gaming machines

Abstract

To cause a movable portion to be operated properly.SOLUTION: When under an establishment of a special condition, a special control can be performed. When under the establishment of the special condition, the special control is to be performed, and thereby a performance of a specific operation of a specific movable portion is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some gaming machines are equipped with moving parts as an example of a device that executes effects. Patent Document 1 discloses a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine equipped with moving parts. The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 executes effects by moving the moving parts during the execution of a variable game. A gaming machine equipped with such moving parts can affect the interest of a player by the movement of the moving parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-006130 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Today, there is a demand for moving parts to operate appropriately depending on the situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine that can execute a variable game based on the result of a predetermined lottery, and can execute various effects, and is equipped with a count generation unit that generates counting information regarding the number of gaming media, a display unit, a specific moving part, and a control unit that can execute control regarding the operation of the specific moving part, wherein the effects include an effect in which the specific moving part moves, and the state of the specific moving part has a first state and a second state, and the control unit can execute control to cause the specific moving part to execute a specific operation in which the specific moving part transitions from the first state to the second state, and can execute special control when a special condition that is established based on the number of gaming media that can be identified by the counting information is established, When the special condition is met, the special control is executed to restrict the specific movable part from performing the specific operation, and when the special condition is met, a first image is displayed on the display unit, and when the special condition is not met, a second image is displayed on the display unit, and the state of the second image is at least partially different from the state of the first image, and a determination process for determining an operational abnormality of the specific movable part can be executed, and if an abnormality is determined in the determination process, the specific operation can be executed, and when the special condition is met, the determination process is not executed to restrict the specific movable part from performing the specific operation. The specific movable parts include a first movable part and a second movable part, and there is a specific condition that can be established under a condition different from the special condition, and when the specific condition is established, the first movable part can be restricted from performing the specific action and the second movable part can be restricted from performing the specific action, and when the specific condition is established, the determination process is not executed, thereby restricting the first movable part from performing the specific action and the second movable part from performing the specific action, and when the determination process is executed, the second movable part can perform the specific action. The gist of this is as follows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the movable part can be operated appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a pachinko gaming machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the game board. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a pitch count regulation determination process. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart showing a time regulation determination process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a standby effect execution process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a game effect execution process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an original position check process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an upper original position check 1 process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a left bottom original position check 1 process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation check process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation check process. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation check process. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing upper original position check 2 processing. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a bottom left original position check 2 process. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an abnormality notification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described below. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a frame 11. The frame 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine body to an island facility, and a middle frame 11b and a front frame 11c for mounting various gaming components. The middle frame 11b is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 11a. The middle frame 11b holds a gaming board YB. The front frame 11c is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the middle frame 11b. The front frame 11c holds protective glass Hg that protects the gaming board YB. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a locking device Ss that locks the middle frame 11b and the front frame 11c. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the middle frame 11b and the front frame 11c cannot be opened from the outer frame 11a unless unlocked using a key that fits the locking device Ss.

[0010] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a launch handle HD. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, gaming balls as gaming media are launched with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the launch handle HD. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the launch intensity is adjusted by operating the launch handle HD, and the gaming balls are launched with the adjusted launch intensity.

[0011] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a speaker SP. The speaker SP executes effects (hereinafter referred to as audio effects) that output sounds such as human or animal voices, sound effects, and music. As an example, the speaker SP is provided on the front frame 11c.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with decorative lamps LA. The decorative lamps LA perform effects (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting effects) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing built-in light-emitting elements. As an example, the decorative lamps LA are provided on the front frame 11c and the game board YB. The decorative lamps LA provided on the front frame 11c include a frame left decorative lamp LAa and a frame right decorative lamp LAb. The frame left decorative lamp LAa is provided on the left side of the front frame 11c. The frame right decorative lamp LAb is provided on the right side of the front frame 11c.

[0013] The decorative lamps LA provided on the gaming board YB include an upper board decorative lamp LAc, a left board decorative lamp LAd, a right board decorative lamp LAe, a lower left board decorative lamp LAf, and a lower right board decorative lamp LAg. The upper board decorative lamp LAc is provided on the upper part of the gaming board YB. The left board decorative lamp LAd is provided on the left part of the gaming board YB and lower than the upper board decorative lamp LAc. The right board decorative lamp LAe is provided on the right part of the gaming board YB and lower than the upper board decorative lamp LAc. The lower left board decorative lamp LAf is provided on the left part of the gaming board YB and lower than the left board decorative lamp LAd. The lower right board decorative lamp LAg is provided on the right part of the gaming board YB and lower than the right board decorative lamp LAe. The decorative lamps LAa to LAe are an example of an alarm unit that can perform a predetermined alarm by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing built-in light-emitting elements.

[0014] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an information display device 13. The information display device 13 has a first special symbol display section 13a and a second special symbol display section 13b as display sections capable of displaying a special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as a special game). The special game is an example of a changing game. The special symbol changing game includes a first special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as a first special game) and a second special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as a second special game). The first special game is an example of a first changing game. The second special game is an example of a second changing game. In the first special game, predetermined symbols are displayed in a changing manner, and finally, a first special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. In the second special game, predetermined symbols are displayed in a changing manner, and finally, a second special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. The special symbols are symbols for announcing the result of a jackpot lottery as a result of the special game. The first special symbol display unit 13a displays the first special game. The second special symbol display unit 13b displays the second special game. In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the symbol is fixedly displayed and the type of the displayed symbol does not change. With respect to symbols, "fixed stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning. The second special game is executed with priority over the first special game. The first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously in parallel.

[0015] The special symbols include a jackpot symbol, which is an example of a jackpot display result as a result of the special game, and a loss symbol, which is an example of a non-jackpot display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, if a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, and then a jackpot game is triggered (awarded). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, if a jackpot is not won in the jackpot lottery, a loss symbol is derived in the special game.

[0016] The information display device 13 has a first special hold display section 13c. The first special hold display section 13c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The information display device 13 has a second special hold display section 13d. The second special hold display section 13d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number). As an example, the upper limit values ​​of the first special hold number and the second special hold number are each 4.

[0017] The information display device 13 has a normal symbol display unit 13e. The normal symbol display unit 13e displays a normal game. In the normal game, predetermined symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and finally, a normal symbol is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. The normal symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of the normal lottery as a result of the normal game. The normal symbols include a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, if a normal winning symbol is won in the normal lottery, a normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and a normal winning game is initiated (awarded) after the normal winning normal game ends. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, if a normal winning symbol is not won in the normal lottery, a normal losing symbol is derived in the normal game. The information display device 13 has a normal hold display unit 13f. The normal hold display unit 13f displays information that can identify the number of normal games whose execution is on hold because the start condition has been met but the execution condition has not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number). For example, the normal upper limit for the number of reservations is four.

[0018] A game area YBa is formed on the front side of the game board YB provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, through which game balls, which are an example of a game medium, flow down. An opening window YBb is formed in the game board YB approximately in the center when viewed from the front. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has an image display unit GH capable of displaying images. Examples of the image display unit GH include a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL panel. The effect display device EH is attached to the game board YB so that the image display area of ​​the image display unit GH is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front. The effect display device EH executes an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) that displays an image imitating a predetermined character or letter. In this embodiment, the effect display device EH is an example of an image display unit capable of displaying images.

[0019] In this embodiment, the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP are each a performance device that performs a performance, and these constitute a performance device group DE, which is an example of a performance execution means. The performance execution means is not limited to including all of the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP, and may be composed of one or more performance devices that can be arbitrarily selected from these performance devices.

[0020] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with movable parts that perform predetermined operations. The movable parts execute effects that cause the movable parts to move (hereinafter referred to as "moving effects"). In other words, effects that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment include effects in which the movable parts move. As an example, the movable parts are provided on the game board YB. The movable parts are provided in front of the effect display device EH. The movable parts include an upper movable part 80, a left movable part 81, a right movable part 82, a lower left movable part 90, and a lower right movable part 91.

[0021] The upper movable part 80 can be in a state where it is disposed at the original position P0a and a state where it is disposed at the performance position P1a. The state where the upper movable part 80 is disposed at the original position P0a is an example of a predetermined state and an example of a first state. The state where the upper movable part 80 is disposed at the performance position P1a is an example of a second state. The upper movable part 80 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0a and the performance position P1a. The upper movable part 80 can transition from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a to the state where it is disposed at the performance position P1a by changing the position of the upper movable part 80. The upper movable part 80 can transition from the state where it is disposed at the performance position P1a to the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a by changing the position of the upper movable part 80. The operation of transitioning the upper movable part 80 from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0a to the state where it is disposed at the performance position P1a is an example of a specific operation. In this way, the upper movable part 80 can be shifted from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0a to a state different from the state in which it is disposed at the original position P0a. The original position P0a is a position in which the upper movable part 80 is disposed at the upper part of the opening window YBb. The performance position P1a is a position in which the upper movable part 80 is displaced downward from the original position P0a and is disposed closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view.

[0022] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an upper home position sensor GSa (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the upper movable part 80 when the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a. The upper home position sensor GSa is, for example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an upper movable actuator KA1 (shown in FIG. 3) as a means for operating the upper movable part 80. For example, the upper movable actuator KA1 is, for example, a stepping motor. The upper movable part 80 operates when the power of the upper movable actuator KA1 is transmitted via a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear mechanism) not shown. In other words, the upper movable part 80 is configured to be displaceable between the home position P0a and the performance position P1a by the power of the upper movable actuator KA1. The upper movable part 80 is an example of a specific movable part and an example of a first movable part.

[0023] The left movable part 81 can be in a state where it is disposed at the original position P0b and a state where it is disposed at the performance position P1b. The state where the left movable part 81 is disposed at the original position P0b is an example of a predetermined state and an example of a first state. The state where the left movable part 81 is disposed at the performance position P1b is an example of a second state. The left movable part 81 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0b and the performance position P1b. The left movable part 81 can transition from a state where it is disposed at the original position P0b to a state where it is disposed at the performance position P1b by changing the position of the left movable part 81. The left movable part 81 can transition from a state where it is disposed at the performance position P1b to a state where it is disposed at the original position P0b by changing the position of the left movable part 81. The action of transitioning from a state where the left movable part 81 is disposed at the original position P0b to a state where it is disposed at the performance position P1b is an example of a specific action. In this way, the left movable part 81 can be shifted from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0b to a state different from the state in which it is disposed at the original position P0b. The original position P0b is a position in which the left movable part 81 is disposed at the left side of the opening window YBb. The performance position P1b is a position in which the left movable part 81 is displaced to the right from the original position P0b and is disposed closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. The left movable part 81 is disposed below the upper movable part 80 whether it is disposed at the original position P0b or the performance position P1b.

[0024] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a left home position sensor GSb (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the left movable part 81 when the left movable part 81 is located at the home position P0b. The left home position sensor GSb is, for example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a left movable actuator KA2 (shown in FIG. 3) as a means for operating the left movable part 81. For example, the left movable actuator KA2 is, for example, a stepping motor. The left movable part 81 operates when power from the left movable actuator KA2 is transmitted via a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear mechanism) not shown. In other words, the left movable part 81 is configured to be displaceable between the home position P0b and the performance position P1b by the power of the left movable actuator KA2. The left movable part 81 is an example of a specific movable part and an example of a second movable part.

[0025] The right movable part 82 can be in a state where it is disposed at the original position P0c and a state where it is disposed at the performance position P1c. The state where the right movable part 82 is disposed at the original position P0c is an example of a predetermined state and an example of a first state. The state where the right movable part 82 is disposed at the performance position P1c is an example of a second state. The right movable part 82 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0c and the performance position P1c. The right movable part 82 can transition from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c to the state where it is disposed at the performance position P1c by changing the position of the right movable part 82. The right movable part 82 can transition from the state where it is disposed at the performance position P1c to the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c by changing the position of the right movable part 82. The action of transitioning from the state where it is disposed at the original position P0c to the state where it is disposed at the performance position P1c is an example of a specific action. In this way, the right movable part 82 can be shifted from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0c to a state different from the state in which it is disposed at the original position P0c. The original position P0c is a position in which the right movable part 82 is disposed at the right side of the opening window YBb. The performance position P1c is a position in which the right movable part 82 is displaced leftward from the original position P0c and disposed closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. The right movable part 82 is disposed below the upper movable part 80 whether it is disposed at the original position P0c or the performance position P1c.

[0026] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a right home position sensor GSc (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the right movable part 82 when the right movable part 82 is located at the home position P0c. The right home position sensor GSc is, for example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a right movable actuator KA3 (shown in FIG. 3) as a means for operating the right movable part 82. For example, the right movable actuator KA3 is, for example, a stepping motor. The right movable part 82 operates when power from the right movable actuator KA3 is transmitted via a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear mechanism) not shown. In other words, the right movable part 82 is configured to be displaceable between the home position P0c and the performance position P1c by the power of the right movable actuator KA3. The right movable part 82 is an example of a specific movable part and an example of a second movable part.

[0027] The state of the lower-left movable part 90 includes a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0d and a state in which it is disposed at the performance position P1d. The state in which the lower-left movable part 90 is disposed at the original position P0d is an example of a predetermined state. The lower-left movable part 90 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0d and the performance position P1d. The lower-left movable part 90 can transition from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0d to a state in which it is disposed at the performance position P1d by changing the position of the lower-left movable part 90. The lower-left movable part 90 can transition from a state in which it is disposed at the performance position P1d to a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0d by changing the position of the lower-left movable part 90. In this way, the lower-left movable part 90 can transition from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0d to a state different from the state in which it is disposed at the original position P0d. The original position P0d is a position in which the lower-left movable part 90 is disposed on the left side of the opening window YBb. The performance position P1d is a position where the lower-left movable part 90 is displaced rightward from the original position P0d and positioned closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. The lower-left movable part 90 is positioned lower than the left movable part 81 whether it is positioned at the original position P0d or the performance position P1d.

[0028] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a lower-left home position sensor GSd (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the lower-left movable part 90 when the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the home position P0d. The lower-left home position sensor GSd is, for example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a lower-left movable actuator KA4 (shown in FIG. 3) as a means for operating the lower-left movable part 90. For example, the lower-left movable actuator KA4 is, for example, a stepping motor. The lower-left movable part 90 operates when power from the lower-left movable actuator KA4 is transmitted via a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear mechanism) not shown. In other words, the lower-left movable part 90 is configured to be displaceable between the home position P0d and the performance position P1d by the power of the lower-left movable actuator KA4.

[0029] The states of the lower-right movable part 91 include a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0e and a state in which it is disposed at the performance position P1e. ​​The state in which the lower-right movable part 91 is disposed at the original position P0e is an example of a predetermined state. The lower-right movable part 91 is supported so as to be displaceable between the original position P0e and the performance position P1e. ​​The lower-right movable part 91 can transition from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0e to a state in which it is disposed at the performance position P1e by changing the position of the lower-right movable part 91. The lower-right movable part 91 can transition from a state in which it is disposed at the performance position P1e to a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0e by changing the position of the lower-right movable part 91. In this way, the lower-right movable part 91 can transition from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0e to a state different from the state in which it is disposed at the original position P0e. The original position P0e is a position in which the lower-right movable part 91 is disposed on the right side of the opening window YBb. The performance position P1e is a position where the lower right movable part 91 is displaced leftward from the original position P0e and positioned closer to the center of the opening window YBb in a front view. Whether the lower right movable part 91 is positioned at the original position P0e or the performance position P1e, the lower right movable part 91 is positioned below the right movable part 82.

[0030] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a lower-right home position sensor GSe (shown in FIG. 3) that detects the lower-right movable part 91 when the lower-right movable part 91 is located at the home position P0e. The lower-right home position sensor GSe is, for example, a photosensor. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a lower-right movable actuator KA5 (shown in FIG. 3) as a means for operating the lower-right movable part 91. For example, the lower-right movable actuator KA5 is, for example, a stepping motor. The lower-right movable part 91 is operated by the power of the lower-right movable actuator KA5 being transmitted via a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear mechanism) not shown. In other words, the lower-right movable part 91 is configured to be displaceable between the home position P0e and the performance position P1e by the power of the lower-right movable actuator KA5. In the following description, when simply referring to a "movable part," the term includes all of the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, the lower-left movable part 90, and the lower-right movable part 91.

[0031] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a first start opening 15 as an example of a prize opening. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a first start sensor SE1 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the first start opening 15 (shown in FIG. 3). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the start conditions for the first special game may be met, and the payout conditions for a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, three) are also met. The first start opening 15 is always open so that gaming balls can be admitted.

[0032] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second start opening 16 as an example of a winning opening. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second start sensor SE2 (shown in FIG. 3) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second start opening 16. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the start condition for the second special game may be met, and the payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, three) is met. The second start opening 16 includes a normal variable member 17 that can be moved between an open state in which the gaming ball can enter the second start opening 16 and a closed state in which the gaming ball cannot enter the second start opening 16. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal actuator SL1 (shown in FIG. 3) as means for operating the normal variable member 17. The normal actuator SL1 is, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid. The normal variable member 17 is moved to the open state during a normal winning game.

[0033] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a jackpot opening 18 as an example of a winning opening. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a special winning sensor SE3 (shown in FIG. 3) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the jackpot opening 18. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the special winning sensor SE3, a condition for the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 10 balls) is met. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a special variable member 19 that can be moved between an open state in which a gaming ball can enter the jackpot opening 18 and a closed state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the jackpot opening 18. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a special actuator SL2 (shown in FIG. 3) as means for operating the special variable member 19. For example, the special actuator SL2 is an electromagnetic solenoid. The special variable member 19 is moved to the open state during a jackpot game.

[0034] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gate 25. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal start sensor SE4 that detects a gaming ball passing through the gate 25 (shown in FIG. 3). When a gaming ball is detected by the normal start sensor SE4, the conditions for starting a normal game may be met, but the conditions for paying out prize balls are not met. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal winning port 26 as an example of a winning port. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal winning sensor SE5 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the normal winning port 26 (shown in FIG. 3). When a gaming ball is detected by the normal winning sensor SE5, the conditions for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, one ball) are met. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an outlet 27. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an out sensor SE6 that detects gaming balls passing through the out opening 27 (shown in FIG. 3). The out opening 27 is formed at the lower end of the gaming area YBa. Of the gaming balls that are shot into the gaming area YBa, those that do not enter the first start opening 15, the second start opening 16, the big prize opening 18, or the regular prize opening 26 are discharged from the machine through the out opening 27.

[0035] As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can adjust the launch strength of the gaming ball according to the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the launch handle HD. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the gaming ball can be shot so that it flows down either the left region R1 of the center frame W or the right region R2 of the center frame W. The first start opening 15 and the regular winning opening 26 are arranged in the flow path of the gaming ball in the left region R1. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, by shooting the gaming ball so that it flows down the left region R1 of the gaming area YBa, it is possible for the gaming ball to enter the first start opening 15 and the regular winning opening 26. In the following description, a "left shot" refers to a gaming ball shot with a launch strength that causes the gaming ball to flow down the left region R1. The second start opening 16, the special winning opening 18, and the gate 25 are arranged in the flow path of the gaming ball in the right region R2. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, by firing the gaming ball so that it flows down the right-hand area R2 of the gaming area YBa, it is possible for the ball to enter the second starting opening 16, the big prize opening 18, and the gate 25. In the following explanation, firing the gaming ball with a firing intensity that causes the gaming ball to flow down the right-hand area R2 is referred to as a "right hit."

[0036] Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function that varies the jackpot probability to a high probability, and a ball entry assist function that assists game balls in entering the second starting hole 16. The gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured by combining the operating states (operation and non-operation) of these functions.

[0037] The probability fluctuation function (hereinafter referred to as the probability fluctuation function) will be explained. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of probability states with different jackpot probabilities. The plurality of probability states include a low probability state and a high probability state in which the jackpot probability is higher than the low probability state. When the probability variable function is activated, the probability state transitions from the low probability state to the high probability state, increasing the possibility of winning a jackpot.

[0038] The goal-going assistance function will now be explained. The ball entry assist function is a function that assists balls entering the second starting hole 16, and is a so-called "electric support function." The pachinko gaming machine 10 has multiple ball entry states that vary in the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16. The multiple ball entry states include a non-time-shortening state and a time-shortening state in which the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 per unit time is higher than in the non-time-shortening state. The time-shortening state is a so-called "electric support state" or "high base state." The non-time-shortening state is a so-called "non-electric support state" or "low base state." The rate at which game balls enter the first starting hole 15 per unit time is the same in the time-shortening state and the non-time-shortening state. In the time-shortening state, the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 per unit time is improved, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 16 than the first starting hole 15. For this reason, in the time-shortened state, it is recommended to hit to the right so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting hole 16. On the other hand, in the non-time-shortened state, the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 per unit time is lower than in the time-shortened state, and it is more difficult for game balls to enter the second starting hole 16 than the first starting hole 15, so it is recommended to hit to the left. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the ball entry assistance function is activated, the ball entry state transitions from the non-time-shortened state to the time-shortened state.

[0039] For example, the time-shortening state can be realized by executing one of the three controls described below, which can be selected arbitrarily, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first control is a control that shortens the variable time of the normal game compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect. The second control is a control that changes the probability of a normal win in the normal lottery to a higher probability compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect. The third control is a control that lengthens the total opening time of the normal variable member 17 in one normal win game compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect. Note that the third control may be at least one of a control that increases the number of times the normal variable member 17 is opened in one normal win game compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect, and a control that lengthens the opening time of one opening of the normal variable member 17 in a normal win game compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect.

[0040] The time-saving state may also be realized by combining it with the fourth control, which will be described next. The fourth control is a control that shortens the variable time (average variable time) of special games compared to when the time-saving state is not in effect. As a result, the average variable time of special games is shorter in the time-saving state compared to when the time-saving state is not in effect. The average variable time of special games can be calculated by dividing the cumulative variable time of a unit number of special games by the unit number of times, assuming that a unit number of special games have been played. In the time-saving state, the number of special games that can actually be played per unit time increases compared to when the time-saving state is not in effect. In other words, the efficiency of consuming reserved special games is improved.

[0041] In this embodiment, the gaming states include a low-probability non-time-shortening state, a low-probability time-shortening state, and a high-probability time-shortening state. The low-probability non-time-shortening state is a gaming state in which neither the probability variable function nor the ball-scoring assistance function is activated. The low-probability time-shortening state is a gaming state in which the probability variable function is not activated, but the ball-scoring assistance function is activated. The high-probability time-shortening state is a gaming state in which both the probability variable function and the ball-scoring assistance function are activated. Not limited to this, the gaming state may also include a high-probability non-time-shortening state in which the probability variable function is activated, but the ball-scoring assistance function is not activated.

[0042] In this way, when in the low-probability non-time-saving state and the low-probability time-saving state, it is controlled to the low-probability state. When in the high-probability time-saving state, it is controlled to the high-probability state. And when in the low-probability non-time-saving state, it is controlled to the non-time-saving state. When in the low-probability time-saving state and the high-probability time-saving state, it is controlled to the time-saving state. The low-probability time-saving state and the high-probability time-saving state are game states in which the advantage for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 16 in the right-side region R2 is higher than in the low-probability non-time-saving state, and it is recommended to let the game ball flow down to the right-side region R2. The low-probability non-time-saving state is a game state in which the advantage for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 16 in the right-side region R2 is lower than in the high-probability time-saving state, and it is recommended to let the game ball flow down to the left-side region R1.

[0043] Next, we will explain about the jackpot. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has multiple types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. Specifically, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a jackpot symbol ZA and a jackpot symbol ZB as special jackpot symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol is determined by a jackpot symbol lottery conducted using a jackpot symbol random number. Hereinafter, a jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol ZA will be referred to as the "first jackpot game," and a jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol ZB will be referred to as the "second jackpot game." In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery and the jackpot symbol is the jackpot symbol ZA, the first jackpot game occurs (is awarded) after the jackpot symbol ZA is derived as a result of the special game. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery and the jackpot pattern is the jackpot pattern ZB, a second jackpot game is generated after the jackpot pattern ZB is derived as a result of a special game.

[0044] We will explain about jackpot games. In a jackpot game, an opening effect is first performed over a predetermined opening time, which indicates the start of the jackpot game. After the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the large prize opening 18 is opened is played up to a predetermined maximum number of times. A round game ends when a predetermined maximum number of game balls enter the large prize opening 18 or when a predetermined maximum time has elapsed. In the round game, the large prize opening 18 is opened in a predetermined opening manner. In a jackpot game, when a game ball enters the large prize opening 18, it is possible to win game balls, which is an advantageous state.

[0045] In the first jackpot game, rounds are played up to a maximum of five times. In the second jackpot game, rounds are played up to a maximum of ten times. In each round, a round effect is produced. When the final round of jackpot game is completed, an ending effect is produced over a predetermined ending time, which allows the end of the jackpot game to be identified. The jackpot game ends as the ending time elapses.

[0046] The gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the gaming state controlled after the end of the jackpot game differs depending on the type of jackpot game. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state after the first jackpot game ends. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is then controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state after the first jackpot game ends, and then is controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state from the time it was controlled to the low-probability time-shortening state until the special game has been played the maximum number of times (for example, 100 times) or until the next jackpot game occurs. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a low-probability non-time-shortening state if the special game has been played the maximum number of times without a jackpot game occurring after the first jackpot game ends. Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a low-probability non-time-shortening state if a jackpot game occurs after the first jackpot game ends but before the special game has been played the maximum number of times. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a high-probability time-shortening state after the second jackpot game ends. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the end of the second jackpot game, the machine is controlled to the high-probability time-shortening state, and then the machine is controlled to the high-probability time-shortening state until the next jackpot game occurs. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the jackpot game occurs after the end of the second jackpot game, the machine is controlled to the low-probability non-time-shortening state.

[0047] The following describes the display effects that can be performed by the effect display device EH. The effect display device EH displays an effect game as an example of a display effect. In the effect game, multiple rows of effect symbols are variably displayed, and ultimately a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is derived. The effect symbols are also called "decorative symbols" or "ornamental symbols." As an example, the effect game of this embodiment is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left, center, and right symbol columns in a predetermined direction.

[0048] The effect game starts and ends with the special game. In the effect game, a symbol combination corresponding to the special symbol derived in the special game is derived. When a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, a jackpot symbol combination is derived in the effect game. A jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the effect symbols in all rows are the same, such as "777." When a losing symbol is derived in the special game, a non-jackpot symbol combination is derived in the effect game. An example of a non-jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the effect symbols in at least some of the symbol rows are different from the effect symbols in the other symbol rows, such as "738" or "787." In this way, the effect display device EH can execute an effect game in which the effect symbols in multiple symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner while the special game is being executed. The effect display device EH is an example of an effect game execution unit.

[0049] In this embodiment, in the effect game, when a reach is formed, a reach effect is executed. A reach is a state in which the same effect symbol is temporarily displayed in a plurality of specific symbol columns, and the effect symbols are continuously displayed in a variable manner in the other symbol columns. As an example, in this embodiment, the left and right symbol columns correspond to the specific symbol columns, and the center symbol column corresponds to the other symbol columns. The reach effect includes a normal reach effect and a super reach effect, which has a higher probability of winning compared to the normal reach effect. The probability of winning can be calculated by the ratio of the appearance rate in the case of a jackpot to the total appearance rate, which is the sum of the appearance rates in the case of a non-jackpot and the appearance rate in the case of a jackpot.

[0050] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40, a sub-control board 50, and a power supply unit 60. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 performs various controls and outputs various control information (control commands). Based on the various control commands output by the main control board 40, the sub-control board 50 controls the effect display device EH, decorative lamp LA, speaker SP, upper movable part 80, left movable part 81, right movable part 82, lower left movable part 90, and lower right movable part 91 to execute various effects.

[0051] First, the main control board 40 will be described. The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a main CPU 42) and a storage unit. The main CPU 42 executes various processes by executing a main control program. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as a main ROM 43) from which information can be read but to which information cannot be written, and an RWM area (hereinafter referred to as a main RWM 44) from which information can be read and written.

[0052] The main ROM 43 stores judgment values ​​and tables used for various judgments and lotteries. The main ROM 43 stores a jackpot judgment value used to judge whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot lottery. The main ROM 43 stores different jackpot judgment values ​​for each probability state. The main ROM 43 stores a jackpot symbol judgment value used in the jackpot symbol lottery. The main ROM 43 stores an effect judgment value used in the effect lottery. The effect lottery is a lottery that determines whether or not a reach effect will be executed if a jackpot has not been won in the jackpot lottery.

[0053] The main ROM 43 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time from the start to the end of the special game. The variation pattern is information that can identify at least a part of the presentation content (variation content) of the presentation game that is performed during the execution of the special game. The variation patterns include a jackpot variation pattern and a loss variation pattern. The jackpot variation pattern is a variation pattern that ultimately derives a jackpot symbol combination. The loss variation pattern is a variation pattern that ultimately derives a non-jackpot symbol combination.

[0054] The main RWM 44 stores various information that is rewritten depending on the results of processing by the main CPU 42. For example, the information stored in the main RWM 44 includes flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 includes a random number circuit 45 that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may also be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the main CPU 42. Note that the main CPU 42, main ROM 43, main RWM 44, and random number circuit 45 are not limited to being configured on a single chip as the microprocessor 41, and may each be configured separately.

[0055] The main control board 40 is connected to sensors SE1 to SE6. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to input detection signals output when sensors SE1 to SE6 detect a gaming ball. The main control board 40 is connected to display units 13a to 13f. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the display content of display units 13a to 13f. The main control board 40 is connected to a normal actuator SL1 and a special actuator SL2. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the operation of the normal variable member 17 and the special variable member 19 by controlling the operation of the normal actuator SL1 and the special actuator SL2.

[0056] The sub-control board 50 will now be described. The sub-control board 50 comprises a sub-CPU 51, a sub-ROM 52, a sub-RWM 53, and an RTC 54. The sub-CPU 51 executes a sub-control program to perform various processes related to the effects. The sub-CPU 51 executes processes related to the execution of effects based on control commands input from the main CPU 42. The sub-ROM 52 stores the sub-control program, judgment values ​​used for predetermined lotteries, etc. The sub-ROM 52 stores display effect data used for display effects, light-emitting effect data used for light-emitting effects, audio effect data used for audio effects, and movement effect data used for movement effects, etc.

[0057] The sub-RWM 53 stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-RWM 53 includes flags, counters, and timers. The sub-control board 50 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers through a random number generation process performed by the sub-CPU 51. The sub-control board 50 may also be equipped with a random number circuit and be able to generate hardware random numbers.

[0058] The RTC 54 is a so-called real-time clock. The RTC 54 generates time information related to time. Specifically, the RTC 54 generates time information by continuously measuring the current time using power supplied from a backup power source (such as a storage battery) (not shown), regardless of whether the power is on or not. The time information generated by the RTC 54 includes information that can identify the current time (hour, minute, second). However, the time information generated by the RTC 54 may also include information that can identify the current date (year, month, day). The RTC 54 is an example of a time generation unit.

[0059] The sub-control board 50 is connected to the performance display device EH. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display device EH. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the upper original position sensor GSa, the left original position sensor GSb, the right original position sensor GSc, the lower left original position sensor GSd, and the lower right original position sensor GSe. In the following explanation, "upper original position sensor GSa, left original position sensor GSb, right original position sensor GSc, lower left original position sensor GSd, and lower right original position sensor GSe" may be referred to as "original position sensors GSa to GSe." In the following explanation, "upper original position sensor GSa, left original position sensor GSb, right original position sensor GSc" may be referred to as "original position sensors GSa to GSe." The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to input detection signals that are output when the home position sensors GSa to GSe detect a movable part.

[0060] The sub-control board 50 is connected to the upper movable actuator KA1, the left movable actuator KA2, the right movable actuator KA3, the lower-left movable actuator KA4, and the lower-right movable actuator KA5. In the following description, the "upper movable actuator KA1, the left movable actuator KA2, the right movable actuator KA3, the lower-left movable actuator KA4, and the lower-right movable actuator KA5" may be referred to as "actuators KA1 to KA5." In the following description, the "upper movable actuator KA1, the left movable actuator KA2, and the right movable actuator KA3" may be referred to as "actuators KA1 to KA3." In the following description, the "lower-left movable actuator KA4 and the lower-right movable actuator KA5" may be referred to as "actuators KA4, KA5." The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the operation of the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, the lower-left movable part 90, and the lower-right movable part 91 by controlling the operation of the actuators KA1 to KA5. In the following description, the "upper movable part 80, left movable part 81, right movable part 82, lower left movable part 90, and lower right movable part 91" may be referred to as "movable parts 80-82, 90, 91." In the following description, the "upper movable part 80, left movable part 81, and right movable part 82" may be referred to as "movable parts 80-82." In the following description, the "lower left movable part 90 and lower right movable part 91" may be referred to as "movable parts 90, 91." The secondary CPU 51 is an example of a movable control part that controls the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91.

[0061] Next, the power supply unit 60 will be described. The power supply unit 60 includes a power switch 60a. The power switch 60a can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state and is configured to maintain the switched state. In this embodiment, when the power switch 60a is switched from an OFF state to an ON state while power is being supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 from an external power source, power is supplied to each of the control boards 40 and 50. In this embodiment, when the power switch 60a is switched from an ON state to an OFF state while power is being supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 from an external power source, power is cut off to each of the control boards 40 and 50. Therefore, to start the pachinko gaming machine 10, power supply from the external power source is started while the power switch 60a is left in the ON state, or power supply from the external power source is continued while the power switch 60a is switched from an OFF state to an ON state. In this specification, "turning on the power" means putting each control board 40, 50 into a state in which power is being supplied, for example by operating the power switch 60a, and "cutting off the power (power-off)" means putting each control board 40, 50 into a state in which power is not being supplied.

[0062] Next, various processes performed by the main CPU 42 of the main control board 40 will be described. The main CPU 42 executes timer interrupt processing at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 ms), including special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, jackpot game processing, normal symbol input processing, normal symbol start processing, and normal win game processing. In this embodiment, the control information (control commands) stored in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 50 by information output processing executed as timer interrupt processing.

[0063] First, the special symbol input process will be described. In the special symbol input process, the main CPU 42 determines whether a gaming ball has entered the first start hole 15 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor SE1. When a gaming ball has entered the first start hole 15, the main CPU 42 determines whether the number of first special reserves stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number. If the number of first special reserves is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 adds 1 to the first special reserve number to update it. Next, the main CPU 42 controls the first special reserve display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserve number. The main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the first reserve command) that can identify the first special reserve number in the output buffer. In this way, the start condition of the first special game is met when a gaming ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1 when the number of first special reserves is less than the upper limit number.

[0064] Next, the main CPU 42 acquires random numbers generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RWM 44. For example, the random numbers may be special win random numbers used in the jackpot lottery, jackpot symbol random numbers used to determine the jackpot symbol, variation pattern random numbers used to determine the variation pattern, and effect determination random numbers used in the effect lottery. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random numbers themselves, or may be information obtained by processing the random numbers using a predetermined method. By storing random number information used for the first special game in the main RWM 44, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can suspend the execution of the first special game until the execution condition for the first special game is met.

[0065] When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main RWM 44, if a gaming ball has not entered the first start port 15 and if the number of first special reserves is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 determines whether a gaming ball has entered the second start port 16 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor SE2. If a gaming ball has not entered the second start port 16, the main CPU 42 terminates the special pattern input process. If a gaming ball has entered the second start port 16, the main CPU 42 determines whether the number of second special reserves stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number. If the number of second special reserves is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 terminates the special pattern input process. If the number of second special reserves is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 updates the second special reserve number by adding 1. The main CPU 42 controls the second special reserve display unit 13d to display information that can identify the updated second special reserve number. The main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a second reservation command) capable of specifying the second special reservation number in the output buffer. In this way, the start condition of the second special game is met when the second special reservation number is less than the upper limit number and a gaming ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2.

[0066] Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 44. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is to be used for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. By storing the random number information to be used for the second special game in the main RWM 44, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can suspend the execution of the second special game until the execution condition of the second special game is met. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol input process.

[0067] Next, the special symbol start process will be described. In the special symbol start processing, the main CPU 42 determines whether or not a special game cannot be executed. The main CPU 42 makes a negative determination when the jackpot game is not being played and the special game is not being executed. On the other hand, the main CPU 42 makes a positive determination when the jackpot game is being played or the special game is being executed. If the special game cannot be executed, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing. If the special game can be executed, the main CPU 42 determines whether or not the second special reserve number is 1 or more. If the second special reserve number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 42 determines whether or not the first special reserve number is less than 1. If the first special reserve number is less than 1, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing.

[0068] If the first special reserve number is not less than 1, the main CPU 42 performs processing to execute a first special game. Specifically, the main CPU 42 updates the first special reserve number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 42 controls the first special reserve display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserve number. Then, the main CPU 42 performs a jackpot lottery, which is an example of a predetermined lottery. Specifically, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number information for the first special game that was stored first from the main RWM 44. Next, the main CPU 42 performs a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, using the special win random number and jackpot determination value identified from the acquired random number information.

[0069] If a jackpot is won, the main CPU 42 performs jackpot game processing. In the jackpot game processing, the main CPU 42 performs a jackpot pattern lottery using a jackpot pattern random number and a jackpot pattern determination value that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be derived in the first special game. The main CPU 42 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot variation pattern. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 terminates the special pattern start processing. If a jackpot is not won, the main CPU 42 performs a loss game processing. In the loss game processing, the main CPU 42 determines a loss pattern to be derived in the first special game. The main CPU 42 performs an effect lottery and determines whether or not to execute a reach effect. The main CPU 42 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the loss variation pattern. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 terminates the special pattern start processing.

[0070] If the second special reserve number is 1 or more, the main CPU 42 performs processing to execute a second special game. The processing to execute the second special game is the processing to execute the first special game, with "first special game" replaced with "second special game", "first special reserve number" replaced with "second special reserve number", and "first special reserve display section 13c" replaced with "second special reserve display section 13d", so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. In other words, the main CPU 42 performs subtraction of the second special reserve number, a jackpot lottery, and any game processing based on the result of the jackpot lottery, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

[0071] The main CPU 42 stores a fluctuation start command and a special symbol command in an output buffer during a jackpot game process or a loss game process. The fluctuation start command is a control command that can identify the fluctuation pattern determined in each game process and the start of a special game (effect game). The special symbol command is a control command that can identify the special symbol determined in each game process. The fluctuation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the game process for the first special game is executed and when the game process for the second special game is executed. In the following description, the fluctuation start command when the game process for the first special game is executed will be referred to as the "first fluctuation start command," and the fluctuation start command when the game process for the second special game is executed will be referred to as the "second fluctuation start command." In the following description, the special symbol command when the game process for the first special game is executed will be referred to as the "first special symbol command," and the special symbol command when the game process for the second special game is executed will be referred to as the "second special symbol command."

[0072] When the special symbol start process is completed, the main CPU 42 executes a first special game or a second special game through a process separate from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when the main CPU 42 executes the first special game, it controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to start varying display of predetermined symbols. The main CPU 42 measures the variation time set in the variation pattern. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. Then, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variation end command) capable of specifying the end of the special game in an output buffer.

[0073] On the other hand, when the main CPU 42 executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to start varying display of a predetermined symbol. The main CPU 42 measures the variation time set in the variation pattern. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start processing. Furthermore, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 stores a variation end command in the output buffer. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute a special game based on the result of the jackpot lottery.

[0074] Next, the big win game process will be explained. The jackpot game processing is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main CPU 42 derives a jackpot symbol in a special game, the main CPU 42 executes the jackpot game processing after the end of the jackpot special game. The main CPU 42 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start processing. The main CPU 42 awards the specified type of jackpot game.

[0075] First, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the "opening command") capable of specifying the start of the opening time in the output buffer. After the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 performs processing to execute a round of play. Specifically, the main CPU 42 controls the special actuator SL2 using the specified opening control data for the jackpot game to open the special prize opening 18. When the number of game balls detected by the special prize sensor SE3 reaches the upper limit or the upper limit time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the special actuator SL2 to close the special prize opening 18, thereby ending the round of play. The main CPU 42 repeatedly performs this processing to execute a round of play until the upper limit number of rounds set for the jackpot game has been completed. Each time a round of play is started, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the "round command") capable of specifying the start of the round of play in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 ends the final round of play, it stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending command) that can specify the start of the ending time in the output buffer. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 ends the jackpot game.

[0076] Next, the process performed by the main CPU 42 to transition the gaming state will be described. When the main CPU 42 transitions between the probability state and the winning state, it updates the game state information and stores it in the main RWM 44. Specifically, when the main CPU 42 controls to a low-probability state and a non-time-shortening state, it stores low-probability non-time-shortening information in the main RWM 44 as game state information. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a low-probability non-time-shortening command) that can specify that the state will be controlled to a low-probability non-time-shortening state in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 controls to a low-probability state and a time-shortening state, it stores low-probability time-shortening information in the main RWM 44 as game state information. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a low-probability time-shortening command) that can specify that the state will be controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 controls to a high-probability state and a time-shortening state, it stores high-probability time-shortening information in the main RWM 44 as game state information. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as a high-probability time-shortening command) that can specify that control will be made to the high-probability time-shortening state.

[0077] When the main CPU 42 ends the second jackpot game, it sets a high probability flag in the main RWM 44. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to a high probability state. On the other hand, when the main CPU 42 ends the first jackpot game, it does not set a high probability flag in the main RWM 44. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to a low probability state. When the main CPU 42 starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, it erases the high probability flag. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to a low probability state during the jackpot game.

[0078] When the main CPU 42 ends the jackpot game, it sets a time-saving flag in the main RWM 44. That is, the main CPU 42 controls the game to a time-saving state. When the main CPU 42 ends the first jackpot game, it stores the initial number of time-saving times (100 times, for example) in the main RWM 44 as the number of time-saving times. The number of time-saving times is information that can identify the remaining number of special games that can be executed in the low-probability time-saving state if a jackpot game is not awarded after control has been made to the low-probability time-saving state. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a time-saving number command) that can identify the number of time-saving times in the output buffer.

[0079] After the first jackpot game ends, the main CPU 42 updates the number of time-shortening times stored in the main RWM 44 (by subtracting 1, for example) each time the special game ends. When the main CPU 42 updates the number of time-shortening times, it stores a time-shortening number command capable of specifying the updated number of time-shortening times in the output buffer. When the updated number of time-shortening times becomes 0, the main CPU 42 erases the time-shortening flag. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to a non-time-shortening state. Therefore, when the updated number of time-shortening times becomes 0, the main CPU 42 controls to a low-probability non-time-shortening state. When a jackpot game is started and the time-shortening flag is set, the main CPU 42 erases the time-shortening flag. That is, the main CPU 42 controls to a non-time-shortening state during a jackpot game. The main CPU 42 is an example of a game state control unit capable of controlling the game state.

[0080] Next, the normal symbol input process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. In the normal symbol input process, the main CPU 42 determines whether the gaming ball has passed (entered) the gate 25 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the normal start sensor SE4. If the gaming ball has not passed through the gate 25, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol input process. On the other hand, if the gaming ball has passed through the gate 25, the main CPU 42 determines whether the normal reserve number stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number. If the normal reserve number is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol input process. If the normal reserve number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 updates the normal reserve number by adding 1. The main CPU 42 controls the normal reserve display unit 13f to display information that can identify the updated normal reserve number.

[0081] Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 44. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the normal game and the storage order of the random number information. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol input process. By storing random number information used for the normal game in the main RWM 44, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can suspend its execution until the execution conditions for the normal game are met.

[0082] Next, the normal symbol start process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. In the normal symbol start processing, the main CPU 42 determines whether the execution conditions for the normal game are met. The main CPU 42 makes a positive determination when the normal win game is not being played and the normal game is not being played, and makes a negative determination when the normal win game is being played or the normal game is being played. If the execution conditions for the normal game are not met, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol start processing. If the execution conditions for the normal game are met, the main CPU 42 determines whether the normal reserve number is greater than 0. If the normal reserve number is 0, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol start processing. If the normal reserve number is greater than 0, the main CPU 42 executes processing to execute the normal game. Specifically, the main CPU 42 updates the normal reserve number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 42 controls the normal reserve display unit 13f to display information that can identify the updated normal reserve number. Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the earliest stored random number information from the main RWM 44 among the random number information for the normal game. Next, the main CPU 42 uses the acquired random number information to perform a normal lottery (normal win determination) to determine whether or not a normal win has been won. The main CPU 42 performs a normal lottery with a normal win probability according to the current ball entry state (either non-time-shortened state or time-shortened state) and determines whether or not a normal win has been won. The normal win probability in the time-shortened state is higher than the normal win probability in the non-time-shortened state.

[0083] If a normal win is won, the main CPU 42 determines the normal winning symbol to be displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game and the fluctuation time of the normal game, and then terminates the normal pattern start processing. If a normal win is not won, the main CPU 42 determines the normal losing symbol to be displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game and the fluctuation time of the normal game, and then terminates the normal pattern start processing. In this embodiment, the fluctuation time of the normal game in the time-shortened state is shorter than the fluctuation time of the normal game in the non-time-shortened state. Therefore, in the time-shortened state, the number of normal lotteries executed per unit time is likely to be greater than in the non-time-shortened state. After terminating the normal pattern start processing, the main CPU 42 executes the normal game through processing separate from the normal pattern start processing. Specifically, the main CPU 42 starts the normal game and controls the normal pattern display unit 13e so that the normal symbol determined in the normal pattern start processing is displayed as a fixed stop when the fluctuation time determined in the normal pattern start processing has elapsed.

[0084] Next, the normal winning game processing performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. The normal win game processing is processing for awarding a normal win game. When the main CPU 42 derives a normal win symbol in a normal game, it executes the normal win game processing after the normal game of the normal win ends. In the normal win game processing, when the time-shortened state is active, the main CPU 42 controls the normal actuator SL1 so that the second start hole 16 is opened in the opening mode in the time-shortened state. Furthermore, when the time-shortened state is not active, the main CPU 42 controls the normal actuator SL1 so that the second start hole 16 is opened in the opening mode in the non-time-shortened state. In this embodiment, the opening mode in the time-shortened state opens the second start hole 16 more times in one normal win game and the total time the second start hole 16 is open is longer than the opening mode in the non-time-shortened state.

[0085] Next, the winning process performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. The main CPU 42 executes a winning process when it receives a detection signal from sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5. When it receives a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1, the main CPU 42 controls to award a predetermined number of game balls (for example, three). When it receives a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2, the main CPU 42 controls to award a predetermined number of game balls (for example, three). When it receives a detection signal from the special winning sensor SE3, the main CPU 42 controls to award a predetermined number of game balls (for example, ten). When it receives a detection signal from the normal winning sensor SE5, the main CPU 42 controls to award a predetermined number of game balls (for example, one).

[0086] Next, the game stop processing performed by the main CPU 42 will be described. When the main CPU 42 receives detection signals from the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, and SE6, it executes a game stop process.

[0087] The game stop process is a process for stopping a process related to the progress of a game when a predetermined game stop condition is met. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the game stop condition is met, the machine enters a game-disabled state (game stop state) in which game play is disabled. As an example, the process related to the progress of a game is a process for launching a game ball by operating the launch handle HD. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game stop condition is met, the game ball cannot be launched even by operating the launch handle HD. This is not limited to this, and the process related to the progress of a game may include a process executed as a timer interrupt process. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game stop condition is met, the above-mentioned special symbol input process, special symbol start process, jackpot game process, normal symbol input process, normal symbol start process, and normal win game process may not be executed. The game stop process will be described in detail below.

[0088] In the game stop processing, the main CPU 42 counts the difference in balls, which is the difference between the number of game balls launched into the game area YBa and the number of game balls awarded in the winning processing. When the main CPU 42 updates the difference in balls, it stores information capable of identifying the difference in balls in the main RWM 44. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command capable of identifying the updated difference in balls (hereinafter referred to as a difference in balls command) in the output buffer.

[0089] When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from any of sensors SE1 to SE3, and SE5, it adds the number of game balls awarded to the ball difference number and stores the result in the main RWM 44. For example, when the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1, it adds 3 to the ball difference number and stores the result in the main RWM 44. When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from any of sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, and SE6, it subtracts 1 from the ball difference number and stores the result in the main RWM 44. For example, when the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1, it adds 3 to the ball difference number and subtracts 1 from the ball difference number and stores the result in the main RWM 44. When the main CPU 42 receives a power-on signal, it initializes the ball difference number (to 0, for example) and stores the result in the main RWM 44. The ball difference number in this embodiment is an example of count information related to the number of game balls played from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off. The main CPU 42 is an example of a count generating section that generates count information regarding the number of gaming balls as gaming media.

[0090] When the difference in balls reaches the upper limit (for example, 95,000) by adding the difference in balls, the main CPU 42 stops the processing related to the progress of the game. At this time, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a game stop command) capable of specifying that the processing related to the progress of the game be stopped in the output buffer. In this manner, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the difference in balls reaches the upper limit, the game stop condition is met and the machine enters a playable state. Note that, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is stopped, the playable state continues at least until the power is turned on after being turned off. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is stopped, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the machine enters a playable state in which play is possible, and game balls can be fired by operating the firing handle HD.

[0091] Next, various processes executed by the sub-CPU 51 of the sub-control board 50 will be described. First, the process when a control command is input will be described. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a low-probability non-time-shortening command, it stores information in the sub-RWM 53 that can specify that the game is being controlled to a low-probability non-time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a low-probability time-shortening command, it stores information in the sub-RWM 53 that can specify that the game is being controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a high-probability time-shortening command, it stores information in the sub-RWM 53 that can specify that the game is being controlled to a high-probability time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a time-shortening count command, it stores information in the sub-RWM 53 that can specify that the game is being controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a ball difference command, it stores information in the sub-RWM 53 that can specify that the game is being controlled to a high-probability time-shortening state.

[0092] Next, the effect game process will be described. The effect game processing is a process for executing an effect game as one of the display effects related to a special game during execution of the special game. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the effect game starts when the effect game start condition (hereinafter referred to as the effect game start condition) is met. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the effect game start condition has been met when a variation start command and a special symbol command are input. Note that the sub-CPU 51 varies the variation start command and special symbol command that determine that the effect game start condition has been met based on the game state being controlled.

[0093] As a specific example, when controlled to a low-probability non-time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the effect game start condition has been met when the first variation start command and the first special pattern command are input. On the other hand, when controlled to a low-probability non-time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 does not determine that the effect game start condition has been met even when the second variation start command and the second special pattern command are input. As an example, when controlled to either a low-probability time-shortening state or a high-probability time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the effect game start condition has been met when the second variation start command and the second special pattern command are input. On the other hand, when controlled to either a low-probability time-shortening state or a high-probability time-shortening state, the sub-CPU 51 does not determine that the effect game start condition has been met even when the first variation start command and the first special pattern command are input.

[0094] When the game is controlled to the low-probability non-time-saving state, the sub-CPU 51, upon inputting the first variation start command, selects the presentation pattern (presentation content) of the presentation game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the control command. The sub-CPU 51 also determines the symbol combination to be derived in the presentation game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the input first special symbol command. If a jackpot symbol can be specified from the first special symbol command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a jackpot symbol combination. If a non-jackpot symbol can be specified from the first special symbol command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a non-jackpot symbol combination. The sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation display device EH to start displaying the variations of the presentation symbols of each symbol row upon input of the first variation start command. That is, the sub-CPU 51 starts the presentation game.

[0095] When the game is controlled to the low-probability time-saving state or the high-probability time-saving state, the sub-CPU 51, upon inputting the second variation start command, selects the presentation pattern (presentation content) of the presentation game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the control command. The sub-CPU 51 also determines the symbol combination to be derived in the presentation game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the input second special symbol command. If a jackpot symbol can be specified from the second special symbol command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a jackpot symbol combination. If a non-jackpot symbol can be specified from the second special symbol command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a non-jackpot symbol combination. The sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation display device EH to start displaying the variations of the presentation symbols of each symbol row upon input of the second variation start command. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 starts the presentation game.

[0096] When an effect game is started, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the effect game is played based on the determined effect pattern during the change time set for the change pattern. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the effect game is ended when the end condition of the effect game (hereinafter referred to as the effect game end condition) is met. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the effect game end condition is met when it inputs a change end command. When a predetermined timing arrives after starting the effect game, the sub-CPU 51 temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination, and when the effect game end condition is met, the sub-CPU 51 causes the symbol combination to be displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol combination. For example, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a change start command for a miss change pattern associated with the execution of a super reach effect, the sub-CPU 51 starts the effect game, then executes the super reach effect, and when the predetermined timing arrives, the symbol combination is temporarily stopped and displayed, and when the change end command is input, the symbol combination is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol combination. As described above, the effect game is executed in conjunction with the execution of one of the first special game and the second special game, based on the gaming state, but is not executed in conjunction with the execution of the other special game.

[0097] The sub-CPU 51 executes a preview effect in relation to the effect game. The preview effect is an effect that suggests or notifies whether the special game being executed will result in a jackpot (expected jackpot probability). When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a variation start command, it determines the type of preview effect to be executed. The sub-CPU 51 determines the type of preview effect to be executed based on the effect pattern selected in the effect game processing. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as preview effect information) that can identify the type of preview effect to be executed in the sub-RWM 53. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE including the effect display device EH and the movable units 80-82, 90, 91 so as to execute a preview effect based on the preview effect information. The game effect execution processing, which is the processing for executing the preview effect, will be explained in detail later.

[0098] As an example, the preview performance includes a movement performance. The movement performance includes a performance in which the moving parts 80 to 82 move and a performance in which the moving parts 90 and 91 move. The performance in which the moving parts 80 to 82 move includes a first movement performance in which the moving parts 80 to 82 simultaneously move from their original positions to their performance positions and stop at the performance positions. When executing the first movement performance, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA3 to perform an operation (specific operation) that causes the moving parts 80 to 82 to move from their original positions to their performance positions. Then, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA3 to maintain the state in which the moving parts 80 to 82 are positioned at the performance positions for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA3 to perform an operation that causes the moving parts 80 to 82 to move from their performance positions to their original positions.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 2, when the movable parts 80-82 are arranged in their respective performance positions, the movable parts 80-82 are adjacent to each other. When the movable parts 80-82 are arranged in their respective performance positions, the combination of the movable parts 80-82 forms a predetermined shape (for example, a heart shape). In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first moving performance is executed, a performance is executed in which a plurality of movable parts come together to form a predetermined shape. Therefore, the movable parts 80-82 in this embodiment can be understood as one group that executes a moving performance.

[0100] The performances in which the movable parts 90 and 91 operate include a second moving performance in which the movable parts 90 and 91 simultaneously move from their original positions to their performance positions and stop at the performance positions. When executing the second moving performance, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA4 and KA5 to perform an operation to move the movable parts 90 and 91 from their original positions to their performance positions. The sub-CPU 51 then controls the actuators KA4 and KA5 to maintain the movable parts 90 and 91 in their performance positions for a predetermined time (for example, five seconds). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA4 and KA5 to perform an operation to move the movable parts 90 and 91 from their performance positions to their original positions.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 2, when the movable parts 90, 91 are respectively arranged in the performance positions, the movable parts 90, 91 are close to each other. When the movable parts 90, 91 are respectively arranged in the performance positions, the combination of the movable parts 90, 91 forms a predetermined shape (for example, a star shape). In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second moving performance is executed, a performance is executed in which a plurality of movable parts come together to form a predetermined shape. Therefore, the movable parts 90, 91 in this embodiment can be understood as one group that executes the moving performance.

[0102] When the sub-CPU 51 decides to execute the first movement performance as the preview performance, it stores information (hereinafter referred to as first movement performance information) that can specify that the first movement performance will be executed as preview performance information in the sub-RWM 53. When the sub-CPU 51 decides to execute the second movement performance as the preview performance, it stores information (hereinafter referred to as second movement performance information) that can specify that the second movement performance will be executed as preview performance information in the sub-RWM 53.

[0103] In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, during the execution of one special game, there are cases where the first moving effect is executed and cases where the second moving effect is executed. Not limited to this, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, there may be cases where both the first moving effect and the second moving effect are executed during the execution of one special game. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first moving effect is executed, the expectation of a jackpot is higher than when the second moving effect is executed. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second moving effect is executed, the expectation of a jackpot is higher than when neither the first moving effect nor the second moving effect is executed.

[0104] In this way, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to execute a specific operation in which the movable parts 80 to 82 move from their original positions to their performance positions based on the decision to execute the first moving effect as the preview effect. In this embodiment, the decision to execute the first moving effect as the preview effect is an example of an operation condition being met. Whether or not to execute the first moving effect is determined when the movement start command is input. Therefore, the decision to execute the first moving effect as the preview effect can be said to be an operation condition that can be met when the special game is executed.

[0105] Next, the big win effect processing will be explained. The jackpot effect processing is processing for executing effects during jackpot games (hereinafter referred to as jackpot effects). When an opening command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute an opening effect. When an opening command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to move to their original positions. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 executes original position check processing. As will be described in detail later, the original position check processing is processing for determining whether or not the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are arranged in their original positions, and checking whether or not the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 can operate normally based on the determination.

[0106] When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a round command, it controls the group of performance devices DE and the movable sections 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to execute a round performance. For example, the round performance includes a first moving performance by the movable sections 80 to 82 and a second moving performance by the movable sections 90 and 91. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs an ending command, it controls the group of performance devices DE to execute an ending performance. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs an ending command, it controls the movable sections 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to move to their respective original positions. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 executes an original position check process.

[0107] In this way, the sub-CPU 51 executes the first moving effect during round play. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to execute a specific action in which the moving parts 80 to 82 transition from a state in which they are arranged in their original positions to a state in which they are arranged in their effect positions, based on the start of round play. In this embodiment, the start of round play is an example of an action condition being met. Round play is started during a jackpot game. Therefore, the start of round play can be said to be an action condition that can be met during a jackpot game.

[0108] Next, the standby effect execution process will be described. The standby effect execution process is a process for executing a standby effect. Here, an overview of the standby effect execution process will be explained, and details will be explained later. The standby effect is an effect also known as a demonstration effect or a customer waiting effect. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE including the effect display device EH and the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 so as to start the standby effect when the standby effect start condition (hereinafter referred to as the standby effect start condition) is met. The standby effect start condition is met when a jackpot game is not being played, a special game is not being executed, and there is no special game on hold.

[0109] As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the standby effect start condition has been met when a specified time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since inputting an ending command or a variation end command without inputting a variation start command. Alternatively, the main CPU 42 may be configured to determine that the standby effect start condition has been met when there are no pending special games at the end of the ending time or the end of the special game, and output information capable of identifying the start of the standby effect (hereinafter referred to as the standby effect start command) to the sub-CPU 51. Then, the sub-CPU 51 may determine that the standby effect start condition has been met when it inputs the standby effect start command.

[0110] The standby effect includes a standby display effect by the effect display device EH and a first moving effect by the movable parts 80-82. As an example, the standby display effect is an effect that displays a moving image related to the title or a character motif of the pachinko gaming machine 10. As described above, the first moving effect is an effect in which the movable parts 80-82 simultaneously move from their original positions to their respective moving positions. Thus, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to execute a specific action in which the movable parts 80-82 move from their original positions to their respective moving positions based on the establishment of a standby effect start condition. In this embodiment, the establishment of a standby effect start condition is an example of the establishment of an action condition. The standby effect start condition is established when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played. Therefore, the establishment of a standby effect start condition can be considered an action condition that can be established when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played.

[0111] The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE including the effect display device EH and the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 to end the standby effect when a standby effect end condition (hereinafter referred to as the standby effect end condition) is met. As an example, when the standby effect end condition is met, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby display effect by the effect display device EH. As an example, when the standby effect end condition is met, the sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1-KA3 so that the movable units 80-82 move to their original positions. Note that the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1-KA3 when it receives detection signals from the original position sensors GSa-GSc. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable units 80-82 when they are located in their original positions. The standby effect end condition is met when a special game starts. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the standby effect end condition is met when it receives a fluctuation start command. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute a standby effect during a part of the period when the special game is not being executed.

[0112] As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute the first moving effect by the movable parts 80-82 during the execution of the special game, during the jackpot game, and during the standby effect. In this embodiment, the operation condition is established when it is decided to execute the first moving effect as the advance notice effect, when the round game starts, and when the standby effect start condition is established. Then, when the operation condition is established, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to execute a specific operation in which the movable parts 80-82 transition from a state in which they are arranged in their original positions to a state in which they are arranged in the performance position. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control to execute a specific operation in which the movable parts 80-82 transition from a state in which they are arranged in their original positions to a state in which they are arranged in the performance position based on the establishment of a predetermined operation condition.

[0113] As described above, the first moving effect is an effect in which the upper moving part 80, the left moving part 81, and the right moving part 82 simultaneously move from their original positions to their moving positions and stop at the moving positions. In other words, when the first moving effect is executed, the upper moving part 80, the left moving part 81, and the right moving part 82 simultaneously or approximately simultaneously move from their original positions to their moving positions and stop at the moving positions. The second moving effect is an effect in which the lower left moving part 90 and the lower right moving part 91 simultaneously move from their original positions to their moving positions and stop at the moving positions. In other words, when the second moving effect is executed, the lower left moving part 90 and the lower right moving part 91 simultaneously or approximately simultaneously move from their original positions to their moving positions and stop at the moving positions. Thus, the effects in the pachinko gaming machine 10 include an effect in which the upper moving part 80, the left moving part 81, and the right moving part 82 simultaneously move, and an effect in which the lower left moving part 90 and the lower right moving part 91 simultaneously move.

[0114] Here, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, control is executed to regulate (limit) the movements of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is established. This will be specifically explained below.

[0115] First, the conditions for restricting the movements of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 (hereinafter referred to as movement restricting conditions) will be described together with the control by the secondary CPU 51. As shown in FIG. 4, when the secondary CPU 51 receives a ball difference command, it executes a ball number regulation determination process. The ball number regulation determination process is a process for determining whether or not a movable restriction condition is met based on the ball difference. The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the ball difference exceeds a first specified number (for example, 90,000) (step S101). The first specified number is a number smaller than the ball difference upper limit number. If the ball difference exceeds the first specified number (step S101: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines that the movable restriction condition is met. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as a first regulation flag) that can identify that the movable restriction condition is met based on the ball difference exceeding the first specified number in the secondary RWM 53 (step S102). On the other hand, if the ball difference does not exceed the first specified number (step S101: NO), the secondary CPU 51 erases the first regulation flag (step S103). Note that "set" in the drawing corresponds to storing information (flags) in the secondary RWM 53. Also, "clear" in the drawing corresponds to deleting information (flags) from the secondary RWM 53.

[0116] In this way, in this embodiment, the movable restriction condition is established based on the difference in ball count exceeding the first specified number. The movable restriction condition that is established when the first restriction flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 based on the number of gaming balls that can be specified by the difference in ball count (count information) is an example of a specific condition. In other words, the specific condition is established based on the number of gaming balls as gaming media that can be specified by the count information.

[0117] After completing the processing related to the first restriction flag, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the difference in ball count exceeds a second specified number (for example, 92,500) (step S104). The second specified number is a number smaller than the upper limit of the difference in ball count. The second specified number is a number larger than the first specified number. If the difference in ball count exceeds the second specified number (step S104: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines that the movable restriction condition is met. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as the second restriction flag) that can identify that the movable restriction condition is met based on the difference in ball count exceeding the second specified number in the sub-RWM 53 (step S105). On the other hand, if the difference in ball count does not exceed the second specified number (step S104: NO), the sub-CPU 51 erases the second restriction flag (step S106).

[0118] In this embodiment, the movement restriction condition is established when the ball difference exceeds the second specified number. The movement restriction condition that is established when the second restriction flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the ball difference (counting information) is an example of a special condition. In other words, the special condition is established based on the number of game balls as game media that can be specified by the counting information. The first specified number is smaller than the second specified number. Therefore, the first restriction flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 before the second restriction flag. In other words, the movement restriction condition that is established when the first restriction flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the ball difference is established before the movement restriction condition that is established when the second restriction flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 based on the number of game balls that can be specified by the ball difference. As will be described in detail later, the sub-CPU 51 executes control to restrict the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 based on the first restriction flag and the second restriction flag being stored in the sub RWM 53.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 5, the secondary CPU 51 executes time restriction determination processing as timer interrupt processing that is executed every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms). The time restriction determination processing is processing that determines whether or not the operation restriction condition is met based on the time information of the RTC 54. As described above, the RTC 54 can continuously measure the current time and generate time information using power supplied from the standby power supply, regardless of whether the power is on or not. On the other hand, the timer interrupt processing executed by the secondary CPU 51 is processing that can be executed when the power is on. In the time restriction determination processing, the secondary CPU 51 acquires the time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time. The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the current time that can be specified from the acquired time information is a first time (for example, 22:00 to 06:59) (step S201). If the current time is the first time (step S201: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines that the operation restriction condition is met. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as a third restriction flag) that can identify that the movable restriction condition is met based on the fact that the current time is the first time in the secondary RWM 53 (step S202). On the other hand, if the current time is not the first time (step S201: NO), the secondary CPU 51 erases the third restriction flag (step S203). The times when the current time is not the first time are 07:00 to 21:59.

[0120] In this manner, in this embodiment, the movement restriction condition is established based on the fact that the current time is the first time. The movement restriction condition that is established when the third restriction flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 based on a time that can be specified by the time information is an example of a specific condition. In other words, the specific condition is established based on a time that can be specified by the time information.

[0121] After completing the process related to the third restriction flag, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the current time that can be specified by the acquired time information is the second time (for example, 22:30 to 06:59) (step S204). If the current time is the second time (step S204: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines that the movable restriction condition is met. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as a fourth restriction flag) that can specify that the movable restriction condition is met based on the fact that the current time is the second time in the secondary RWM 53 (step S205). On the other hand, if the current time is not the second time (step S204: NO), the secondary CPU 51 erases the fourth restriction flag (step S206). The times when the current time is not the second time are 07:00 to 22:29.

[0122] The business hours of gaming parlors are restricted by ordinances on a prefectural level. Generally, gaming parlors do not open before 9:00. Generally, gaming parlors close at 23:00. The first time and the second time can be said to be times when the gaming parlor is open that are closest to the closing time of the gaming parlor, or times when the gaming parlor is closed. For example, if the closing time is 23:00, the first time arrives one hour before the closing time, and the second time arrives 30 minutes before the closing time. In other words, the first time arrives before the second time. The second time arrives closer to the closing time of the gaming parlor than the first time arrives. In this embodiment, the first time and the second time are predetermined times.

[0123] Thus, in this embodiment, the movement restriction condition is established based on the current time being the second time. The movement restriction condition that is established when the fourth restriction flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on a time that can be specified by time information is an example of a special condition. That is, the special condition is established based on a time that can be specified by time information. The current time reaches the first time before the second time. Therefore, the third restriction flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 before the fourth restriction flag. That is, the movement restriction condition that is established when the third restriction flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on a time that can be specified by time information is established before the movement restriction condition that is established when the fourth restriction flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on a time that can be specified by time information. As will be described in detail later, the sub-CPU 51 executes control to restrict the movement of the moving parts 80-82, 90, and 91 based on the third restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag being stored in the sub-RWM 53. In the following description, the first to fourth restriction flags are represented as "ON" when they are stored in the sub-RWM 53. The first to fourth restriction flags are represented as "OFF" when they are not stored in the sub-RWM 53.

[0124] Next, the standby effect execution process will be described in detail. As described above, the standby effect execution process is a process for executing a standby effect. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 executes the standby effect execution process as timer interrupt processing. During execution of the standby effect, the first moving effect can be executed by the movable parts 80 to 82. Here, in this embodiment, the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 may be restricted during execution of the standby effect, based on whether the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are on. In other words, in this embodiment, during execution of the standby effect, execution of the first moving effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 may be restricted. This will be explained in detail below.

[0125] 6, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a standby effect is being executed (step S301). If the standby effect is not being executed (step S301: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a standby effect end condition is met (step S303). If the standby effect end condition is not met (step S303: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not a standby effect start condition is met (step S306). If the standby effect start condition is not met (step S306: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process.

[0126] If the standby effect start condition is met (step S306: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are off (step S307). If both the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are off (step S307: YES), the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to execute a standby display effect (standby effect) (step S308). Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the movable parts 80 to 82 to execute a first movable effect (step S309). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process.

[0127] On the other hand, if the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are not off, that is, if at least one of the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag is on (step S307: NO), the sub-CPU 51 stops the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 (step S310). After that, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to execute a standby display effect (step S311). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process. Note that the standby display effect started in step S308 is the same standby display effect as the standby display effect started in step S311. In other words, the form of the image displayed on the effect display device EH in step S308 is the same as the form of the image displayed on the effect display device EH in step S311.

[0128] If the standby effect is being executed (step S301: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are off (step S302). If both the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are off (step S302: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process. On the other hand, if at least one of the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag is on (step S302: NO), the sub-CPU 51 moves the movable parts 80 to 82 to their original positions and stops them. Note that the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA3 when it receives detection signals from the original position sensors GSa to GSc. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80 to 82 when they are located in their original positions. Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the standby effect execution process.

[0129] If the standby effect termination condition is met (step S303: YES), the sub-CPU 51 terminates the standby effect currently being executed (step S304). When the standby effect is to be terminated, the sub-CPU 51 terminates the standby display effect. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 51 moves the movable parts 80 to 82 to their original positions and stops them (step S305). Note that the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1 to KA3 when it has input the detection signals of the original position sensors GSa to GSc. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80 to 82 when they are arranged in their original positions. Then, the sub-CPU 51 terminates the standby effect execution process.

[0130] In this way, the sub-CPU 51 restricts the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 during execution of the standby effect based on whether the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are on. In this embodiment, the control when either the first restriction flag or the third restriction flag is on (steps S305, S310, S311) corresponds to the specific control. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 can execute the specific control when the specific condition is met.

[0131] In this embodiment, the standby effect consisting of the standby display effect by the effect display device EH in step S308 and the first movement effect by the movable parts 80-82 in step S309 is an example of a first standby effect. In this embodiment, the standby effect consisting of the standby display effect by the effect display device EH in step S311 and the movement and stopping of the movable parts 80-82 in steps S305 and S309 is an example of a second standby effect. As such, the standby effect includes a first standby effect and a second standby effect. During the execution of the first standby effect, the movable parts 80-82 can each perform a specific action of moving from their original positions to their performance positions. On the other hand, during the execution of the second standby effect, the movable parts 80-82 do not each perform a specific action of moving from their original positions to their performance positions. Then, when a specific condition is met, the second standby effect can be executed, but specific control is executed so that the first standby effect is not executed.

[0132] Here, for example, if the first restriction flag and the third restriction flag are both off when the standby effect start condition is met, the first moving effect is executed by the movable parts 80 to 82. Therefore, the movable parts 80 to 82 may be placed in the effect position. In such a situation, if either the first restriction flag or the third restriction flag is subsequently turned on, the movable parts 80 to 82 are moved to their original positions by the control of step S305. In this way, if a specific condition is met while the first standby effect is being executed, the movable parts 80 to 82 may be placed in their original positions.

[0133] Next, the game effect execution process will be described in detail. As described above, the game effect execution process is a process for executing a preview effect. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 executes the game effect execution process as timer interrupt processing. During execution of a special game (effect game), a first moving effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 can be executed. Furthermore, during execution of a special game (effect game), a second moving effect by the movable parts 90, 91 can be executed. In this embodiment, the movements of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 may be restricted during execution of a special game based on whether the second restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag are on. In other words, in this embodiment, during execution of a special game, execution of the first moving effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 and the second moving effect by the movable parts 90, 91 may be restricted. This will be explained in detail below.

[0134] 7, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not an effect game is being executed (step S401). If an effect game is not being executed (step S401: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not an effect game end condition is met (step S403). If the effect game end condition is not met (step S403: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not an effect game start condition is met (step S406). If the effect game start condition is not met (step S406: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0135] If the effect game start condition is met (step S406: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are off (step S407). If both the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are off (step S406: YES), the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute an advance notice effect based on the advance notice effect information (step S408). Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to execute the first moving effect or the second moving effect based on the advance notice effect information (step S409). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0136] On the other hand, if the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are not off, that is, if at least one of the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag is on (step S407: NO), the sub-CPU 51 stops the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 (step S410). Then, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the first movement effect information and the second movement effect information stored in the sub-RWM 53 (step S410). That is, the sub-CPU 51 stops (cancels) the execution of the first movement effect by the movable parts 80 to 82 and the second movement effect by the movable parts 90 and 91, which had been determined to be executed as advance notice effects. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute advance notice effects based on the advance notice effect information (step S411). Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0137] When an effect game is being executed, i.e., when a preview effect is being executed (step S401: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are off (step S402). When both the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are off (step S402: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process. On the other hand, when at least one of the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag is on (step S402: NO), the sub-CPU 51 moves the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 to their original positions and stops them. Note that the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1-KA5 when it receives detection signals from the original position sensors GSa-GSe. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 when they are located in their original positions. Then, the sub-CPU 51 ends the game effect execution process.

[0138] If the effect game end condition is met (step S403: YES), the sub-CPU 51 ends the preview effect currently being executed. When ending the preview effect, the sub-CPU 51 moves the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 to their original positions and stops them. Note that the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1-KA5 when it receives detection signals from the original position sensors GSa-GSe. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 does not operate the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 if they are located in their original positions. In this way, the sub-CPU 51 can control the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 so that they are located in their original positions when the special game ends.

[0139] Then, the sub-CPU 51 executes an original position check process (step S404). The sub-CPU 51 executes the original position check process regardless of whether the second restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag are off or not. As will be described in detail later, the original position check process is a process that determines whether the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are arranged in their original positions or not, and checks whether the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 can operate normally based on this determination. When the sub-CPU 51 ends the original position check process, it ends the game effect execution process.

[0140] In this way, the sub-CPU 51 regulates the operations of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 during the execution of a special game (effect game) based on whether the second regulation flag and the fourth regulation flag are on. In this embodiment, the control when either the second regulation flag or the fourth regulation flag is on (steps S405, S410, and S411) corresponds to the special control. That is, the sub-CPU 51 can execute the special control when a special condition is established. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a special condition is established, the special control is executed, thereby regulating the movable parts 80-82 from executing a specific operation. More specifically, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a special condition is established, the special control is executed, thereby regulating the movable parts 80-82 from executing a specific operation during the execution of a special game, even if the operation condition is established. As described above, the first regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 before the second regulation flag. Furthermore, the third regulation flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 before the fourth regulation flag. That is, the specific condition is met before the special condition is met. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if the specific condition is met, the movable parts 80 to 82 can perform the specific action during the execution of the special game.

[0141] Here, for example, if the second restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag are both off when the effect game start condition is met, the first moving effect can be executed by the moving parts 80 to 82. In this case, the moving parts 80 to 82 are arranged in the effect position. In this situation, if either the second restriction flag or the fourth restriction flag is subsequently turned on, the moving parts 80 to 82 are moved to their original positions and stopped by the control of step S405. In this way, if a special condition is met while the first moving effect is being executed, the moving parts 80 to 82 can be moved to their original positions.

[0142] Also, for example, if the second restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag are both off when the effect game start condition is met, the second moving effect can be executed by the moving parts 90, 91. In this case, the moving parts 90, 91 are placed in the effect position. In such a situation, if either the second restriction flag or the fourth restriction flag is subsequently turned on, the moving parts 90, 91 are moved to their original positions and stopped by the control of step S405. In this way, if a special condition is met while the second moving effect is being executed, the moving parts 90, 91 can be placed in their original positions.

[0143] Here, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to execute an abnormality determination process as a process for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 in order to operate the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 normally. The abnormality determination process includes an original position check process and an operation check process. The original position check process and the operation check process are executed when a predetermined trigger occurs.

[0144] First, the original position check process performed by the secondary CPU 51 will be described. The home position check process is a process for determining whether the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 are located in their home positions. For example, if there is a movable part that is not located in its home position, a retry operation is executed to operate the movable part so that it is located in its home position. The home position check process is executed based on the start of power supply, the execution of a special game, and the execution of a jackpot game. The execution trigger based on the start of power supply is an example of a first execution trigger. The execution trigger based on the execution of a special game is an example of a second execution trigger. More specifically, the home position check process is executed when the power is turned on, when the special game ends, when a jackpot game starts, and when the jackpot game ends. Thus, the home position check process, which is an example of an abnormality determination process, is executed based on the first execution trigger based on the start of power supply and the second execution trigger based on the execution of a special game.

[0145] Incidentally, the original position check process executed when the special game ends is executed upon the end of the effect game, as shown in FIG. 7 . As described above, the effect game is executed upon the execution of one of the first and second special games based on the gaming state, but is not executed upon the execution of the other special game. When controlled to the low-probability non-time-shortening state, the original position check process is executed upon the end of the first special game, but is not executed upon the end of the second special game. When controlled to the low-probability time-shortening state or the high-probability time-shortening state, the original position check process is executed upon the end of the second special game, but is not executed upon the end of the first special game. The original position check process is executed upon the execution of a special game in which an effect game is executed, but is not executed upon the execution of a special game in which an effect game is not executed. Not limited to this, the sub-CPU 51 may also execute the original position check process upon the execution of a special game in which an effect game is not executed. As an example, if a special game in which an effect game is not executed results in a jackpot, the sub-CPU 51 may execute the original position check process upon the end of the special game. On the other hand, if a special game in which no effect game is executed results in a loss, the sub-CPU 51 does not have to execute the original position check process when the special game ends. In other words, when a special game in which no effect game is executed is executed, the original position check process may not be executed based on the execution of the special game.

[0146] 8, when an opportunity to execute the home position check process arrives, the secondary CPU 51 executes the home position check process. Based on the detection signals of the home position sensors GSa to GSe, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether any of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 is not located at the home position (step S501). If all of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 are located at the home position (step S501: NO), the secondary CPU 51 terminates the home position check process. If any of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 is not located at the home position (step S501: YES), the secondary CPU 51 stops the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 (step S502). Based on the detection signal of the upper home position sensor GSa, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a (step S503).

[0147] If the upper movable part 80 is located at the original position P0a (step S503: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S506. If the upper movable part 80 is not located at the original position P0a (step S503: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes the upper original position check 1 process (step S504).

[0148] 9, in the upper original position check 1 process, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the original position P0a (step S551). After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the original position P0a, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the performance position P1a (step S552). That is, in step S552, the sub-CPU 51 executes control to execute a specific operation to move the upper movable part 80 from a state in which it is disposed at the original position P0a to a state in which it is disposed at the performance position P1a.

[0149] For example, if the upper movable part 80 is not positioned at the original position P0a when the special game ends, the sub-CPU 51 can execute control in the original position check process to execute a specific action that transitions the upper movable part 80 from a state in which it is positioned at the original position P0a to a state in which it is positioned at the performance position P1a. In this embodiment, the fact that the upper movable part 80 is not positioned at the original position P0a when the special game ends is an example of the operation condition being met.

[0150] If the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a when the special game ends, the sub-CPU 51 does not execute control in the home position check process to execute a specific action that transitions the upper movable part 80 from the home position P0a to the effect position P1a. Therefore, an action condition that is established when the upper movable part 80 is not located at the home position P0a when the special game ends can be considered an action condition that can be established when the special game ends. Thus, an action condition that can be established when the special game ends is established when the upper movable part 80 is located at the effect position P1a when the special game ends, but is not established when the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a when the special game ends. The sub-CPU 51 then executes the home position check process regardless of whether the second restriction flag and the fourth restriction flag are off. In other words, if an action condition that can be established is established when the special game ends, the upper movable part 80 is allowed to execute a specific action, even if the special condition is established and special control is executed.

[0151] After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the performance position P1a, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move it to the original position P0a (step S553). In this embodiment, the operation of the upper movable part 80 by the processing in steps S552 and S553 is an example of a retry operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 adds 1 to information that can identify the number of times the retry operation has been performed (hereinafter referred to as the number of retry operations), and stores the result in the sub-RWM 53.

[0152] After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the home position P0a, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper home position sensor GSa (step S554). If the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a (step S554: YES), the secondary CPU 51 ends the upper home position check 1 process. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations (to 0, for example) and stores it in the secondary RWM 53.

[0153] If the upper movable part 80 is not located at the original position P0a (step S554: NO), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the number of retry operations has reached a specified number Rk (for example, 5) (step S555). The specified number Rk is not limited to 5, but may be 6 or more, or may be 4 or less. The specified number Rk may be a plurality of times, i.e., 2 or more. The specified number Rk is an example of a predetermined number. If the number of retry operations has not reached the specified number Rk (step S555: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S552. If the number of retry operations has reached the specified number Rk (step S555: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as an upper original position abnormality flag) capable of identifying that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 in the upper original position check 1 processing in the secondary RWM 53. The secondary CPU 51 also stores information (hereinafter referred to as a first operation prohibition flag) capable of specifying that the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 is prohibited in the secondary RWM 53 (step S556). The process of prohibiting the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 by storing the first operation prohibition flag in the secondary RWM 53 will be described later. Then, the secondary CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 1 process. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the secondary RWM 53.

[0154] In this way, when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk and the upper original position check 1 process ends, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred in which the upper movable part 80 cannot transition to a state where it is disposed at the original position P0a (the upper movable part 80 cannot return to a state where it is disposed at the original position P0a). On the other hand, when the number of retry operations does not reach the specified number Rk and the upper original position check 1 process ends, it can be said that the abnormality in which the upper movable part 80 cannot transition to a state where it is disposed at the original position P0a has been resolved by the retry operation. Then, when the upper movable part 80 cannot transition to a state where it is disposed at the original position P0a even after performing the retry operation the specified number Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80, and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80-82.

[0155] 8, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the upper original position check 1 process (step S505). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S505: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S511. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S505: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the left movable part 81 is located at the original position P0b based on the detection signal of the left original position sensor GSb (step S506).

[0156] If the left movable part 81 is located at the original position P0b (step S506: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S509. If the left movable part 81 is not located at the original position P0b (step S506: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes left original position check 1 process (step S507).

[0157] The left original position check 1 process is a process in which the "upper movable part 80" is replaced with the "left movable part 81," the "original position P0a" with the "original position P0b," and the "performance position P1a" with the "performance position P1b" in the upper original position check 1 process. The left original position check 1 process is a process in which the "upper movable actuator KA1" is replaced with the "left movable actuator KA2," the "upper original position sensor GSa" with the "left original position sensor GSb," and the "upper original position abnormality flag" with the "left original position abnormality flag" in the upper original position check 1 process. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In other words, if the left movable part 81 cannot transition to a state in which it is positioned at the original position P0b (the left movable part 81 cannot return to a state in which it is positioned at the original position P0b) even after the left movable part 81 has performed the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81, and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0158] The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the left original position check 1 process (step S508). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S508: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S511. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S508: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the right movable part 82 is located at the original position P0c based on the detection signal of the right original position sensor GSc (step S509).

[0159] If the right movable part 82 is located at the original position P0c (step S509: YES), the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S511. If the right movable part 82 is not located at the original position P0c (step S509: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes right original position check 1 process (step S510).

[0160] The right original position check 1 process is a process in which the "upper movable part 80" is replaced with the "right movable part 82," the "original position P0a" with the "original position P0c," and the "performance position P1a" with the "performance position P1c" in the upper original position check 1 process. The right original position check 1 process is a process in which the "upper movable actuator KA1" is replaced with the "right movable actuator KA3," the "upper original position sensor GSa" with the "right original position sensor GSc," and the "upper original position abnormality flag" with the "right original position abnormality flag" in the upper original position check 1 process. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In other words, if the right movable part 82 cannot transition to a state in which it is positioned at the original position P0c (the right movable part 82 cannot return to a state in which it is positioned at the original position P0c) even after the right movable part 82 has performed the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82, and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0161] If the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d (step S511: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S514. If the lower-left movable part 90 is not located at the original position P0d (step S511: NO), the secondary CPU 51 executes lower-left original position check 1 process (step S512).

[0162] As shown in FIG. 10, in the lower-left original position check 1 process, the secondary CPU 51 controls the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the original position P0d (step S561). After controlling the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the original position P0d, the secondary CPU 51 controls the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move it to the performance position P1d (step S562). After controlling the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the performance position P1d, the secondary CPU 51 controls the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move it to the original position P0d (step S563). In this embodiment, the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 by the processes in steps S562 and S563 is an example of a retry operation. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 adds 1 to the number of retry operations and stores the result in the secondary RWM 53.

[0163] After controlling the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the original position P0d, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d based on the detection signal of the lower-left original position sensor GSd (step S564). If the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d (step S564: YES), the secondary CPU 51 ends the lower-left original position check 1 process. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the secondary RWM 53.

[0164] If the lower-left movable part 90 is not located at the original position P0d (step S564: NO), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the number of retry operations has reached the specified number Rk (step S565). If the number of retry operations has not reached the specified number Rk (step S565: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S562. If the number of retry operations has reached the specified number Rk (step S565: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as a lower-left original position abnormality flag) that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 in the lower-left original position check 1 process in the secondary RWM 53. The secondary CPU 51 also stores information (hereinafter referred to as a second operation prohibition flag) that can identify that the operation of the movable parts 90, 91 is prohibited in the secondary RWM 53 (step S566). The process of stopping the operation of the movable parts 90, 91 by storing the second operation prohibition flag in the secondary RWM 53 will be described later. Then, the secondary CPU 51 ends the lower left original position check 1 process. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the secondary RWM 53.

[0165] In this way, when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk and the lower-left original position check 1 process ends, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred in which the lower-left movable part 90 cannot transition to a state where it is positioned at the original position P0d (the lower-left movable part 90 cannot return to a state where it is positioned at the original position P0d). On the other hand, when the number of retry operations does not reach the specified number Rk and the lower-left original position check 1 process ends, it can be said that the abnormality in which the lower-left movable part 90 cannot transition to a state where it is positioned at the original position P0d has been resolved by the retry operation. Then, if the lower-left movable part 90 cannot transition to a state where it is positioned at the original position P0d even after performing the retry operation the specified number Rk, the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 90, 91.

[0166] 8, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the lower-left original position check 1 process (step S513). If the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S513: NO), the secondary CPU 51 ends the original position check process. If the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S513: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower-right movable part 91 is located at the original position P0e based on the detection signal of the lower-right original position sensor GSe (step S514).

[0167] If the lower right movable part 91 is located at the original position P0e (step S514: YES), the secondary CPU 51 ends the original position check process. If the lower right movable part 91 is not located at the original position P0e (step S514: NO), the secondary CPU 51 executes lower right original position check 1 process (step S515).

[0168] The bottom-right original position check 1 process is a process in which the "bottom-left movable part 90" is replaced with the "bottom-right movable part 91", the "original position P0d" with the "original position P0e", and the "performance position P1d" with the "performance position P1e" in the bottom-left original position check 1 process. Also, the bottom-right original position check 1 process is a process in which the "bottom-left movable actuator KA4" is replaced with the "bottom-right movable actuator KA5", the "bottom-left original position sensor GSd" with the "bottom-right original position sensor GSe", and the "bottom-left original position abnormal flag" with the "bottom-right original position abnormal flag" in the bottom-left original position check 1 process. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In other words, if the lower-right movable part 91 cannot be moved to a state where it is disposed in the original position P0e (the lower-right movable part 91 cannot return to a state where it is disposed in the original position P0e) even after the lower-right movable part 91 has performed the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-right movable part 91 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 90, 91. When the secondary CPU 51 ends the lower-right original position check 1 process, it ends the original position check process. When the secondary CPU 51 ends the original position check process, it controls the actuators KA1 to KA5 to move the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to their original positions, respectively.

[0169] The process of prohibiting the operation of movable parts 80 to 82 by storing a first operation prohibition flag in the sub-RWM 53, and the process of prohibiting the operation of movable parts 90 and 91 by storing a second operation prohibition flag in the sub-RWM 53 will be described below.

[0170] When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 prohibits all operations except for the operation of the movable parts 80-82 in the abnormality determination process. In other words, when the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80-82 even if the operation conditions are met after the original position check process is completed. When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA1-KA3 even if the operation conditions are met. As a result, when the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 stops the operation of the movable parts 80-82. However, the secondary CPU 51 can operate the movable parts 80-82 in the operation check process, which will be described later.

[0171] When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 prohibits all operations except for the operation of the movable parts 90 and 91 during the abnormality determination process. In other words, when the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 prohibits the operation of the movable parts 90 and 91 after the original position check process is completed. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 does not operate the actuators KA4 and KA5. As a result, when the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 stops the operation of the movable parts 90 and 91. However, the secondary CPU 51 can operate the movable parts 90 and 91 during the operation check process.

[0172] The first and second operation prohibition flags are initialized when the power is turned off. Therefore, if the power is turned off and then turned on after the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 has been prohibited by the first and second operation prohibition flags, the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 can operate even when not performing the abnormality determination process.

[0173] Next, the operation check process performed by the secondary CPU 51 will be described. The operation check process is a process for determining whether the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 are operating normally by operating the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91. The operation check process is executed based on the start of power supply. More specifically, the operation check process is executed only when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the secondary CPU 51 executes the operation check process after completing the original position check process.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 11, when a trigger for executing the operation check process arrives, the sub-CPU 51 executes the operation check process. The sub-CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA5 to move the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91 to their respective performance positions (step S601). Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the upper movable part 80 is located at the original position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper original position sensor GSa (step S602). If the upper movable part 80 is not located at the original position P0a (step S602: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the original position P0a (step S603). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S607. If the upper movable part 80 is located at the original position P0a (step S602: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes the upper original position check 2 process (step S604).

[0175] 14, in the upper original position check 2 process, the sub-CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the performance position P1a (step S651). In this embodiment, the operation of the upper movable part 80 by the process in step S651 is an example of a retry operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 adds 1 to the number of retry operations and stores the number in the sub-RWM 53.

[0176] After controlling the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the performance position P1a, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the upper movable part 80 is located at the original position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper original position sensor GSa (step S652). If the upper movable part 80 is not located at the original position P0a (step S652: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 2 process. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the sub-RWM 53.

[0177] If the upper movable part 80 is located at the original position P0a (step S652: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the number of retry operations has reached the specified number Rk (step S653). If the number of retry operations has not reached the specified number Rk (step S653: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S651. If the number of retry operations has reached the specified number Rk (step S653: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as an upper operation abnormality flag) that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 in the upper original position check 2 process in the secondary RWM 53. In addition, the secondary CPU 51 stores a first operation prohibition flag in the secondary RWM 53 (step S654). Then, the secondary CPU 51 ends the upper original position check 2 process. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the secondary RWM 53.

[0178] In this way, when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk and the upper original position check 2 process ends, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred in which the upper movable part 80 cannot move from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0a (the upper movable part 80 cannot move out of the state where it is positioned at the original position P0a). On the other hand, when the number of retry operations does not reach the specified number Rk and the upper original position check 2 process ends, it can be said that the abnormality in which the upper movable part 80 cannot move from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0a has been resolved by the retry operation. Then, when the upper movable part 80 cannot move out of the state where it is positioned at the original position P0a even after performing the retry operation the specified number Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80-82.

[0179] 11, the secondary CPU 51 controls the upper movable actuator KA1 to move the upper movable part 80 to the home position P0a (step S605). The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the upper home position check 2 process (step S606). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S606: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S606: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a based on the detection signal of the upper home position sensor GSa (step S607). If the upper movable part 80 is located at the home position P0a (step S607: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S610 in FIG. 12.

[0180] If the upper movable part 80 is not located at the original position P0a (step S607: NO), the secondary CPU 51 executes the upper original position check 1 process shown in Fig. 9 (step S608). In the upper original position check 1 process, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S609). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S609: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in Fig. 13. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S609: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S610 in Fig. 12.

[0181] 12, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the left movable part 81 is located at the original position P0b based on the detection signal of the left original position sensor GSb (step S610). If the left movable part 81 is not located at the original position P0b (step S610: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the left movable actuator KA2 to move the left movable part 81 to the original position P0b (step S611). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S615. If the left movable part 81 is located at the original position P0b (step S610: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes left original position check 2 processing (step S612).

[0182] The left original position check 2 process is a process in which the "upper movable part 80" is replaced with the "left movable part 81," the "original position P0a" with the "original position P0b," and the "performance position P1a" with the "performance position P1b" in the upper original position check 2 process. The left original position check 2 process is a process in which the "upper movable actuator KA1" is replaced with the "left movable actuator KA2," the "upper original position sensor GSa" with the "left original position sensor GSb," and the "up operation abnormality flag" with the "left operation abnormality flag" in the upper original position check 2 process. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In other words, if the left movable part 81 cannot move from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0b (the left movable part 81 cannot escape from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0b) even after the left movable part 81 has performed the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81, and prohibits the operations of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0183] The secondary CPU 51 controls the left movable actuator KA2 to move the left movable part 81 to the original position P0b (step S613). The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the left original position check 2 process (step S614). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S614: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S614: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the left movable part 81 is located at the original position P0b based on the detection signal of the left original position sensor GSb (step S615). If the left movable part 81 is located at the original position P0b (step S615: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S618.

[0184] If the left movable part 81 is not located at the original position P0b (step S615: NO), the secondary CPU 51 executes left original position check 1 processing (step S616). The left original position check 1 processing is the same as the left original position check 1 processing of step S507 in the original position check processing described above. In the left original position check 1 processing, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S617). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S617: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S625 in FIG. 13. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S617: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S618.

[0185] The sub-CPU 51 determines whether the right movable part 82 is located at the original position P0c based on the detection signal of the right original position sensor GSc (step S618). If the right movable part 82 is not located at the original position P0c (step S618: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the right movable actuator KA3 to move the right movable part 82 to the original position P0c (step S619). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S623. If the right movable part 82 is located at the original position P0c (step S618: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes right original position check 2 processing (step S620).

[0186] The right original position check 2 process is a process in which the "upper movable part 80" is replaced with the "right movable part 82," the "original position P0a" with the "original position P0c," and the "performance position P1a" with the "performance position P1c" in the upper original position check 2 process. The right original position check 2 process is a process in which the "upper movable actuator KA1" is replaced with the "right movable actuator KA3," the "upper original position sensor GSa" with the "right original position sensor GSc," and the "up operation abnormality flag" with the "right operation abnormality flag" in the upper original position check 2 process. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In other words, if the right movable part 82 cannot move from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0c (the right movable part 82 cannot escape from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0c) even after the right movable part 82 has performed the retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82, and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82.

[0187] The secondary CPU 51 controls the right movable actuator KA3 to move the right movable part 82 to the original position P0c (step S621). The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the right original position check 2 process (step S622). If the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S622: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13. If the first operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S622: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the right movable part 82 is located at the original position P0c based on the detection signal of the right original position sensor GSc (step S623). If the right movable part 82 is located at the original position P0c (step S623: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S625 in FIG. 13.

[0188] If the right movable part 82 is not located at the original position P0c (step S623: NO), the sub-CPU 51 executes right original position check 1 processing (step S624). The right original position check 1 processing is the same as the right original position check 1 processing of step S510 in the original position check processing described above. When the sub-CPU 51 ends the right original position check 1 processing, the process proceeds to step S625 in FIG. 13.

[0189] 13, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d based on the detection signal of the lower-left original position sensor GSd (step S625). If the lower-left movable part 90 is not located at the original position P0d (step S625: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the original position P0d (step S626). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S630. If the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d (step S625: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes lower-left original position check 2 processing (step S627).

[0190] 15, in the lower-left original position check 2 process, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the performance position P1d (step S661). In this embodiment, the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 by the process in step S661 is an example of a retry operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 adds 1 to the number of retry operations and stores the number in the sub-RWM 53.

[0191] After controlling the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the performance position P1d, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d based on the detection signal of the lower-left original position sensor GSd (step S662). If the lower-left movable part 90 is not located at the original position P0d (step S662: NO), the secondary CPU 51 ends the lower-left original position check 2 process. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the secondary RWM 53.

[0192] If the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d (step S662: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the number of retry operations has reached the specified number Rk (step S663). If the number of retry operations has not reached the specified number Rk (step S663: NO), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S661. If the number of retry operations has reached the specified number Rk (step S663: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 stores information (hereinafter referred to as a lower-left operation abnormality flag) that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 in the lower-left original position check 2 processing in the secondary RWM 53. In addition, the secondary CPU 51 stores a second operation prohibition flag in the secondary RWM 53 (step S664). Then, the secondary CPU 51 ends the lower-left original position check 2 processing. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the number of retry operations and stores it in the secondary RWM 53.

[0193] In this way, when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk and the lower-left original position check 2 process is completed, it can be said that an abnormality has occurred in which the lower-left movable part 90 cannot move from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0d (the lower-left movable part 90 cannot move out of the state where it is positioned at the original position P0d). On the other hand, when the number of retry operations does not reach the specified number Rk and the lower-left original position check 2 process is completed, it can be said that the abnormality in which the lower-left movable part 90 cannot move from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0d has been resolved by the retry operation. In other words, if the lower-left movable part 90 cannot move from the state where it is positioned at the original position P0d even after performing the retry operation the specified number Rk, the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 90, 91.

[0194] 13, the secondary CPU 51 controls the lower-left movable actuator KA4 to move the lower-left movable part 90 to the original position P0d (step S628). The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the lower-left original position check 2 process (step S629). If the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S629: NO), the secondary CPU 51 ends the operation check process. If the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S629: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d based on the detection signal of the lower-left original position sensor GSd (step S630). If the lower-left movable part 90 is located at the original position P0d (step S630: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S633.

[0195] If the lower-left movable part 90 is not located at the original position P0d (step S630: NO), the secondary CPU 51 executes the lower-left original position check 1 process shown in FIG. 10 (step S631). In the lower-left original position check 1 process, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S632). If the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S632: NO), the secondary CPU 51 ends the operation check process. If the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S632: YES), the secondary CPU 51 proceeds to the process of step S633.

[0196] The sub-CPU 51 determines whether the lower-right movable part 91 is located at the original position P0e based on the detection signal of the lower-right original position sensor GSe (step S633). If the lower-right movable part 91 is not located at the original position P0e (step S633: NO), the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-right movable actuator KA5 to move the lower-right movable part 91 to the original position P0e (step S634). Then, the sub-CPU 51 proceeds to the processing of step S638. If the lower-right movable part 91 is located at the original position P0e (step S633: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes lower-right original position check 2 processing (step S635).

[0197] The bottom-right original position check 2 process is a process in which the "bottom-left movable part 90" is replaced with the "bottom-right movable part 91", the "original position P0d" with the "original position P0e", and the "performance position P1d" with the "performance position P1e" in the bottom-left original position check 2 process. Also, the bottom-right original position check 2 process is a process in which the "bottom-left movable actuator KA4" is replaced with the "bottom-right movable actuator KA5", the "bottom-left original position sensor GSd" with the "bottom-right original position sensor GSe", and the "bottom-left operation abnormality flag" with the "bottom-right operation abnormality flag" in the bottom-left original position check 2 process. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In other words, if the lower right movable part 91 cannot move from the state where it is positioned in the original position P0e (the lower right movable part 91 cannot move out of the state where it is positioned in the original position P0e) even after the lower right movable part 91 performs a retry operation the specified number of times Rk, the secondary CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower right movable part 91 and prohibits the operation of the movable parts 90, 91.

[0198] The secondary CPU 51 controls the lower-right movable actuator KA5 to move the lower-right movable part 91 to the original position P0e (step S636). The secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 in the lower-right original position check 2 process (step S637). If the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S637: NO), the secondary CPU 51 ends the operation check process. If the second operation prohibition flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53 (step S637: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether or not the lower-right movable part 91 is located at the original position P0e based on the detection signal of the lower-right original position sensor GSe (step S638). If the lower-right movable part 91 is located at the original position P0e (step S638: YES), the secondary CPU 51 ends the operation check process.

[0199] If the lower right movable part 91 is not located at the original position P0e (step S638: NO), the secondary CPU 51 executes lower right original position check 1 processing (step S639). The lower right original position check 1 processing is the same processing as the lower right original position check 1 processing of step S515 in the original position check processing described above. When the secondary CPU 51 ends the lower right original position check 1 processing, it ends the operation check processing. When the operation check processing ends, the secondary CPU 51 controls the actuators KA1 to KA5 to move the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to their original positions, respectively.

[0200] As described above, the sub-CPU 51 can execute an abnormality determination process to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91. In the abnormality determination process, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of each of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91. In other words, the abnormality determination process includes a process to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80, a process to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81, and a process to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82. The abnormality determination process also includes a process to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90, and a process to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-right movable part 91.

[0201] If it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of any of the movable parts 80 to 82, the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82 is stopped. For example, if the upper movable part 80 is the first movable part and the left movable part 81 is the second movable part, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first movable part and the second movable part, the operation of both the first movable part and the second movable part is stopped.

[0202] The abnormality determination process includes an original position check process and an operation check process. In the original position check process, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 because the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 cannot transition to a state in which they are disposed in their original positions (the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 cannot return to a state in which they are disposed in their original positions). In the operation check process, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 because the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 cannot transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions (the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 cannot escape from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions). In addition, in the operation check process, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 because the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 cannot transition to a state in which they are disposed in their original positions (the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 cannot return to a state in which they are disposed in their original positions).

[0203] As described above, there are multiple abnormality causes that are the causes for which it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91. Among the causes that are determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91, the cause of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 being unable to transition to a state in which they are disposed in their original positions is an example of a first abnormality cause. Among the causes that are determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91, the cause of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 being unable to transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions is an example of a second abnormality cause. Among the abnormality causes that are the causes that are determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91, there are first abnormality causes and second abnormality causes that are different from the first abnormality cause.

[0204] In the abnormality determination process, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred based on whether the cause of the abnormality is resolved as a result of a retry operation performed on the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, and 91. For example, the process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 includes an upper original position check 1 process and an upper original position check 2 process. The retry operations performed in the upper original position check 1 process and the upper original position check 2 process are examples of a first determination operation. In the abnormality determination process, a first determination operation is performed to operate the upper movable part 80, and it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 based on whether the cause of the abnormality that has been determined to have occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 is resolved. The retry operation (first determination operation) performed in the upper original position check 1 process and the upper original position check 2 process can be performed a specified number of times Rk.

[0205] Then, when the first determination operation is performed and the cause of the abnormality that was determined to have caused an abnormality in the operation of the upper movable part 80 is eliminated, it is determined that an abnormality in the operation of the upper movable part 80 has not occurred. On the other hand, when the first determination operation is performed the specified number of times Rk but the cause of the abnormality that was determined to have caused an abnormality in the operation of the upper movable part 80 is not eliminated, it is determined that an abnormality in the operation of the upper movable part 80 has occurred.

[0206] For example, the process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 includes a left original position check 1 process and a left original position check 2 process. The retry operations executed in the left original position check 1 process and the left original position check 2 process are an example of a second determination operation. In the abnormality determination process, a second determination operation is executed to operate the left movable part 81, and it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 depending on whether the cause of the abnormality that has been determined to have occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 is eliminated. The retry operation (second determination operation) executed in the left original position check 1 process and the left original position check 2 process can be executed a specified number of times Rk.

[0207] Then, when the second determination operation is performed and the cause of the abnormality that was determined to have caused an abnormality in the operation of the left movable part 81 is eliminated, it is determined that an abnormality in the operation of the left movable part 81 has not occurred. On the other hand, when the second determination operation is performed the specified number of times Rk but the cause of the abnormality that was determined to have caused an abnormality in the operation of the left movable part 81 is not eliminated, it is determined that an abnormality in the operation of the left movable part 81 has occurred.

[0208] For example, the process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 includes a right original position check 1 process and a right original position check 2 process. The retry operations executed in the right original position check 1 process and the right original position check 2 process are an example of a second determination operation. In the abnormality determination process, a second determination operation is executed to operate the right movable part 82, and whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 is determined based on whether the cause of the abnormality that has been determined to have occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 is eliminated. The retry operation (second determination operation) executed in the right original position check 1 process and the right original position check 2 process can be executed a specified number of times Rk.

[0209] Then, when the second determination operation is performed and the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 is eliminated, it is determined that an abnormality has not occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82. On the other hand, when the second determination operation is performed the specified number of times Rk but the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 is not eliminated, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82.

[0210] Next, an example of an abnormality notification that is executed when the first operation prohibition flag and the second operation prohibition flag are stored in the secondary RWM 53 will be described together with the control by the secondary CPU 51. The abnormality notification is a notification that is executed by the decorative lamp LA when it is determined in the original position check process and the operation check process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91. The notification mode of the decorative lamp LA when the abnormality notification is executed is different from the notification mode when the abnormality notification is not being executed. In other words, the notification mode of the decorative lamp LA when the abnormality notification is executed can be said to be a notification mode dedicated to the abnormality notification.

[0211] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, if an abnormality is determined to exist in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 in the home position check process and the operation check process executed when the power is turned on, an abnormality notification is executed by the decorative lamp LA. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if an abnormality is determined to exist in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 in the home position check process executed when the special game ends, when a jackpot game starts, and when a jackpot game ends, an abnormality notification is not executed. That is, an abnormality notification is executed when an abnormality determination process executed in response to an execution trigger based on the start of power supply determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91. On the other hand, an abnormality notification is not executed even if an abnormality is determined to exist in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 in the abnormality determination process executed in response to an execution trigger based on the execution of a special game. The sub-CPU 51 executes a process for executing an abnormality notification after completing the operation check process.

[0212] As shown in Figure 16, if the first operation prohibition flag or the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 during the original position check process and operation check process executed when the power is turned on, the secondary CPU 51 controls the decorative lamp LA to execute an abnormality alert.

[0213] When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 identifies the movable part (hereinafter referred to as the abnormal movable part) in which an operation abnormality has occurred and the cause of the abnormality based on the upper original position abnormality flag, the upper operation abnormality flag, the left original position abnormality flag, the left operation abnormality flag, the right original position abnormality flag, and the right operation abnormality flag.

[0214] A case where either the upper original position abnormal flag or the upper operation abnormal flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 will be described. If the upper home position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is that "it cannot be shifted to the state where it is placed in the home position" (hereinafter referred to as the first abnormality cause). In FIG. 16, the first abnormality cause is indicated as "it cannot be shifted to the home position." In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash blue.

[0215] If the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is "unable to move from the state where it is placed in the original position" (hereinafter referred to as the second abnormality cause). In FIG. 16, the second abnormality cause is shown as "unable to move from the original position." In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash green.

[0216] A description will be given of a case where both the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53. A situation where both the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53 is a situation where the upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the original position check process, and then the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 in the operation check process.

[0217] When both the upper original position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash blue.

[0218] A case where either the left original position abnormal flag or the left operation abnormal flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 will be described. If the left original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable unit 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the panel left decorative lamp LAd to flash blue. If the left operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable unit 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the panel left decorative lamp LAd to flash green.

[0219] A case where both the left original position abnormal flag and the left operation abnormal flag are stored in the sub RWM 53 will be described. If both the left original position abnormality flag and the left operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable part 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the left panel decorative lamp LAd to flash blue.

[0220] A case where either the right original position abnormality flag or the right operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 will be described. If the right original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable unit 82 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the panel right decorative lamp LAe to flash blue. If the right operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable unit 82 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the panel right decorative lamp LAe to flash green.

[0221] A case where both the right original position abnormality flag and the right operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53 will be described. When both the right original position abnormality flag and the right operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the right movable part 82 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the right panel decorative lamp LAe to flash blue.

[0222] When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 identifies the abnormal moving part and the cause of the abnormality based on the lower left original position abnormality flag, the lower left operation abnormality flag, the lower right original position abnormality flag, and the lower right operation abnormality flag.

[0223] A case where either the lower left original position abnormality flag or the lower left operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 will be described. If the lower-left original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable unit 90 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-left panel decorative lamp LAf to flash blue. If the lower-left operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable unit 90 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-left panel decorative lamp LAf to flash green.

[0224] A case where both the lower left original position abnormality flag and the lower left operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub RWM 53 will be described. When both the lower-left original position abnormality flag and the lower-left operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-left movable part 90 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-left panel decorative lamp LAf to flash blue.

[0225] A case where either the lower right original position abnormality flag or the lower right operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub RWM 53 will be described. If the lower-right original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-right movable part 91 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-right panel decorative lamp LAg to flash blue. If the lower-right operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-right movable part 91 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-right panel decorative lamp LAg to flash green.

[0226] A case where both the lower right original position abnormality flag and the lower right operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub RWM 53 will be described. When both the lower-right original position abnormality flag and the lower-right operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the lower-right movable part 91 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the lower-right panel decorative lamp LAg to flash blue.

[0227] When the sub-CPU 51 executes an abnormality notification, it ends the abnormality notification when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the abnormality notification. In addition, when the sub-CPU 51 executes an abnormality notification, it starts the abnormality notification and controls the frame left decorative lamp LAa and the frame right decorative lamp LAb to flash in red. Then, the sub-CPU 51 turns off the frame left decorative lamp LAa and the frame right decorative lamp LAb upon ending the abnormality notification.

[0228] As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can issue an abnormality notification when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91. If the abnormal movable part is the upper movable part 80, the abnormality notification is issued by the on-board decorative lamp LAc. If the abnormal movable part is the left movable part 81, the abnormality notification is issued by the left-board decorative lamp LAd. If the abnormal movable part is the right movable part 82, the abnormality notification is issued by the right-board decorative lamp LAe. If the abnormal movable part is the lower-left movable part 90, the abnormality notification is issued by the lower-left board decorative lamp LAf. If the abnormal movable part is the lower-right movable part 91, the abnormality notification is issued by the lower-right board decorative lamp LAg. In this way, if it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can issue an abnormality notification that allows the determined movable part to be recognized.

[0229] In particular, the on-board decorative lamps LAc-LAg are provided in the following positions when the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 are arranged in their original positions: On-board decorative lamp LAc is provided closer to the upper movable part 80 than the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, the lower-left movable part 90, and the lower-right movable part 91. On-board left decorative lamp LAd is provided closer to the left movable part 81 than the upper movable part 80, the right movable part 82, the lower-left movable part 90, and the lower-right movable part 91. On-board right decorative lamp LAe is provided closer to the right movable part 82 than the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the lower-left movable part 90, and the lower-right movable part 91. On-board lower-left decorative lamp LAf is provided closer to the lower-left movable part 90 than the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, and the lower-right movable part 91. The panel lower right decorative lamp LAg is provided closer to the lower right movable part 91 than the upper movable part 80, the left movable part 81, the right movable part 82, and the lower left movable part 90.

[0230] The abnormality alarm flashes blue if the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. The abnormality alarm flashes green if the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. As a result, when an abnormality alarm is executed and the blue light flashes, it is possible to recognize that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. Flashing blue is an example of a first abnormality alarm. When an abnormality alarm is executed and the green light flashes, it is possible to recognize that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. Flashing green is an example of a second abnormality alarm. In this way, there is a first abnormality alarm that allows recognition that the cause of the abnormality determined to have occurred in the abnormality determination process regarding the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 is the first abnormality cause. There is a second abnormality alarm that allows recognition that the cause of the abnormality determined to have occurred in the abnormality determination process regarding the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 is the second abnormality cause. When it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute an abnormality notification that enables the cause of the abnormality that caused the determination to be recognized.

[0231] For the above reasons, for example, if the upper movable part 80 is the first movable part and the left movable part 81 is the second movable part, when the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first and second movable parts, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute an abnormality notification that can identify whether the one movable part is the first or second movable part and the cause of the abnormality that caused the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the one movable part. Furthermore, when the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first and second movable parts, the operation of both the first and second movable parts is stopped. However, even if the operation of either the first or second movable part is stopped, a notification regarding the other movable part other than the one movable part is not executed. In other words, if the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first and second movable parts, the operation of both the first and second movable parts is stopped, but no notification is made regarding the other movable part that is different from the one movable part.

[0232] Here, for example, if the upper original position abnormality flag and the left operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable unit 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the left movable unit 81 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 controls the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash blue and the left-board decorative lamp LAd to flash green. In this way, when the sub-CPU 51 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of multiple movable units, it causes the corresponding decorative lamps LA to issue an abnormality alert.

[0233] On the other hand, as described above, when the upper home position abnormality flag and the upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 controls the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash blue. In this way, when the secondary CPU 51 identifies multiple abnormality causes for one movable part, it executes an abnormality notification that allows the user to recognize the abnormality cause that occurred first. In other words, if it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to a first abnormality cause, and then it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to a second abnormality cause, the secondary abnormality notification is not executed but the first abnormality notification is executed.

[0234] The effects of the embodiment will be described. (1) According to this embodiment, when a special condition, which is an example of a movement restriction condition, is established, a special control is executed to restrict the execution of a specific action in which the movable parts 80-82 transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions to a state in which they are disposed in a performance position. The movable parts 80-82 are devices (components) used in performance, and therefore, their operation can affect the player's interest. In this embodiment, when a special condition is established, the movable parts 80-82 can be restricted from transitioning from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions to a state in which they are disposed in a performance position, allowing the movable parts 80-82 to operate appropriately depending on the situation.

[0235] (2) The movable parts 80-82 are devices (components) used for presentation, and therefore may affect the player's interest, particularly when the movable parts 80-82 perform a specific action during the execution of a special game. In this embodiment, even during the execution of a special game, if a special condition is met, special control is executed to restrict the movable parts 80-82 from performing a specific action. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the execution of a specific action during the execution of a special game can be restricted, and the movable parts 80-82 can be operated appropriately depending on the situation.

[0236] (3) The movable parts 80-82 can be controlled so that they are located in their original positions when the special game ends. For example, if the movable parts 80-82 are not located in their original positions when the special game ends, there is a risk that the movable parts 80-82 will not operate normally. For this reason, if the movable parts 80-82 are not located in their original positions when the special game ends, it is possible to operate the movable parts 80-82. In such a situation, if the operation of the movable parts 80-82 is restricted by the execution of special control, there is a risk that the movable parts 80-82 will not operate normally thereafter. According to this embodiment, even if special control is executed, the movable parts 80-82 are allowed to perform a specific action when the special game ends. This makes it easier for the movable parts 80-82 to operate normally, allowing the movable parts 80-82 to operate appropriately.

[0237] (4) According to this embodiment, for example, if the current time is close to the closing time of the gaming parlor, it is conceivable that the game will be stopped even if a jackpot is hit. In this embodiment, the moving parts 80 to 82 can be restricted from moving from the state where they are arranged in the original position to the state where they are arranged in the performance position based on the time, so that the moving parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately depending on the situation.

[0238] (5) According to this embodiment, the game status, such as the operating status of the gaming machine, can be estimated from the number of game media used in the game. In this embodiment, the moving parts 80 to 82 can be restricted from moving from the original position to the effect position based on the number of game media, so that the moving parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately depending on the situation.

[0239] (6) Generally, the purpose of executing a standby effect is to encourage players to play a game. The first standby effect is an effect in which the movable parts 80-82 can perform a specific action, and therefore is more easily recognized than the second standby effect. Therefore, the movable parts 80-82 are devices that can influence the player's interest through their actions. In this embodiment, when a specific condition, which is an example of a movement restriction condition, is met, the second standby effect can be executed, but the first standby effect is not executed by executing specific control. According to this embodiment, when the specific condition is met, the second standby effect can be executed without executing the first standby effect, and therefore the movable parts 80-82 can be operated appropriately depending on the situation.

[0240] (7) According to this embodiment, even if the special condition is not met, the first standby effect is not executed if the specific condition is met. In other words, according to this embodiment, when the special condition is not met, the specific control is executed, and the special control can be prevented from being executed. As a result, in this embodiment, the operation of the movable parts 80-82 can be controlled depending on the special condition and the specific condition being met. Therefore, for example, it is possible to create a situation in which the movable parts 80-82 are restricted from executing the specific action when the special game is not being played, while the movable parts 80-82 execute the specific action when the special game is being played, thereby allowing the movable parts 80-82 to operate appropriately depending on the situation.

[0241] (8) According to this embodiment, if a specific condition is met while the first standby performance is being performed, the movable parts 80-82 can transition to a state in which they are arranged in their original positions. In other words, even if the first standby performance is performed and the movable parts 80-82 are in a state different from the state in which they are arranged in their original positions, if a specific condition is met, the movable parts 80-82 can be made to return to a state in which they are arranged in their original positions. Therefore, if a specific condition is met, the movable parts 80-82 can be prevented from moving from a state in which they are arranged in their original positions.

[0242] (9) According to this embodiment, for example, when the current time is close to the closing time of the gaming parlor, it is conceivable that the player will be forced to stop playing even if a jackpot has been hit. In such a situation, if the first standby effect is executed, it is conceivable that the player's interest in the game will be reduced as a result of playing the game. In this embodiment, the first standby effect can be prevented from being executed depending on the time, and therefore the movable parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately depending on the situation.

[0243] (10) According to this embodiment, the game status, such as the operating status of the gaming machine, can be estimated from the number of gaming media used in the game. In this embodiment, the first standby effect can be prevented from being executed based on the number of gaming media, and the movable parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately depending on the situation.

[0244] (11) According to this embodiment, when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable part, an abnormality notification can be executed that allows the cause of the abnormality to be recognized. As a result, when an abnormality in the operation of the movable part occurs, it is possible to make it easier to notice that an abnormality has occurred and to make it easier to identify the cause of the abnormality. Therefore, it is possible to easily resolve the abnormality in the operation of the movable part, and by resolving the abnormality in the operation of the movable part, it is possible to operate the movable part appropriately.

[0245] (12) According to this embodiment, if an abnormality related to the operation of the moving part is detected in the abnormality determination process executed based on the start of power supply, an abnormality notification is issued. On the other hand, if an abnormality related to the operation of the moving part is detected in the abnormality determination process executed based on the execution of a special game, an abnormality notification is not issued. A situation in which power supply starts may involve, for example, turning on the power of a gaming machine before the opening of an amusement parlor. Therefore, a situation in which power supply starts may involve a situation in which a player has not yet started playing. Since an abnormality notification can be issued in such a situation, for example, it is possible to easily resolve an abnormality related to the operation of the moving part before the opening of an amusement parlor. On the other hand, a situation in which a special game is executed may involve, for example, a situation in which the gaming parlor has opened and a player is available to play. Since an abnormality notification is not issued in such a situation, it is possible to prevent a player from losing interest by, for example, interrupting the presentation of the game due to an abnormality notification being issued while the player is playing.

[0246] (13) According to this embodiment, when a special game in which no effect game is executed is played, the abnormality determination process may not be executed. It is more difficult to recognize that a special game in which no effect game is executed is being played than a special game in which an effect game is executed. Therefore, during the execution of a special game in which no effect game is executed, executing an effect using a moving part may give a player an uncomfortable feeling, so it is conceivable that the moving part may not be operated. For this reason, when a special game in which no effect game is executed is executed, there may be a situation in which it is less necessary to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the moving part. According to this embodiment, the abnormality determination process may not be executed based on the execution of a special game in which no effect game is executed, so the abnormality determination process can be executed depending on the situation.

[0247] (14) According to this embodiment, when it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of a moving part, it is possible to execute an abnormality notification that enables the type of moving part determined to have an abnormality and the cause of the abnormality that caused the determination to occur to be recognized. As a result, when an abnormality has occurred in the operation of a moving part, it is possible to easily notice that an abnormality has occurred and to easily identify the moving part in which the abnormality has occurred and the cause of the abnormality in that moving part. Therefore, it is possible to easily resolve the abnormality in the operation of the moving part, and by resolving the abnormality in the operation of the moving part, it is possible to operate the moving part appropriately.

[0248] (15) In this embodiment, it is possible to execute an effect in which the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81 operate at the same time. For example, if an abnormality occurs in either the upper movable part 80 or the left movable part 81, the player may feel uncomfortable when an effect in which the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81 operate at the same time is executed. According to this embodiment, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81, the operation of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81 is stopped, thereby preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable and allowing the movable parts to operate appropriately.

[0249] (16) According to this embodiment, for example, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the upper movable part 80 and the left movable part 81, the operation of both movable parts is stopped to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable, and the abnormality notification makes it easier to identify the movable part in which the abnormality has occurred. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is easier to resolve the abnormality in the operation of the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91, and it is possible to operate the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 appropriately.

[0250] (17) According to this embodiment, when the special game ends, the movable parts 80 to 82 are allowed to transition from a state in which they are disposed at their original positions to a state in which they are disposed at the effect positions. This makes it easier for the movable parts 80 to 82 to return to a state in which they are disposed at their original positions when the special game ends. Therefore, for example, the movable parts 80 to 82 can be operated appropriately during the execution of the next or subsequent special games.

[0251] (18) According to this embodiment, even if a specific condition is met, the movable parts 80 to 82 can perform a specific action while a special game is being played. Therefore, when a specific condition is met, the movable parts 80 to 82 can perform a specific action while a special game is being played, while restricting the execution of the specific action when a special game is not being played. This allows the movable parts 80 to 82 to operate appropriately depending on the situation.

[0252] (19) According to this embodiment, the same image is displayed in both the first standby effect and the second standby effect, which makes it easier for the player to recognize that a standby effect is being performed, and allows the movable parts 80 to 82 to operate appropriately depending on the situation.

[0253] (20) According to this embodiment, for example, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the upper movable unit 80 and the left movable unit 81, the operation of the upper movable unit 80 and the left movable unit 81 is stopped at least until the power supply is stopped and resumed. For example, when power is being supplied, power is also being supplied to the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91. Therefore, attempting to resolve the abnormality in the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 may actually worsen the abnormality in the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91. According to this embodiment, it is possible to guide the user to stop the power supply and resolve the abnormality in the movable units, making it easier to safely resolve the abnormality in the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91. Therefore, by resolving the abnormality in the operation of the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91, the movable units can be operated appropriately.

[0254] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility. The movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 may be configured to be able to transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions to a state in which they are disposed in a performance position by changing the position of the movable parts. A change in the position of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 means that the state of the movable parts changes as the movable parts move as a whole. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper movable part 80 may be able to transition from a state in which it is disposed in its original position P0a to a state in which it is disposed in a performance position P1a by moving the entire upper movable part 80.

[0255] The movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 may be configured to be able to transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions to a state in which they are disposed in a performance position by changing the posture of the movable parts. A change in the posture of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 refers to a change in the state of the movable parts as a result of the movable parts rotating, pivoting, or expanding and contracting. For example, the upper movable part 80 may transition from a state in which it is disposed in its original position P0a to a state in which it is disposed in a performance position P2a by rotating and tilting to the left as viewed from the front. In this case, the state in which the upper movable part 80 is disposed in the performance position P2a is an example of the second state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may include an actuator controllable by the sub-CPU 51 as a means for changing the posture of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91.

[0256] The movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 may be configured to be able to transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions to a state in which they are disposed in a performance position by changing the positions and postures of the movable parts. In other words, the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 may be able to transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions to a state different from the state in which they are disposed in their original positions by changing at least one of the positions and postures of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91. The movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 may be able to transition from a state in which they are disposed in their original positions to a state in which they are disposed in a performance position by changing at least one of the positions and postures of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91. The movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 may be able to transition from a state in which they are disposed in a performance position to a state in which they are disposed in their original positions by changing at least one of the positions and postures of the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91.

[0257] When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on, it may execute an operation check process and then an origin position check process. When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on, it may execute an operation check process after completing an origin position check process, and then further execute an origin position check process. Even in this modified example, if the sub-CPU 51 identifies multiple abnormal causes for a single moving part, it may execute an abnormality notification that can recognize the abnormal cause that occurred first. For example, if an upper origin position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and then an upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash blue. In other words, if it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of a moving part has occurred due to a first abnormality cause, and then it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality related to the operation of the moving part has occurred due to a second abnormality cause, the first abnormality notification may be executed without the second abnormality notification. For example, if the upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 and then the upper home position abnormality flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may control the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash green. That is, if the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to a second abnormality cause, and then determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to a first abnormality cause, the secondary CPU 51 may execute the second abnormality notification without executing the first abnormality notification. According to this modification, if the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to both the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause, the secondary CPU 51 executes the abnormality notification that allows the user to recognize the abnormality cause that was determined earlier, but does not execute the abnormality notification that allows the user to recognize the abnormality cause that was determined later. Here, the abnormality cause that was determined later may have been caused by the abnormality cause that was determined earlier. Therefore, it is first necessary to resolve the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part based on the abnormality cause that was determined earlier.According to this modified example, an abnormality notification is executed that allows the cause of the abnormality that was previously determined to be the cause to be recognized, making it easier to resolve the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, and by resolving the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, the movable part can be operated appropriately.

[0258] When the sub-CPU 51 identifies multiple causes of an abnormality for a single movable part, it may execute an abnormality alert that can recognize all of the multiple causes of an abnormality. For example, when the sub-CPU 51 identifies the first and second abnormal causes for the abnormality alert, it may control the decorative lamps LAc to LAg to flash in a color other than blue and green (e.g., yellow). For example, when the sub-CPU 51 identifies the first and second abnormal causes for the abnormality alert, it may control the decorative lamps LAc to LAg to flash alternately in blue and green. As a specific example, when an upper original position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 and then an upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash alternately in blue and green. That is, if the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to a first abnormality cause, and then determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to a second abnormality cause, the first abnormality notification may be executed and the second abnormality notification may be executed. If the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to a second abnormality cause, and then determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to the first abnormality cause, the second abnormality notification may be executed and the first abnormality notification may be executed. According to this modified example, if the abnormality determination process determines that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has occurred due to both the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause, both the first abnormality notification and the second abnormality notification are executed. Therefore, according to this modified example, both the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause can be recognized as the determined abnormality cause, making it easier to resolve the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part, and resolving the abnormality related to the operation of the movable part allows the movable part to operate appropriately.

[0259] The top original position check 1 process, the left original position check 1 process, and the right original position check 1 process may be executed simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. For example, the secondary CPU 51 may execute steps S503, S506, and S509 of the original position check process simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. When the top original position check 1 process is executed, the secondary CPU 51 may store an top original position abnormality resolution flag in the secondary RWM 53 as the abnormality resolution flag when the top original position check 1 process is terminated before the number of retries reaches the specified number Rk. When the left original position check 1 process is executed, the secondary CPU 51 may store a left original position abnormality resolution flag in the secondary RWM 53 as the abnormality resolution flag when the number of retries reaches the specified number Rk. When the right original position check 1 process is executed, the secondary CPU 51 may store a right original position abnormality resolution flag in the secondary RWM 53 as the abnormality resolution flag when the right original position check 1 process is terminated before the number of retries reaches the specified number Rk.

[0260] The top original position check 2 process, the left original position check 2 process, and the right original position check 2 process may be executed simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. For example, the secondary CPU 51 may execute steps S602, S610, and S618 of the original position check process simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. When the top original position check 2 process is executed, the secondary CPU 51 may store an upper operation abnormality resolution flag in the secondary RWM 53 as the abnormality resolution flag when the top original position check 2 process is terminated before the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk. When the left original position check 2 process is executed, the secondary CPU 51 may store a left operation abnormality resolution flag in the secondary RWM 53 as the abnormality resolution flag when the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk. When the right original position check 2 process is executed, the secondary CPU 51 may store a right operation abnormality resolution flag in the secondary RWM 53 as the abnormality resolution flag when the right original position check 2 process is terminated before the number of retry operations reaches the specified number Rk. Then, after the upper original position check 2 process, the left original position check 2 process, and the right original position check 2 process are completed, the upper original position check 1 process, the left original position check 1 process, and the right original position check 1 process may be executed simultaneously or approximately simultaneously, as in the original position check process of the modified example described above.

[0261] If an abnormality resolution flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may, during the execution of an abnormality notification, notify a movable part that can be identified by the abnormality resolution flag that an abnormality related to the operation of the movable part has been resolved. For example, if an upper original position abnormality flag and a left original position abnormality resolution flag are stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may control the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash blue. In addition, the secondary CPU 51 may control the on-board left decorative lamp LAd to flash red. For example, if a left operation abnormality flag and an upper operation abnormality resolution flag are stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may control the on-board left decorative lamp LAd to flash green. In addition, the secondary CPU 51 may control the on-board decorative lamp LAc to flash red.

[0262] As described above, the first determination operation and the second determination operation may be performed simultaneously. For example, if the upper movable unit 80 is the first movable unit and the left movable unit 81 is the second movable unit, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable unit, even if it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable unit, if the second determination operation is performed and the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable unit is eliminated, an abnormality notification that allows the user to recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable unit and the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the first movable unit may be performed, and a notification regarding the operation of the second movable unit may be performed. In this way, according to this modified example, in addition to the abnormality notification regarding the first movable unit, it is also possible to identify that the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the second movable unit has been eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to inspect each of the first movable unit and the second movable unit, and by eliminating the abnormality in the operation of the movable unit, the movable unit can be operated appropriately. Furthermore, even if it is determined that an abnormality in the operation of the second movable part has occurred, and it is not determined that an abnormality in the operation of the first movable part has occurred, if the first determination operation is performed and the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that the abnormality in the operation of the first movable part has occurred is eliminated, an abnormality notification that allows the occurrence of the abnormality in the operation of the second movable part and the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that the abnormality in the operation of the second movable part has occurred to be recognized, and an notification regarding the operation of the first movable part may be performed. Thus, according to this modified example, in addition to the abnormality notification regarding the second movable part, it is also possible to identify that the cause of the abnormality that led to the determination that the abnormality in the operation of the first movable part has occurred has been eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to have each of the first movable part and the second movable part inspected, and by eliminating the abnormality in the operation of the movable parts, it is possible to operate the movable parts appropriately.

[0263] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may include a locking unit that locks the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 so that they do not move from their original positions. One example of the locking unit is an electromagnetic solenoid. For example, the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 may have a locking hole that penetrates them in the front-to-rear direction. When the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 are in their original positions, the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 may be locked by inserting a plunger (movable iron core) of the electromagnetic solenoid into the locking hole of the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91. The sub-CPU 51 may be capable of controlling the electromagnetic solenoid. When moving the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 from their original positions, the sub-CPU 51 may apply a current to the electromagnetic solenoid to retract the plunger, thereby controlling the movable units 80-82, 90, and 91 to an operable state. When the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 are arranged in their home positions, the sub-CPU 51 may control the plungers to protrude without supplying current to the electromagnetic solenoids, thereby locking the operation of the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91. Naturally, when the power is turned off, no current flows through the electromagnetic solenoids. Therefore, when the power is turned off while the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 are arranged in their home positions, the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 are locked by the electromagnetic solenoids. In other words, when the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 are arranged in their home positions, the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91 may be configured not to transition from their home positions to their performance positions even if the power supply is stopped. As a result, when the gaming machine is moved, such as when it is transported, the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 can be placed in their original positions, which prevents the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 from coming into contact with the protective glass Hg and breaking. In this way, in this modified example, it is possible to prevent the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 from breaking down, and it is possible to operate the specific movable parts appropriately. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured so that the movable parts 80-82, 90, 91 are not locked when they are placed in the performance positions.In other words, when the power supply is stopped, it may be more difficult for the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 to operate when they are arranged in their original positions than when they are arranged in their performance positions. Therefore, for example, by moving the gaming machine when the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 are arranged in their original positions, it is possible to prevent the movable parts 80 to 82, 90, 91 from breaking down, and it is possible to operate the specific movable parts appropriately.

[0264] The game stop condition may be met when the number of game balls fired into the game area YBa since power was turned on reaches an upper limit (40,000, for example). Specifically, in the game stop process, the main CPU 42 may count the number of fired balls as the number of game balls fired into the game area YBa. When the main CPU 42 updates the number of fired balls, it may store information capable of identifying the number of fired balls in the main RWM 44. At this time, the main CPU 42 may store a control command (hereinafter referred to as a "fire count command") capable of identifying the updated number of fired balls in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from any of sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, or SE6, it may increment the number of fired balls by one and store the result in the main RWM 44. When power is turned on, the main CPU 42 may initialize the number of fired balls (to 0, for example) and store it in the main RWM 44. The main CPU 42 may stop processing related to the progress of the game when the number of fired balls reaches the upper limit number of fired balls as a result of adding up the number of fired balls. The number of fired balls is an example of count information related to the number of game balls from when the power is turned on until when the power is turned off.

[0265] The sub-CPU 51 may execute a ball count regulation determination process when it inputs a shot count command. The sub-CPU 51 may determine whether the number of shot balls exceeds a third specified number (for example, 38,000). The third specified number may be a number smaller than the upper limit number of shots. If the upper limit number of shots exceeds the third specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may store a first regulation flag in the sub-RWM 53. On the other hand, if the upper limit number of shots does not exceed the third specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may erase the first regulation flag. A movable regulation condition that is established when the first regulation flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the number of gaming balls that can be identified by the number of shot balls (counting information) is an example of a specific condition. In other words, the specific condition may be established based on the number of gaming balls as gaming media that can be identified by the counting information.

[0266] The sub-CPU 51 may determine whether the number of balls fired exceeds a fourth specified number (for example, 39,000). The fourth specified number may be a number smaller than the upper limit number of balls fired. The fourth specified number may be a number larger than the third specified number. If the upper limit number of balls fired exceeds the fourth specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may store a second restriction flag in the sub-RWM 53. On the other hand, if the upper limit number of balls fired does not exceed the fourth specified number, the sub-CPU 51 may erase the second restriction flag. A movable restriction condition that is established when the second restriction flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53 based on the number of gaming balls that can be identified by the number of balls fired (counting information) is an example of a special condition. In other words, the special condition may be established based on the number of gaming balls as gaming media that can be identified by the counting information. The movable restriction condition that is established when the first restriction flag is stored in the sub-RWM53 based on the number of game balls that can be identified by the number of balls fired may be established before the movable restriction condition that is established when the second restriction flag is stored in the sub-RWM53 based on the number of game balls that can be identified by the number of balls fired.

[0267] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a firing sensor SE7 that detects a gaming ball that has reached the gaming area YBa. When the main CPU 42 receives a detection signal from the firing sensor SE7 under the game stop condition, the main CPU 42 may subtract one from the number of balls difference and store the subtracted number in the main RWM 44. In this case, the main CPU 42 may not update the number of balls difference even when it receives a detection signal from any of the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, or SE6. Furthermore, when it receives a detection signal from the firing sensor SE7, the main CPU 42 may add one to the number of balls fired and store the subtracted number in the main RWM 44. In this case, the main CPU 42 may not update the number of balls fired even when it receives a detection signal from any of the sensors SE1 to SE3, SE5, or SE6.

[0268] When the secondary CPU 51 is powered on, it may acquire time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time and store the time information in the secondary RWM 53 as startup time information. The RTC 54 may then determine the elapsed time since power was turned on from the startup time information stored in the secondary RWM 53 and the time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time. In the time restriction determination process, the secondary CPU 51 may acquire time information generated by the RTC 54 at that time and determine the elapsed time since power was turned on. If the elapsed time since power was turned on exceeds a first hour (for example, 12 hours), the secondary CPU 51 may store a third restriction flag in the secondary RWM 53. On the other hand, if the elapsed time since power was turned on does not exceed the first hour, the secondary CPU 51 may erase the third restriction flag. An example of a specific condition is an operational restriction condition that is established when the third restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on the elapsed time that can be determined from the time information. In other words, the specific condition may be met based on an elapsed time that can be specified by time information. In this way, the specific condition may be met based on a time or elapsed time that can be specified by time information. Furthermore, the secondary CPU 51 may store a fourth restriction flag in the secondary RWM 53 if the elapsed time since power-on exceeds a second time (for example, 12.5 hours). On the other hand, if the elapsed time since power-on does not exceed the second time, the secondary CPU 51 may erase the fourth restriction flag. The movable restriction condition that is met when the fourth restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on an elapsed time that can be specified by time information is an example of a special condition. In other words, the special condition may be met based on an elapsed time that can be specified by time information. In this way, the special condition may be met based on a time or elapsed time that can be specified by time information. The movable restriction condition that is met when the third restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on a time or elapsed time that can be specified by time information may be met before the movable restriction condition that is met when the fourth restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 based on a time or elapsed time that can be specified by time information.

[0269] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to initialize at least a portion of the information stored in the main RWM 44 (hereinafter referred to as RWM clear) by operating a predetermined operation unit when the power is turned on. The unplayable state may continue until the RWM is cleared. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the power is turned on after being turned off, the unplayable state may continue unless the RWM is cleared. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the power is turned on after being turned off, the unplayable state may end and the machine may become playable when the RWM is cleared.

[0270] The first standby performance and the second standby performance may be different standby display performances executed on the performance display device EH. In other words, the form of the image displayed on the performance display device EH in step S308 of the standby performance execution processing may be different from the form of the image displayed on the performance display device EH in step S311. In this way, the first standby performance can be executed as a standby display performance on the premise that the first moving performance by the movable parts 80 to 82 will be executed. The second standby performance can be executed as a standby display performance on the premise that the first moving performance by the movable parts 80 to 82 will not be executed. Therefore, it is possible to execute standby performances that do not feel strange depending on the situation.

[0271] When either the first restriction flag or the second restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may not execute the original position check process for the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91. When the first restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 and the second restriction flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may not execute the original position check process for the movable parts 80-82, but may execute the original position check process for the movable parts 90 and 91. When the second restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53 and the first restriction flag is not stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may not execute the original position check process for the movable parts 90 and 91, but may execute the original position check process for the movable parts 80-82. Regardless of whether the first restriction flag or the second restriction flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may execute the original position check process for the movable parts 80-82, 90, and 91.

[0272] The operation check process may be executed based on the execution of a special game. More specifically, the operation check process may be executed when the power is turned on and when the special game ends. That is, the operation check process, which is an example of an abnormality determination process, may be executed based on a first execution trigger based on the start of power supply and a second execution trigger based on the execution of a special game. In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to execute the operation check process after completing the original position check process when the special game ends. In this way, the operation check process, which is an example of an abnormality determination process, may be executable based on the execution of a special game.

[0273] In the above modification, the operation check process may be executed when the special game starts instead of or in addition to when the special game ends. The sub-CPU 51 may execute the operation check process when a variation start command and a special symbol command are input.

[0274] The original position check process may be executed based on the execution of either the first special game or the second special game, regardless of the gaming state. The original position check process may be executed when the special game starts, instead of or in addition to when the special game ends. The sub-CPU 51 may execute the original position check process when a variation start command and a special symbol command are input.

[0275] When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may prohibit all operations, including the operation of the movable parts 80-82, during the abnormality determination process. In other words, after storing the first operation prohibition flag in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may prevent the movable parts 80-82 from operating until the power is turned off and then turned on again. For example, assuming that the upper movable part 80 is the first movable part and the left movable part 81 is the second movable part, if it is determined in the abnormality determination process that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of one of the first and second movable parts, the operation of the first and second movable parts may be stopped at least until the power supply is stopped and then restarted. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may prohibit all operations, including the operation of the movable parts 90 and 91, during the abnormality determination process. That is, after the secondary CPU 51 stores the second operation prohibition flag in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may prevent the movable parts 90 and 91 from operating until the power is turned off and then turned on again.

[0276] When executing an abnormality notification, the sub-CPU 51 starts the abnormality notification and controls the frame left decorative lamp LAa and the frame right decorative lamp LAb to flash red, but this is not limited to this. The sub-CPU 51 may also control the frame left decorative lamp LAa and the frame right decorative lamp LAb to flash in the same color as the color used in the abnormality notification. For example, when a first abnormality notification is executed, the frame left decorative lamp LAa and the frame right decorative lamp LAb may issue a notification in the same manner as the notification mode used in the first abnormality notification.

[0277] The secondary CPU 51 may be configured to terminate the abnormality notification when the power is turned off. In this case, the secondary CPU 51 may not execute the abnormality notification even when the power is turned on. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 may terminate the abnormality notification when the power is turned off instead of, or in addition to, the elapse of a predetermined time since the start of the abnormality notification. The secondary CPU 51 may terminate the abnormality notification when, or in addition to, the power is turned off and then turned on instead of, or in addition to, the elapse of a predetermined time since the start of the abnormality notification. For example, the secondary CPU 51 may terminate the abnormality notification when the power is turned off, even if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the abnormality notification.

[0278] The sub-CPU 51 may terminate the abnormality notification when an operation unit (for example, an abnormality notification cancel switch) that can be operated when the middle frame 11b is opened is operated. The abnormality notification cancel switch may be an operation unit that can be operated when the front frame 11c is opened. The sub-CPU 51 may terminate the abnormality notification by operating the abnormality notification cancel switch instead of the lapse of a predetermined time since the start of the abnormality notification. Since the abnormality notification cancel switch cannot be operated unless the middle frame 11b or the front frame 11c is opened, it can be said to be an operation unit that can be operated by the gaming machine manager (for example, a gaming parlor clerk). This allows the abnormality notification to continue until, for example, a gaming parlor clerk operates the abnormality notification cancel switch, making it easier for the gaming parlor clerk to notice that an abnormality notification is being issued. The sub-CPU 51 may terminate the abnormality notification by operating the abnormality notification cancel switch in addition to the lapse of a predetermined time since the start of the abnormality notification. The sub-CPU 51 may terminate the abnormality notification when the abnormality notification cancel switch is operated, even before a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality notification was initiated. This allows, for example, a gaming parlor employee to terminate the abnormality notification by operating the abnormality notification cancel switch, and the abnormality notification can also be terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality notification was initiated, thereby improving convenience in terminating the abnormality notification. In this manner, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to terminate the abnormality notification by operating an operation unit that can be operated by unlocking the locking device Ss. The first operation prohibition flag and the second operation prohibition flag may also be initialized upon operation of the abnormality notification cancel switch. The abnormality notification cancel switch may be a dedicated operation unit for terminating the abnormality notification. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with an operation unit (for example, an error cancellation switch) for clearing an error in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and terminating the error notification, and the abnormality notification may be terminated by operating the error cancellation switch. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with an error reset switch instead of the abnormality notification reset switch.The error release switch is an operation unit for ending the abnormality notification, and may also be used as an operation unit for canceling various errors and ending the error notification.

[0279] The sub-CPU 51 may cause the performance display device EH to execute an abnormality notification. For example, if an upper home position abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the performance display device EH to display an image (for example, a string of characters reading, "The upper movable part cannot be moved to the state where it is placed in its home position.") that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause. For example, if an upper operation abnormality flag is stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the performance display device EH to display an image (for example, a string of characters reading, "The upper movable part cannot be moved from the state where it is placed in its home position.") that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the second abnormality cause. For example, if both an upper home position abnormality flag and an upper operation abnormality flag are stored in the sub-RWM 53, the sub-CPU 51 may control the performance display device EH to display an image that can identify that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the upper movable part 80 and that the cause of the abnormality is the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause. In this case, the performance display device EH may be controlled to display an image that can identify both the first abnormality cause and the second abnormality cause as the cause of the abnormality (for example, the text "Cannot transition to a state where the upper movable part is placed in its original position" and "Cannot transition from a state where the upper movable part is placed in its original position").

[0280] When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may operate the movable parts 80-82 without prohibiting them from operating in the original position check process. When the first operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may operate the movable parts 80-82 without prohibiting them from operating in the original position check process. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may operate the movable parts 90, 91 without prohibiting them from operating in the original position check process. When the second operation prohibition flag is stored in the secondary RWM 53, the secondary CPU 51 may operate the movable parts 90, 91 without prohibiting them from operating in the original position check process.

[0281] The first time and the second time may be configured to be set by, for example, an administrator of the gaming machine. As an example, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the power is turned on, the first time and the second time may be set by an operation means (for example, a cross key) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the sub-CPU 51 may be able to input an operation signal of the operation means and set the first time and the second time based on the operation signal. In other words, the first time and the second time may be set arbitrarily.

[0282] The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine that performs a small jackpot lottery in addition to a big jackpot lottery. Generally, if a small jackpot is won in the small jackpot lottery, the small jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a state (so-called small jackpot rush) in which the number of times (frequency) a small jackpot is won per unit time or the number of times (frequency) a small jackpot game is awarded per unit time is increased compared to a normal gaming state (e.g., a gaming state in which the probability of winning is low and the time is not shortened).

[0283] Pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high probability state include those with a specification that controls the state to a high probability state until the drop lottery is won (drop machine) and those with a specification that controls the state to a probability variable state until a predetermined number of special games are completed (ST machine). Pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high probability state also include those with a specification that controls the state to a high probability state when the gaming ball passes through a specific area (V probability variable machine). The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine with any of these specifications. The pachinko gaming machine may also be a pachinko gaming machine with a specification that combines the above drop machine and V probability variable machine.

[0284] The special game may be displayed on the effect display device EH. In this case, the effect game may not be displayed. The first special game and the second special game may be executed in the order of the reserved games, or may be executed simultaneously in parallel.

[0285] The pachinko gaming machine 10 does not have to include the movable parts 90, 91. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may have a movable part in the frame 11 (for example, the front frame 11c) instead of or in addition to the game board YB. That is, the movable parts of the pachinko gaming machine 10 may include a movable part provided in the frame 11. For example, the movable part provided in the frame 11 may have an operation part (for example, a button and a lever) that can be operated by a player, and may be capable of moving from an original position to an effect position. The sub-CPU 51 may be capable of executing control to cause a movable part having an operation part that can be operated by a player to move from a state where it is located in the original position to a state where it is located in an effect position, based on the establishment of a predetermined operating condition.

[0286] The mechanical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine may be changed as appropriate. For example, the effect display device EH may be configured with a plurality of display means, some of which may be configured to be displaceable.

[0287] The above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine in which a virtual medium composed of electronic data is dispensed when a gaming ball is dispensed. That is, the above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine in which no physical gaming medium is dispensed (a so-called controlled gaming machine). Such a pachinko gaming machine is configured to convert a gaming ball into a launchable gaming ball by using the virtual medium and to be able to launch the gaming ball.

[0288] The functions of the main control board 40 may be divided among multiple boards. The main control board 40 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board. The functions of the sub-control board 50 may be divided among multiple boards. For example, a pachinko gaming machine may be equipped with a display board that specializes in controlling the performance display device EH, a lamp board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA, an audio board that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and a movable part board that specializes in controlling the movable parts, and may further be equipped with a master board that controls these boards in an integrated manner. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 51 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0289] The above embodiment may be embodied in a slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine. The slot machine has a movable part. As an example, the slot machine has a main cabinet shaped like a square box. The main cabinet has an opening on the front. The slot machine has a front door that covers the opening of the main cabinet. The main cabinet may be provided with a movable part. The front door may be provided with a movable part. For example, the movable part provided on the front door may have an operation part (for example, a button and a lever) that can be operated by a player, and may be capable of moving from an original position to a performance position.

[0290] The slot machine in the above modified example may be configured to count the difference in number of coins instead of the difference in number of balls. The difference in number of coins may be the difference between the number of game medals used to execute the variable game (the so-called bet number) and the number of game medals paid out as a result of the variable game (the number of game medals paid out as a result of winning). In the slot machine, when the difference in number of coins reaches the upper limit of the difference in number (for example, 19,000), a game stop condition may be met, and the slot machine may become unable to play.

[0291] The slot machine in the above modified example is configured to be able to execute a variable game in which multiple reels are spun by operating an operation unit (e.g., a lever) that can be operated by a player after a predetermined number of gaming medals (e.g., three medals) have been inserted. The slot machine is configured to be able to execute an internal lottery (e.g., a winning combination lottery and an automatic turnaround lottery based on the winning combination lottery) when executing the variable game. The slot machine may be configured to be able to control the gaming state from the normal state to a more advantageous state (e.g., a bonus, automatic turnaround, or real-time) than the normal state according to the result of the internal lottery.

[0292] The slot machine in the above modified example may be embodied as a slot machine in which physical game media (for example, game medals) are replaced with virtual media composed of electronic data. In other words, the slot machine in the above modified example may be embodied as a slot machine in which games are played without using physical game media (so-called medal-less slot machine). Such a slot machine is configured to be able to execute a variable game by using virtual media.

[0293] The technical ideas that can be understood from each embodiment and modified example will be described. (i) Even if the specific condition is met, the specific movable part can perform the specific action during the execution of the variable game.

[0294] (b) An image display unit capable of displaying an image is provided, and the appearance of the image displayed on the image display unit during execution of the first waiting performance is the same as the appearance of the image displayed on the image display unit during execution of the second waiting performance.

[0295] (C) When the power supply is stopped, the specific moving part is less likely to operate when the specific moving part is in the first state than when the specific moving part is in the second state. (ii) When the specific movable part is in the first state, the specific movable part is configured not to transition from the first state to the second state even if the power supply is stopped.

[0296] (e) A gaming machine capable of executing a variable game based on the result of a predetermined lottery and capable of executing various effects, comprising a specific moving part and a movement control unit that controls the operation of the specific moving part, wherein the effects include an effect in which the specific moving part moves, the state of the specific moving part has a first state and a second state, the specific moving part can transition from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state by changing at least one of the position and posture of the specific moving part, and the movement control unit controls the specific moving part to transition from the first state to the second state based on the establishment of a predetermined operation condition. a game machine capable of executing a control to execute a specific action to be transitioned, the movable control unit being capable of executing the specific control when a specific condition is met, and being capable of executing a waiting effect during a part of a period when a variable game is not being executed, the waiting effect including a first waiting effect and a second waiting effect, the specific movable part being capable of executing the specific action while the first waiting effect is being executed, but not the specific action while the second waiting effect is being executed, and the second waiting effect being capable of being executed when the specific condition is met, but not the first waiting effect being executed by executing the specific control.

[0297] (F) A gaming machine described in technical idea (E) in which the movable control unit is capable of executing special control when a special condition is met, and when the special condition is met, the special control is executed to restrict the specific movable part from executing the specific action, and the specific condition is met before the special condition is met.

[0298] (T) A gaming machine described in technical idea (E) or technical idea (F) in which the specific movable part can transition to the first state when the specific condition is met while the first waiting effect is being executed.

[0299] (H) A gaming machine described in any one of technical ideas (E), (F) and (G), which is equipped with a time generation unit that generates time information related to time, and the specific condition is established based on a time or elapsed time that can be identified by the time information.

[0300] (i) A gaming machine described in any one of technical ideas (e), (f) and (g), which is equipped with a count generation unit that generates count information regarding the number of gaming media, and the specific condition is established based on the number of gaming media that can be identified by the count information.

[0301] (Ju) A gaming machine capable of executing a variable game based on the result of a predetermined lottery and capable of executing various effects, comprising: a counting generation unit that generates counting information regarding the number of gaming media; a display unit; a specific moving part; and a control unit that controls the operation of the specific moving part, wherein the effects include an effect in which the specific moving part operates, and the state of the specific moving part has a first state and a second state, and the control unit is capable of executing control to cause the specific moving part to execute a specific action in which the specific moving part transitions from the first state to the second state based on the establishment of a predetermined operating condition, and is capable of executing special control when a special condition that is established based on the number of gaming media that can be identified by the counting information is established, and when the special condition is established, the special control is executed to restrict the specific moving part from executing the specific action, and when the special condition is established, a first image is displayed on the display unit, and when the special condition is not established, a second image is displayed on the display unit, and the appearance of the second image is at least partially different from the appearance of the first image. [Explanation of symbols]

[0302] 10... Pachinko gaming machine 11... Frame body 11a... Outer frame 11b... Middle frame 11c... Front frame 13a... First special symbol display section 13b... Second special symbol display section 15... First start port 16... Second start port 18... Big prize port 26... Normal prize port 27... Out port 40... Main control board 41... Microprocessor 42... Main CPU 43... Main ROM 44... Main RWM 45... Random number circuit 50... Sub control board 51... Sub CPU 52... Sub ROM 53... Sub RWM 60... Power supply unit 60a... Power switch 80... Upper movable section 81... Left movable section 82... Right movable section 90... Lower left movable section 91... Lower right movable section DE... Performance device group EH... Performance display device GH... Image display section GSa... Upper home position sensor GSb... Left home position sensor GSc...Right home position sensor GSd...Lower left home position sensor GSe...Lower right home position sensor HD...Firing handle KA1...Upper movable actuator KA2...Left movable actuator KA3...Right movable actuator KA4...Lower left movable actuator KA5...Lower right movable actuator LAa...Left frame decorative lamp LAb...Right frame decorative lamp LAc...Above board decorative lamp LAd...Left board decorative lamp LAe...Right board decorative lamp LAf...Lower left board decorative lamp LAg...Lower right board decorative lamp SE1...1st start sensor SE2...2nd start sensor SE3...Special winning sensor SE4...Normal start sensor SE5...Normal winning sensor SE6...Out sensor SP...Speaker YB...Game board

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine capable of executing a variable game based on the result of a predetermined lottery and executing various effects, a count generating unit that generates count information regarding the number of game media; A display unit; A specific moving part; a control unit capable of executing control related to the operation of the specific movable part, The effect includes an effect in which the specific movable part moves, The state of the specific movable part includes a first state and a second state, the control unit is capable of executing control to cause the specific movable part to perform a specific operation in which the specific movable part transitions from the first state to the second state, A special control can be executed when a special condition is established based on the number of game media that can be identified by the count information, When the special condition is satisfied, the special control is executed to restrict the specific movable part from performing the specific operation, When the special condition is met, a first image is displayed on the display unit; When the special condition is not met, a second image is displayed on the display unit; The aspect of the second image is at least partially different from the aspect of the first image, A determination process for determining an operational abnormality of the specific movable part can be executed, When an abnormality is determined in the determination process, the specific operation can be executed, When the special condition is met, the determination process may not be executed, thereby restricting the specific movable part from performing the specific action, The specific movable portion includes a first movable portion and a second movable portion, There are specific conditions that can be met under conditions different from the special conditions, When the specific condition is met, the first movable part may be restricted from performing the specific action, and the second movable part may be restricted from performing the specific action, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the specific condition is met, the first movable part is restricted from performing the specific action and the second movable part is restricted from performing the specific action by not executing the judgment process, and the second movable part can perform the specific action by executing the judgment process.

Images