gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can suitably display a performance image.SOLUTION: A sub control board 940 displays on a decorative pattern display device 479 a game machine image 1701 being the image corresponding to a Pachinko machine and a player image 1702 being the image corresponding to a player located in front of the Pachinko machine indicated by the game machine image 1701 when the start winning of a special pattern is generated. The content of another variable display that can be displayed when the start winning of the special pattern is generated is displayed on a region according to a display screen of a display device included in the Pachinko machine indicated by the game machine image 1701 in the game machine image 1701.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a typical conventional pachinko machine, when a ball enters a starting hole provided in a gaming area and a lottery is held in response to the ball entering, the machine transitions to a special gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-31031 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although various improvements have been made to the configuration of conventional gaming machines, there is still room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances exemplified above, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can display presentation images in an appropriate manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: a lottery means for conducting a predetermined lottery when a predetermined start condition is met; a game control means for generating a special game state that is more advantageous than a normal game state when the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result; A gaming machine having a display unit capable of displaying at least a predetermined variable display and a result display corresponding to the lottery result, a display control means for controlling the display unit to display the predetermined variation display and the result display when the predetermined start condition is met, Start If the condition is met Leave A variable display image including at least a part of the variable display that is displayed when the predetermined start condition is met. Or a result display image suggesting the lottery result, a gaming machine corresponding image corresponding to the gaming machine on which the player is playing, and a player operation image that displays, using the gaming machine corresponding image, a method of operation by the player on the gaming machine in a situation where the variable display image or the result display image is displayed on the display unit. and a display control means for controlling the display of the 、 The display control means is configured to be capable of performing control such that, when the lottery result is the predetermined result, a plurality of symbols are definitively displayed in a predetermined combination as the result display, and to perform control such that an image suggesting that the predetermined result is achieved, which is different from the manner in which the plurality of symbols are definitively displayed in the predetermined combination, is displayed as the result display image, and to perform control such that the player operation image using the gaming machine corresponding image is displayed when control is performed to display the image suggesting that the predetermined result is achieved. It is characterized by the fact that [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can display effect images in an optimal manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine; [Figure 2] A perspective view showing a pachinko machine in an open state. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state. [Figure 5] Front view of a pachinko machine [Figure 6] A front view of a pachinko machine with the front block removed [Figure 7] Front view of the game board [Figure 8] Rear perspective view of a pachinko machine [Figure 9] Rear view of a pachinko machine [Figure 10] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine [Figure 11] Flowchart showing an example of main control processing [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control interrupt process. [Figure 13](A) is a front view showing a part of the pattern sheet, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the pattern sheet taken along line AA in FIG. 13(A). [Figure 14] (A) to (C) are front views of a decorative pattern display device of a second embodiment, and (D) is a front view showing a part of a pattern sheet corresponding to each pattern row. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view of a decorative pattern display device according to a modified example of the second embodiment; [Figure 16] 1A is a schematic side view for explaining the configuration of a reel device, and FIGS. 1B to 1C are front views of a decorative pattern display device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] Front view of the game board of the fourth embodiment [Figure 18] (A) is a front view of the luminous decorative body, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the luminous decorative body taken along line BB in FIG. 18(A). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing an example of a performance image displayed on the decorative pattern display device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a pressing operation device provided in a pachinko machine according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] Schematic diagrams showing examples of the appearance of a pressing operation device according to an operation position. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the operating position of the pressing operation device and the reaction force to the pressing operation when the pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device. [Figure 23] 13 is a front perspective view of a pachinko machine according to a seventh embodiment; [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pressing operation device provided in a pachinko machine according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 25] (A) is a screen transition diagram showing an example of a screen transition in a variable display displayed on a decorative pattern display device when a special pattern starts winning; (B) is a screen transition diagram showing an example of a screen transition in a variable display displayed on a decorative pattern display device when a push operation is performed on a push operation device during a non-play state. [Figure 26] FIG. 19 is a screen diagram showing an example of a variable display and a fixed display displayed on a decorative symbol display device in a pachinko machine according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a screen diagram showing an example of display content displayed on the decorative pattern display device during an operable period in a variable display configured to allow operation input in a pachinko machine according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 12 is a screen diagram showing an example of display content displayed on the decorative pattern display device during an operable period in a variable display configured to allow operation input in a pachinko machine according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the remaining operable period and the state of the pressing operation device in a variable display configured to allow operation input. [Figure 30] Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the remaining time of the variable display and the state of the pressing operation device. [Figure 31] A time chart for explaining an example of the progress of the variable display when a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device during the variable display. [Figure 32] A time chart for explaining an example of the progress of the variable display when a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device during the variable display. [Figure 33] A diagram for explaining control in which the height position of the operation surface of the pressing operation device is set to a plurality of different height positions from the initial position as a trigger for the performance executed in the variable display. [Figure 34] A diagram for explaining control in which the height position of the operation surface of the pressing operation device is set to a plurality of different height positions from the initial position as a trigger for the performance executed in the variable display. [Figure 35] A diagram for explaining multiple types of control when the operation surface of the pressing operation device is pressed down and then returned to its original position as a performance executed in the variable display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Regarding an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100 will be described as an example of a pinball gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, followed by explanations of modifications and other types of gaming machines. First, regarding the embodiment of the pachinko machine 100, the structural configuration, electrical configuration, and various control processes will be explained in that order.

[0010] <Structural composition> First, the configuration of the structural parts of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference mainly to Figures 1 to 9. Figures 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100, with Figure 1 showing the closed state of the pachinko machine 100, Figure 2 showing a state in which the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 are integrally opened relative to the outer frame 101, Figure 3 showing a state in which the front block 102 is opened relative to the intermediate block 103, and Figure 4 showing a state in which the rear block 104 is opened relative to the intermediate block 103. Also, Figure 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and Figure 6 shows a state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 has been removed from the state shown in Figure 5. Note that various wiring is omitted in each figure, and part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted in Figures 3 and 6.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pachinko machine 100 comprises an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, and each of these parts is configured to be relatively displaceable by a predetermined operation.

[0012] The outer frame 101 functions as a main body support means for supporting the main body of the pachinko machine 100. The outer frame 101 is, for example, as shown in Fig. 2, a substantially quadrilateral frame body assembled with a top plate 111, a bottom plate 112, a left side plate 113, and a right side plate 114, and is fitted into gaming machine installation equipment (island equipment) provided in the gaming parlor where the pachinko machine 100 is installed, and is firmly fixed thereto by fasteners (not shown). Note that the outer frame 101 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 100, and a support mechanism that supports the main body portion corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101 and has the same internal shape as the outer frame 101, or part of a locking mechanism that locks the main body portion, may be provided in the island equipment.

[0013] Intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 are provided on one side in the left-right direction (the side of the left side plate portion 113) of the outer frame 101. These intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 connect (couple) the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100 is configured to be rotatable forward with one end side (left side) in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 100 as the rotation base end and the other end side (right side) as the rotation tip end.

[0014] 1, the intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 are provided at a distance from each other at the upper and lower ends of the outer frame 101. Each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 is configured to be rotatable, for example, by supporting an axle provided in the intermediate block 103 from below by an axle support portion provided in the outer frame 101, and inserting the axle into an axle hole provided in the axle support portion. Note that the configuration for allowing the main body of the pachinko machine 100, including the intermediate block 103, to rotate is not limited to the above configuration, and other configurations may be used, such as providing an axle hole on the intermediate block 103 side and forming the axle on the outer frame 101 side.

[0015] The intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 are provided with a function of releasing the connection between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removal operation, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100, including the intermediate block 103, is removably attached to the outer frame 101. For example, by performing a predetermined removal operation in which the intermediate block 103 is opened by more than a certain amount relative to the outer frame 101 and moved upward by a certain amount, the connection of the intermediate block 103 to the outer frame 101 is released. This makes the main body of the pachinko machine 100 detachable from the outer frame 101.

[0016] The front block 102 is disposed in front of the intermediate block 103 so as to overlap it, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by front block support mechanisms 131, 132 provided on the left side when viewed from the front. The front block support mechanisms 131, 132 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122, support the front block 102 so that it can rotate forward relative to the intermediate block 103, and are configured to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

[0017] The rear block 104 is disposed behind the intermediate block 103 so as to overlap it, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are connected by rear block support mechanisms 136, 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side when viewed from the front. The rear block support mechanisms 136, 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121, 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131, 132, and are configured to support the rear block 104 so that it can rotate rearward relative to the intermediate block 103, and to support it so that it can be removed by a predetermined removal operation.

[0018] The pachinko machine 100 is also provided with an intermediate block locking mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the intermediate block 103 relative to the outer frame 101, a front block locking mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the front block 102 relative to the intermediate block 103, and a lock operation mechanism that is operated to lock and unlock the intermediate block locking mechanism and the front block locking mechanism. As shown in Fig. 3, the intermediate block 103 is provided with a key cylinder 141 as a lock operation mechanism that is exposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 through an opening in the front block 102.

[0019] When a right rotation operation is performed using an operating key (not shown) as a predetermined operation on the key cylinder 141, a movable part 143 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is actuated. This disengages the movable part 143 from an engaged part 142 provided on the outer frame 101 as part of the intermediate block locking mechanism, and the intermediate block 103 enters a state in which opening and closing is permitted relative to the outer frame 101.

[0020] Meanwhile, in response to a counterclockwise rotation operation of a predetermined operating key on the key cylinder 141, a movable part 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is actuated. As a result, the engagement between the movable part 144 and an engaged part 145 provided in the front block 102 as part of the front block locking mechanism is released, and the front block 102 enters a state in which opening and closing is permitted relative to the intermediate block 103.

[0021] The pachinko machine 100 is also provided with a rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the rear block 104 relative to the intermediate block 103. This rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism allows the rear block 104 to be switched between a state in which opening and closing is prohibited (opening / closing prohibited state) and a state in which opening and closing is permitted (opening / closing permitted state) relative to the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined operation.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the rear block opening / closing restricting mechanism includes two opening / closing restricting portions 150A and 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening / closing restricting portion 150C provided in the rear block 104. These three opening / closing restricting portions 150A-150C are provided with rotatable pivoting pieces 151A-151C. The pivoting pieces 151A-151C change their engagement with the openings that overlap one another in the front and rear when the rear block 104 is closed, allowing the pivoting pieces 151A-151C to switch between an opening / closing inhibiting position corresponding to an opening / closing inhibited state and an opening / closing permitting position corresponding to an opening / closing permitting state. When all the pivoting pieces 151A-151C are in the opening / closing permitting position, the pivoting pieces 151A-151C can pass through the openings, and the rear block 104 is in the opening / closing permitting state relative to the intermediate block 103. It should be noted that the opening / closing prohibited posture and the opening / closing permitted posture only need to be switched by changing at least one of the positions and orientations of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C, and they may be configured to only rotate at a fixed position, to move in a fixed direction, or to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. The same applies below to posture changes when components in each device transition between multiple postures.

[0023] Of the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two rotating pieces 151A and 151B, which correspond to a part of the three rotating pieces, are exposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 100 through an opening formed in the rear block 104 when the rear block 104 is in the opening / closing prohibited state, as shown in Fig. 2, and one rotating piece 151C, which corresponds to the remaining part, is exposed on the front side of the intermediate block 103, as shown in Fig. 6. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the opening / closing permitted position by operating only from one side, such as the back side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103, which improves security.

[0024] The pachinko machine 100 is also provided with a game ball movement restriction mechanism that restricts the movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, for example, the game ball movement restriction mechanism is configured by a combination of a flow-down restriction piece 161 provided in the intermediate block 103 and a restriction change part 162 provided in the front block 102, and the flow-down restriction piece 161 is configured to be biased by a coil spring (not shown) toward the front side where the front block 102 is located.

[0025] When the front block 102 is closed relative to the intermediate block 103 (closed state of the front block 102), the flow-down restricting piece 161 is in a movement-permitting state that allows game balls to flow down, and specifically, is pressed and pushed toward the rear side of the intermediate block 103 by the restriction change unit 162. In the movement-permitting state, the flow-down restricting piece 161 is positioned shifted rearward with respect to a guide passage (not shown) that guides game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102. As a result, when the front block 102 is in a closed state, movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is permitted.

[0026] On the other hand, when the front block 102 is open relative to the intermediate block 103 (open state of the front block 102), the pressure on the flow-down restricting piece 161 by the restriction change part 162 is released, and the flow-down restricting piece 161 is placed in a movement-prohibited state in which it protrudes toward the front block 102 compared to when the front block 102 is closed. In the movement-prohibited state, the flow-down restricting piece 161 protrudes into the guide passage and prevents game balls from flowing downstream. This prohibits game balls from moving from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102.

[0027] In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with an opening / closing detection switch 108 that detects whether the intermediate block 103 is closed relative to the outer frame 101, for example, at the rear side of the intermediate block 103, at the lower end on the side of the tip of the rotation (left side when viewed from behind), and as shown in Figure 3, is provided with an opening / closing detection switch 109 that detects whether the front block 102 is closed relative to the intermediate block 103, for example, at the front side of the intermediate block 103, at the lower end on the side of the tip of the rotation (right side when viewed from the front).

[0028] Next, the configuration of each of the front block 102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 will be described in order.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front block 102 is a generally rectangular component that forms substantially the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100 and is thick in the front-to-rear direction. It functions as a front decorative element that decorates the front surface of the pachinko machine 100. The front block 102 is primarily composed of a synthetic resin base frame 201, with multiple functional components attached to the front and rear of the base frame 201. A front decorative element 210, which forms the front surface of the pachinko machine 100, is attached to the front side of the base frame 201, along the outer edge of an opening 210A that is formed including the central portion of the front block 102 when viewed from the front, in a state surrounding the opening 210A. When the base frame 201 and the front decorative element 210 that constitute the front block 102 are combined, the opening 210A is formed in the front-to-rear direction and penetrates over a wide area, excluding the outer periphery where the front decorative element 210 is attached. The intermediate block 103, which includes the game board 400 and is located behind the front block 102, is configured to be visible to the player through this opening 210A.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the front block 102 is equipped with a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to cover the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 for storing game balls, and a launch operation device 250 operated by a player to launch the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230.

[0031] 1 and 5, the front block 102 is formed with, as part of the front decorative body 210, an opening peripheral portion 211 that surrounds the periphery of the opening 210A, an upper protruding portion 217 that protrudes forward below the opening 210A, a lower protruding portion 218 that is located below the upper protruding portion 217 and protrudes forward, and a flat portion 219 that is composed of a generally flat area located to the right of the lower protruding portion 218 and further back than the upper protruding portion 217 and the lower protruding portion 218, and in which the firing operation device 250 is disposed. A main storage mechanism 230 is disposed in the upper protruding portion 217, and an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is disposed in the lower protruding portion 218.

[0032] The central panel 220 functions as a cover that allows visibility to the rear side while blocking the opening 210A that is formed through in the front-rear direction when the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 are combined. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, the central panel 220 includes a panel frame 221 (see Figure 3) attached to the rear side of the base frame 201, a light-transmitting front plate 222 (see Figure 1) fitted into the front side of the panel frame 221, and a light-transmitting rear plate 223 (see Figure 3) fitted into the rear side of the panel frame 221 approximately parallel to the front plate 222 with a predetermined gap between them.

[0033] The main storage mechanism 230 has the function of storing game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls loaned from the gaming parlor. As shown in FIG. 1, the main storage mechanism 230 includes a storage section 231, a ball ejection mechanism (not shown), and a ball ejection operation member 232 that activates the ball ejection mechanism. The storage section 231 is provided with an inlet 231A that allows game balls to flow into the storage section 231 from the inside of the pachinko machine 100, an outlet (not shown) that allows game balls to flow out from the storage section 231 into the inside of the pachinko machine 100, and a discharge port (not shown) formed upstream of the outlet port. When this discharge port is opened, game balls are released from the storage section 231 to the player without being taken into the inside of the pachinko machine 100. The ball ejection mechanism has the function of switching the destination of the game balls between the outlet port and the discharge port.

[0034] Game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls loaned in response to a loan operation on a loan operation device 292 (described later) mainly flow into the storage section 231 through the inlet 231A. The storage section 231 has an opening formed on the upper side, through which game balls owned by players are manually inserted and game balls loaned in the gaming facility are supplied.

[0035] The gaming balls that flow into the storage section 231 are aligned in a row and guided sequentially to the side where the outlet and discharge port are formed (the upper right side of FIG. 1). When no ball removal operation (e.g., pressing operation) is performed on the ball removal operation member 232, the gaming balls are guided through the outlet to the launching device 330 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later. On the other hand, when a ball removal operation is performed on the ball removal operation member 232, the gaming balls are guided through the discharge port to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1).

[0036] 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 includes a storage section 241 having game ball inlets 241A and 241C (see FIG. 5) and a discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1), a ball removal mechanism 243 that opens and closes the discharge port 241B, and a ball removal operation member 242 that operates the ball removal mechanism 243. Game balls and the like acquired as the game progresses mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but if the storage section 231 is full, they flow into the storage section 241 through the inlet 241A. Also, in response to a ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 232, game balls flow from the storage section 231 into the storage section 241 through the inlet 241C.

[0037] The bottom surface of the storage section 241 slopes downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the discharge port 241B is opened by performing a ball removal operation (for example, a pressing operation) on the ball removal operation member 242, all of the game balls stored in the storage section 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. When the discharge port 241B is completely opened by performing a ball removal operation on the ball removal operation member 242, it remains in the open state until a return operation (for example, a pressing operation again) is performed on the ball removal operation member 242. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) is provided at the back of the inlet 241A to detect whether or not an excess of game balls are stored in the storage section 241.

[0038] 1 and 5, the launch operation device 250 includes a base 251 protruding forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decorative body 210, a rotatable launch handle 252 provided around the base 251, a variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) that detects the amount of rotation of the launch handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) that detects contact of the player with the launch handle 252, and a launch stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) that disables, by the player's operation, the launch of game balls associated with the rotation of the launch handle 252. When the player rotates the launch handle 252, game balls are launched from the launch device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation. In addition, if the contact sensor 254 does not detect contact between the launch handle 252 and the player, or if the launch operation is disabled by operating the launch stop switch 255, the game ball will not be released from the launch device 330 even if the launch handle 252 is rotated.

[0039] In addition, frame light emitting devices 271-275 (see FIG. 10) are provided at the rear of the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102. The frame light emitting devices 271-275 are arranged so as to overlap the rear side of the opening peripheral edge 211 of the front decorative body 210, and are attached to the base frame 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral edge 211 has, as light emitting parts, an upper central edge 211A, an upper left edge 211B and an upper right edge 211C located on both the left and right sides of the upper central edge 211A, a left edge 211D located below the upper left edge 211B, and a right edge 211E located below the upper right edge 211C, and the frame light emitting devices 271-275 are installed corresponding to each light emitting part.

[0040] Frame light emitting devices 271-275 are configured with an upper central frame light emitting device 271 corresponding to upper central edge 211A, an upper left frame light emitting device 272 corresponding to upper left edge 211B, an upper right frame light emitting device 273 corresponding to upper right edge 211C, a left side frame light emitting device 274 corresponding to left side edge 211D, and a right side frame light emitting device 275 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to right edge 211E. Each of frame light emitting devices 271-275 has one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light emitting means, electronic components such as resistors for controlling the LEDs, and a printed circuit board that integrates and electrically connects these electronic components.

[0041] 5, the front block 102 is provided with an upper left acoustic output port 211F and an upper right acoustic output port 211G, for example, at the top of its opening periphery 211, and is also provided with an upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) corresponding to the upper left acoustic output port 211F and the upper right acoustic output port 211G, respectively. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be located at the back (rear) of the opening periphery 211 of the front decorative body 210.

[0042] 1, the front block 102 is provided with a game ball dispensing device 290, for example, on the right side of the upper surface of the upper protrusion 217. The game ball dispensing device 290 includes a point display device 291 that displays a numerical value corresponding to the remaining balance of bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (not shown) arranged alongside the pachinko machine 100, a dispensing operation device 292 operated by the player when receiving a dispensed game ball, and a return operation device 293 operated by the player when returning bills, cards, etc. inserted into the card unit. When a dispense operation is performed on the dispense operation device 292 in an active state in which bills, cards, etc. are inserted into the card unit and a numerical value corresponding to the amount is displayed on the point display device 291, a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed from the payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) of the rear block 104 in accordance with the dispense operation, and the display on the point display device 291 is updated as the game balls are dispensed. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the valid state, the equivalent of the bills corresponding to the remaining amount or a card recording the remaining amount is returned from the card unit in response to the return operation.

[0043] 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 that allows the player to perform an input operation separate from the firing operation. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a pressing operation device 261 that allows a pressing operation, a rotation operation device 262 that allows a rotation operation, and a selection operation device 263 that allows up, down, left, and right direction operation. These operation devices 261 to 263 can be used to perform a performance selection operation that selects a performance to be performed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation that sets the volume and light intensity of each device that performs the performance of the pachinko machine 100, or a performance setting operation that inputs information about the player to enable the pachinko machine 100 to perform a performance corresponding to the previous game, and these operations can be performed by the player or the manager of the gaming facility as needed. In addition, it is preferable that the input operation part that the player comes into contact with in the input operation device 260 (for example, the circular rotating operation part in the rotating operation device 262) is configured so that operations such as rotation, up and down movement, or vibration can be performed by an input operation part driving means such as a motor or solenoid under the control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, control of the sub-control board 940 (see Figure 10)), and by operating the input part at one or more timings before, after, or during the input operation, it is possible to actively encourage the input operation, and thereby diversify the presentation involving the input operation.

[0044] Next, we will explain the intermediate block 103. The intermediate block 103 is a roughly rectangular member of roughly the same size as the front block 102, and has the function of integrating the main body of the pachinko machine 100 by attaching the front block 102 and the rear block 104. The intermediate block 103 is configured by attaching multiple functional parts, including the game board 400, to the base frame 301.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 comprises a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see Figure 3) attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, a game board support mechanism that supports the game board 400 rotatably and detachably relative to the base frame 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 relative to the base frame 301, a launcher 330 (see Figure 3) that shoots game balls at the game board 400, a main control device 370 (see Figure 4) that is attached to the back side of the game board 400 and provides overall control of the progress of the game, and a sub-controller 390 (see Figure 4) that controls game presentation and status notifications based on commands from the main control device 370.

[0046] 3, the base frame 301 is provided with a guide passage section 301A in which a guide passage is formed that guides gaming balls released from a payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) described later to the front block 102, and an opening 301B in which a plurality of wires (not shown) and a signal relay device 311 are located. The opening 301B has a shape that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction below the gaming board 400, and the plurality of wires inserted into the opening 301B include wires for electrically connecting various devices (e.g., frame light emitting devices 271-275, upper left acoustic device 281, and upper right acoustic device 282) provided in the front block 102 with devices (e.g., main control device 370 and sub-control device 390) provided on the back side of the intermediate block 103 and in the rear block 104, and the signal relay device 311 functions as a relay board that relays some of the wires.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat base 401 having through-holes such as an outlet 401A through which game balls can pass back and forth, an outer rail 402 smoothly curving from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401, an inner rail 403 smoothly curving from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, a ball return prevention mechanism 404 attached to the tip of the upper left side of the inner rail 403, and a recoil prevention member 405 attached to the tip of the upper right side of the outer rail 402. The outer rail 402 guides game balls launched from a launching device 330 (described later) into the game area. The ball return prevention mechanism 404 prevents game balls once released into the game area from returning to the launching path 401B, which is formed between the parallel opposing portions of the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403. The anti-rebound member 405 has shock absorbing properties that prevent the game ball from rebounding significantly, such as when the game ball passes over the top center of the game board 400 and heads to the right, then returns to the left via the top center again, and is formed from a material such as vibration-damping rubber.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, a return ball passage section 163 is formed at the bottom of the rear side of the front block 102. There is a gap between the outer rail 402 and the guide member 335 that guides game balls from the launching device 330 toward the launching passage 401B, and game balls that are launched from the launching device 330 but do not pass the return ball prevention mechanism 404 and return back down the launching passage 401B are returned to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see Fig. 5) through the inlet 241A (see Fig. 5) via the return ball passage section 163 located below this gap.

[0049] A gaming ball that has passed the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the gaming area and moves (flows down) within the gaming area by falling under its own weight. The gaming area is partitioned into a shape with an approximately circular outer periphery, with the majority of the area having a front-to-back width slightly larger than the diameter of the gaming ball. The gaming area is generally partitioned into an outer periphery by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is partitioned into an approximately flat shape by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is partitioned into an approximately flat shape by the base 401 of the gaming board 400. Various structures provided in the gaming area will be described later.

[0050] 3, the launching device 330 includes a ball feeding mechanism 331 that sequentially sends out the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the launch position, a ball feeding solenoid 332 (see FIG. 10) that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331, a launching mechanism 333 that ejects the game balls arranged at the launch position, a launch solenoid 334 (see FIG. 10) that drives the launching mechanism 333, and a guide member 335 that guides the game balls launched from the launching mechanism 333 to the launch passage 401B of the game board 400. The launching device 330 operates in response to the launch operation on the launch operating device 250 as described above, and the drive control of the launch solenoid 334 changes in response to the launch operation on the launch operating device 250 to adjust the launch force.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, main control device 370 includes main control board 920 (see Fig. 10) and a two-part board case 371 that houses main control board 920. Main control board 920 is housed inside light-transmitting board case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving traces.

[0052] Furthermore, the main control device 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the gaming board 400. Specifically, an attachment portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the back side of the base 401 of the gaming board 400, and the main control device 370 is attached to the attachment portion 372. This makes it possible to easily check not only the back side (front side) of the main control device 370 but also the front side (rear side) of the main control device 370 by rotating the attachment portion 372 while the main control device 370 remains attached to the gaming board 400. The main control device 370 may be connected to the attachment portion 372 so that it cannot be removed without leaving any traces, and this may make it easier to manage the removal status of the main control device 370.

[0053] The sub-control device 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10) and a two-part board case 391 that houses the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 is attached to the back side of the game board 400 in a state where it is housed inside the translucent board case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving any traces, similar to the main control board 920.

[0054] Here, various structures arranged in the play area of ​​the game board 400 will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a front view of the game board 400. Note that Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a decorative pattern displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 includes a base 401, flow change members such as nails 411 and windmills 412 that change the flow direction and flow speed of the game ball, a central structure 420 arranged approximately in the center of the base 401, start devices for the first special symbols arranged below the central structure 420 (specifically, upper middle start winning device 431A and lower middle start winning device 431B), and a start device for the second special symbol arranged on the lower right side of the central structure 420 (specifically, right middle start winning device 431B). 32), large prize winning devices 433, 434 (specifically, lower large prize winning device 433 and upper large prize winning device 434) arranged below the right start winning device 432, a starting device 436 for normal symbols arranged above (upstream) the right start winning device 432, a role link operating device 435 arranged on the upper right side of the game board 400 above (upstream) the upper and lower large prize winning devices 433, 434, and general prize winning devices 439A, 439B arranged on both the left and right sides of the lower middle start winning device 431B.

[0056] Further, the gaming board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting the passage of gaming balls corresponding to the above-mentioned upper middle start winning device 431A etc. (see FIG. 10), and it is possible to detect the entry of gaming balls into predetermined areas corresponding to each switch. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) that detects gaming balls that have entered the upper middle start winning device 431A, a middle start winning switch (lower middle start winning switch 441B) that detects gaming balls that have entered the lower middle start winning device 431B, a right start winning switch 442 that detects gaming balls that have entered the right start winning device 432, a lower large winning switch 443 that detects gaming balls that have entered the lower large winning device 433, an upper large winning switch 444 that detects gaming balls that have entered the upper large winning device 434, a The game board 400 is equipped with a role-linked operation switch 445 which detects game balls that have entered the game board 400, a start switch 446 which detects game balls that have entered the start device 436, a non-specific passage switch 447 which detects game balls that have entered a non-specific passage (not shown) formed inside the lower large winning device 433, a specific passage switch 448 which detects game balls that have entered a specific passage (not shown) formed inside the lower large winning device 433, and general winning switches 449A and 449B which detect game balls that have entered the general winning devices 439A and 439B, respectively.

[0057] In addition, various sensors are provided on the game board 400 to prevent fraud (see FIG. 10), and are capable of detecting abnormalities that occur in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, a radio wave sensor 493, etc. are installed on the game board 400.

[0058] The game ball entrances of the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 form ball entrances, and game balls entering each entrance are released into the game area. The game ball entrances of each winning device, specifically, the upper middle starting winning device 431A, the lower middle starting winning device 431B, the right starting winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, the upper large winning device 434, and the general winning devices 439A and 439B, form winning openings, and game balls entering each winning opening are guided through through-holes formed in the base 401 to a collection and discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401. Game balls that do not enter each winning device are guided to the collection and discharge passage through discharge opening 401A provided at the most downstream part of the game area. Game balls guided to the collection and discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game parlor. When a gaming ball enters any of the winning devices, a predetermined number of gaming balls according to the type of winning device is paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0059] Furthermore, each winning device may be configured separately from the other winning devices, or a winning device may be configured as a device that integrates two or more winning devices (for example, upper middle starting winning device 431A and lower middle starting winning device 431B).Furthermore, starting devices such as upper middle starting winning device 431A do not necessarily have to be winning ports from which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball enters, but may also be ball entry ports from which game balls are released again into the game area without being paid out.

[0060] The upper and lower center starting winning devices 431A and 431B associated with the first special symbol, as well as the general winning devices 439A and 439B, guide entering game balls toward the rear side of the base 401 without changing the probability of the game ball entering them. The right starting winning device 432 associated with the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering its interior. The mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering need not be provided only in the starting device associated with the second special symbol; instead, or in addition, it may be provided in one or more of the starting device associated with the first special symbol and the general winning devices 439A and 439B. The mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering may be configured using an electrically driven solenoid or other driving means, or may be configured using a mechanically operated mechanism, such as a mechanism operated by the weight of a game ball entering a predetermined area.

[0061] The right start winning device 432 associated with the second special symbol includes a right entry restriction mechanism 452 that changes the probability of a gaming ball entering the device by transitioning between an entry permitting position and an entry prohibiting position, and a right entry restriction solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10) that drives the right entry restriction mechanism 452. The right entry restriction mechanism 452 includes two movable pieces that are driven by the right entry restriction solenoid 462, and when the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibiting position, the two movable pieces are positioned to narrow (or close) the entry opening (winning opening), preventing the gaming ball from entering the right start winning device 432, but when the right entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry permitting position, the two movable pieces are positioned to widen the distance between their tip ends, allowing the gaming ball to enter the right start winning device 432. When a game ball that has entered the starting device 436 for a normal symbol is detected by the starting switch 446 and wins the lottery (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal symbol lottery"), the right entry restriction mechanism 452 transitions to an entry-permitting position for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time in response to drive by the right entry restriction solenoid 462.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the lower large winning device 433 is provided with a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 that restricts the entry of game balls into it by transitioning between an entry-permitting position and an entry-prohibiting position, a lower entry restriction solenoid 463 (see Figure 10) that changes the position of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453, a distribution mechanism (not shown) that distributes game balls that have entered the lower large winning device 433 to a non-specific passage or a specific passage by transitioning between a non-guiding position and a guiding position, and a switching solenoid 465 (see Figure 10) that changes the position of the distribution mechanism to switch the destination to which the game balls are guided. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower large winning device 433 is in the entry prohibition position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 closes the entry port (entry port), preventing game balls from entering the lower large winning device 433, but when the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry permitting position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 opens the entry port, allowing game balls to enter the lower large winning device 433. Furthermore, game balls that enter the lower large winning device 433 are guided to a non-specific path when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guiding position in which it protrudes forward, and are guided to a specific path when the distribution mechanism is in a guiding position in which it retracts rearward. The specific path, non-specific path, and distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the transition of game states, and when a game ball enters a specific path, a favorable game state is granted to the player as a bonus.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 7, the upper large winning device 434 is provided with an upper entry restriction mechanism 454 that restricts the entry of game balls into the device by transitioning between an entry permitting position and an entry prohibiting position, and an upper entry restriction solenoid 464 (see Fig. 10) that changes the position of the upper entry restriction mechanism 454. When the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry prohibiting position, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 closes the entry opening (entry opening), preventing game balls from entering the upper large winning device 434, but when the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 is in the entry permitting position, the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 opens the entry opening, allowing game balls to enter the upper large winning device 434.

[0064] The entry permitting position and entry prohibiting position as a mechanism for changing the probability of game balls entering the right entry restricting mechanism 452 etc. may correspond to the change in position of the operating member that constitutes each mechanism and switches between a special state in which game balls can enter the winning slot (or ball entrance) of each device and a normal state in which game balls cannot enter, and at least one of the position and orientation of the operating member may differ depending on each position. Also, as a mechanism for changing the probability of game balls entering the right entry restricting mechanism 452 etc., it is not necessarily necessary to make the state in which game balls cannot enter the normal state, and it may also be configured so that game balls are allowed to enter even in the normal state, and in the special state, the position of the operating member changes to a state in which game balls can enter more easily than in the normal state.

[0065] When a jackpot lottery is won, a gaming ball can enter the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434. Specifically, when a gaming ball that has entered the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B relating to the first special symbol wins a lottery based on the detection by the upper middle start winning switch 441A or the lower middle start winning switch 441B (hereinafter also referred to as the "first special symbol lottery"), or when a gaming ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 relating to the second special symbol wins a lottery based on the detection by the right start winning switch 442 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second special symbol lottery"), at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 or the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 is activated. This operation causes at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 to assume the entry permitting position for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism transitions to the guiding position in response to the operation of the switching solenoid 465 a predetermined time after the transition of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 to the entry permitting position, and then returns to the non-guiding position in response to the stop of the switching solenoid 465 a predetermined time after the transition to the guiding position.

[0066] The combination role operating device 435 is a device for setting the conditions necessary for the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 to begin operating. After a jackpot is won in the lottery, either the lower large winning device 433 or the upper large winning device 434 begins operating, provided that the gaming ball passes through the combination role operating device 435. Therefore, if a player wins a jackpot, the player can initiate the special game state at the timing of their choice. Note that it is not necessary for either the lower large winning device 433 or the upper large winning device 434 to begin operating, provided that the gaming ball passes through the combination role operating device 435. Alternatively, or in addition, either the lower large winning device 433 or the upper large winning device 434 may begin operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0067] 7, a display device having a plurality of light-emitting sections, in which display devices 471-473 for displaying the changing display of symbols and the lottery results, and display devices 476-478 for displaying the number of reserved games, are integrated, is provided in the lower left portion of the game board 400, which corresponds to a part of the game board 400. The plurality of light-emitting sections are divided into light-emitting areas corresponding to the respective devices in advance, and the status of each device is displayed by the light-emitting state.

[0068] Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a special symbol display device 471 for a first special symbol that variably displays the first special symbol in accordance with the first special symbol lottery and finally displays the first special symbol as a stopping symbol according to the lottery result, a special symbol display device 472 for a second special symbol that variably displays the second special symbol in accordance with the second special symbol lottery and finally displays the second special symbol as a stopping symbol according to the lottery result, a special symbol reservation display device 476 that displays the number of reserved unit games for the first special symbol, and a special symbol reservation display device 477 that displays the number of reserved unit games for the second special symbol. The right to play a unit game for the first special symbol and the right to play a unit game for the second special symbol can each be reserved up to four times. Here, a unit game is one game that is executed based on one initial winning, and refers to a series of games that includes the success or failure of the lottery that is executed based on one initial winning, and the start to end of the variable display that displays the lottery result based on that success or failure determination.

[0069] When the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol has been reserved up to the maximum number of times, no additional right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol will be added even if a gaming ball that has entered the start winning device 431 is detected by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) or the lower middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10). Similarly, when the right to play a unit game related to the second special symbol has been reserved up to the maximum number of times, no additional right to play a unit game related to the second special symbol will be added even if a gaming ball that has entered the right start winning device 432 is detected by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10).

[0070] Each of the special pattern display device 471 for the first special pattern and the special pattern display device 472 for the second special pattern is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements and is controlled by a main control board 920 (see Figure 10). The display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern are each expressed by the light-emitting patterns of the plurality of light-emitting elements (combinations of light-emitting states (off, on, blinking) including light-emitting colors). The special pattern reserve display device 476 for the first special pattern and the special pattern reserve display device 477 for the second special pattern display the number of reserved times by combining the light-emitting states (off, on, blinking) of two single-color light-emitting elements.

[0071] The game board 400 is also provided with a normal symbol display device 473 that displays normal symbols in a variable manner in accordance with the normal symbol lottery and displays the normal symbols as fixed symbols according to the lottery results, and a normal symbol reserved display device 478 that displays the number of reserved unit game rights for normal symbols. The unit game rights for normal symbols can be reserved up to four times. When the unit game rights for normal symbols have been reserved up to the maximum number of times, no additional unit game rights for normal symbols will be added even if the game ball that has entered the starter device 436 is detected by the starter switch 446.

[0072] The normal symbol display device 473 is composed of multiple light-emitting elements and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see Figure 10). The normal symbol is expressed by the light-emitting pattern of the multiple light-emitting elements. In addition, the normal symbol reserve display device 478 displays the number of reserved times by combining the light-emitting states (off, on, blinking) of two single-color light-emitting elements.

[0073] In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a decorative pattern display device 479 that overlaps the rear of the central structure 420 and displays decorative patterns in a variable manner or as a fixed display in unit games related to the first special pattern and the second special pattern.

[0074] The decorative symbol display device 479 has three symbol display areas 479A, 479B, and 479C arranged in the left-right direction. The symbol display areas 479A, 479B, and 479C are all areas where decorative symbols are displayed variably or fixedly. Of the symbol display areas 479A, 479B, and 479C, the decorative symbol displayed in the symbol display area 479A located on the far left constitutes the left symbol row, and the decorative symbol displayed in the symbol display area 479B located on the far right constitutes the right symbol row. In addition, the decorative symbol displayed in the symbol display area 479C located between the symbol display area 479A and the symbol display area 479B constitutes the middle symbol row.

[0075] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 479 is configured as a reel device having three cylindrical reels (rotating bodies) aligned in the left-right direction. Each reel of the reel device is configured to be independently rotatable by a motor (not shown) controlled by the sub-control board 940.

[0076] Each cylindrical reel constituting the reel device has a cylindrical main body (hereinafter also referred to as "reel main body") made of light-transmitting resin (for example, transparent resin), and a strip-shaped pattern sheet 601 (see FIG. 13) attached along the circumferential direction of the outer periphery of the reel main body. On the pattern sheet 601, a plurality of decorative patterns are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction in a predetermined order.

[0077] By rotating each reel, the decorative symbol display device 479 can move (scroll) the plurality of decorative symbols provided on the symbol sheet 601 from top to bottom or the opposite direction in each symbol display area 479A, 479B, 479C. This realizes a variable display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 479. Note that the decorative symbol display device 479 does not necessarily have to be configured with a plurality of reels, and may be configured with other devices such as a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying images.

[0078] The variable display and final display of the decorative symbols by the decorative symbol display device 479 are controlled by the sub-control board 940, and are synchronized with the variable display and final display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the main control board 920. In the variable display of the decorative symbols, more complex and diverse effects are executed than in the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Note that the variable display and final display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and the variable display and final display of the decorative symbol do not necessarily have to start changing at exactly the same timing or to stop as a final display, but may start changing at approximately the same timing with a slight time difference between each timing, and final displays may be displayed at approximately the same timing.

[0079] The game board 400 also has a board surface light-emitting device 490 (see Figure 10) installed on the back side of various structures, and the board surface light-emitting device 490 performs various light-emitting effects and status notifications through light emission as the game progresses based on control by the sub-control board 940.

[0080] Here, we will explain various game states and transitions between game states. The normal game state (hereinafter abbreviated as "normal game state") corresponds to a state in which the variable display time of the first special symbol, second special symbol, and normal symbol is long (hereinafter also referred to as "non-time-saving state").

[0081] If a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game state to which the game enters after the special game state differs depending on whether the game ball enters a specific passage (an internal passage of the lower large winning device 433) during the special game state to which the game enters based on that win. If the game ball does not enter a specific passage during the special game state, the game state will transition to a state (hereinafter also referred to as the "time-shortened game state") in which the variable display time of the first special symbol lottery, second special symbol, and normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time-shortened state (hereinafter also referred to as the "time-shortened state") and the probability of winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and second special symbol lottery is the same as in the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "low probability state"). On the other hand, if the game ball enters a specific passage during the special game state, the game will transition to a game state (hereinafter also referred to as a "special game state") in which the time is reduced and the probability of winning the jackpot in the first special pattern lottery and the second special pattern lottery is higher than in the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as a "high probability state").

[0082] The time-saving game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 50 times), after which the game returns to the normal game state. Also, the probability variation game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), after which the game returns to the normal game state.

[0083] It should be noted that the game states and the transitions between game states do not necessarily have to be configured as described above; for example, the high probability state may continue until the next jackpot is won, at least one of the above game states may be configured with other content, a configuration may include a game state other than each of the above game states, or a configuration may be used in which transitions between game states occur under conditions different from those described above.

[0084] Next, the operation of the main devices of the gaming board 400 will be explained roughly in chronological order. The main control board 920 generates winning random numbers, jackpot random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, and various variable pattern random numbers for special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol), and when a gaming ball that enters either of the start winning devices 431A, 431B for the first special symbol in various game states is detected by either of the middle start winning switches 441A, 441B (see FIG. 10), a start winning for the first special symbol occurs. When the start winning for the first special symbol occurs, if the right to play a unit game for the first special symbol has not been reserved up to the maximum number of times, the winning random numbers, jackpot random numbers, and stop pattern random numbers for the special symbols are obtained and stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM of the main control board 920.

[0085] A unit game based on a random number obtained based on the initial winning of the first special symbol will begin immediately after the random number is stored if the game is not in a special game state, is not in a unit game related to the first or second special symbol, and the right to a unit game related to the first special symbol is not reserved. Even if the game is not in a special game state, if a unit game related to the first or second special symbol is in progress or the right to a unit game related to the first or second special symbol is reserved, the unit game based on the current initial winning will begin after the completion of unit games related to all special symbols (first and second special symbols) that were reserved before the current winning. If a random number is obtained based on the initial winning of the first special symbol during the special game state, the unit game based on that random number will begin after the special game state has ended and all unit games related to all special symbols that were reserved before the current winning.

[0086] Furthermore, the unit game based on the random number obtained based on the start winning of the first special symbol will begin after all unit games related to the second special symbol have been completed. In other words, if random numbers are obtained based on the start winning of the second special symbol after the current start winning, the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol will be executed first. Note that the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol does not necessarily have to be executed first before the unit game related to the first special symbol; the unit game priority control related to the first and second special symbols may be executed in the order of the start winning, or the two special symbols may be variable simultaneously rather than being alternative.

[0087] If a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery based on the initial winning of the first special symbol, the type of stop symbol (jackpot symbol) corresponding to the jackpot win in the first special symbol lottery is further determined based on the acquired jackpot symbol random number. The type of stop symbol corresponds to the type of jackpot, and multiple types of jackpots are set corresponding to the type of game state, such as the number of rounds (e.g., 6 rounds and 16 rounds) corresponding to the number of times the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 takes the entry-permitting position, or the game state to which the special game state is transitioned (whether or not the game state is transitioned to a probability variable game state), and a jackpot symbol is set for each type. If a jackpot is not won in the first special symbol lottery, a losing symbol other than the jackpot symbol is set as the stop symbol.

[0088] After the lottery for the first special symbol, the variable display time of the first special symbol is determined and the variable pattern of the decorative symbol is selected based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the values ​​of various variable pattern random numbers, and the number of reserved unit game rights related to the first special symbol. The variable patterns of the decorative symbol are roughly divided into a variable pattern in which a reach display is made before the decorative symbol corresponding to the stop symbol (jackpot symbol or losing symbol) related to the first special symbol is finally displayed (hereinafter also referred to as a "reach variable pattern"), and a variable pattern in which a reach display is not made before the decorative symbol corresponding to the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is finally displayed when the losing symbol is the stopping symbol.

[0089] In addition, the "reach display" is a display that indicates to the player that after the display of the changing decorative patterns has started in a unit game related to the special patterns (first special pattern, second special pattern), the combination of decorative patterns that has been confirmed and displayed in each pattern row except for pattern row 1 (for example, each of the pattern rows on the left and right) meets the conditions for becoming a jackpot pattern, and that depending on the display result (i.e., the stopping pattern) when the decorative patterns of the remaining pattern rows (for example, the middle pattern row) that continue to be displayed and are confirmed and displayed, there is a possibility that they will become a jackpot pattern.

[0090] Reach displays include normal reach, which is a reach display with a relatively short variable display time (for example, about 25 seconds to about 30 seconds), and super reach, which is a reach display with a longer variable display time than normal reach (for example, about 60 seconds to about 180 seconds). Note that the types of reach displays are not limited to two types, normal reach and super reach, but may be three or more types including special reach, which is a reach display with a longer variable display time than super reach.

[0091] The variable display time of the first special symbol is determined, and the variable pattern of the decorative symbol corresponding to that variable display time is selected, and then the variable display of the first special symbol on special symbol display device 471 for the first special symbol and the variable display (variation performance) of the decorative symbol on decorative symbol display device 479 begin, and the variable display of the first special symbol continues in a fixed pattern over the variable display time, and the variable display of the decorative symbol continues according to the variable pattern over the variable display time. After that, as the variable display time passes, the stopped symbol for the first special symbol is finally displayed, and a symbol corresponding to the stopped symbol of the first special symbol is finally displayed as the decorative symbol. The fixed display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol continues for at least a predetermined fixed time.

[0092] If the stopped symbol associated with the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the game state transitions to a special game state after the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed. In the special game state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower special prize device 433 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the upper special prize device 434 transition to the entry-permitting position a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of jackpot. When a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., eight) are detected by the special prize switch 443, 444 during each entry-permitting position of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, or when a predetermined maximum entry-permitting time (e.g., 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 transitions to the entry-prohibiting position. After the predetermined entry-prohibiting time has elapsed, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to the entry-permitting position again. This entry restriction operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of big win.

[0093] The lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 are configured so that only one of them takes the entry-permitting position during the special game state, and one of them transitions to the initial entry-permitting position after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the start of the special game state (after the opening period). The special game state ends after a predetermined entry-prohibited time has elapsed since the final return to the entry-prohibited position, and after a further predetermined waiting time has elapsed (after the ending period). After the special game state ends, the game transitions to a time-limited game state or a probability variable game state, as described above.

[0094] In various game states, when a gaming ball enters the right start winning device 432 associated with the second special symbol and is detected by the right start winning switch 442, a start winning for the second special symbol occurs. Control of a unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is performed in the same manner as the control for the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right to play a unit game associated with the second special symbol has not been reserved up to the maximum number of times at the time of the start winning of the second special symbol, random numbers associated with the special symbol are obtained, and a unit game based on this start winning is executed. In addition, the determination of the stop symbol according to the second special symbol lottery, the determination of the variable display time of the second special symbol, the selection of the variable pattern of the decorative symbol corresponding to the variable display time, the execution of the variable display, and the transition control of the game state are also performed in the same manner as the control for the first special symbol.

[0095] In various game states, when the start switch 446 detects a game ball entering the start device 436, if the right to a unit game related to a normal symbol has not been reserved up to the maximum number of times, a winning random number related to the normal symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM of the main control board 920. At this time, if a unit game related to a normal symbol is not in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol will start immediately after the storage. On the other hand, if a unit game related to a normal symbol is in progress, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol will start after the unit game based on the right to a unit game related to the already acquired normal symbol has ended.

[0096] In a unit game related to a normal symbol, whether or not a win has been achieved is determined based on the value of the winning random number, and if a win has been achieved, a predetermined winning symbol is set as the stopping symbol. On the other hand, if a win is not achieved in the normal symbol lottery, a predetermined losing symbol is set as the stopping symbol. After the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 473 begins to display a variable normal symbol; in the non-time-saving state, the variable display continues in a fixed pattern for a predetermined variable display time; in the time-saving state, the variable display continues in a fixed pattern for a predetermined variable display time that is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. As a predetermined time corresponding to the game state passes, the stopping symbol related to the normal symbol is displayed as a fixed symbol for a fixed time.

[0097] When the stopped pattern related to the normal pattern is a winning pattern, after the confirmation display of the normal pattern, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 of the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry permitting position at least once. Specifically, when a win occurs in a non-time-shortened state (normal game state and special game state), the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry permitting position for a predetermined maximum entry permitting time (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds), and when a win occurs in a time-shortened state (time-shortened game state and probability variable game state), the right start winning device 432 shifts to the entry permitting position intermittently (for example, in three separate times) for a predetermined maximum entry permitting time (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds) that is longer than in the non-time-shortened state. However, if a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right start winning switch 442, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 will transition to an entry prohibition position without waiting for the maximum entry allowable time to elapse, and even if the number of transitions to the entry allowable position has not reached the predetermined number, the operation of the right start winning device 432 for the unit game related to this normal pattern will end.

[0098] Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment will be explained. To receive the second special symbol lottery, a player must first win the normal symbol lottery, and then the game ball must enter the right-start winning device 432 in the entry permission state of the right-start winning device 432 based on that win. The probability of winning a normal symbol in the normal game state is the same as the probability of winning in the time-saving game state. However, because the stay time of the entry permission state of the right-start winning device 432 based on a win in the normal game state (e.g., approximately 0.1 seconds) is set to be much shorter than the stay time in the time-saving state (e.g., approximately 4.8 seconds), the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery in the normal game state is significantly smaller than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in a time-saving state such as a time-saving game state or a probability-changing game state, the chances per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery are significantly greater than the chances per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery.

[0099] Therefore, the player plays with the aim of winning the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and then entering the special game state by making the game ball enter a specific passage in the subsequent special game state to transition to the probability variable game state. On the other hand, in the time-limited game state and probability variable game state, the player plays with the aim of winning the jackpot in the second special symbol lottery before the end of each game state.

[0100] Specifically, the gaming board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 in the center of the gaming area where gaming balls flow down, and is configured to allow a selection of a gaming method in which gaming balls flow down mainly from the left side of the central structure 420 (left-hand gaming method), and a gaming method in which gaming balls flow down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420 (right-hand gaming method). In the normal gaming state, the player plays using the left-hand gaming method, and in the time-saving gaming state and the probability variable gaming state, the player plays using the right-hand gaming method. In addition, since the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 are located to the right of the central structure 420, the player also plays using the right-hand gaming method in the special gaming state.

[0101] Next, the rear block 104 will be described. Figures 8 and 9 are a rear perspective view and a rear view, respectively, of the pachinko machine 100. Note that in Figure 8, the outer frame 101 is omitted for ease of understanding.

[0102] 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is configured by attaching other members and devices to a base body 501. The base body 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, so that the rear block 104 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the intermediate block 103.

[0103] The rear block 104 includes a game ball tank 510 as a ball storage section for storing game balls, a tank rail 520 as a ball alignment section for continuously straightening the game balls (for example, in a single line) downstream of the game ball tank 510 and aligning them in a single row, a case rail 530 as a ball guide section for guiding the game balls that flow in from the tank rail 520 downstream of the tank rail 520, a payout device 540 that pays out game balls and lends game balls downstream of the case rail 530, and a guide passage (not shown) formed in the base 501 for guiding the game balls that flow out of the payout device 540 downstream of the payout device 540. the payout control device 560 that controls the payout of game balls by the payout device 540 and the lending of game balls; the power supply / launch control device 570 that functions as a power supply means that converts external power into power of a predetermined voltage required by various devices and outputs it, and as a launch control means that controls the ejection of game balls based on the launch operation to the launch operation device 250 in cooperation with the main control board 920; and a relay device 950 that relays signals between the payout control device 560 and the game ball lending device 290 (see Figure 1) and a card unit (not shown) that is arranged to the side of the pachinko machine 100.

[0104] Base body 501 is integrally molded from resin (for example, ABS resin), and includes a base portion 502 corresponding to the front portion, and a protective cover portion 503 located rearward of base portion 502. The upper portion of base portion 502 is formed in a generally frame shape along the outer shape of rear block 104, and the lower portion is formed in a generally flat shape with a thickness in the front-to-rear direction, and functions as a mounting portion to which other devices can be attached.

[0105] The protective cover part 503 is formed in a generally plate-like shape having a thickness in the front-to-rear direction. Moreover, the protective cover part 503 is not shaped to cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but is sized to form a window for exposing a part of the back surface of the intermediate block 103 that requires frequent inspection and checking, such as a part of the main control device 370, to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100. The back surface of the protective cover part 503 is formed with a number of ventilation holes 503A that function to improve the heat dissipation of heat generated in the main control device 370 and the sub-control device 390.

[0106] The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally long, box-shaped container with an opening at the top. Game balls are sequentially supplied to one end of the game ball tank 510 from a ball circulation device (not shown) in the island equipment. An opening (not shown) is formed at one end of the game ball tank 510, opposite the end to which the game balls are supplied. The bottom of the game ball tank 510 is gently inclined in the longitudinal direction, so that game balls supplied to the game ball tank 510 move toward the opening under their own weight. The bottom of the game ball tank 510 is also inclined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) compared to the longitudinal direction, preferentially guiding game balls toward the side with the opening (e.g., the front side). A metal antistatic plate (not shown) is attached to the bottom of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap it. The antistatic plate is connected to ground potential to remove static electricity from game balls inside the game ball tank 510 and downstream thereof.

[0107] The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and game balls flow in through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 is equipped with a path forming member 521 that forms a roughly gutter-shaped path for game balls wide enough for game balls to pass through in a single file, and a straightening member 522 that has a top surface portion that gradually decreases in height as the upper surface of the path formed by the path forming member 521 and gradually straightens the game balls flowing down the path from a height where they are stacked one above the other to a height of one level. The path formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined downstream, and guides the game balls to the opposite side of the game ball tank 510.

[0108] The case rail 530 is formed vertically so as to be continuous with the underside of the tank rail 520, and gaming balls flow in from the tank rail 520. The case rail 530 continues downward while curving left and right to prevent gaming balls from flowing out too forcefully. In addition, a ball exhaustion detection unit 539 for detecting a ball exhaustion is provided midway along the ball passage in the case rail 530. A storage ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10) is built into the ball exhaustion detection unit 539, and the storage ball switch 591 detects a ball exhaustion state in which gaming balls are not being properly replenished in the case rail 530 due to a ball jam or the like occurring in the case rail 530 or upstream thereof.

[0109] The payout device 540 is equipped with a payout mechanism that pays out game balls, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as a drive means for driving the payout mechanism, and a payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10). In response to the operation of the payout motor 542 under the control of the payout control device 560, game balls stored in the ball passage are released downstream. The passage of the released game balls through the ball passage is detected by the payout counting switch 592, which causes the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) to count the number of game balls paid out.

[0110] 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 are attached to the lower rear surface of the base part 502 of the base body 501 so as to be positioned at the lower part of the rear side of the rear block 104. The rear block 104 including the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 can be continuously used even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board due to a model change or the like.

[0111] The dispensing control device 560 comprises a dispensing control board 930 (see Figure 10) and a board case that houses the dispensing control board 930, and like the main control board 920, the dispensing control board 930 is housed inside a board case that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving any traces of opening.

[0112] The power supply and launch control device 570 comprises a power supply and launch control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the power supply and launch control board 900, and the power supply and launch control board 900 is housed inside the sealed board case, similar to the main control board 920.

[0113] 9, a rear setting switch 905 is provided on the rear side of the pachinko machine 100. The rear setting switch 905 is a setting validation device for validating a setting operation for setting the ball payout rate of the pachinko machine 100 to one of a plurality of predetermined stages (for example, 6 stages, 9 stages, etc.).

[0114] By inserting a predetermined key (not shown) into the rear setting switch 905 and rotating it to a predetermined position (in this embodiment, a position rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position), it is possible to enable (allow) a change in the setting of the ball output rate. With the setting change of the ball output rate enabled in this way, a predetermined setting operation (in this embodiment, pressing the initialization switch 907) is performed, and the setting change of the ball output rate is made effective.

[0115] When the setting change of the ball payout rate is valid, the predetermined game mode is changed according to each set stage. In other words, the setting change of the ball payout rate by operating the rear setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907 can also be said to be a setting change of the game mode.

[0116] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, one of nine types of game modes with different combinations of the initial hit probability (in this embodiment, the probability of winning the first special symbol lottery) and the probability of continuing the probability variable (in this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the special game state after the special game state when transitioning to the special game state via the second special symbol lottery in the probability variable game state) can be selected according to each stage set by changing the setting of the ball payout rate (i.e., changing the setting of the game mode). Therefore, when the setting of the ball payout rate (changing the setting of the game mode) is validly performed, the winning probability of each of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is changed so that the initial hit probability and continuation probability correspond to the set stage (i.e., the probability lottery data corresponding to each winning probability is used), and the ball payout rate is adjusted.

[0117] Specifically, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to select a top type in which the initial hit probability is significantly low but the probability of probability change continuation is significantly high, a middle type in which the initial hit probability is medium and the probability of probability change continuation is also medium, and a bottom type in which the initial hit probability is significantly low but the probability of probability change continuation is significantly high. Furthermore, in each of these types, the initial hit probability of each type is divided into three stages of probability states (hereinafter also referred to as probability setting states) that are smaller than the range of the initial hit probability between each type, that is, it is possible to select a first stage probability with the lowest initial hit probability among the three stages, a second stage probability with the second lowest initial hit probability, and a third stage probability with the highest initial hit probability.

[0118] In the top type, the number of prize balls resulting from winning the upper and lower middle start winning devices 431A, 431B and the right start winning device 432 is less than the other types, but the number of prize balls resulting from winning the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 is more than the other types. On the other hand, in the bottom type, the number of prize balls resulting from winning the middle start winning devices 431A, 431B and the right start winning device 432 is more than the other types, but the number of prize balls resulting from winning the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 is less than the other types.

[0119] Here, the number of prize balls may be set to the same for all of the top, middle, and bottom types, making it impossible for the player to determine which of the three types is set from the number of prize balls, and adding a long-term game element of guessing which type is set.

[0120] Furthermore, although the profit rate for the player varies depending on the stage of the probability setting state for all of the top, middle, and bottom types, the profit rate for the player is set to be substantially the same for any type as long as the stage of the probability setting state is the same. Therefore, even if the probability setting is changed by changing the type, the profit that the gaming facility will earn per certain period (for example, one day) is easy to predict, making it easier to manage the gaming facility.

[0121] The game mode that is changed by changing the setting of the payout rate does not necessarily have to be a combination of the initial hit probability and the probability of entering a special mode as described above, and may be, for example, either the initial hit probability or the probability of entering a special mode. Also, it may be a lottery probability other than the initial hit probability and the probability of entering a special mode, such as the probability of winning the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, the probability of selecting a small win in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the probability of entering a special mode (in this embodiment, the probability of entering a special mode game state via winning the second special symbol lottery), or the probability of the special mode game state that has been entered ending (for example, the probability of selecting the end of the special mode game state in a drop lottery that is performed each time a variable symbol display is executed during the special mode game state), or a combination of two or more of these game modes.

[0122] A setting display device 906 is provided above the rear setting switch 905. When the setting change of the ball payout rate (setting change of the game mode) is validly performed by operating the rear setting switch 905, setting display information corresponding to the currently set game mode is displayed on the setting display device 906. The setting display information is composed of a combination of an alphabetic character representing the type and a number representing the probability setting state. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the top type, middle type, and bottom type are represented by the alphabetic characters "T," "M," and "B," respectively. Furthermore, the probability setting state of each type is represented by "1" for the first stage probability, "2" for the second stage probability, and "3" for the third stage probability.

[0123] Therefore, for example, when the game mode is a top type with a first stage probability, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is "T1", when the game mode is a middle type with a third stage probability, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is "M3", and when the game mode is a bottom type with a second stage probability, the setting display information displayed on the setting display device 906 is "B2".

[0124] <Electrical configuration> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in Fig. 10, the pachinko machine 100 is equipped with control circuit devices such as a power supply / launch control board 900, a power supply monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, and a sub-control board 940. Note that relay circuit devices that only relay various signals are omitted from Fig. 10. Below, these main control circuit devices will be described individually in detail.

[0125] The power supply / launch control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies power of a predetermined voltage to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (dashed line in the figure), a launch control unit 902 that controls the operation of the launch device 330 in accordance with the operation of the launch operation device 250, and a signal relay unit 903 that relays an initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249.

[0126] The power supply unit 901 takes in external power (for example, 24 volts AC) supplied from the outside and converts it into internal power (for example, 24 volts DC), and also generates various types of power from the internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 includes power for a drive voltage (for example, 12 volts DC) for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, power for a control voltage (for example, 5 volts DC) for driving various switches and executing control processes, power for a backup voltage for maintaining the contents of the RAM of the main control board 920, and the like.

[0127] The power supply unit 901 supplies various types of power generated from internal power to the power supply monitoring board 910, main control board 920, dispensing control board 930, sub-control board 940, etc. Specifically, internal power, drive voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage are supplied to the power supply monitoring board 910. Drive voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage are supplied to the main control board 920, and these powers are supplied via the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. Drive voltage and control voltage are supplied to the dispensing control board 930. Drive voltage and control voltage are supplied to the sub-control board 940. Drive voltage and control voltage are supplied to the launch control unit 902 and signal relay unit 903.

[0128] A power switch 909 is connected to the power supply unit 901, and when the power switch 909 is in the OFF state, the intake of external power is stopped. Note that a state in which the supply of power to the inside of the pachinko machine 100 is stopped by turning the power switch 909 to the OFF state or by unplugging a power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 from an external power supply outlet (not shown) or a state in which the supply of external power itself is stopped is collectively referred to as a "power outage state."

[0129] The power supply unit 901 is configured to continue to output the control voltage normally for a predetermined period of time even after a power outage occurs, allowing the main control board 920 to save the current control state and terminate the control so that the current control state can be restored.

[0130] The launch control unit 902, in cooperation with the main control board 920, controls the operation of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 of the launch device 330. The ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 are permitted to operate when certain conditions are met. Specifically, the launch control unit 902 outputs an ON launch permission signal to the main control board 920 on the condition that the player's contact with the launch handle 252 (see FIG. 1) is detected based on a contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254 and the launch stop switch 255 for stopping the launch has not been operated. Furthermore, based on the launch permission signal and the launch abnormality signal, the main control board 920 outputs a launch solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the launch control unit 902. The launch control unit 902 activates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the ON ball feed control signal, and activates the launch solenoid 334 based on the received ON launch solenoid control signal and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. As a result, game balls are sequentially shot from the shooting device 330 with strength according to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (the amount of rotation of the shooting handle 252).

[0131] When initialization switch 907 is pressed, signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON initialization signal to main control board 920. In response to receiving the ON initialization signal, main control board 920 initializes the information stored in the RAM of main control board 920. Note that initialization switch 907 does not necessarily have to be configured to output a signal to main control board 920 via signal relay unit 903; for example, initialization switch 907 may be directly mounted on main control board 920 and housed within board case 371, which makes it possible to prevent unauthorized signal input targeting the section through which the signal is transmitted.

[0132] Furthermore, when the ball overflow switch 249 detects gaming balls, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 outputs a slow payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ON-state ball overflow signal, and the payout control board 930, upon receiving the slow payout signal, slows down the rotation speed of the payout motor 542 (the payout speed of gaming balls from the payout device 540). Furthermore, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of an OFF-state ball overflow signal, and the payout control board 930, upon receiving the high-speed payout signal, speeds up the rotation speed of the payout motor 542.

[0133] 10, a rear setting switch 905 and a setting display device 906 are connected to the signal relay unit 903. The signal relay unit 903 relays an ON setting signal that is output to the main control board 920 when the rear setting switch 905 is rotated clockwise by approximately 90° using a predetermined key (not shown). The main control board 920 allows a change in the game mode in response to receiving an ON setting signal from the rear setting switch 905. The signal relay unit 903 also relays a setting display signal output from the main control board 920 to the setting display device 906. The setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the received setting display signal.

[0134] The power supply monitoring board 910 includes a power supply monitoring unit 911 that monitors the status of the power supply from the power supply / launch control board 900, and a signal relay unit 912 that relays the power supply and transmission of various signals between the power supply / launch control board 900 and the main control board 920. The power supply monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power outage signal to the main control board 920 in response to a transition to a power outage state, monitoring the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901, and determining that a power outage has occurred if this voltage remains below 22 volts for a predetermined period of time, and outputting an ON power outage signal to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to a power outage state by receiving the ON power outage signal.

[0135] The main control board 920 comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100. The main control board 920 is equipped with an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) that stores various control programs and fixed data executed by the CPU, and a RAM (not shown) that temporarily stores various data when the control programs are executed. The main control board 920 is also equipped with various other circuits, such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The RAM of the main control board 920 is configured to maintain (back up) its internal data even after a power outage by receiving a backup voltage power supply from the power supply / launch control board 900.

[0136] The payout control board 930 controls the payout operation of the payout device 540 in response to instructions from the main control board 920 and the lending operation of the payout device 540 in response to the operation of the game ball lending device 290. Like the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 is equipped with various circuits such as an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown) and a RAM (not shown), a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generating circuit (not shown), and a signal transmitting / receiving circuit (not shown).

[0137] The dispensing control board 930 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information can be communicated with, for example, the main control board 920 and relay device 950 are connected so that bidirectional information input / output communication is possible, the open / close detection switches 108, 109, storage ball switch 591, and dispensing counting switch 592 are connected so that only one-way information input communication is possible, and the dispensing motor 542 is connected so that only one-way information output communication is possible. Note that the RAM of the dispensing control board 930, like the RAM of the main control board 920, may be configured to have a backup function that allows internal data to be maintained for a certain period of time in a power outage, or, unlike the RAM of the main control board 920, may be configured not to maintain internal data in a power outage.

[0138] The sub-control board 940 controls the operation of various performance devices, various light emitting devices, various sound devices, etc. based on instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with an input / output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information can be communicated with, and for example, is connected to the main control board 920 so that only one-way information input communication is possible, is connected to the input operation device 260 so that information can be communicated with in both directions, and is connected to the decorative pattern display device 479 and the like so that only one-way information output communication is possible.

[0139] <Various control processes> Next, we will explain various control processes executed by the main control board 920. The control processes in the main control board 920 are roughly divided into main processes that are started when the power is restored from a power outage, and timer interrupt processes that are executed by periodically interrupting the main processes (in this embodiment, at 2 ms (millisecond) intervals).

[0140] First, the main processing executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 920 (abbreviated as "main control main processing" in Fig. 11).

[0141] In the main processing of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial setting process S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information is executed only once, and then, an interrupt prohibition process S1020 for prohibiting interrupts, a random number initial value update process S1021 for updating the values ​​of the winning random number initial value counter (partial area of ​​RAM) for special symbols, the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter (partial area of ​​RAM), and the winning random number initial value counter (partial area of ​​RAM) for normal symbols, a fluctuation counter update process S1022 for updating the values ​​of the first fluctuation type counter to the fourth fluctuation type counter (partial area of ​​RAM) for determining the fluctuation display time (fluctuation time), fluctuation pattern, etc., and an interrupt permission process S1023 for permitting interrupts are repeatedly executed. Note that if a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt permission process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt permission process S1023.

[0142] In the series of control start processes, a program start process S1001 is executed to set an initial value to a stack pointer (a part of the RAM) that controls the execution of the program, an interrupt mode setting process S1002 is executed to set an interrupt mode, and a startup waiting process S1003 is executed to wait for a predetermined time until the dispensing control board 930, sub-control board 940, etc. start up.

[0143] After the startup standby process S1003, a process S2001 is performed to determine the output state of the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 of the power supply / launch control board 900. If the determination process S2001 determines that the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is in the OFF state (S2001: N), a process S1004 is performed to determine the output state of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power supply / launch control board 900, a process S1005 is performed to determine the value of the power outage information (a part of the RAM area), and a process S1007 is performed to determine the storage state of the saved information. Based on these determination results, it is determined whether or not to erase the saved information in RAM. Here, the saved information is information necessary to restore the game state before the power outage, and corresponds to a part of the RAM area that was updated according to the progress of the game before the power outage. Examples of the saved information include the counter value for the unit game currently being played and the counter value stored upon the start winning.

[0144] The storage state of the saved information is determined as follows: First, a checksum value for a predetermined range of storage area in RAM is calculated (checksum calculation process S1006), and it is determined whether the exclusive OR of the current checksum value and the RAM determination value, which is the two's complement of the checksum value calculated in power outage monitoring process S1202 (see FIG. 12) following the transition to the previous power outage state, is "0" (determination process S1007), thereby determining whether the current checksum value and the checksum value at the time of transition to the power outage state are the same.

[0145] If the initialization signal is in the ON state (S1004: Y), if the power outage information is not a predetermined power outage value indicating that the saved information was saved and terminated when the transition to the power outage state was made (S1005: N), or if the saved information is not properly stored (S1007: N), a RAM clear process S1008 is executed to erase the saved information in RAM. After it is determined that the saved information is properly stored (S1007: Y) or after the RAM clear process S1008 is executed, a hardware initialization process S1009 is executed to initialize various devices connected to the main control board 920.

[0146] After the hardware initialization process S1009, a determination process S1010 is executed to determine whether the power outage information is a power outage value. If the power outage information is a power outage value (S1010: N), a RAM restoration setting process S1011 is executed to initialize various information, including the restoration of retained information, and a restoration command indicating the completion of the settings is set (restore command output process S1012). By restoring the retained information in the RAM restoration setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 is restored to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power outage state.

[0147] On the other hand, if the power outage information is not a power outage value (S1010: Y), various information is initialized without restoring the retained information (RAM initial setting process S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output (initialization command output process S1014).

[0148] In the RAM recovery setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power outage information is set to a predetermined power value different from the power outage value, and even if various error states such as fraud detection errors occurred immediately before the transition to the previous power outage state, all of those error states are canceled. In addition, either a recovery command or an initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the dispensing control board 930 and the sub-control board 940, and a predetermined initialization process is also performed on each of the dispensing control board 930 and the sub-control board 940 that received the recovery command or initialization command.

[0149] After initial setting of RAM according to the situation at the time of start-up (judgment process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014), if the condition device was operating at the time of transition to the previous power outage state, preparations are made to return to the special game state (special game state return preparation process S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating states of the condition device and the accessory continuous operating device are judged, and processing corresponding to the game situation at the time of the power outage state is executed in the sub-control board 940.

[0150] After the special game state return preparation process S1015, it is determined whether the time-shortening state is in a time-shortening state or a non-time-shortening state by determining whether the time-shortening state flag is set (determination process S1016), and if the time-shortening state is in a time-shortening state (S1016: Y), a time-shortening command is output (time-shortening command output process S1017). On the other hand, if the time-shortening state is not in a time-shortening state (S1016: N), a non-time-shortening command is output (non-time-shortening command output process S1018). After that, the value of the winning random number counter (a part of the RAM area) related to the special symbol is initialized (random number initial setting process S1019).

[0151] On the other hand, in the determination process S2001, if it is determined that the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is in the on state indicating that the rear setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key (S2001: Y), a RAM clear process S2002 is executed to erase information in substantially all areas of the RAM 922. Specifically, in the RAM clear process S2002, information in substantially all areas except for the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is erased.

[0152] The setting correspondence information is information corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined stages (nine types in this embodiment) of game modes, and setting mode information corresponding to the game mode currently being set is stored in the RAM 922. Therefore, the RAM clear process S2002 erases information from substantially all areas in the RAM 922 of the main control board 920 except for the storage area for the setting correspondence information, and the state becomes one in which setting changes are permitted.

[0153] When a state in which setting changes are permitted is reached, a setting display signal identifying the game mode corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in RAM 922 is output to the setting display device 906. The setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the setting display signal received from the main control board 920. In other words, the setting display device 906 displays setting display information corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in RAM 922.

[0154] Next, a setting change process S2003 is executed to change the game mode setting until the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is turned off. The setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is turned off when the rear setting switch 905 is not operated by a predetermined key.

[0155] The game mode setting is changed by pressing the initialization switch 907 while the rear setting switch 905 is operated by a predetermined key. Specifically, in this state, the setting correspondence information is changed sequentially each time the main control board 920 receives an initialization signal based on pressing the initialization switch 907. Specifically, a cyclical selection order of nine predetermined game modes (for example, ···→T1→T2→T3→M1→M2→M3→B1→B2→B3→T1→T2→···) is predetermined, and the selected game mode is changed sequentially according to this order each time the initialization switch 907 is pressed.

[0156] Each time the change is made, a value corresponding to the selected game mode is stored as setting correspondence information in the RAM 922. Each time the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922 is changed, a setting display signal corresponding to the setting correspondence information is output to the setting display device 906, and setting display information corresponding to the changed setting correspondence information is displayed on the setting display device 906.

[0157] Therefore, the person who changes the settings, such as the manager of the gaming facility, can complete the selection of the game mode by repeatedly pressing the initialization switch 907 until the game mode he or she wants to set for the pachinko machine 100 is selected while the rear setting switch 905 is operated with a predetermined key, and then by having a game ball enter the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle start winning device 431B. Therefore, the setting change process S2003 ends when a game ball enters the middle start winning device 431A, 431B after the game mode is selected by pressing the initialization switch 907.

[0158] When the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is turned off (S2004: Y), a RAM change setting process S2005 is executed to newly initialize various information excluding information related to game mode settings (i.e., setting correspondence information) in the RAM 922. This essentially ends the startup of the main control board 920, and it is determined that the game will proceed in the game mode corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922.

[0159] After the RAM change setting process S2005, a set command output process S2006 is executed, which outputs a set command indicating completion of setting of the RAM 922 to the payout control board 930. By receiving the set command output by the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 can recognize that the main control board 920 will transition to normal game processing and can also recognize which game mode it will operate in. After the set command output process S2006, the special game state return preparation process S1015 and subsequent processes are executed.

[0160] Next, the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control board 920 (abbreviated as "main control interrupt processing" in the figure).

[0161] In the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 920, first, an interrupt start processing S1201 is executed to start the timer interrupt. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. This prohibits interrupts other than this timer interrupt. After that, the power outage monitoring processing S1202 to the external information output processing S1221, which are related to actual control such as controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 100 and monitoring various sensors, are executed in sequence. However, if the game progress has been stopped based on the detection of various types of fraud (S1207: Y), the control signal output processing S1208 to the external information output processing S1221 are not executed. Finally, an interrupt permission processing S1222 is executed to permit the next timer interrupt, and the current timer interrupt processing ends. Below, each of the various main processes will be explained individually.

[0162] In the power outage monitoring process S1202, the value of the power outage information (a part of the RAM area) is updated based on the output state of the power outage signal output from the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. Specifically, the output state of the power outage signal is checked three times, and if the ON state is detected all three times, it is determined that a power outage has occurred. If this determination does not determine that a power outage has occurred, the power outage information is maintained at the energized value.

[0163] On the other hand, if the power outage monitoring process S1202 determines that a power outage has occurred, the following process is executed. First, the value of the power outage information is changed from the energization value set in the RAM recovery setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power outage value. A checksum value for a predetermined range of storage area in RAM is calculated, and the two's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM determination value. This causes the pachinko machine 100 to enter an infinite loop in which no substantial control, such as monitoring the progress of the game or various sensors, is performed. The state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is maintained based on the backup power. Note that, because the output state of the power outage signal is checked three times, each timer interrupt process is executed twice after the first detection of the power outage signal.

[0164] In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter for the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter for the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it is changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and if the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). However, if the changed value is the same as the circulation initial value for the winning random number counter for the special symbol, the value of the winning random number counter for the special symbol is set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, and the circulation initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

[0165] The jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and the winning random number counter for normal symbols are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number counter for special symbols. However, the update range determined by the specified maximum and minimum values ​​of each counter is set to a unique value for each counter, and multiple counters are updated asynchronously, and the cyclic initial value of each counter refers to an initial value counter unique to each counter. For example, the winning random number counter for special symbols and the winning random number initial value counter for special symbols have the same value range, the jackpot symbol random number counter and the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter have the same value range, and the winning random number counter for normal symbols and the winning random number initial value counter for normal symbols have the same value range.

[0166] In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter, and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it is changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and if the value of the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). The symbol random number initial value counter for the special symbol and the winning random number initial value counter for the normal symbol are also updated in the same manner as the winning random number initial value counter for the special symbol, except that the specified maximum value and specified minimum value are values ​​unique to those counters.

[0167] In the fluctuation counter update process S1205, the values ​​of the first fluctuation type counter to the fourth fluctuation type counter for determining the fluctuation display time (fluctuation time), fluctuation pattern, etc. are updated. Specifically, if the value of the first fluctuation type counter is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "187"), it is changed to a value that is "1" larger than the current value, and if the value of the first fluctuation type counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). The second fluctuation type counter to the fourth fluctuation type counter are also updated in the same manner as the first fluctuation type counter, except that the specified maximum value and specified minimum value are values ​​unique to those counters.

[0168] In addition, the winning random number counters for special and normal patterns, the jackpot pattern random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and each variation type counter do not necessarily have to be configured as described above, and at least some of the counters may have other configurations, for example, they may be configured to update from a fixed initial value without using an initial value counter, or they may be configured using a random number generation IC without using a program and reference values ​​as needed.

[0169] In the game stop determination process S1206, if the fraud detection information is a fraud detection value, it is updated to a game stop value and various information for stopping the game progress is set. On the other hand, if the fraud detection information is not a fraud detection value or is already a game stop value, the game stop determination process S1206 ends without executing various processes for stopping the game progress. Note that the fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when the occurrence of various types of fraud is detected in the fraud detection process S1211. Furthermore, in the determination process S1207, it is determined whether the game is stopped depending on whether the fraud detection information is a game stop value.

[0170] In the control signal output process S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, signals are output to control various notification devices such as the special symbol display device 471 for the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 for the second special symbol, and the normal symbol display device 473 for the normal symbol. Also, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, signals are output to control various actuators such as the ball feed solenoid 332, the launch solenoid 334, the right entry restriction solenoid 462, the lower entry restriction solenoid 463, the upper entry restriction solenoid 464, and the switching solenoid 465.

[0171] In the switch reading process S1209, the signal status from each of the middle start winning switches 441A, 441B, right start winning switch 442, lower large winning switch 443, upper large winning switch 444, combination activation switch 445, start switch 446, non-specific passage switch 447, specific passage switch 448, and general winning switches 449A, 449B is read, and changes in the detection status of the game ball by various switches are detected.

[0172] Specifically, in switch reading processing S1209, the signal states from the various switches are read into an input buffer (a partial area of ​​RAM) twice with a predetermined time interval between them, and for each signal from the various switches, changes in the detection states of the various switches are detected based on the signal state read the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as the "first signal state"), the signal state read the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as the "second signal state"), and the detection state detected in the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as the "previous detection state"). Then, for each switch, if the previous detection state is the off state, and the first signal state is the on state and the second signal state is the on state, it is determined that the switch has transitioned to the on state, and a detection flag (a partial area of ​​RAM) corresponding to the type of switch is set. As explained in the power outage monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, each timer interrupt process is executed twice, so the detection flags of various switches can be set accurately even if the on state of various switches starts immediately after the power supply is stopped.

[0173] In the timer update process S1210, various timers (predetermined areas of RAM) used for the variable display of special symbols and normal symbols, control of each game state, and fraud monitoring are updated.

[0174] In the fraud detection process S1211, fraudulent acts such as forcibly causing game balls to enter various winning devices or forcibly activating various winning devices are detected. Specifically, the occurrence of a situation in which there is a high possibility of fraudulent acts being committed is detected, such as forcibly moving the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 to an entry-permitting position, guiding game balls to a specific path of the lower large winning device 433 by vibration, inducing forced malfunctions of the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434 by radio waves, guiding game balls to various winning devices by magnetic attraction, and guiding game balls at abnormal timing to the upper middle start winning device 431A, the lower middle start winning device 431B, the right start winning device 432, the lower large winning device 433, and the upper large winning device 434, etc.

[0175] In the winning detection response process S1212, control is executed based on the detection of a gaming ball by various switches provided on the gaming board 400. Specifically, if the middle start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a gaming ball by the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle start winning switch 441B (see FIG. 10), the middle start winning counter (a predetermined area of ​​RAM) and the first payout counter (a predetermined area of ​​RAM) are updated. Also, if the right start winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a gaming ball by the right start winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. In addition, when the lower large prize switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the lower large prize switch 443 (see Figure 10), or when the upper large prize switch detection flag is set based on the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize switch 444 (see Figure 10), the large prize counter (a designated area of ​​RAM) and the second payout counter (a designated area of ​​RAM) are updated.

[0176] In the launch control process S1213, launch-related information for controlling the launch of game balls by the launching device 330 is updated. Specifically, the operation flag of the ball feeding solenoid 332 that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331 and the operation flag of the launch solenoid 334 that drives the launching mechanism 333 are updated.

[0177] In the input signal monitoring process S1214, it is detected whether or not intermediate block 103 (see Figures 1 and 2) is closed relative to outer frame 101 (see Figures 1 and 2) based on the output state of a signal from open / close detection switch 108 (see Figure 10) via dispensing control board 930. Also, it is detected whether or not front block 102 (see Figures 2 and 3) is closed relative to intermediate block 103 (see Figures 2 and 3) based on the output state of a signal from open / close detection switch 109 via dispensing control board 930 (see Figure 10).

[0178] In the payout status monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control status output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout status commands are set according to the payout control status as necessary. In addition, the sub-control board 940, which has received the payout status command, causes the decorative pattern display device 479, the upper left sound device 281, the upper right sound device 282, etc. to issue a notification according to the type of payout status command.

[0179] In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set as necessary based on the values ​​of the first payout counter and the second payout counter, and output to the payout control board 930. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by one each time a gaming ball corresponding to one winning is detected, and is decremented by one each time a prize ball command based on that winning is set. The payout control board 930 requests a prize ball command from the main control board 920 each time it executes control to pay out the number of gaming balls corresponding to that winning (e.g., three) (more specifically, shortly before the payout is completed), and if the payout of prize balls is continuing, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920. The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to a winning combination that has a different number of prize balls than the first payout counter (for example, 13 balls), and when the payout control board 930 receives a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter, the payout control board 930 executes control to pay out the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command.

[0180] In the special symbol related process S1217, reservation control of the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol and control of the unit game related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol, operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed. Also, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and if a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery, operation control of the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 is further executed.

[0181] Furthermore, in a unit game related to the first special symbol, each piece of information is selected to display the decorative symbol variation display and the determination display on the decorative symbol display device 479. For example, a variation pattern of the decorative symbol variation display executed on the decorative symbol display device 479 in a unit game related to the first special symbol is selected based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the values ​​of various variation pattern random numbers, and the number of times the right to play the unit game related to the first special symbol has been reserved.

[0182] Furthermore, in the special symbol related process S1217, reservation control of the right to a unit game related to the second special symbol and control of the unit game related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right to a unit game related to the second special symbol, operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed. Furthermore, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and if a jackpot is won in the second special symbol lottery, operation control of the lower large winning device 433 and the upper large winning device 434 is further executed.

[0183] Furthermore, in a unit game related to the second special symbol, each piece of information is selected to display the decorative symbol variation display and the determination display on the decorative symbol display device 479. For example, a variation pattern of the decorative symbol variation display executed on the decorative symbol display device 479 in a unit game related to the second special symbol is selected based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the values ​​of various variation pattern random numbers, and the number of times the right to play the unit game related to the second special symbol has been reserved.

[0184] In the normal symbol related process S1218, reservation control of the right to a unit game related to a normal symbol and control of the unit game related to a normal symbol are executed. Specifically, in the reservation control of the right to a unit game related to a normal symbol, operation control of the normal symbol reservation display device 478 is executed. Also, in the control of the unit game related to a normal symbol, operation control of the normal symbol display device 473 related to the normal symbol is executed, and if the normal symbol lottery is won, operation control of the right start winning device 432 is further executed.

[0185] In the display control process S1219, output data for specifically operating those devices is synthesized based on various information updated to control the operation of the special symbol display device 471 for the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 for the second special symbol, the special symbol reserved display device 476 for the first special symbol, and the special symbol reserved display device 477 for the second special symbol in the special symbol related process S1217. The synthesized output data is output to each device in the control signal output process S1208 based on the next timer interrupt.

[0186] In addition, in the display control process S1219, various commands corresponding to each piece of information for displaying the decorative pattern variable display and fixed display selected in the special pattern related process S1217 on the decorative pattern display device 479 are set. For example, a variable pattern command corresponding to the variable pattern selected in the special pattern related process S1217 is set. The set command is output to the sub-control board 940 in the control signal output process S1208 based on the next timer interrupt. The sub-control board 940 controls the decorative pattern display device 479 based on the command received from the main control board 920.

[0187] In the motor control process S1220, operation control of various motors is executed. In the external information output process S1221, output data to be output to an external device such as a data display device (not shown) or a management device (not shown) electrically connected to the pachinko machine 100 is set.

[0188] <Pattern sheet> Next, the configuration of the pattern sheet 601 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13(A) is a front view showing a part of the pattern sheet 601, and Fig. 13(B) is a cross-sectional view of the pattern sheet 601 taken along line AA in Fig. 13(A). Note that in Fig. 13(B), for reference, the direction of each surface of the pattern sheet 601 is indicated by an arrow.

[0189] As shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), the pattern sheet 601 comprises a strip-like sheet-like substrate 611 that is transparent or otherwise light-transmitting (translucent), a decorative pattern 621 formed on the back surface of the substrate 611 (the surface that faces the reel body when the pattern sheet 601 is attached to the reel body), and a decorative portion 622 formed on the front surface of the substrate 611 (the surface that faces outward when the pattern sheet 601 is attached to the reel body).

[0190] The decorative symbols 621 include a main symbol 621A that can constitute a jackpot symbol and a sub-symbol 621B that cannot constitute a jackpot symbol. The decorative symbols 621 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the symbol sheet 601 so that the main symbol 621A and the sub-symbol 621B alternate.

[0191] The main design 621A is configured as a design including information that specifies individual numerical values, such as numbers and characters corresponding to the numbers (hereinafter, this information is referred to as "numerical information"). For example, in the example shown in Fig. 13(A), the main design 621A is configured as a design including both numbers indicating numerical values, such as "2" and "3," and characters corresponding to each number (for example, a pufferfish corresponding to "2" and a turtle corresponding to "3") as numerical information.

[0192] The main design 621A may have numerical information consisting of only numbers indicating numerical values, or may have numerical information consisting of only characters corresponding to each numerical value (number). The main design 621A may have a unified configuration of all designs including only numbers indicating numerical values ​​as numerical information, only characters corresponding to each numerical value as numerical information, or both numbers indicating numerical values ​​and characters corresponding to each number as numerical information, or may have a configuration in which these designs are mixed.

[0193] The main design 621A is configured as a design including numerical information corresponding to each number from "1" to "9," for example. The main design 621A may be a design including numerical information corresponding to each number from "1" to "9," excluding some numbers (for example, "4").

[0194] The jackpot symbol is, for example, configured by a predetermined combination (for example, a combination of the same main symbols 621A) of the main symbols 621A in each symbol row (left symbol row, right symbol row, center symbol row). In a unit game related to a special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), if the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is won, the jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stopped symbol on a preset effective line.

[0195] The "active line" is a line on which the game state transitions to a special game state when a jackpot symbol based on a decorative symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol on the line. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, five active lines are set. Specifically, three horizontal active lines (specifically, the uppermost line located at the top, the lowermost line located at the bottom, and the middle line located between the upper and lower lines) and two diagonal active lines (specifically, the active line in the upward right direction and the active line in the downward right direction) are set.

[0196] The number of activated lines does not necessarily have to be five, but may be any suitable number such as one or more. For example, three activated lines may be set, consisting of the top line, bottom line, and middle line, or one activated line such as the middle line may be set.

[0197] The main symbols 621A are arranged on the symbol sheet 601 so that the numerical values ​​of the numerical information are in ascending or descending order from top to bottom when the reel is viewed from the front. For example, in the symbol sheet 601 used for the reel corresponding to the left symbol row in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the main symbols 621A are arranged so that the numerical values ​​corresponding to the numerical information are in ascending order from top to bottom when the reel is viewed from the front, as shown in Fig. 13(A). On the other hand, in the symbol sheet 601 used for each reel corresponding to the right symbol row and the center symbol row, the main symbols 621A are arranged so that the numerical values ​​corresponding to the numerical information are in descending order from top to bottom when the reel is viewed from the front.

[0198] The sub-design 621B is configured as a predetermined design smaller than the main design 621A and does not include numerical information. In the example shown in Figure 13 (A), the sub-design 621B is configured as a star-shaped design. In the design sheet 601, the sub-design 621B is arranged between the two main designs 621A.

[0199] The decorative patterns 621 (main patterns 621A, sub-patterns 621B) are formed as a coating on the back surface of the substrate 611 by printing with light-transmitting ink. Therefore, when a backlight (not shown) provided on the inner periphery of the reel body is turned on, light from the backlight passes through the decorative patterns 621 and the substrate 611, and the decorative patterns 621 drawn on the pattern sheet 601 can be illuminated.

[0200] The decorative portion 622 is provided outside the formation area of ​​the decorative pattern 621 (main pattern 621A, sub-pattern 621B) on the pattern sheet 601. The decorative portion 622 is colored with a color that is configured to reflect light more easily than at least some of the colors that color the decorative pattern 621. Note that "at least some of the colors that color the decorative pattern 621" may be, for example, the color that reflects light most easily (for example, the color with the highest brightness) among the main colors that color each main pattern 621A included in the decorative pattern 621 (for example, the color that colors the largest area of ​​the main pattern 621A), or the color that reflects light most easily among the colors that color all of the decorative patterns 621.

[0201] Furthermore, the "color that is configured to easily reflect light" may be defined, for example, by the presence or absence of brilliance, or may be defined by the brightness of the color. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, for example, the decorative pattern 621 is colored with ink that does not contain a brilliance material, and the decorative portion 622 is colored with a brilliance color such as a metallic color (e.g., gold or silver) or a pearl color (e.g., pearl white), which is a color that is configured to easily reflect light compared to at least some of the colors that color the decorative pattern 621.

[0202] Alternatively, the decorative portion 622 may be colored in a color that is more reflective than at least some of the colors that color the decorative pattern 621, and that is brighter than the color that is most reflective of the colors that color the decorative pattern 621 (for example, a bright color such as white or pale yellow).

[0203] 13(B), the decorative portion 622 is formed as a coating on the front surface of the substrate 611 by printing with ink of a color that is easily reflective. This causes the decorative portion 622 to protrude forward (toward the front surface) from the decorative pattern 621 formed on the back surface of the substrate 611, allowing the decorative portion 622 to be provided three-dimensionally relative to the decorative pattern 621. Note that the surface (the surface facing outward) of the decorative portion 622 may be smooth, may be uneven, or may have a mixture of smooth and uneven portions on its surface.

[0204] Next, the operation and effects of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be explained.

[0205] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a decorative pattern 621 is formed on the back side of a sheet-like base material 611 that is light-transmitting (translucent), and a decorative portion 622 is formed on the front side of the base material 611 on the peripheral side of the decorative pattern 621. This allows the decorative portion 622 to be provided three-dimensionally relative to the decorative pattern 621, thereby improving the decorative feel of the decorative portion 622 relative to the decorative pattern 621.

[0206] In particular, the decorative portion 622 is colored in a color that is more reflective than at least some of the colors that color the decorative pattern 621, which adds brilliance and splendor to the decorative portion 622, thereby more suitably improving the decorative feel provided by the decorative portion 622.

[0207] In this way, the decorative effect provided by the decorative part 622 can increase the attention to the decorative pattern 621 on the peripheral side of which the decorative part 622 is provided, thereby increasing the attention to the gaming machine.

[0208] Furthermore, the reel of the reel device that constitutes the decorative pattern display device 479 is constructed by adhering a pattern sheet 601 to the outer peripheral surface of the reel body, the pattern sheet 601 comprising a base material 611, a decorative pattern 621 formed as a coating on the back side of the base material 611, and a decorative portion 622 formed as a coating on the front side of the base material 611. As a result, the decorative feel provided by the decorative portion 622 is improved, which can favorably increase the attention paid to the changing display and stop display (confirmation display) of the decorative pattern 621.

[0209] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In the pachinko machine 100 of the second embodiment, a pattern that becomes visible when a predetermined situation occurs is drawn on a pattern sheet 601.

[0210] In the following description, the same components as those in the pachinko machine 100 of the above-described embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as the "first embodiment") will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The components described below as the second embodiment may be added to the components provided in the pachinko machine 100 of the above-described first embodiment, or may be provided in place of some of the components of the pachinko machine 100 of the above-described first embodiment.

[0211] 14(A) to 14(C) are front views of the decorative pattern display device 479 of the second embodiment. FIG. 14(D) is a front view showing a portion of the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to each pattern row. In FIG. 14(B) and FIG. 14(C), for reference, the position of the middle line L2, which is one of the set activated lines, is shown by a dashed line.

[0212] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14 (A), a heater 650 that functions as a heat source is provided on the inner periphery of each reel body corresponding to the left pattern row Z1 and the right pattern row Z2, in a position that can overlap with the patterns 721A and 721B described below when viewed from the front.

[0213] The pattern sheets 601 corresponding to the respective pattern rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 are provided with patterns 701, 702, and 703 that are normally difficult or impossible to see, but become visible when a predetermined light such as a flash light is shone on them as the light is retroreflected. The patterns 701, 702, and 703 are drawn across the pattern sheets 601 corresponding to the respective pattern rows Z1, Z2, and Z3, and are configured so that each pattern is completed when a predetermined main pattern 621A is positioned on the middle line L2 in the final display.

[0214] For example, as shown in Figure 14(B), when a main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "7" is positioned on the middle line L2 in each of the pattern columns Z1, Z2, and Z3 and a final display is made (i.e., when a jackpot pattern based on the main pattern 621A corresponding to the number "7" is displayed as a stopped pattern), the pattern 701 is completed by the pattern 701A provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the left pattern column Z1, the pattern 701B provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the right pattern column Z2, and the pattern 701C provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the middle pattern column Z3.

[0215] Also, as shown in Figure 14(C), when the main pattern 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "5" is placed on the middle line L2 in the left and right pattern columns Z1 and Z2, and the main pattern 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "9" is placed on the middle line L2 in the middle pattern column Z3, and a confirmation display is made, the pattern 702 is completed by the pattern 702A provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the left pattern column Z1, the pattern 702B provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the right pattern column Z2, and the pattern 702C provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the middle pattern column Z3.

[0216] In other words, in a configuration in which the decorative patterns 621 that are displayed in a variable manner stop in the left pattern row Z1, the right pattern row Z2, and the middle pattern row Z3, when the left and right pattern rows Z1 and Z2 display a reach on the middle line L2 due to the main pattern 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "5", and then the main pattern 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "9" stops on the middle line L2 of the middle pattern row Z3, resulting in a losing pattern (more specifically, a losing pattern that constitutes a losing reach), pattern 702 is completed.

[0217] In addition, in the example pattern sheet 601 shown in Figure 14 (D), when the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "9" is placed on the middle line L2 in the left and right pattern columns Z1 and Z2, and the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "5" is placed on the middle line L2 in the middle pattern column Z3, and a confirmation display is made, pattern 703 is completed by pattern 703A provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the left pattern column Z1, pattern 703B provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the right pattern column Z2, and pattern 703C provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the middle pattern column Z3.

[0218] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheet 601 is configured so that the decorative portion 622 (see Figure 13) is not formed on the surface side of the base material 611 (see Figure 13), and patterns such as pattern 701, which become visible when a predetermined light such as a flash light is shone on it and the light is retroreflected, are formed on the surface side of the base material 611 using ink that has retroreflectivity and emits light in a predetermined color (for example, black or green) when irradiated with flash light or the like.

[0219] Therefore, when the predetermined main pattern 621A is placed on the middle line L2 in the final display, and a predetermined pattern (for example, pattern 701 or pattern 702) is thereby completed, an image of the predetermined pattern drawn in a predetermined color can be obtained by taking a flash photograph with a camera.

[0220] In addition, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to each pattern row Z1, Z2, Z3 is provided with patterns 721A, 721B that are difficult or impossible to see under normal circumstances but become visible when heated or warmed.

[0221] 14(B), the patterns 721A and 721B are provided at positions that overlap the heater 650 in a front view when the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in the left and right pattern rows Z1 and Z2 is located on the middle line L2. The patterns 721A and 721B are formed on the surface side of the substrate 611 with ink that changes from colorless to a predetermined color (for example, pink or orange) when heated or warmed.

[0222] The heater 650 is configured to be heated or warmed under the control of the sub-control board 940 when a confirmed display is made with the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "7" positioned on the middle line L2 in each pattern row Z1, Z2, Z3 (i.e., when the jackpot pattern with the main pattern 621A corresponding to the number "7" becomes a stopped pattern and is confirmed and displayed).

[0223] Therefore, when the jackpot pattern of the main pattern 621A corresponding to the number "7" is displayed as a fixed stop pattern, the patterns 721A and 721B appear visibly in a predetermined color. Note that if the heater 650 starts heating or warming when the main pattern 621A including the number information corresponding to the number "7" is displayed on the middle line L2 and the fixed display is made, the sub-control board 940 will stop heating or warming by the heater 650 when the variable display of the special pattern starts thereafter.

[0224] Next, the operation and effects of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be explained.

[0225] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheet 601 is provided with patterns 701, 702, and 703 that are normally difficult or impossible to see but become visible when a predetermined light such as a flash light is shone on them as the light is retroreflected, and patterns 721A and 721B that are normally difficult or impossible to see but become visible when heated or warmed, so that different patterns can be displayed visibly in different situations. This makes it possible to increase attention to the gaming machine by using different patterns that become visible depending on the situation.

[0226] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when the stopped symbol is a predetermined losing symbol (for example, the losing symbol shown in FIG. 14(C)), a specific symbol such as symbol 702 can be made visible by irradiating it with a flash light (for example, by taking a flash photograph with a camera). When the decorative symbol 621 is displayed as a losing symbol, if the number of reserved times for the unit game rights related to the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) is zero, the state of the displayed losing symbol is maintained for a period until the next start winning of the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol). In other words, a specific symbol such as symbol 702 can be maintained in a completed state for that period.

[0227] Therefore, when the number of reserved times of the right to a unit game related to a special symbol is zero, the period during which the specific symbol completed by the decorative symbol 621 being displayed as a predetermined losing symbol can be viewed can be set to a longer period than when the number of reserved times is 1 or more. The longer the period during which the specific symbol is visible, the more likely it is that the player will miss the specific symbol (for example, missing the specific symbol because the camera is not ready in time to take a flash photograph), so the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment can provide a gameplay that allows the player to enjoy not increasing the number of reserved times of the right to a unit game related to a special symbol.

[0228] Furthermore, when the decorative pattern 621 is displayed as a predetermined jackpot pattern, a special game state occurs thereafter, and since the player tends to prioritize operations (operations on the launch handle 252) to cause the game ball to enter the jackpot device 433, 434 in the special game state, there is a possibility that the player will not be able to perform operations (for example, operating the camera to take a flash photograph) to make the specific pattern visible, and will miss the specific pattern. In contrast, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, even if the special pattern lottery is not won, the completed specific pattern (for example, pattern 702) can be seen by irradiating it with a flash light, so that it is possible to provide a game feature in which the specific pattern can be seen even if the special pattern lottery is not won.

[0229] As explained in this embodiment, in a configuration in which the patterns 701, 702, and 703 become visible when a predetermined light such as a flash light is shone on them, for example, by providing a stage 670 in front of the decorative pattern display device 479, it is possible to improve the playability by making the patterns 701, 702, and 703 visible under predetermined circumstances.

[0230] Fig. 15 is a front view of a decorative pattern display device 479 in a modified example of this embodiment. In Fig. 15, a stage 670 provided on the front side of the decorative pattern display device 479 is simply illustrated by the shape of its rolling surface. For reference, Fig. 15 also illustrates game balls P1 and P2 as an example of game balls rolling on the stage 670. For reference, Fig. 15 also illustrates the position of a middle line L2, which is one of the set pay lines, by a dashed line.

[0231] 15, in this modified example, a stage 670 is provided in front of the decorative pattern display device 479. The stage 670 has a rolling surface that is approximately W-shaped when viewed from the front. A warp passage (not shown) is provided on the left end side of the stage 670, which can guide gaming balls flowing down the left side of the central structure 420 to the stage 670, and guides gaming balls that enter the warp passage to the left end side of the stage 670.

[0232] A gaming ball that enters the left end side of stage 670 moves back and forth in the left-right direction on stage 670 along the rolling surface of stage 670. By positioning two recesses in stage 670 that are configured in a roughly W shape at the locations that correspond to the eyes in face-like pattern 702, gaming balls (for example, gaming balls P1 and P2) that pass near the recesses can be made to look like eyes.

[0233] As a result, when the picture 702 can be displayed (that is, when the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "5" in the left pattern column Z1, the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "5" in the right pattern column Z2, and the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "9" in the middle pattern column Z3 are arranged on the middle line L2 to complete the picture 702, it is possible to obtain an interesting image in which eyes appear to have been added to the picture 702 by timing the flash photography with the camera.

[0234] Furthermore, by forming the passage through which game balls can pass after being discharged (dropped) from the two recesses in the roughly W-shaped stage 670 using a resin with light transmittance (translucency) that allows the game balls passing through the passage to be visible to the player, it becomes possible to make the game balls discharged from the recesses look like tears. By forming the passage into a zigzag passage that moves back and forth from side to side and heads downward, it is possible to ensure a period during which the game balls can be seen by the player.

[0235] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In the pachinko machine 100 of the third embodiment, a currently set game mode can be suggested by utilizing a configuration in which a pattern that becomes visible when a predetermined situation occurs is drawn on a pattern sheet 601.

[0236] In the following description, the same components as those in the pachinko machine 100 of the first or second embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The components described below as the third embodiment may be added to the components provided in the pachinko machine 100 of the first or second embodiment described above, or may be provided in place of part of the components of the pachinko machine 100 of the first or second embodiment described above.

[0237] Fig. 16(A) is a schematic side view for explaining the configuration of a reel device, and Figs. 16(B) and 16(C) are front views of a decorative pattern display device 479 of the third embodiment. Note that in Fig. 16(A), in order to facilitate understanding of the drawing, the reel body R and the pattern sheet 601 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel body R are shown separated from each other. Also, in Fig. 16(A), for reference, the direction of light irradiation by the light-emitting body 690 is shown by an arrow, and the vertical display range of the decorative patterns 621 located on the upper, middle, and lower lines is also shown.

[0238] 16(B), 16(C), and 16(D), the positions of the upper line L3, middle line L2, and lower line L1 are indicated by dashed lines for reference. Also, in FIG. 16(B), 16(C), and 16(D), the color intensity of the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C is represented by the density of the hatching to facilitate understanding of the drawings. Specifically, the darker the color, the denser the hatching.

[0239] 16(A), in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C that function as heat sources similar to the heater 650 are provided on the inner periphery of each reel body R corresponding to each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, and Z3. More specifically, the heater 650A is provided at a position overlapping the main symbol 621A located on the upper line L3 in a front view, the heater 650B is provided at a position overlapping the main symbol 621A located on the middle line L2 in a front view, and the heater 650C is provided at a position overlapping the main symbol 621A located on the lower line L1 in a front view.

[0240] Heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C are configured as heaters that heat (warm) to different temperatures. Specifically, heater 650A is the heater that can heat to the highest temperature among heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C, heater 650A is the heater that can heat to the second highest temperature among heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C, and heater 650C is the heater that can heat to the lowest temperature among heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C. Heating (warming) by heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C is controlled by sub-control board 940.

[0241] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheets 601 corresponding to the respective pattern columns Z1, Z2, Z3 are provided with patterns 741A, 741B, 741C that are normally difficult or impossible to see but become visible when heated or warmed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16(B), the pattern 741A is a circular pattern that surrounds the periphery of the main pattern 621A that includes numerical information corresponding to the number "7" among the main patterns 621A provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the left pattern column Z1.

[0242] 16(B), the pattern 741B is a circular pattern surrounding the periphery of the main pattern 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "9" among the main patterns 621A provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the right pattern row Z2. Also, as shown in FIG. 16(B), the pattern 741C is a circular pattern surrounding the periphery of the main pattern 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "8" among the main patterns 621A provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the middle pattern row Z3.

[0243] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the design sheet 601 is configured so that the decorative portion 622 (see FIG. 13) is not formed on the surface side of the base material 611 (see FIG. 13), and the designs 741A, 741B, and 741C are formed on the surface side of the base material 611 with ink that changes from colorless to a predetermined color (for example, pink or orange) when heated or warmed. The ink that forms the designs 741A, 741B, and 741C is configured so that the higher the heating or warming temperature, the darker the color that is produced.

[0244] Therefore, when the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in the left pattern column Z1, the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "9" in the right pattern column Z2, and the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "8" in the middle pattern column Z3 are positioned on the upper line L3 and a confirmation display is made, if heating (warming) is performed by the heater 650A, the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C will be displayed in a darker color than when these main patterns 621A are positioned on the middle line L2 or the lower line L1 and heated by the heater 650B or heater 650C, as shown in Figure 16(B).

[0245] Furthermore, when these main patterns 621A are positioned on the middle line L2 and a confirmation display is made, and then heated (heated) by the heater 650B, the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C are displayed in a lighter color than when these main patterns 621A are positioned on the upper line L3 and heated by the heater 650A, and in a darker color than when these main patterns 621A are positioned on the lower line L1 and heated by the heater 650C, as shown in Figure 16(C).

[0246] Furthermore, when these main patterns 621A are positioned on the lower line L1 and a confirmation display is made, and heating (warming) is performed by the heater 650C, the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C are displayed in a lighter color than when these main patterns 621A are positioned on the upper line L3 or middle line L2 and heated by the heater 650A or heater 650B, as shown in Figure 16 (D).

[0247] As described above, the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment is configured so that the ball payout rate setting can be changed (the game mode setting can be changed) by operating the rear setting switch 905 (see Figure 9) and the initialization switch 907 (see Figure 9), and the currently set game mode is indicated by the intensity of the color of the images 741A, 741B, and 741C.

[0248] Specifically, when the game mode corresponding to the payout rate that provides the highest profit rate for the player (i.e., the game mode with the first stage probability for each of the top, middle, and bottom types) is set among the nine game modes that can be set by operating the rear setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907, the images 741A, 741B, and 741C are configured to appear in the darkest color (i.e., a darker color than when other game modes are set).

[0249] More specifically, when the first-stage probability game mode is set for each of the top, middle, and bottom types, in a unit game related to a special symbol when the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) is not won, the sub-control board 940 arranges and confirms the main symbol 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "9" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "8" in the middle symbol column Z3 on the upper line L3 with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 10%), and also heats or warms the heater 650A. This allows the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C to appear in a darker color than when other game modes are set.

[0250] Furthermore, when the game mode corresponding to the payout rate that provides the player with the lowest profit margin (i.e., the game mode with the third stage probability for each of the top, middle, and bottom types) is set among the nine game modes that can be set by operating the rear setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907, the images 741A, 741B, and 741C are configured to appear in the lightest color (i.e., a lighter color than when other game modes are set).

[0251] More specifically, when the top, middle, and bottom types are set to a third-stage game mode, the sub-control board 940, in a unit game related to a special symbol when the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) is not won, arranges and displays the main symbol 621A including the number information corresponding to the number "7" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A including the number information corresponding to the number "9" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A including the number information corresponding to the number "8" in the middle symbol column Z3 on the lower line L1 with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 10%), and also heats or warms the heater 650C. This allows the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C to appear in a lighter color than when other game modes are set.

[0252] Furthermore, when the game mode corresponding to the payout rate that provides the player with the second highest profit margin (i.e., the game mode with the second stage probability for each of the top, middle, and bottom types) is set among the nine game modes that can be set by operating the rear setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907, the images 741A, 741B, 741C are configured to appear in a lighter color than when the game mode with the first stage probability for each type is set, and in a darker color than when the game mode with the third stage probability for each type is set.

[0253] More specifically, when the second-stage probability game mode is set for each of the top, middle, and bottom types, in a unit game related to a special symbol when the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) is not won, the sub-control board 940 arranges and displays, with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 10%), the main symbol 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "9" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "8" in the middle symbol column Z3 on the middle line L2, and also heats or warms the heater 650B. This allows the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C to appear in a lighter color than when the first-stage probability game mode is set for each type and in a darker color than when the third-stage probability game mode is set for each type.

[0254] The probability of appearance of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C when the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) is not won may be a fixed value of 1 (for example, approximately 10%) or may be a variable value that changes depending on the situation. For example, the probability of appearance of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C may be configured to change depending on the number of times the right to play a unit game related to the special symbol is reserved. Specifically, for example, the probability of appearance of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C may be configured to increase as the number of times the right to play a unit game related to the special symbol is reserved increases.

[0255] Alternatively, the appearance probability of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C may be changed according to the length of the game time. For example, the longer the game time, the higher the appearance probability of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C may be. The game time may be, for example, the time measured from the time when the so-called "waiting for customers effect" (i.e., an effect display unrelated to the game state, such as a title display or a demo display, that is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 when a predetermined time has passed without the player playing the pachinko machine 100) has ended, or it may be the time during which the launch handle 252 is continuously operated.

[0256] Alternatively, the appearance probability of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C may be changed depending on the game mode. For example, the appearance probability of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C may be higher in a probability variable game mode than in a normal game mode.

[0257] In addition, when the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in the left pattern column Z1, the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "9" in the right pattern column Z2, and the main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "8" in the middle pattern column Z3 are positioned on the lines L1, L2, L3 of each row and a confirmation display is made, heating or warming of the heaters 650A, 650B, 650C is started, and the sub-control board 940 then stops heating or warming by the heaters 650A, 650B, 650C when the variable display of the special pattern begins.

[0258] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the patterns 701, 702, and 703 (see FIG. 14) provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to each of the pattern rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 are configured as patterns that are normally difficult or impossible to see but become visible when illuminated with black light. That is, the patterns 701, 702, and 703 in this embodiment are formed on the surface side of the base material 611 with ink that emits light in a predetermined color (for example, black or green) when illuminated with black light.

[0259] On the front side of each reel (reel body R and pattern sheet 601) corresponding to each of the symbol columns Z1, Z2, and Z3, light emitters 690 (e.g., black light LEDs) are provided as light emitting means capable of irradiating a range that will be the display area of ​​the decorative symbols with black light. For example, as shown in Fig. 16(A), black light LEDs as light emitters 690 directed toward the display area of ​​the decorative symbols on each reel are arranged in a row in the width direction (left-right direction) of each reel on the front upper side and front lower side of each reel.

[0260] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when a main pattern 621A including numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in the left and right pattern columns Z1 and Z2 is positioned on the middle line L2, for example, and patterns such as 701, 702, and 703 are completed, the sub-control board 940 is configured to cause the light-emitting body 690 to emit light (i.e., to emit black light). As a result, when a predetermined main pattern 621A is positioned on the middle line L2 in the final display, the player can visually recognize each pattern such as 701, 702, and 703.

[0261] In addition, in a configuration in which pictures such as pictures 701, 702, and 703 are formed on the pattern sheet 601 using ink that glows in a predetermined color when illuminated with black light, it is not necessarily necessary to provide an illuminant 690 that can be illuminated with black light, and the player may display pictures such as pictures 701, 702, and 703 using an illuminant that can be illuminated with black light that he or she owns or is loaned.

[0262] Next, the operation and effects of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be explained.

[0263] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, if the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) is not won, the symbols 741A, 741B, 741C, which become visible by heating or warming, are heated or warmed at a temperature corresponding to the currently set game mode with a predetermined probability. The symbols 741A, 741B, 741C are configured to develop a darker color the higher the heating or warming temperature, so the player can determine the type of the current game mode in the pachinko machine 100, i.e., the payout rate (machine payout rate, payout rate) of game balls, based on the intensity of the color of the symbols 741A, 741B, 741C.

[0264] Therefore, it is possible to add a game feature that allows a player to guess probability information about the gaming machine he or she is playing on based on the difference in color intensity of the pictures 741A, 741B, and 741C. For example, the player can consider whether the pachinko machine 100 is a gaming machine that suits his or her preferences or a different gaming machine, and use the guessed probability information as one of the factors for deciding whether to continue playing or move to another gaming machine, thereby improving the game feature of a gaming machine in which the lottery probability can be set at multiple stages.

[0265] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. In the pachinko machine 100 of the fourth embodiment, a light-emitting decorative body 780 with improved decorativeness on the peripheral side (edge ​​side) is provided to increase the attention of players.

[0266] In the following description, the same components as those in the pachinko machine 100 of each of the first to third embodiments described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The configuration described below as the fourth embodiment may be added to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 of any of the first to third embodiments described above, or may be provided in place of a portion of the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 of any of the first to third embodiments described above.

[0267] Fig. 17 is a front view of the game board 400 of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 18(A) is a front view of the luminous decorative body 780, and Fig. 18(B) is a simplified cross-sectional view of the luminous decorative body 780 taken along line BB in Fig. 18(A).

[0268] 18(A), for reference, a dashed two-dot line is used to illustrate a rough boundary line G between the direct light transmission area X1 and the reflected light transmission area X2 in the peripheral decorative portion 788. Also, for reference, arrows J1 and J2 are used to illustrate an example of a path along which light emitted from the light emitter 782 serving as light-emitting means travels in FIG.

[0269] As shown in FIG. 17, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a light-emitting decoration 780 configured in a star shape when viewed from the front is provided in approximately the center of the upper part of the central structure 420.

[0270] As shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the luminous decorative body 780 comprises luminous bodies 781, 782, a substrate 783, an inner lens 784, a reflector 785, a decorative lens portion 786, a protrusion 787, a peripheral decorative portion 788, a decorative sheet 789, and a reflective part 790.

[0271] The light emitters 781, 782 are configured to include light sources capable of expressing full color (for example, full-color LEDs, etc.). The light emitters 781, 782 emit light in a predetermined color under light emission control by the sub-control board 940. Note that the light sources constituting the light emitters 781, 782 do not necessarily need to be light sources capable of displaying full color, and may be light sources that emit light in a single color (for example, white LEDs, etc.).

[0272] The light emitter 781 is a light emitting means arranged inside the inner lens 784. The light emitter 782 is a light emitting means arranged outside the inner lens 784, behind the peripheral decorative portion 788 (lower side in FIG. 18(B)) so as to overlap the peripheral decorative portion 788 in a front view. The light emitters 781 and 782 are arranged on the front side (upper side in FIG. 18(B)) of the substrate 783. The substrate 783 is a circuit board such as a printed circuit board on which the light emitters 781 and 782 and electronic components such as resistors for operating the light emitters 781 and 782 are mounted.

[0273] Inner lens 784 is made of a resin (for example, acrylic resin) having optical transparency (translucency) such as a transparent resin, and transmits (guides) light output (emitted) from light emitter 781. Inner lens 784 includes a top surface portion 784A that overlaps the front side of light emitter 781 in a front view, and side surface portions 784B that are connected to the peripheral side of top surface portion 784A, and is provided so as to surround the front side of light emitter 781.

[0274] 18(B), in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the inner lens 784 is configured to have a substantially U-shaped cross section. More specifically, the top surface portion 784A is configured to have a flat plate shape extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and the side surface portion 784B is configured to have a flat plate shape extending in a substantially vertical direction.

[0275] The outer shape of the top surface 784A side of the inner lens 784 (the outer shape of the front side of the inner lens 784) is configured to be able to fit into the inner surface of the decorative lens portion 786 described below (more specifically, the surface formed by the rear surface of the top surface 786A and the inward-facing surface of the side surface portion 786B).

[0276] Reflector 785 is a light-opaque component having a color (for example, white) that can reflect light, and is provided adjacent to the outside of the rear side of inner lens 784 (more specifically, the rear side of side surface portion 784B). Reflector 785 reflects light that is emitted outward from the rear side (the side closer to light emitter 781) of side surface portion 784B of inner lens 784, toward inner lens 784. This allows light output from light emitter 781 to be suitably guided to the front side (that is, the side of top surface portion 784A of inner lens 784).

[0277] In addition, the reflector 785 is located between the light-emitting body 782 and the side portion 784B of the inner lens 784, and can preferably guide the light output from the light-emitting body 782 to the forward side (i.e., toward the peripheral decorative portion 788).

[0278] Therefore, by disposing reflector 785 between light emitter 781 and light emitter 782, light output from light emitter 781 can be made incident on decorative lens portion 786 via inner lens 784, and light output from light emitter 782 can be made incident on peripheral decorative portion 788. Note that a reflector similar to reflector 785 may be provided on the side of reflective component 790 relative to light emitter 782 (the side opposite reflector 785).

[0279] The reflector 785 does not necessarily have to be an opaque part having a color capable of reflecting light, but may be configured to have an opaque surface by applying a mirror finish (e.g., chrome plating) to the surfaces on the inner lens 784 side and the light-emitting body 782 side.

[0280] The decorative lens portion 786 is made of a resin (e.g., acrylic resin) that is light-transmitting (translucent), such as a transparent resin, and when the light-emitting element 781 is lit (when light is output from the light-emitting element 781), it transmits (guides) the light that has passed through the top surface portion 784A of the inner lens 784.

[0281] The decorative lens portion 786 includes a top surface portion 786A that overlaps the front side of the top surface portion 784A of the inner lens 784 in a front view, and a side surface portion 786B that is connected to the peripheral edge side of the top surface portion 786A. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the decorative lens portion 786 is configured to have a substantially U-shaped cross section, as shown in Fig. 18(B). More specifically, the top surface portion 786A is configured in the shape of a flat plate extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and the side surface portion 786B is configured in the shape of a flat plate extending in a substantially vertical direction.

[0282] A front surface 786A1 of the top surface 786A is exposed so as to be directly visible to the player in an area where a protrusion 787 (described later) is not provided. Therefore, when the light emitter 781 is lit, the light transmitted through the top surface 786A and emitted from the front surface 786A1 can be seen by the player.

[0283] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the decorative lens portion 786 is configured such that the exposed portion of the top surface portion 786A is star-shaped when viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 18(A). Therefore, in this configuration, when the light-emitting body 781 is turned on, the player can see the luminous decorative body 780 shining in a star shape due to the light emitted from the front surface 786A1 of the top surface portion 786A. The decorative lens portion 786 functions as the first decorative portion that constitutes the main body of the decoration in the luminous decorative body 780.

[0284] In particular, in this embodiment, the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786 is configured in the shape of a plate with the front surface 786A1 being approximately flat, so that the luminous decorative body 780 can illuminate the decorative shape (in this embodiment, a star shape) created by the decorative lens portion 786, which is the first decorative portion, in a planar manner.

[0285] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the top surface 786A of the decorative lens unit 786 is configured to be a flat plate extending in a substantially horizontal direction, but it may also be a plate shaped that slopes in a predetermined direction (for example, slopes rearward as it goes downward when viewed from the front). Also, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the top surface 786A of the decorative lens unit 786 is configured to be flat, that is, both the front surface 786A1 (the surface on the front side visible to the player) and the rear surface (the surface facing the inner lens 784) are configured to be substantially flat, but either the front surface 786A1 or the rear surface, or both of these surfaces, may be a curved surface, or may be a flat or curved surface including fine irregularities.

[0286] The protruding portion 787 is made of a resin having the same optical transparency as the decorative lens portion 786, and protrudes forward from a front surface 786A1 of the top surface 786A. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 787 is integrally molded with the decorative lens portion 786 and a peripheral decorative portion 788 described below, and is thereby connected to the front surface 786A1 of the top surface 786A. Note that the protruding portion 787 may be configured as an independent component from the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral decorative portion 788.

[0287] The protrusions 787 are provided at least along the periphery of the top surface 786A. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 18(A), the protrusions 787 are provided along the periphery of the star-shaped top surface 786A, and are provided in approximately straight lines connecting adjacent recesses in the star shape.

[0288] An end surface 787A on the front side of the protrusion 787 is subjected to a light diffusion treatment such as a rough surface treatment (e.g., a grained surface treatment). This allows natural light to be diffused at the end surface 787A, making the end surface 787A appear whitish. Note that instead of roughening the end surface 787A, a color that easily reflects light, such as white or a metallic color (e.g., silver or gold), may be printed on the end surface 787A.

[0289] The peripheral decorative portion 788 is made of a resin having the same optical transparency as the decorative lens portion 786, and is provided around the entire peripheral side (outer side) of the decorative lens portion 786. More specifically, the peripheral decorative portion 788 is provided around the entire circumference of the decorative lens portion 786, protruding outward from the side surface portion 786B.

[0290] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the peripheral decorative portion 788 is connected to the side portion 786B by being integrally molded with the decorative lens portion 786 and the protruding portion 787. Note that the peripheral decorative portion 788 may be configured as an independent component from the decorative lens portion 786 and the protruding portion 787.

[0291] The front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative portion 788 (the front surface visible to the player) is configured as a substantially horizontal, approximately flat surface. Note that the front surface 788A does not necessarily have to be a substantially horizontal, approximately flat surface, but may be a plane that slopes in a predetermined direction (for example, a plane that slopes backward as it extends outward when viewed from the front) or may be a substantially flat surface. The front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative portion 788 may also be a curved surface, or may be a flat or curved surface that includes fine irregularities.

[0292] 18(B), the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative portion 788 is configured to be located rearward of the front surface 786A1 of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786. Note that the front surface 788A does not necessarily have to be rearward of the front surface 786A1, and may be configured to be located forward of the front surface 786A1, or may be configured so that its position in the front-to-rear direction is approximately the same as that of the front surface 786A1.

[0293] On the other hand, the rear surface 788B (the surface facing the light emitter 782) of the peripheral decorative portion 788 is configured as an inclined surface that inclines outward so that the light moves away from the substrate 783. As a result, part of the light output (emitted) forward from the light emitter 782 enters from the rear surface 788B and transmits forward (toward the front surface 788A), and part of the light is reflected at the rear surface 788B and travels rearward and outward as shown in Fig. 18(B).

[0294] As will be described in detail later, the peripheral decorative portion 788 glows with light (either directly incident light or light reflected by the rear surface 788B and then reflected by the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790) corresponding to the light output from the light-emitting body 782. Therefore, in the luminous decorative body 780, the peripheral decorative portion 788 functions as an edge portion serving as a second decorative portion relative to the shape (star-shaped in this embodiment) of the decorative lens portion 786 serving as the first decorative portion when viewed from the front.

[0295] The decorative sheet 789 is made of a light-transmitting (light-transmitting) resin sheet configured to the outer shape (star-shaped in this embodiment) of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786, and is disposed between the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786 and the top surface 784A of the inner lens 784. The decorative sheet 789 may be configured to be attached to the rear surface of the top surface 786A (the surface facing the inner lens 784) or the front surface of the top surface 784A (the surface facing the decorative lens portion 786), or may be configured to be sandwiched between the rear surface of the top surface 786A and the front surface of the top surface 784A.

[0296] The decorative sheet 789 does not necessarily have to be a single resin sheet configured to the outer shape of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786, but may be a plurality of resin sheets divided into shapes according to the shape of the top surface 786A surrounded by the protrusion 787. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 18(A), the decorative sheet 789 may be divided into resin sheets each corresponding to five approximate triangles formed on the convex portion side of the star, and a resin sheet corresponding to one approximate pentagon formed on the center side.

[0297] The decorative sheet 789 is configured as a light-transmitting sheet colored entirely in a single color (e.g., yellow, blue, etc.) or multiple colors. This allows the light emitted from the front surface 784A1 of the decorative lens portion 786 to be a color that corresponds to the color of the decorative sheet 789 when the light-emitting body 781 is lit. This allows the player to see the color of the light-emitting decorative body 780, which shines in a star shape in the color of the decorative sheet 789, for example, when the inner lens 784 and the decorative lens portion 786 are both made of transparent resin.

[0298] When the decorative sheet 789 is colored in multiple colors, the multiple colors may be colored as independent areas, or the multiple colors may be colored in a gradation. Also, the decorative sheet 789 may have a predetermined pattern (design, picture, letter, etc.) drawn on it.

[0299] The reflective component 790 is a resin component that is provided outward from the light-emitting body 782 and has the function of reflecting the light reflected by the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 so that it travels forward and outward.

[0300] The reflective component 790 is spaced downward from the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788, and has a front surface 790A which is an inclined surface that slopes outwardly away from the substrate 783, similar to the rear surface 788B.

[0301] 18(B), the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 is configured as an inclined surface that is approximately parallel to the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative part 788. Note that the front surface 790A does not necessarily have to be approximately parallel to the rear surface 788B, and the front surface 790A and the rear surface 788B may be configured to be non-parallel (i.e., the inclination angle of the front surface 790A is different from the inclination angle of the rear surface 788B).

[0302] The reflective component 790 is positioned so that a portion of the front surface 790A overlaps the peripheral decorative portion 788 in a front view, while the remainder of the front surface 790A does not overlap the peripheral decorative portion 788 in a front view (i.e., is directly visible in a front view). The width of the region of the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 that does not overlap the peripheral decorative portion 788 in a front view (non-overlapping region X3) in a front view is preferably, for example, approximately 3 mm or more, and preferably approximately 5 mm or more.

[0303] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the light output forward from the light-emitting element 782 can travel outward while reflecting between the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 (more specifically, the reflective film portion 790B described later), and the inclination angles of the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790, as well as the overlap amount (overlap width) between the rear surface 788B and the front surface 790A when viewed from the front, are set so that some of the light reflected at the front surface 790A can enter from the rear surface 788B (for example, arrow J1) and some can travel outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788 without entering the peripheral decorative portion 788 (for example, arrow J2).

[0304] A reflective film portion 790B that is opaque and capable of reflecting light is formed on a front surface 790A of the reflective component 790. The reflective film portion 790B is a coating film of a substantially uniform thickness that is formed by, for example, vapor deposition, coating, or printing of a glitter pigment such as a metallic pigment.

[0305] The reflective film portion 790B may be composed of a single color or multiple colors. The color of the reflective film portion 790B may be the same as or similar to the color of the decorative sheet 789 or the main color of the decorative sheet 789. By configuring it in this way, the color of the luminous decorative body 780 can be unified and the color scheme can be prevented from looking unnatural or too flashy.

[0306] As described above, the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 is an inclined surface that slopes away from the substrate 783 as it extends outward. Therefore, a reflective component 790 having a reflective film portion 790B provided on the front surface 790A can reflect light reflected by the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 so that the light travels forward and outward by being received by the reflective film portion 790B.

[0307] In the following, the light reflected by the reflective film portion 790B based on the light from the light-emitting body 782 (i.e., the light reflected by the reflective film portion 790B of the light reflected by the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788) is also referred to as "specific reflected light."

[0308] According to the luminous decorative body 780 configured as described above, the luminous body 782 is provided on the inner side (the side closer to the decorative lens portion 786) of the area that overlaps with the rear side (the side closer to the substrate 783) of the peripheral decorative portion 788 when viewed from the front, so that light output from the luminous body 782 directly enters the inner side (the side closer to the decorative lens portion 786) of the peripheral decorative portion 788.

[0309] In contrast, the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 (more specifically, a part of the inner side of the reflective film portion 790B) is disposed in a region overlapping the rear side of the peripheral decorative portion 788 in a front view, at a position that is outward from the light emitter 782. As described above, the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 are configured so that part of the light reflected by the reflective film portion 790B (specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B) can be incident from the rear surface 788B, and therefore part of the specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B can be incident outward from the region of the peripheral decorative portion 788 where the light output from the light emitter 782 is directly incident.

[0310] Therefore, of the light incident from the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788, direct light from the light-emitting body 782 passes through the inward direct light transmission region X1, and specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B passes through the reflected light transmission region X2, which is further outward than the direct light transmission region X1.

[0311] In addition, in Figure 18(A), a straight boundary line G is shown as the boundary between the direct light transmission region X1 and the reflected light transmission region X2, but the direct light transmission region X1 and the reflected light transmission region X2 do not need to be clearly separated by the boundary line G, and the configuration may also be such that an area exists near the boundary line G through which both direct light from the light-emitting body 782 and specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B transmit.

[0312] Furthermore, the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and the front surface 790A of the reflective element 790 are configured so that some of the specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B can travel outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788 (i.e., outward from the reflected light transmission area X2) without entering the peripheral decorative portion 788, so that some of the specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B can travel through the air as light that is directly visible to the player outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788.

[0313] Next, the operation and effects of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be explained.

[0314] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a reflector 785 is provided between the light emitter 781 and the light emitter 782, so that the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral decorative portion 788 can be made to shine independently by the light output from the light emitter 781 and the light emitter 782. Therefore, the peripheral decorative portion 788 can be made to shine independently as an edge portion of the shape (star-shaped in this embodiment) of the decorative lens portion 786 when viewed from the front.

[0315] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a peripheral decorative portion 788 that can transmit light output from the light emitter 782 is provided on the peripheral side of the decorative lens portion 786. The peripheral decorative portion 788 is configured so that on the inner side (the side closer to the decorative lens portion 786), direct light from the light emitter 782 transmits through a direct light transmission region X1, and on the outer side, light reflected by the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 (specific reflected light) transmits through a reflected light transmission region X2.

[0316] This allows the player to see different light (e.g., brightness, color, etc.) in the direct light transmission region X1, where light based on direct light from the light emitter 782 is emitted, and the reflected light transmission region X2, where light based on specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B is emitted. Therefore, in the peripheral decorative portion 788, which appears to glow based on the light output from the light emitter 782 (direct light and specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B), the way the light shines can be made different on the inner and outer sides, thereby improving the decorativeness of the light emitted from the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative portion 788 (the decorativeness of the light that passes through the peripheral decorative portion 788).

[0317] Furthermore, since the intensity of reflected light is generally lower than the intensity of incident light, in a configuration in which direct light from the light emitter 782 passes through the direct light transmission region X1 on the inner side of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 passes through the reflected light transmission region X2 on the outer side, the intensity of light passing through the reflected light transmission region X2 can be made weaker than the intensity of light passing through the direct light transmission region X1. This makes it possible to make the outer side of the peripheral decorative portion 788 appear to glow less brightly than the inner side. Therefore, the brightness of the peripheral decorative portion 788 can be varied, thereby improving the decorativeness of the light emitted from the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative portion 788.

[0318] The decorativeness of the light emitted from the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative portion 788 is improved as described above, and this clearly distinguishes the light from the decorative lens portion 786, which is illuminated in a planar manner by the light from the light emitter 781, thereby increasing the attention paid to the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral decorative portion 788. This increases the attention paid to the gaming machine.

[0319] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the light passing through the direct light transmission region X1 and the reflected light transmission region X2 is both light (direct light or specific reflected light) corresponding to the light output from the light emitter 782, so there is no need to provide separate light sources for supplying light to pass through the direct light transmission region X1 and light sources for supplying light to pass through the reflected light transmission region X2 (i.e., the light source can be shared), which reduces manufacturing costs and prevents the arrangement of light sources from becoming complicated.

[0320] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a portion of the specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 is incident (enters) on the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788, and a portion of the specific reflected light travels outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788 (i.e., outward from the reflected light transmission region X2) as light that can be directly seen by the player without entering the peripheral decorative portion 788. Depending on whether the specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B passes through the peripheral decorative portion 788 (more specifically, the reflected light transmission region X2) or travels outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788, the way the light appears to the player (for example, brightness, brilliance, etc.) can change, thereby improving the decorativeness of the luminous decorative body 780 produced by the specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B.

[0321] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a portion of the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 does not overlap the peripheral decorative portion 788 on the outer side of the peripheral decorative portion 788 when viewed from the front (i.e., it is exposed and directly visible to the player when viewed from the front), so the player can see a mixture of natural light reflected by the reflective film portion 790B (hereinafter, this reflected light will also be referred to as "natural reflected light") and specific reflected light by the reflective film portion 790B on the outer side of the peripheral decorative portion 788. This makes it possible to give a different impression to a case where the only light visible to the player on the outer side of the peripheral decorative portion 788 is natural reflected light, for example, an impressive sense of brilliance (metallic feel).

[0322] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a decorative sheet 789 is disposed on the rear side of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786. Therefore, even if the decorative lens portion 786, the peripheral decorative portion 788, and the protruding portion 787 are integrally molded using transparent resin, it is possible to make only the decorative lens portion 786 (top surface 786A) glow with the color of the decorative sheet 789. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral decorative portion 788 separately, which reduces manufacturing costs. Also, there is no need to print a predetermined color or pattern directly on the rear surface of the top surface 786A.

[0323] If the color of a light-transmitting decorative sheet 789 (described below) or the main color of the decorative sheet 789 is a relatively dark color such as blue, it is preferable for the light-emitting body 781 to emit light in the same color or a similar color as the color of the decorative sheet 789 or the main color of the decorative sheet 789 (for example, a blue-based color such as light blue if the decorative sheet 789 is blue). This makes it possible to prevent the color of the decorative sheet 789 or the main color of the decorative sheet 789 from appearing paler than its original color, compared to when the light-emitting body 781 emits light in a single white color.

[0324] 18(A) and 18(B), in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a protrusion 787 is provided along the periphery of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786. The decorative sheet 789 is provided on the back surface of the decorative lens portion 786, so that the protrusion 787 can be provided three-dimensionally with respect to the decorative sheet 789. This can improve the decorative feel provided by the protrusion 787.

[0325] In particular, the front end surface 787A has been treated with a light diffusion process, so that it appears whitish due to the diffusion of natural light. As a result, by configuring the main color of the decorative sheet 789 (for example, the color that covers the largest area of ​​the decorative sheet 789) to a color that reflects less light than white, it is possible to suitably improve the decorative feel of the protrusion 787, whose end surface 787A appears whitish.

[0326] Furthermore, protrusions 787 that protrude forward relative to the decorative lens 786 are provided along the periphery of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens 786, so that the shape of the decorative lens 786 in front view (in this embodiment, a star shape) can be three-dimensionally decorated by the protrusions 787. This improves the decorativeness of the luminous decorative body 780.

[0327] Furthermore, the protrusion 787 provided along the peripheral edge of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786 is located between the exposed portion of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral edge decorative portion 788, so the protrusion 787 forms a clear boundary between the shape of the decorative lens portion 786 in a front view, which is the first decorative portion in the decoration of the luminous decorative body 780, and the peripheral edge decorative portion 788, which is the edge portion as the second decorative portion relative to the first decorative portion. This allows the first decorative portion and the second decorative portion (edge ​​portion) in the decoration of the luminous decorative body 780 to be illuminated independently, allowing each portion to be illuminated clearly.

[0328] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. In the pachinko machine 100 of the fifth embodiment, an image equivalent to (corresponding to) an image including a part of a character that appears in a suggestive effect that is displayed after a predetermined reach display is displayed is displayed in a suggestive effect that is displayed after a reach display different from the reach display, thereby increasing the attention of the player.

[0329] The "suggestive effect" is an effect that suggests the degree of possibility of transitioning to a special game state after the end of a unit game involving a special pattern (first special pattern, second special pattern) (hereinafter also referred to as "expectation degree for transition to a special game state"), that is, the degree of possibility that the decorative pattern 1621 displayed in a variable manner on the decorative pattern display device 479 will stop at a stopping pattern that will become a jackpot pattern.

[0330] In the following description, the same components as those in the pachinko machine 100 of each of the above-described first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the components described below as the fifth embodiment may be added to the components of the pachinko machine 100 of any of the above-described first to fourth embodiments, or may be provided in place of a portion of the components of the pachinko machine 100 of any of the above-described first to fourth embodiments.

[0331] 19(A) to 19(D) are screen diagrams showing an example of an effect image displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 of the fifth embodiment. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 479 is configured as an image display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) capable of displaying images. In FIG. 19(B), for reference, the movement direction of the image 822 is shown by an arrow.

[0332] In the decorative pattern display device 479 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 19 (Fig. 19(A) to Fig. 19(D)), a decorative pattern 1621 is displayed as an image. The decorative pattern 1621 is a decorative pattern for displaying, on the decorative pattern display device 479, stop patterns (jackpot pattern, losing pattern) corresponding to the lottery results of the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery, second special pattern lottery), similar to the decorative pattern 621 (see Fig. 13).

[0333] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the decorative symbol 1621 is composed of a main symbol that can constitute a jackpot symbol, similar to the main symbol 621A (see FIG. 13). Note that the decorative symbol 1621 may be composed of a main symbol and a sub-symbol that cannot constitute a jackpot symbol, similar to the sub-symbol 621B.

[0334] The main design constituting the decorative design 1621 is configured as a design including, for example, numerical information indicating a plurality of types of numerical values ​​(for example, numerical values ​​from "1" to "9"). Note that the main design constituting the decorative design 1621 may be configured as a design including not only numbers indicating numerical values ​​but also both numbers and characters corresponding to the numbers as numerical information.

[0335] The decorative pattern 1621 is variably displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479 in a unit game related to the special patterns (first special pattern, second special pattern), and then is fixedly displayed (stopped) as a stop pattern corresponding to the result of the special pattern lottery. The display position of the decorative pattern 1621 does not necessarily have to be approximately the center of the display area of ​​the decorative pattern display device 479, and the decorative pattern 1621 may be displayed at various positions within the display area. For example, the decorative pattern 1621 may be displayed at a corner (e.g., the upper right corner) of the display area of ​​the decorative pattern display device 479, as shown in FIG. 19 .

[0336] In the decorative pattern display device 479 of this embodiment, when a reach display occurs in the varying display of the decorative pattern 1621, a predetermined suggestive performance using a video or image can be displayed after the varying display ends.

[0337] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when a reach display consisting of an odd number (for example, a reach display consisting of "7") is displayed by the decorative pattern 1621, a suggestive effect in which a predetermined character appears (hereinafter, this suggestive effect will also be referred to as a "first suggestive effect") is executed with a predetermined probability after the reach display is displayed. Note that the first suggestive effect in which a predetermined character appears may be an effect that is executed (displayed) only in a specific reach display such as a so-called super reach.

[0338] The probability of executing the first suggestive effect when a reach display consisting of odd numbers is displayed by the decorative pattern 1621 (i.e., the above-mentioned "predetermined probability") may be any appropriate value greater than 0%, and may be, for example, a probability less than 100% (e.g., 30% or 60%), or may be the probability that the first suggestive effect will always be displayed (i.e., 100%). The selection of whether or not to execute the first suggestive effect is performed under the control of the sub-control board 940.

[0339] Whether the reach display by the decorative symbol 1621 is made up of odd or even numerical values ​​depends, for example, on the jackpot symbol random number acquired by the main control board 920 when the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) start winning. More specifically, when the stopping symbol determined by the main control board 920 based on the jackpot symbol random number is a jackpot symbol, the sub-control board 940 determines a reach display made up of odd or even numerical values ​​according to the type of jackpot indicated by the jackpot symbol. On the other hand, when the stopping symbol determined by the main control board 920 based on the jackpot symbol random number is a losing symbol that constitutes a losing reach, the sub-control board 940 determines a reach display made up of predetermined numerical values ​​regardless of whether it is odd or even.

[0340] The first suggestive effect has a plurality of effect patterns prepared according to the expectation (or reliability) of a transition to the special game state. The expectation of a transition to the special game state set for each effect pattern is determined by the probability of winning in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery), the selection probability in the selection table referred to when the special symbol lottery is won (hereinafter also referred to as the "win selection table"), and the selection probability in the selection table referred to when the special symbol lottery is not won (hereinafter also referred to as the "loss selection table").

[0341] Each video data (image data) corresponding to each effect pattern of the first suggestion effect is stored in association with each effect pattern in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM of the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 selects an effect pattern of the first suggestion effect, and causes the decorative pattern display device 479 to display (execute) the first suggestion effect of the selected effect pattern.

[0342] The timing at which the sub-control board 940 selects the presentation pattern for the first suggestive presentation may be the timing at which the sub-control board 940 receives from the main control board 920 a variation pattern command corresponding to a unit game related to the target special symbol (i.e., a variation display of the special symbol), or may be a predetermined timing between the reception of the variation pattern command and the display of a reach display by the decorative symbol 1621. Also, in a configuration in which a period during which an operation device such as the pressing operation device 261 can be operated in response to the display of the first suggestive presentation is provided, the sub-control board 940 may be configured to select the presentation pattern for the first suggestive presentation at the end of that period.

[0343] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, each performance pattern in the first suggestion performance is configured so that the type of character that appears differs depending on the expectation (or reliability) for a transition to a special game state set for that performance pattern. The player can relatively recognize the level of expectation for a transition to a special game state based on the type of character that appears in the first suggestion performance.

[0344] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, characters that can appear in the first suggestion performance include, for example, short-haired characters CA1 and CA2 holding flags 801A and 801B in both hands as shown in Figures 19(A) and 19(C), and ponytailed character CA3 holding flags 801A and 801B in both hands as shown in Figure 19(D). The difference between characters CA1 and CA2 is the pattern drawn on flags 801A and 801B. In other words, characters CA1 and CA2 differ in whether the pattern drawn on flags 801A and 801B is a cat or a star.

[0345] For the first suggestive effect in which character CA1 appears, the expectation for a transition to a special game state is set to, for example, 50%, and for the first suggestive effect in which character CA2 appears, the expectation for a transition to a special game state is set to, for example, 10%. Also, for the first suggestive effect in which character CA3 appears, the expectation for a transition to a special game state is set to, for example, 30%.

[0346] The player can recognize the degree of expectation set for each character from the instruction manual distributed for the pachinko machine 100, or can recognize the relative magnitude of the degree of expectation set for each character from experience. As a result, the player can, for example, among characters CA1, CA2, and CA3, have the highest expectation of a transition to the special game state when character CA1 appears in the first suggestion effect, and when character CA3 appears, the player can have less expectation than character CA1 but more expectation than character CA2.

[0347] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when a reach display consisting of an even number (for example, a reach display consisting of "6") is displayed by the decorative pattern 1621, after the reach display is displayed, a suggestion effect (hereinafter, this suggestion effect is also referred to as a "second suggestion effect") is executed with a predetermined probability, in which an image including a part of a character that suggests the expectation (reliability) of a transition to a special game state appears in the first suggestion effect.

[0348] The probability of executing the second suggestive effect when a reach display consisting of an even number is displayed by the decorative pattern 1621 (i.e., the above-mentioned "predetermined probability") may be any appropriate value greater than 0%, and may be, for example, a probability less than 100% (e.g., 30% or 60%), or may be a probability that the second suggestive effect will always be displayed (i.e., 100%). The selection of whether or not to execute the second suggestive effect is performed under the control of the sub-control board 940.

[0349] 19(B), after a reach display consisting of "6" is displayed by decorative pattern 1621, a second suggestive effect is executed in which images 821, 822, and 823 including parts of character CA1 simultaneously appear (are displayed). More specifically, image 821 is an image including the left eye of character CA1 in FIG. 19(A), image 822 is an image including the left hand of character CA1 and part of flag 801A held in the left hand, and image 823 is an image including the button part of the jacket of character CA1.

[0350] In the second suggestive effect in which an image containing part of a character (such as image 821) appears, the player can be made to recognize the degree of expectation (level of expectation) for a transition to a special game state relatively depending on the type of character corresponding to the image that appears.

[0351] In this embodiment, the expectation level for a transition to the special game state for the character corresponding to the image that appears in the second suggestive effect is set to the same as the expectation level when that character appears in the first suggestive effect. For example, in the example shown in Figure 19 (B), a player who views images 821, 822, and 823 that appear in the second suggestive effect can recognize the same expectation level as when character CA1 corresponding to these images 821, 822, and 823 appears in the first suggestive effect.

[0352] Images such as images 821, 822, and 823 that are made to appear in the second suggestive effect, i.e., images that include a portion of a character that suggests the degree of expectation for a transition to a special game state in the first suggestive effect, are generated based on an image cut out from video data (image data) that corresponds to the effect pattern of the first suggestive effect and is stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 940. Here, an image cut out from video data (image data) is a portion of a video or image that has been selected in advance from a video or image that is made up of video data or image data, and the expression "cut out" may also be other expressions such as "pre-select" or "extract," and the same applies hereinafter.

[0353] More specifically, the image to be displayed in the second suggestive effect is generated by cutting out the relevant area from an image of a predetermined frame that includes a character among the frames constituting the video data corresponding to the effect pattern in which a character appears that suggests the expectation of a transition to a special game state in the first suggestive effect, and based on the cut-out image (for example, by applying processing such as deformation or enlargement / reduction to the cut-out image).

[0354] For example, image 821 is generated based on an image obtained by cutting out a portion of area AR1 from an image of a frame corresponding to the display content shown in Fig. 19(A) in video data corresponding to an effect pattern in which character CA1 appears. Similarly, images 822 and 823 are generated based on images obtained by cutting out portions of areas AR2 and AR3 from the image of the frame. As will be described in detail later, images 821, 822, and 823 are generated by applying processing such as deformation and enlargement / reduction to the images obtained by cutting out portions of areas AR1, AR2, and AR3.

[0355] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, for the effect pattern in which character CA2 appears, an image to be made to appear in the second suggestion effect is generated based on an image obtained by cutting out each portion of the areas AR1, AR2, and AR3 from an image of a frame corresponding to the display content shown in Fig. 19(C) in the video data corresponding to the effect pattern in which character CA2 appears. Similarly, for the effect pattern in which character CA3 appears, an image to be made to appear in the second suggestion effect is generated based on an image obtained by cutting out each portion of the areas AR1, AR2, and AR3 from an image of a frame corresponding to the display content shown in Fig. 19(D) in the video data corresponding to the effect pattern in which character CA3 appears.

[0356] It is preferable that the area to be cut out from the video data for the first suggestive effect is an area where the cut-out image can suggest the type of character. For example, areas AR1, AR2, and AR3 are preferable, which include the character's eyes, the pattern of the flag 801A held by the character in his left hand, the jacket worn by the character, and the buttons on the jacket.

[0357] In the following, an image including a part of a character that suggests the degree of expectation for a transition to a special game state, cut out from video data corresponding to the presentation pattern of the first suggestive presentation (for example, an image cut out from part of area AR1), will also be referred to as a "cut-out image."

[0358] The cut-out image is generated under the control of the sub-control board 940. Specifically, the sub-control board 940 selects one effect pattern from the effect patterns prepared for the first suggestion effect, and generates a cut-out image from an image of a predetermined frame in the video data stored in the ROM in association with the selected effect pattern.

[0359] The selection of the effect pattern used to generate the cut-out image is performed by referring to the winning selection table or losing selection table prepared for selecting the effect pattern of the first suggestion effect, in the same way as when selecting the effect pattern in the first suggestion effect. This control is executed by the sub-control board 940.

[0360] The frame used to generate the cut-out image (i.e., a predetermined frame including a character indicating the degree of expectation for a transition to a special game state) is specified in advance by the frame number, time, etc. in the video data. Also, the cut-out area, such as area AR1 in the image of the frame to be cut out, is specified in advance by the coordinates on the image, etc.

[0361] The cutout areas do not necessarily have to be rectangular areas like area AR1, and may be areas of shapes other than rectangular, such as circles. The number of cutout areas may be one or more. When multiple cutout areas are provided, the shapes of the cutout areas do not necessarily have to all be areas of the same shape (for example, all rectangular) like areas AR1 to AR3, and areas of two or more different shapes may be mixed.

[0362] The sub-control board 940 generates a cut-out image by cutting out a pre-specified area from an image of a pre-specified frame. The timing at which the sub-control board 940 generates the cut-out image may be the timing at which the sub-control board 940 receives from the main control board 920 a variation pattern command corresponding to a unit game related to the target special symbol (i.e., a variation display of the special symbol), or may be a predetermined timing between the reception of the variation pattern command and the display of a reach display by the decorative symbol 1621. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a period during which an operation device such as the pressing operation device 261 can be operated in response to the display of the second suggestive effect is provided, the sub-control board 940 may be configured to generate the cut-out image at the end of that period.

[0363] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, an image cut out from video data corresponding to the performance pattern of the first suggestion performance (i.e., a cut-out image) is subjected to processing such as deformation and enlargement / reduction, and the processed cut-out image (e.g., image 821) is displayed in the second suggestion performance. The processing of the cut-out image (e.g., deformation, enlargement / reduction, etc.) and the display of the processed cut-out image are controlled by the sub-control board 940.

[0364] 19(B), images 821, 822, and 823 that appear (are displayed) in the second suggestion are not rectangular in shape corresponding to the shapes of the cutout areas AR1, AR2, and AR3, but are displayed as images that are deformed into a diamond shape when viewed from the front, with the front facing downward and to the right. In this way, by displaying images 821, 822, and 823 so that they all appear to face in approximately the same direction, different from the front direction, a more orderly impression can be given than when at least one of these images 821, 822, and 823 is displayed in a different display orientation from the other images.

[0365] 19(B), images 821, 822, and 823 that appear in the second suggestion effect are images that have been enlarged or reduced at different magnification ratios (enlargement or reduction ratios) for the corresponding cut-out images. Specifically, the size of the cut-out images increases in the order of the image cut out of area AR1, the image cut out of area AR3, and the image cut out of area AR2, while these cut-out images are enlarged or reduced in the order of image 822, image 822, and image 823.

[0366] It is not necessary to enlarge or reduce all of the cutout images, and some of the cutout images may be enlarged or reduced at different enlargement / reduction ratios or all at the same enlargement / reduction ratio.Furthermore, some or all of the cutout images may be enlarged or reduced at different enlargement / reduction ratios in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0367] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a plurality of processed cut-out images (for example, images 821, 822, 823) are configured to appear (display) simultaneously in the second suggestion performance. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 19(B), images 821, 822, 823 based on images (cut-out images) cut out from the image of the frame corresponding to the display content shown in Fig. 19(A) are all displayed facing in the lower right direction, lined up from front to back in the order of image 823, image 821, and image 822.

[0368] In particular, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when a plurality of processed cutout images appear simultaneously in the second suggestion performance, one processed cutout image and another processed cutout image are displayed so as to overlap at least partially (i.e., so as to appear to overlap). Note that the control of this display is also performed by the sub-control board 940.

[0369] 19(B), for example, image 822 and image 821 are displayed so that part of the image overlaps, and image 821 and image 823 are displayed so that part of the image overlaps. As a result, the content (drawing content) drawn in the area where image 821 overlaps in image 822 and the area where image 823 overlaps in image 821 becomes difficult to see (impossible to see).

[0370] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when one processed cutout image and another processed cutout image are displayed so as to overlap at least partially, the display position of the image whose drawing content is difficult to see due to the overlap is moved, thereby making the difficult-to-see drawing content visible. Note that the control of this display is also performed by the sub-control board 940.

[0371] 19(B), after a portion of image 822 and a portion of image 821 are displayed overlapping, the display position of image 822, which has become partially obscured by the overlap of image 821, is moved to the left (in the direction of arrow M). As the overlap between image 822 and image 821 decreases, the area in which the depicted content is visible increases in image 822. This allows the player to recognize, for example, that image 822 is an image including a left hand and a portion of flag 801A held in the left hand, and that flag 801A has a cat pattern on it.

[0372] Here, character CA1 is configured the same as character CA2 except for the pattern drawn on flag 801A, so if the player can recognize that the pattern drawn on flag 801A is a cat by the movement of image 822, he or she can infer that the character corresponding to the image displayed in the second suggestive effect is character CA1. Therefore, the second suggestive effect is configured to make it easier to infer the degree of expectation for a transition to the special game state depending on the elapsed time after the processed cut-out image appears, thereby improving the playability of inferring the degree of expectation for a transition to the special game state in the second suggestive effect.

[0373] Next, the operation and effects of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be explained.

[0374] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, an image including a part of a character that suggests the expectation of a transition to a special game state in the first suggestive effect, which is displayed in the second suggestive effect, is generated based on an image cut out from video data corresponding to the presentation pattern of the first suggestive effect; in other words, the video data corresponding to the presentation pattern of the first suggestive effect is reused to generate the image that appears in the second suggestive effect. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of video data (image data) that needs to be stored, and makes it easier to reduce the need to develop presentation images separately for the first suggestive effect and the second suggestive effect, thereby reducing development costs.

[0375] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, an image corresponding to an image including a part of a character suggesting the degree of expectation for a transition to a special game state, cut out from video data corresponding to the presentation pattern of the first suggestive presentation (specifically, an image obtained by subjecting the cut-out image to processing such as deformation or enlargement / reduction), is displayed in the second suggestive presentation, so that the degree of expectation for a transition to a special game state suggested by the character that appears in the first suggestive presentation can also be suggested in the second suggestive presentation. Furthermore, since the suggestion of the degree of expectation by the first suggestive presentation and the suggestion of the degree of expectation by the second suggestive presentation are realized with different appearances, it is possible to increase the variety of suggestive presentations while suppressing the cost of developing presentation images for each of the second suggestive presentations.

[0376] Here, the image displayed in the second suggestion effect is an image equivalent to an image including a part of a character that suggests the degree of expectation for a transition to the special game state that appears in the first suggestion effect, so the amount of information contained in the image is less than when the entire character is displayed, making it difficult to guess the character corresponding to the image from the image displayed in the second suggestion effect.

[0377] As a result, the difficulty of guessing the expectation of a transition to a special game state from the content of each suggestive effect differs between when the first suggestive effect is displayed and when the second suggestive effect is displayed, and therefore the playability of guessing the expectation of a transition to a special game state from the content of each suggestive effect can be improved when the first suggestive effect or the second suggestive effect is displayed, thereby increasing the attention to the gaming machine.

[0378] In particular, since the second suggestive effect is configured to display an image that has been processed by, for example, transforming or enlarging / reducing an image cut out from video data corresponding to the effect pattern of the first suggestive effect, it is possible to suitably make it difficult to guess the character corresponding to the image displayed in the second suggestive effect.In this respect, it is possible to suitably improve the gameplay in which, when the first suggestive effect or the second suggestive effect is displayed, the expectation of a transition to a special game state can be guessed from the content of each suggestive effect.

[0379] Furthermore, since the second suggestion effect is configured such that each image corresponding to a plurality of cut-out images cut out from a plurality of regions is displayed simultaneously, it is easier to guess the character corresponding to the image from the image displayed in the second suggestion effect compared to when one cut-out image is displayed. This prevents the character corresponding to the image from becoming too difficult to guess from the image displayed in the second suggestion effect.

[0380] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when multiple processed cut-out images appear simultaneously in the second suggestive effect, one processed cut-out image and the other processed cut-out images are displayed so as to overlap at least partially (i.e., so as to appear to overlap), making it difficult for the player to recognize the content of the overlapping image. In this respect, too, it is possible to suitably make it difficult to guess the character corresponding to the image displayed in the second suggestive effect, and therefore it is possible to suitably improve the gameplay in which the expectation of a transition to a special game state is guessed from the content of each suggestive effect when the first suggestive effect or the second suggestive effect is displayed.

[0381] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when one processed cut-out image and another processed cut-out image are displayed so that they overlap at least partially, the display position of the image whose drawing content is difficult to see due to the overlap is moved, thereby making the difficult-to-see drawing content visible. Therefore, the difficulty of inferring the expectation of a transition to a special game state from the content of the second suggestive effect can be varied depending on the elapsed time from when multiple processed cut-out images initially appeared simultaneously in the second suggestive effect. This improves the gameplay of inferring the expectation of a transition to a special game state from the content of each suggestive effect when the second suggestive effect is displayed.

[0382] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. The pachinko machine 100 of the sixth embodiment is provided with a push operation device 1261 configured such that the stroke amount by the push operation is variable by an operating mechanism 860, instead of the push operation device 261 (see Figure 1) provided in the pachinko machine 100 of the first embodiment.

[0383] In the following explanation, the same components as those in the pachinko machine 100 of each of the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration described below as the sixth embodiment may be added to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 of any of the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, or may be provided in place of a portion of the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 of any of the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments.

[0384] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a push operation device 1261 provided in a pachinko machine 100 of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the push operation device 1261 according to the operation position. In Fig. 20, in order to facilitate understanding of the internal configuration of the push operation device 1261, the base 851 and operated portion 852 of the button operation unit 850, the operation cover member 870, and the bottom member 880 are each shown in cross section. Hatching of these cross sections has been omitted.

[0385] 20 and 21, for reference, the position of the surface of the pachinko machine 100 (more specifically, the surface that a player can touch around the operation cover member 870 of the front block 102) is shown by a dashed-dotted line Q. That is, the area above the dashed-dotted line Q indicates that a part of the operation device 1261 (the operation cover member 870) is exposed (protrudes) upward from the surface of the front block 102, and the area below the dashed-dotted line Q indicates that the operation device 1261 is buried below the surface of the front block 102. In addition, in FIG. 21, for the purpose of making the drawings easier to understand, the bottom member 880 is omitted from the illustration, and the area below the dashed-dotted line Q of the operation device 1261 (i.e., the area buried below the surface of the front block 102) is shown by a dotted line.

[0386] The push operation device 1261, like the push operation device 261, is a device that can be pushed by a player. As shown in FIG. 20 , the push operation device 1261 includes a button operation unit 850, an actuation mechanism 860, an operation cover member 870, and a bottom member 880. The button operation unit 850 includes a base 851, an operated unit 852, and a spring member 853. The base 851 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface at its lower end. The operated unit 852 is configured in a columnar shape that can be accommodated inside the base 851. The spring member 853 is, for example, a coil spring, and is interposed between the base 851 and the operated unit 852 to support the operated unit 852 with respect to the base 851. The spring member 853 functions as a biasing means that biases the operated unit 852 upward.

[0387] A protrusion 851A that protrudes inward is provided on the upper end side of the base 851, and a protrusion 852A that protrudes outward is provided on the lower end side of the operated part in a position that overlaps with the protrusion 851A when viewed from above.

[0388] As a result, operated portion 852, which is biased upward by spring member 853, is maintained in a state in which protruding portion 852A abuts protruding portion 851A from below, with protruding portion 851A of base 851 acting as a stopper. In button operating portion 850, the position where protruding portion 852A abuts protruding portion 851A of base 851 from below is the initial position of operated portion 852.

[0389] When the operated portion 852 is pressed in (i.e., when the operated portion 852 is pressed downward), the operated portion 852 moves downward against the biasing force of the spring member 853 (i.e., while deforming the spring member 853). Thereafter, when the pressing operation on the operated portion 852 ends (i.e., when the operated portion 852 becomes unloaded), the operated portion 852 returns to its initial position by the biasing force of the spring member 853.

[0390] The button operation unit 850 is provided with a detection sensor 854 that outputs predetermined detection information (detection signal) to the sub-control board 940 when the operated unit 852, which has moved downward by a pressing operation, reaches a predetermined position. The detection sensor 854 is, for example, an optical proximity sensor. Hereinafter, the position of the operated unit 852 detected by the detection sensor 854 will also be referred to as the "maximum pressing position of the operated unit 852 by the spring member 853." The detection sensor 854 outputs a high-level signal when the operated unit 852 reaches the maximum pressing position of the spring member 853, and outputs a low-level signal when the operated unit 852 moves from the maximum pressing position of the spring member 853.

[0391] The sub-control board 940 determines that the operated part 852 has reached the maximum pressing position by the spring member 853 when the signal received from the detection sensor 854 rises to a high level signal, and determines that the operated part 852 has moved from the maximum pressing position by the spring member 853 when the signal falls to a low level signal.

[0392] The sub-control board 940 sets a maximum pressing position flag (a part of RAM) to ON when the signal received from the detection sensor 854 rises to a high level signal. The sub-control board 940 sets the maximum pressing position flag to OFF when the signal received from the detection sensor 854 falls to a low level signal. As a result, the sub-control board 940 determines that the operated unit 852 is located at the maximum pressing position by the spring member 853 when the maximum pressing position flag is set to ON.

[0393] The operating mechanism 860 is provided below the button operation unit 850. As shown in Fig. 20, the operating mechanism 860 includes a rack 861 which is a rod-shaped body on a flat plate with teeth cut, a pinion (gear) 862 which meshes with the teeth of the rack 861, and a motor 863 which rotates the pinion 862. The motor 863 is, for example, a DC motor.

[0394] The operating mechanism 860 rotates (drives) the motor 863 to rotate the pinion 862, thereby moving the position of the button operating unit 850 in a direction along the tooth trace direction of the rack 861 and in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the motor 863, without the player operating the operated unit 852.

[0395] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the operating mechanism 860 can move the button operating unit 850 in approximately the same direction (i.e., up and down) as the direction in which the operated unit 852 moves due to deformation (compression or restoration by bias) of the spring member 853. The button operating unit 850 can be moved up and down within the movement range of the rack 861 relative to the pinion 862 in the operating mechanism 860.

[0396] The actuation mechanism 860 is equipped with an encoder (not shown) capable of detecting the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the motor 863. When controlling the movement (position change) of the button operation unit 850 by the actuation mechanism 860, the sub-control board 940 detects the detection result by the encoder and controls the operation of the motor 863 in accordance with the current arrangement position.

[0397] The actuation mechanism 860 is configured to be able to hold (maintain) the button operation unit 850 at a predetermined position by controlling the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 so that the detection result by the encoder becomes constant. This allows the unloaded button operation unit 850, when the player is not touching the operation cover member 870 (the button operation unit 850 in a state where the operated unit 852 is not operated), to be held (maintained) at a predetermined position within the movement range of the button operation unit 850 by the actuation mechanism 860. The position where the unloaded button operation unit 850 is held by the actuation mechanism 860 is also referred to as the "neutral position."

[0398] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the operating mechanism 860 is configured so that, when a predetermined condition is met, the unloaded button operation unit 850 is held at a position corresponding to the met condition, out of a plurality of positions predetermined as neutral positions of the button operation unit 850. In other words, the neutral position of the button operation unit 850 is configured to change depending on the met condition.

[0399] Specifically, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the height of the button operation unit 850 in the neutral position (more specifically, the height from the surface of the pachinko machine 100) is configured to become higher as the number of pending unit games related to the special patterns (first special pattern, second special pattern) increases.

[0400] Furthermore, when the button operation unit 850 is located in the neutral position, the push operation device 1261 is also located in the neutral position, so in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the height of the push operation device 1261 in the neutral position also becomes higher as the number of pending unit games related to the special pattern increases.

[0401] Furthermore, as described above, the operating mechanism 860 is configured to be able to hold the button operation unit 850 in a predetermined position by the torque (holding force) of the motor 863. Therefore, when a force exceeding the torque is applied to the button operation unit 850, the operating mechanism 860 is operated by the force without electrically driving the motor 863, thereby moving the button operation unit 850 in the direction of the force.

[0402] For example, when a downward force exceeding the torque is applied to the button operation unit 850 (i.e., when the button operation unit 850 is pressed down with a force exceeding the torque), the button operation unit 850 can be moved downward by the force. Also, when an upward force exceeding the torque is applied to the button operation unit 850 (i.e., when the button operation unit 850 is pulled up with a force exceeding the torque), the button operation unit 850 can be moved upward by the force.

[0403] As a result, in the pressing operation device 1261 of this embodiment, the stroke amount due to the pressing operation of the pressing operation device 1261 can be set to the sum of the stroke amount S1 of the operated part 852 due to the deformation of the spring member 853 (i.e., the movement amount from the initial position of the operated part 852 in the button operation part 850 to the maximum pressing position) and the stroke amount S2 of the button operation part 850 by the operating mechanism 860 (the movement amount from the neutral position of the button operation part 850 to the position that is the lower end of the movement range of the button operation part 850 by the operating mechanism 860).

[0404] The operation cover member 870 is a member that covers the button operation unit 850 from the outside, and is configured in a cylindrical shape with an operation surface on the surface at the upper end side. The operation cover member 870 is translucent, and is configured to be able to transmit light emitted by a light-emitting element (not shown) such as an LED arranged inside the operation cover member 870 (for example, the base 851 of the button operation unit 850, etc.).

[0405] The back surface of the operation cover member 870 relative to the operation surface (i.e., the surface facing the button operation unit 850) abuts against the operated portion 852 of the button operation unit 850, so when a player performs a pressing operation on the operation surface of the operation cover member 870, the operation cover member 870 and the operated portion 852 move downward together.

[0406] As a result, the pushing operation performed by the player on the operating surface of the operation cover member 870 becomes a pushing operation on the operated part 852, and the operated part 852 can be moved downward against the biasing force of the spring member 853, and the button operating part 850 can be moved downward by the operation of the operating mechanism 860.

[0407] 21, a hold count display section 870A is provided on the surface of the operation cover member 870. The hold count display section 870A has numbers from "0" to "8" corresponding to the number of times a unit game related to the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) has been held, and lines corresponding to each number are drawn as scales.

[0408] In the pending number display section 870A, the numbers corresponding to the pending number of unit games related to the special pattern are arranged in ascending order from top to bottom, and when the button operation section 850 is in the neutral position corresponding to the current pending number, the number corresponding to the pending number is exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100 (dotted line Q).

[0409] As a result, for example, when the number of reserved times for a unit game related to a special pattern is zero, as shown in Figure 21 (A), the button operation unit 850 is positioned in a neutral position corresponding to that reserved time (i.e., the reserved time that is zero), and only the number "0" corresponding to that reserved time displayed on the reserved time display unit 870A is exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100.

[0410] 21(B), the button operation unit 850 is placed in the neutral position corresponding to the reserved number (i.e., the reserved number of 3), and the number "3" corresponding to the reserved number depicted on the reserved number display unit 870A is exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100. As a result, the numbers from "0" to "3" are exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100.

[0411] Also, for example, when the number of reserved times for a unit game related to a special symbol is 8, as shown in Fig. 21(C), the button operation unit 850 is placed in the neutral position corresponding to the reserved number (i.e., the reserved number of 8), and the number "8" corresponding to the reserved number depicted on the reserved number display unit 870A is exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100. As a result, the numbers from "0" to "8" are exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100.

[0412] Therefore, in a configuration in which the height of the neutral position of the button operation unit 850 becomes higher as the number of reserved unit games related to the special symbol increases, the player can grasp the current number of reserved games by visually checking the numbers displayed on the part of the number of reserved games display unit 870A that is exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100. In other words, the pressing operation device 1261 can be made to function as a display device that displays the number of reserved unit games related to the special symbol, similar to the special symbol reserved display devices 476, 477.

[0413] Returning to FIG. 20, the explanation will be made. The bottom member 880 is a member that constitutes the bottom portion of the pressing operation device 1261. The bottom member 880 is configured to be approximately circular in top view, and a groove 880A that can accommodate the side surface of the operation cover member 870 is provided on the peripheral edge thereof. The groove 880A also functions as a guide that guides the operation cover member 870 in the up and down direction. The operation cover member 870 is configured to be movable upward only within a certain range in the up and down direction, and is equipped with a stopper mechanism that limits upward movement beyond a certain amount, but this is not shown in the drawings.

[0414] The pressing operation device 1261 is provided with a detection sensor 890 that outputs predetermined detection information (detection signal) to the sub-control board 940 when the button operation unit 850 is located at a position that is the lower end of the range of movement of the actuation mechanism 860. The detection sensor 890 is, for example, an optical proximity sensor. This detection sensor 890 does not necessarily have to be provided, and the position detected by the detection sensor 890 may be detected using information from a sensor (encoder) that can detect the up and down positions of the button operation unit 850.

[0415] The detection sensor 890 outputs a high-level signal when the button operation unit 850 reaches a position that is the lower end of the range of movement of the operating mechanism 860, and outputs a low-level signal when the button operation unit 850 moves from a position that is the lower end of the range of movement of the operating mechanism 860.

[0416] The sub-control board 940 determines that the button operation unit 850 has reached the lower end of the range of movement of the operating mechanism 860 when the signal received from the detection sensor 890 rises to a high level signal, and determines that the button operation unit 850 has moved from the lower end of the range of movement of the operating mechanism 860 when the signal falls to a low level signal.

[0417] The sub-control board 940 sets a bottom end position flag (a part of the RAM) to ON when the signal received from the detection sensor 890 rises to a high level signal. The sub-control board 940 sets the bottom end position flag to OFF when the signal received from the detection sensor 890 falls to a low level signal. As a result, the sub-control board 940 determines that the button operation unit 850 is located at the bottom end of the range of movement of the actuation mechanism 860 when the bottom end position flag is set to ON.

[0418] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the sub-control board 940 determines that the pressing operation device 1261 has been operated when a situation occurs in which the button operation unit 850 is located at the lower end of the range of movement caused by the operating mechanism 860 and the operated unit 852 is located at the maximum pressing position caused by the spring member 853.

[0419] More specifically, when the sub-control board 940 determines that the signal received from the detection sensor 854 has risen to a high level signal, and if the bottom end position flag is set to on, the sub-control board 940 determines that the pressing operation device 1261 has been operated. Similarly, when the sub-control board 940 determines that the signal received from the detection sensor 890 has risen to a high level signal, and if the maximum pressing position flag is set to on, the sub-control board 940 determines that the pressing operation device 1261 has been operated.

[0420] When the pressing operation device 1261 (button operation unit 850) is in the neutral position where the button operation unit 850 is above the lower end of the range of movement of the actuation mechanism 860, the sub-control board 940, upon determining that the pressing operation device 1261 has been operated, controls the actuation mechanism 860 so that the button operation unit 850 returns to the neutral position. This allows the pressing operation device 1261 to be returned to the current neutral position.

[0421] When a force exceeding the torque of the motor 863 is applied to the button operation unit 850 to move the button operation unit 850, the rotation of the pinion 862 causes the motor 863 to rotate, and the direction, position, and speed of rotation can be detected by an encoder (not shown) provided in the actuation mechanism 860. If the sub-control board 940 determines that the signal received from the detection sensor 854 has risen to a high level signal while the lower end position flag is off, and if it determines that the rotation speed of the motor 863 detected by the encoder is zero, it controls the actuation mechanism 860 to return the button operation unit 850 to the current neutral position.

[0422] This allows the pressing operation device 1261 to be returned to its current neutral position even if the button operation unit 850 is operated (pushed) with a force exceeding the torque of the motor 863, and the operation is terminated before the button operation unit 850 reaches the lower end of the range of movement of the actuation mechanism 860.

[0423] When returning the pressing operation device 1261 to its current neutral position, the speed at which the button operation unit 850 moves toward the neutral position within the range of movement of the button operation unit 850 by the operating mechanism 860 may be a constant speed or may vary depending on the state at that time.

[0424] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the pushing operation device 1261 configured as described above. When the neutral position of the pushing operation device 1261 is set to a position where the button operation unit 850 is at the lower end of the range of movement of the actuation mechanism 860 (see FIG. 20(A)), and a pushing operation is performed on the pushing operation device 1261 in the neutral position (i.e., when a pushing operation is performed on the operation surface of the operation cover member 870), the pushing operation device 1261 is pushed down by a change in position of the operated unit 852 due to deformation of the spring member 853.

[0425] Therefore, when the pressing operation device 1261, whose neutral position is the lower end of the range of movement of the button operation unit 850 by the operating mechanism 860, is pressed down to a state where the sub-control board 940 determines that an operation has been performed, the stroke amount corresponds to the stroke amount S1 of the operated unit 852 due to the deformation of the spring member 853, as shown in Figure 20 (B).

[0426] On the other hand, when the neutral position of the pressing operation device 1261 is set to a position where the button operation part 850 is above the lower end of the range of movement by the operating mechanism 860 (see Figure 20(C)), if a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device 1261 in the neutral position, if the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 is greater than the biasing force of the spring member 853 at the maximum pressing position, the pressing operation device 1261 will first be pressed down to the maximum pressing position by the deformation of the spring member 853 (see Figure 20(D)), and then be pressed down by the change in position of the button operation part 850 by the operating mechanism 860 (see Figure 20(E)).

[0427] Therefore, when the pressing operation device 1261, whose neutral position is a position above the lower end of the range of movement of the button operation unit 850 by the operating mechanism 860, is pressed down to a state where the sub-control board 940 determines that an operation has been performed, the stroke amount is the sum of the stroke amount S1 of the operated unit 852 due to the deformation of the spring member 853 and the stroke amount S2 of the button operation unit 850 by the operating mechanism 860, i.e., (stroke amount S1 + stroke amount S2), as shown in Figures 20(D) and 20(E).

[0428] The stroke amount S2 of the button operation unit 850 caused by the actuation mechanism 860 is the amount of movement from the neutral position of the button operation unit 850 to a position that is the lower end of the range of movement of the button operation unit 850 caused by the actuation mechanism 860, and is therefore a value that varies depending on the variation in the neutral position of the button operation unit 850. More specifically, the stroke amount S2 is a value that increases as the neutral position of the button operation unit 850 increases. Therefore, in the pressing operation device 261 of this embodiment, the stroke amount caused by the pressing operation increases as the neutral position of the button operation unit 850 increases.

[0429] Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation position of the pressing operation device 1261 and the reaction force to the pressing operation when a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device 1261. More specifically, Fig. 22 is a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the operation position of the pressing operation device 1261 when a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device 1261, and the vertical axis represents the reaction force to the pressing operation.

[0430] In this embodiment, the position of the operation surface of the operation cover member 870 of the pressing operation device 1261 is defined as the "operation position of the pressing operation device 1261." The position of the operated portion 852 of the button operation unit 850 may also be defined as the "operation position of the pressing operation device 1261."

[0431] When a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device 1261 (see Figure 20(A)), which is in a neutral position when the button operation unit 850 is at the lower end of the range of movement of the operating mechanism 860, the reaction force against the pressing operation in the section from the operating position A1 of the pressing operation device 1261 in the neutral position to the operating position Amin of the pressing operation device 1261 (see Figure 20(B)) in a situation where the sub-control board 940 determines that an operation (pressing operation) has been performed (i.e., the section of stroke amount S1) increases linearly with the slope of the spring constant of the spring member 853 as it approaches from the operating position A1 to the operating position Amin, as shown by the straight line J1 in Figure 21(A).

[0432] Next, we will explain what happens when the neutral position of the pressing operation device 1261 is raised, causing the operation position of the pressing operation device 1261 in the neutral position to move from operation position A1 to operation position A2 (see Figure 20 (C)), and a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation device 1261 in the neutral position.

[0433] In such a case, if the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 is greater than the spring force of the spring member 853 at the maximum pressing position, the reaction force against the pressing operation in the section from the operating position A2 of the pressing operation device 1261 at the neutral position to the operating position A2x of the pressing operation device 1261 (see Figure 20(C)) where the operated part 852 is at the maximum pressing position (i.e., the section of stroke amount S1) increases linearly with the slope of the spring constant of the spring member 853 as it approaches from the operating position A1 to the operating position Ax, as shown by the straight line J2 in Figure 21(A).

[0434] The reaction force against the pushing operation in the section from the operating position A2x to the operating position Amin of the pushing operation device 1261 (see Figure 20 (B)) in a situation where the sub-control board 940 determines that an operation (pushing operation) has been performed (i.e., the section of stroke amount S2) is a value corresponding to the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 in that section.

[0435] Since the torque of the motor 863 depends on the value of the current passing through the motor 863, the relationship between the operating position of the pressing operation device 1261 and the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 can be varied in various ways by controlling the value of the current passing through the motor 863, and multiple settings can be made to provide different operating feel depending on the game situation and lottery results.

[0436] For example, if the torque of the motor 863 is constant regardless of the operating position of the pressing operation device 1261, the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 can include a constant pattern in the section from the operating position A2x to the operating position Amin, as shown by the straight line J3 in Figure 21 (A).

[0437] Alternatively, if the torque of the motor 863 is increased linearly as the operating position of the pressing operation device 1261 approaches the operating position Amin, the configuration can include a pattern in which the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 increases linearly as it approaches the operating position Amin from the operating position A2x, as shown by the dotted line J4 in Figure 21 (A).

[0438] Note that the pattern is not limited to increasing the torque of the motor 863, and may include a pattern of decreasing the torque of the motor 863. In such a case, the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 can be decreased as the operation position approaches from the operation position A2x to the operation position Amin. Also, a pattern in which an increase and a decrease in the torque of the motor 863 are combined may be included. Furthermore, the increase or decrease in the torque of the motor 863 does not necessarily have to be linear, and may include a pattern in which the torque of the motor 863 increases or decreases in a curved manner, or may include a pattern in which the torque increases and then decreases to a maximum, or a pattern in which the torque decreases and then increases to a minimum.

[0439] Also, the torque of the motor 863 may change discontinuously between the operation position A2x and the operation position Amin (more specifically, the torque may change stepwise and be discontinuous before and after a predetermined position). In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 21(B), the reaction force against the pressing operation of the pressing operation device 1261 may increase sharply at the operation position X without any change in the operation position, resulting in discontinuity. The change in the reaction force against the pressing operation of the pressing operation device 1261 between the operation position X and the operation position Amin may be constant in that section, as indicated by the straight line J5 shown in FIG. 21(B), or may include a pattern in which the reaction force increases as the operation position Amin is approached, as indicated by the two-dot chain line J6 shown in FIG. 21(B).

[0440] In addition, the pattern may include one in which the change in the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 in the section from operation position A2x to operation position X is the same as the change in the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 in the section from operation position X to operation position Amin, or the change in these change modes may be different.

[0441] Furthermore, the operation position where the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 is discontinuous does not necessarily have to be one as shown in Figure 21 (B), and may include a pattern in which multiple operation positions (i.e., two or more) where the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 is discontinuous are provided.

[0442] Furthermore, it is not necessary to discontinuously change the torque of the motor 863 at the operation position X (i.e., to discontinuously change the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261), and a pattern in which the change patterns of the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 are different before and after the operation position X may include a pattern in which each change pattern changes continuously at the operation position X.

[0443] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, an encoder (not shown) provided in the operating mechanism 860 is configured to be able to detect the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the motor 863 when a force exceeding the torque of the motor 863 is applied to the button operation unit 850 to move the button operation unit 850. The sub-control board 940 can detect the pressing speed (movement speed of the pressing operation device 1261) when the pressing operation of the pressing operation device 1261 is performed, and the amount of movement of the pressing operation device 1261, based on the values ​​detected by the encoder.

[0444] Here, target values ​​are set in advance for the movement speed and movement amount of the push operation device 1261 when pressed (i.e., the target values ​​for the movement speed and movement amount of the push operation device 1261 are stored in the ROM or RAM of the sub-control board 940), and when the movement speed or movement amount of the push operation device 1261 detected by the sub-control board 940 based on the values ​​detected by the encoder exceeds the movement speed or movement amount stored in advance as the target value, a predetermined effect or display is displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479, or a pattern in which a predetermined role provided on the game board 400 operates may be included.

[0445] Specifically, when the pressing operation device 1261 (button operation unit 850) is pressed with a force that exceeds the torque of the motor 863, the sub-control board 940 detects the movement speed or movement amount of the pressing operation device 1261 based on the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the motor 863 detected by the encoder, compares the detected movement speed or movement amount with the movement speed or movement amount that has been stored in advance as a target value, and if it determines that the detected movement speed or movement amount exceeds the movement speed or movement amount that has been stored in advance as a target value, it may display a predetermined effect or display on the decorative pattern display device 479, or may include a pattern that operates a predetermined role provided on the game board 400.

[0446] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a gameplay in which the player operates the pressing operation device 1261 in accordance with a predetermined target value, thereby increasing the attention paid to the pachinko machine 100.

[0447] The target value may be set as either the movement speed or the movement amount, or as a combination of both, or as the pressing force on the button operation unit 850 held at a certain height. The target value may also be set based on a threshold value, such as whether or not a predetermined target value is exceeded, or may be an operation with a target set for operation time that involves an operation to maintain a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range for a certain period of time or more.

[0448] It is also preferable to set multiple types of target value settings for the pressing operation device 1261, the height position of the neutral position, and the magnitude and change pattern of the reaction force. Then, it is preferable to select one of the multiple types based on conditions based on the game situation (for example, the number of reserved times, the game time, the number of times a predetermined effect (for example, the display of a specific character) is executed), or to select one of the multiple types based on conditions based on the result of a predetermined lottery such as a jackpot lottery, and to use it as an effect that suggests to the player, for example, the result of the symbol lottery or the possibility (expectation level, reliability) of transition to a special game state.

[0449] For example, the sub-control board 940 can detect the amount of movement of the push operation device 1261 that is pushed based on each value detected by the encoder. Therefore, in a configuration in which the height of the neutral position of the push operation device 1261 changes according to the number of reserved unit games related to special patterns, the sub-control board 940 may be configured to control the operating mechanism 860 to discontinuously change the torque of the motor 863 at a position corresponding to the number of reserved unit games corresponding to the unit games that have won the special pattern lottery with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%) when a push operation is performed on the push operation device 1261 with a force that exceeds the torque of the motor 863 and when a push operation is executed with a target value of a speed below a certain level (for example, a movement speed of 0.5 seconds or less per stroke of one scale).

[0450] In addition, when the currently pending unit games include a unit game that has won the special pattern lottery, the probability of discontinuously changing the torque of motor 863 at a position corresponding to the pending number of times for the unit game that has won the special pattern lottery may be greater than 0% and less than 100%, or may be a 100% probability.

[0451] In this way, when the push operation device 1261 is pushed with a force that exceeds the torque of the motor 863, in a configuration in which the movement mode of the push operation device 1261 (i.e., the change in the operation feel due to discontinuous changes in the torque of the motor 863 while the push operation device 1261 is moving, and the pattern of the reaction force against the movement) changes depending on the content of each reserved unit game (for example, whether or not the special pattern lottery has been won), it is possible to provide a gameplay in which the content of the lottery results of each reserved unit game, etc., can be guessed based on the movement mode of the push operation device 1261.

[0452] Next, the operation and effects of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be explained.

[0453] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the push operation device 1261 that can be pushed by the player is equipped with a button operation unit 850 in which an operated part 852 is supported on a base 851 via a spring member 853, and an operating mechanism 860 that enables the button operation unit 850 to move in the up and down directions, and the operating mechanism 860 can hold the button operation unit 850 in a predetermined neutral position, and by applying a downward force (pushing operation force) that exceeds the torque (holding force) of a motor 863 of the operating mechanism 860 to the button operation unit 850, the button operation unit 850 can be moved in the direction of the force.

[0454] This allows the stroke amount by the pressing operation of the pressing operation device 1261 to be changed according to the change in the neutral position of the pressing operation device 1261 (i.e., the neutral position of the button operation unit 850). This makes it possible to diversify the operational feel when the player operates the operated unit 852, compared to when the movement amount of the operated unit 852 is limited to a certain range based on the deformation of the spring member 853, and it is possible to suitably increase the attention to the pachinko machine 100.

[0455] In particular, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the height of the neutral position of the push operation device 1261 (neutral position of the button operation unit 850) is configured to become higher as the number of reserved times of unit games related to special symbols increases. Therefore, the player can visually check the push operation device 1261 to recognize the number of reserved times, and even in a situation where the player is playing with his / her eyes lowered, the number of reserved times can be easily recognized by the height of the button operation unit 850.

[0456] Also, the stroke amount of the push operation device 1261 becomes longer as the number of reserved times increases. This allows the operation feeling when the player operates the operated part 852 to be different depending on the number of reserved times, so the player can guess (recognize) the number of reserved times intuitively by pushing the push operation device 1261. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to provide a game feature that allows the player to guess (recognize) the number of reserved times of unit games related to special symbols by pushing the push operation device 1261 without visually checking information related to the number of reserved times.

[0457] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 can be changed according to the current value by changing the current value passed through the motor 863, so that the operating feel of the operated part 852 (the operating feel of the button operating part 850) can be varied in various ways in the section in which the button operating part 850 can move up and down by the operating mechanism 860.

[0458] For example, if the torque of the motor 863 is kept constant within the movement range of the button operation unit 850 by the operating mechanism 860 regardless of the operation position of the push operation device 1261 (the amount of operation of the push operation device 1261), the reaction force against the push operation on the push operation device 1261 can be kept constant within the movement range, so the player can push the push operation device 1261 with a constant force within the range.

[0459] Furthermore, when the torque of the motor 863 is increased or decreased linearly or non-linearly as the amount of operation (amount of pressing) of the pressing operation device 1261 increases within the movement range of the button operation unit 850 by the operating mechanism 860, the reaction force against the pressing operation on the pressing operation device 1261 can be increased or decreased linearly or non-linearly within that movement range, so the player can operate the pressing operation device 1261 while linearly or non-linearly increasing or decreasing the force (pressing) with which the pressing operation device 1261 is pressed within that range.

[0460] As a result, the operation feel of the pressing operation device 1261 in the section in which the button operation unit 850 can move up and down by the actuation mechanism 860 can be changed in various ways, such as an operation feel in which the pressing operation can be performed with a constant force, or an operation feel in which the pressing operation needs to be performed with increasing or decreasing force as the pressing amount increases. This makes it possible to diversify the operation feel when the player operates the operated unit 852. In this respect as well, it is possible to suitably increase the attention to the pachinko machine 100.

[0461] In addition, by changing the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 by controlling the current value passed through the motor 863 in accordance with the content of a specified presentation displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479, the operating feel when operating the operated part 852 can be changed in accordance with the content of the presentation.

[0462] For example, when an effect of inflating a balloon with a manual air pump is displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479 during a variable display, the current value can be controlled so that the torque of the motor 863 is constant in accordance with the depiction of the manual air pump operating, thereby making it possible to make the feel of the push operation on the push operation device 1261 constant, as if operating a manual air pump. If the display result of the variable display is a win or if the player is to be informed that the variable display has a high expectation, a reaction force can be generated until the end of the effect, depicting the balloon becoming as large as possible due to the push operation, whereas if the player is to be informed that the variable display has a loss or if the player is to be informed that the variable display has a low expectation, a hole can be made in the balloon and it is shrinking, and as the shrinking is displayed, the torque can be reduced to minimize the reaction force, so that the balloon does not inflate.

[0463] Furthermore, when a performance in which a character tries to push open a tightly closed door is displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479 during a variable display, by controlling the current value so that the torque of the motor 863 suddenly decreases the moment the door opens in accordance with the depiction of the character pushing the door to open it, it is possible to suddenly lighten the feeling of the pushing operation on the push operation device 1261, as if the door had opened. When the display result of the variable display is a win or when it is intended to suggest to the player that the variable display is a high-expectation variable display, the torque is reduced at the end of the performance to minimize the reaction force, and the door opens, depicting that a character indicating a lucky state is behind the door, whereas when it is a loss or when it is intended to suggest to the player that the variable display is a low-expectation variable display, the reaction force may be generated until the end of the performance to depict that the door does not open.

[0464] As for the presentation corresponding to the display result of the variable display, it is not limited to the abo...

Claims

[Claim 1] a lottery means for conducting a predetermined lottery when a predetermined start condition is met; a game control means for generating a special game state that is more advantageous than a normal game state when the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result; A gaming machine having a display unit capable of displaying at least a predetermined variable display and a result display corresponding to the lottery result, a display control means for controlling the display of the predetermined variable display and the result display on the display unit when the predetermined start condition is established, and for controlling the display of the following on the display unit when the predetermined start condition is established: a variable display image including at least a part of the variable display that is displayed when the predetermined start condition is established or a result display image suggesting the lottery result, a gaming machine corresponding image corresponding to the gaming machine on which the player is playing, and a player operation image that displays, using the gaming machine corresponding image, a method of operation by the player on the gaming machine in a situation where the variable display image or the result display image is displayed on the display unit; The display control means is capable of controlling the result display to display a plurality of symbols in a predetermined combination when the lottery result is the predetermined result, and is capable of controlling the display of the result display image to be an image different from the manner in which the plurality of symbols are displayed in the predetermined combination, which image suggests that the result is the predetermined result, and is configured to be capable of controlling the display of the player operation image using the gaming machine compatible image when control is performed to display an image suggesting that the result is the predetermined result.

Images