gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest in a game by improving identification performance of a game state.SOLUTION: In a game hall, a number of Pachinko machines 10 and a hall computer HC for managing them are provided. In the Pachinko machines 10, an external terminal board 240 for outputting various kinds of pieces of information toward the hall computer HC from a main control device is provided. The external terminal board 240 includes a second terminal for outputting predetermined identification information for showing that a current game state is either during a jackpot state or a high-support mode. During a predetermined period after completion of the high-support mode, specific identification information in an output mode differing from an output mode of the predetermined identification information is outputted from the second terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3-41

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known to perform a game by shooting a game ball into a game area. Pachinko machine (For example, see Patent Document 1). In amusement machines such as pachinko machines, various forms of entertainment are provided to the players. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventionally, the operations required of players to input various types of information into or output various types of information from gaming machines were complex and cumbersome.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems and the object thereof is The objective is to efficiently input various types of information to and output various types of information from gaming machines.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a win / loss lottery means for performing a win / loss lottery based on a determination by a determination means for determining whether a predetermined lottery condition is satisfied, when it is determined that the predetermined lottery condition is satisfied; a variable display means for performing a variable display for a predetermined period based on the result of the win / loss lottery; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game state after the end of a specific variable display for displaying a specific display result that is executed when the result of the win / loss lottery is a specific result; an effect execution means for performing a variable effect using a plurality of effect elements during the variable display for the predetermined period 、 A gaming machine comprising This is a gaming machine is in a predetermined detection state when a predetermined detection target approaches or contacts a predetermined detection unit up to a predetermined distance The predetermined state was reached. and can be in a predetermined detection state prescribed detection means and, Information output means capable of performing at least a predetermined output, and is configured to in a predetermined Input possible state, when the prescribed detection means enters the predetermined detection state Ta output a plurality of pieces of information stored in a predetermined storage unit and executed by the effect execution means Supports input of specified information executed prescribed and is configured such that when a predetermined By the aforementioned information output means input corresponding to the plurality of output pieces of information is detected, a state in which predetermined configurable information in the effect execution means can be or output occurs prescribed and has the gist of the above. Information reflection or output identification is configured to occur 、 This gaming machine is The system is configured to generate a non-output state in which, after the aforementioned specific state occurs, the predetermined state occurs, in which the predetermined plurality of pieces of information are not output by the information output means. This gaming machine is When the aforementioned specific state occurs, if a specific detection state different from the predetermined detection state occurs, the system is configured to output specific information to allow the player to confirm the end of the aforementioned specific state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, This system allows for efficient input of various types of information to and output of various types of information from gaming machines.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1-1] It is a front view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 1-2] It is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 1-3] It is a perspective view showing a state where the inner frame and the front frame are opened. [Figure 1-4] It is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and the game board etc. [Figure 1-5] It is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine.​​ [Figure 1-6] It is a perspective view showing the state where the inner frame and the back pack unit etc. are opened. [Figure 1-7] It is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 1-8] It is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used for game control. [Figure 1-9] It is a flowchart showing the main processing by the main control device. [Figure 1-10] It is a flowchart showing the normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 1-11] It is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing. [Figure 1-12] It is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt processing. [Figure 1-13] It is a flowchart showing the start winning process. [Figure 1-14] (a) is a flowchart showing the first pass / fail determination process, (b) is a flowchart showing the second pass / fail determination process, and (c) is a flowchart showing the time-saving pass / fail determination process. [Figure 1-15] It is a flowchart showing the type determination process. [Figure 1-16] It is a flowchart showing the reach determination process. [Figure 1-17] It is a flowchart showing the through gate passing process. [Figure 1-18] It is a flowchart showing the launch permission command setting process. [Figure 1-19] It is a flowchart showing the first special display control process. [Figure 1-20] It is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 1-21] It is a flowchart showing the special figure 1 discrimination information setting process. [Figure 1-22] It is a flowchart showing the second special display control process. [Figure 1-23] It is a flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 1-24]This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Special Feature 2. [Figure 1-25] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 1-26] This is a flowchart showing the process for receiving specific awards. [Figure 1-27] This is a flowchart showing the termination settings process. [Figure 1-28] This is a flowchart showing the remaining sphere monitoring process. [Figure 1-29] This flowchart shows the normal display control process. [Figure 1-30] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the general graph fluctuations. [Figure 1-31] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting general map discrimination information. [Figure 1-32] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the starting prize-winning section. [Figure 1-33] This is a flowchart showing the receive interrupt processing. [Figure 1-34] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 1-35] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 1-36] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process. [Figure 1-37] This is a flowchart showing the normal operation of the sub-control unit. [Figure 1-38] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overview of various counters used for determining decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 1-39] This is a flowchart showing the counter update process. [Figure 1-40] This is a flowchart showing the process for storing pending information. [Figure 1-41] This is a flowchart showing the pending processing. [Figure 1-42] This is a flowchart showing the process for displaying a winning result. [Figure 1-43] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 1-44] This is a flowchart showing the process for stopping fluctuations. [Figure 1-45] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 1-46] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 1-47] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 1-48] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 1-49] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 1-50] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 1-51] (a) and (b) are time charts to explain the flow of changes in the first special symbol display device, the second special symbol display device, and the performance display device. [Figure 2-1] This is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. [Figure 2-2] This is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 2-3] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 2-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 2-5] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 2-6] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and back pack unit in an open state. [Figure 2-7] This is a front view of the variable display unit. [Figure 2-8] This is a front view of the variable display unit with the special effects unit deployed. [Figure 2-9] (a) is a diagram showing the movable mechanism and vertical drive mechanism in standby mode, and (b) is a diagram showing the movable mechanism and vertical drive mechanism in operation mode. [Figure 2-10] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 2-11] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the various counters used for game control. [Figure 2-12]This is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 2-13] This flowchart shows the normal processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 2-14] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 2-15] This is a flowchart showing the process for winning prizes at the start of the event. [Figure 2-16] This flowchart shows the process for determining a jackpot. [Figure 2-17] This is a flowchart showing the reach determination process. [Figure 2-18] This is a flowchart showing the process of passing through the through gate. [Figure 2-19] This is a flowchart showing the game status check process. [Figure 2-20] This is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the lottery mode flag, the support mode flag, the game state identification counter, and the game state determination value. [Figure 2-21] This is a flowchart showing the first display control process. [Figure 2-22] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 2-23] This is a flowchart showing the settings process at the end of the fluctuation. [Figure 2-24] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 2-25] This flowchart shows the second display control process. [Figure 2-26] This is a flowchart showing the control process for opening and closing mechanisms. [Figure 2-27] This is a flowchart showing the receive interrupt processing. [Figure 2-28] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 2-29] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 2-30] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process. [Figure 2-31] This is a flowchart showing the normal operation of the sub-control unit. [Figure 2-32] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the various counters used to determine the decorative patterns. [Figure 2-33] This is a flowchart showing the counter update process. [Figure 2-34] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the sub-control unit. [Figure 2-35] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 2-36] This flowchart shows the process for setting the pending status. [Figure 2-37] This flowchart shows the process for setting the display during a win. [Figure 2-38] This diagram explains the different types of jackpots. [Figure 2-39] This diagram shows the structure of the first jackpot type determination table. [Figure 2-40] This diagram shows the structure of the second jackpot type determination table. [Figure 2-41] (a) is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the variation pattern table when a jackpot is achieved, and (b) is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the variation pattern table when a complete loss occurs. [Figure 2-42] This diagram shows the configuration of the variation pattern table during a jackpot in the normal state. [Figure 2-43] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the opening / closing pattern control table. [Figure 2-44] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (liquid crystal display) in normal operation. [Figure 2-45] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) when a jackpot occurs. [Figure 2-46] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (LCD display) during chance mode. [Figure 2-47] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) during Gold Mode. [Figure 2-48] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (liquid crystal display) during a roulette animation. [Figure 2-49] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (liquid crystal display unit) when a hold display change process is performed. [Figure 2-50] This is a front view showing a rotating body or the like in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 2-51] This is a rear view showing a part of a rotating body in a reduced diameter state. [Figure 2-52] This is a front view showing a rotating body or the like in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 2-53] This is a rear view showing a part of a rotating body in an expanded diameter state. [Figure 2-54] Figure 2-50 is a cross-sectional view along the KK line. [Figure 2-55] This is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of a performance using a rotating object. [Figure 2-56] This is a flowchart showing part of the process for setting up special effects. [Figure 2-57] This flowchart shows a part of the process for setting up special effects, and is a continuation of Figure 2-56. [Figure 2-58] (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the table for determining the special effect pattern when the game is "ended," and (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the table for determining the special effect pattern when the game is "until next time." [Figure 2-59] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the appearance of special effects. [Figure 2-60] This diagram shows the configuration of the control table for the appearance of special effects. [Figure 2-61] This is an operation diagram illustrating the operation of the special feature appearance mechanism. [Figure 2-62] This figure shows the configuration of a control table for the appearance of special effects according to another embodiment. [Figure 2-63] This is an operation process diagram illustrating the operation mode of the special feature appearance operation according to another embodiment. [Figure 2-64] This diagram shows the configuration of a conventional control table for the appearance of special effects. [Figure 3-1] This is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. [Figure 3-2] This is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 3-3] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. [Figure 3-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 3-5] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3-6] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and back pack unit in an open state. [Figure 3-7] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3-8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the various counters used for game control. [Figure 3-9] This is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 3-10] This flowchart shows the normal processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 3-11] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 3-12] This is a flowchart showing the process for winning prizes at the start of the event. [Figure 3-13] This flowchart shows the process for determining a jackpot. [Figure 3-14] This is a flowchart showing the reach determination process. [Figure 3-15] This is a flowchart showing the process of passing through the through gate. [Figure 3-16] This is a flowchart showing the game status check process. [Figure 3-17] This is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the lottery mode flag, the support mode flag, the game state identification counter, and the game state determination value. [Figure 3-18] This is a flowchart showing the first display control process. [Figure 3-19] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 3-20] This is a flowchart showing the settings process at the end of the fluctuation. [Figure 3-21] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 3-22]This flowchart shows the second display control process. [Figure 3-23] This is a flowchart showing the control process for opening and closing mechanisms. [Figure 3-24] This is a flowchart showing the receive interrupt processing. [Figure 3-25] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 3-26] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 3-27] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process. [Figure 3-28] This is a flowchart showing the normal operation of the sub-control unit. [Figure 3-29] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the various counters used to determine the decorative patterns. [Figure 3-30] This is a flowchart showing the counter update process. [Figure 3-31] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the sub-control unit. [Figure 3-32] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 3-33] This flowchart shows the process for setting the pending status. [Figure 3-34] This flowchart shows the process for setting the display during a win. [Figure 3-35] This diagram explains the different types of jackpots. [Figure 3-36] This diagram shows the structure of the first jackpot type determination table. [Figure 3-37] This diagram shows the structure of the second jackpot type determination table. [Figure 3-38] (a) is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the variation pattern table when a jackpot is achieved, and (b) is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the variation pattern table when a complete loss occurs. [Figure 3-39] This diagram shows the configuration of the variation pattern table during a jackpot in the normal state. [Figure 3-40] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the opening / closing pattern control table. [Figure 3-41]This is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of a gaming hall where pachinko machines are installed. [Figure 3-42] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a single pachinko machine and its corresponding game data display device, which are configured via a hall computer. [Figure 3-43] This is a schematic diagram for explaining the display content shown on the liquid crystal display section of a game data display device, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of the display content in normal display mode, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display content in active display mode, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the display content in performance display mode. [Figure 3-44] The flowchart shows the process for outputting the jackpot signal 1. [Figure 3-45] The process of processing two jackpot signals is very efficient. [Figure 3-46] (a) is a timing chart to explain the changes in the output state of conventional jackpot signals 1 and 2, and (b) and (c) are timing charts to explain the changes in the output state of jackpot signals 1 and 2 in this embodiment. [Figure 3-47] This is a diagram illustrating the decorative patterns displayed on the display device (liquid crystal display). [Figure 3-48] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (LCD display unit) in the "Normal Stage" of "Normal Mode". [Figure 3-49] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (LCD display) in the "Lively Stage" in "Normal Mode". [Figure 3-50] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (LCD display) in the "Slightly Lively Stage" of "Normal Mode". [Figure 3-51] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (LCD display) during the "Zone Entry Stage" in "Normal Mode". [Figure 3-52] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the performance display device (LCD display) in "Chance Mode". [Figure 3-53]This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) in "Gold Mode". [Figure 3-54] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) in "Dark Mode". [Figure 3-55] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) used in the opening sequence. [Figure 3-56] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the visual display device (LCD display) during a round. [Figure 3-57] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) used in the ending sequence. [Figure 3-58] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display mode of a performance display device (LCD display) in a demonstration. [Figure 3-59] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) during the "Normal Reach" animation. [Figure 3-60] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) in the "Super Reach" effect. [Figure 3-61] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (LCD display) in the "Special Reach" effect. [Figure 3-62] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the display device (liquid crystal display) during a roulette animation. [Figure 4-1] This is a front view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4-2] This is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 4-3] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and front frame in an open state. [Figure 4-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 4-5] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4-6] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and back pack unit in an open state. [Figure 4-7] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4-8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the various counters used for game control. [Figure 4-9] This is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 4-10] This flowchart shows the normal processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 4-11] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 4-12] This flowchart shows the NMI interrupt handling process. [Figure 4-13] This is a flowchart showing the process for winning the third prize. [Figure 4-14] This is a flowchart showing the process for awarding prizes in the second round. [Figure 4-15] This is a flowchart showing the process for winning the first prize. [Figure 4-16] (a) is a flowchart showing the first correct / false determination process, (b) is a flowchart showing the second correct / false determination process, and (c) is a flowchart showing the third correct / false determination process. [Figure 4-17] (a) is a flowchart showing the first type determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing the second type determination process. [Figure 4-18] This is a flowchart showing the reach determination process. [Figure 4-19] This is a flowchart showing the process of passing through the through gate. [Figure 4-20] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the launch permission command. [Figure 4-21] This flowchart shows the first special display control process. [Figure 4-22] This is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 4-23] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Feature 1. [Figure 4-24] This flowchart shows the second special display control process. [Figure 4-25] This is a flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 4-26] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Special Feature 2. [Figure 4-27] This is a flowchart showing the third special display control process. [Figure 4-28] This is a flowchart showing the third variable display setting process. [Figure 4-29] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Special Feature 3. [Figure 4-30] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 4-31] This is a flowchart showing the process for receiving specific awards. [Figure 4-32] This is a flowchart showing the termination settings process. [Figure 4-33] This is a flowchart showing the remaining sphere monitoring process. [Figure 4-34] This flowchart shows the normal display control process. [Figure 4-35] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the general graph fluctuations. [Figure 4-36] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting general map discrimination information. [Figure 4-37] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the starting prize-winning section. [Figure 4-38] This is a flowchart showing the receive interrupt processing. [Figure 4-39] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 4-40] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 4-41] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process. [Figure 4-42] This is a flowchart showing the normal operation of the sub-control unit. [Figure 4-43] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overview of various counters used for determining decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 4-44] This is a flowchart showing the counter update process. [Figure 4-45] This is a flowchart showing the process for storing pending information. [Figure 4-46]This is a flowchart showing the pending processing. [Figure 4-47] This is a flowchart showing the process for displaying a winning result. [Figure 4-48] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 4-49] This is a flowchart showing the process for stopping fluctuations. [Figure 4-50] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-51] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-52] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-53] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-54] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-55] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-56] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-57] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-58] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-59] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-60] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a visual display device. [Figure 4-61] This is a timing chart to explain the changes in the output state of jackpot signals 1 and 2. [Figure 5-1] This is a front view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5-2] This is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 5-3] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine showing the inner and front frames in an open state. [Figure 5-4] This is a front view of a pachinko machine with the front frame removed. [Figure 5-5] This is a rear view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5-6]This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine showing the inner frame and back pack unit in an open state. [Figure 5-7] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5-8] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a display control device. [Figure 5-9] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the various counters used for game control. [Figure 5-10] This flowchart shows the startup process performed by the main control unit. [Figure 5-11] This is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 5-12] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 5-13] This flowchart shows the NMI interrupt handling process. [Figure 5-14] This is a flowchart showing the process for winning prizes at the start of the event. [Figure 5-15] (a) is a flowchart showing the first correct / false determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing the second correct / false determination process. [Figure 5-16] (a) is a flowchart showing the first type determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing the second type determination process. [Figure 5-17] This is a flowchart showing the process for determining whether a winning hand is a losing hand. [Figure 5-18] This is a flowchart showing the process of passing through the through gate. [Figure 5-19] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the launch permission command. [Figure 5-20] This flowchart shows the first special display control process. [Figure 5-21] This is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 5-22] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Feature 1. [Figure 5-23] This is a flowchart showing the notification command setting process. [Figure 5-24] This flowchart shows the second special display control process. [Figure 5-25] This is a flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 5-26] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Special Feature 2. [Figure 5-27] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 5-28] This is a flowchart showing the process for specially awarding prizes. [Figure 5-29] This is a flowchart showing the termination settings process. [Figure 5-30] This is a flowchart showing the remaining sphere monitoring process. [Figure 5-31] This flowchart shows the normal display control process. [Figure 5-32] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the general graph fluctuations. [Figure 5-33] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting general map discrimination information. [Figure 5-34] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the starting prize-winning section. [Figure 5-35] This is a flowchart showing the receive interrupt processing. [Figure 5-36] This flowchart shows the startup process for the payout control device. [Figure 5-37] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the payout control device. [Figure 5-38] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the dispensing control device. [Figure 5-39] This is a flowchart showing the startup process for the sub-control unit. [Figure 5-40] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the sub-control unit. [Figure 5-41] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process of the sub-control unit. [Figure 5-42] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overview of various counters used for determining decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 5-43] This is a flowchart showing the counter update process. [Figure 5-44]This is a flowchart showing the process for storing pending information. [Figure 5-45] This is a flowchart showing the pending processing. [Figure 5-46] This is a flowchart showing the process for displaying a winning result. [Figure 5-47] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 5-48] This is a flowchart showing the process for stopping fluctuations. [Figure 5-49] This is a flowchart showing the notification display setting process. [Figure 5-50] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the display control device. [Figure 5-51] This is a flowchart showing the command interrupt processing for a display control device. [Figure 5-52] This flowchart shows the V interrupt processing for the display control device. [Figure 5-53] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the display content of a display control device. [Figure 5-54] This is a flowchart showing the drawing process of a display control device. [Figure 5-55] This is a diagram showing the general structure of the display data table. [Figure 5-56] This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of each address in the display data table. [Figure 5-57] This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of each address in the additional data table. [Figure 5-58] This is a diagram showing the general structure of the drawing list. [Figure 5-59] This is a diagram to explain the break-even period and other related concepts. [Figure 5-60] This is a diagram illustrating the decorative patterns displayed on the display device. [Figure 5-61] This figure shows an example of the display mode of a performance display device; (a) shows the display of symbol changes during normal operation, and (b) shows the display of symbol changes during the break-even period. [Figure 5-62] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (normal reach performance). [Figure 5-63] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (super reach performance). [Figure 5-64] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (special reach performance). [Figure 5-65] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (a mode in which the display stops after a failure). [Figure 5-66] This figure shows an example of the display mode of the performance display device (start of re-variation performance). [Figure 5-67] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (swirl re-variation effect). [Figure 5-68] This figure shows an example of a display mode for the performance display device (a mode for stopping on a small win). [Figure 5-69] This figure shows an example of the display mode of the performance display device (start of the re-draw performance). [Figure 5-70] This figure shows an example of the display mode of a performance display device (a confrontation scene in a re-draw performance). [Figure 5-71] This figure shows an example of the display mode of a performance display device (a mode in which a small win is confirmed after the end of the re-draw performance). [Figure 5-72] This figure shows an example of the display mode of a performance display device, where (a) is a diagram showing the jackpot opening performance and (b) is a diagram showing the jackpot round performance. [Figure 5-73] This figure shows an example of the display mode of the performance display device, where (a) is a figure showing the small win notification performance before the break-even period, (b) is a figure showing the small win notification performance during the break-even period, and (c) is a figure showing the small win notification performance after the break-even period. [Figure 5-74] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (rush stage performance). [Figure 5-75] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (battle stage performance). [Figure 5-76] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device (Lucky Chance Stage performance). [Figure 6-1] This is a front view of a pachinko machine. [Figure 6-2]This is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. [Figure 6-3] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and front frame in an open state. [Figure 6-4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. [Figure 6-5] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 6-6] This is a perspective view showing the inner frame and back pack unit in an open state. [Figure 6-7] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 6-8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the various counters used for game control. [Figure 6-9] This is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 6-10] This flowchart shows the normal processing performed by the main control unit. [Figure 6-11] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 6-12] This flowchart shows the NMI interrupt handling process. [Figure 6-13] This is a flowchart showing the process for awarding prizes in the second round. [Figure 6-14] This is a flowchart showing the process for winning the first prize. [Figure 6-15] (a) is a flowchart showing the first correct / false determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing the second correct / false determination process. [Figure 6-16] (a) is a flowchart showing the first type determination process, and (b) is a flowchart showing the second type determination process. [Figure 6-17] This is a flowchart showing the reach determination process. [Figure 6-18] This is a flowchart showing the process of passing through the through gate. [Figure 6-19] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the launch permission command. [Figure 6-20] This flowchart shows the first special display control process. [Figure 6-21]This is a flowchart showing the first variable display setting process. [Figure 6-22] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Feature 1. [Figure 6-23] This flowchart shows the second special display control process. [Figure 6-24] This is a flowchart showing the second variable display setting process. [Figure 6-25] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the discrimination information for Special Feature 2. [Figure 6-26] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the variable prize-winning device. [Figure 6-27] This is a flowchart showing the termination settings process. [Figure 6-28] This flowchart shows the normal display control process. [Figure 6-29] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the general graph fluctuations. [Figure 6-30] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting general map discrimination information. [Figure 6-31] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the starting prize-winning section. [Figure 6-32] This is a flowchart showing the receive interrupt processing. [Figure 6-33] This is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. [Figure 6-34] This is a flowchart showing timer interrupt handling. [Figure 6-35] This is a flowchart showing the command determination process. [Figure 6-36] This is a flowchart showing the normal operation of the sub-control unit. [Figure 6-37] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overview of various counters used for determining decorative patterns, etc. [Figure 6-38] This is a flowchart showing the counter update process. [Figure 6-39] This is a flowchart showing the process for storing pending information. [Figure 6-40] This is a flowchart showing the pending processing. [Figure 6-41]This is a flowchart showing the process for displaying a winning result. [Figure 6-42] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting the variable display. [Figure 6-43] This is a flowchart showing the process for stopping fluctuations. [Figure 6-44] This figure shows an example of one display mode for a performance display device related to normal stage effects. [Figure 6-45] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a display device related to a jackpot animation. [Figure 6-46] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device related to the Rush Stage performance. [Figure 6-47] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device related to battle stage effects. [Figure 6-48] This figure shows an example of a display mode for a performance display device related to the Lucky Stage performance. [Figure 6-49] This is a plan view showing the second control unit (directional pad). [Figure 6-50] The menu selection process is shown in flowchart. [Figure 6-51] This is a flowchart showing the language setting process. [Figure 6-52] This is a flowchart showing the volume setting process. [Figure 6-53] This is a flowchart showing the brightness setting process. [Figure 6-54] (a) is a diagram showing the menu screen, and (b) is a flowchart showing the language settings screen. [Figure 6-55] (a) is a diagram showing the volume setting screen, (b) is a diagram showing the brightness setting screen, and (c) is a diagram showing the effect customization screen. [Figure 6-56] This is a diagram showing the game history screen. [Figure 6-57] This is a system configuration diagram showing the communication system between a pachinko machine and a mobile terminal. [Figure 6-58] This is a plan view showing the NFC module on the pachinko machine side. [Figure 6-59] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an NFC module. [Figure 6-60] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a BT module. [Figure 6-61] (a) is a front view of the mobile device, and (b) is a rear view of the mobile device. [Figure 6-62] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a mobile device. [Figure 6-63] This is a flowchart showing the Bluetooth connection process on the mobile device side. [Figure 6-64] This flowchart shows the Bluetooth connection process on the pachinko machine side. [Figure 6-65] This is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between a pachinko machine and a mobile device. [Figure 6-66] This flowchart shows the Bluetooth communication process performed on the mobile device side during a Bluetooth communication connection. [Figure 6-67] This flowchart shows the BT communication process performed on the pachinko machine (sub-control device) side during BT communication connection. [Figure 6-68] This flowchart shows the process of disconnecting the Bluetooth communication connection performed on the mobile device side. [Figure 6-69] This flowchart shows the process of disconnecting the BT communication connection performed on the pachinko machine (sub-control device) side. [Figure 6-70] This is a flowchart showing the BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-71] This is a flowchart showing the BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-72] This is a flowchart showing the BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-73] This is a flowchart showing the BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-74] This is a flowchart showing the BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-75] This is a flowchart showing the BT connection process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-76]This is a flowchart showing the BT communication process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-77] This is a flowchart showing the BT communication process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-78] This is a flowchart showing the BT communication process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-79] This is a flowchart showing the BT communication process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-80] This is a flowchart showing the BT communication process on the pachinko machine side according to another embodiment. [Figure 6-81] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-82] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the mobile terminal side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-83] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-84] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-85] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-86] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-87] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Figure 6-88] This flowchart shows the BT communication disconnection process performed on the pachinko machine side in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In addition, the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment) according to the present invention includes a first counting function unit as the first counting means of the present invention, a second counting function unit as the second counting means of the present invention, a subtraction function unit as the subtraction means of the present invention, an information setting function unit as the information setting means of the present invention, an effect execution function unit as the effect execution means of the present invention, an update function unit as the update means of the present invention, a continuation function unit as the continuation means of the present invention, and a specific correspondence display execution function unit as the specific correspondence display execution means of the present invention.

[0011] The "predetermined gaming state" may be any gaming state in which the second gaming rotation operation can be performed. As long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, for example, the normal state, a small hit state advantageous to the player, or a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end based on the right to perform a predetermined lottery with a predetermined number as the upper limit during that period, a big hit state advantageous to the player, or a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end based on the right to perform a predetermined lottery with a predetermined number as the upper limit during that period, a time shortening state with ball entry support in which the variable display time is shorter than the normal state and the game balls can be entered or easily entered into a predetermined ball entry means, or a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end based on the right to perform a predetermined lottery with a predetermined number as the upper limit during that period, a time shortening state without ball entry support in which the variable display time is shorter than the normal state and the game balls cannot be entered or are difficult to enter into a predetermined ball entry means, or a normal state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end based on the right to perform a predetermined lottery with a predetermined number as the upper limit during that period, a high probability state in which the lottery probability is higher than the normal state, or a normal state or a time shortening state for a predetermined period that can be executed after the end based on the right to perform a predetermined lottery with a predetermined number as the upper limit during that period, etc., can be any.

[0012] The "first counting means" only needs to be able to perform counting based on a numerical value set corresponding to the second game rotation operation. As long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, for example, it may be a counter set in a RAM as an electrical storage area, a buffer, etc., an area consisting of a plurality of addresses, a pointer, a mechanical counting device, or any other device.

[0013] Of course, the "subtraction means" only needs to be able to subtract the numerical information set therein. As long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, it may be any means.

[0014] The "subtraction condition" only needs to be something that causes the numerical value set in the first counting means to be subtracted based on the condition being satisfied. As long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, for example, it may be that the second game rotation operation stops, the stop of the second game rotation operation is determined, a predetermined period elapses after the stop of the second game rotation operation, or any other situation.

[0015] The "specific condition" only needs to be something that causes a corresponding specific game state to occur based on the condition being satisfied. As long as the gist of the present invention can be realized, it may be any condition. Also, as the condition, a game ball enters a predetermined winning area, a lottery is performed with a predetermined probability based on the ball entry and a predetermined result is obtained, the right to perform the lottery is reserved with a predetermined number as the upper limit and a predetermined result is obtained in the reserved right, the player performs a predetermined operation on a predetermined operation means, a lottery is performed with a predetermined probability based on the operation and a predetermined result is obtained, a plurality of game balls enter a predetermined ball entry area, a predetermined game rotation operation is performed, a predetermined period elapses, a predetermined effect is performed a predetermined number of times, a predetermined count value reaches the upper limit value, or any other situation.

[0016] The "second counting means" can be anything that can count based on a set numerical value, and can be anything that can realize the spirit of the present invention, such as RAM as an electrical memory area, a counter set in a buffer, an area consisting of multiple addresses, a pointer, a mechanical counting device, etc. Furthermore, the numerical information stored therein can be anything, such as numerical information corresponding to multiple game counts, numerical information corresponding to the number of times a losing variation is executed, numerical information corresponding to the number of times a reach variation is executed, numerical information corresponding to the fulfillment of multiple game conditions, numerical information corresponding to time information for a predetermined period, numerical information corresponding to a predetermined number of game balls used in the game, numerical information corresponding to the number of game balls entered into a predetermined ball entry means, numerical information corresponding to the number of operations of a predetermined operation means, numerical information corresponding to the number of game balls that were dispensed, etc.

[0017] Of course, the "information setting means" and "update means" only need to be capable of setting or updating this numerical information, and may be anything as long as they can realize the spirit of the present invention. Also, the "specific corresponding display execution means" only needs to be capable of executing a specific corresponding display corresponding to this numerical information, and may be anything as long as they can realize the spirit of the present invention, such as animation display, character display, icon display, or still image display.

[0018] The "update condition" can be anything that updates the value set in the second counting means based on the fulfillment of that condition, and can be anything as long as it realizes the spirit of the present invention, such as stopping the game round operation, confirming the stop of the game round operation, a predetermined period of time elapsed after the stop of the game round operation, the game round operation ending, starting the game round operation, fulfilling the start condition for the game round operation, a predetermined time elapsed, launching or dispensing a predetermined number of game balls, entering a predetermined number of game balls into a predetermined ball entry means, or operating a predetermined operating means a predetermined number of times.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1-3, the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an outer frame 11 that constitutes the outer casing of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of this outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. However, for convenience, Figures 1-3 omit game components (nails, mechanisms, etc.) arranged on the game board 30 surface and glass units 137 attached to the front frame 14.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1-6, the outer frame 11 is constructed with an upper frame component 11a and a lower frame component 11b made of wooden board material, and a left frame component 11c and a right frame component 11d made of extruded aluminum alloy material. These frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together in a rectangular frame shape using detachable fasteners such as screws.

[0021] An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left-side frame component 11c, respectively (see Figure 1-1). The upper and lower parts of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, thereby allowing the inner frame 12 to open and close. The inner frame 12 and the like are then housed in the space formed inside the outer frame 11.

[0022] The right-hand frame component 11d has an extended wall portion 83 that protrudes inward from near its rear end in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extended wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower section corresponding to the locking device 600 (see Figure 1-6) provided on the rear right side of the inner frame 12 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1-5). In addition, as shown in Figure 1-3, the front side of the extended wall portion 83 is provided with a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84 and 85 to which the locking member of the locking device 600 is engaged. Furthermore, the lower receiving portion 85 has a pressing portion 86 that protrudes toward the inside of the outer frame 11 and contacts the inner frame open detection switch 92, which will be described later.

[0023] A resin decorative panel 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. A rib 88 that protrudes upward is integrally formed on the upper rear part of the decorative panel 87. This makes it difficult for a gap to form between it and the inner frame 12.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1-3, the opening and closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set vertically on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with this opening and closing axis as its center. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 with a rectangular outer shape, and a roughly elliptical window opening 39 is formed in the center of the resin base 38.

[0025] A front frame 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 14, like the inner frame 12, can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis set vertically along the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 as its axis. Alternatively, the front frame 14 may be configured to be directly supported and openable on the outer frame 11, rather than via the inner frame 12.

[0026] The front frame 14, like the inner frame 12, has a rectangular shape and, when closed, covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12. A roughly elliptical window 101 is formed in the center of the front frame 14. This allows the game board 30 (game area), which is mounted on the rear surface of the inner frame 12, to be visible from the outside through the window 101 of the front frame 14 and the window opening 39 of the inner frame 12. Details of the game board 30 will be described later.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1-1, etc., a lower tray 15 is provided at the lower center of the front side of the front frame 14, allowing game balls discharged from the lower payout outlet 16 to be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, a ball release lever 25 is provided on the front side of the lower tray 15 for discharging game balls from inside the lower tray 15.

[0028] To the right of the lower tray 15, a game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as "handle") 18 is provided as an operating means that protrudes toward the front. The handle 18 is equipped with a rotating operating part 18a that can be rotated by the player, a touch sensor (not shown) that can detect when a person touches the handle 18, and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the amount of rotation of the rotating operating part 18a. With this configuration, when the rotating operating part 18a is rotated clockwise, a game ball is launched by the launching device 60, which will be described later, with a force corresponding to the amount of rotation.

[0029] Furthermore, the handle 18 is provided with a stop lever 18b that can be pressed with the thumb of the right hand gripping the rotary control unit 18a. When the stop lever 18b is pressed, the launching of game balls by the launching device 60 is prohibited, even if the handle 18 is being held. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the rotary control unit 18a while prohibiting the launching of game balls, or to temporarily stop the launching of game balls while holding the handle 18.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1-2, an upper tray 19 capable of storing game balls is provided above the lower tray 15. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls dispensed from the upper payout outlet 17 and guides them toward the launching device 60 while aligning them in a line. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the dispensed game balls are guided toward the lower tray 15 via the lower tray connecting passage 71 and the lower payout outlet 16, which will be described later.

[0031] A dispensing switch 121, a return switch 122, and a balance display unit 124 are provided on the upper front edge of the upper tray 19. Typically, in amusement halls, a CR unit (not shown) is placed to the left of the pachinko machine 10. When a game card with a balance is inserted into the CR unit and the dispensing switch 121 is operated, the dispensing balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in accordance with the operation. On the other hand, the return switch 122 is operated when requesting the return of the card inserted into the CR unit. The balance display unit 124 displays the balance on the card inserted into the CR unit.

[0032] Furthermore, a ball discharge button 123 is provided on the upper surface of the front edge of the upper plate 19. The ball discharge button 123 is configured to be able to protrude and retract, and is constantly biased upward by biasing means (not shown). Under such a configuration, when the ball discharge button 123 is pressed, the space between the upper plate 19 and the lower plate 15 is opened, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 19 are guided to the lower plate 15. That is, the player can move the game balls in the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 15 at any time by operating the ball discharge button 123.

[0033] In addition, an effect button 125 and a cross button 126 are provided on the upper surface of the front edge of the upper plate 19. By operating the effect button 125 or the cross button 126, a predetermined effect is performed or the display content is changed on an effect display device 42 and the like, which will be described later.

[0034] Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided on the front surface of the front frame 14. These light emitting means are controlled to change the light emitting mode according to changes in the game state and the like, and play a role in enhancing the effect of the performance during the game. For example, a decorative part 102 incorporating light emitting means such as an LED is provided on the periphery of the window part 101. In addition, error display lamps 104 that light up at the time of a predetermined error are provided on both side parts of the decorative part 102. Incidentally, a large number of fine through holes corresponding to a speaker SP (see FIGS. 1-3) provided on the back surface of the front frame 14 are formed in the upper part of the decorative part 102.

[0035] A glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame 14. The glass unit 137 is not a conventional structure in which a pair of rectangular plate glasses are attached separately in the front and back, but is formed in a round shape as a whole and is attached after being assembled.

[0036] Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to Figure 1-4. As mentioned above, the game board 30 is mounted on the inner frame 12 behind the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached with its peripheral edge in contact with the back of the resin base 38. Therefore, approximately the central part of the front of the game board 30, which is the game area, is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

[0037] Furthermore, a launching device 60, which serves as a launching means, and a launching rail 61, which guides the game balls immediately after they are launched by the launching device 60, are attached to the lower front of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, below the window hole 39. In this embodiment, a solenoid-type launching device is used as the launching device 60. In addition, a ball feeding device 63 is provided above the launching device 60, which guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 one by one to the launching position of the launching device 60.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the game board 30 (game area) will be explained with reference to Figure 1-4. The game board 30 is fitted with rails 50 that guide the game balls launched from the launching device 60 to the top of the game board 30. As a result, the game balls launched in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 18 are guided through the launching rail 61 and rail 50 into the game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137. Rail 50 consists of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52.

[0039] A ball return prevention member 53 is attached to the tip of the inner rail component 51 (upper left in Figure 1-4). This prevents game balls that have been guided from the rail 50 into the game area from returning to the rail 50. In addition, a return rubber 54 is attached to the approximate tip of the outer rail component 52 (upper right in Figure 1-4). This ensures that game balls launched with a force exceeding a predetermined amount will hit the return rubber 54 and be returned, for example, to the approximate center of the game board 30.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outer rail component 52 is interrupted at the upper right of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 is interrupted at the lower right of the game board 30. Therefore, the game area is defined by the rail 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since game balls launched by the launching device 60 may flow back up the rail 50 until they pass through the ball return prevention member 53, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail components 51 and 52 are excluded from the game area.

[0041] The game area is equipped with a left general prize entry section 31A, a right general prize entry section 31B, a first variable prize entry device (jackpot variable prize entry device) 32A as a first special variable ball entry means, a second variable prize entry device (small prize variable prize entry device) 32B as a second special variable ball entry means, a first start prize entry section 33WA as a first start prize entry means, a second start prize entry section 33WB as a second start prize entry means, a through gate 34 as a trigger prize entry means, a variable display unit 35, and the like. These will be explained in detail below.

[0042] A variable display device unit 35 is located approximately in the center of the game area, and a first start prize entry unit 33WA is located below it.

[0043] The variable display unit 35 is equipped with a performance display device 42, which serves as a performance display means for performing various display effects, and a center frame 47 is provided to surround the performance display device 42. The center frame 47 has a frame shape with an opening formed in its center, and the display part of the performance display device 42 can be seen through this opening.

[0044] A stage section 770 on which game balls can roll is provided on the upper surface of the lower edge of the center frame 47. A guide groove 774 that slopes gently downward toward the front is formed in the center of the stage section 770. As shown in Figure 1-4, when the center frame 47 is installed on the game board 30, the guide groove 774 is located directly above the first starting prize entry section 33WA.

[0045] A ball passage (warp channel) 775 for passing game balls is formed inside the left side of the center frame 47. The entrance to the ball passage 775 is formed at the left side of the center frame 47 (towards the game board 30 surface). On the other hand, the exit to the ball passage 775 is formed at the right side of the lower end of the left side of the center frame 47 (towards the stage section 770). This ball passage 775 allows game balls flowing down the game board 30 surface to be guided onto the stage section 770 inside the center frame 47.

[0046] Game balls guided onto the stage section 770 via the ball passage 775, etc., roll across the stage section 770 and then either fall onto the game board 30 from the front edge of the stage section 770 or are discharged onto the game board 30 via the guide groove 774. Of these, game balls discharged via the guide groove 774 have a relatively high probability of entering the first starting prize section 33WA.

[0047] The first starting prize entry section 33WA is provided so as to protrude forward from the front of the game board 30, and a prize entry opening (first starting prize entry opening) into which game balls can be entered at any time is located above it. In addition, a first starting prize entry switch 224a capable of detecting game balls that have entered through the first starting prize entry opening is provided at a position corresponding to the first starting prize entry section 33WA.

[0048] Under this configuration, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA and is detected by the first starting prize entry switch 224a, a first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) is conducted to determine whether or not a jackpot state is generated, and a variation is displayed on the first special symbol display device 43A, which will be described later.

[0049] In this embodiment, the entry of a game ball into the first start prize entry section 33WA and detection of the game ball by the first start prize entry switch 224a corresponds to the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the display of a change on the first special symbol display device 43A based on this corresponds to the "first game round operation," and the "first execution means" is configured by the functions of the main control device 261, which will be described later, that controls these operations.

[0050] A first variable prize-winning device 32A is located below the first starting prize-winning section 33WA. The first variable prize-winning device 32A includes a large prize-winning opening 32Aa into which game balls can be entered, a large prize-winning opening shutter 32Ab that opens and closes the large prize-winning opening 32Aa, a large prize-winning opening solenoid (not shown) that drives the large prize-winning opening shutter 32Ab to open and close, and a large prize-winning opening count switch 222 that can detect game balls that have entered the large prize-winning opening 32Aa.

[0051] Under this configuration, the first variable prize-winning device 32A, under normal circumstances, has a large prize-winning opening shutter 32Ab that closes the large prize-winning opening 32Aa along its vertical axis, preventing game balls flowing down the game area from entering the large prize-winning opening 32Aa. In this closed state, game balls are also able to flow down in front of the large prize-winning opening shutter 32Ab.

[0052] On the other hand, when a jackpot occurs, the first variable prize-winning device 32A tilts forward with its lower edge as the pivot axis, opening the large prize-winning opening shutter 32Ab so that game balls flowing down the game area can enter the large prize-winning opening 32Aa. In this embodiment, the "first opening / closing control means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 which controls the opening and closing of the first variable prize-winning device 32A when a jackpot occurs.

[0053] In the left side of the game area (below the left of the variable display unit 35), multiple left general prize entry points 31A are arranged along the periphery of the game area. The left general prize entry points 31A are provided so as to protrude forward from the front of the game board 30, and a prize entry opening (general prize entry opening) into which game balls can be entered at any time is opened above them. In addition, a left general prize entry switch 221a capable of detecting game balls that have entered through the general prize entry opening is provided at a position corresponding to the left general prize entry points 31A.

[0054] In the right-hand area of ​​the game area (to the right of the variable display unit 35), a through gate 34 is provided through which game balls flowing down the area can pass one at a time. The through gate 34 is equipped with a through gate switch 225 capable of detecting game balls passing through it. In this embodiment, the left-hand area of ​​the game area constitutes the first area, and the right-hand area of ​​the game area constitutes the second area.

[0055] When a game ball passes through the through gate 34 (when the game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225), a lottery is held to determine whether or not to open the second starting prize entry section 33WB. At the same time, a variable display is shown on the ordinary symbol display device 41, which will be described later, to indicate the result of the starting prize entry support lottery. If the lottery for starting prize entry support is successful, the second starting prize entry section 33WB is opened for a specified time after the variable display ends.

[0056] Furthermore, in the right-hand area of ​​the game area (to the right of the variable display unit 35), a right general prize entry section 31B is provided downstream of the through gate 34. The right general prize entry section 31B is provided so as to protrude forward from the front of the game board 30, and a prize entry opening (general prize entry opening) into which game balls can be entered at any time is open above it. Also, a right general prize entry switch 221b capable of detecting game balls that have entered through the general prize entry opening is provided at a position corresponding to the right general prize entry section 31B.

[0057] Furthermore, a second starting prize-winning section 33WB is provided downstream of the right general prize-winning section 31B in the lower right area of ​​the game area (downward to the right of the variable display unit 35). In this embodiment, the second starting prize-winning section 33WB is a variable prize-winning device that changes state between an open state in which game balls can be entered and a closed state in which game balls cannot be entered.

[0058] More specifically, the second starting prize entry section 33WB includes a second starting prize entry opening 33WBa into which a game ball can be entered, a pair of left and right wing members 33WBb that serve as opening and closing members and are provided on the left and right sides of the second starting prize entry opening 33WBa, a solenoid for the starting prize entry opening (not shown) that drives the pair of wing members 33WBb to open and close, and a second starting prize entry switch 224b that can detect a game ball that has entered the second starting prize entry opening 33WBa.

[0059] Each of the pair of wing members 33WBb is pivotally supported and normally maintained in a closed position (closed state) close to each other. In addition, an entry prevention member 145 is provided directly above the second starting prize entry section 33WB to prevent game balls from entering between the pair of wing members 33WBb in the closed state. As a result, under normal circumstances, the second starting prize entry section 33WB is in a closed state in which game balls flowing down the game area cannot enter the second starting prize entry opening 33WBa.

[0060] On the other hand, as will be described later, when the predetermined opening conditions are met, the pair of wing members 33WBb rotate and displace so that their tips are separated from each other, resulting in an open position (open state). This creates a gap between the entry prevention member 145 and the tips of each wing member 33WBb through which the game ball can pass, and the second starting prize entry section 33WB becomes open, allowing the game ball flowing down the game area to enter the second starting prize entry opening 33WBa.

[0061] Under this configuration, when a game ball enters the open second start prize entry section 33WB and the game ball is detected by the second start prize entry switch 224b, a first win / fail lottery (jackpot lottery) to determine whether or not a jackpot state is generated, and a second win / fail lottery (minor win lottery) to determine whether or not a minor win state is generated are performed, and a change is displayed on the second special symbol display device 43B, which will be described later. In other words, the second win / fail lottery (minor win lottery) is performed only when a game ball enters the second start prize entry section 33WB.

[0062] In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the second starting prize entry section 33WB and is detected by the second starting prize entry switch 224b, this corresponds to the "fulfillment of the second starting condition." Based on this, the display of a change in the second special symbol display device 43B corresponds to the "second game round operation." The "second execution means" is configured by the functions of the main control device 261, which will be described later, that controls these operations.

[0063] Furthermore, the "first special game state generation means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that generates a jackpot state as the first special game state, and the "second special game state generation means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that generates a minor win state as the second special game state. Of these, the "specific ball entry section first special game state generation means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that generates a jackpot when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 320c, which will be described later.

[0064] For the sake of explanation, a jackpot triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize section 33WA or the second starting prize section 33WB may be referred to as a "direct jackpot." Furthermore, the variation display triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize section 33WA will be referred to as the "first variation display," and the variation display triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize section 33WB will be referred to as the "second variation display." Additionally, the variation time for the first variation display will be referred to as the "first variation time," and the variation time for the second variation display will be referred to as the "second variation time."

[0065] In the lower right area of ​​the game area (down to the right of the variable display unit 35), a second variable prize-winning device 32B is installed downstream of the second starting prize-winning section 33WB.

[0066] The second variable prize-winning device 32B is provided such that a portion of it protrudes forward from the front of the game board 30, and a ball entry opening 320b for entering the internal area 320a is formed on the upper surface of the protruding portion. In this embodiment, the front cover member (no reference numerals) of the second variable prize-winning device 32B is made of a transparent material, allowing the player to see the internal area 320a.

[0067] Furthermore, the second variable prize-winning device 32B includes an opening / closing member 318 that opens and closes the ball entry opening 320b, and a solenoid (not shown) that opens and closes the opening / closing member 318. By driving and controlling the solenoid to open and close the opening / closing member 318, the device is configured to change between an open state in which game balls flowing down the game area can enter the internal area 320a, and a closed state in which game balls flowing down the game area cannot enter the internal area 320a.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second variable prize device 32B is normally kept in a closed state, and is configured to change to an open state when a minor win state occurs, as described later. In this embodiment, the "second opening / closing control means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 which controls the opening and closing of the second variable prize device 32B when a minor win state occurs.

[0069] The opening / closing member 318 is provided so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The upper surface of the opening / closing member 318 is inclined downward from right to left, and when the opening / closing member 318 is in the closed position and the ball entry opening 320b is closed, the upper surface of the opening / closing member 318 becomes a guide path that directs the game ball to the left (towards the center of the game board 30).

[0070] Here, a deceleration means (for example, a configuration in which multiple protrusions are alternately formed on the front and rear walls flanking the guide path) may be provided to slow down the game balls rolling along the guide path. This makes it possible to get more game balls into the internal area 320a when a minor win occurs.

[0071] When the opening / closing member 318 is in the closed position, the game balls roll from right to left along the upper surface (guidance path) of the opening / closing member 318, fall onto the game board 32 from the left end, and flow down towards the first variable prize winning device 32A.

[0072] On the other hand, when the opening / closing member 318 retracts to the open position and the ball entry opening 320b becomes open, game balls flowing down the game area or game balls rolling along the guide path can enter the internal area 320a.

[0073] The internal region 320a of the second variable prize-winning device 32B includes a ball entry count switch 223a capable of detecting all game balls that enter the internal region 320a along a predetermined flow path, a specific ball entry section (V prize-winning region) 320c into which game balls detected by the ball entry count switch 223a can enter, a specific ball entry detection switch (V prize-winning switch) 223b for detecting game balls that enter the specific ball entry section 320c, an on / off valve 319 capable of opening and closing the specific ball entry section 320c, a solenoid (not shown) for opening and closing the on / off valve 319, a non-specific ball entry section 320d to which game balls that did not enter the specific ball entry section 320c are guided, and a non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c for detecting game balls that enter the non-specific ball entry section 320d.

[0074] The on / off valve 319 is pivotally supported and configured to be displaceable between a closed position that restricts ball entry into the specific ball entry section 320c and an open position that allows ball entry into the specific ball entry section 320c.

[0075] Under this configuration, when a game ball that has entered the internal region 320a flows down to the position of the specific ball entry section 320c, if the on / off valve 319 is in the open position and the specific ball entry section 320c is open, the game ball will fall into the specific ball entry section 320c.

[0076] On the other hand, when a game ball that has entered the internal region 320a flows down to the position of the specific ball entry section 320c, if the on / off valve 319 is in the closed position and the specific ball entry section 320c is closed, the game ball will not fall into the specific ball entry section 320c, but will pass over the on / off valve 319 and be guided to the non-specific ball entry section 320d.

[0077] Furthermore, when a minor win occurs, if a game ball that has entered the internal area 320a of the second variable prize entry device 32B enters the specific ball entry section 320c, a jackpot state is generated in which the first variable prize entry device 32A is opened. Hereinafter, a jackpot that occurs when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section (V prize area) 320c (V prize) may be referred to as a "V prize jackpot".

[0078] In this embodiment, the specific ball entry section 320c of the second variable prize entry device 32B is basically in an open state. In a minor win state where the ball entry opening 320b of the second variable prize entry device 32B is open, if one game ball enters the specific ball entry section 320c and that game ball is detected by the specific ball entry detection switch 223b, the on / off valve 319 is driven to a closed state, and any game balls guided onto the specific ball entry section 320c thereafter are guided to the non-specific ball entry section 320d. Game balls that enter the non-specific ball entry section 320d are detected by the non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c provided in the non-specific ball entry section 320d.

[0079] When the second variable prize-winning device 32B is opened in a minor win state, the ball entry opening 320b is closed by the opening / closing member 318 when the total number of balls detected by the specific ball entry detection switch 223b and the non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c reaches four, putting it in a closed state where no game balls can enter. The specific ball entry section 320c and the non-specific ball entry section 320d are configured to merge at the bottom, and game balls that flow into the internal area 320a of the second variable prize-winning device 32B through the merged discharge passage are discharged to the back of the game board 30.

[0080] In this embodiment, during the period when a minor win occurs and the ball entry opening 320b of the second variable prize entry device 32B is open, it is designed so that an average of about 4 game balls can enter the second variable prize entry device 32B. When game balls enter the second variable prize entry device 32B, it is designed so that the game balls will always (almost 100%) enter the specific ball entry section 320c. Therefore, unless the player does not shoot a game ball or does not shoot to the right, if the player shoots to the right, the game balls will enter the specific ball entry section 320c with almost 100% probability, resulting in a big win.

[0081] As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins a prize) into one of the various prize-winning sections such as the general prize-winning sections 31A, 31B, the variable prize-winning devices 32A, 32B, and the start-up prize-winning sections 33WA, 33WB, it is detected by the various prize-winning switches, and a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed into the upper tray 19 (or lower tray 15).

[0082] In this embodiment, the game is configured such that 10 game balls (prize balls) are dispensed when a ball enters the left general prize section 31A, 3 balls when a ball enters the right general prize section 31B, 15 balls when a ball enters the first variable prize device 32A (large prize opening 32Aa), 5 balls when a ball enters the second variable prize device 32B (specific ball entry section 320c or non-specific ball entry section 320d), 3 balls when a ball enters the first start prize section 33WA, and 3 balls when a ball enters the second start prize section 33WB.

[0083] In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an outlet 36 corresponding to the bottom of the game area, and game balls that do not enter the various prize areas such as the general prize areas 31a and 31b are discharged outside the game area (to the back of the game board 30) through this outlet 36. Furthermore, the game board 30 is equipped with numerous nails and various components such as windmills to appropriately disperse and adjust the direction in which the game balls fall.

[0084] Here, we will describe the various game states in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment. First, we will describe the types of jackpots in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the types of jackpots are set as "15-round jackpot," "8-round jackpot," and "4-round jackpot."

[0085] Hereafter, a "15-round jackpot" will be referred to as a "15R jackpot," and will be abbreviated as "15RS" in the diagrams. Similarly, an "8-round jackpot" will be referred to as an "8R jackpot," and will be abbreviated as "8RS" in the diagrams. Also, a "4-round jackpot" will be referred to as a "4R jackpot," and will be abbreviated as "4RS" in the diagrams.

[0086] In the "15R jackpot" state, the jackpot opening operation is repeated 15 times (15 rounds). The "jackpot opening operation" refers to one opening and closing operation, for example, after the large prize slot shutter 32Ab of the first variable prize device 32A is switched from the closed state to the open state, until it closes after a specified time of 30 seconds has elapsed or a specified number of 8 game balls have entered the first variable prize device 32A (the same applies hereinafter).

[0087] In the "8R jackpot" state, the jackpot opening action is repeated 8 times (8 rounds), and in the "4R jackpot" state, the jackpot opening action is repeated 4 times (4 rounds).

[0088] However, as will be explained in more detail later, in the case of a "V-winning jackpot" according to this embodiment, the minor win state in which the second variable prize device 32B is open corresponds to the first round, so the "jackpot opening operation (opening of the first variable prize device 32A)" is reduced by one round each time. In other words, if a "15R jackpot" occurs due to a "V-winning jackpot", the "jackpot opening operation" is set to "14 times", if an "8R jackpot" occurs, the "jackpot opening operation" is set to "7 times", and if a "4R jackpot" occurs, the "jackpot opening operation" is set to "3 times".

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distribution of the type of jackpot awarded when a winning lottery is won differs depending on whether the game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA or the second starting prize entry section 33WB. When a winning lottery is won when a ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA, the jackpot will be distributed to either a "15R jackpot" or a "4R jackpot" (excluding during the time-saving B mode described later). When a winning lottery is won when a ball enters the second starting prize entry section 33WB, the jackpot will be distributed to either a "15R jackpot," an "8R jackpot," or a "4R jackpot."

[0090] Next, the starting ball entry support state for the second starting prize entry section 33WB will be described. In this embodiment, the starting ball entry support state is set to switch between a "high ball entry state (high support state)" in which the wing member 33WBb of the second starting prize entry section 33WB is opened relatively frequently, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting prize entry section 33WB, and a "low ball entry state (low support state)" in which the wing member 33WBb is opened less frequently than in the "high ball entry state," making it more difficult for game balls to enter the second starting prize entry section 33WB.

[0091] Furthermore, a "high ball entry state" can be defined as a state in which (1) the display time of the normal symbol display device 41 is shorter than in a "low ball entry state", (2) the opening time (specified time) of the second starting prize entry section 33WB is longer than in a "low ball entry state", (3) the specified number of game balls that can be entered with each opening of the second starting prize entry section 33WB is greater than in a "low ball entry state", (4) the number of times the second starting prize entry section 33WB is opened per winning start ball entry support lottery is greater than in a "low ball entry state", or (5) the probability of winning the start ball entry support lottery is higher than in a "low ball entry state". In this embodiment, the "high ball entry state" adopts the configurations (1), (2), and (5) above. Of course, it is not limited to these, and any one of configurations (1) to (5), or any combination of these configurations (1) to (5), may be adopted as the "high ball entry state".

[0092] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the starting ball entry support lottery is won, the opening of the second starting prize entry section 33WB is 0.2 seconds x 2 times in the "low ball entry state" and 1.8 seconds x 2 times in the "high ball entry state". As a result, in the "high ball entry state", game balls are more likely to enter the second starting prize entry section 33WB more frequently.

[0093] In this embodiment, the "high ball entry state" corresponds to the "first auxiliary state that facilitates the fulfillment of the second starting condition," and the "low ball entry state" corresponds to the "second auxiliary state that makes it difficult to fulfill the second starting condition." The "auxiliary means" are configured by the functions of the blade members 33WBb of the second starting prize-winning section 33WB and the main control device 261 that drives and controls them.

[0094] Next, we will explain the various game states (various game modes) when the special symbol display devices 43a and 43b are showing variations.

[0095] In this embodiment, three game modes are configured to be switched between as predetermined game states: "Normal Mode," "Mode with Start Ball Entry Support and Reduced Fluctuation Time (hereinafter referred to as "Reduced Fluctuation Time Mode A")," and "Mode without Start Ball Entry Support and Reduced Fluctuation Time (hereinafter referred to as "Reduced Fluctuation Time Mode B").

[0096] In "Normal Mode," the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B exhibit a "normal fluctuation state" where fluctuations occur at normal intervals, and the starting ball entry support state is set to a "low ball entry state."

[0097] In "Time-Saving Mode A," the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B exhibit a "reduced variation time" state, where the variation display is performed in a shorter time than usual, and the starting ball entry support state becomes a "high ball entry state." Furthermore, the "normal variation state" and the "reduced variation time state" can be switched by changing the variation time determination table, as described later.

[0098] "Time-saving Mode A" is a game mode that is granted after the end of a jackpot state. It ends when the fluctuation display on the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B (mainly the second fluctuation display on the second special symbol display device 43B) is performed a predetermined number of times, and then the game transitions to "Normal Mode".

[0099] In this embodiment, regardless of whether a "15R jackpot," "8R jackpot," or "4R jackpot" occurs, a predetermined number of "Time-Saving Mode A" rounds are granted after the jackpot state ends. Specifically, after a "15R jackpot" or "8R jackpot" ends, "Time-Saving Mode A" with a duration of 7 variable display rounds is granted, and after a "4R jackpot" ends, "Time-Saving Mode A" with a duration of 1 variable display round is granted.

[0100] In "Time-Saving Mode B," the fluctuation display of the special symbol displays 43A and 43B is shortened to a shorter duration than normal, and the starting ball entry support state becomes a "low ball entry state." In this embodiment, the state set to "Time-Saving Mode B" corresponds to a specific game state.

[0101] "Time-saving B mode" is a game mode that is granted when the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery) held during "normal mode" is won based on the ball entering the second starting prize entry section 33WB. It ends when the fluctuation display on the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B (mainly the first fluctuation display on the first special symbol display device 43A) is performed a predetermined number of times, and then the game returns to "normal mode".

[0102] However, as mentioned above, in "Normal Mode" and "Shortened Time B Mode," the starting ball entry support state for the second starting prize entry section 33WB does not become a "high ball entry state," but rather a "low ball entry state" in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the second starting prize entry section 33WB. Therefore, a minor win state based on the result of the second win / fail lottery (minor win lottery) does not actually occur. Even if a minor win state were to occur, as will be described later, the minor win opening operation of the second variable prize entry device 32B in "Normal Mode" and "Shortened Time B Mode" only involves two 0.1-second openings, making it practically difficult for game balls to enter the second variable prize entry device 32B.

[0103] As will be explained in more detail later, in this embodiment, the performance display device 42 displays various performances corresponding to the current game state (game mode). For example, there is the "normal stage performance" which is performed in "normal mode" based on ball entry into the first starting prize entry section 33WA, the "battle stage performance" which is performed when "Shortened Time A mode" with a duration of one variable display is granted, the "rush stage performance" which is performed when "Shortened Time A mode" with a duration of seven variable display is granted, the "continuation chance stage performance" which may be performed after the end of "Shortened Time A mode (battle stage performance or rush stage performance)", and the "lucky stage performance" which is performed when "Shortened Time B mode" is granted based on ball entry into the first starting prize entry section 33WA.

[0104] As shown in Figure 1-4, the upper right outer part of the game area is provided with a regular symbol display device 41 as a regular display means for indicating the result of the start ball entry support lottery, which is performed based on the passage of a game ball through the through gate 34; a first special symbol display device 43A as a first special display means for indicating the result of the first win / fail lottery (jackpot lottery) which is performed when a ball enters the first start prize entry section 33WA; and a second special symbol display device 43B as a second special display means for indicating the results of the first win / fail lottery (jackpot lottery), the second win / fail lottery (minor win lottery), and the third win / fail lottery (time-saving win lottery) which are performed when a ball enters the second start prize entry section 33WB, all of which are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0105] The standard symbol display device 41 is composed of two LEDs (standard symbol lamps). When a game ball passes through the through gate 34, the standard symbol display device 41, for example, the right standard symbol lamp, flashes (variation display). After the variation display on the standard symbol display device 41 is performed for a predetermined time, the variation display is stopped based on the result of the start ball entry support lottery. In other words, the lighting pattern when the variation display stops (combination of lit standard symbol lamps) is associated with the various results of the start ball entry support lottery, and the result of the start ball entry support lottery is definitively displayed by the lighting pattern when the variation display stops. For example, lighting both the left and right standard symbol lamps indicates a "win," and lighting only the left standard symbol lamp indicates a "loss."

[0106] The first special symbol display device 43A is composed of four LEDs (first special symbol lamps). In the first special symbol display device 43A, when a ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA, the first special symbol lamps are switched on (first variation display).

[0107] Then, after a specific game state occurs in which the first variation display, which is a specific game, is performed for a predetermined time on the first special symbol display device 43A, the first variation display is stopped based on the result of the first win / fail lottery (jackpot lottery). In other words, the lighting pattern (combination of special symbol lamps that are lit) when the first variation display stops is associated with the various results of the first win / fail lottery (jackpot lottery), and the lighting pattern when the first variation display stops definitively indicates the result of the first win / fail lottery (jackpot lottery), i.e., whether it is a "jackpot" or a "miss".

[0108] The second special symbol display device 43B is composed of four LEDs (second special symbol lamps). In the second special symbol display device 43B, when a ball enters the second starting prize entry section 33WB, the second special symbol lamps are switched on (second variation display).

[0109] Then, after a specific game state occurs in the second special symbol display device 43B where the second variation display, which is a specific game, is performed for a predetermined time, the second variation display is stopped based on the result of the first win / fail lottery (jackpot lottery), the second win / fail lottery (minor win lottery), or the third win / fail lottery (time-saving win lottery). In other words, the lighting pattern (combination of special symbol lamps lit) when the second variation display stops is associated with the various results of the first to third win / fail lotteries, and the lighting pattern when the second variation display stops definitively indicates the result of the first to third win / fail lottery, i.e., "jackpot," "minor win," "time-saving win," or "loss." In this embodiment, the stopping of the second variation display corresponds to the fulfillment of a predetermined update condition, and winning a "time-saving win" corresponds to the fulfillment of a specific condition.

[0110] Furthermore, the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B also indicate the type of jackpot ("15R jackpot", "8R jackpot", and "4R jackpot") depending on the lighting pattern (stopping pattern) to which they are stopped. In addition, the second special symbol display device 43B also indicates the type of time-saving jackpot ("30-spin time-saving jackpot", "40-spin time-saving jackpot", and "50-spin time-saving jackpot") depending on the lighting pattern (stopping pattern) to which they are stopped. Note that there is not just one, but multiple stopping patterns for the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B that indicate various jackpots, minor jackpots, various time-saving jackpots, and misses, and one of these is selected and displayed.

[0111] Furthermore, the stop display in the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B is maintained for a specified time, and after the elapsed period (variation interval), the next variation display can be started.

[0112] Furthermore, if a specified time has elapsed since the stop indication on the first special symbol display device 43A or the second special symbol display device 43B, and no further variation is displayed, the first special symbol display device 43A or the second special symbol display device 43B is configured to switch from a lighting mode indicating the result of the win / fail lottery to a lighting mode indicating a standby state where no variation is displayed. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the lighting mode indicating the result of the win / fail lottery may be maintained.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA, which is a specific condition or update condition, while the first variation display is being executed, the first variation display corresponding to the ball entry is reserved and stored, and after the first variation display being executed is stopped, the reserved first variation display is started. Similarly, if a game ball enters the second starting prize entry section 33WB, which is a specific condition or update condition, while the second variation display is being executed, the second variation display corresponding to the ball entry is reserved and stored, and after the second variation display being executed is stopped, the reserved second variation display is started.

[0114] In addition, if a game ball passes through the through gate 34 while the regular symbol display device 41 is displaying a variation, the variation display corresponding to that passage is put into storage, and after the current variation display is stopped, the stored variation display is started.

[0115] In this embodiment, adjacent to the ordinary symbol display device 41, the first special symbol display device 43A, and the second special symbol display device 43B, there is an ordinary hold display device 44 that indicates that the variation display of the ordinary symbol display device 41 is being held in storage, a first hold display device 46A as a first hold display means capable of notifying or suggesting that the first variation display is being held in storage (that the right to execute the first variation display has been obtained), and a second hold display device 46B as a second hold display means capable of notifying or suggesting that the second variation display is being held in storage (that the right to execute the second variation display has been obtained). In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 43A, the second special symbol display device 43B, the first hold display device 46A, the second hold display device 46B, the ordinary symbol display device 41, and the ordinary hold display device 44 are directly displayed and controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later as the main control means.

[0116] The normal hold display device 44 is composed of two LEDs (normal hold lamps). In this embodiment, the device is configured to store up to four variations of the normal symbol display device 41, which are displayed based on the passage of a game ball through the through gate 34. For example, if one variation of the normal symbol display device 41 is stored, the left normal hold lamp lights up; if two variations are stored, both the left and right normal hold lamps light up; if three variations are stored, the left normal hold lamp blinks and the right normal hold lamp lights up; and if four variations are stored, both the left and right normal hold lamps blink. Furthermore, if a new game ball passes through the through gate 34 during a jackpot state, the variation display for that ball can also be stored.

[0117] The first reserve display device 46A is composed of two LEDs (first reserve lamps). In this embodiment, it is configured to store up to four first variation displays based on the entry of a game ball into the first start prize entry section 33WA. For example, if one first variation display is stored, the left first reserve lamp lights up; if two first variation displays are stored, both the left and right first reserve lamps light up; if three first variation displays are stored, the left first reserve lamp blinks and the right first reserve lamp lights up; and if four first variation displays are stored, both the left and right first reserve lamps blink. If multiple first variation displays are stored, the first variation displays will be consumed sequentially in the order in which they were stored (starting with the first ones stored).

[0118] The second hold display device 46B is composed of two LEDs (second hold lamps). In this embodiment, it is configured to hold and store up to four second variation displays based on the entry of a game ball into the second start prize entry section 33WB. For example, if one second variation display is held, the left second hold lamp lights up; if two second variation displays are held, both the left and right second hold lamps light up; if three second variation displays are held, the left second hold lamp blinks and the right second hold lamp lights up; and if four second variation displays are held, both the left and right second hold lamps blink. If multiple second variation displays are held and stored, the second variation displays will be consumed sequentially in the order in which they were stored (starting with the first one held).

[0119] Furthermore, if a new game ball enters the starting prize entry section 33Wa or 33Wb during a jackpot state, the corresponding variation display is also reserved. However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, during a jackpot state, "right-handed shooting" is performed, and game balls can enter the second starting prize entry section 33WB, which is located in the lower right-side area of ​​the game area, relatively easily. Therefore, basically, after the jackpot state ends, the second variation display is reserved and stored.

[0120] As described above, basically, the first variation display triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize section 33WA is stored and processed in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the first starting prize section 33WA, and the second variation display triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize section 33WB is stored and processed in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the second starting prize section 33WB. However, if both the first variation display triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize section 33WA and the second variation display triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize section 33WB are held (when one or more of the first and second hold lamps are lit), the second variation display triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize section 33WB will be processed preferentially. In other words, the system is configured such that the first variation display, triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize section 33WA, will not be performed unless all of the second variation displays, triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize section 33WB, have been completed. For example, if one of the first reserve lamps on the first reserve display device 46A is lit, and a game ball enters the second starting prize section 33WB, and one of the second reserve lamps on the second reserve display device 46B lights up, the first variation display triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize section 33WA will be postponed, and the second variation display triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize section 33WB will be performed first.

[0121] Furthermore, the performance display device 42 of the variable display device unit 35 is composed of a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display section, and the display content is controlled by the sub-controller 262 and the display control device 45, which will be described later. That is, in the performance display device 42, auxiliary display content is determined by the sub-controller 262 based on commands from the main control device 261 to correspond to the results displayed by the special symbol display devices 43A, 43B, etc., and the display content is displayed by the display control device 45, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the performance display device 42 and the sub-controller 262 and display control device 45 that control it constitute a "specific corresponding display execution function unit".

[0122] The performance display device 42 is configured to perform a performance variation display (variation display of decorative symbols) as a variation-responsive performance display that corresponds to the variation display by the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B.

[0123] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1-45, the display device 42 is provided with three symbol display areas (upper symbol display area, middle symbol display area, and lower symbol display area), and multiple types of decorative symbols (symbols with numbers 1 to 9) are displayed sequentially (displayed in a variable manner) in each symbol display area, and then the decorative symbols are displayed in a fixed position in order for each symbol display area (for example, in the order of upper symbol display area → lower symbol display area → middle symbol display area).

[0124] Then, when the main control device 261 confirms the occurrence of a jackpot, the first or second special symbol display device 43A, 43B displays a symbol corresponding to the jackpot, and the performance display device 42 stops and displays decorative symbols in a combination corresponding to the jackpot (for example, the same decorative symbols are stopped and displayed so that they are lined up on predetermined active lines in the upper symbol display area, middle symbol display area, and lower symbol display area), and the jackpot state begins.

[0125] Furthermore, when decorative symbols stop and are displayed in a combination corresponding to a jackpot, as a preliminary step, for example, the same decorative symbols will stop and be displayed on a predetermined active line in the upper and lower symbol display areas. This state, where the same symbols stop and are displayed on a predetermined active line in the upper and lower symbol display areas, and the middle symbol display area is still showing a variation, is called a "reach" state. Of course, just because a reach state occurs does not necessarily mean that a jackpot will be won; it can still be a miss.

[0126] In this embodiment, after a reach state occurs, a jackpot state is awarded when the same decorative symbol (reach symbol) that was stopped in the upper and lower symbol display areas is stopped on the same active line in the middle symbol display area (i.e., when decorative symbols with the same repeating numbers are stopped). However, in this embodiment, the type of jackpot cannot be determined depending on the type of decorative symbol that is stopped.

[0127] Furthermore, in the case of a "minor win" or "time-saving win," the combination of symbols displayed on the display device 42 is different from that of a big win (a sequence of identical numbers). For example, the numbers of the decorative symbols displayed in each symbol display area may be combinations that look like losing symbols, such as "3, 4, 1." As a result, it is not possible to distinguish between a "minor win" and a "time-saving win" based on the combination of decorative symbols displayed. Of course, this is not the only option; in the case of a "minor win" or "time-saving win," the combination of symbols displayed on the display device 42 may also be a sequence of identical numbers.

[0128] As shown in Figure 1-3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the rear side of the front frame 14, below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray connecting passage 71 that connects the payout mechanism 352 (described later) to the lower payout outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray connecting passage 73 that connects the payout mechanism 352 to the upper tray 19. In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined interval between the launch rail 61 and the rail 50 (outer rail component 52) ​​provided on the front side of the inner frame 12, and a foul ball passage 72 is formed in the ball passage unit 70 of the front frame 14 to guide game balls that fall through the gap to the lower tray 15. As a result, if a game ball launched from the launching device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns back down the rail 50 as a foul ball, that foul ball is discharged into the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

[0129] Furthermore, a launching ball passage 74 is provided that connects the upper tray 19 and the ball feeding device 63, guiding the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 to the ball feeding device 63. In addition, a communication hole (not shown) is formed in the launching ball passage 74 that communicates with the lower tray communication passage 71, and a first shutter (not shown) is provided to open and close the communication hole. The first shutter is biased to the closed position, which normally closes the communication hole, by a biasing means (not shown). Furthermore, the first shutter is linked to the ball release button 123, and is configured to be displaced to the open position, which opens the communication hole, when the ball release button 123 is pressed.

[0130] As shown in Figure 1-2, the lower tray 15 has an outlet 15a that allows the game balls stored in the lower tray 15 to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, and a second shutter 15b is provided to open and close the outlet 15a. The second shutter 15b is always biased to the closed position, which closes the outlet 15a, by a biasing means (not shown). Furthermore, the second shutter 15b is configured to be linked with the ball removal lever 25, and is configured to be displaced to the open position, which opens the outlet 15a, when, for example, the ball removal lever 25 is slid to the left.

[0131] In Figures 1-3 and 1-4, reference numeral 67 denotes a payout passage for guiding the game balls dispensed by the payout mechanism 352 (described later) to the front of the inner frame 12. This passage is divided into a passage leading to the upper tray passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray passage 71 (lower tray 15).

[0132] Furthermore, a shutter 68 is provided below the dispensing passage 67, and when the front frame 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward due to a biasing force such as a spring, almost completely closing the exit of the dispensing passage 67.

[0133] On the other hand, when the front frame 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end of the lower tray passage 71 on the entrance side. In addition, the entrance (ball inlet) of the lower tray passage 71 and the entrance (ball inlet) of the upper tray passage 73 are located adjacent to each other. Furthermore, when the front frame 14 is closed, the two entrances and the payout passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance, and game balls can pass through the gap between them. Therefore, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray passage 73 are full of game balls, the game balls to be dispensed will flow towards the lower tray passage 71 (overflowing to the entrance side of the lower tray passage 71) and be dispensed into the lower tray 15 through the lower tray passage 71.

[0134] In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full-capacity detection switch (not shown) that detects game balls located in the lower tray passage 71. The presence of this full-capacity detection switch makes it possible to determine that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls (that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls and game balls are accumulating in the lower tray passage 71). In this embodiment, based on the detection of game balls by the full-capacity detection switch for a predetermined period of time, error notification control is performed using displays and sounds on the performance display device 42 to inform the user that the lower tray 15 is full. When the accumulation of game balls in the lower tray passage 71 is resolved and game balls are no longer detected by the full-capacity detection switch (when no game balls are detected for a predetermined period of time), the error notification state is canceled.

[0135] Next, the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 1-5, 1-6, etc. On the rear of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged in a row vertically and horizontally, with some overlapping front to back. In addition, a game ball supply device (dispensing mechanism) for supplying game balls and a resin protective cover are attached. The dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin part is generally sometimes called the back pack, so here we will refer to that unit as the "back pack unit 203".

[0136] First, the rear configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in Figure 1-6, a resin frame cover 213 is provided on the rear side of the variable display unit 35 (see Figure 1-4), which is arranged to correspond to the through-hole in the center of the game board 30, and which covers the center frame 47 from behind. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device 42, the display control device 45, and the sub-control device 262 are attached to the rear side of the frame cover 213 in a stacked front-to-back configuration, facing forward through the opening of the frame cover 213.

[0137] The performance display device 42 is housed in a housing box 42a, which has an opening formed therein to expose the liquid crystal display section of the performance display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is fixed to the rear side of the frame cover 213. The display control device 45 is housed in a circuit board box 45a and is fixed to the rear side of the performance display device 42 (housing box 42a). The sub-control device 262 is housed in a circuit board box 262a and is fixed to the rear side of the display control device 45 (circuit board box 45a). An LED control board for driving LEDs etc. built into the center frame 47 is arranged inside the frame cover 213. Furthermore, the housing box 42a and the circuit board boxes 45a and 262a are made of transparent resin material or the like, making the interior visible.

[0138] Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general prize winning sections 31A, 31B, the variable prize winning devices 32A, 32B, and the starting prize winning sections 33WA, 33WB, etc., from behind. The back frame set 215 is equipped with a ball recovery mechanism for recovering game balls that have entered the various prize winning sections (not shown). The game balls recovered by this ball recovery mechanism are guided to the discharge passage section 217, which will be described later, and discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 from the discharge chute of the discharge passage section 217.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, the circuit board box 263, on which the main control device 261 is mounted, is pivotally supported relative to the rear frame set 215 and can be opened to the rear.

[0140] The main control unit 261 is housed in a circuit board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The circuit board box 263 comprises a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and these box base and box cover are connected by a sealing member. The circuit board box 263 connected by the sealing member is configured so that it cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left. This makes it easy to detect if the circuit board box 263 has been opened illegally.

[0141] Although not shown in the diagram, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected via cable connectors to the general prize switches 221a, 221b, the large prize slot count switch 222, the ball entry count switch 223a, the specific ball entry detection switch 223b, the non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c, the start prize switches 224a, 224b, and the through gate switch 225. This first board relay board relays the general prize switches 221a, 221b, etc., to the main control device 261 and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via cable connectors. In contrast, the start prize switches 224a, 224b, which detect the entry into the start prize section 33WA, WB, are directly connected to the main control device 261 via connector cables without going through the relay board.

[0142] The detection results from each ball entry detection switch are received by the main control unit 261. The main control unit 261 then transmits a payout command (number of game balls to be dispensed) corresponding to the winning status at that time to the payout control unit 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed based on the output signal from the payout control unit 311 (except when detected by the through gate switch 225).

[0143] In addition, although not shown in the diagram, the back of the game board 30 is also provided with a second board relay board that relays various motors and solenoids to the main control device 261.

[0144] Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in Figure 1-5, the back pack unit 203 integrates a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball dispensing mechanism 352. The back pack unit 203 is also supported on the left side (right side in Figure 1-5) of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable, and can be opened to the rear with an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction as its axis. In addition, an external terminal plate 240 is provided on the upper left (upper right in Figure 1-5) of the back pack unit 203.

[0145] The external terminal board 240 is for relaying various information transmissions to the hall computer of the gaming hall, and is provided with multiple external connection terminals. For convenience, symbols are not assigned to these terminals, but they include terminals for outputting various information related to the current game state, such as the occurrence of a jackpot; terminals for outputting information related to the opening of the front frame 14 and inner frame 12 detected by the opening detection switches 91 and 92, which will be described later; terminals for outputting information related to various error states, such as ball entry errors, lower tray full errors, no balls in the tank errors, and payout errors; and terminals for outputting information related to the number of prize balls dispensed from the payout control device 311.

[0146] The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes from the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top are closed and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in this embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to also cover the top and right side (left side in Figure 1-5) of the circuit board box 263. As a result, when the back pack unit 203 is closed, the sealing member provided on the right side of the circuit board box 263 and the terminal portion (circuit board side connector) provided along the upper edge of the main control device 261 are covered.

[0147] The dispensing mechanism 352 is arranged to bypass the protective cover 354. Specifically, a tank 355 with an upward opening is provided above the protective cover 354, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are continuously replenished into this tank 355. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 is connected, for example, having two horizontal rows of ball passages and sloping gently toward the downstream side, and a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The dispensing device 358 is provided at the downstream end of the case rail 357, and the required number of game balls are dispensed as needed by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a dispensing motor. The game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

[0148] Furthermore, the dispensing mechanism section 352 is equipped with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays dispensing command signals from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, as well as a power switch board 382 that takes in main power from an external source. The power switch board 382 is supplied with main power, for example, 24V AC, via a voltage converter, and the power is turned ON or OFF by switching the power switch 382a.

[0149] Below the back pack unit 203 (circuit board box 263), a lower frame set 251 is provided, pivotally supported on the left side (right side in Figure 1-5) of the inner frame 12 and openable to the rear. As shown in Figure 1-6, the lower frame set 251 has an discharge passage 217 into which game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism described above flow, and at the downstream end of the discharge passage 217, there is a discharge chute (not shown) that discharges game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. In other words, game balls that enter each prize section, such as the general prize section 31a, are collected via the ball collection mechanism of the back frame set 215 and then discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage 217. Similarly, the out opening 36 is also connected to the discharge passage 217, and game balls that do not enter any prize section are also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate components and can be opened and closed independently. However, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may be integrally formed.

[0150] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1-5, the power supply / launch control device 310, the payout control device 311, and the CR unit connection board 314 are detachably mounted on the rear side of the lower frame set 251, stacked front to back. The power supply / launch control device 310 comprises a launch control circuit 312 and a power supply circuit 313, and is housed in a board box 313a and fixed to the rear side of the lower frame set 251.

[0151] Furthermore, the dispensing control device 311 is housed in a circuit board box 311a and fixed to the rear side of the circuit board box 313a (power supply / launching control device 310). The circuit board box 311a in which the dispensing control device 311 is housed is provided with a sealing member, similar to the circuit board box 263 in which the main control device 261 is housed, so that there is a trace of when the circuit board box 311a has been opened.

[0152] In addition, the CR unit connection board 314 is housed in the board box 314a and fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (power supply / launch control device 310). The above board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a are made of transparent resin material or the like, allowing the inside to be seen.

[0153] Furthermore, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state reset switch 321 that protrudes outward from the circuit board box 311a. For example, when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball jam in the dispensing motor, pressing the state reset switch 321 causes the dispensing motor to rotate in both forward and reverse directions, thereby clearing the ball jam (returning to a normal state).

[0154] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the circuit board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, which allows it to retain its state at the time of the power outage even if a power outage occurs, and to restore it to that state when power is restored. Therefore, if the power is turned off using the normal procedure (for example, when the amusement hall closes for business), the state before the power was turned off is retained. If you want to return to the initial state when turning on the power, press the RAM erase switch 323 while turning on the power.

[0155] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1-6, a locking device 600 is provided on the right rear side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 600a (see Figure 1-1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame 14. By inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 600a and rotating it in one direction, the inner frame 12 can be unlocked, and by rotating it in the other direction, the front frame 14 can be unlocked. In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

[0156] As described above, the right-hand frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 has an extended wall portion 83 that covers the entire upper and lower section corresponding to the locking device 600 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see Figure 1-5). This makes it difficult to insert wires or the like from the rear side of the outer frame 11 and operate the locking device 600 with those wires or the like. As a result, the defensive performance can be improved. Furthermore, the extended wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end (left end in Figure 1-5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, so that the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened when the inner frame 12 is closed.

[0157] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1-4, a front frame opening detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame 14 is provided on the lower right front side of the inner frame 12 (to the right of the launch device 60), and as shown in Figure 1-5, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided on the lower right rear side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in Figure 1-5). The front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can extend and retract relative to the switch body. The front frame opening detection switch 91 is positioned so that the detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is positioned so that the detection unit faces backward. When the detection unit is protruding from the switch body, an ON signal is output to the main control device 261, and when the detection unit is pressed towards the switch body and retracted into the switch body, an OFF signal is output to the main control device 261. In other words, when the front frame 14 is closed, the detection part of the front frame 14 is pressed against the back of the front frame 14, turning the front frame 14 off, and when the front frame 14 is opened, the detection part returns to its protruding state, turning the front frame 14 on. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection part of the inner frame 12 is pressed against the pressing part 86 which is integrally formed with the receiving part 85 of the outer frame 11, turning the inner frame 12 off, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection part returns to its protruding state, turning the inner frame 12 on.

[0158] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Figure 1-7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 is equipped with a CPU 501, which is a one-chip microcontroller that acts as an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 contains a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, a RAM 503 which is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 502 are executed, and various circuits such as interrupt circuits, timer circuits, and data transmission / reception circuits. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into a single chip, but rather each function may be on its own chip.

[0159] RAM 503 includes a stack area where the contents of the CPU 501's internal registers and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 501 are stored, a work area (work region) where various flags, counters, I / O values ​​are stored, and a backup area 503a.

[0160] Furthermore, the RAM 503 is configured to retain (back up) data even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply circuit 313, so that all data stored in the stack area, work area and backup area 503a is backed up.

[0161] Backup area 503a is an area that stores the stack pointer, the values ​​of each register, I / O, etc., at the time of power loss (including when a power outage occurs; the same applies hereinafter) in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to its state before power loss when power is restored, in the event of a power outage or other power interruption. Writing to backup area 503a is performed by the main process when power is lost, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to backup area 503a is performed by the main process when power is restored (including when power is restored after a power outage; the same applies hereinafter). The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive the power outage signal SK1 output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when power is lost due to a power outage or other power interruption, and power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed when a power outage occurs.

[0162] It should be noted that backing up the data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 503a is sufficient; it is not necessarily required to back up the data stored in all areas. For example, a configuration may be used in which the data stored in the stack area and backup area 503a is backed up, but the data stored in the work area is not.

[0163] The CPU 501, which incorporates the ROM 502 and RAM 503, is connected to an input / output port 505 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 is connected to the RAM erase switch circuit 543, payout control device 311, sub-control device 262, special symbol display devices 43A, 43B, and normal symbol display device 41, which will be described later. With this configuration, the special symbol display devices 43A, 43B and the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the performance display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

[0164] For convenience, the diagrams of various relay boards and the like are omitted, but the input / output port 505 is connected to various detection switches such as general prize switches 221a, 221b, large prize slot count switch 222, ball entry count switch 223a, specific ball entry detection switch 223b, non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c, start prize switches 224a, 224b, and through gate switch 225, as well as various boards such as power supply / launch control device 310, payout control device 311, and sub-control device 262, information display devices such as hold display devices 46A, 46B and normal hold display device 44, various solenoids provided on variable prize devices 32A, 32B, and solenoids that operate the second start prize unit 33WB. In other words, the main control device 261 is provided with multiple terminal sections (board-side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and these terminal sections and the like constitute the input / output port 505.

[0165] The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board), which serves as a sub-control means, includes a CPU 551 which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 552 which stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 551, a RAM 553 which is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 552 are executed, input / output ports 554, and a bus line 555. In addition, it also includes various other circuits such as interrupt circuits, timer circuits, and data transmission / reception circuits, which are not shown. The RAM 553 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

[0166] The CPU 551, ROM 552, and RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via the bus line 555, as well as the display control device 45. Furthermore, the speaker SP, performance buttons 125, directional buttons 126, lighting unit 102, and error indicator lamp 104 are connected to the input / output port 554.

[0167] The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on a command signal (e.g., a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261, and displays it on the performance display device 42. As described above, in this embodiment, the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B controlled by the main control device 261 inform the user that a jackpot has been won, and the performance display device 42 controlled by the sub-control device 262 displays variations of decorative symbols as a performance display in conjunction with the variation display of special symbols on the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B.

[0168] Furthermore, the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 358. The arithmetic unit CPU 511 includes a ROM 512 that stores control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 511, and a RAM 513 that is used as work memory, etc.

[0169] The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, includes a stack area where the contents of the CPU 511's internal registers and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511 are stored, a work area (work region) where various flags, counters, I / O values ​​are stored, and a backup area 513a.

[0170] RAM 513 is configured to retain (back up) data even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply circuit 313, and all data stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a are backed up. However, it is not necessarily required to back up data stored in all areas, as long as the data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up. For example, the data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a may be backed up, but the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

[0171] Backup area 513a is an area that stores the stack pointer, register values, I / O values, etc., at the time of power outage, etc., in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to its state before power outage when power is restored. Writing to this backup area 513a is performed by the main process when power is lost, and the restoration of each value written to backup area 513a is performed by the main process when power is restored. In addition, similar to the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 when power is cut off due to a power outage, etc. When this power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, the NMI interrupt processing as power outage processing is immediately executed.

[0172] The work area is equipped with a payout permission flag which is set to allow the payout of prize balls by the payout control device 311, a command reception flag which is set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and a command buffer which stores the command transmitted from the main control device 261.

[0173] The payout permission flag is a flag that sets permission for the payout of prize balls. It is turned on when a specific command is sent from the main control unit 261 to permit the payout of prize balls, and is turned off when the initial setup process is completed or the system is restored to its state before the power was cut off. In this embodiment, the specific commands are three: a payout initialization command that instructs the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control unit 311, a prize ball command that instructs the payout of prize balls, and a payout restoration command that is sent when the main control unit 261 is powered back on.

[0174] The command reception flag is a flag that confirms whether or not the dispensing control device 311 has received a command. It is turned on when any command is received, and like the dispensing permission flag, it is turned off when the system returns to its initial setup state or before the power cut-off, and also when the received command is determined by the command determination process.

[0175] The command buffer consists of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control unit 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored in a regular pattern from the beginning to the end of that storage area. When all the storage areas are filled with commands, the system returns to the beginning of the storage area and updates the commands. Therefore, when a command is stored and when a command is read, the storage pointer and read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on these pointers.

[0176] The CPU 511, which incorporates the ROM 512 and RAM 513, is connected to an input / output port 515 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The RAM erase switch circuit 543, the main control unit 261, the power supply / launch control unit 310 (launch control circuit 312), the payout device 358, the CR unit connection board 314, and the like are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

[0177] The CR unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball dispensing operation unit (dispensing switch 121 and return switch 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10, the CR unit (card reader unit, ball dispensing unit) located to the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a gaming hall, etc., and the payout control device 311. When information regarding the ball dispensing operation by the player to the ball dispensing operation unit or the CR unit is input to the CR unit, and a balance of game value is stored on the card, which is the recording medium inserted into the CR unit, the balance on the card is deducted, and a payout request signal for the number of game balls corresponding to the deduction is output to the payout control device 311. Note that the recording medium of the CR unit is not limited to a card type, but may also be a coin type or a stick type.

[0178] Furthermore, the dispensing control device 311 is configured to periodically (for example, every 2 msec) output a CR unit connection signal to the launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310, indicating that the CR unit connection board 314 and the CR unit are electrically connected.

[0179] The launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310 permits or prohibits the launch of game balls by the launch device 60. The handle 18, payout control device 311, and main control device 261 are electrically connected to the launch control circuit 312. The launch control circuit 312 is also configured to receive input from the handle 18, including a dial position signal from a variable resistor indicating the amount of rotation operation (rotation angle) of the rotary operation unit 18a, a touch signal from a touch sensor indicating that the player is touching the handle 18, and a launch switch signal indicating that the player is not operating the stop lever 18b. Furthermore, the launch control circuit 312 is configured to receive input from the payout control device 311, including a CR unit connection signal indicating that the CR unit connection board 314 and the CR unit are electrically connected.

[0180] The launch control circuit 312 outputs a launch status signal to the main control unit 261, provided that the touch signal, launch switch signal, and CR unit connection signal are input. The main control unit 261 then outputs a launch permission signal and a ball feeding signal to the launch control circuit 312, provided that the launch status signal is input. The main control unit 261 is configured to output the launch permission signal at 0.6-second intervals when the launch status signal is input.

[0181] Furthermore, the launch control circuit 312 is configured to drive the ball feeding device 63 and send the game ball to the launch position when a ball feeding signal is input. However, if the ball feeding device 63 is equipped with a ready ball detection sensor capable of detecting whether or not a game ball is present at the launch position, and the sensor detects that a game ball is already present at the launch position, the ball feeding device 63 is not driven (even if a ball feeding signal is received, the game ball is not sent to the launch position).

[0182] Furthermore, the launch control circuit 312 is configured to drive the launch device 60 (launch solenoid) on the condition that a touch signal, a launch switch signal, a CR unit connection signal, a dial position signal, and a launch permission signal are input. As a result, the game ball set in the launch position is launched by the launch device 60 with a strength based on the dial position signal.

[0183] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 542 that monitors for power interruptions due to power outages, etc., and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erase switch 323.

[0184] The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control unit 261, the payout control unit 311, etc., through a power supply path not shown. In general, the power supply unit 541 takes in a 24-volt AC power supply supplied from an external source and generates a +12V power supply to drive various switches and motors, a +5V power supply for logic, and a backup power supply for RAM backup. It then supplies these +12V, +5V, and backup power supplies to the main control unit 261, the payout control unit 311, etc. The various switches and motors are supplied with operating power through the control units to which they are connected.

[0185] The power outage monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power outage signal SK1 to the NMI terminals of the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control unit 311 when the power is interrupted due to a power outage or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power outage (power interruption) has occurred when this voltage falls below 22 volts, and outputs a power outage signal SK1 to the main control unit 261 and the payout control unit 311. Upon output of this power outage signal SK1, the main control unit 261 and the payout control unit 311 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing).

[0186] Furthermore, the power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of the control system's drive voltage of 5 volts at a normal value for a sufficient amount of time to execute the power outage processing, even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts has fallen below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 can execute and complete the power outage processing normally.

[0187] The RAM erase switch circuit 543 receives the switch signal from the RAM erase switch 323 and clears the backup data in the RAM 503 of the main control unit 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control unit 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main control unit 261 and the payout control unit 311. When the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (including power on after a power outage is resolved), the data in RAM 503 and 513 of the main control unit 261 and the payout control unit 311 are cleared, respectively.

[0188] The display control device 45 performs the display of changing decorative patterns on the performance display device 42 according to instructions from the sub-control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. The input / output port 554 of the sub-control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. The CPU 521, program ROM 522, work RAM 523, and VDP 526 are also connected to the input port 527 via the bus line 530. The output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via the bus line 531, and the performance display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is connected to the output port 529.

[0189] The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives display commands transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received commands, or performs predetermined calculation processing based on the received commands to control the VDP 526 (generate internal commands for the VDP 526). This enables display control on the performance display device 42.

[0190] The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, while the work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs.

[0191] The video RAM 524 is a memory that stores the display data shown on the performance display device 42, and the display content of the performance display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as patterns shown on the performance display device 42.

[0192] The VDP526 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) incorporated into the display device 42. Because the VDP526 is an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip," and in reality, it is a microcontroller chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP526 intervenes in data reading and writing by adjusting the timing of the CPU 521, video RAM 524, etc., and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing to display it on the display device 42.

[0193] Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be explained. In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 performs a lottery using various counter information during gameplay. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1-8, a win / fail random number counter CC1 is used as a win / fail random number generation means for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot state, etc., a type determination counter CC2 is used for determining the type of jackpot (type lottery), a variation selection counter CC3 is used for determining whether or not to generate a reach state in the performance display device 42, etc., an initial value random number counter CINI is used for setting the initial value of the win / fail random number counter CC1, a first variation type counter CS1 and a second variation type counter CS2 are used for determining the variation display time of the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B (performance display device 42), etc., and a normal symbol random number counter CC4 is used for determining whether or not to open the second start entry section 33WB in a start ball entry support lottery. Furthermore, the variation selection counter CC3 is also used to draw the reach pattern when the decorative symbols of the performance display device 42 are changed without a win. In addition, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are used for selecting the performance pattern in the performance display device 42 (such as selecting the variation pattern of the decorative symbols).

[0194] Counters CC1, CC2, CC3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and CC4 are loop counters that add 1 to their previous value each time they are updated, and return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit. Each counter is updated periodically, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM503 (except for the random initial value counter CINI).

[0195] The RAM 503 is provided with a special variable reserve area, which serves as a reserve storage means for storing the values ​​of the win / fail random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, and the variable selection counter CC3, and a normal variable reserve area for storing the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4.

[0196] The special variable reserve area comprises the first special variable reserve area and the second special variable reserve area, each having four reserve areas (reserve area 1 to reserve area 4), and one execution area.

[0197] In each of the first special variable reserve areas, the values ​​of the win / fail random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, and the variable selection counter CC3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the first start prize entry unit 33WA. In this embodiment, the first special variable reserve area provided in the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 constitutes the "first storage means (first reserve means) capable of storing the fulfillment of the first start condition up to a predetermined upper limit value (4)".

[0198] In each of the second special variable reserve areas, the values ​​of the win / fail random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, and the variable selection counter CC3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the second start prize entry section 33WB. In this embodiment, the second special variable reserve area provided in the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 constitutes a "second storage means (second reserve means) capable of storing the fulfillment of the second start condition up to a predetermined upper limit value (4)".

[0199] In this embodiment, there is only one execution area for the special fluctuation hold area, and the data stored in the first special fluctuation hold area and the second special fluctuation hold area are shifted to a common execution area when performing fluctuation display based on that data.

[0200] The normal variable hold area consists of four hold areas (Hold Area 1 to Hold Area 4) and one execution area. Each hold area of ​​the normal variable hold area stores the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4 in chronological order according to the history of the game balls passing through the through gate 34.

[0201] By adopting this configuration, the first variation display in the first special symbol display device 43A, the second variation display in the second special symbol display device 43B, and the variation display in the ordinary symbol display device 41 can each be held up to four times.

[0202] To explain each counter in detail, the win / fail random number counter CC1 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 599, and after reaching the upper limit as the closing value (i.e., 599), it returns to the lower limit as the opening value, which is 0. Normally, when the win / fail random number counter CC1 completes one cycle, the value of the initial random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value for the corresponding non-random number counter CC1. The initial random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the win / fail random number counter CC1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once with each timer interrupt and repeatedly within the remaining time of normal processing. On the other hand, the win / fail random number counter CC1 is updated periodically (once with each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 is stored in the win / fail random number counter buffer. Then, at the moment the game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA or the second starting prize entry section 33WB, the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 stored in the win / fail random number counter buffer is stored in the special variation reserve area (first special variation reserve area or second special variation reserve area).

[0203] In this embodiment, the probability of winning the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) does not change depending on the game mode (one of the game modes: "Normal Mode", "Shortened Time A Mode", and "Shortened Time B Mode"). There are three values ​​for the win / loss random number counter CC1 that result in a jackpot state, and these values ​​are "7,207,407". In other words, the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) is won with a probability of 1 / 200, and a jackpot state is generated. In this embodiment, the "first lottery means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that performs the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery).

[0204] Similarly, the probability of winning the second win / loss lottery (minor win lottery) does not change depending on the game mode (one of the game modes: "Normal Mode", "Shortened Time A Mode", and "Shortened Time B Mode"). The number of values ​​for the win / loss random number counter CC1 that result in a minor win is 84, and these values ​​are "9 to 50, 409 to 450". In other words, there is a probability of winning the second win / loss lottery (minor win lottery) of 84 / 600 (≒ approximately 1 / 7), and a minor win state occurs. In this embodiment, the "second lottery means" is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that performs the second win / loss lottery (minor win lottery).

[0205] Furthermore, the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery) is conducted only during "normal mode" based on the entry of game balls into the second start prize entry section 33WB. In other words, the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery) is conducted only while the remaining second variation displays stored in reserve at the end of "time-saving A mode" are being executed (while the remaining reserves are being consumed). Accordingly, in this embodiment, the state in which the "continuation chance stage performance" of the "remaining reserves of the second variation display" are being consumed after the end of "time-saving A mode (battle stage performance or rush stage performance)" corresponds to the "predetermined game state".

[0206] The number of possible values ​​for the CC1 random number counter that determines whether you win the time-saving bonus is 60, and these values ​​are "211-230, 311-330, 511-530". In other words, there is a 1 / 10 chance of winning the third win / loss lottery (time-saving bonus lottery) and gaining the right to activate "Time-Saving B Mode".

[0207] More specifically, if the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 is between 211 and 230, 30 time-saving wins will occur; if the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 is between 311 and 330, 40 time-saving wins will occur; and if the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 is between 511 and 530, 50 time-saving wins will occur.

[0208] As will be explained later, the third win / loss lottery (time-saving win lottery) is conducted if the first win / loss lottery (big win lottery) and the second win / loss lottery (small win lottery), which are based on ball entry into the second starting prize entry section 33WB, are not successful.

[0209] ROM 502 is provided with a win / loss determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 corresponds to any of the wins. In this embodiment, there is a first win / loss determination table corresponding to ball entry into the first starting prize entry section 33WA (a first win / loss determination table common to "normal mode", "time-saving A mode", and "time-saving B mode") and a second win / loss determination table corresponding to ball entry into the second starting prize entry section 33WB (a second win / loss determination table including a minor win determination common to "time-saving A mode" and "time-saving B mode", and a second win / loss determination table for "normal mode" including a minor win determination and a time-saving win determination).

[0210] The type determination counter CC2 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 19, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 19), it returns to the lower limit of 0.

[0211] ROM 502 contains a type determination table that is referenced when determining which type of jackpot the value of the type determination counter CC2 corresponds to. In this embodiment, there is a first type determination table corresponding to balls entering the first starting prize entry section 33WA, and a second type determination table corresponding to balls entering the second starting prize entry section 33WB.

[0212] Then, if a player wins the jackpot in the draw, the type of jackpot state to be awarded is determined based on the value of the type determination counter CC2 (a type draw is performed), and the player is awarded the jackpot state of the determined type.

[0213] In this embodiment, in "Normal Mode (the same applies to Time-Saving Mode A)", if a direct jackpot is won in the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize entry section 33WA, there is a 5% chance that it will be a "15R jackpot" and a 95% chance that it will be a "4R jackpot".

[0214] On the other hand, in "Shortened Time B Mode," if a direct jackpot is won in the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize entry area 33WA, it will be a "15R jackpot" with a 100% probability (the probability of a "4R jackpot" is 0%).

[0215] In contrast, regardless of the game mode, if a direct jackpot is won in the first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize entry section 33WB, and if a V-winning jackpot occurs based on a ball entering the specific ball entry section (V-winning area) 320c of the second variable prize entry device 32B via a minor win, there is a 40% chance of it becoming a "15R jackpot", a 10% chance of it becoming an "8R jackpot", and a 50% chance of it becoming a "4R jackpot".

[0216] Furthermore, the type determination counter CC2 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the type determination counter CC2 is stored in the type determination counter buffer. Then, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA or the second starting prize entry section 33WB, the value of the type determination counter CC2 stored in the type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variation reserve area (first special variation reserve area or second special variation reserve area) of RAM 503.

[0217] The variable selection counter CC3 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 238, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 238), it returns to the lower limit of 0. In this embodiment, the variable selection counter CC3 is used to draw lots for "front / back miss reach" where, after a reach state occurs with respect to the decorative symbols, the final stopping symbol stops one position before or after the reach symbol; "reverse front / back miss reach" where, similarly after a reach state occurs, the final stopping symbol stops anywhere other than before or after the reach symbol; and "miss (complete miss)" where no reach state occurs.

[0218] ROM502 is equipped with a reach determination table that stores the correspondence between the value of the variable selection counter CC3 and various reach patterns.

[0219] The variable selection counter CC3 is updated periodically (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the variable selection counter CC3 is stored in the variable selection counter buffer. Then, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA or the second starting prize entry section 33WB, the value of the variable selection counter CC3 stored in the variable selection counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area (first special variable reserve area or second special variable reserve area) of the RAM 503.

[0220] Furthermore, of the two fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, one fluctuation type counter CS1 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 255, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 255), it returns to the lower limit of 0. The other fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 31, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 31), it returns to the lower limit of 0.

[0221] In addition, the variation time of the variation display in the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B and the general variation patterns of the variation display in the performance display device 42 (reach patterns such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach) are associated with each other by a variation pattern table. Therefore, once the variation time of the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B is determined, the variation pattern of the performance display device 42 is also determined.

[0222] For example, the system may be configured such that the variation time is determined based on the first variation type counter CS1, and the stop display mode on the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B is determined by the second variation type counter CS2. For example, when corresponding to a "15R jackpot," one of the stop display modes corresponding to a "15R jackpot" is determined. Note that the counters used to determine the variation time and variation pattern are not limited to the above configuration and can be changed as appropriate for each model.

[0223] Furthermore, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time the normal processing described later is executed, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal processing. In this embodiment, with regard to the values ​​of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA or the second starting prize entry section 33WB, the values ​​of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the variation type counter buffer of RAM 503 are stored in the special variation reserve area of ​​RAM 503.

[0224] In this way, by acquiring the values ​​of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 at the timing of the start of the winning combination, it is possible to know (pre-read) the first variation time of the first variation display and the second variation time of the second variation display that have been stored in reserve before the variation starts, and to use this information to perform various effects. If a configuration that pre-reads the variation time and performs effects is not required, the buffer values ​​of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 may be acquired when the variation pattern is determined by the effect display device 42 at the start of the variation of the decorative symbols.

[0225] Note that the size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the correct / false random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, the variation selection counter CC3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 all be different prime numbers and not synchronized under any circumstances.

[0226] Furthermore, the normal symbol random number counter CC4 is configured as a loop counter that increments by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 29, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 29). The normal symbol random number counter CC4 is updated periodically (once with each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4 is obtained when a game ball passes through the through gate 34.

[0227] Then, when a value for the winning regular symbol random number counter CC4 is obtained, the regular symbol display device 41 displays a variable for a predetermined time (after the regular symbol lamps constituting the regular symbol display device 41 blink alternately), then stops displaying in a manner (lighting pattern) corresponding to the win, and the second start prize entry section 33WB opens in a pattern corresponding to the game mode at that time.

[0228] In this embodiment, in the "low ball entry state," the winning random number values ​​are "0" and "1," which is 2. On the other hand, in the "high ball entry state," the winning random number values ​​are "0 to 27," which is 28. In other words, in the "low ball entry state," there is a 1 / 15 probability that the second starting prize entry section 33WB will be open, and in the "high ball entry state," there is a 14 / 15 probability that the second starting prize entry section 33WB will be open.

[0229] ROM502 contains a support determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4 corresponds to a win. In this embodiment, a first support determination table corresponding to a "low ball entry state" and a second support determination table corresponding to a "high ball entry state" are set up.

[0230] Next, the control processes executed by the CPU 501 in the main control unit 261 will be explained with reference to the flowchart. The CPU 501 processes can be broadly divided into the main process, which is started when the power is turned on; the timer interrupt process, which is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment); and the NMI interrupt process, which is started when a stop signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For the sake of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be explained first, and then the main process will be explained.

[0231] Figure 1-11 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261, for example, every 2 msec. First, in step SC301, the process of reading various prize-winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches connected to the main control unit 261 (except for the RAM erase switch 323) is read, and the state of the switches is determined to save detection information (prize-winning detection information). On the other hand, if there is no detection information, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0232] Furthermore, if any winning switch is detected, the corresponding prize ball counter value is incremented. In addition, during the external output processing of the normal processing described later, a prize ball command based on the value of each prize ball counter is output to the payout control device 311, and prize balls are awarded (game balls are dispensed) based on the prize ball command. Moreover, when this prize ball command is output, the value of each prize ball counter is reset.

[0233] Step SC302 executes the random number initial value update process. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when its value reaches its maximum, it is reset to 0.

[0234] In step SC303, a random number update process is performed. Specifically, the win / fail random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, the variation selection counter CC3, and the normal symbol random number counter CC4 are each incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of each counter CC1, CC2, CC3, and CC4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM503.

[0235] Subsequently, in step SC304, the start-up prize-winning process is executed in conjunction with the entry (winning) of game balls into the first start-up prize-winning section 33WA and the second start-up prize-winning section 33WB. In step SC305, the through-gate passage process is executed in conjunction with the passage of game balls through the through-gate 34. In the following step SC306, a launch permission command setting process is performed to perform processes such as sending a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 312 of the power supply / launch control device 310. Furthermore, in step SC307, a remaining ball monitoring process is performed to check whether or not game balls remain in the internal area 320a of the second variable prize-winning device 32B. After that, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

[0236] Here, the starting prize-winning process of step SC304 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-13. RAM503 is provided with a first reserve counter Na that counts the number of reserved balls for the first variation display triggered by a ball entering the first starting prize-winning section 33WA, and a second reserve counter Nb that counts the number of reserved balls for the second variation display triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize-winning section 33WB.

[0237] Furthermore, the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area and each hold area are provided with various storage areas, including a win / fail random number storage area that stores the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1, a winning type random number storage area that stores the value of the type determination counter CC2, a reach random number storage area that stores the value of the variation selection counter CC3, a first variation type random number storage area that stores the value of the first variation type counter CS1, a second variation type random number storage area that stores the value of the second variation type counter CS2, and a mode storage area that stores game mode information to identify the game mode at the start of variation display.

[0238] First, in step SC501, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second starting prize entry section 33WB based on the detection information from the second starting prize entry switch 224b. If it is determined to be positive in step SC501, in step SC502, it is determined whether or not the value of the second reserve counter Nb, which is the first counting function unit, is less than the upper limit value (in this embodiment, "4"). If it is determined to be negative in step SC501 or SC502, the process proceeds to step SC510. On the other hand, if it is determined to be positive in step SC502, the process proceeds to step SC503, and the second reserve counter Nb is incremented by 1.

[0239] In the following step SC504, the second hold display device 46B (second hold lamp) is updated to reflect the increase of one hold in the second variable display. In other words, if the second hold lamp was off, the process is performed to turn it on.

[0240] After step SC504, in step SC505, which is the information setting function unit, the values ​​of the win / fail random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, the variation selection counter CC3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 (the values ​​stored in the win / fail random number counter buffer, the type determination counter buffer, the variation selection counter buffer, and each variation type counter buffer) are stored in the first of the available hold areas of the second special variation hold area (win / fail random number memory area, winning type random number memory area, reach random number memory area, and the first and second variation type random number memory areas). At the same time, the game mode at which this second variation display starts is identified, and the game mode information is stored in the mode memory area. After step SC505, the process moves to step SC506.

[0241] In step SC506, a second win / failure determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the win / failure random number counter CC1, newly stored in the second special variation reserve area, corresponds to the value of each type of win (big win, small win, time-saving win).

[0242] Here, the details of the second validity determination process in step SC506 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-14(b).

[0243] First, in step SC5111, the system consults the second win / failure determination table corresponding to the game mode to determine whether the value of the win / failure random number counter CC1, newly stored in the second special variation reserve area, matches one of the values ​​corresponding to a jackpot: "7", "207", or "407". If the determination in step SC5111 is positive, in step SC5112, the jackpot scheduled flag for the corresponding reserve area in the second special variation reserve area is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

[0244] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5111 is negative, in step SC5113, the second win / failure determination table corresponding to the game mode is consulted to determine whether the value of the win / failure random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variation reserve area matches one of the values ​​"9~50, 409~450" corresponding to a minor win. If the determination in step SC5113 is positive, in step SC5114, the minor win planned flag of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variation reserve area is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

[0245] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5113 is negative, the process is terminated after executing the time reduction suitability determination process in step SC5115.

[0246] Here, the details of the time-saving determination process in step SC5115 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-14(c).

[0247] First, in step SC5121, it is determined whether the newly stored variation information in the second special variation reserve area is a variation display performed in "normal mode". If the determination in step SC5121 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0248] If a positive determination is made in step SC5121, that is, if it is the second variation display performed in "normal mode", the process proceeds to step SC5122.

[0249] In step SC5122, the second win / failure determination table corresponding to "normal mode" is consulted to determine whether the value of the win / failure random number counter CC1, newly stored in the second special variation reserve area, matches one of the values ​​"211 to 230" corresponding to "30 time-saving wins".

[0250] If a positive determination is made in step SC5122, in step SC5123, the flag for the 30-time bonus scheduled in the corresponding hold area of ​​the second special variation hold area is turned on, and then this process ends.

[0251] If the result is negative in step SC5122, in step SC5124, the second win / failure determination table corresponding to "normal mode" is consulted to determine whether the value of the win / failure random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variation reserve area matches any of the values ​​"311 to 330" corresponding to "40 time-saving wins".

[0252] If a positive determination is made in step SC5124, in step SC5125, the flag for the 40-time bonus scheduled in the corresponding hold area of ​​the second special variation hold area is turned on, and then this process ends.

[0253] If the result is negative in step SC5124, in step SC5126, the second win / failure determination table corresponding to "normal mode" is consulted to determine whether the value of the win / failure random number counter CC1 newly stored in the second special variation reserve area matches any of the values ​​"511 to 530" corresponding to "50 time-saving wins".

[0254] If the determination in step SC5126 is positive, in step SC5127, the flag for the 50-time bonus scheduled in the corresponding hold area of ​​the second special variation hold area is turned on, and then this process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5126 is negative, this process ends immediately.

[0255] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1-13, in step SC507, following step SC506, if it is determined in step SC506 that the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 corresponds to a jackpot, a second type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the second special variation reserve area.

[0256] Here, the second type determination process in step SC507 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-15(b). In the second type determination process, first, in step SC5300, it is determined whether the jackpot flag was set to ON in the second win / failure determination process performed immediately before. If the determination in step SC5300 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0257] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC5300, in step SC5301, the second type determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the second special variation reserve area matches the value "0 to 7" corresponding to "15R jackpot". If a positive determination is made in step SC5301, in step SC5302, the 15R jackpot flag of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variation reserve area is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

[0258] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5301 is negative, in step SC5303, the second type determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the second special variation reserve area is "8 to 17" which corresponds to "8R jackpot". If the determination in step SC5303 is positive, in step SC5304, the 8R jackpot flag of the corresponding reserve area in the second special variation reserve area is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

[0259] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step SC5303, that is, if the value of the type determination counter CC2 is "18, 19", then in step SC5305, the second type determination table is consulted, and the 4R jackpot flag of the corresponding reserve area among the second special variation reserve areas newly stored in the second special variation reserve area is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

[0260] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1-13, step SC508, following step SC507, performs a second variation time determination process to determine the second variation time of the second variation display. Here, if the game mode at the start of the second variation display is "normal mode", the second normal variation time determination table for "normal mode" is referred to, and the second variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. If the game mode at the start of the second variation display is "time-saving A mode", the second shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving A mode" is referred to, and the second variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. Also, if the game mode at the start of the second variation display is "time-saving B mode", the second shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving B mode" is referred to, and the second variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. The variation time determined here is stored in the corresponding hold area of ​​the second special variation hold area. However, the value of the first variation type counter CS1 in the said hold area is not erased here.

[0261] In this embodiment, the second normal variation time determination table for the "normal mode," the second shortened variation time determination table for the "shortened time A mode," and the second shortened variation time determination table for the "shortened time B mode" are provided, respectively, as tables for "big win," "small win," "shortened time win," and "loss."

[0262] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 is provided with a mode memory area that is referenced when determining the game mode. The mode memory area stores one of the following values: "11" corresponding to "normal mode", "21" corresponding to "time-saving mode A", or "31" corresponding to "time-saving mode B".

[0263] In response to this, the RAM 553 of the sub-controller 262 also has a mode memory area that the sub-controller 262 refers to when determining the game mode. The game mode information set in the main control unit 261 is output to the sub-controller 262 in the next external output processing (see step SC201) each time the game mode is switched and set.

[0264] In step SC509, following step SC508, the setting process for the starting command is performed. This starting command includes fluctuation information (information used to determine the content of the fluctuation display) showing the results of the second win / failure judgment process, the second type judgment process, and the second fluctuation time judgment process, as well as information indicating whether the fluctuation information is triggered by a ball entering either the first starting prize entry section 33WA or the second starting prize entry section 33WB, and game mode information to identify the game mode at the start of the second fluctuation display. This is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step SC201).

[0265] After processing in step SC509, or if a negative determination is made in step SC501 or step SC502, in step SC510, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the first start prize entry section 33WA based on the detection information from the first start prize entry switch 224a. If a negative determination is made in step SC510, this process is terminated.

[0266] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC510 is positive, in step SC511, it is determined whether the value of the first reserve counter Na, which is a second counting function unit that counts the number of reserved balls in the first variation display triggered by a ball entering the first start prize entry unit 33WA, is less than the upper limit (in this embodiment, "4"). If the determination in step SC511 is negative, this process ends there. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC511 is positive, the process proceeds to step SC512, and the first reserve counter Na is incremented by 1.

[0267] In the following step SC513, the first hold display device 46A (first hold lamp) performs an increment display process corresponding to the increase of one hold in the first variation display, which is numerical information (specific numerical information). Specifically, if both of the left and right first hold lamps are off, the left first hold lamp is turned on; if the left first hold lamp is on and the right first hold lamp is off, both the left and right first hold lamps are turned on; if both the left and right first hold lamps are on, the right first hold lamp remains on while the left first hold lamp blinks; and if the left first hold lamp is blinking and the right first hold lamp is on, both the left and right first hold lamps are made to blink.

[0268] After step SC513, in step SC514, which is the information setting function unit, the values ​​of the win / fail random number counter CC1, the type determination counter CC2, the variation selection counter CC3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the empty hold areas of the first special variation hold area (win / fail random number memory area, winning type random number memory area, reach random number memory area, and the first and second variation type random number memory areas). At the same time, based on the current values ​​of the variation count counters A and B, the game mode at which this first variation display starts is identified, and the game mode information is stored in the mode memory area. After step SC514, the process moves to step SC515.

[0269] In step SC515, a first win / fail determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1, newly stored in the first special variation reserve area, corresponds to a jackpot.

[0270] Here, the details of the first validity determination process in step SC515 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-14(a).

[0271] First, in step SC5101, the system consults the first win / failure determination table to determine whether the value of the win / failure random number counter CC1, newly stored in the first special variation reserve area, matches one of the values ​​corresponding to a jackpot: "7", "207", or "407". If the determination in step SC5101 is positive, in step SC5102, the jackpot scheduled flag for the corresponding reserve area in the first special variation reserve area is turned on, and then the process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5101 is negative, the process ends immediately.

[0272] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1-13, in step SC516 following step SC515, if it is determined in step SC515 that the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 corresponds to a jackpot, a first type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the first special variation reserve area.

[0273] Here, the first type determination process in step SC516 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-15(a). First, in step SC5201, it is determined whether the jackpot flag was set to ON in the first win / failure determination process performed immediately before. If the determination in step SC5201 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0274] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC5201, in step SC5202, the first type determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the type determination counter CC2 newly stored in the first special variation reserve area matches the value "0" which corresponds to "15R jackpot". If a positive determination is made in step SC5202, the 15R jackpot flag is turned on in step SC5203 and then this process is terminated.

[0275] On the other hand, if the result is negative in step SC5202, the 4R jackpot flag is turned on in step SC5204, and then this process is terminated.

[0276] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1-13, in step SC517, following step SC516, if it is determined in step SC515 that the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 is not the value corresponding to a jackpot (i.e., it is a miss), a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the variation selection counter CC3 newly stored in the first special variation reserve area.

[0277] Here, the reach determination process in step SC517 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-16. First, in step SC5401, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag was set in the first win / fail determination process performed immediately before. If the determination in step SC5401 is positive, this process is terminated.

[0278] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5401 is negative, that is, if it is a miss, in step SC5402, the reach determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the variation selection counter CC3, newly stored in the special variation reserve area, matches either the value "0" or "1" corresponding to a "front / back miss reach". If the determination in step SC5402 is positive, in step SC5403, the front / back flag indicating the occurrence of a front / back miss reach is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

[0279] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC5402 is negative, in step SC5404, the reach determination table is consulted to determine whether the value of the variation selection counter CC3 newly stored in the special variation hold area matches any of the values ​​"2 to 21" corresponding to "reach other than front / back misses". If the determination in step SC5404 is positive, the "other than front / back" flag is turned on in step SC5405 and then this process is terminated.

[0280] Furthermore, if the result is negative in step SC5404, that is, if the fluctuation display ends without going through the reach state, resulting in a "complete miss," this process will terminate immediately.

[0281] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1-13, step SC518, following step SC517, performs a first variation time determination process to determine the first variation time of the first variation display. Specifically, if the game mode at the start of the first variation display is "normal mode", the first normal variation time determination table for "normal mode" is referred to, and the first variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. If the game mode at the start of the first variation display is "time-saving A mode", the first shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving A mode" is referred to, and the first variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. If the game mode at the start of the first variation display is "time-saving B mode", the first shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving B mode" is referred to, and the first variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. The variation time determined here is stored in the corresponding hold area of ​​the first special variation hold area. However, the value of the first variation type counter CS1 in the said hold area is not erased here.

[0282] In this embodiment, the first normal variation time determination table for the "normal mode," the first shortened variation time determination table for the "shortened A mode," and the first shortened variation time determination table for the "shortened B mode" are provided, respectively, as tables for "jackpot," "pre- and post-miss reach," "non-pre- and post-miss reach," and "complete miss." Furthermore, for example, with respect to the variation time determination table for "complete miss," variation time determination tables such as "for 1 and 2 reserved items (normal variation time)," "for 3 reserved items (shortened variation time)," and "for 4 reserved items (shortened variation time)" may be provided, and the variation time determination table (variation time) to be referenced may be changed according to the number of reserved variation displays stored in the first special variation reserved area. This makes it possible to set the shortened time of the first variation display for misses according to the number of first variation displays scheduled to be executed that are currently stored in reserve when the reserved first variation displays are being executed sequentially. Here, for example, when executing a predetermined variation display, if the variation time determination table for "4 reserved items" is referenced, and the variation display corresponds to various types of wins such as a jackpot, the configuration may be configured to prioritize the variation time determination table for "jackpots".

[0283] After step SC518, step SC519 performs the setting process for the starting command and then terminates this process. This starting command includes fluctuation information (information used to determine the content of the fluctuation display) showing the results of the first win / failure judgment process, the first type judgment process, the reach judgment process, and the first fluctuation time judgment process, as well as information indicating whether the fluctuation information is triggered by a ball entering either the first start prize entry section 33WA or the second start prize entry section 33WB, and game mode information to identify the game mode at the start of the first fluctuation display. This information is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step SC201).

[0284] In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry section 33WA or the second starting prize entry section 33WB, the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 is directly stored in the special variation reserve area, and then a win / fail judgment process is executed. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, a temporary storage area may be provided to temporarily store the values ​​of the win / fail random number counter CC1 when they are obtained. After executing a win / fail judgment process with respect to the information stored in the temporary storage area, the information may be stored in the reserve area of ​​the corresponding special variation reserve area.

[0285] Next, the through-gate passage process in step SC305 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-17.

[0286] In step SC601, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 34 based on the detection information from the through gate switch 225. If the determination in step SC601 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0287] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC601, that is, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34, then in step SC602, it is determined whether the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of reserved symbols displayed on the normal symbol display device 41, is less than the upper limit (4 in this embodiment). If a negative determination is made here, the process ends there. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC602, that is, if it is confirmed that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34 and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is < 4, the process proceeds to step SC603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

[0288] Furthermore, in the following step SC604, an increment display process is performed on the normal hold display device 44 (normal hold lamp) corresponding to the increase of one hold in the variable display on the normal symbol display device 41. Specifically, if both of the left and right normal hold lamps are off, the left normal hold lamp is turned on; if the left normal hold lamp is on and the right normal hold lamp is off, both left and right normal hold lamps are turned on; if both left and right normal hold lamps are on, the right normal hold lamp is turned on while the left normal hold lamp blinks; and if the left normal hold lamp is blinking and the right normal hold lamp is on, both left and right normal hold lamps are made to blink.

[0289] After step SC604, in step SC605, a random number related to the success or failure is obtained. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter CC4, which was updated in the random number update process in step SC303, is stored in the first available memory area of ​​the normal variation reserve area in RAM503. After that, the through gate passage process is terminated.

[0290] Next, the process of setting the launch permission command in step SC306 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-18.

[0291] First, in step SC701, it is determined whether the launch permission flag, which indicates that a launch status signal has been received from the launch control circuit 312, is set to ON. The launch status signal is transmitted from the launch control circuit 312 to the main control unit 261 when the launch control circuit 312 receives a touch signal from the handle 18, a launch switch signal, and a CR unit connection signal from the payout control device 311.

[0292] If the determination in step SC701 is positive, step SC702 determines whether or not a launch status signal has been received. If the determination in step SC702 is negative, step SC703 turns off the launch permission flag and then terminates this process.

[0293] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC702 is positive, in step SC704, it is determined whether the value of the launch timer, which is used to measure the interval between launches of the game balls, is "0". If the determination in step SC704 is negative, in step SC707, the value of the launch timer is deducted by 1, and then this process is terminated.

[0294] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC704 is positive, in step SC705, the main control unit 261 sends a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 312. In the following step SC706, the launch permission flag is turned off. After step SC706, this process ends.

[0295] Furthermore, if the determination in step SC701 is negative, step SC708 determines whether or not a launch status signal has been received. If the determination in step SC708 is negative, this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC708 is positive, step SC709 sets the launch permission flag to ON.

[0296] In the following step SC710, a ball feeding signal is sent to the launch control circuit 312. Furthermore, in step SC711, the launch timer is set to "300", which corresponds to 0.6 seconds. This ensures that the game balls are securely set in the launch position by the ball feeding device 63 before being launched by the launch device 60. In addition, while the main control device 261 continues to receive launch status signals from the launch control circuit 312, the main control device 261 sends launch permission signals at 0.6-second intervals, and game balls are launched by the launch device 60 at 0.6-second intervals. After step SC711, this process ends.

[0297] Furthermore, when the launch control circuit 312 receives a launch permission signal from the main control device 261, it determines whether it has received all of the following signals: the touch signal, the launch switch signal, and the CR unit connection signal from the handle 18 and the payout control device 311. If the determination is positive, it drives the launch device 60 (launch solenoid) to launch the game balls. The launch control circuit 312 also adjusts the launch strength (launch speed) of the launch device 60 based on the dial position signal. As a result, the game balls are launched by the launch device 60 with the adjusted strength.

[0298] Furthermore, when the launch control circuit 312 receives a ball feeding signal from the main control device 261, it checks a ready ball detection sensor that detects whether a game ball is set in the launch position on the launch rail 61 from which the game ball will be launched by the launching device 60. If it is confirmed that no game ball is set in the launch position, it drives the ball feeding device 63 and performs a ball feeding process to set the game ball in the launch position.

[0299] Figure 1-12 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt processing, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261 when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is lost due to a power outage or the like. This NMI interrupt causes the state of the main control unit 261 at the time of the power loss to be stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

[0300] In other words, when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control unit 261. The CPU 501 then interrupts the control being executed and starts NMI interrupt processing. In step SC401, it stores the power outage information in the backup area 503a of RAM 503 as setting information about the power outage and then terminates the NMI interrupt processing.

[0301] The above-mentioned NMI interrupt processing is also performed in the payout control device 311, and this NMI interrupt causes information about the power outage to be stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. In other words, when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed and starts NMI interrupt processing. The details are as described above.

[0302] Next, the flow of the main processing performed by the CPU 501 in the main control unit 261 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-9. This main processing is started when the power is turned on and a reset occurs.

[0303] First, in step SC101, initial setup processing is performed in conjunction with power-on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set to the stack pointer, and a wait process is performed for about 1 second to wait for the sub-controllers (sub-controller 262, payout controller 311, etc.) to become operational. In the following step SC102, RAM access is permitted.

[0304] Subsequently, a data backup process is performed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. Specifically, in step SC103, it is determined whether the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power circuit 313 of the power supply / launch control device 310 is pressed (ON). If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step SC112 to clear (erase) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the following step SC104 determines whether power outage information is set in the backup area 503a of RAM 503. If it is not set, the backup data is not stored, so the process proceeds to step SC112. If power outage information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step SC105, and in the following step SC106, it is determined whether that RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of the power outage, i.e., the validity of the backup. If the RAM judgment value calculated here does not match the RAM judgment value saved at the time of the power outage, the backed-up data is destroyed, so the process proceeds to step SC112.

[0305] In step SC112, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-controller 262 and the payout control device 311, etc. After that, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step SC113, etc.). The RAM determination value is, for example, the checksum value at the working area address of RAM 503. Instead of this RAM determination value, it is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup by whether or not the keyword written to a predetermined area of ​​RAM 503 is correctly stored.

[0306] As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall opens for business, the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed while the power is turned on. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step SC113, etc.). Similarly, if the information about the occurrence of a power outage is not set, or if an abnormality in the backup is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to the RAM 503 initialization process (step SC113, etc.). In other words, in step SC113, the used area of ​​RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step SC114, the initial value of RAM 503 is set. After that, interrupt permission is set in step SC111, and the process proceeds to the normal process described later.

[0307] On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step SC103: NO), the power restoration process (power restoration process) is executed, provided that the power outage information is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. In other words, in step SC107, the stack pointer is restored to its position before the power outage, and in step SC108, the power outage information is cleared.

[0308] In step SC109, a command is sent to the sub-controller to restore it to the game state it was in when the power was off. In step SC110, the registers being used are restored from the backup area 503a of RAM 503. Then, in step SC111, interrupt enable is set, and the process proceeds to the normal processing described later.

[0309] Next, the normal processing flow will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-10. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing in steps SC201 to SC211 is executed as a periodic process with a 4 msec cycle, and the counter update processing in steps SC212 and SC213 is executed in the remaining time.

[0310] First, in step SC201, external output processing is performed, which involves sending control signals to each device based on the settings of the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B and the second start prize winning unit 33WB, etc., which were updated in the previous normal processing, and sending output data such as commands to each control device on the sub-side.

[0311] For example, when starting a variable display on the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B, a variable pattern command is sent to the sub-control device 262 to start a performance on the performance display device 42, such as a variable display of decorative symbols. The sub-control device 262, having received the variable pattern command, determines the display mode (variation time, performance pattern, etc.) of the performance display device 42 based on these various commands, and instructs the display control device 45 to display the said display mode on the performance display device 42.

[0312] The variation pattern command contains information that identifies the variation patterns of decorative symbols, such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach. Meanwhile, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these variation pattern commands and the variation patterns of decorative symbols in a table. Based on the variation pattern command, the sub-control device 262 determines the variation pattern of the decorative symbols and controls the display control device 45, sound, etc.

[0313] Here, we will explain the patterns of variation of the decorative symbols. "Normal Reach" is a reach pattern in which no special effects are displayed other than the variation of the decorative symbols. "Super Reach" is a reach pattern in which, while the variation of the decorative symbols is being displayed (after the reach state is established), characters and the like are displayed on the effect display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbols, thereby creating a sense of anticipation for the player. "Premium Reach" is an effect that can only be produced when a jackpot state occurs, and is performed in a manner in which characters and the like are displayed in a different pattern than that of a Super Reach in addition to the variation of the decorative symbols (after the reach state is established), thereby creating a sense of anticipation for the player. In addition, "Complete Miss" is a variation pattern in which the variation of the decorative symbols is displayed at a stop without entering any reach state.

[0314] Furthermore, the sub-control device 262 determines the stopping symbols (combinations of stopping symbols) for the display of decorative symbols on the performance display device 42 based on the information of the variation pattern and variation time included in the variation pattern command, and displays them after the variation time has elapsed. In other words, if a jackpot is won ("15R jackpot", "8R jackpot", "4R jackpot"), the variation display will stop with a combination of decorative symbols (jackpot symbol combination) consisting of the same number from 1 to 9.

[0315] A combination of symbols that are both front and back misses corresponds to a "front and back miss reach," where, after a reach occurs, the final stopping symbol stops one position before or after the reach symbol. A combination of symbols that are not front or back misses corresponds to a "non-front and back miss reach," where, after a reach occurs, the final stopping symbol stops anywhere other than before or after the reach symbol. A combination of symbols that are completely misses corresponds to a "complete miss," where not even a reach occurs.

[0316] Furthermore, the main control device 261 may be configured to set a symbol command that specifies one of the following: a combination of winning symbols, a combination of losing symbols before and after the winning symbol, a combination of symbols other than losing symbols before and after the winning symbol, or a combination of completely losing symbols, and output this command to the sub-control device 262 along with the variation pattern command.

[0317] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-10, step SC202 updates the variation type counters CS1 and CS2. More specifically, similar to other counters, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their upper limits (255 and 31 in this embodiment), they are cleared to 0. The updated values ​​of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM 503.

[0318] In the following step SC203, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step SC204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

[0319] Subsequently, in step SC205, the second special display control process is executed. This process controls the second special symbol display device 43B, determines various types of wins (big win, small win, time-saving win), and sets the variable display for the second special symbol display device 43B and the performance display device 42. Details of this second special display control process will be described later.

[0320] Furthermore, in step SC206, the first special display control process is executed. This process controls the first special symbol display device 43A, and also determines whether a jackpot has been hit and sets the variable display (variation pattern of decorative symbols in the performance display device 42) for the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42. Details of this first special display control process will be described later.

[0321] Step SC207 executes the variable prize device control process. This process controls the first variable prize device 32A and the second variable prize device 32B. Details of the variable prize device control process will be described later.

[0322] Step SC208 executes the normal display control process. This process controls the normal pattern display device 41. Details of this normal display control process will be described later.

[0323] Step SC209 executes the start-up prize control process. This process controls the second start-up prize section 33WB, which is equipped with an opening and closing vane member 33WBb. Details of this start-up prize control process will be described later.

[0324] Subsequently, in step SC210, it is determined whether or not power outage information is set in the backup area 503a of RAM 503. If power outage information is not set in the backup area 503a, in step SC211, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this example) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step SC201, and the processes from step SC201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0325] On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal process is executed (steps SC212 and SC213).

[0326] In other words, step SC212 updates the random number initial value counter CINI. Specifically, it increments the random number initial value counter CINI by 1 and clears it to 0 when its value reaches its maximum value (599 in this example).

[0327] In step SC213, the change type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step SC202). Specifically, the change type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their maximum values ​​(255 and 31 in this example), they are cleared to 0. The changed values ​​of the change type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM 503.

[0328] Here, the execution time of each process in steps SC201 to SC210 changes depending on the state of the game, so the remaining time until the next normal process is executed is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the win / fail random number counter CC1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

[0329] Furthermore, if information about a power outage is set in the backup area 503a of RAM 503 (step SC210: YES), it means that the power has been cut off, and the processes from step SC214 onwards are performed as power outage processing. In the power outage processing, first in step SC214 the occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited, in step SC215 the contents of each register used by CPU 501 are saved to the stack area, and in step SC216 the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a.

[0330] Subsequently, in step SC217, a power outage notification command is sent to other control devices (such as the payout control device 311) indicating that the power has been cut off. Then, in step SC218, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, the checksum value at the working area address of RAM 503. After that, in step SC219, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop continues until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be performed.

[0331] The processing in step SC210 is executed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to changes in the game state performed in steps SC201 to SC209, or at the end of one cycle of processing in steps SC212 and SC213, which are performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in the normal processing of the main control unit 261, the power outage information is confirmed at the end of each process, so the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of RAM 503 is less compared to when each process is in progress, making it easier to store. Also, when returning to the state before the power outage, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, so it can be easily restored, reducing the processing load on the main control unit 261. Furthermore, since the occurrence of interrupt processing is prohibited before data is stored (step SC214), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is cut off, and the state before the power outage can be reliably stored.

[0332] Next, the first special display control process of step SC206 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-19.

[0333] First, in step SC800, it is determined whether the value of the variation interval timer, which measures the remaining time of the variation interval set after the first variation display of the first special symbol display device 43A, is "0".

[0334] If the condition is negative in step SC800, that is, if it is within the period of the variable interval, then in step SC819, the value of the variable interval timer is subtracted and the process ends. In other words, for example, if the variable interval is 1 second (1000 msec) and the variable interval timer is set to "249" (or "250" if step SC819 is performed before step SC800), then in this process, the value of the variable interval timer is subtracted by "1" every 4 msec, and becomes "0" after 1 second.

[0335] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC800, that is, if it is not a variable interval, then in step SC801, the system refers to the winning status memory area, which will be described in more detail later, to determine whether the current state is one other than a big win state or a small win state.

[0336] Furthermore, the jackpot state includes an opening period from when the display mode corresponding to the jackpot is stopped on the first special symbol display device 43A or the second special symbol display device 43B until the first variable prize device 32A is opened; a round period in which the first variable prize device 32A is in the open state; an interval period between round periods in which the first variable prize device 32A is in the closed state; and an ending period after the final round until the variable display can be started on the first special symbol display device 43A or the second special symbol display device 43B.

[0337] Furthermore, the minor win state includes a round period in which the second variable prize-winning device 32B is in an open state, and an interval period between round periods in which the second variable prize-winning device 32B is in a closed state.

[0338] In this embodiment, the winning status memory area stores "0" when the state is other than a big win or a small win. In the big win state, "1" is stored during the opening period and interval period, "2" during the round period, and "3" during the ending period. In the small win state, "4" is stored during the first round, "5" during the interval period after the first round, and "6" during the second round. In other words, step SC801 determines whether the winning status memory area stores "0" or not to determine whether the state is a big win or a small win.

[0339] If the determination in step SC801 is negative, that is, if the game is in a jackpot state or a minor jackpot state, this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC801 is positive, in step SC802, it is determined whether the special symbol 2 display flag, which indicates that the second variation is being displayed on the second special symbol display device 43B, is set to ON. If the determination in step SC802 is positive, this process is terminated.

[0340] If the result in step SC802 is negative, the process proceeds to step SC803, where it is determined whether the second reserve counter Nb, which counts the number of reserved balls in the second variation display triggered by a ball entering the second starting prize entry section 33WB, is greater than 0.

[0341] If a negative determination is made in step SC803, in step SC804, it is determined whether the flag indicating that the first variation is being displayed is set to ON on the first special symbol display device 43A.

[0342] If step SC804 is negative, that is, if it is not in a jackpot state or a minor jackpot state, and also not in a first variation display or a second variation display, and no second variation displays are stored in reserve, then the process proceeds to step SC805, where it is determined whether the first reserve counter Na, which counts the number of first variation displays that occur when a ball enters the first start prize entry section 33WA, is greater than 0.

[0343] In other words, if the second special symbol display device 43B is currently displaying the second variation, or if even one second variation display is being held in storage, the first special symbol display device 43A is configured not to start a new first variation display.

[0344] Then, if the determination is positive in step SC805, the processing in step SC806, which is the update function unit or subtraction function unit, subtracts 1 from the first reserved counter Na. In the following step SC807, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the first special variable reserved area. This data shift process shifts the data stored in the reserved areas 1 to 4 of the first special variable reserved area sequentially to the execution area, with the data in each area being shifted as follows: reserved area 1 → execution area, reserved area 2 → reserved area 1, reserved area 3 → reserved area 2, reserved area 4 → reserved area 3.

[0345] After step SC807, in step SC808, a subtraction display process is performed on the first hold display device 46A (first hold lamp) corresponding to the decrease of one hold in the first variation display. Specifically, if both of the left and right first hold lamps are blinking, the left first hold lamp is kept blinking while the right first hold lamp is lit; if the left first hold lamp is blinking and the right first hold lamp is lit, both left and right first hold lamps are lit; if both left and right first hold lamps are lit, the left first hold lamp is kept lit while the right first hold lamp is turned off; and if the left first hold lamp is lit and the right first hold lamp is turned off, both left and right first hold lamps are turned off. After step SC808, in step SC809, the first variation display setting process is performed, and then this process ends.

[0346] On the other hand, if the above step SC805 determines that the result is negative, in step SC811, the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B are both set up to perform standby display settings (such as setting a standby display command to be output to the sub-control device 262) to derive a display mode corresponding to a standby state in which no variation display is being performed (for example, a mode in which only the first and second special symbol lamps from the right in the lower row, or the second special symbol lamp, are lit), and then this process is terminated.

[0347] In other words, in this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B maintain their stop mode (in a mode that shows the result of the win / loss lottery) for the duration of the variation interval after the variation stops, but when the variation interval ends, they switch to a display mode that indicates that the display is in a variation standby state.

[0348] Furthermore, the display mode for indicating that the performance display device 42 is in a variable standby state includes a first standby display mode and a second standby display mode. The sub-control device 262, upon receiving a standby display command, first sets the display to the first standby display mode, in which the brightness of the performance display device 42 is maintained and the stopped display mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern is maintained almost as is. It may also be configured to set a value corresponding to a predetermined time (for example, a value corresponding to 30 seconds) to the standby time measurement timer, which measures the time since the first standby display mode was derived. In addition, when the value of the standby time measurement timer is subtracted at predetermined intervals and becomes "0", the display to the performance display device 42 may be configured to set the display to the second standby display mode, in which the brightness of the performance display device 42 is dimmed and the display mode is simplified (for example, the decorative pattern is not displayed).

[0349] Here, the details of the first variable display setting process in step SC809 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-20.

[0350] First, in step SC900, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area is "7", which corresponds to a jackpot. Alternatively, in step SC900, it may be determined whether or not it is the first variation display corresponding to a jackpot by determining whether or not the jackpot scheduled flag in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area is set to ON.

[0351] If the determination in step SC900 is positive, then in step SC901, it is determined whether or not "31" corresponding to "Time-Saving B Mode" is stored in the mode memory area.

[0352] If a positive determination is made in step SC901, in step SC902, the 15R jackpot flag is turned on in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area, and then the process proceeds to step SC903.

[0353] If the result in step SC901 is negative, the process moves to step SC904, where it is determined whether the 15R jackpot flag has already been set to ON in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. If the result in step SC904 is positive, the process moves to step SC903.

[0354] In step SC903, the 15R jackpot pattern setting process is performed. The 15R jackpot pattern setting process is a process that causes the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42 to execute the variation display and performance display corresponding to the variation information stored in the execution area (the same applies to the various pattern setting processes described later). Here, the variation pattern table corresponding to the 15R jackpot is taken into consideration to determine the variation pattern (variation display time, stop pattern, performance pattern, etc.) of the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42, and the variation pattern command is set, etc.

[0355] Specifically, in the 15R jackpot pattern setting process of step SC903 (the same applies to the various pattern setting processes in steps SC905, SC907, SC909, and SC910 described later), the mode memory area is first checked to determine the game mode. If "11," corresponding to "normal mode," is stored in the mode memory area, the first normal variation time determination table for "normal mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected as the first variation time determination table referenced when setting the first variation time. If "21," corresponding to "time-saving A mode," is stored, the first shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected. If "31," corresponding to "time-saving B mode," is stored, the first shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving B mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected.

[0356] Then, the first variation time is determined by referring to the selected first variation time determination table and based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. The determined first variation time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area.

[0357] Furthermore, the reach pattern is determined based on the first variation time and variation pattern. For example, the first normal variation time determination table for big wins is referenced, and if the first variation time is determined to be 22 seconds, a normal reach is set; if it is determined to be 30 seconds or 35 seconds, a super reach is set; and if it is determined to be 40 seconds, a premium reach is set.

[0358] Then, various information, including that it is the first variation display, that it is a 15R jackpot, the determined reach pattern, game mode information, and variation time, is set in the variation pattern command. In addition, during the 15R jackpot pattern setting process, the special feature 1 jackpot variation flag is set to ON to indicate that the first variation display corresponding to the jackpot is being performed.

[0359] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main control unit 261 determines the reach pattern of the performance display device 42. However, in order to reduce the burden on the main control unit 261, the main control unit 261 may not determine the reach pattern, and the variation pattern command may be configured to include information such as whether it is a first variation display or a second variation display, information indicating the variation pattern (information that allows determination of whether it is a 15R jackpot, an 8R jackpot, a 4R jackpot, a minor jackpot, a front / back miss reach, a miss reach other than front / back, or a complete miss), and information indicating the variation time, and the sub-control unit 262 may determine the reach pattern of the performance display device 42.

[0360] After step SC903, in step SC911, the Special Symbol 1 display flag, which indicates that the first variation display is in progress on the first special symbol display device 43A, is set to ON. Then, in step SC912, a value corresponding to the first variation time is set for the Special Symbol 1 display timer, which measures the remaining time of the first variation display, and then this process is terminated.

[0361] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC904, the 4R jackpot pattern setting process is performed in step SC905. Here, the variation pattern (variation display time, stop pattern, performance pattern, etc.) of the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42 is determined by referring to the variation pattern table corresponding to the 4R jackpot, and the variation pattern command is set. In addition, the special symbol 1 jackpot variation flag is set to ON to indicate that the first variation display corresponding to the jackpot is being performed.

[0362] After step SC905, in step SC911 the "Displaying Special Figure 1" flag is set to ON, and in step SC912 a value corresponding to the first variation time is set for the Special Figure 1 display timer, and then this process is terminated.

[0363] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC900, step SC906 takes into account the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area and determines whether the front / back flag (see the reach determination process in Figure 1-16) is on or not. If a positive determination is made in step SC906, that is, if it is a "front / back miss reach", then in step SC907, the front / back reach pattern setting process (setting of variation pattern commands, etc.) is performed, and then the process ends after going through steps SC911 and SC912.

[0364] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC906, step SC908 takes into account the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area to determine whether the flag for anything other than front or back is on. If a positive determination is made in step SC908, that is, if it is a "reach other than a miss for front or back", step SC909 performs the reach pattern setting process for anything other than front or back (setting of variation pattern commands, etc.), and then proceeds through steps SC911 and SC912 to terminate this process.

[0365] Furthermore, if the result is negative in step SC908, i.e., "completely wrong," the process for setting the wrong variation pattern (setting the variation pattern command, etc.) is performed in step SC910, and then the process is terminated after proceeding through steps SC911 and SC912.

[0366] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, a first win / loss lottery (jackpot lottery) is conducted based on the ball entering the first starting prize entry section 33WA to determine whether or not it is a jackpot, but a second win / loss lottery (minor win lottery) to determine whether or not it is a minor win, and a third win / loss lottery (short-time win lottery) to determine whether or not it is a time-saving win are not conducted.

[0367] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1-19, if step SC804 is determined to be positive, that is, if the first variation is being displayed, the process proceeds to step SC812, where the display timer for Feature Figure 1 is decremented. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer for Feature Figure 1 is decremented by 4 msec. For example, if the variation time is 6 seconds (6000 msec), the display timer for Feature Figure 1 is set to "1500", and 1 is decremented every 4 msec.

[0368] Next, the process proceeds to step SC813, where the value of the display timer in Figure 1 after the above subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed. At this time, if the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, if the value of the display timer in Figure 1 becomes "0", step SC813 is affirmed.

[0369] If a negative result is determined in step SC813, step SC818 sets the switching display settings to continue the switching display (variable display) of the first special symbol display device 43A. Based on the settings of the switching display settings, a control signal to perform the switching display is output to the first special symbol display device 43A in the external output processing of the next normal processing. As a result, the switching display (variable display) of the first special symbol display device 43A is realized at the timing of the first special display control processing, i.e., every 4ms. After step SC818, this process ends.

[0370] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC813, the Special Symbol 1 display flag is turned off in step SC814, and the Special Symbol 1 stop display setting is performed in step SC815 to display a stop on the first Special Symbol Display Device 43A. Based on the settings of this Special Symbol 1 stop display setting, a control signal is output to the first Special Symbol Display Device 43A in the external output processing of the next normal processing to display a stop. In other words, the first Special Symbol Display Device 43A will display the stop corresponding to each type of jackpot or miss set in the first variation display setting processing.

[0371] Furthermore, after step SC815, in step SC816, a special symbol 1 stop command is set to the sub-controller 262 to indicate the stop of the performance display device 42. This ensures that the stopping timing of the first special symbol display device 43A and the performance display device 42 are synchronized. However, since the stopping pattern of the performance display device 42 has already been determined by the sub-controller 262 based on the variation pattern command output at the start of the variation display, it is not necessary to add information regarding the stopping pattern of the performance display device 42 again. Also, to reiterate, the stop indication by the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B is the primary display, and the display of decorative symbols by the performance display device 42 is merely supplementary (for performance purposes).

[0372] Next, in step SC817, the process for setting the initial winning state and switching the game mode is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0373] Here, the process of setting the special illustration 1 discrimination information in step SC817 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-21.

[0374] First, in step SC1001, the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area is referenced to determine whether or not the special feature 1 big win variation flag is set to ON.

[0375] If a positive determination is made in step SC1001, the special feature 1 jackpot variation flag is turned off in step SC1002, and the jackpot flag (the special feature 1 jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot was won in the first variation display stored in the first special variation reserve area) is turned on in step SC1003.

[0376] Furthermore, in step SC1004, a value corresponding to the various jackpot flags set in the execution area of ​​the special variable reserve area (either "15" corresponding to a 15R jackpot, or "4" corresponding to a 4R jackpot) is set to the round counter used to determine the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of times the first variable prize device 32A is opened).

[0377] In the following step SC1005, the value "1" is set for the winning status memory area. Furthermore, in step SC1006, a predetermined value (in this embodiment, "2000", a value corresponding to an 8-second opening period) is set for the special variable timer used for control during the winning state (opening and closing control of the first variable prize device 32A). Subsequently, in step SC1007, the value "8" is set for the first prize counter, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the first variable prize device 32A, indicating the maximum number of balls that can enter per round, which is 8.

[0378] Furthermore, the value of the first prize counter is determined during the timer interrupt processing switch reading process (see Figure 1-11) by detecting whether or not a ball has entered the first variable prize device 32A based on the detection information from the large prize slot count switch 222. If it is determined that a ball has entered the first variable prize device 32A, the value is deducted by 1.

[0379] Then, in step SC1008, an opening command is set to inform the sub-controller 262 of the start of the winning state, and then this process is terminated. The opening command includes information such as the type of winning state, so that the sub-controller 262 can also understand the total number of rounds in the winning state.

[0380] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC1001, a value equivalent to the variable interval (for example, 1 second) is set for the variable interval timer in step SC1013. In the performance display device 42, the variable display of the decorative symbols is basically stopped at the same time as the variable display of the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B is stopped, and the stopped decorative symbols continue to be displayed until the variable interval ends (until the next variable display of the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B begins). When the variable interval ends and the variable display is held in storage, the variable display in the special symbol display devices 43A and 43B and the variable display in the performance display device 42 start simultaneously. On the other hand, when the variable interval ends but the variable display is not held in storage, the stopped symbols in the performance display device 42 continue to be displayed for a while, and then it switches to a display that waits for the game to start (demo screen display).

[0381] After step SC1013, in step SC1014, it is determined whether "21" is stored in the mode memory area, that is, whether or not "Time-Saving A Mode" is active.

[0382] If the determination in step SC1014 is positive, the value of the first variation counter A is deducted by 1 in step SC1015. The first variation counter A is used to measure the duration of "Time-Saving Mode A" (the number of remaining variations until the upper limit is reached).

[0383] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, after the end of all types of jackpots, "Time-Saving Mode A" is granted for a period of one or seven display cycles. Therefore, at the end of a jackpot, the first display cycle counter A is set to "1" or "7".

[0384] In the following step SC1016, it is determined whether the value of the first variation counter A is "0". If the determination in step SC1016 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1016 is positive, in step SC1017, "11" is set in the mode memory area to indicate "normal mode". In other words, when the total number of times the first variation display and the second variation display performed by the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B are executed reaches "1 time" or "7 times", the "time-saving A mode" ends and the system transitions to "normal mode".

[0385] After step SC1017, in step SC1018, a Time-Saving Mode A termination command is set to notify the sub-controller 262 of the transition to "Normal Mode" (end of "Time-Saving Mode A"). The sub-controller 262, which is the continuation function unit, may be configured to continue executing the Rush Stage and Battle Stage sequences while "Time-Saving Mode A" is active. After that, this process is terminated.

[0386] Furthermore, if the result is negative in step SC1014, step SC1019 determines whether "31" is stored in the mode memory area, that is, whether or not "Time-Saving B Mode" is active.

[0387] If the determination in step SC1019 is positive, the value of the second variation counter B is deducted by 1 in step SC1020. The second variation counter B is used to measure the duration of the "Time-Saving B Mode" (the number of remaining variations until the upper limit is reached).

[0388] In this embodiment, when a time-saving bonus occurs, the "Time-Saving B Mode" is granted for a period of "30," "40," or "50" variable display cycles. Therefore, when a time-saving bonus occurs, "30," "40," or "50" is set as specific numerical information for the second variable count counter B. This function constitutes the information setting function unit in this embodiment.

[0389] In the following step SC1021, it is determined whether the value of the second variation counter B is "0". If the determination in step SC1021 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1021 is positive, in step SC1022, "11" is set in the mode memory area to indicate "normal mode". In other words, when the total number of times the first variation display and the second variation display performed by the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B are executed reaches "30 times", "40 times", or "50 times", the "time-saving B mode" ends and the system transitions to "normal mode".

[0390] After step SC1022, in step SC1023, a time-saving mode B termination command is set to notify the sub-controller 262 of the transition to "normal mode" (end of "time-saving mode B"), and then this process is terminated.

[0391] Next, the second special display control process (step SC205) of the normal process (see Figure 1-10) will be explained with reference to Figure 1-22. In this embodiment, the second special pattern display device 43B is configured so that no variation interval for the second variation display is set. Of course, it is also possible to configure it so that a variation interval for the second variation display is set.

[0392] First, in step SC1601, it is determined whether the value in the winning status memory area is "0", that is, whether the state is other than a big win state or a small win state. If the determination in step SC1601 is negative, that is, if the state is a big win state or a small win state, this process is terminated.

[0393] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC1601, in step SC1603, it is determined whether the flag indicating that the second special symbol display is in progress is set to ON on the second special symbol display device 43B.

[0394] If a negative determination is made in step SC1603, that is, if the machine is not in a jackpot state or a minor jackpot state, and also not in a second variation display state, the process proceeds to step SC1604, where it is determined whether the second reserve counter Nb, which counts the number of reserved balls for the second variation display triggered by a ball entering the second start prize entry section 33WB, is greater than 0. In other words, the display effects related to the second variation display will continue to be performed during the predetermined state until the value of the second reserve counter Nb is subtracted to "0". If a negative determination is made in step SC1604, this process ends there.

[0395] On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1604 is positive, the processing in step SC1605, which is the update function unit or subtraction function unit, subtracts 1 from the second hold counter Nb. In the following step SC1606, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the second special variable hold area. This data shift process shifts the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the second special variable hold area sequentially towards the execution area, with the data in each area being shifted as follows: first hold area → execution area, second hold area → first hold area, third hold area → second hold area, fourth hold area → third hold area.

[0396] After step SC1606, in step SC1607, a subtraction display process is performed on the second hold display device 46B (second hold lamp) corresponding to the decrease of one hold in the second variation display. In other words, a process is performed to turn off the second hold lamp. After step SC1607, in step SC1608, the second variation display setting process is performed, and then this process ends.

[0397] Here, the details of the second variable display setting process in step SC1608 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-23.

[0398] First, in step SC1701, it is determined whether the value of the win / loss random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area is "7", which corresponds to a jackpot. Alternatively, in step SC1701, it may be determined whether or not it is the second variation display corresponding to a jackpot by determining whether or not the jackpot scheduled flag in the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area is set to ON.

[0399] If a positive determination is made in step SC1701, the special feature 2 big win variation flag is set to ON in step SC1702, indicating that the second variation display corresponding to a big win is being shown. In the following step SC1703, it is determined whether or not the 15R big win flag is set to ON in the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area. If a positive determination is made in step SC1703, the 15R big win pattern setting process is performed in step SC1704.

[0400] Furthermore, if the determination in step SC1703 is negative, step SC1705 determines whether the 8R jackpot flag is set to ON or not. If the determination in step SC1705 is positive, step SC1706 performs the 8R jackpot pattern setting process, and if the determination in step SC1705 is negative, step SC1707 performs the 4R jackpot pattern setting process.

[0401] Similar to the first variation display setting process described above, the various pattern setting processes are processes that cause the second special symbol display device 43B and the performance display device 42 to execute variation displays and performance displays corresponding to the variation information stored in the execution area. Here, the variation patterns (variation display time, stop pattern, performance pattern, etc.) of the second special symbol display device 43B and the performance display device 42 are determined by referring to the variation pattern table corresponding to each type of win, and the variation pattern commands are set.

[0402] In other words, in each pattern setting process related to steps SC1704, SC1706, and SC1707, when setting the second variation time, if "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second normal variation time determination table for "normal mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected as the second variation time determination table referenced. Also, if "21" corresponding to "time-saving A mode" is stored, the second shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected. If "31" corresponding to "time-saving B mode" is stored, the second shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving B mode" corresponding to the pattern setting process is selected.

[0403] Next, the second variation time determination table is referenced, and the second variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. The determined second variation time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area.

[0404] Then, various information, including that it is the second variation display, jackpot type information, game mode information, and variation time, is set in the variation pattern command.

[0405] In this embodiment, the performance display device 42 does not perform reach animations or the like corresponding to the second variation display. However, as described above, since the value of the variation selection counter CC3 is stored in each reserve area of ​​the second special variation reserve area in accordance with the winning history of the second start winning section 33WB, the performance display device 42 may be configured to execute reach animations or the like corresponding to the second variation display, similar to the case corresponding to the first variation display. For example, the configuration may be such that the player selects whether or not to execute reach animations or the like using the operating means.

[0406] After steps SC1704, SC1706, or SC1707, in step SC1710, the Special Symbol 2 display flag, which indicates that the second variation display is in progress on the second special symbol display device 43B, is set to ON. In step SC1711, a value corresponding to the second variation time is set for the Special Symbol 2 display timer, which measures the remaining time of the second variation display, and then this process is terminated.

[0407] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC1701, in step SC1712, it is determined whether the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area corresponds to the value of a minor win. Alternatively, in step SC1712, it may be determined whether or not it is the second variation display corresponding to a minor win by determining whether or not the minor win scheduled flag in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area is set to ON.

[0408] If a positive determination is made in step SC1712, the small win variation flag is set to ON in step SC1713 to indicate that the second variation display corresponding to the small win is being shown. Then, in the following step SC1709, the small win pattern setting process (setting of variation pattern commands, etc.) is performed, and after going through steps SC1710 and SC1711, this process ends. In the minor win pattern setting process, when setting the second variation time, if "11" corresponding to "Normal Mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second normal variation time determination table for "Normal Mode" corresponding to the minor win pattern setting process is selected as the second variation time determination table referenced. If "21" corresponding to "Time-Saving A Mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variation time determination table for "Time-Saving A Mode" corresponding to the minor win pattern setting process is selected. If "31" corresponding to "Time-Saving B Mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variation time determination table for "Time-Saving B Mode" corresponding to the minor win pattern setting process is selected.

[0409] Then, the selected second variation time determination table is referenced, and the second variation time is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. The determined second variation time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. Furthermore, information including that it is a second variation display, information indicating the variation pattern (minor win), game mode information, and variation time is set in the variation pattern command.

[0410] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC1712, in step SC1717, it is determined whether the value of the win / fail random number counter CC1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area corresponds to the value of a time-saving win. Alternatively, in step SC1717, it may be determined whether or not it is the second variation display corresponding to a time-saving win by determining whether or not the time-saving win scheduled flag in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area is set to ON.

[0411] If a positive determination is made in step SC1717, the time-saving bonus variation flag is set to ON in step SC1718 to indicate that the second variation display corresponding to the time-saving bonus is being performed. Then, in the following step SC1719, the time-saving bonus pattern setting process (setting of variation pattern commands, etc.) is performed, and after going through steps SC1710 and SC1711, this process ends.

[0412] In the time-saving per-pattern setting process, when setting the second variation time, if "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second normal variation time determination table for "normal mode" corresponding to the time-saving per-pattern setting process is selected as the second variation time determination table referenced. If "21" corresponding to "time-saving A mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving A mode" corresponding to the time-saving per-pattern setting process is selected. If "31" corresponding to "time-saving B mode" is stored in the mode memory area, the second shortened variation time determination table for "time-saving B mode" corresponding to the time-saving per-pattern setting process is selected.

[0413] Then, the second variation time is determined by referring to the selected second variation time determination table and based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1 stored in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. The determined second variation time is stored in association with the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. Furthermore, information including that it is a second variation display, information indicating the variation pattern (it is a time-saving win), game mode information, and information including the variation time is set in the variation pattern command.

[0414] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1-22, if the determination in step SC1603 is positive, that is, if the second variation is being displayed, the process proceeds to step SC1609, where the subtraction process for the display timer in Figure 2 is performed.

[0415] Next, the process proceeds to step SC1610, where the value of the display timer in Figure 2 after the above subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed. At this time, if the predetermined variation time has elapsed, that is, if the value of the display timer in Figure 2 becomes "0", step SC1610 is affirmed.

[0416] If a negative result is obtained in step SC1610, step SC1615 is used to set the switching display settings for the second special symbol display device 43B to continue switching the display (second variable display). Based on the settings of the switching display settings, a control signal is output to the second special symbol display device 43B in the external output processing of the next normal processing to indicate that the switching display should be performed. As a result, the switching display (variable display) of the second special symbol display device 43B is performed at the timing of the second special display control processing, i.e., every 4ms. After step SC1615, this process is terminated.

[0417] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC1610, the Special Symbol 2 display flag is turned off in step SC1611, and the Special Symbol 2 stop display setting is performed in step SC1612 to display a stop on the second special symbol display device 43B. Based on the settings of this Special Symbol 2 stop display setting, a control signal is output to the second special symbol display device 43B in the external output processing of the next normal processing to display a stop. In other words, the second special symbol display device 43B will display the stop display corresponding to the various big wins, small wins, various time-saving wins, misses, etc. set in the second variation display setting processing.

[0418] Furthermore, after step SC1612, in step SC1613, a special symbol 2 stop command is set to the sub-control device 262 to indicate the stop of the performance display device 42. This ensures that the stopping timing of the second special symbol display device 43B and the performance display device 42 are synchronized.

[0419] Next, in step SC1614, the process for setting the initial winning state and switching the game mode is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0420] Here, the process of setting special figure 2 discrimination information in step SC1614 will be explained with reference to Figure 1-24. First, in step SC1801, the execution area of ​​the special variation reserve area is referenced to determine whether or not the minor win variation flag is set to ON. If it is determined to be positive in step SC1801, the minor win variation flag is turned OFF in step SC1802, and the minor win flag indicating that the minor win state is in progress is turned ON in step SC1803. Furthermore, in step SC1804, the round counter for determining the number of rounds executed during the minor win state (the number of times the second variable prize device 32B is opened) is set to "2".

[0421] In the following step SC1805, the value "4" is set in the winning status memory area to indicate that it is in the first round of the minor winning state. Furthermore, in step SC1806, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the mode memory area is "21". If the determination in step SC1806 is positive, that is, if it is in "Time-Saving A Mode" (high ball entry state), then in step SC1807, the value "400", corresponding to an opening period of 1.6 seconds, is set for the special variable timer used for control during the winning state (opening and closing control of variable prize entry devices 32A, 32B). On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1806 is negative (low ball entry state), then in step SC1808, the value "25", corresponding to an opening time of 0.1 seconds, is set for the special variable timer.

[0422] After step SC1807 or step SC1808, in step SC1809, the second prize counter, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the second variable prize device 32B, is set to "4", which represents the maximum number of balls that can enter per round, which is 4.

[0423] Furthermore, the value of the second prize counter is determined during the switch reading process of the timer interrupt processing (see Figure 1-11) by detecting whether or not a ball has entered the second variable prize device 32B based on the ball entry count switch 223a. If it is determined that a ball has entered the second variable prize device 32B, the value is deducted by 1.

[0424] In the following step SC1810, a second opening process is performed to open the second variable prize winning device 32B.

[0425] Furthermore, step SC1811 performs a subtraction process on the variation count counter. In this embodiment, since the game mode does not change simply by winning a minor prize, if "Time-Saving Mode A" or "Time-Saving Mode B" is set, this subtraction process reduces the remaining number of continuations of "Time-Saving Mode A" or "Time-Saving Mode B" by one even after the minor prize variation display has finished.

[0426] Furthermore, the decrementing process for this fluctuation counter is skipped if the current game mode is "Normal Mode" (i.e., "11" is stored in the mode memory area).

[0427] In other words, in this subtraction process for the number of spins counter, it is first determined whether "21" or "31" is stored in the mode memory area, that is, whether the current game mode is "Shortened Time Mode A" or "Shortened Time Mode B". Only if the determination is positive is the process of subtracting 1 from the value of the number of spins counter (first number of spins counter A or second number of spins counter B).

[0428] In the following step SC1812, a small win start command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 of the start of the small win state. After that, this process ends. This small win start command includes various information about the small win (for example, the type of jackpot if a V jackpot state occurs), so that the sub-control device 262 can also understand the progress of the small win state.

[0429] If a negative determination is made in step SC1801, in step SC1813, the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area is referenced to determine whether or not the special figure 2 big win variation flag is set to ON.

[0430] If a positive determination is made in step SC1813, the special feature 2 jackpot variation flag is turned off in step SC1814, and the jackpot flag (the special feature 2 jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot was hit in the 2nd variation display stored in the 2nd special variation reserve area) is turned on in step SC1815.

[0431] In the following step SC1816, various jackpot flags set in the execution area of ​​the special variable hold area are referenced, and values ​​corresponding to each jackpot are set in the round counter, which is used to determine the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of times the first variable prize entry device 32A is opened).

[0432] For example, if the 15R jackpot flag is set to ON, the round counter will be set to "15". If the 8R jackpot flag is set to ON, the round counter will be set to "8". If the 4R jackpot flag is set to ON, the round counter will be set to "4".

[0433] Next, in step SC1817, the value "1" is set for the winning status memory area. Furthermore, in step SC1818, the value "2000" corresponding to, for example, an 8-second opening period is set for the special variable timer. Subsequently, in step SC1819, the value "8" is set for the first prize counter, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the first variable prize device 32A. Then, in step SC1820, the opening command is set and this process ends.

[0434] On the other hand, if the result is negative in step SC1813, in step SC1821, the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area is referenced to determine whether or not the time-saving bonus variation flag is set to ON.

[0435] If a positive determination is made in step SC1821, the time-saving bonus fluctuation flag is turned off in step SC1822, and the value "31" corresponding to "Time-Saving B Mode" is set in the mode memory area in step SC1823. As a result, the game mode is internally switched from "Normal Mode" to "Time-Saving B Mode".

[0436] In the following step SC1824, a value corresponding to the type of time-saving bonus won is set for the second spin counter B, which is used to measure the duration of "Time-Saving Mode B" (the number of spins remaining until the upper limit is reached).

[0437] For details, refer to the various time-saving bonus flags set in the execution area of ​​the special variation hold area. If you win a "30-time time-saving bonus," set the value of the second variation counter B to "30." If you win a "40-time time-saving bonus," set the value of the second variation counter B to "40." If you win a "50-time time-saving bonus," set the value of the second variation counter B to "50."

[0438] After that, this process is terminated. In this embodiment, at this stage, no command or other indication to activate "Time-Saving Mode B" is sent to the sub-control device 262. In other words, at this stage, the display device 42, etc., does not perform any effects related to "Time-Saving Mode B," making it difficult for the player to recognize that "Time-Saving Mode B" has been activated.

[0439] Furthermore, if the result is negative in step SC1821, step SC1827 determines whether "21" is stored in the mode memory area, that is, whether the current game mode is "Shortened Time A Mode".

[0440] If the determination in step SC1827 is positive, then in step SC1828, the value of the first variation counter A, which is used to measure the duration of "Time-Saving Mode A" (the number of remaining variations until the upper limit is reached), is deducted by 1.

[0441] Furthermore, the first variation counter A in this embodiment is also used to measure the execution period of the remaining second variation displays that are stored in reserve when the "Time-Saving A Mode" ends (remaining reserved consumption period, up to 4 times).

[0442] In the following step SC1829, it is determined whether the value of the first variation counter A is "0". If the determination in step SC1829 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0443] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC1829, in step SC1830, "11" is set in the mode memory area to indicate "normal mode". In other words, when the total number of times the first variation display and the second variation display performed by the first special symbol display device 43A and the second special symbol display device 43B are executed reaches "1 time" or "7 times", "Time-saving A mode" ends and the system transitions to "normal mode".

[0444] After step SC1830, in step SC1831, it is determined whether the value of the second hold counter Nb is greater than "0". In other words, it is determined whether the second variation display is held and stored in the second special variation hold area.

[0445] If a negative determination is made in step SC1831, that is, if no second variation display is held in the second special variation hold area, then in step SC1832, the "Time-Saving A Mode" termination command is set to notify the sub-controller 262 of the transition to "Normal Mode" (end of "Time-Saving A Mode"), and then this process is terminated.

[0446] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC1831, that is, if a second variation display is reserved in the second special variation reserve area, the process proceeds to step SC1833, where the current value of the second reserve counter Nb (the number of second variation displays currently reserved and stored in the second special variation reserve area, with a maximum of "4") is set for the first variation count counter A. This sets the period (number of variation displays) during which the "Continuation Chance Stage Performance" is executed continuously.

[0447] Therefore, in this embodiment, the "continuation chance stage performance" corresponds to the "specific performance," and the "performance execution function unit" is composed of the functions of the sub-control device 262 that executes the "continuation chance stage performance." Furthermore, in this embodiment, the remaining reserve consumption period until the value of the first variation counter A is subtracted to a specific value "0" corresponds to the "predetermined state," and the "continuation function unit" is composed of the functions of the sub-control device 262 that continuously executes the "continuation chance stage performance" during this period.

[0448] In the following step SC1834, the process for setting the start of the "Continuance Chance Stage Performance" (for example, setting a performance start command to the sub-control device 262 to execute the "Continuance Chance Stage Performance") is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0449] Furthermore, if the result is negative in step SC1827, step SC1835 determines whether "31" is stored in the mode memory area, that is, whether the current game mode is "Shortened Time B mode".

[0450] If the determination in step SC1835 is positive, in step SC1836, the value of the second variation counter B is deducted by 1 (after internally updating the duration of the time-saving B mode), and then the process proceeds to step SC1837. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1835 is negative, the process proceeds directly to step SC1837. In this embodiment, the "update function unit" is configured by the processing function that deducts the second variation counter B.

[0451] In step SC1837, it is determined whether the value of the first variation counter A is greater than 0, that is, whether the current game mode is "Normal Mode" or "Shortened Time B Mode" and whether the "Continuation Chance Stage" is in progress. If the determination is negative at this stage, this process is terminated.

[0452] On the other hand, if the determination is positive in step SC1837, then in step SC1838, the value of the first variation counter A is deducted by 1, and then the process proceeds to step SC1839.

[0453] In step SC1839, it is determined whether the value of the first variation counter A is "0". If the determination in step SC1839 is negative, this process is terminated.

[0454] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC1839, that is, if it is the end of the "Continuance Chance Stage Performance", the process for setting the end of the "Continuance Chance Stage Performance" (for example, setting an end-of-performance command to the sub-control device 262 to end the "Continuance Chance Stage Performance") is performed, and then this process is terminated.

[0455] In this embodiment, the first counting function unit is composed of a first variation count counter A and various functions related thereto, and the second counting function unit is composed of a second variation count counter B and various functions related thereto.

[0456] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end of the second variation display of the second special pattern display device 43B corresponds to the fulfillment of a predetermined subtraction condition, and the subtraction function unit is configured with a processing function that subtracts the first variation count counter A.

[0457] Next, the variable prize device control process of step SC207 for opening and closing the first variable prize device 32A and the second variable prize device 32B will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 1-25.

[0458] First, in step SC1201, it is determined whether the state is other than a winning state by checking whether the value set in the winning state memory area is "0". If the determination in step SC1201 is positive, that is, if it is not a winning state, this process is terminated. Incidentally, at the start of a big win state or a small win state, "1" or "4" is set in the winning state memory area in the special figure 1 determination information setting process and the special figure 2 determination information setting process described above.

[0459] On the other hand, if step SC1201 is negative, that is, if the system is in a winning state (if any of "1" to "6" is set in the winning state memory area), the system proceeds to step SC1202, and the value of the special variable timer is decremented by 1. In the following step SC1203, it is determined whether the value of the special variable timer is "0". If step SC1203 is positive, in step SC1204, it is determined whether "1" is set in the winning state memory area.

[0460] If a positive determination is made in step SC1204, then in step SC1205, the value "2" is set for the winning status memory area. In the following step SC1206, the value "7500" is set for the special variable timer, which corresponds to the time (30 seconds) for which the first variable prize winning device 32A remains open.

[0461] After step SC1206, step SC1207 performs a first opening process to open the first variable prize device 32A, and step SC1208 sets a round command to inform the sub-controller 262 to start the round. After that, this process ends.

[0462] Furthermore, if the result is negative in step SC1204, step SC1209 determines whether or not "5" is set in the winning status memory area. In this embodiment, "5" is set in the winning status memory area during the interval period between the first round of the minor winning state and the second round.

[0463] If a negative determination is made in step SC1209, then in step SC1210, it is determined whether or not "3" is set in the winning status memory area. As will be explained in more detail later, "3" is set in the winning status memory area when all rounds in the big win state are completed and the ending period begins. If a negative determination is made in step SC1210, that is, when it is not yet time to end the big win state, then in step SC1211, it is determined whether or not "6" is set in the winning status memory area. In this embodiment, "6" is set in the winning status memory area during the second round of the minor win state.

[0464] If the result is negative in step SC1211, the value of the round counter is deducted by 1 in step SC1212. In the following step SC1213, it is determined whether the value of the round counter is "0". If the result is negative in step SC1213, that is, if there are still rounds to be executed, in step SC1214, it is determined whether "4" is set in the winning status memory area. In this embodiment, "4" is set in the winning status memory area in the first round of the minor winning state.

[0465] If a negative result is determined in step SC1214, that is, if "2" is set in the winning status memory area, the process proceeds to step SC1215, where "1" is set in the winning status memory area. Then, in step SC1216, the value "250", which corresponds to the interval time (1 second), is set for the special variable timer.

[0466] In the following step SC1217, the value "8" is set for the first prize counter. Furthermore, in step SC1218, a first closing process is performed to close the first variable prize device 32A, and in step SC1219, an interval command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 to start the interval. After that, this process is terminated.

[0467] Furthermore, if a positive determination is made in step SC1214, that is, if the first round of the minor win state has ended, then in step SC1220, "5" is set for the win status memory area. Subsequently, in step SC1221, the value "25" corresponding to the interval time (0.1 seconds) is set for the special variable timer.

[0468] In the following step SC1222, the value "4" is set for the second prize counter. Furthermore, in step SC1223, a second closing process is performed to close the second variable prize device 32B, and then this process is terminated.

[0469] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC1203, that is, if there is still time remaining to maintain the open or closed state of the first variable prize-winning device 32A or the second variable prize-winning device 32B (open time or closed time), the process proceeds to step SC1224 to determine whether or not a game ball has entered the specific ball entry section 320c provided in the internal region 320a of the second variable prize-winning device 32B. As will be described in more detail later, in this process, the determination of whether or not a game ball has entered the specific ball entry section 320c is made by determining whether or not the specific prize-winning flag, which is set to turn on when detection by the specific ball entry detection switch 223b, which detects a game ball that has entered the specific ball entry section 320c, is set to turn on.

[0470] If a negative determination is made in step SC1224, in step SC1225, it is determined whether the value of the prize counter corresponding to the variable prize devices 32A and 32B in the current winning state (the first prize counter if in a big win state, and the second prize counter if in a small win state) is "0". As mentioned above, each prize counter is set with an upper limit on the number of prizes per round (a specified number of "8" or "4") at the start of a winning state or at the start of an interval. Then, 1 is deducted each time a game ball enters the variable prize devices 32A or 32B.

[0471] If the determination in step SC1225 is negative, this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SC1225 is positive, that is, if the trigger for ending the round occurs without waiting for the set round period to elapse, the process proceeds to step SC1211. As a result, if the number of game balls enters the first variable prize device 32A or the second variable prize device 32B up to the upper limit (8 or 4 balls) during a single round, the round will end immediately at that point, even if the upper limit of the opening period (30 seconds, 1.6 seconds, or 0.1 seconds) has not elapsed.

[0472] Furthermore, if a positive determination is made in step SC1224, that is, in a minor win state, and a V-winning jackpot occurs when a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 320c, then in step SC1226, a specific ball entry process is performed to continue the jackpot state, and then this process ends. Details of the specific ball entry process will be described later.

[0473] Furthermore, if a positive determination is made in step SC1213, that is, if all rounds in the jackpot state have been completed, the process proceeds to step SC1227, where "3" is set for the jackpot status memory area. Subsequently, in step SC1228, the value "2500," corresponding to the ending time (10 seconds), is set for the special variable timer.

[0474] After step SC1228, in step SC1229, the value of the first prize counter is set to "7". Note that if the process to set the ending from step SC1227 onwards is performed after the positive determination in step SC1225, the value of the first prize counter will be "0". If the value of the first prize counter is left as "0" at the start of the ending period, the variable prize device control process 4 msec later will immediately determine positively in step SC1225, and the ending period cannot be completed. For this reason, in step SC1229, a temporary value other than "0" (in this example, "7") is set for the first prize counter to allow the ending period to be completed. Of course, it is also possible to configure the system to complete the ending period in another way.

[0475] After step SC1229, step SC1230 performs a first closing process to close the first variable prize device 32A, and in the following step SC1231, an ending command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that the ending has begun. After that, this process ends.

[0476] Furthermore, if a positive determination is made in step SC1210, that is, if the ending period has ended and it is time to end the jackpot state, the process proceeds to step SC1232 and the termination setting process is performed.

[0477] Here, the termination setting process will be explained with reference to Figure 1-27. First, in step SC1401, it is determined whether the jackpot flag (either the special feature 1 jackpot flag, the special feature 2 jackpot flag, or the V-winning jackpot flag described later) is set to ON. If the determination in step SC1401 is positive, in step SC1403, the value "21" corresponding to "Time-Saving A Mode" is stored in the mode memory area. As a result, "Time-Saving A Mode" will be assigned after the jackpot state ends.

[0478] In the following step SC1404, a Time-Saving Mode A Start command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 to start "Time-Saving Mode A" (transition to "Rush Stage Performance" or "Battle Stage Performance"). The sub-control device 262, acting as a performance execution function unit, may be configured to execute Rush Stage Performance or Battle Stage Performance as a specific performance. After step SC1404, in step SC1407, the jackpot flag (either the Special Feature 1 jackpot flag, the Special Feature 2 jackpot flag, or the V-Entry jackpot flag) that is set to ON is turned OFF.

[0479] In the following step SC1408, the value "0" is set in the winning status memory area to indicate that the state is not a winning state. Furthermore, in step SC1409, a jackpot termination command is set to inform the sub-controller 262 that the jackpot state has ended. After that, in step SC1410, the first spin count counter A is set to a spin count value of "1" or "7", which is the upper limit of the "Short Time A Mode" corresponding to the jackpot type, and then this process is terminated.

[0480] Furthermore, if the result is negative in step SC1401, that is, if it is in a minor win state, in step SC1411, the ball entry counter that counts the number of game balls in the internal area 320a of the second variable prize entry device 32B is checked, and it is determined whether or not there are "0" game balls in the internal area 320a.

[0481] If a positive determination is made in step SC1411, in step SC1412 the minor win flag is turned off, in step SC1413 the win status memory area is set to "0", and in step SC1414 a minor win end command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that the minor win state has ended.

[0482] Subsequently, in step SC1415, it is determined whether the value of the first variation counter A is "0". Note that the duration of "Shortened Time A Mode" is until the first variation display and the second variation display are performed a total of "1 time" or "7 times", or until a jackpot occurs. Therefore, when the second variation display corresponding to a minor win ends and the minor win begins, the value of the first variation counter A is deducted by 1 (see step SC1811). In step SC1415, it is determined whether the upper limit of the number of variations in "Shortened Time A Mode" has been reached (whether "1 time" or "7 times" has ended).

[0483] If a positive determination is made in step SC1415, the value "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is set in the mode memory area in step SC1416, and the time-saving A mode termination command is set in step SC1417 before this process is terminated.

[0484] On the other hand, if the result is negative in step SC1415, step SC1420 determines whether the value of the second variation counter B is "0". Note that the duration of "Shortened Time B Mode" is until the first variation display and the second variation display have been performed a total of "30 times", "40 times", or "50 times", or until a big win occurs. Therefore, when the second variation display corresponding to a minor win ends and the minor win begins, the value of the second variation counter B is deducted by 1 (see step SC1811). Step SC1420 determines whether the upper limit of the number of variations in "Shortened Time B Mode" has been reached (whether "30 times", "40 times", or "50 times" have been completed).

[0485] If a positive determination is made in step SC1420, the value "11" corresponding to "normal mode" is set in the mode memory area in step SC1421, and the time-saving B mode termination command is set in step SC1422 before this process is terminated.

[0486] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step SC1411, in step SC1418, the remaining ball monitoring flag is set to ON to continue monitoring the game balls in the internal area 320a of the second variable prize winning device 32B, and then this process is terminated. In other words, if there are game balls remaining in the internal area 320a, the system is configured so that the minor win state does not end even when it is time for the minor win state (second round) to end.

[0487] Here, the remaining bulb monitoring process (step SC307) of the timer interrupt processing (see Figure 1-11) will be explained with reference to Figure 1-28.

[0488] First, in step SC1301, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the internal region 320a of the second variable prize entry device 32B, based on the detection information from the ball entry count switch 223a installed near the ball entry opening 320b of the internal region 320a. If the determination in step SC1301 is positive, in step SC1302, the value of the ball entry counter, which counts the game balls present in the internal region 320a, is incremented by 1.

[0489] In the following step SC1303, a value corresponding to a predetermined amount of time is set for the monitoring timer used for the remaining ball monitoring process, which is sufficient for the game ball currently detected by the ball entry count switch 223a to be ejected from the internal area 320a. In this embodiment, the system is configured so that if there are no problems, the time between a game ball entering the internal area 320a and ejecting it from the internal area 320a will not exceed 2 seconds. In step SC1303, the monitoring timer is set to "750", which corresponds to 3 seconds.

[0490] If a negative determination is made after step SC1303, or if a negative determination is made in step SC1301, then in step SC1304, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the specific ball entry section 320c based on the detection information from the specific ball entry detection switch 223b. If a positive determination is made in step SC1304, then in step SC1305, the specific prize flag is set to ON. In the following step SC1306, the value of the ball entry counter is deducted by 1.

[0491] If a negative determination is made after step SC1306, or if a negative determination is made in step SC1304, then in step SC1307, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the non-specific ball entry section 320d based on the detection information from the non-specific ball entry detection switch 223c. If a positive determination is made in step SC1307, then in step SC1308, the value of the ball entry counter is deducted by 1.

[0492] If a negative determination is made after step SC1308, or in step SC1307, then in step SC1309, it is determined whether the value of the ball entry counter is "0". If a negative determination is made in step SC1309, then in step SC1310, it is determined whether the value of the monitoring timer is "0". If a negative determination is made in step SC1310, then in step SC1311, the value of the monitoring timer is decremented by 1, and then this process is terminated.

[0493] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC1310, that is, if it is determined that there are still game balls remaining even at the time when all game balls should have been discharged from the internal area 320a of the second variable prize winning device 32B, then error processing (for example, lighting the error indicator lamp 104, displaying an error on the data lamp, notifying the hall computer, etc.) is performed in step SC1312, and then this process is terminated.

[0494] Furthermore, if the determination in step SC1309 is positive, step SC1313 determines whether the remaining ball monitoring flag, which may be set when ending the minor win state, is turned on. If the determination in step SC1313 is negative, this process ends immediately.

[0495] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step SC1313, the remaining ball monitoring flag is turned off in step SC1314. In the following step SC1315, it is determined whether the jackpot flag (V-entry jackpot flag) is set to ON or not. If a positive determination is made in step SC1315, that is, if a game ball enters the specific ball entry section 320c in the minor win state and a V-entry jackpot occurs, this process is terminated.

[0496] On the other hand, if the result is negative in step SC1315, the process to terminate the minor win state has not yet been performed, so in step SC1316 the minor win flag is turned off, in step SC1317 "0" is stored in the win status memory area, and in step SC1318 the minor win termination ...

Claims

[Claim 1] a winning / losing lottery means for executing a winning / losing lottery based on the determination by a determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined lottery condition is met that the predetermined lottery condition is met; A variable display means for displaying a variable display for a predetermined period based on the result of the winning / losing lottery; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game state after the end of a specific variable display for displaying a specific display result that is executed when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a specific result; A performance execution means for performing a variable performance using a plurality of performance elements during the variable display for the predetermined period; A gaming machine equipped with This gaming machine is a predetermined detection means that can be in a predetermined detection state when a predetermined detection target is in a predetermined state of approaching or contacting a predetermined detection unit within a predetermined distance; and an information output means capable of executing at least a predetermined output, In a predetermined input enabled state, when the predetermined detection means is in the predetermined detection state, the information output means is configured to output a plurality of predetermined information stored in a predetermined storage unit and corresponding to the input of the predetermined information to the performance execution means, When input of predetermined information corresponding to the output predetermined plurality of pieces of information is detected, a specific state that can reflect or output predetermined configurable information in the performance execution means can occur, This gaming machine is a non-output state can be generated in which the predetermined information is not output by the information output means when the predetermined state is reached after the specific state has occurred, This gaming machine is A gaming machine characterized in that, when a specific detection state different from the predetermined detection state occurs while the specific state is occurring, the gaming machine is configured to output specific information to allow the player to confirm the end of the specific state.

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