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on when the power is restored and the setting confirmation state or playable state is set.

[0233] In addition, when the activation notice state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a second difference ball operation stop control designation command indicating this to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the second difference ball operation stop control designation command, an activation notice suggestion (for example, display of an activation notice text image saying "Play will end after the jackpot ends") is performed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 until a power outage occurs, suggesting that the operation of the pachinko machine P will stop after the special game ends (see FIG. 55(h)), a predetermined activation notice sound (for example, a sound saying "Play will end after the jackpot ends") is output from the audio output device 10, and the front door performance lamp DL, the status notification lamp EL, and the board performance lamp GL light up or turn off in a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, only the front door performance lamp DL lights up in blue), thereby suggesting that the activation notice state has been set. In addition, the activation warning indication, the output of the activation warning sound, and the indication that the activation warning state has been set by turning on or off various lamps may be performed only until a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has passed, rather than until a power outage occurs.

[0234] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as will be described later, when the activation state is set based on the difference ball count value reaching the second reference value, the game does not proceed (the game stops). However, as described above, if a special game is being played when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the activation notice state is set instead of the activation state, and when the currently-playing special game ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. In other words, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a special game, the game is not immediately stopped based on the reaching of the second reference value and the currently-playing special game is not forcibly ended, but the game continues until the final round of the currently-playing special game is completed. This allows the player to maintain their interest even if the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a special game.

[0235] As described above, the activation state is set when a special game is not being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, or when the special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the currently executed special game ends. Then, when the initialization process (abnormal initialization process, normal initialization process) accompanying the setting of the setting change state described above is performed, the activation state ends and the pre-activation warning state is set. That is, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if a special game is not being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the machine will remain in the activation state from the time the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value until the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed. Also, if a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the machine will remain in the activation state from the time the special game being executed ends until the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state is performed. In other words, once the activation state is set, the activation state will not end and will continue unless an initialization process is performed in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state.

[0236] In addition, the activation state may not be terminated by the initialization process associated with the setting of the setting change state, but by the initialization process (normal initialization process) that is executed when the RAM clear switch 109 is on when the power is restored and the setting confirmation state or the playable state is set.

[0237] In the activated state, similar to the game stop state described above, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops sending the launch permission signal to the launch payout control board 200 (the launch permission signal is turned off), and the player will not be launched even if the operating handle 5 is rotated. Also, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is configured not to detect the entry of game balls into the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 or the passage of game balls through the gate 20, so that even if a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a lottery for a jackpot based on the ball entry is not conducted, and even if a game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol based on the passage is not conducted, and new prize balls, new reserved memory of special symbol random numbers, and new reserved memory of normal symbol random numbers are not generated. Furthermore, if the variable display of the special pattern or the variable display of the normal pattern is being executed, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special pattern or the variable display of the normal pattern. In this way, in the activated state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs the above-mentioned control, so that the game does not progress (the game is stopped) in the same way as in the game stopped state.

[0238] Furthermore, in the activated state, as described above, the game does not progress, and therefore, as in the game stop state, the control of the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 to send a winning signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is also restricted. For example, if the activation state is set while a winning signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 stops the variable display of the special symbol, so the main CPU 101 is unable to stop the transmission of the winning signal that is being executed, and the winning signal remains in a transmitted state. Also, if the activation state is set when a winning signal is not being transmitted, even if a gaming ball subsequently enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 will not detect the ball, and the main CPU 101 will not be able to start transmitting the winning signal.

[0239] Furthermore, in the activated state, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening / closing door 18b of the big winning opening 18 is restricted, just as in the game stop state. Specifically, in the activated state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the start prize opening solenoid 16c, which drives the movable piece 16b of the second start prize opening 16 to open and close, so as not to operate, and also controls the large prize opening solenoid 18c, which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large prize opening 18 to open and close, so as not to operate. As a result, for example, if the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is open, the movable piece 16b closes when the activation state is set, and the movable piece 16b remains closed during the activation state. Also, the opening and closing door 18b remains closed during the activation state. Also, for example, if the activation state is set before the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 opens after a winning normal symbol is drawn, the movable piece 16b does not open, and the movable piece 16b remains closed during the activation state.

[0240] Also, in the activation state, as in the game stop state, the main CPU 101 stops sending a launch permission signal to the launch / payout control board 200, thereby stopping the control of the launch of game balls by the launch / payout control board 200. Also, even in the activation state, the main CPU 101 does not send any signals or commands to the launch / payout control board 200 to limit or stop the various controls performed by the launch / payout control board 200, except for stopping the sending of the launch permission signal. Therefore, even in the activation state, the control of the payout of game balls by the launch / payout control board 200 is not stopped.

[0241] Specifically, even if the activation state is set after the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 sends a prize ball designation command to the launch payout control board 200 to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls based on the entry of a game ball into the general prize opening 14, the first start prize opening 15, the second start prize opening 16 or the large prize opening 18 (i.e., after the launch payout control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command), the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not send a board stop command to stop the operation of the launch payout control board 200, a payout stop command to stop the payout of game balls, a motor stop command to stop the operation of the payout motor 62, etc. to the launch payout control board 200.

[0242] As a result, even if the activation state is set when prize balls based on game balls entering any of the winning slots have been paid out, all prize balls based on the above-mentioned balls entering will be paid out. In other words, all prize balls that were acquired by game balls entering any of the winning slots before the activation state was set but that have not yet been paid out at the time the activation state was set will also be paid out. In this way, if a game ball enters one of the winning slots before the activation state is set, and the activation state is set while prize balls based on that ball are being paid out, the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and the firing of game balls by the launch / payout control board 200 will stop, but the payout of prize balls by the launch / payout control board 200 will continue without stopping even during the activation state.

[0243] Similarly, even if the player presses the ball lending button 36 and the game ball lending device R sends a ball lending payout command to the launch and payout control board 200 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as loan balls, and then the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not send a board stop command, payout stop command, motor stop command, etc. to the launch and payout control board 200. As a result, all of the predetermined number of game balls (loan balls) will be paid out even if the activation state is set when a predetermined number of game balls (loan balls) are being paid out by pressing the ball loan button 36. In other words, even if the ball loan button 36 is pressed before the activation state is set and payout of game balls has started, all game balls that have not yet been paid out at the time the activation state is set will be paid out.

[0244] Furthermore, even during the activation state, the operation of the game ball lending device R, the value information display device 35, the ball lending switch 36a, and the card return switch 37a is not restricted, and the transmission of signals and commands from these devices and the reception of signals and commands by these devices are not restricted. Therefore, even during the activation state, if the ball lending button 36 is pressed, the game ball lending device R sends a loan ball payout command to the launch payout control board 200. Also, as described above, even when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not send a board stop command, a payout stop command, a motor stop command, etc. to the launch payout control board 200. As a result, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, even if the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, all of the predetermined number of game balls are paid out.

[0245] Furthermore, even during the activation state, the value information continues to be displayed on the value information display device 35. Also, when the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, the game ball lending device R sends a subtraction command to the value information display device 35, so that the updated value information is displayed on the value information display device 35 even during the activation state. Furthermore, when the card return button 37 is pressed during the activation state, the card return switch 37a sends a return request signal to the game ball lending device R, so that the game ball lending device R is controlled to eject the card even during the activation state. When the ball lending button 36 is pressed during the activation state, the game balls may not be dispensed, and the updated display of the value information may not be performed on the value information display device 35. When the card return button 37 is pressed during the activation state, the game ball lending device R may not control the ejection of the card.

[0246] Also, in the activated state, as in the game stop state, the main control board 100 does not determine whether an error has occurred (detects the occurrence). Therefore, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 does not determine whether a main control-related error or a door open error, which is one of the payout-related errors that is determined to occur by the main control board 100, has occurred. Furthermore, in the activated state, as described above, signals and commands (such as a board stop command) that limit or stop various controls in the launch payout control board 200 are not sent to the launch payout control board 200, so the occurrence of an error is determined by the launch payout control board 200. Therefore, even in the activated state, the payout CPU 201 of the launch payout control board 200 continues to determine the occurrence of a ball out error, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a radio wave error, a payout motor error, and a main control connection error. Incidentally, even during the activation state, the main control board 100 may be configured to determine whether an error has occurred, so that the main CPU 101 determines whether a main control-related error or a door open error has occurred during the activation state. As a result, even during the activation state, if the conditions for the occurrence of each error are met, a main control-related error or a door open error will occur. In addition, by preventing the launch payout control board 200 from determining whether an error has occurred during the activation state, the payout CPU 201 may be prevented from determining whether a ball has run out, a full tank error, a payout counting switch error, a ball jam error, an excess prize ball error, a radio wave error, a payout motor error, or a main control connection error has occurred during the activation state.

[0247] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in the activation state, the game does not progress and the control of launching the game balls is stopped, so that the game balls cannot be launched, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the activation state, the game may not progress, but the control of launching the game balls by the launch payout control board 200 may not be stopped by not stopping the main CPU 101 from sending a launch permission signal to the launch payout control board 200. In other words, in the activation state, the game may not progress, but the game balls may be launched.

[0248] Furthermore, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 clears the displays on the first special symbol display device 30, the second special symbol display device 31, the normal symbol display device 32, the first special symbol reserve display device 38, the second special symbol reserve display device 39, and the normal symbol reserve display device 33. Specifically, these displays are composed of LEDs that can be turned on or off, and the LEDs constituting each display device are turned off. As a result, the special symbols that were being displayed in a variable state or in a stationary state on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 32, the normal symbols that were being displayed in a variable state or in a stationary state on the normal symbol display device 32, the number of first special symbols reserved displayed by the first special symbol reserve display device 38, the number of second special symbols reserved displayed by the second special symbol reserve display device 39, and the number of normal symbols reserved displayed by the normal symbol reserve display device 33 are all cleared. On the other hand, if the right-hit notification lamp RL connected to the sub-control board 300 is lit when the activation state is set, this right-hit notification lamp RL will continue to be lit even after the activation state is set. In addition to the right-hit notification lamp RL, if a reserved number lamp or the like that indicates the reserved number of first special symbols or the reserved number of second special symbols by lighting up in a predetermined manner is connected to the sub-control board 300, this reserved number lamp may also continue to light up in a predetermined manner that indicates the reserved number of first special symbols or the reserved number of second special symbols even after the activation state is set. In other words, for a display device that is connected to the sub-control board 300 and that makes suggestions regarding the progress of the game, the suggestion may continue to be executed even after the activation state is set.

[0249] Furthermore, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits to the sub-control board 300 a third difference ball activation stop control designation command indicating that the activation state is set. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the third differential ball operation stop control designation command, various effect images such as the effect pattern 50, the reserved image indicating that reserved memory is being stored, and the background image that were displayed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21 at this time are cleared, and then, until a power outage occurs, the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21 displays an activation indication indicating that the operation of the pachinko machine P has stopped (for example, an activation text image is displayed saying, "Difference ball operation stop function is in operation. Playing will stop as the differential ball limit has been reached. Please call an attendant") (see Figure 55(i)), and the audio output device 10 outputs a predetermined activation sound (for example, a sound saying, "Playing will stop as the differential ball limit has been reached"), and the front door effect lamp DL, status notification lamp EL, and board effect lamp GL light up or turn off in a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, the front door effect lamp DL lights up in blue, the status notification lamp EL lights up in red, and the board effect lamp GL is turned off), indicating that the activation state has been set. In addition, the activation suggestion, activation sound output, and indication that the activation state has been set by turning on or off various lamps may not be performed until a power outage occurs, but may be performed only until a predetermined time has passed (a time longer than the time for which the indication that the activation warning state has been set is given (for example, 10 minutes)). Furthermore, the various effect images that were displayed when the activation state was set may continue to be displayed instead of being cleared.The above-mentioned activation suggestion (display of an activation text image) may be superimposed on these various effect images.

[0250] Furthermore, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 displays a code indicating the activation state on the main information display device 105. This allows the user to know from the main information display device 105 that the activation state has been set. When the activation state is set, no display may be made on the main information display device 105. In other words, the display on the main information display device 105 may be cleared.

[0251] Furthermore, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 outputs an error detection signal to the hall computer, which allows the hall computer to know that the activation state has been set.

[0252] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, differential ball operation stop control phase data for setting various states related to differential ball operation stop control (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, activation state) is stored in a specific area in the unused area provided in the main RAM 103. By storing state values ​​corresponding to the various states described above in this differential ball operation stop control phase data, any one of the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, and activation state is set.

[0253] Specifically, when power is restored in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, or when initialization processing is performed in the activation notice state or the activation state in association with the setting of the setting change state, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and then stores the state value corresponding to the pre-activation warning state in this difference ball operation stop control phase data, thereby setting the pre-activation warning state. That is, when power is restored in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, the difference ball count value is reset as described above, and the pre-activation warning state is set. Also, when initialization processing is performed in the activation notice state or the activation state in association with the setting change state, these states end and the difference ball count value is reset, and the pre-activation warning state is set.

[0254] Furthermore, when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation warning state. This sets the activation warning state. Furthermore, when the differential ball count value reaches the second reference value and a special game is being executed at the time of this reaching, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation notice state in the differential ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the differential ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation notice state. This sets the activation notice state. Furthermore, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and a special game was not being executed when the difference ball count value reached the second reference value, or when the special game that was being executed when the difference ball count value reached the second reference value ends, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation state. This sets the activation state.

[0255] As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in the game stop state, setting change state or setting confirmation state, which are control states in which the game does not progress, the operation of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and the opening / closing door 18b of the large winning opening 18 is restricted, and the movable piece 16b and the large winning opening 18 remain closed during the control state in which the game does not progress. This prevents the start winning port solenoid 16c and the special winning port solenoid 18c from continuing to operate even when no game is in progress, preventing situations such as these components overheating, malfunctioning, or being damaged. Also, by keeping the second start winning port 16 and the special winning port 18 open, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as inserting illegal parts into these winning ports to win prize balls while no game is in progress.

[0256] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, in the game stop state, which is a control state in which the game does not progress, game balls are not fired, but the firing and payout control board 200 continues to pay out game balls (both the payout of prize balls and the payout of loan balls), and the value information display device 35 displays value information, and the game ball lending device R dispenses cards, etc. This prevents, for example, the occurrence of disadvantages such as not being able to acquire some of the prize balls based on the ball that entered the slot even though the game ball entered the slot before the game stop state was set, because the payout of prize balls was stopped due to the game stop state being set, or not being able to acquire some of the loaned balls even though the ball loan switch 36 was pressed by the player before the game stop state was set. Also, even if the game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 does not need to execute special processing such as sending a signal or command to the launch / payout control board 200 to stop operation or stop the payout of game balls, so an increase in the load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101 can be prevented.

[0257] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the game stop state, which is a control state in which the game does not progress, the main control board 100 does not make a judgment on the occurrence of an error that is determined to have occurred, but the launch / payout control board 200 makes a judgment on the occurrence of an error that is determined to have occurred. As a result, even during a game stop state in which the payout of game balls is continuously controlled by the launch payout control board 200, it is possible to reliably grasp the occurrence of an error due to an abnormal operation of the equipment related to the payout of game balls (the payout motor 62, the payout counting switch 63, etc.) or an illegal act against the equipment, thereby maintaining the security of the launch payout control board 200. Furthermore, even when a game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 does not need to execute any special processing such as sending a signal or command to the launch payout control board 200 to stop its operation, and furthermore, the main control board 100 does not judge an error, so that it is possible to prevent an increase in the load on the hardware resources of the main CPU 101, etc.

[0258] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during a game stop state, which is a control state in which the game is not progressing, the control of the transmission of winning signals and jackpot signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P by the main control board 100 is restricted, but the control of the transmission of received prize ball signals and paid-out prize ball signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P by the firing and pay-out control board 200 is not restricted. As a result, even during a game stop state in which the payout of game balls is continuously controlled by the payout control board 200, information regarding the payout of game balls can be reliably grasped by devices external to the pachinko machine P. Furthermore, even when a game stop state is set, the main CPU 101 does not need to execute special processing such as sending a command to the payout control board 200 to stop the transmission of signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P, and since the control of the transmission of winning signals and jackpot signals by the main control board 100 is limited, it is possible to prevent an increase in the load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101.

[0259] In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the time during which the main control board 100 transmits a signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is set to be longer than the time during which the launch and payout control board 200 transmits a signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. This ensures that signals sent from the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P are transmitted more reliably to the outside of the pachinko machine P than signals sent from the launch and payout control board 200 to the outside of the pachinko machine P.

[0260] The setting of the transmission time is not limited to this. For example, the time taken for the firing and payout control board 200 to transmit a signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be set to be longer than the time taken for the main control board 100 to transmit a signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. When set up in this manner, the signals transmitted from the launch and payout control board 200 to the outside of the pachinko machine P are more reliably transmitted to the outside of the pachinko machine P than the signals transmitted from the main control board 100 to the outside of the pachinko machine P. In addition, the time when the firing and payout control board 200 transmits a signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P may be set to be the same as the time when the main control board 100 transmits a signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P.

[0261] In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the difference ball count value reaches a second reference value (the difference ball count reaches a predetermined number of activation stops), an activation state is set in which the game does not progress and no game balls are fired. This prevents a situation in which a player acquires an excessive number of game balls during play, leading to excessive gambling, and also produces the same effect as during the game stop state described above.

[0262] (Outline of processing in pachinko machine P) Next, an outline of the processing executed by the main control board 100 as the special game, normal game, and special game described above progresses will be explained using a flowchart. First, the power cut-off and evacuation process of the main control board 100 will be described. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the voltage of the supplied power supply falls below a predetermined value, the main processing of the main control board 100 described below is interrupted and the power cut-off evacuation processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 21 is executed.

[0263] In step 100, the main CPU 101 determines whether a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected. If it is determined that a power interruption occurrence signal has not been detected, the power interruption evacuation process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step 101. In step 101, the main CPU 101 executes a process of calculating checksums of the used area and unused area in the main RAM 103, and stores the calculated checksums in the second area. Then, the process proceeds to step 102.

[0264] In step 102, the main CPU 101 executes a backup process to hold various data (setting values, gaming machine status flags indicating control states, checksums, backup flags, error information, various data relating to game progress, and game performance data) stored in the storage area of ​​the main RAM 103, and stores a backup flag indicating the result of this backup process in the second area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103. In step 103, the main CPU 101 prohibits access to the main RAM 103. As a result, it becomes impossible to store various data in the main RAM 103 or read (load) various data from the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step, step 104.

[0265] In step 104, the main CPU 101 stops sending the main command permission signal and the launch permission signal to the launch / dispense control board 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105. In step 105, the main CPU 101 sets the power interruption monitoring time (3000 ms) in the power interruption monitoring time timer counter, and then proceeds to the next step 106.

[0266] In step 106, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected. If it is determined that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the process returns to step 105. On the other hand, if it is determined that a power interruption occurrence signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to the next step 107. In step 107, the main CPU 101 determines whether the power interruption monitoring time set in step 105 has elapsed. If it determines that it has not elapsed, the process returns to step 106. On the other hand, if it determines that it has elapsed, the power interruption evacuation process is terminated and the power interruption recovery process described below is executed. Note that a countdown timer is used as the power interruption monitoring time timer counter, and the timer counter is decremented by 1 each time the above-mentioned power interruption occurrence signal detection determination is executed, and when it reaches 0, it is determined that the power interruption monitoring time has elapsed. If a power interruption occurs, the operation of the pachinko machine P is stopped while the above-mentioned steps 105 to 107 are looped.

[0267] Next, the main processing of the main control board 100 will be described. When power is supplied by the power supply board 600 (when power is restored after a power outage), a system reset occurs in the main CPU 101, and the main CPU 101 executes the main processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0268] In step 110, the main CPU 101 executes a power recovery process. Then, the process proceeds to step 111. In step 111, the main CPU 101 inhibits other processes from interrupting, and then proceeds to step 112.

[0269] In step 112, the main CPU 101 updates the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number, which is referenced when updating the winning symbol random number. This initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number is used to determine the initial value of the winning symbol random number. In other words, the winning symbol random number is updated using the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at the time the update is started as its initial value. Then, once this random number range has been completed, the update of the winning symbol random number continues using the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time as its initial value. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 113. In step 113, the main CPU 101 analyzes various commands used to execute the special game and the normal game. Then, the process proceeds to step 114.

[0270] In step 114, the main CPU 101 transmits the command stored in the performance transmission data storage area to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to step 115. In step 115, the main CPU 101 allows other processes to be interrupted, and then proceeds to step 116.

[0271] In step 116, the main CPU 101 updates the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern random number, which are random numbers for determining the variation presentation pattern (hereinafter referred to as variation presentation random numbers). Then, when the processing of step 116 ends, the processing of steps 111 to 116 is repeatedly executed thereafter until the timer interrupt processing described later is performed.

[0272] Next, the power interruption recovery process of step 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 130, the main CPU 101 performs initialization processing, such as loading a startup program from the main ROM 102, necessary to execute various processes when power is restored (when the power switch 650 is turned on or when power is restored from an unexpected power outage). The main CPU 101 also begins transmitting a launch permission signal and a main command permission signal to the launch / payout control board 200 (turning the launch permission signal on). This enables the launch / payout control board 200 to execute control for launching game balls based on the rotation of the operating handle 5, and also enables the launch / payout control board 200 to transmit commands to the main control board 100. Although not specifically shown, the main CPU 101 also permits access to the main RAM 103. This subsequently enables various data to be stored in the main RAM 103 and various data to be read (loaded) from the main RAM 103. The process then proceeds to step 131. In step 131, the main CPU 101 calculates the checksum of the main RAM 103 at this time, and determines whether or not a backup abnormality has occurred based on the calculated checksum, the checksum stored in the second area of ​​the main RAM 103 (the checksum calculated in step 101 immediately before the power outage occurred), and the backup flag stored in the second area. If it is determined that a backup abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step 136. On the other hand, if it is determined that a backup abnormality has not occurred, the process proceeds to the next step, step 132.

[0273] In step 132, the main CPU 101 determines whether the RAM clear switch 109 is on. If it is determined that the RAM clear switch 109 is on, the process proceeds to step 136. On the other hand, if it is determined that the RAM clear switch 109 is not on (i.e., is off), the process proceeds to the next step 133. In step 133, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current control state is a playable state, the setting switch 108 is on, and the main frame open detection sensor 2a is on, i.e., whether the conditions for the playable state to end and the setting confirmation state to be set are met. If it determines that the conditions are not met (i.e., if the current control state is a setting confirmation state, a setting change state, or a play stop state, the setting switch 108 is off, or the main frame open detection sensor 2a is off), the process proceeds to step 135. On the other hand, if it determines that the conditions are met, the process proceeds to the next step 134. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, a gaming machine status flag indicating the control status during the stay is stored in the first area in the use area of ​​the main RAM 103, and the control status during the stay can be determined by referring to this gaming machine status flag.

[0274] In step 134, the main CPU 101 sets the setting confirmation state and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating this in the first area. In step 135, the main CPU 101 executes an abnormality initialization process if the game stop state is set, and executes a clear process if the setting change state is set or if the setting confirmation state is set in the above-mentioned step 134. Then, the process proceeds to step 144.

[0275] Furthermore, if it is determined in the above-mentioned step 131 that a backup abnormality has occurred, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a RAM abnormality has occurred in step 136, which is reached when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 132 that the RAM clear switch 109 is on. If it is determined that a RAM abnormality has not occurred, the main CPU 101 proceeds to step 138. On the other hand, if it is determined that a RAM abnormality has occurred, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 137. In step 137, the main CPU 101 sets a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality, and stores in the first area a game machine state flag indicating that the game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality has been set. The main CPU 101 also executes stop-related processing based on the setting of the game stop state. Specifically, the stop-related processing includes processing for stopping transmission of a launch permission signal to the launch payout control board 200 (processing for turning off the launch permission signal), processing for stopping the variable display of special symbols, variable display of normal symbols, and special games that were being executed before the game stop state was set, processing for stopping determination of payout-related errors (door opening errors) and main control-related errors, processing for stopping (limiting) control of transmission of winning signals and jackpot signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P, processing for displaying error codes on the main information display device 105, and processing for transmitting a security signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P. As a result, even if the operating handle 5 is rotated, the control of firing game balls by the firing / payout control board 200 cannot be executed, and the progress of the game is stopped. Furthermore, judgment of payout-related errors and the like is no longer performed, and control of sending winning signals and jackpot signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P is restricted. On the other hand, the control of paying out game balls by the firing / payout control board 20, judgment of payout-related errors (out of ball error, full tank error, payout counting switch error, ball jam error, excess prize ball error, radio wave error, payout motor error, main control connection error), and control of sending received prize ball signals and payout prize ball signals to the outside of the pachinko machine P continue to be performed. Then, proceed to step 143.

[0276] Furthermore, in step 138, which is reached if it is determined in the above-mentioned step 136 that no RAM abnormality has occurred, the main CPU 101 determines whether the setting change conditions (i.e., the setting switch 108 is on, the RAM clear switch 109 is on, and the main body frame open detection sensor 2a is on) are met. If it is determined that the setting change conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step 140. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting change conditions are met, the process proceeds to the next step 139. In step 139, the main CPU 101 sets the setting change state and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating this in the first area.

[0277] Furthermore, in step 140, which is reached if it is determined in the above-mentioned step 138 that the setting change condition is not met, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a backup abnormality has occurred. If it is determined that a backup abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step 142. On the other hand, if it is determined that a backup abnormality has not occurred, the process proceeds to the next step 141. In step 141, the main CPU 101 sets the gameable state and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating this in the first area.

[0278] Furthermore, in step 142, which is reached when it is determined in step 140 that a backup abnormality has occurred, the main CPU 101 sets a game stop state based on the occurrence of a backup abnormality and stores a gaming machine state flag indicating this in the first area. The main CPU 101 also executes stop-related processing based on the setting of the game stop state. This stop-related processing is similar to the processing content executed when a game stop state based on the occurrence of a RAM abnormality has been set (the processing content executed in step 137 above), and therefore will not be described here. Then, the process proceeds to step 143. In step 143, the main CPU 101 executes an abnormality initialization process if the game stop state is set, and executes a normal initialization process if the game enable state or the setting change state is set. Then, the process proceeds to step 144.

[0279] In step 144, the main CPU 101 sets a command to be sent to the sub-control board 300 when power is restored (for example, a game stop command indicating that a game stop state has been set) in the performance transmission data storage area. The command set here is sent to the sub-control board 300 in the above-mentioned step 114. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 145. In step 145, the main CPU 101 transmits a predetermined command corresponding to the processing executed when the power was restored to the launch / dispense control board 200. Specifically, if the abnormality initialization processing or normal initialization processing is executed, a RAM clear command is transmitted to the launch / dispense control board 200, and if the clear processing is executed, a power restoration command is transmitted to the launch / dispense control board 200. As described above, when sending various commands to the launch / dispense control board 200, the main CPU 101 determines whether a dispense command permission signal has been sent from the launch / dispense control board 200, and sends various commands if it determines that a dispense command permission signal has been sent. Therefore, here, if it determines that a dispense command permission signal has been sent, it sends a RAM clear command or a power outage recovery command, and if it determines that a dispense command permission signal has not been sent, it does not send these commands. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 146.

[0280] In step 146, the main CPU 101 executes the differential ball control reset process that is performed based on the power interruption recovery, and then ends the power interruption recovery process.

[0281] Next, the difference ball control reset process in step 146 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step 150, the main CPU 101 determines whether a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is stored in the difference ball operation stop phase data. If it determines that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is not stored (i.e., a state value corresponding to the activation pre-warning state or the activation warning state is stored), the process proceeds to step 152. On the other hand, if it determines that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is stored, the process proceeds to the next step 151. In step 151, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the initialization process (abnormal initialization process, normal initialization process) associated with the setting of the setting change state has been executed in the power outage recovery process described above. If it is determined that the initialization process associated with the setting change state has not been executed, the difference ball control reset process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the initialization process associated with the setting change state has been executed, the process proceeds to the next step 152.

[0282] In step 152, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and stores the state value corresponding to the state before the activation warning in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. Then, the process proceeds to step 153. In step 153, the main CPU 101 resets the difference ball count value, and then ends the difference ball control reset process.

[0283] Next, the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 will be described. A reset clock pulse generating circuit provided on the main control board 100 generates a clock pulse at a predetermined period (4 milliseconds in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment), thereby executing the timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 25.

[0284] In step 200, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current control state is a playable state and whether the state related to the differential ball operation stop control is other than the activation state (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state). If it is determined that the control state is not a playable state (i.e., a game stop state, a setting change state, or a setting confirmation state), or that the control state is a playable state but not other than the activation state (i.e., an activation state), the process proceeds to step 216. On the other hand, if it is determined that the control state is a playable state and other than the activation state, the process proceeds to the next step 201. In step 201, the main CPU 101 executes a timer update process to update various timer counters, and then proceeds to the next step 202. The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment employs a countdown timer, and the timer counter is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 is executed, and the countdown stops when the timer counter reaches 0.

[0285] In step 202, the main CPU 101 updates the winning symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is updated by adding "1", and if the result of the addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is reset to "0", and if the random number counter has completed one cycle, the random number is updated from the value of the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203. In step 203, the main CPU 101 determines whether there is an input from the gate detection sensor 20a, the first start entry slot detection sensor 15a, the second start entry slot detection sensor 16a, the special entry slot detection sensor 18a, the general entry slot detection sensor 14a, and the out sensor 19a, and executes a sensor detection process to perform a predetermined process based on the input. This sensor detection process is not executed during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, or the activation state. Therefore, during these states, even if a gaming ball enters the general entry slot 14, the first start entry slot 15, the second start entry slot 16, or the special entry slot 18, or even if a gaming ball passes through the gate 20, no new prize balls, new reserved special random numbers, or new reserved general random numbers are generated. Then, the process proceeds to the next step, step 204.

[0286] In step 204, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol-related control process for controlling the special symbol game and the special game. Note that this special symbol-related control process is not executed during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state. As a result, during these states, the jackpot lottery, the variable display of the special symbol, and the special game are not executed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 205. In step 205, the main CPU 101 executes a control process related to the normal symbol game to control the normal symbol game. Note that this control process is not executed during the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, or the activation state. As a result, the lottery for the normal symbol is not executed during these states. Then, proceed to the next step 206.

[0287] In step 206, the main CPU 101 executes a state control process to determine whether a door open error or a main control related error has occurred and to perform various processes based on the occurrence of these errors. Specifically, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not one of these errors has occurred, and if it determines that an error has occurred, it sends an error command corresponding to the type of error that has occurred to the sub-control board 300 and the external information terminal board 500. This causes the status notification lamp EL, front door effect lamp DL, board effect lamp GL, LCD display device 21, etc. to notify the fact that the above-mentioned error has occurred, and notifies the hall computer, etc., that the above-mentioned error has occurred. This status control process is not executed during the game stop state, setting change state, setting confirmation state, or activation state. As a result, the occurrence of a door opening error or a main control-related error is not determined during these states. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.

[0288] In step 207, the main CPU 101 executes a payout control process for performing various processes required for paying out game balls on the shot payout control board 200. Specifically, in the payout control process that is first executed after power is restored, the main CPU 101 sends a main startup information designation command to the launch / payout control board 200. Also, in the payout control process that is first executed after receiving a payout startup designation command sent from the launch / payout control board 200, the main CPU 101 sends a payout startup information designation command to the launch / payout control board 200. Furthermore, when detection signals from the general prize opening detection sensor 14a, the first start prize opening detection sensor 15a, the second start prize opening detection sensor 16a, and the special prize opening detection sensor 18a are input to the main CPU 101, on the condition that a payout command permission signal has been sent from the launch payout control board 200, the main CPU 101 updates the prize ball counters provided corresponding to each detection signal, and sends prize ball designation commands corresponding to each detection signal to the launch payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. Furthermore, the main CPU 101 increments the difference ball count value by the number of prize balls corresponding to the above-mentioned detection signals (the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the game balls entering each prize opening). As described above, even if a game stop state or an activation state is set after a prize ball designation command is sent to the launch payout control board 200, the main CPU 101 does not send a board stop command, payout stop command, or motor stop command to the launch payout control board 200. As a result, even during a game stop state or an activation state, the launch payout control board 200 continues to control the payout of prize balls based on the prize ball designation command. In contrast, if a setting change state or setting confirmation state is set after a prize ball designation command is sent, the main CPU 101 sends a board stop command to the launch payout control board 200, so that during the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the launch payout control board 200 does not control the payout of prize balls based on the prize ball designation command. Therefore, even if the prize balls are in the middle of being paid out, all of the prize balls will not be paid out. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 208.

[0289] In step 208, the main CPU 101 executes a launch position control process to determine the game area (the first game area 12a, the second game area 12b) into which the game ball is shot depending on the game state (normal game state, high probability time-shortened game state). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 209. In step 209, the main CPU 101 executes an external information control process for controlling the transmission of various signals to the external information terminal board 500. When the machine is in a playable state but not in an activated state, the execution of this external information control process controls the transmission of the above-mentioned winning signal, jackpot signal, and error signal indicating the occurrence of an error determined by the main control board 100 (for example, an abnormal winning error that occurs when a gaming ball enters the big winning slot 18 outside of a special game), to the outside of the pachinko machine P. However, during a game stop state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, and an activated state, the game does not progress, so although the external information control process is executed, the control of transmitting the winning signal, jackpot signal, and the above-mentioned error signal to the outside of the pachinko machine P is restricted. Note that during an activated state, the control of transmitting an error signal indicating that the game is activated is performed to the outside. For example, if the game stops, setting changes, setting confirmation, or activation state is entered while a winning signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 stops the variable display of the special symbol, so the transmission of the winning signal cannot be stopped and the winning signal continues to be transmitted. Also, even if a gaming ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16 after the game stops, setting changes, setting confirmation, or activation state is entered, the main CPU 101 does not detect the ball, so the transmission of the winning signal is not initiated. Furthermore, if the game stops, the setting changes, or the setting checks while the jackpot signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 stops the execution of the special game, so the transmission of the jackpot signal cannot be stopped and the jackpot signal continues to be transmitted. Furthermore, after the game stops, the setting changes, the setting checks, or the activation state is reached, the main CPU 101 does not start the special game, so the transmission of the jackpot signal does not start. Furthermore, if the game stop state, setting change state, setting confirmation state, or activation state is entered while an error signal is being transmitted, the main CPU 101 does not update the timer counter that counts the transmission time of the error signal (skipping the timer update process of step 201 described above), so the transmission of the error signal cannot be stopped and the error signal continues to be transmitted. Furthermore, after the game stop state, setting change state, setting confirmation state, or activation state is entered, the main CPU 101 does not determine whether a door open error or a main control-related error has occurred (skipping the state control process of step 206 described above), so transmission of error signals related to these errors does not begin. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 210.

[0290] In step 210, the main CPU 101 executes a solenoid control process to set in a predetermined solenoid storage area start winning opening solenoid data for controlling the opening and closing of the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16, and special winning opening solenoid data for controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing door 18b of the special winning opening 18. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 211. In step 211, the main CPU 101 executes a display data creation process to create display data for various display devices (first special symbol display device 30, second special symbol display device 31, normal symbol display device 32, first special symbol reserved display device 38, second special symbol reserved display device 39, and normal symbol reserved display device 33). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 212.

[0291] In step 212, the main CPU 101 executes a port output process to output the start winning opening solenoid data and special winning opening solenoid data set in the above-mentioned step 210, as well as the display data created in the above-mentioned step 211, to the corresponding ports. As a result, based on this data, the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 is opened and closed, the opening and closing door 18b of the special winning opening 18 is opened and closed, and displays are performed on various display devices. The main CPU 101 also executes a process to send commands stored in the performance data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 213. In step 213, the main CPU 101 executes a performance display control process for displaying game performance display information on the main information display device 105. Then, the process proceeds to step 214.

[0292] In step 214, the main CPU 101 executes a command set process related to the difference in balls, and then proceeds to step 215. In step 215, the main CPU 101 executes the difference ball determination control process, and then ends the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100.

[0293] In step 216, which is reached when it is determined in step 200 that the game is not available, or that the game is available but not in any state other than the activated state, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current control state is a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. If it is determined that the current control state is neither a setting change state nor a setting confirmation state, the process proceeds to step 210. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current control state is a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, the process proceeds to the next step, 217. In step 217, the main CPU 101 executes setting-related processing, and then proceeds to step 210.

[0294] Next, the sensor detection process in step 203 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step 300, the main CPU 101 executes gate detection processing for drawing a lottery for a normal symbol based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed through the gate 20. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 301. In step 301, the main CPU 101 executes a first start winning hole detection process for conducting a lottery for a big win based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 302.

[0295] In step 302, the main CPU 101 executes a second start winning hole detection process for holding a lottery for a big win based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 303. In step 303, the main CPU 101 executes a special winning hole detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the game ball entering the special winning hole 18. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 304.

[0296] In step 304, the main CPU 101 executes a general winning hole detection process for performing a predetermined process based on the game ball entering the general winning hole 14. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 305. In step 305, the main CPU 101 executes an out detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the detection of the gaming ball by the out sensor 19a, and then ends the sensor detection process.

[0297] Next, the gate detection process in step 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step 400, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate detection sensor 20a. If it is determined that a detection signal has not been input from the gate detection sensor 20a, the gate detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a detection signal has been input from the gate detection sensor 20a, the process proceeds to the next step 401. In step 401, the main CPU 101 determines whether the value of the normal map reservation counter (i.e., the current normal map reservation number) is less than "4". If it is determined that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), it terminates the gate detection processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is less than 4, it proceeds to the next step 402.

[0298] In step 402, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the normal reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 403. In step 403, the main CPU 101 obtains a winning determination random number and stores it in the general map reserve memory area, and ends the gate detection processing.

[0299] Next, the processing performed when the first start winning slot is detected in step 301 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step 500, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a. If it is determined that a detection signal has not been input from the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the first start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a detection signal has been input from the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the process proceeds to the next step 501. In step 501, the main CPU 101 determines whether the value of the first special symbol reserved number counter (i.e., the current number of first special symbol reserved numbers) is less than "4". If it is determined that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), it ends the first start winning slot detection process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is less than "4", it proceeds to the next step 502.

[0300] In step 502, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the first special symbol reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 503. In step 503, the main CPU 101 acquires the current jackpot determination random number and stores it in the storage unit of the first reserved storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step 504.

[0301] In step 504, the main CPU 101 acquires the winning symbol random number updated in the above-mentioned step 112 and stores it in the memory unit of the first reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. Then, proceed to the next step 505. In step 505, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach group determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 116 and stores it in the memory unit of the first reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 506.

[0302] In step 506, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach mode determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 116 and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 507. In step 507, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern random number updated in the above-mentioned step 116 and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. As a result, the acquired jackpot determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number are all stored in the memory section of the same first reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 508.

[0303] In step 508, the main CPU 101 increments by 1 the value of the first start winning port ball entry counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the first start winning port 15. Then, the process proceeds to step 509. In step 509, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the first special random number has been stored and stores it in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the first start winning port detection process is terminated.

[0304] Next, the processing performed when the second start winning slot is detected in step 302 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step 600, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a. If it is determined that a detection signal has not been input from the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, the second start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a detection signal has been input from the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, the process proceeds to the next step 601. In step 601, the main CPU 101 determines whether the value of the second special symbol reserved number counter (i.e., the current number of second special symbol reserved numbers) is less than "4". If it is determined that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), it ends the processing when the second start winning port is detected. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is less than "4", it proceeds to the next step 602.

[0305] In step 602, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the second special symbol reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 603. In step 603, the main CPU 101 acquires the current jackpot determination random number and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to step 604.

[0306] In step 604, the main CPU 101 acquires the winning symbol random number updated in the above-mentioned step 112 and stores it in the memory unit of the second reserved memory area that stored the jackpot determination random number in the above-mentioned step 603. Then, proceed to the next step 605. In step 605, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach group determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 116 and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 606.

[0307] In step 606, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach mode determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 116 and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 607. In step 607, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern random number updated in the above-mentioned step 116 and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. As a result, the acquired jackpot determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number are all stored in the memory section of the same second reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 608.

[0308] In step 608, the main CPU 101 increments by 1 the value of the second start winning port ball entry counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the second start winning port 16. Then, the process proceeds to step 609. In step 609, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the second special random number has been stored, stores it in the transmission data storage area for performance, and terminates the processing when the second start winning port is detected.

[0309] Next, the process at the time of detecting the big prize opening in step 303 described above will be explained wit...

Claims

[Claim 1] a game control means for controlling the progress of a game; a special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to a player based on the establishment of a predetermined execution condition; a game state control means for setting a normal game state or a specific game state that is more advantageous than the normal game state as a game state when the special game is not being executed; an awarding means for awarding a predetermined amount of gaming value when a predetermined condition is met; a display means capable of displaying an acquired game value amount, which is the amount of game value awarded by the awarding means from a predetermined start point; The predetermined start time is a time based on the establishment of the predetermined execution condition in the normal gaming state, The game control means a game-disabled state in which game progress is disabled can be set based on the difference between the amount of game value granted by the granting means from a predetermined calculation start point and the amount of game value used in the game reaching a specific amount; the display means displays 0 as the amount of acquired game value at the predetermined start time point, and updates and displays the amount of acquired game value when predetermined information related to the awarding of game value based on the establishment of the predetermined condition is received; The update display of the acquired gaming value amount can be executed based on the predetermined information received during a period in which the setting of the specific gaming state and the execution of the special game are consecutive, A gaming machine characterized in that even if the amount of acquired game value reaches the specific amount, a value indicating the specific amount is not displayed as the amount of acquired game value.

Images