Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of preferably improving an attention degree to a game.SOLUTION: A game machine is configured so that, pieces of reservation information are acquired based on ball entry to actuation ball entry parts 62, 63 provided in a game region PE, based on the reservation information, a win / loss lottery for determining whether or not to shift to an opening / closing execution mode, is executed sequentially. When shifting to a second normal game state in which, a support mode by an electronic accessory provided on a right side actuation ball entry part 63 is a high frequency support mode and a lottery mode for performing the win / loss determination is a high probability mode, through the opening / closing execution mode, a time shortening number is set, the time shortening number functions as a shift condition to a third normal game state which is further advantageous to a player relative to the second normal game state. In a game round in which shift from the second normal game state to the third normal game state is determined, out of second and third variation display regions ME2, ME3 on a display screen 75a of a pattern display device 75, a pattern combination corresponding to a special winning result or failure result is stop displayed on the second variation display region ME2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 47

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines include a game board having a game area and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launching operation by a player. When the game ball launched from the game ball launching means enters a ball entry part provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in its configuration in order to improve the attention level to the game.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably improving the attention level to the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the present invention, the level of attention given to the game can be effectively increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] (a) A front view showing the configuration of the game board, and (b) A front view of the main display unit. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the upper variable prize winning device. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the ball entry unit. [Figure 7] (a) A front perspective view of the right-side operating ball entry section, and (b) A schematic diagram showing the passage structure related to the right-side operating ball entry section. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between passage length and the time required to pass through. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions of various counters used in lottery draws and other similar processes. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the compatibility table for the lower operating port. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the success / failure table for the right-side operating port. [Figure 13] (a) A schematic diagram showing the distribution table for the lower operating port, and (b) A schematic diagram showing the distribution table for the right operating port. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing game turn control processing. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing control processing for the lower operation port. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the variable start processing for the lower operation port. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing control processing for the right operation port. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing the variable start processing for the right operation port. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing game state transition processing. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing the opening and closing processing of the big winning hole. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing the first opening and closing processing. [Figure 24] It is a flowchart showing the second opening and closing processing. [Figure 25] It is a flowchart showing the transition processing at the end of the opening and closing execution mode. [Figure 26] It is a flowchart showing the processing for electric role support. [Figure 27] It is a schematic diagram comparing the variable display time and the confirmed display time for each support mode. [Figure 28] It is a flowchart showing the opening and closing processing of the electric role. [Figure 29] It is a flowchart showing the variable display time setting processing for the lower operation port. [Figure 30] It is a flowchart showing the variable display time setting processing for the right operation port. [Figure 31] It is a schematic diagram showing the difference in the variable display time and the confirmed display time for each game state. [Figure 32] It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the type of jackpot result and the number of continuous times of the high-frequency support mode. [Figure 33] This block diagram shows the relationships between the different game states. [Figure 34] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of game balls during the second and fourth normal game states. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the game balls during the third normal game state. [Figure 36] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the game balls during the third normal game state. [Figure 37] This is a timing chart showing the increase or decrease in the number of balls held as the game progresses. [Figure 38] (a) A timing chart showing the flow of gameplay in the second normal gameplay state, and (b) A timing chart showing the flow of gameplay in the third normal gameplay state. [Figure 39] This is a timing chart showing the changes in the number of pending information as the game progresses. [Figure 40] This is a timing chart showing the flow of gameplay when transitioning to the second normal game state. [Figure 41] This is a timing chart showing the flow of gameplay when transitioning to the second normal game state. [Figure 42] This is a schematic diagram showing the right-side operating ball entry section. [Figure 43] (a) A timing chart showing the display mode of the through-gate display unit in low-frequency support mode, and (b) A timing chart showing the display mode of the through-gate display unit in high-frequency support mode. [Figure 44] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration related to the notification / performance control device and the display control device. [Figure 45] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display content on the display screen of a graphic display device. [Figure 46] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display content on the display screen of a graphic display device. [Figure 47] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display content on the display screen of a graphic display device. [Figure 48]This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the display area for changing symbols. [Figure 49] This flowchart shows the information display control process executed by the MPU of the notification and performance control device. [Figure 50] This flowchart shows the display control process for special game states. [Figure 51] This is a schematic diagram showing the display flow when transitioning from the first special game state to the second normal game state. [Figure 52] This flowchart shows the display control process for the normal game state. [Figure 53] This is a flowchart showing the target display control process. [Figure 54] (a) A schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of games played and the size of the target display area in the second normal game state, and (b) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the target display area and the variable display area of ​​the symbols. [Figure 55] This is a flowchart showing the counter display control process corresponding to the right-side operating port. [Figure 56] This is a flowchart showing the counter display control process corresponding to the lower operating port. [Figure 57] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the counter display is updated. [Figure 58] (a) A schematic diagram showing the flow when transitioning to the third normal game state, and (b) A schematic diagram showing the flow when transitioning to the first special game state. [Figure 59] This is a timing chart showing the flow of gameplay. [Figure 60] This is a timing chart showing the flow of gameplay when transitioning to the third normal game state in the third embodiment. [Figure 61] This is a schematic diagram showing the subtraction pattern of the counter display in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 62] This is a schematic diagram showing the subtraction pattern for counter displays. [Figure 63] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of updating the counter display in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 64]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of updating the counter display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> The following describes in detail a first embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), a type of amusement machine, based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 seen from the front, and Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an unfolded state. For convenience, the components within the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 are omitted in Figure 2.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a game machine main unit 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

[0011] The outer frame 11 is constructed by connecting boards on all four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the gaming hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. However, the outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be attached to the island equipment of the gaming hall.

[0012] The main body of the gaming machine 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. Specifically, an upper support fitting 17 is fixed to the connection between the upper frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11, and a lower support fitting 18 is provided at the connection between the lower frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11. These upper support fittings 17 and 18 constitute a support mechanism, and this support mechanism allows the main body of the gaming machine 12 to rotate forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the main body of the gaming machine 12 comprises an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 positioned in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 positioned behind the inner frame 13. The inner frame 13 of the main body of the gaming machine 12 is rotatably supported relative to the outer frame 11. In detail, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side being the base end of rotation and the right side being the tip end of rotation when viewed from the front.

[0014] The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can rotate forward with the left side as the pivot end and the right side as the pivot end when viewed from the front. The back pack unit 15 is also rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can rotate backward with the left side as the pivot end and the right side as the pivot end when viewed from the front (see Figure 3).

[0015] (Front door frame 14) Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 whose outer shape is almost identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. A roughly elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central part of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of ​​the game area PE, which will be described later, can be seen from the front, and this window portion 21 is covered from the rear side of the front door frame 14 by a glass unit 22.

[0016] The glass unit 22 comprises a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds these glass panels 23. The glass holder has a partition that divides the holding area of ​​the glass panels 23 into front and rear sections, and the two glass panels 23 face each other front and rear with the partition in between. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, interference between the glass panels 23 is avoided, and the game area PE is double-covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23.

[0017] It is not necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder; each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary; it may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and security, it is preferable to use multiple glass panels and to position each of these glass panels facing each other front and back with a predetermined gap in between. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of glass panels.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, various light-emitting means such as lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically the window section 21). For example, an annular illuminated section 26 containing light-emitting means such as LEDs is provided along the periphery of the window section 21. The annular illuminated section 26 lights up or flashes in accordance with changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or when a predetermined reach occurs. In addition, an error indicator lamp section 27 that lights up in the event of a predetermined error is provided in the center of the annular illuminated section 26 and at the very top of the pachinko machine 10, and prize ball lamp sections 28 that light up when prize balls are paid out are provided on the left and right sides of it. Furthermore, speaker sections 29 that output sound effects according to the game state are provided in a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp sections 28.

[0019] Below the window portion 21 of the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulge 31 and a lower bulge 32 are arranged vertically side by side, bulging toward the front. Inside the upper bulge 31 is an upper tray 33 that opens upward, and inside the lower bulge 32 is a lower tray 34 that also opens upward. The upper tray 33 has the function of temporarily storing the game balls dispensed from the dispensing device (described later) and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism (described later) while aligning them in a line. The lower tray 34 has the function of storing any game balls that are left over in the upper tray 33.

[0020] A game ball launching handle 41 is provided to the right of the lower bulge 32, protruding toward the front. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, a game ball is launched from the game ball launching mechanism, which will be described later.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is molded from synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion is formed at the upper corner, which protrudes to the rear and opens upward. By dividing this receiving portion into left and right sections with a partition wall, the entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and the entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage are separated. Game balls that enter the front door side upper tray passage are guided to the upper tray 33, and game balls that enter the front door side lower tray passage are guided to the lower tray 34.

[0022] On the rear side of the front door frame 14, at the pivot base end, projection shafts are provided at its upper and lower ends. These projection shafts constitute the assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Furthermore, on the rear side of the front door frame 14, at the pivot tip end, as shown in Figure 2, multiple hook fittings 49 extending to the rear are arranged in a vertical direction. These hook fittings 49 constitute the locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

[0023] (Inner frame 13) Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail based on Figures 2 and 3. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50, which has an outer shape that is roughly rectangular, similar to the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 50 is positioned close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a small gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50. A fascia board is attached to the outer frame 11 to close this gap. The fascia board is positioned below the resin base 50 (more specifically, its lower end), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the resin base 50 rests on top of the fascia board.

[0024] Support brackets 51 and 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the pivot base side on the front surface of the resin base 50. The support brackets 51 and 52 have axial holes formed in them, and the projection shaft of the front door frame 14 is inserted into these axial holes, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 so that it can rotate relative to the inner frame 13.

[0025] The front of the resin base 50, on the rotating tip side, is provided with an insertion hole for inserting a hook fitting 49 located on the back of the front door frame 14. In this pachinko machine 10, as shown in Figure 3, a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is positioned hidden on the back side of the inner frame 13. Therefore, the hook fitting 49 engages with the locking device 55 (specifically, the hook receiving member for the front door) through the insertion hole, thereby locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 in an unopenable state. The locking device 55 also has an inner frame hook member 57 that extends to the rear of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 57 catch on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, thereby locking the main part of the gaming machine 12 to the outer frame 11 in a closed state.

[0026] A cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is installed in the lower right corner of the resin base 50. The cylinder lock 58 is integrated with the locking device 55, and the locking device 55 is configured such that turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 to the right unlocks the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13, and turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 to the left unlocks the inner frame 13 to the outer frame 11.

[0027] A roughly oval-shaped window opening 54 is formed in the center of the resin base 50, and this window opening 54 is closed from the rear by the game board 60 mounted on the resin base 50. The game board 60 consists of a wooden plywood and a sheet material covering the front surface of the plywood, and its front surface is exposed to the front side of the resin base 50 through the window opening 54. A game area PE is formed on this exposed part, i.e., the front surface of the game board 60, through which the game balls flow. Note that the game board 60 is not limited to wood, and can also be made of synthetic resin.

[0028] The following describes the game board 60 (particularly the various components arranged in the game area PE) based on Figure 4. Figure 4 is a front view of the game board 60.

[0029] (Game board 60) The game board 60 has multiple openings of varying sizes that penetrate in the direction of its own thickness (front-to-back direction). Each opening is equipped with a general prize entry opening 61, an activated ball entry section 62, 63, a variable prize entry device 64, 65, a through gate 66, a variable display unit 67, etc. When a ball enters an entry section such as the general prize entry opening 61, the activated ball entry section 62, 63, or the variable prize entry device 64, 65, this is detected by a detection sensor, and based on the detection result, the player is granted a reward such as the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls.

[0030] Specifically, when a ball enters the general prize entry slot 61, 10 game balls are dispensed; when a ball enters the lower operating ball entry slot 62, 4 game balls are dispensed; when a ball enters the right operating ball entry slot 63, 1 game ball is dispensed; when a ball enters the upper variable prize entry device 64, 14 game balls are dispensed; and when a ball enters the lower variable prize entry device 65, 10 game balls are dispensed.

[0031] An outlet 68 is provided at the bottom of the game board 60, and game balls that do not enter the various ball entry points are discharged from the game area PE through the outlet 68. Here, "entering" means that a game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and includes not only the case in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening, but also the case in which the game ball is not discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish it from the entry of game balls into the outlet 68, the entry of game balls into the general prize entry point 61, the operating ball entry points 62, 63, the variable prize entry devices 64, 65, and the through gate 66 will also be referred to as "winning."

[0032] Furthermore, the game board 60 is equipped with numerous nails 69 to appropriately distribute and adjust the flow path of the game balls, as well as various components (mechanisms) such as windmills. These various configurations, including the nails 69 and windmills, differentiate the flow path of the game balls, adjusting them so that the balls enter the general prize winning holes 61 and other areas as described above with a reasonable probability.

[0033] The variable display unit 67 is located in the center of the game board 60, and the operating ball entry sections 62, 63, etc. are arranged around the variable display unit 67. The operating ball entry sections 62 and 63 are broadly divided into the lower operating ball entry section 62, which is located below the variable display unit 67, and the right operating ball entry section 63, which is located to the right of the variable display unit 67. In particular, the right operating ball entry section 63 is equipped with an electric mechanism 71, which is an open / close type ball entry assist device (ball entry assist means) or an open / close member (open / close means). The electric mechanism 71 has a shutter and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the shutter, and by changing the position of the shutter by the drive unit, it is possible to switch between an open state (receiving state) in which balls can be entered into the right operating ball entry section 63 (right operating opening 63a) and a closed state (non-receiving state) in which balls cannot be entered. Furthermore, the electric mechanism 71 attached to the right-side operating ball entry section 63 may be made switchable between a state where balls can easily enter the right-side operating opening 63a and a state where balls are more difficult to enter.

[0034] In the game area PE (the right route, which will be described in more detail later), the through gate 66 is located upstream of the right-side operating ball entry section 63, specifically to the side (right) of the variable display unit 67. The through gate 66 allows game balls to pass through in the vertical direction, and game balls that enter the through gate 66 are not discharged from the game area PE but flow downstream within the game area PE. If a winner is selected in the lottery triggered by the passage of a game ball through the through gate 66, the electric mechanism 71 is switched from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined period of time.

[0035] The upper variable prize-winning device 64 is positioned between the through gate 66 and the right-side operating ball entry section 63 on the right route. The upper variable prize-winning device 64 has a large upper prize-winning opening into which multiple game balls can be entered simultaneously, and is provided with an opening and closing mechanism as an opening and closing means for opening and closing the large upper prize-winning opening. The opening and closing mechanism has a shutter as an opening and closing member for the large prize-winning opening. The shutter can be switched between an open state (auxiliary state or acceptance state) in which game balls can be entered or are easy to enter, and a closed state (non-auxiliary state or non-acceptance state) in which entry is impossible or difficult. The shutter is also connected to a variable prize-winning drive unit (specifically a solenoid), and under normal circumstances the shutter remains in the closed state, and is switched to the open state when the result of the internal lottery is a transition to the opening and closing execution mode (special game state or opening and closing execution state).

[0036] The lower variable prize-winning device 65 is located downstream of the right-side operating ball entry section 63 on the right route. The lower variable prize-winning device 65 has a large lower prize-winning opening into which multiple game balls can be entered simultaneously, and is provided with an opening and closing mechanism as an opening and closing means for opening and closing the large lower prize-winning opening. The opening and closing mechanism has a shutter as an opening and closing member for the large prize-winning opening. The shutter can be switched between an open state (acceptance state) into which game balls can be entered and a closed state (non-acceptance state) into which game balls cannot be entered. The shutter is also connected to a variable prize-winning drive unit (specifically a solenoid), and under normal circumstances the shutter remains in the closed state, and is switched to the open state when the result of the internal lottery is a transition to the opening and closing execution mode (special game state or opening and closing execution state).

[0037] Here, the opening / closing execution mode is a mode that is entered when a jackpot or special jackpot occurs. In this opening / closing execution mode, the variable prize winning device 65 is set to open up to a predetermined number of rounds (1, 2, 6, 8, 16 rounds in this embodiment), with the opening mode defined as a round occurring after a predetermined period of time (30 seconds or 0.8 seconds in this embodiment) or after a predetermined number of prize winnings (9 prizes in this embodiment).

[0038] Next, the variable display unit 67 will be described. The variable display unit 67 has a pattern display device 75 that displays a variable pattern (variable display) when a ball enters the operating ball entry section 62, 63 as a trigger.

[0039] The symbol display device 75 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the display content on the display screen 75a is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, symbols are displayed side by side, for example, on the left, center, and right, and these symbols are displayed in a variable manner by scrolling vertically. When a jackpot or special win occurs, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, and the system transitions to the opening and closing execution mode described above. Note that the symbol display device 75 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device; it may also be a dot matrix or 7-segment type display device.

[0040] Furthermore, a center frame 76 is provided on the variable display unit 67 so as to surround the pattern display device 75. The center frame 76 is fixed to the game board 60 from its front side, and in this fixed state, it stands upright from the front of the game board 60, so that the gap between the center frame 76 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, collisions between the game ball flowing down the game area PE and the pattern display device 75 are avoided, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is broadly divided into the right route, which bypasses the variable display unit 67 (more specifically the center frame 76) from the right side, and the left route, which bypasses it from the left side.

[0041] Furthermore, the right-side operating ball entry section 63, variable prize entry devices 64 and 65, and through gate 66 mentioned above are located on the right route, and game balls flowing down the left route are prevented from entering these right-side operating ball entry section 63, variable prize entry devices 64 and 65, and through gate 66. On the other hand, the lower operating ball entry section 62 is located on the left route, and game balls flowing down the right route are prevented from entering the lower operating ball entry section 62. Depending on the game situation, the player can choose the launch destination (path of the game ball) from the right route or the left route to gain an advantage in the game.

[0042] A main display unit 81 is installed on a protective member for the guide rail 100, which is located outside the game area PE. The front of the main display unit 81 faces the glass unit 22 (more specifically, the rear glass panel 23) which allows the game area PE to be visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and a main display section D, on which predetermined patterns and other information are displayed, is provided in the facing portion. The main display unit 81 is electrically connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and the display content of the main display section D is controlled by the main control device.

[0043] The main display unit D includes a lower operation port display unit DL that displays the lottery results based on balls entering the lower operation port 62 (lower operation port 62a), and a right operation port display unit DR that displays the lottery results based on balls entering the right operation port 63 (right operation port 63a).

[0044] In the lower operation slot display unit DL, a change in the pattern is displayed when a ball enters the lower operation ball entry section 62 (lower operation slot 62a), and as a result of the stopping of this change in the pattern, the result of the internal lottery based on the ball entering the lower operation ball entry section 62 is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the ball entering the lower operation ball entry section 62 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the change in the pattern is stopped in the lower operation slot display unit DL, and after a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result of the stop, the machine transitions to the opening / closing execution mode.

[0045] In the right-side operation slot display unit DR, a change in the pattern is displayed as a trigger when a ball enters the right-side operation ball entry section 63. As a result of stopping this change in the pattern display, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the ball entering the right-side operation ball entry section 63 (right-side operation slot 63a) is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the ball entering the right-side operation ball entry section 63 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot or a special win, the change in the pattern display unit DR for the right-side operation slot is stopped, and after a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result of the stop, the system transitions to the opening / closing execution mode described above according to the result.

[0046] Here, based on a ball entering any of the operating ball entry sections 62 or 63, a variable display is started on the corresponding operating port display section DL or DR, and one game round is considered to be the period from when the predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display stops. However, one game round is not limited to the above content. For example, in a configuration where a single display area is provided and a variable display is performed on that single display area regardless of when a ball enters any of the operating ball entry sections 62 or 63, one game round is considered to be the period from when the variable display is started on that single display area until the predetermined stop result is displayed and the variable display stops.

[0047] The main display unit 81's main display section D is equipped with a lower operation slot reserve count display section SL and a right operation slot reserve count display section SR. The lower operation slot reserve count display section SL corresponds to the lower operation slot 62a, and the number of times a game ball enters the lower operation slot 62a is reserved up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the illumination of the lower operation slot reserve count display section SL. The right operation slot reserve count display section SR corresponds to the right operation slot 63a, and the number of times a game ball enters the right operation slot 63a is reserved up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the illumination of the right operation slot reserve count display section SR.

[0048] In addition to the various display units mentioned above, the main display unit 81 also has a through-gate display unit DS that displays the lottery results based on the ball entering the through-gate 66. The through-gate display unit DS displays a changing pattern when a ball enters the through-gate 66, and the result of the internal lottery based on the ball entering the through-gate 66 is clearly shown as the result of the stopping of this changing pattern. If the result of the internal lottery based on the ball entering the through-gate 66 is a winning result that corresponds to the transition to the electric mechanism open state, the through-gate display unit DS displays a predetermined stopping result and the changing pattern stops, after which the machine transitions to the electric mechanism open state. In the electric mechanism open state, the electric mechanism 71 attached to the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is opened in a predetermined manner.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of times a game ball passes through the through gate 66 is limited to a maximum of four. The main display unit 81's main display section D is provided with a through gate limited number display section SS that displays the number of balls held.

[0050] To explain the configuration of the inner frame 13 again using Figure 2, below the mounting area of ​​the game board 60 on the resin base 50, a game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided that launches game balls toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launching handle 41. The game ball launching mechanism 110 mainly consists of a solenoid 111 that launches game balls positioned at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game balls launched by the solenoid 111, a ball feeding device 113 that supplies game balls to the launch standby position, and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted. The base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50, thereby integrating it with the resin base 50.

[0051] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 at an angle so as to slope upward toward the game board 60. A ball stopper is positioned near the downstream end (i.e., the lower end) of the launch rail 112 to hold the game balls supplied from the ball feeding device 113 in the aforementioned launch standby position. The solenoid 111 is positioned further downstream from the ball stopper.

[0052] The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to the power supply and launch control device, which will be described later. Based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply and launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the extension and retraction direction, causing the game ball, which is placed in the launch standby position, to be launched toward the game board 60, more specifically toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board 60.

[0053] The guide rail 100 partitions the game area PE so that the outer shape of the game area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 consists of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are positioned opposite each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and these two rails 101 and 102 partition a single guide passage 103. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion that is open on the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion located at the top of the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of launch rail 112 → guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion). By adjusting the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 41, it is possible to launch the game ball to the area to the left of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE and to the area to the right of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE.

[0054] Furthermore, in the game board 60, a reverse return prevention member 106 is attached to the front of the exit portion, more specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent game balls that have reached the game area PE from returning back into the guide passage 103, thereby preventing the launch of subsequent game balls from being obstructed by game balls that have reached the game area PE earlier.

[0055] The guide rail 100 (see Figure 4) and the launch rail 112 are positioned such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 60. In other words, the two rails 100 and 112 are positioned so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are offset to the left and right near the lower edge of the game board 60. This brings both rails 100 and 112 closer to the lower edge of the game board 60, while creating a predetermined gap between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

[0056] Below the gap formed in this manner, a foul ball passage 46 is provided. The foul ball passage 46 is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If a game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns to the guide passage 103 as a foul ball, these foul balls will enter the foul ball passage 46 through the gap. The foul ball passage 46 is connected to the lower tray passage on the front door side, and game balls that enter the foul ball passage 46 are discharged into the lower tray 34 shown in Figure 1. This suppresses interference between foul balls and the next game ball to be launched.

[0057] In the resin base 50, a through hole is formed to the left of the launch rail 112 (more specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14), and a passage forming member 121 is disposed in this through hole. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50 and has a main body side upper tray passage and a main body side lower tray passage. The upstream side of these main body side upper tray passage and main body side lower tray passage leads to the game ball distribution section, which will be described later. Furthermore, below the passage forming member 121, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted, and below the main body side upper tray passage is the front door side upper tray passage, and below the main body side lower tray passage is the front door side upper tray passage.

[0058] In the resin base 50, an opening / closing member 124 is attached below the passage forming member 121 to open and close the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. The opening / closing member 124 is supported so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction by a support shaft provided at its lower end, and is further provided with a biasing member that biases it to a forward position that closes the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is open relative to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises up as shown in the figure, closing the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. This prevents the inconvenience of game balls spilling out if the front door frame 14 is opened while game balls are stored in the upper tray passage on the main body side or the lower tray passage on the main body side. In contrast, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by a receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the upper tray passage on the main unit side and the upper tray passage on the front door side are connected, and furthermore, the lower tray passage on the main unit side and the lower tray passage on the front door side are connected.

[0059] Next, the rear configuration of the inner frame 13 (resin base 50 and game board 60) will be described based on Figure 3.

[0060] On the rotating base end side of the back of the resin base 50, bearing fittings 132 are arranged vertically side by side. The bearing fittings 132 have bearing portions formed spaced apart vertically, and these bearing portions allow the back pack unit 15 to rotatably attach to the inner frame 13.

[0061] Multiple locking fittings 135 are provided on the back of the resin base 50, and the game board 60 is attached to the resin base 50 by these locking fittings 135 as described above. Now, the configuration of the back of the game board 60 will be explained.

[0062] A display control device is attached to a variable display unit 67 located in the center of the game board 60, covering the variable display unit 67 from behind (not shown in the diagram). Behind the display control device, a notification and effect control unit 142 is mounted so as to overlap the display control device. The notification and effect control unit 142 consists of a notification and effect control device 143 and a mounting base 144, with the notification and effect control device 143 mounted on the mounting base 144.

[0063] The notification and performance control device 143 is equipped with a notification and performance control board that controls sound, lamp displays, and the display control device in accordance with instructions from the main control device, which will be described later. The notification and performance control board is housed in a board box 145 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, a collection plate 150 is provided on the back of the game board 60, below the variable display unit 67. The collection plate 150 is equipped with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls that have entered various prize slots, and a detection mechanism for detecting when game balls enter various prize slots, etc.

[0065] The game ball collection mechanism is explained as follows: The collection plate 150 is provided with collection passages that correspond individually to various ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61. These collection passages descend from these ball entry points along the back of the game board 60, defining the path of the game balls to fall. Each collection passage merges near the bottom of the game board 60, and all game balls that pass through the ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61, are collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the collection passages. The exit of each collection passage is open downwards, and beyond that (more specifically, below the game board 60) is a discharge passage, which will be described later. The game balls that have been collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the collection passages are guided to the discharge passage. Similarly, the out exit 68 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that do not enter any of the prize entry points are also guided to the discharge passage via the out exit 68.

[0066] To explain the detection mechanism, the collection plate 150 is equipped with detection sensors that correspond individually to various ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61. These various detection sensors are positioned at intermediate locations in each collection passage connected to the ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61, and detect the passage of game balls when the ball's drop path is defined in the collection passage. More specifically, each detection sensor detects the entry of a game ball into a ball entry point, such as the general prize entry point 61, when the game ball passes through a detection area located at an intermediate location in each collection passage. Specifically, a magnetic sensor is used to grasp the change in the magnetic field that occurs when a game ball passes through the detection area.

[0067] These various detection sensors are electrically connected to a main control unit 160 (more specifically, the main control unit) located on the rear side of the game board 60, and the detection signals from these sensors are output to the main control unit. The main control unit 160 and its associated configuration will be described below.

[0068] The main control unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the manifold plate 150 from the rear, and consists of a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control unit 162 has a main control board that has a function to control the main game (main control circuit) and a function to monitor the power supply (power outage monitoring circuit), and the main control board is housed in a board box 163 made of transparent resin material or the like.

[0069] The circuit board box 163 comprises a box base (front case) with a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by a sealing part, thereby sealing the circuit board box 163. Multiple sealing parts are provided on the long side of the circuit board box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

[0070] The sealing section can be configured in any way that makes it impossible to open the box base and the box cover, but the box base and the box cover are made impossible to open by inserting a locking claw into the elongated hole that makes up the sealing section. The sealing process by the sealing section prevents unauthorized opening after sealing, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, it is possible to detect such a situation early and easily, and it is possible to reseal the box even after it has been opened. In other words, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one elongated hole among the multiple sealing sections. When the board box 163 is opened, such as when a malfunction occurs in the contained main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connection between the sealing section in which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing sections is cut. This separates the box base and the box cover of the board box 163, and the main control board inside can be removed. After that, when resealing the box, the locking claw is inserted into the elongated hole of the other sealing section. If a record indicating that the circuit board box 163 has been opened is left on the circuit board box 163, it will be easy to discover that unauthorized opening has occurred by looking at the circuit board box 163.

[0071] Multiple connecting pieces are provided on one of the short sides of the circuit board box 163, protruding laterally. These connecting pieces correspond one-to-one with multiple pieces to be connected formed on the mounting base 161, and a sealing process is performed between the circuit board box 163 and the mounting base 161 by the connecting pieces and the pieces to be connected.

[0072] (Back Pack Unit 15) Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described based on Figures 2 and 3.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, to which the dispensing mechanism 202, the discharge passage panel, and the control device manifold unit 204 are attached.

[0074] The back pack 201 is molded from a transparent synthetic resin and has a base portion 211 to which the dispensing mechanism 202 and the like are attached, as shown in Figure 3, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes from the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 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 surround at least the variable display unit 67.

[0075] An external terminal board 213 is provided on the upper right part of the base section 211. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal board 213, and various signals are output to the management control device on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. In addition, a pair of upper and lower locking pins are provided on the right end of the base section 211 when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported relative to the inner frame 13 by inserting the locking pins into the bearing fittings 132 (more specifically, the bearing part) provided on the inner frame 13. Furthermore, a fastener is provided on the rotating tip of the base section 211 for fastening to a fastening hole provided on the inner frame 13, and the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by fitting the fastener into the fastening hole.

[0076] The dispensing mechanism 202 is positioned on the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The dispensing mechanism 202 is equipped with a tank 221 located at the top of the back pack 201 and opening upwards, into which game balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are sequentially replenished. Below the tank 221, a tank rail that slopes gently downstream is connected, and a case rail extending vertically is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A dispensing device 222 is provided at the downstream end of the case rail. Game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 222 are supplied to the game ball distribution section provided on the base 211 of the back pack 201 through a dispensing passage provided downstream of the dispensing device 222.

[0077] The game ball distribution unit has the function of distributing game balls dispensed from the payout device 222 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage described later. The inner opening is connected to the upper tray 33 via the upper tray passage on the main body side and the upper tray passage on the front door side, and the outer opening is connected to the lower tray 34 via the lower tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the front door side.

[0078] As shown in Figure 3, the discharge passage panel and the control unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211, sandwiching the lower end from the front and back. The discharge passage panel 203 has a discharge passage formed on the side facing the control unit 204 that is open to the rear, and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control unit 204. The discharge passage is formed to discharge game balls to island equipment in the game hall, and game balls that are led from the above-mentioned collection passage to the discharge passage are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

[0079] The control unit assembly 204 has a horizontally elongated mounting base on which the payout control device 181 and the power supply / launch control device 191 are mounted. The payout control device 181 and the power supply / launch control device 191 are arranged in a front-to-back configuration, with the payout control device 181 facing the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0080] In the dispensing control device 181, a dispensing control board that controls the dispensing device 222 is housed in a circuit board box, and a state reset switch provided on the dispensing control board protrudes outside the circuit board box. For example, when a dispensing error occurs in the dispensing device 222, such as a ball jam, pressing the state reset switch will resolve the ball jam.

[0081] The power supply and launch control device 191 houses a power supply and launch control board within a circuit board box. This board generates and outputs the necessary power for various control devices, and also controls the launch of game balls in response to the player's operation of the game ball launch handle 41. The power supply and launch control device 191 is also equipped with a RAM erase switch. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and retain various data, so that even if a power outage occurs, it will retain the state it was in at the time of the power outage, and when power is restored, it will return to that state. Therefore, for example, if the power is cut off in the normal procedure, such as when the amusement hall closes for the day, the state before the power cut off will be retained, but if the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch, the RAM data will be initialized.

[0082] In this embodiment, the configuration of the right-side operating ball entry section 63 and the variable prize-winning devices 64 and 65, which are arranged in the right route, is a distinctive feature. The various ball entry sections will be further explained below with reference to the schematic diagrams in Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a front view of the upper variable prize-winning device 64, Figure 6 is a front view of the ball entry unit, Figure 7(a) is a perspective view of the right-side operating ball entry section 63 seen from the front, Figure 7(b) is a schematic diagram showing the passage structure in the right-side operating ball entry section 63, and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between passage length and passage time.

[0083] (Upper variable prize winning device 64) The upper variable prize winning device 64 has a housing 310 in which a ball passage 312 through which game balls pass is formed, and this housing 310 is attached to the game board 60 so as to bulge out from the front of the game board 60 toward the front of the game machine. The housing 310 is made of transparent synthetic resin, and the game balls flowing down the ball passage 312 can be seen through the outer part of the housing 310.

[0084] In the portion of the housing 310 that bulges out toward the front of the game board 60, an upper large prize opening 311 is formed, which constitutes the entrance to the ball passage 312. The upper large prize opening 311 faces the middle portion (the portion extending vertically) of the right route from the side of the game machine (right side), and a shutter 315 is positioned to cover the upper large prize opening 311 from the side (right side) of the area where the game balls flow down the right route.

[0085] The shutter 315 is pivotally supported so as to be able to rotate parallel to the front of the game board 60, and is configured to be displaced between a closed position that prevents game balls from flowing into the upper large prize opening 311 and an open position that allows game balls to flow into the upper large prize opening 311 by rotating around the pivot point.

[0086] The drive unit (specifically, the solenoid) for the shutter 315 is connected to the main control unit 162 and operates based on the drive signal from the main control unit 162. The shutter 315 is configured to remain in the closed position when the main control unit 162 is not outputting a drive signal (de-energized state).

[0087] When the shutter 315 is positioned in the open position (open state), approximately half of the flow area (flow path) in the middle portion of the right route is interrupted by the shutter 315, and most of the game balls flowing down the right route flow into the upper variable prize device 64 (ball passage 312) through the upper large prize opening 311.

[0088] The ball passage 312 branches into a first branch passage 313 and a second branch passage 314 at an intermediate point. A flow path switching member 316 is provided at this branching point, which can switch the destination of the game balls to the first branch passage 313 and the second branch passage 314. The drive unit (specifically a solenoid) for the flow path switching member 316 is connected to the main control device 162 and operates based on a drive signal from the main control device 162. When the main control device 162 is not outputting a drive signal (de-energized state), the flow path switching member 316 is configured to wait in a protruding position that extends into the ball passage 312.

[0089] When the flow path switching member 316 is positioned in a protruding position, the inlet of the second branch passage 314 is blocked by the flow path switching member 316. In this state, the game balls that have reached the branching section are prevented from flowing into the second branch passage 314, and these game balls flow into the first branch passage 313.

[0090] When the main control device 162 outputs a drive signal for the drive unit of the flow path switching member 316, the flow path switching member 316 moves to a retracted position where it is prevented from protruding into the ball passage 312, and the entrance portion of the second branch passage 314 is opened. This changes the destination of the game balls. In this state, the game balls that have reached the branching section are prevented from flowing into the first branch passage 313, and instead flow into the second branch passage 314.

[0091] Here, the movement of the flow path switching member 316 is predetermined according to the type of jackpot result. Specifically, in the case of a normal jackpot result, as described later, the flow path switching member 316 moves to the retracted position as the shutter 315 moves from the closed position to the open position, and the flow path switching member 316 is configured to return to the protruding position immediately afterward. Specifically, the time required for the flow path switching member 316 to return to the protruding position is shorter than the time required for the game balls that have flowed into the upper jackpot opening 311 to reach the branching section. Therefore, in the case of a normal jackpot result, inflow into the second branching passage 314 is effectively avoided.

[0092] In contrast, in the event of a guaranteed jackpot, as described later, the flow path switching member 316 moves to the retracted position as the shutter 315 moves from the closed position to the open position. However, it is stipulated that the member then remains in the protruding position until the shutter 315 returns to the closed position. Therefore, in the event of a guaranteed jackpot, most of the game balls that flow into the upper prize entry opening 311 will flow into the second branch passage 314.

[0093] Upstream detection sensors 317 are installed in the ball passage 312 upstream of the branching section, and downstream detection sensors 318 and 319 are installed in the downstream section, specifically the first branching passage 313 and the second branching passage 314. The upstream detection sensors 317 and the downstream detection sensors 318 and 319 are connected to the main control device 162, which determines whether or not a ball has entered the upper variable prize winning device 64 based on detection information (detection signals) from the upstream detection sensor 317, and dispenses a predetermined number of game balls if a prize has been won. The main control device 162 also monitors the remaining status of game balls based on detection information (detection signals) from the upstream detection sensors 317 and the downstream detection sensors 318 and 319.

[0094] In the main control device 162 shown in this embodiment, if it is determined that a ball has entered the second branch passage 314 during the opening / closing execution mode based on detection information (detection signal) from the downstream detection sensor 318 attached to the first branch passage 313, the lottery mode is switched from the low probability mode to the high probability mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. As will be described in detail later, in the high probability mode the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the low probability mode, allowing the player to play the game to their advantage. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the second branch passage 314 will be referred to as the "advantageous ball entry section 314".

[0095] Most of the game balls launched along the right route that pass through the upper variable prize-winning device 64 will head towards the ball entry unit 70 located downstream of the upper variable prize-winning device 64 along the right route. The ball entry unit 70 is formed by integrating the right-side operating ball entry section 63 and the lower variable prize-winning device 65 described above. The ball entry unit 70 will now be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0096] (Ball entry unit 70) The ball entry unit 70 has a housing 320 in which a ball passage 321, which constitutes a part of the right route (more specifically, the downstream area), is formed, and the housing 320 is fixed to the game board 60 in a state that it bulges forward beyond the front surface of the game board 60. The ball passage 321 extends from the outside (right side) to the center (left side) of the game area PE. The upper right part of the bulging portion of the housing 320 is formed so that the entrance portion 321a of the ball entry unit 70 (ball passage 321) faces upward, and the lower left part is formed so that the exit portion 321b of the ball entry unit 70 (ball passage 321) faces left.

[0097] The exit section 321b is located directly below the lower operating ball entry section 62, and game balls that flow out from the exit section 321b are guided below the lower operating ball entry section 62. This prevents game balls that have passed through the ball passage 321 from entering the lower operating ball entry section 62.

[0098] The housing 320 is made of transparent synthetic resin, and is configured so that the inside of the housing 320 (for example, game balls flowing down the ball passage 321) can be seen from the front of the game machine. Incidentally, in order to emphasize the sense of unity between the right-side operating ball entry section 63 and the lower variable prize entry device 65, the housing 320 may be made opaque, and the internal structure may be made difficult or impossible to see.

[0099] The ball passage 321 has defined widths and heights to prevent multiple game balls from passing through the same location simultaneously, and is formed in a crank shape so that there are steps at intermediate positions along the passage. Specifically, the ball passage 321 consists of a horizontally elongated upstream passage section 322 that forms the upstream part of the ball passage 321 and slopes downward toward the center of the game machine, and a horizontally elongated downstream passage section 324 that forms the downstream part of the ball passage 321 and slopes downward toward the center of the game machine. These sections are offset vertically and horizontally so that there is a difference in height between them, with the former being on the upper side and the latter on the lower side. The upstream passage section 322 and the downstream passage section 324 are connected by an intermediate passage section 323 (corresponding to a "connecting passage section") that extends vertically.

[0100] The upstream passage section 322 is adjacent to the right-side operating ball entry section 63. Specifically, the right operating opening 63a of the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is open upward, and the upstream passage section 322 is formed so as to cross above the right operating opening 63a. The electric mechanism 71 attached to the right-side operating ball entry section 63 has a shutter 331 that can slide forward and backward (in the thickness direction of the game board 60) and an electric mechanism drive unit 332 (solenoid) for the shutter 331. The electric mechanism drive unit 332 is connected to the main control device 162 and operates based on a drive signal from the main control device 162. In a non-driven state (de-excited state) where no drive signal is output from the main control device 162, the shutter 331 is positioned in a closed position that covers the right operating opening 63a from above. When a drive signal is output and the electric mechanism drive unit 332 enters a driven state (excited state), the shutter 331 moves (retracts) to an open position that does not cover the right operating opening 63a.

[0101] Here, when the shutter 331 is in the closed position, the bottom of the upstream passage 322, i.e., the rolling surface of the game ball, is formed by the shutter 331. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(a), the housing 320 is provided with an upstream bottom 322a that forms the bottom upstream of the right operating port 63a in the passage direction of the upstream passage 322, and a downstream bottom 322b that forms the bottom downstream of the right operating port 63a. The rolling surface of the game ball is formed by these upstream bottom 322a, downstream bottom 322b, and shutter 331. In the following description, the region in the upstream passage 322 where a flow path is formed (complemented) by the shutter 331, i.e., the region in the upstream passage 322 facing the right operating port 63a with the shutter 331 in between, is referred to as the "first specific region SE1" (see Figure 6).

[0102] When the shutter 331 is positioned in the open position and the upstream passage section 322 (more specifically, the rolling surface) is interrupted, a game ball that reaches the first specific area SE1 will find it difficult to move in the direction of the upstream passage section 322 and will flow into the right operating opening 63a.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first specific region SE1 is designed to decelerate the game ball as it passes through the first specific region SE1, thereby increasing the chances of it entering the right operating opening 63a. This design will be explained below with reference to Figure 7(b). In Figure 6(b), the path (flow path) through which the game ball passes is illustrated using a dashed line.

[0104] The front wall portion 335 and the rear wall portion 336 of the housing 320, which demarcate the passage of the upstream passage portion 322, are provided with protruding portions 335a and 336a that project toward the first specific area SE1. The protruding portions 335a and 336a extend vertically perpendicular to the passage direction of the upstream passage portion 322. In the following description, the protruding portion 335a provided on the front wall portion 335 will be referred to as the "front protruding portion 335a," and the protruding portion 336a provided on the rear wall portion 336 will be referred to as the "rear protruding portion 336a."

[0105] The gap dimension D1 between the rear wall portion 336 and the front protrusion portion 335a is set to be larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball, and the gap dimension D2 between the front wall portion 335 and the rear protrusion portion 336a is also set to be larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball. Multiple front protrusion portions 335a are arranged in the direction of the upstream passage portion 322 (guide direction) with a gap larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball between them, and multiple rear protrusion portions 336a are also arranged in the direction of the upstream passage portion 322 (guide direction) with a gap larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball between them, with a gap larger than the diameter dimension D of the game ball between them. By arranging these front protrusion portions 335a and rear protrusion portions 336a alternately, the flow path of the game ball is designed to meander back and forth with respect to the direction of the upstream passage portion 322.

[0106] Here, the sum of the protrusion amounts of the front protrusion 335a and the rear protrusion 336a, and the diameter dimension D of the game ball, is configured to be greater than the passage width of the upstream passage 322 (D3 < D). This prevents the game ball from running through the first specific area SE1 while avoiding collision with the protrusions 335a and 336a.

[0107] Game balls passing through the upstream passage 322 collide with the protruding sections 335a and 336a. Such collisions reduce the speed of the game balls in the first specific region SE1 (deceleration). In other words, the first specific region SE1 of the upstream passage 322 functions as a deceleration section that forcibly slows down the game balls. By configuring the system in this way to decelerate the game balls passing through the upstream passage 322, the time required for the game balls to pass through the first specific region SE1 is extended compared to the case where the protruding sections 335a and 336a are absent.

[0108] Furthermore, the protruding sections 335a and 336a are positioned to be offset towards the intermediate passage section 323 in the first specific region SE1. This configuration causes the game ball to decelerate directly upstream of the intermediate passage section 323.

[0109] In this embodiment, the degree of deceleration is defined as follows: The time required for the game ball to pass through the first specific area SE1 is defined to be shorter than the sum of the display time and confirmation time of the pattern on the through gate display unit DS in low-frequency support mode (1.2 sec), and longer than the game ball launch cycle (0.6 sec). As will be described in detail later, this configuration ensures that when game balls are continuously launched to the right route during low-frequency support mode, the game balls flowing down the right route pass straight through the right-side operating ball entry section 63 and reach the lower variable prize entry device 65, and in most cases when the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is open, at least one ball is entered.

[0110] Game balls that do not flow into the right operating opening 63a continue to move along the ball passage 321, and most of them reach the downstream passage section 324. Now, referring again to Figure 6, the downstream passage section 324 and the associated lower variable prize winning device 65 will be described.

[0111] The lower large prize opening 341 of the lower variable prize device 65 is open upward, and a downstream passage section 324 is formed so as to cross above the lower large prize opening 341. The lower variable prize device 65 has a shutter 345 that can slide back and forth (in the thickness direction of the game board 60) and a drive unit (solenoid) for the shutter 345. The drive unit for the shutter 345 is connected to the main control device 162 and operates based on a drive signal from the main control device 162. In a non-driven state (de-excited state) where no drive signal is output from the main control device 162, the shutter 345 is positioned in a closed position that covers the lower large prize opening 341 from above, and when a drive signal is output and the drive unit enters a driven state (excited state), it moves (retracts) to an open position that does not cover the lower large prize opening 341.

[0112] Here, when the shutter 345 is in the closed position, the shutter 345 forms the bottom of the downstream passage section 324, that is, the rolling surface for the game balls. More specifically, the housing 320 is provided with a downstream bottom that forms the bottom downstream of the lower large prize opening 341 in the passage direction of the downstream passage section 324, and the rolling surface for the game balls is formed by this downstream bottom and the shutter 345. In the following description, the region in the downstream passage section 324 where a flow path is formed (complemented) by the shutter 345, that is, the region in the downstream passage section 324 facing the lower large prize opening 341 with the shutter 345 in between, is referred to as the "second specific region SE2".

[0113] When the shutter 345 is positioned in the open position and the downstream passage section 324 (more specifically, the rolling surface) is interrupted, any game ball that reaches the second specific area SE2 will find it difficult to move in the direction of the downstream passage section 324 and will instead flow into the lower large prize opening 341.

[0114] In addition, the second specific region SE2 is also provided with a deceleration section consisting of protruding sections 375a and 376a (see Figure 8), but the specific configuration of this deceleration section is the same as that of the first specific region SE1, so the explanation will be based on that.

[0115] The aforementioned intermediate passage section 323 extends upward from the upstream end of the shutter 345. The left-side passage wall forming the intermediate passage section 323 is located on the extension of the upstream passage section 322. Game balls that have passed through the upstream passage section 322 change direction upon colliding with the left-side passage wall and fall through the intermediate passage section 323 towards the shutter 345.

[0116] An opening is formed in the right-hand passage wall that forms the intermediate passage section 323, through which game balls can pass, and some of the game balls passing through the intermediate passage section 323 flow into this opening. Between the right-hand operating ball entry section 63 and the lower variable prize entry device 65, an discharge passage is formed through which game balls that have flowed into the opening are discharged from the ball entry unit 70. Some of the game balls flowing down the ball passage 321 are discharged from the ball entry unit 70 through the opening → discharge passage before reaching the lower variable prize entry device 65 (shutter 345). Game balls that pass through this discharge passage are guided to the back side of the game board 60, thus preventing them from moving to the out opening 68.

[0117] Next, with reference to Figure 8, we will provide a supplementary explanation regarding the relationship between the passage length of each part of the ball passage 321 and the time required for the game ball to pass through. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ball entry unit 70 as seen from the front. In the following explanation, the passage length of the first specific area SE1 as seen from the front of the game machine will be referred to as "passage length PL1", the time required to pass through the first specific area SE1 will be referred to as "time T1", the passage length of the second specific area SE2 as seen from the front of the game machine will be referred to as "passage length PL3", the time required to pass through the second specific area SE2 will be referred to as "time T3", the passage length between the first specific area SE1 and the second specific area SE2 will be referred to as "passage length PL2", and the time required to pass between the first specific area SE1 and the second specific area SE2 will be referred to as "time T3".

[0118] Comparing the aisle lengths PL1 to PL3, the aisle lengths increase in the order PL2 < PL1 < PL3. As already explained, the path of the game ball meanders in the first specific area SE1 and the second specific area SE2, but even taking this meandering into account, the aisle lengths still increase in the order PL2 < PL1 < PL3.

[0119] As will be explained in more detail later, the time required T1 in the first specific area SE1 is set to be longer than the minimum interval time (0.7 sec) when the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is continuously opened in low-frequency support mode, and shorter than the minimum interval time (1.2 sec) when the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is continuously opened in high-frequency support mode. The time required T3 in the second specific area SE2 is set to be longer than the minimum interval time (1.7 sec) when the lower variable prize entry device 65 is continuously opened when special wins occur consecutively.

[0120] For example, when the lower variable prize-winning device 65 is open, game balls that avoid the right-side operating ball entry section 63 will head towards the lower variable prize-winning device 65. By reducing the distance between the right-side operating ball entry section 63 and the lower variable prize-winning device 65, it is easier to give the impression that game balls that avoid the right-side operating ball entry section 63 will quickly head towards the lower variable prize-winning device 65. This effectively increases the expectation of winning a prize in the lower variable prize-winning device 65.

[0121] (Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10) Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram in Figure 9.

[0122] The main control board 601, provided in the main control unit 162, is equipped with an MPU 602. The MPU 602 is an element that incorporates a ROM 603 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 602, a RAM 604 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 603, and interrupt circuits, timer circuits, data input / output circuits, and various counter circuits as random number generators. Note that some of the functions of the MPU 602, for example, the functions of the ROM 603 and the RAM 604, may be configured to be held by separate elements.

[0123] The MPU602 is equipped with both input and output ports. The input side of the MPU602 is connected to the power outage monitoring board 605, the dispensing control device 181, and various detection sensors, all of which are located on the main control device 162. The power outage monitoring board 605 is connected to the power supply and launch control device 191, and power is supplied to the MPU602 via the power outage monitoring board 605. Furthermore, as part of the various detection sensors, a detection sensor 391a for the general prize entry opening 61, a detection sensor 391b for the lower operating ball entry section 62, a detection sensor 391c for the right operating ball entry section 63, detection sensors 317-318 for the upper variable prize entry device 64, a detection sensor 391d for the lower variable prize entry device 65, and a detection sensor 391e for the through gate 66 are connected. Based on the detection information (detection signals) from these various detection sensors 317-318, 391a-391e, the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 performs prize entry determination (ball entry determination) for each entry section. The MPU 602 also performs a jackpot lottery based on ball entry into the lower operating ball entry section 62 (lower operating opening 62a) and the right operating ball entry section 63 (right operating opening 63a).

[0124] The output side of the MPU602 is connected to a power outage monitoring board 605, a payout control device 181, and a notification / effect control device 143 (specifically, the notification / effect control board 651). The payout control device 181 outputs a prize ball command, for example, based on the result of the prize ball entry determination to the prize ball entry section. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM603 is referenced when outputting the prize ball command. Then, if a win is detected in the general prize slot 61, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 3 game balls is output; if a win is detected in the upper large prize slot 311, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 14 game balls is output; if a win is detected in the lower large prize slot 341, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output; if a win is detected in the lower operating slot 62a, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 4 game balls is output; and if a win is detected in the right operating slot 63a, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 1 game ball is output.

[0125] The notification and performance control device 143 outputs various commands, including a variation start command, a type command, a variation end command, an opening command, and an ending command. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referenced when outputting these various commands. Details of these various commands will be explained later. Note that each of the above commands is composed of information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included in that predetermined number of bytes.

[0126] Furthermore, the output side of the MPU 602 is connected to an electric mechanism drive unit 332 that drives an electric mechanism 71 attached to the right-side operating ball entry unit 63, a variable prize drive unit 451 that drives the shutter 315 of the upper variable prize entry device 64, a flow path switching drive unit 452 that drives the flow path switching member 316 of the upper variable prize entry device 64, a variable prize drive unit 461 that drives the shutter 345 of the lower variable prize entry device 65, a main display unit 81, and the like. The main control board 601 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 602 performs drive control of the various drive units, etc., through these driver circuits.

[0127] In other words, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 602 controls the drive of the variable prize drive unit 451 of the upper variable prize device 64 and the variable prize drive unit 461 of the lower variable prize device 65 so that the upper large prize opening 311 and the lower large prize opening 341 are opened and closed. In addition, for example, during each game round, the MPU 602 controls the display of the lower operating opening display unit DL and the right operating opening display unit DR in the main display unit D of the main display unit 81.

[0128] Furthermore, an external terminal board 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU602. The external terminal board 213 is equipped with output terminals for outputting signals when a state transition occurs, such as a jackpot signal output terminal. For example, if the game result is a jackpot, the MPU602 can output a jackpot signal to the management control device on the gaming hall side through the jackpot signal output terminal. Specifically, under normal circumstances, a LOW level signal is output from the jackpot signal output terminal, and a HI level signal is output when a jackpot occurs. Note that the output mode of this signal may be reversed.

[0129] The power outage monitoring board 605 relays the main control board 601 and the power supply / launch control device 191, and also monitors the maximum voltage output from the power supply / launch control device 191, which is a stable DC voltage of 24 volts. The payout control device 181 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 222 based on prize ball commands input from the main control device 162.

[0130] The power supply and launch control device 191 is connected to a commercial power supply (external power supply) in, for example, a gaming arcade. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, it generates the necessary operating power for the main control board 601, the payout control device 181, etc., and supplies the generated operating power through a predetermined power path.

[0131] Furthermore, the power supply and launch control device 191 is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launching mechanism 110, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 (specifically the solenoid 111) is driven when predetermined launching conditions are met. More specifically, the power supply and launch control device 191 is connected to an operation level detection sensor and a touch sensor provided on the game ball launching handle 41. The operation level detection sensor is a sensor that detects the amount of operation (rotation) of the game ball launching handle 41, and the launch strength (launch speed) of the game balls by the game ball launching mechanism 110 is determined based on the information from this operation level detection sensor. The touch sensor is configured to output information when a player is touching the game ball launching handle 41, and the power supply and launch control device 191 is configured to determine whether or not a player is touching the game ball launching handle 41 based on this information. Based on information from the touch sensor, the system determines that the player is touching the ball launching handle 41, and if the operation level detection sensor determines that the ball launching handle 41 is being operated, then the launch of the balls is permitted.

[0132] Furthermore, information from the touch sensor is transmitted via the power supply / launch control device 191 to the main control device 162, and subsequently to the notification / performance control device 143 and the display control device 710.

[0133] The notification and performance control device 143 has a notification and performance control board 651 equipped with an MPU 652. The MPU 652 has a built-in ROM 653 that stores various control programs and fixed value data, and a RAM 654 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 653.

[0134] The notification and performance control device 143 drives and controls the lamp units 26-28 and speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and also controls the display control device 710. Specifically, the notification and performance control device 143 determines the pattern of change in the pattern display device 75 and the final stopping pattern of the pattern to be displayed (for example, the type of pattern combination) based on various commands input from the main control device 162, as well as whether or not a reach occurs and the content of the reach performance, and then adds the determined content to the above command and transmits it to the display control device 710.

[0135] The display control device 710 has a display control board equipped with an MPU, which includes a ROM that stores various control programs and fixed value data, RAM which is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM, a video display processor (VDP), a character ROM that stores image data, and video RAM which temporarily stores image data read from the character ROM. The MPU executes display control of the variable display unit 67 (specifically the pattern display device 75) based on commands input from the notification and performance control device 143.

[0136] Here, we will explain the display content of the pattern display device 75. The display screen 75a of the pattern display device 75 is provided with a variable display area where three rows of patterns are displayed: left, center, and right. On the display screen 75a, the patterns in each of these rows are displayed in a variable manner, scrolling in a predetermined direction (for example, from top to bottom) with periodicity.

[0137] As will be explained in more detail later, in each variable display area, one symbol is displayed for each symbol row, for a total of three symbols being displayed. For example, if the variable display stops in the order of left symbol row → right symbol row → middle symbol row, and the variable display of all symbol rows is completed with a predetermined combination of symbols formed on the active line, a video or other indication of the transition to a special game state corresponding to the jackpot result or special win result will be displayed.

[0138] Furthermore, considering that the display of variations in each symbol row is stopped as described above, the left symbol row can be referred to as the 1st symbol row (or 1st picture row), the right symbol row as the 2nd symbol row (or 2nd picture row), and the middle symbol row as the 3rd symbol row (or 3rd picture row).

[0139] Incidentally, the manner in which the patterns are displayed in the pattern display device 75 is not limited to those described above and is arbitrary; the number of pattern rows, the direction of the pattern display in each pattern row, and the number of patterns in each pattern row can be changed as appropriate. For example, multiple pattern rows may be set to be arranged vertically, and the direction of the pattern display in each pattern row may be set to horizontal.

[0140] A hold display area is set at the bottom of the display screen 75a. This hold display area consists of a hold count display area for the upper operation port, which is partitioned by arranging unit hold display areas in a left-right direction, with the same number of units as the maximum number of holdable balls when a game ball enters the lower operation port 62a, and a hold count display area for the lower operation port, which is partitioned by arranging unit hold display areas in a left-right direction, with the same number of units as the maximum number of holdable balls when a game ball enters the right operation port 63a.

[0141] Specifically, when a game ball enters the lower operating port 62a, the maximum number of balls that can be held is 4. Correspondingly, the display area for the number of balls held in the lower operating port is set to include a first unit ball hold display area, a second unit ball hold display area, a third unit ball hold display area, and a fourth unit ball hold display area. Similarly, when a game ball enters the right operating port 63a, the maximum number of balls that can be held is 4. Correspondingly, the display area for the number of balls held in the right operating port is set to include a first unit ball hold display area, a second unit ball hold display area, a third unit ball hold display area, and a fourth unit ball hold display area.

[0142] For example, if one game ball is entered into the lower opening 62a and the number of reserved balls is one, a predetermined reserved image is displayed only in the first unit reserved display area. If four game balls are entered into the lower opening 62a and the number of reserved balls is four, a predetermined reserved image is displayed in all of the first to fourth unit reserved display areas.

[0143] (Regarding various counters) Next, with reference to the schematic diagram in Figure 10, the configuration related to the operation of the pachinko machine 10 as described above will be explained.

[0144] The MPU602 uses various counter information during gameplay to perform tasks such as a lottery for transitioning to a special game state (open / close execution mode), setting the display on the main display unit 81 (main display section D), and setting the symbol display on the symbol display device 75. Specifically, it uses a winning random number counter C1 used for the lottery for big wins and special wins, a win type counter C2 used to determine the type of win when a big win occurs, a reach random number counter C3 used for the lottery for the occurrence of a reach display when the symbol display device 75 is fluctuating without a win, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the winning random number counter C1, and a fluctuation type counter CS that determines the display time of the symbol fluctuation on the ball entry section of the main display unit 81 and the display time of the symbol fluctuation on the symbol display device 75. Furthermore, it uses an open random number counter C4 used for a lottery to determine whether or not to open the electric mechanism 71 attached to the right-side operating ball entry section 63.

[0145] Each counter C1-C4, CINI, and CS is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and it returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 631 set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 604.

[0146] The RAM 604 is provided with a reserved ball storage area 632 consisting of a reserved area Ra for the lower opening, a reserved area Rb for the right opening, a first execution area AE1 for the reserved area Ra for the lower opening, a second execution area AE2 for the reserved area Rb for the right opening, and a total reserved ball storage area. In this reserved ball storage area 632, the values ​​of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the history of game balls entering the lower opening 62a or the right opening 63a.

[0147] For more details on each counter, the winning random number counter C1 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of "0" to "599", and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 599). In particular, when the winning random number counter C1 completes one cycle, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the winning random number counter C1 (value = "0" to "599"). The winning random number counter C1 is updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the lower operation opening 62a or the right operation opening 63a. More specifically, when a game ball enters the lower operation opening 62a, it is stored in the lower operation opening reserved area Ra of RAM 604, and when a game ball enters the right operation opening 63a, it is stored in the right operation opening reserved area Rb of RAM 604.

[0148] The random numbers that result in a jackpot and the random numbers that result in a special jackpot are stored as a win / loss table (win / loss information group) in the win / loss table storage area 621, which is a win / loss information group storage means in ROM 603. The contents of the win / loss table will be explained here using the schematic diagrams in Figures 11 and 12. There are two win / loss tables: a win / loss table for the lower opening 62a (see Figure 11) and a win / loss table for the right opening 63a (see Figure 12). In the lottery based on balls entering the lower opening 62a, the win / loss table for the lower opening 62a is referenced, and in the lottery based on balls entering the right opening 63a, the win / loss table for the right opening 63a is referenced.

[0149] (Check / fail table for lower operating port) In the win / loss table for the lower opening 62a, which is referenced when the lottery mode is set to low probability mode, as shown in Figure 11(a), there are two random number values ​​corresponding to jackpot results: "7" and "507". That is, among the values ​​of the winning random number counter C1 from "0" to "599", "7" and "507" correspond to jackpot results, and the probability of winning a jackpot is 2 / 600. The low probability mode compatible win / loss table for the lower opening 62a does not have any random number values ​​that correspond to special jackpot results, and any random number values ​​other than those that result in a jackpot correspond to a losing lottery result.

[0150] In the win / loss table for the lower opening 62a, which is referenced when the lottery mode is set to high probability mode, as shown in Figure 11(b), there are six random number values ​​corresponding to jackpot results: "7", "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507". That is, among the values ​​of the winning random number counter C1 from "0" to "599", "7", "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507" correspond to jackpot results, and the probability of winning the jackpot is 6 / 600. The win / loss table for the lower opening 62a, which corresponds to high probability mode, does not have any random number values ​​that correspond to special jackpot results, and any random number values ​​other than those that result in jackpots correspond to losing results.

[0151] (Validity table for right-side operation port) In the win / loss table for the right operating port 63a, which is referenced when the lottery mode is in low probability mode, as shown in Figure 12(a), there are two random number values ​​corresponding to the jackpot result: "7" and "507". That is, among the values ​​of the winning random number counter C1 from "0 to 599", "7" and "507" correspond to the jackpot result, and the probability of winning the jackpot is 2 / 600, which is the same as the win / loss table for the lower operating port 62a. However, in the win / loss table for the right operating port 63a, "1", "2", "3"... "597", "598", and "599" correspond to the special jackpot result, and the probability of winning the special jackpot result is 593 / 600. In addition to the random number values ​​that result in the jackpot result and the random number values ​​that result in the special jackpot result, in detail, "4", "104", "204", "404", and "504" are configured to result in a losing lottery result.

[0152] In the win / loss table for the right operating port 63a, which is referenced when the lottery mode is in high probability mode, as shown in Figure 12(b), the random number values ​​corresponding to the jackpot result are "7", "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507". That is, among the values ​​of the winning random number counter C1 from "0" to "599", "7", "107", "207", "307", "407", and "507" correspond to the jackpot result, and the probability of a jackpot is 6 / 600, which is the same as the win / loss table for the lower operating port 62a. However, in the win / loss table for the right operating port 63a, "1", "2", "3"... "597", "598", and "599" correspond to the special jackpot result, and the probability of a special jackpot result is 593 / 600. Furthermore, aside from the random numbers that result in a jackpot and the random numbers that result in a special jackpot, the "404" result is configured to result in a losing outcome.

[0153] Thus, the probability of a jackpot is the same regardless of whether the ball enters the lower opening 62a or the right opening 63a. However, when comparing the lower opening 62a and the right opening 63a, the probability of a special jackpot is set higher for the right opening 63a. In other words, when comparing the probability of expecting some ball payout, the right opening 63a is more advantageous than the lower opening 62a.

[0154] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10, the winning type counter C2 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of "0" to "99", and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., "99"). The winning type counter C2 is updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the lower operating opening 62a or the right operating opening 63a. More specifically, when a game ball enters the lower operating opening 62a, it is stored in the lower operating opening reserved area Ra of RAM 604, and when a game ball enters the right operating opening 63a, it is stored in the right operating opening reserved area Rb of RAM 604.

[0155] The distribution destination of game results for the win type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area 622, which is a distribution information group storage means in the ROM 603. In this embodiment, the type of jackpot result is determined by referring to the win type counter C2 and the distribution table. The jackpot results include 2R normal jackpot result, 8R normal jackpot result, 2R probability variation jackpot result, 6R probability variation jackpot result A, 6R probability variation jackpot result B, 6R probability variation jackpot result C, 6R probability variation jackpot result D, 6R probability variation jackpot result E, 8R probability variation jackpot result, 16R probability variation jackpot result A, and 16R probability variation jackpot result B.

[0156] (Distribution table for lower operating port) As shown in Figure 13(a), in the distribution table for the lower opening, of the values ​​of the winning type counter C2 from "0" to "99", a total of 50 values ​​from "0" to "49" correspond to 8R normal jackpot results, a total of 10 values ​​from "50" to "59" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result A, a total of 8 values ​​from "60" to "67" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result B, a total of 6 values ​​from "68" to "73" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result C, a total of 4 values ​​from "74" to "77" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result D, a total of 2 values ​​from "78" to "79" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result E, a total of 18 values ​​from "80" to "97" correspond to 16R probability variation jackpot result A, and a total of 2 values ​​from "98" to "99" correspond to 16R probability variation jackpot result B.

[0157] (Distribution table for right-hand operation port) As shown in Figure 13(b), in the distribution table for the right-side operation port, of the values ​​of the winning type counter C2 from "0" to "99", a total of 35 values ​​from "0" to "34" correspond to 2R normal jackpot results, a total of 5 values ​​from "35" to "39" correspond to 2R probability variation jackpot results, a total of 10 values ​​from "40" to "49" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result A, a total of 4 values ​​from "50" to "53" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result B, a total of 3 values ​​from "54" to "56" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result C, a total of 2 values ​​from "57" to "58" correspond to 6R probability variation jackpot result D, a value from "59" corresponds to 6R probability variation jackpot result E, a total of 60 to "95" correspond to 16R probability variation jackpot result A, and a total of 4 values ​​from "96" to "99" correspond to 16R probability variation jackpot result B.

[0158] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of, for example, 0 to 238, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 238). The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the lower operation opening 62a or the right operation opening 63a. More specifically, when a game ball enters the lower operation opening 62a, it is stored in the lower operation opening reserved area Ra of RAM 604, and when a game ball enters the right operation opening 63a, it is stored in the right operation opening reserved area Rb of RAM 604. Then, based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of ​​ROM 603, it is decided whether or not to generate a reach display (reach state).

[0159] Here, "reach display" refers to a display state in a game machine equipped with a symbol display device 75 capable of displaying (or changing) the variation of symbols (pictures), in which the game result is a game result corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode, and in which the stop display result after the variation display can become a special display result, that makes the player think that the variation display state is likely to result in the special display result, from the start of the variation display (or changing) of symbols (pictures) in the symbol display device 75 until the stop display result is derived and displayed.

[0160] In other words, this is a display state in which, by stopping the display of some of the multiple rows of symbols displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, a combination of symbols that may form a winning combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode is displayed, and the remaining rows of symbols are displayed in a variable state.

[0161] More specifically, as a preliminary step before ending the display of changing symbols, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying combinations of reach symbols that have the potential to form a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode on a preset active line in the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, and then the change in symbols is displayed using the final stopped symbol sequence while the reach line is formed.

[0162] To explain the display content on display screen 75a in more detail, first the display of changing symbols in the right symbol column ends, and then the display of changing symbols in the left symbol column also ends. At this point, a reach line is formed when a main symbol with a number that constitutes a winning symbol combination is displayed to stop on any of the valid lines, and when this reach line is formed, the display of changing symbols in the middle symbol column is performed to indicate a reach. When a jackpot occurs, the display of changing symbols in the middle symbol column ends, with the main symbols forming the reach line, along with the main symbols with numbers that constitute a winning symbol combination, being displayed to stop on the reach line.

[0163] Furthermore, the reach display includes methods such as displaying the combination of reach symbols as described above, then displaying the remaining symbol variations in the remaining symbol rows, and displaying predetermined characters as animations on the background screen to create a reach effect, or displaying the combination of reach symbols in a reduced size or hidden, and then displaying predetermined characters as animations on approximately the entire display screen 75a to create a reach effect. In addition, the decision of whether or not to display a pre-announcement using predetermined images such as predetermined characters when a reach display is being made, or before a reach display, may be made using a reach random number counter C3 or other counters.

[0164] The variation type counter CS is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 198). The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 602 to determine the variation display time of the patterns in the lower operation port display unit DL and the right operation port display unit DR of the main display unit 81 (main display unit D), and the variation display time of the patterns in the pattern display device 75. The variation type counter CS is updated once each time the normal processing described later is executed, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal processing. The buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation display in the lower operation port display unit DL and the right operation port display unit DR (when the pattern variation by the pattern display device 75 starts).

[0165] The opening random number counter C4 for the electric mechanism 71 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 249, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The opening random number counter C4 is updated periodically and stored in the electric mechanism memory area 633 of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the through gate 66. Then, at a predetermined timing, an opening lottery (support lottery) is performed to determine whether or not to control the electric mechanism 71 to the open state by referring to the value of the stored opening random number counter C4 and the support lottery table (win / loss information group) stored in the win / loss table memory area 621 of ROM 603. Note that the probability of winning support in high-frequency support mode (specifically 249 / 250) is higher than the probability of winning support in low-frequency support mode (specifically 248 / 250), indicating that high-frequency support mode is more favorable.

[0166] (Regarding the various processes executed by the MPU 602 of the main control unit 162) Next, the timer interrupt processing and normal processing performed by the MPU 602 in the main control unit 162 to advance the game in each game round will be explained. In addition to the timer interrupt processing and normal processing described above, the MPU 602 also performs main processing which is started when the power is turned on, and NMI interrupt processing which is started when a power outage signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), but these processes will not be explained.

[0167] (Timer interrupt handling) First, the timer interrupt handling process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 14. This process is activated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) by the MPU602.

[0168] In step S101, the reading process for various detection sensors (for example, the above-mentioned detection sensors 317-319, 391a-391e) is executed. That is, the status of the various detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, and the status of the detection sensors (detection information from the detection sensors) is determined and the detection information (prize winning detection information) is saved. For example, if it is determined that a ball has entered the lower opening 62a, a prize detection flag for the lower opening is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604; if it is determined that a ball has entered the right opening 63a, a prize detection flag for the right opening is stored in the various flag storage area 635; if it is determined that a ball has entered the upper variable prize device 64, a prize detection flag for the upper large prize opening is stored in the various flag storage area 635; if it is determined that a ball has entered the advantageous ball entry section 314, a prize detection flag for the advantageous ball entry section is stored in the various flag storage area 635; and if it is determined that a ball has entered the lower variable prize device 65, a prize detection flag for the lower large prize opening is stored in the various flag storage area 635.

[0169] Subsequently, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when its value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM 604.

[0170] In the following step S103, the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, the near-miss random number counter C3, and the open random number counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, the near-miss random number counter C3, and the open random number counter C4 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 C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM 604.

[0171] Subsequently, in step S104, the prize entry process for through gate 66 is executed, and in the following step S105, the prize entry process for the operating ports 62a and 63a is executed, after which this timer interrupt process ends.

[0172] (Award processing for those who pass through) In the prize-winning process for the pass-through in step S104, it is first determined whether or not the game ball has entered the pass-through gate 66. If the game ball has entered the pass-through gate 66 and the number of reserved bonus items SN is less than the upper limit (specifically 4), the number of reserved bonus items SN is incremented by 1, and the value of the open random number counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the first available memory area of ​​the electronic bonus item memory area 633 of RAM 604. After that, the prize-winning process is terminated.

[0173] If it is determined that the game ball has not entered through gate 66, or if it is determined that the ball has entered through gate 66 but the number of reserved slots SN has reached its upper limit, the prize entry process will be terminated without storing the value of the open random number counter C4.

[0174] Furthermore, in the process of awarding prizes for through-gates, the display control process of the through-gate reserve count display unit SS of the main display unit 81 is executed. Specifically, for the through-gate reserve count display unit SS, which consists of four light-emitting elements (LEDs), the light-emitting control process is executed so that the same number of light-emitting elements as the number of prize reserve memory SN are lit.

[0175] (Award processing for the operating port) In the process of awarding a prize for the operating port, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the lower operating port 62 (lower operating port 62a) (starting prize) by checking whether or not the prize detection flag for the lower operating port is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If it is determined that the prize detection flag is stored, that is, if a detection signal is received indicating that a game ball has entered the lower operating port 62 (lower operating port 62a), a prize ball command is set in the payout control device 181 to pay out 4 game balls. Then, an external signal setting process is performed to output information indicating that a game ball has entered the lower operating port 62 (lower operating port 62a) to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC is aware that a prize has been awarded to the lower operating port 62 (lower operating port 62a).

[0176] Subsequently, the value stored in the reserve count memory area of ​​the lower operation port reserve area Ra (start reserve memory count) is updated (incremented by 1). Next, information acquisition processing is performed to store the values ​​of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3, and the main prize winning process is completed.

[0177] On the other hand, if the prize detection flag for the lower opening is not stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604, but the prize detection flag for the right opening is stored, a prize ball command is set in the payout control device 181 to dispense one game ball. The set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 181 in the external output processing of the normal processing described later.

[0178] Next, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side indicating that a game ball has entered the right-side operating ball entry section 63 (right operating opening 63a). As a result, the hall computer HC is aware that a game ball has entered the right-side operating ball entry section 63 (right operating opening 63a).

[0179] Subsequently, the value stored in the reserve count memory area of ​​the right-side operation port reserve area Rb (start reserve memory count) is updated (incremented by 1). Next, information acquisition processing is performed to store the values ​​of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3, and the main prize winning process is completed.

[0180] If no game balls enter either the lower ball entry section 62 or the right-side ball entry section 63, the prize-winning process will be terminated.

[0181] (Normal processing) Next, the normal processing flow will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 15. Normal processing is the process that begins after the main processing, which is started when the power is turned on, has been executed, and the main processes of the game are executed during normal processing. In summary, the processes in steps S201 to S207 are executed as periodic processes with a 4 msec cycle, and the counter update processes in steps S209 and S210 are executed in the remaining time.

[0182] In normal processing, step S201 transmits output data such as commands set in the timer interrupt processing or the previous normal processing to each control device on the sub-side. Specifically, it determines whether there is a prize ball command, and if a prize ball command is set, it transmits it to the payout control device 181. In addition, if there are commands for effects corresponding to game rounds, such as variation start command, type command, variation end command, etc., or commands corresponding to effects for opening and closing execution mode, they transmit them to the notification / effect control device 143. Furthermore, output settings for the external terminal board 213 are made according to the information set in the external output buffer of RAM 604.

[0183] Next, in step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM 604.

[0184] In the following step S203, game round control processing is performed to advance the game for each round. This game round control processing determines whether a jackpot is won or lost and determines the distribution of jackpot types, as well as setting the display of changing symbols on the symbol display device 75 and controlling the display of operation port display units DL, DR, etc. on the main display unit 81 (main display unit D).

[0185] Subsequently, in step S204, a game state transition process is executed to change the game state. As will be explained in detail later, this game state transition process changes the game state to the open / close execution mode, high probability mode, etc.

[0186] In the following step S205, a process for supporting the electric mechanism 71 attached to the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is executed. In this electric mechanism support process, information stored in the electric mechanism memory area of ​​RAM 604 is used to determine whether or not to open the electric mechanism 71, and the opening and closing process of the electric mechanism 71 and the display control of the through gate display unit DS are performed.

[0187] In the following step S206, the game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, based on the condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply / launch control device 191 based on the fact that a launch operation has been performed on the game ball launch handle 41, the solenoid 111 of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is energized once every predetermined launch period (0.6 sec in this embodiment). As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE. In other words, if no irregular shooting such as so-called stop-and-go shooting is performed, the launch of game balls is repeated at a predetermined cycle, provided that a launch operation has been performed.

[0188] In the following step S207, it is determined whether or not the power outage flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. The power outage flag is set when a power outage is confirmed by the power outage monitoring board 605 and a power outage signal is input from the power outage monitoring board 605 to the NMI terminal of MPU 602, and is erased in the next main process.

[0189] If the power outage flag is not set, it means that the last of the multiple processes that are repeatedly executed has finished, so in step S208, 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 embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until it is time to execute the next normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated. In other words, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated in step S209, and the variation type counter CS is updated in step S210.

[0190] Here, the execution time of each process in steps S201 to S206 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 winning random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the variation type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

[0191] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the power outage flag is set, a power outage has occurred, and the power outage processing from step S211 onwards is executed. Specifically, in step S211, the timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then in step S212, the RAM judgment value is calculated and saved, and in step S213, access to RAM 604 is prohibited, after which an infinite loop continues until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be executed.

[0192] (Game turn control processing) Here, with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 16 to 20, the game turn control process in step S203 will be explained in more detail. As shown in Figure 16, in the game turn control process shown in this embodiment, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the game is in a special game state (open / close execution mode). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode flag (open / close execution state information) is stored in the open / close execution mode flag storage area (open / close execution state information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. This open / close execution mode flag is stored when the game state is transitioned to the open / close execution mode in the game state transition process described later, and is erased when the open / close execution mode is terminated in the same game state transition process.

[0193] If a positive determination is made in step S301, the game round control process ends there. If a negative determination is made in step S301, the game round control process for the game round related to the entry of the ball into the lower operating ball entry section 62 (lower operating opening 62a) is executed in step S302 (lower operating opening corresponding game round control process, lower operating opening control process), and the game round control process for the game round related to the entry of the ball into the right operating ball entry section 63 (right operating opening 63a) is executed in step S303 (right operating opening corresponding game round control process, right operating opening control process), after which the game round control process ends. The basic flow of these two control processes is the same. Below, the control process for the lower operating opening will first be explained with reference to Figures 17 and 18, and then the control process for the right operating opening will be explained with reference to Figures 19 and 20, focusing on the differences from the control process for the lower operating opening.

[0194] (Control processing for the lower operating port) As shown in Figure 17, in the control process for the lower opening, first in step S401, it is determined whether or not a game round is currently underway for the lower opening 62a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the lower opening display unit DL of the main display unit 81 is in the process of changing display to confirmed display, that is, whether or not one game round is currently being played. This determination is made by checking whether or not the lower opening game round flag (game round information) is stored in the game round flag storage area (changing display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The lower opening game round flag is stored when the lower opening display unit DL starts changing display and is erased when the image stops and the confirmed display ends.

[0195] If it is not a game round, a negative determination is made in step S401 and the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, it is determined whether or not it is a game round related to the right operation port 63a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DR for the right operation port of the main display unit 81 is in the process of changing display to confirmed display, that is, whether or not one game round is being played. This determination is made by determining whether or not the game round flag (changing display information) for the right operation port is stored in the game round flag storage area (changing display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The game round flag for the right operation port is stored when the changing display is started on the display unit DR for the right operation port and is erased when the symbols etc. corresponding to the lottery result (game result) are stopped and the confirmed display ends.

[0196] If a positive result is obtained in step S402, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, it is determined whether it is time to stop and display the symbols corresponding to the jackpot result or special jackpot result in the game round related to the right operating port 63a. If a positive result is obtained in step S403, the control process for the lower operating port is terminated. If a negative result is obtained in step S403 or step S402, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the total number of reserved balls in the reserved ball storage area 632 is referenced, and it is determined whether the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved balls, CRN for the lower operating port (specifically the number of reserved balls related to the lower operating port 62a), is "0". If the number of reserved balls stored in the lower operating port CRN is "0", the game round control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls stored in the lower operating port CRN is not "0", the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, data setting processing is performed.

[0197] In the data setting process for the lower operation port 62a, first, the reserved memory count CRN for the lower operation port is decremented by 1. Then, the data stored in the first area of ​​the reserved area Ra for the lower operation port is moved to the first execution area AE1 (see Figure 10), and the data stored in the memory area of ​​the reserved area Ra for the lower operation port is shifted.

[0198] This data shift process sequentially shifts the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower areas. The data in the first area is cleared, and the data within each area is shifted in the following order: second area → first area, third area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on. Then, one of the lit LEDs on the lower operation port's hold count indicator is turned off. In this turn-off process, unlike the lighting process that is performed when hold information is added, the LEDs on the lower operation port's hold count indicator SL are turned off sequentially from the bottom.

[0199] After performing the data setting process described in detail above, in step S406, the lower operation opening variation start process (lower operation opening variation start process) is executed to start the display of changing patterns on the lower operation opening display unit DL and the display of changing patterns on the pattern display device 75, and then the game round control process is terminated. Now, with reference to Figure 18, the lower operation opening variation start process in step S406 will be explained.

[0200] (Initiation process for lower operating port) In the lower opening variation start process, first, a win / fail determination process is executed in step S501. In the win / fail determination process, the win / fail table for the lower opening is referenced to determine whether the information for win / fail determination, i.e., the numerical information obtained from the win random number counter C1, among the information stored in the first execution area AE1 matches the jackpot numerical information mentioned above. If the determination result in step S501 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S502 and the process proceeds to step S503.

[0201] Step S503 executes the type determination process. In the type determination process, the information for type determination, i.e., the numerical information obtained from the winning type counter C2, is identified from the information stored in the first execution area AE1. The distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of ROM 603 is also referenced to determine which of the following groups the identified type determination information belongs to: the information group corresponding to the 8R normal jackpot result, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result A, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result B, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result C, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result D, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result E, the information group corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result A, or the information group corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result B.

[0202] In step S504, the process for setting the stop result for a jackpot is executed. Specifically, the image to be ultimately displayed on the main display unit D (lower operation port display unit DL) of the main display unit 81 in the current game round is identified from the jackpot result stop result table pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604. This jackpot result stop result table has multiple images set to be displayed on the main display unit D, and in step S504, information indicating the image corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. In addition, in step S504, information for the MPU 602 to identify whether the current game result is an 8R normal jackpot result, a 6R probability variation jackpot result A, a 6R probability variation jackpot result B, a 6R probability variation jackpot result C, a 6R probability variation jackpot result D, a 6R probability variation jackpot result E, a 16R probability variation jackpot result A, or a 16R probability variation jackpot result B is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Specifically, if the result is an 8R normal jackpot, the 8R normal flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot A, the 6R probability variation A flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot B, the 6R probability variation B flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot C, the 6R probability variation C flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot D, the 6R probability variation D flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot E, the 6R probability variation E flag is stored; if the result is a 16R probability variation jackpot A, the 16R probability variation A flag is stored; and if the result is a 16R probability variation jackpot B, the 16R probability variation B flag is stored.

[0203] After executing the setting process in step S504, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, it is determined whether or not a game round related to the right operating port 63a is currently being executed. If the determination in step S505 is positive, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If a game round (symbol variation display) related to the right operating port 63a is being executed, the game round (symbol variation display) related to the right operating port 63a will be forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if the game round related to the lower operating port 62a corresponds to a jackpot result and the game round related to the right operating port 63a can be executed beyond the timing at which the confirmation display is made in that game round, the game round related to the right operating port 63a will be shortened and will terminate at the same time as the game round related to the lower operating port 62a. In such cases, the symbols displayed during the game rounds related to the right-hand operating port 63a will correspond to a losing result.

[0204] Returning to the explanation of step S502, if the judgment result in step S501 is a false result, a negative judgment is made in step S502 and the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, the stop result setting process for false results is executed.

[0205] Specifically, in the game round related to the start of this variation, the image to be ultimately stopped and displayed on the main display unit 81's main display section D (lower operation opening display section DL) is identified from the stop result table for losing results pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604.

[0206] After executing steps S506 and S507, or if a negative result is obtained in step S505, proceed to step S508. In step S508, the setting process for the variable display time (display duration) is executed. Details of this setting process will be described later.

[0207] After the setting process for the variable display time in step S508 is executed, the variable start command and type command are set in step S509. The variable start command includes information on the variable display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time obtained by referring to the variable display time table for when a reach does not occur is different from the variable display time obtained by referring to the variable display time table for when a reach occurs. Therefore, even if the variable start command does not include information on whether or not a reach has occurred, the notification / performance control device 143, which is the sub-control device, can determine whether or not a reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. In this respect, it can be said that the variable start command includes information indicating whether or not a reach has occurred. It should also be noted that the variable start command may include information that directly indicates whether or not a reach has occurred.

[0208] After executing the setting process in step S509, the process proceeds to step S510, where the variable display of the lower operation port display unit DL in the main display unit 81 is started, and then the lower operation port variable start process is terminated. In the process of step S510, a game round flag for the lower operation port is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. This makes it possible to identify in subsequent processes that a game round (e.g., variable display) related to the lower operation port 62a is currently being executed. In this embodiment, the variable display of the patterns in the first operation port display unit D1 and the patterns in the pattern display device 75 is configured to start in conjunction with the lottery, but the system is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the patterns and the variable display of the patterns to start before the lottery.

[0209] Returning to the explanation of Figure 17, if a positive result is obtained in step S401, that is, if it is determined that the game is in progress with respect to the lower opening 62a, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols corresponding to the special win result in the game round related to the right opening 63a. If a negative result is obtained in step S407, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the right opening 63a. If a negative result is obtained in both step S407 and step S408, the process proceeds to step S409.

[0210] In step S409, it is determined whether or not the variable display time set in step S508 has elapsed. If the determination in step S409 is negative, the variable display processing is executed in step S410, and then the control processing for the lower opening is terminated. In the variable display processing in step S410, the image is displayed in a variable manner by turning on / off each LED that makes up the lower opening display unit DL.

[0211] If a positive result is obtained in step S409, the process proceeds to step S412. In step S412, the variation termination process is executed. In the variation termination process, the display control of the main display unit 81 is performed so that the symbols on the lower operation slot display unit DL are stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner. That is, for example, the confirmation display of the symbols corresponding to the lottery result (game result) is performed. Note that the game rounds flags for the lower operation slot stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604 are erased when the confirmation display is completed.

[0212] In the following step S413, the variation termination command is set, and then the game round control process is terminated. The variation termination command set in step S413 is sent to the notification / performance control device 143 in step S201 of the normal process (Figure 15). Based on the receipt of the variation termination command, the notification / performance control device 143 executes a process to terminate the performance for that game round. The variation termination command is also sent to the display control device 710 via the notification / performance control device 143, and upon receiving the variation termination command, the display control device 710 displays the combination of symbols corresponding to the game result for that game round on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 (final stop display). Alternatively, the system may be configured to terminate the performance for a game round independently by the notification / performance control device 143 or the display control device 710 without sending a variation termination command.

[0213] If a positive result is determined in either step S407 or step S408, the rewriting process of the stop symbol is executed in step S410, and after executing the processes in steps S412 and S413 above, the control process for the lower opening is terminated. In the rewriting process of the stop result, it is first determined whether the current game round corresponds to a special win result. If it does not correspond to a special win result, the rewriting of the stop symbol (the symbol corresponding to a losing result) determined in the lower opening variation start process is avoided. On the other hand, if the result of the current game corresponds to a special win result, the stop symbol (the symbol corresponding to a special win result) determined in the lower opening variation start process is rewritten to the symbol corresponding to a losing result.

[0214] Next, the control process for the right operating port will be explained with reference to Figures 19 and 20.

[0215] (Control processing for the right-hand operating port) As shown in Figure 19, in the control process for the right-side opening, first in step S601, it is determined whether or not a game round is currently underway for the right-side opening 63a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DR for the right-side opening of the main display unit 81 is in the process of changing or confirming a display, that is, whether or not one game round is currently being played. This determination is made by checking whether or not the game round flag (changing display information) for the right-side opening is stored in the game round flag storage area (changing display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The game round flag for the right-side opening is stored when the changing display is started on the display unit DR for the right-side opening, and is erased when the image is stopped and the confirming display ends.

[0216] If it is not a game round, a negative determination is made in step S601 and the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, it is determined whether or not it is a game round related to the lower operating port 62a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DL for the lower operating port of the main display unit 81 is in the state of variable display to confirmed display, that is, whether or not one game round is being played.

[0217] If a positive result is obtained in step S602, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether it is time to stop and display the symbols corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the lower operating port 62a. If a positive result is obtained in step S603, the control process for the right operating port is terminated. If a negative result is obtained in step S603, or if a negative result was obtained in step S602, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, the total number of reserved balls in the reserved ball storage area 632 is referenced, and it is determined whether the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved balls, CRN for the right operating port (more specifically, the number of reserved balls related to the right operating port 63a), is "0". If the number of reserved balls stored in the right operating port CRN is "0", the game round control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls stored in the right operating port CRN is not "0", the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, data setting processing is performed.

[0218] In the data setting process for the right operation port 63a, first, the reserved memory count CRN for the right operation port is decremented by 1. Then, the data stored in the first area of ​​the reserved area Rb for the right operation port is moved to the second execution area AE2 (see Figure 10), and the data stored in the memory area of ​​the reserved area Rb for the right operation port is shifted.

[0219] This data shift process sequentially shifts the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower areas. The data in the first area is cleared, and the data within each area is shifted in the following order: second area → first area, third area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on. Then, one of the lit LEDs in the hold count display unit for the right operation port is turned off. In this turn-off process, unlike the lighting process that is performed when hold information is added, the LEDs in the hold lamp unit for the right operation port are turned off sequentially from the bottom.

[0220] After performing the data setting process described in detail above, step S606 executes a variation start process for the right-side operation port (variation start process for the right-side operation port) to start the variation display of the symbols on the main display unit 81 (main display section D) and the variation display of the symbols on the symbol display device 75, and then terminates this game round control process.

[0221] Now, with reference to Figure 20, the variable start process for the right operating port in step S606 will be explained.

[0222] (Variation start process for right-side operation port) In the process to start the variation for the right operating port, first, a win / fail determination process is performed in step S701. In the win / fail determination process, the win / fail table for the right operating port is referred to and it is determined whether the information for win / fail determination, i.e., the numerical information related to the winning random number counter C1, among the various information stored in the second execution area AE2 matches the jackpot numerical information mentioned above. If the determination result in step S701 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S702 and the process proceeds to step S703.

[0223] Step S703 executes the type determination process. In the type determination process, the numerical information obtained from the winning type counter C2, which is among the various information stored in the second execution area AE2, and the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of ROM 603 are referenced to determine which of the following groups the identified type determination information belongs to: the information group corresponding to the 2R normal jackpot result, the information group corresponding to the 2R probability variation jackpot result, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result A, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result B, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result C, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result D, the information group corresponding to the 6R probability variation jackpot result E, the information group corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result A, and the information group corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result B.

[0224] In step S704, the process for setting the stop result for a jackpot is executed. Specifically, the image to be ultimately displayed on the main display unit D (right operation port display unit DR) of the main display unit 81 during the game round is identified from the jackpot result stop result table pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604. This jackpot result stop result table has multiple images set to be displayed on the main display unit D, and in step S704, information indicating the image corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. Furthermore, in step S704, information is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604 to allow MPU 602 to identify whether the result of the current game is a 2R normal jackpot, a 2R probability variation jackpot, a 6R probability variation jackpot A, a 6R probability variation jackpot B, a 6R probability variation jackpot C, a 6R probability variation jackpot D, a 6R probability variation jackpot E, a 16R probability variation jackpot A, or a 16R probability variation jackpot B. Specifically, if the result is a 2R normal jackpot, the 2R normal flag is stored; if the result is a 2R probability variation jackpot, the 2R probability variation flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot A, the 6R probability variation A flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot B, the 6R probability variation B flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot C, the 6R probability variation C flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot D, the 6R probability variation D flag is stored; if the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot E, the 6R probability variation E flag is stored; if the result is a 16R probability variation jackpot A, the 16R probability variation A flag is stored; and if the result is a 16R probability variation jackpot B, the 16R probability variation B flag is stored.

[0225] After executing the setting process in step S704, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, it is determined whether or not a game round related to the lower operating port 62a is currently being executed. If the determination in step S705 is positive, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. If a game round related to the lower operating port 62a (symbol variation display) is being executed, the game round related to the lower operating port 62a (symbol variation display) will be forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if the game round related to the right operating port 63a corresponds to a jackpot result and the game round related to the lower operating port 62a (corresponding to a losing result) can be executed beyond the timing at which the confirmation display is made in that game round, the game round related to the lower operating port 62a will be shortened and will terminate at the same time as the game round related to the right operating port 63a. In such cases, the symbols displayed during the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a will correspond to a losing result.

[0226] Returning to the explanation of step S702, if the result of the judgment in step S701 is a special correct result, then a negative judgment is made in step S702 and a positive judgment is made in step S707, and the process proceeds to step S708.

[0227] In step S708, the process for setting the stop result for a special win is executed. Specifically, the symbol to be ultimately displayed on the main display unit D (right operation port display unit DR) of the main display unit 81 in the current game round is identified from the special win result stop result table pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604. This special win result stop result table has multiple symbols set to be displayed on the main display unit D, and in step S703, information indicating the symbol corresponding to the special win result is stored in the RAM 604. If the result of this game is a special win, a special win flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604.

[0228] After executing the process in step S707, the processes in steps S704 and S705 described above are executed.

[0229] If the result of the judgment in step S701 is a loss, a negative judgment is made in steps S702 and S707, and the process proceeds to step S709. In step S709, a stop result setting process for losses is executed. Specifically, the image to be ultimately stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (right operation port display unit DR) of the main display unit 81 for the game round related to the start of the variation is identified from the stop result table for losses that is pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604.

[0230] If the process in step S706 or step S709 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S705, the process proceeds to step S710. In step S710, the process for setting the variable display time (display duration) is executed. Details of this process for setting the variable display time will be described later.

[0231] After the setting process for the variable display time in step S710 is executed, the variable start command and type command are set in step S711. The variable start command includes information on the variable display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time obtained by referring to the variable display time table for when a reach does not occur is different from the variable display time obtained by referring to the variable display time table for when a reach occurs. Therefore, even if the variable start command does not include information on whether or not a reach has occurred, the notification / performance control device 143, which is the sub-control device, can determine whether or not a reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. In this respect, it can be said that the variable start command includes information indicating whether or not a reach has occurred. It should also be noted that the variable start command may include information that directly indicates whether or not a reach has occurred. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the variable display of the patterns in the second operation port display unit D2 and the patterns in the pattern display device 75 is configured to start in conjunction with the lottery, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the patterns and the variable display of the patterns to start before the lottery.

[0232] After executing the setting process in step S711, the process proceeds to step S712, where the variable display of the right-side operation slot display unit DR in the main display unit 81 is started, and then the variable start process for the right-side operation slot is terminated. In the process of step S712, a game round in progress flag for the right-side operation slot is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. This makes it possible to identify in subsequent processes that a game round (e.g., variable display) related to the right-side operation slot 63a is currently being executed.

[0233] Returning to the explanation of Figure 19, if a positive result is obtained in step S601, that is, if it is determined that the game is currently in progress with respect to the right operating port 63a, the process proceeds to step S608. In step S608, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbols corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the lower operating port 62a. If a negative result is obtained in step S608, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0234] In step S609, it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed. If the determination in step S609 is negative, the variable display processing is executed in step S610, and then the control processing for the right-side operation port is terminated. In the variable display processing in step S610, the image is displayed in a variable manner by turning on / off each LED that makes up the right-side operation port display unit DR.

[0235] If a positive stability is achieved in step S609, the process proceeds to step S612. In step S612, the variation termination process is executed. In the variation termination process, the display control of the main display unit 81 is performed so that the image is stopped and displayed on the right operation port display unit DR in a predetermined manner.

[0236] After setting the variation end command in the subsequent step S613, this game round control process ends. The variation end command set in step S613 is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 143 in step S201 of the normal process (Figure 15). Based on receiving the variation end command, the notification and effect control device 143 executes a process to end the effect in that game round. Also, the variation end command is transmitted to the display control device 710 via the notification and effect control device 143. By receiving the variation end command, the display control device 710 causes the combination of symbols corresponding to the game result of that game round, etc., to be fixedly displayed (finally stopped display) on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. Note that it may be configured such that the notification and effect control device 143 and the display control device 710 independently end the game use effect without transmitting the variation end command.

[0237] Returning to the explanation of step S608, if an affirmative determination is made in step S608, the process proceeds to step S611. That is, if it is the timing to stop and display the symbol corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the lower operation port 62a, the process proceeds to step S611. In step S611, a rewrite process of the stop result is performed.

[0238] In the rewrite process of the stop result, first, it is determined whether the current game round corresponds to a special hit result. If it does not correspond to a special hit result, rewriting of the stop symbol (the symbol corresponding to the losing result) determined in the variation start process for the right operation port is avoided. On the other hand, if the current game result corresponds to a special hit result, the stop symbol (the symbol corresponding to the special hit result) determined in the variation start process for the right operation port is rewritten to the symbol corresponding to the losing result. After executing the process of step S611, after executing each of the processes of step S612 and step S613, this control process for the right operation port ends.

[0239] (Game state transition process) Next, the game state transition process in step S204 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 21 to 25. As already explained, in this embodiment, there is a normal game state in which the game progresses based on balls entering the operating ports 62a and 63a, and a special game state (open / close execution mode) in which the variable prize winning devices 64 and 65 are opened. The normal game state consists of a first normal game state in which the lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode by the electric mechanism 71 is a low frequency support mode, a second normal game state in which the lottery mode is a high probability mode and the support mode by the electric mechanism 71 is a high frequency support mode, a third normal game state in which the lottery mode is a high probability mode and the support mode by the electric mechanism 71 is a low frequency support mode, and a fourth normal game state in which the lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode by the electric mechanism 71 is a high frequency support mode, and these first to fourth normal game states are switched via a special game state corresponding to the jackpot result.

[0240] In the game state transition process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the game is in the open / close execution mode. If it is not in the open / close execution mode, the process proceeds to step S802, where it is determined whether or not the game round (specifically, the confirmation display) has ended. If it is not the time when the game round has ended, the game state transition process ends immediately.

[0241] If the game round has ended, or more specifically, if a predetermined stop display time (confirmation display time) has elapsed since the end of the variation display, the process proceeds to step S803 to determine whether the result of this game round (the result of the above win / loss lottery) corresponds to a transition to a special game state (open / close execution mode). Specifically, it is determined whether any of the above 8R normal flag, 2R normal flag, 2R probability variation flag, 6R probability variation A flag, 6R probability variation B flag, 6R probability variation C flag, 6R probability variation D flag, 6R probability variation E flag, 16R probability variation A flag, or 16R probability variation B flag is stored in RAM604. If none of the above flags are stored, the game state transition process ends.

[0242] If any of the above flags are stored, the start process for the opening / closing execution mode is executed in step S804. In this start process, first, an opening waiting time (start waiting time) is set to allow the variable prize winning device 65 to wait without starting to open the upper large prize winning opening 311 of the variable prize winning device 65 for the opening of the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, the opening waiting time information, which is pre-stored in the ROM 603, is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604.

[0243] In this embodiment, the waiting time for opening (opening time) differs depending on the type of win. Specifically, the waiting time for opening in the case of a jackpot is 5 seconds, while the waiting time for opening in the case of a special win is shorter, specifically 8 milliseconds.

[0244] In the following step S805, it is determined whether the current opening / closing execution mode corresponds to a jackpot result. If the determination in step S805 is positive, the process proceeds to step S806, where the round counter RC, located in the various counter areas 634 of RAM 604, is set to a value corresponding to the current jackpot result. Specifically, if the current jackpot result is a 2R jackpot, "2" is set to the round counter RC; if the current jackpot result is a 6R jackpot, "6" is set to the round counter RC; if the current jackpot result is an 8R jackpot, "8" is set to the round counter RC; and if the current jackpot result is a 16R jackpot, "16" is set to the round counter RC. The round counter RC is decremented with each round, and the special game state ends when the value of the round counter RC reaches "0".

[0245] In the following step S807, if a high-frequency support mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604, the high-frequency support mode flag is cleared. As a result, the support mode is maintained in low-frequency support mode during the special game state corresponding to the jackpot result.

[0246] Returning to the explanation of step S805, if a negative result is determined in step S805, that is, if the special game state is triggered by a special win result, the process proceeds to step S808. In step S808, the second prize mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. Then, in step S809, the round counter is set to "1". In the subsequent processing, it is determined that the current special game state corresponds to a special win result based on the fact that the second prize mode flag has been set.

[0247] After executing the process in step S807 or step S809, the process proceeds to step S810. In step S810, the opening command is set. This set opening command is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 143 and the display control device 710 in step S201 of the normal process (Figure 15). The notification / performance control device 143 determines the content of the performance corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command and controls various devices so that the determined performance content is executed. This performance content includes the display mode of the symbol display device 75, and this determined display mode is output from the notification / performance control device 143 to the display control device 710 as a display content command. The display control device 710 executes display control of the symbol display device 75 so that the display corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode is changed, for example, by switching between video displays of characters, background images, etc., as display content corresponding to a jackpot, based on the opening command received from the main control device 162 and the display content command received from the notification / performance control device 143.

[0248] After executing the opening command setting process in step S810, the external signal setting process is executed in step S811, and the game state transition process ends. In the external signal setting process in step S811, it is determined whether any of the above-mentioned jackpot flags and special jackpot flags are stored in RAM604. If either flag is stored, a signal indicating that a jackpot or special jackpot has occurred is output to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the gaming hall side. Upon receiving this external signal, the management control device understands that the game has transitioned to a special game state (open / close execution mode).

[0249] Returning to the explanation of step S801, if the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, a positive determination is made in step S801, and the process proceeds to step S812. In step S812, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for opening has not elapsed, the game state transition process ends as is. If the waiting time for opening has elapsed, the opening and closing process of the big prize slot is executed in step S813.

[0250] Here, we will explain the opening and closing process of the grand prize slot by referring to the flowcharts in Figures 22 to 24.

[0251] (Opening and closing of the grand prize slot) As shown in Figure 22, in the opening and closing process of the big prize slot, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the second prize mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. If the determination in step S901 is negative, the process proceeds to step S902, and the first opening and closing process is executed. The first opening and closing process is executed when the special game state (opening and closing execution mode) corresponding to the big win result is in place.

[0252] (First opening / closing process) As shown in Figure 23, in the first opening / closing process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the upper variable prize device 64 (upper large prize opening 311) is open. Specifically, this determination is made based on the drive state of the variable prize drive unit 451 of the upper variable prize device 64. If the upper large prize opening 311 is not open, in step S1002, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter RC is "0". If the determination in step S1002 is positive, the first opening / closing process is terminated.

[0253] If a negative result is obtained in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, it is determined whether the value of the timer counter TC1, located in the various counter areas 634 of RAM 604, is "0". The timer counter TC1 is a counter that is referenced when determining the opening time and interval time (interval time between rounds) of the upper prize winning slot 311, and its value is decremented by "1" each time a timer interrupt process (see Figure 14) is executed. If a negative result is obtained in step S1003, this first opening / closing process is terminated.

[0254] If the value of the round counter RC is not "0" and the value of the timer counter TC1 is "0", the process proceeds to step S1004, and the opening process of the upper variable prize device 64 (upper large prize opening 311) is executed. Specifically, the variable prize drive unit 451 is driven to open the upper large prize opening 311.

[0255] Subsequently, the process from steps S1005 to S1006 is executed as a setting process for the closing conditions (setting process for when it is open) corresponding to the upper variable prize winning device 64 (upper large prize winning opening 311). Specifically, in step S1005, the timer counter TC1 is set to "15000" (equivalent to 30 seconds), and in the following step S1006, the prize winning counter PC is set to "9".

[0256] In the following step S1007, it is determined whether or not it is the first round (Round 1) in the current special game state. If the determination in step S1007 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1008. In step S1008, it is determined whether or not the current special game state corresponds to a probability variation jackpot result. If the determination in step S1008 is positive, the probability variation channel switching process is executed in step S1009. In the probability variation channel switching process, a drive signal is output to the channel switching drive unit 452 to move the channel switching member 316 from the protruding position to the retracted position, and the duration for which the output of the drive signal continues is set. This duration is the same length as the maximum opening time of the upper large prize entry opening 311. Therefore, if game balls are continuously launched to the right route, in most cases a prize will be awarded to the advantageous ball entry section 314, and the transition to the high probability mode will be confirmed.

[0257] If a negative determination is made in step S1008, the normal flow path switching process is executed in step S1010. In the normal flow path switching process, similar to the probability variation flow path switching process, a drive signal is output to the flow path switching drive unit 452 to move the flow path switching member 316 from the protruding position to the retracted position, and the duration for which the output of the drive signal is continued is set. This duration is shorter than the maximum opening time of the upper large prize opening 311. More specifically, a time shorter than the time required for a game ball that has flowed into the upper large prize opening 311 to reach the advantageous ball entry section 314 (more specifically, the detection area of ​​the detection sensor 319) is set. Therefore, even if game balls are continuously launched to the right route, entry into the advantageous ball entry section 314 is basically avoided.

[0258] After executing the flow path switching process in steps S1009 and S1010, or when a negative determination is made in step S1007, the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1011, an open command indicating that the upper variable winning device 64 (upper large winning opening 311) has been opened is set, and this first opening / closing process is terminated. This set open command is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 143 in step S201 of the normal process (see FIG. 15). Based on the received open command, the notification / performance control device 143 determines the content of the performance corresponding to the opening and controls various devices so that the determined performance content is executed.

[0259] Returning to the explanation of step S1001, when it is determined in step S1001 that the upper variable winning device 64 (upper large winning opening 311) is open, the process proceeds to step S1012. In step S1012, it is determined whether it is the timing to return the flow path switching member 316 to the protruding position. Specifically, it is determined whether the elapsed time set in steps S1009 and S1010 has passed. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1012, in step S1013, the output of the drive signal to the flow path switching drive unit 452 is stopped, and the flow path switching member 316 is returned to the protruding position.

[0260] When a negative determination is made in step S1012, or after executing the return process of step S1013, the process proceeds to step S1014. In step S1014, it is determined whether the value of the timer counter TC1 is "0". When the value of the timer counter TC1 is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1015, and it is determined based on the detection information (detection signal) from the upstream detection sensor 317 provided in the upper variable winning device 64 whether a game ball has won the upper large winning opening 311.

[0261] When a winning occurs, in step S1016, the output process of the winning command is executed. The winning command is output to the notification / performance control device 143, and based on the winning command, the notification / performance control device 143 changes the display on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75.

[0262] After executing the command output process in step S1016, the process proceeds to step S1017. In step S1017, the value of the prize counter PC is decremented by 1, and in the following step S1018, it is determined whether the value of the prize counter PC is "0" or not. If it is not "0", the main prize gate opening and closing process is terminated.

[0263] If a positive determination is made in step S1018, that is, if the value of the prize counter PC is "0", or if a positive determination is made in step S1014 (that is, if the value of the timer counter TC1 is determined to be "0"), it means that the condition for closing the large prize opening has been met. In this case, in step S1019, the variable prize drive unit 451 is deactivated in order to close the upper variable prize device 64 (upper large prize opening 311).

[0264] In the following step S1020, it is determined whether the flow path switching member 316 is in the retracted position. If the determination in step S1020 is positive, in step S1021 the output of the drive signal to the flow path switching drive unit 452 is stopped and the flow path switching member 316 is returned to the protruding position.

[0265] After executing the recovery process in step S1021, or if a negative determination is made in step S1020, the process proceeds to step S1022, where the round counter RC is updated. Specifically, if the value of the round counter RC is not "0", the round counter RC is decremented by 1, and if the value of the round counter RC is "0", the value of the round counter RC is kept at "0".

[0266] Subsequently, in step S1023, it is determined whether the updated round counter RC value is "0". If the determination in step S1023 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1024, where the timer counter TC1 is set to "1000" (equivalent to 2.0 seconds).

[0267] After executing the process in step S1024, a closing command is set in step S1025, and this first opening / closing process is terminated. This set closing command is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 143 in step S201 of the normal process (Figure 15). The notification / performance control device 143 determines the content of the performance corresponding to the received closing command and controls various devices so that the determined performance content is executed.

[0268] Returning to the explanation of step S1023, if it is determined in step S1023 that the value of the round counter RC is "0", the process proceeds to step S1026. In step S1026, the ending start process is executed. In this start process, an ending waiting time (5 seconds in this embodiment) is set to wait without starting the next game round for the ending of the open / close execution mode. Specifically, the ending waiting time information, which is pre-stored in the ROM 603, is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604.

[0269] Subsequently, in step S1027, the ending command is set, and then this first opening / closing process is terminated. This set ending command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 143 in step S201 of the normal process (Figure 15).

[0270] Returning to the explanation of Figure 22, if a positive result is obtained in step S901, the second opening / closing process in step S903 is executed. The second opening / closing process will be explained below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 24.

[0271] (Second opening / closing process) In the second opening / closing process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the lower variable prize device 65 (lower large prize opening 341) is open. Specifically, this determination is made based on the drive state of the variable prize drive unit 461 of the lower variable prize device 65. If the lower large prize opening 341 is not open, the process of opening the lower variable prize device 65 (lower large prize opening 341) is executed in step S1102. Specifically, the variable prize drive unit 461 is driven to open the lower large prize opening 341.

[0272] Subsequently, the process of setting the closing conditions (settings for when the opening occurs) for the lower variable prize winning device 65 (lower large prize winning opening 341) is executed, specifically the process from step S1103 to step S1104.

[0273] Returning to the explanation of step S1101, if it is determined in step S1101 that the lower variable prize-winning device 65 (lower large prize-winning opening 341) is open, the process proceeds to step S1105 to determine whether the value of the timer counter TC1 is "0". If the value of the timer counter TC1 is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1106 to determine whether a game ball has entered the lower large prize-winning opening 341 based on the detection signal from the ball entry detection sensor installed in the lower variable prize-winning device 65.

[0274] If a prize has been awarded, the process of outputting a prize award command is executed in step S1107. This prize award command is output to the notification and performance control device 143, and the notification and performance control device 143 changes the display on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 based on this prize award command.

[0275] After executing the command output process in step S1107, the process proceeds to step S1108. In step S1108, the value of the prize counter PC is decremented by 1, and in the following step S1109, it is determined whether the value of the prize counter PC is "0" or not. If it is not "0", the second opening / closing process is terminated.

[0276] If a positive determination is made in step S1109, that is, if the value of the prize counter PC is "0", or if a positive determination is made in step S1105 (that is, if the value of the timer counter TC1 is determined to be "0"), it means that the condition for closing the large prize opening has been met. In this case, in step S1110, the variable prize drive unit 461 is deactivated in order to close the lower variable prize device 65 (lower large prize opening 341).

[0277] In the following step S1111, the ending start process is executed. In this start process, an ending waiting time (0.2 sec in this embodiment) is set to wait without starting the next game round for the ending of the open / close execution mode. Specifically, the ending waiting time information, which is pre-stored in the ROM 603, is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604.

[0278] Subsequently, in step S1112, the ending command is set, and then the main prize slot opening and closing process is terminated. This set ending command is transmitted to the notification and performance control device 143 in step S201 of the normal process (Figure 15).

[0279] Returning to the explanation in Figure 21, after the opening and closing of the big prize slot in step S813 is performed, the process proceeds to step S814. In step S814, it is determined whether the round counter RC is "0" or not. If the result in step S814 is negative, the game state transition process ends immediately. If the result in step S814 is positive, the process proceeds to step S815. In step S815, it is determined whether the waiting time for the ending has elapsed or not. If the waiting time for the ending has not elapsed, the game state transition process ends immediately.

[0280] On the other hand, if the value of the round counter RC is "0" and the waiting time for the ending has elapsed, the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode is executed in step S816, and then the game state transition process is terminated. Now, with reference to Figure 25, the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode will be explained.

[0281] (Transition process when opening / closing execution mode ends) In the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, it is first determined whether the current special game state corresponds to the first prize mode. If it corresponds to the first prize mode, a positive determination is made in step S1201 and the process proceeds to step S1202. In step S1202, it is determined whether a ball entered the advantageous ball entry section 314 during the current special game state. If a ball entered the advantageous ball entry section 314, the high probability mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604 in step S1203. As a result, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode in subsequent normal game states.

[0282] After executing the process in step S1203, or if a negative result is obtained in step S1202, the process proceeds to step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether the current special game state corresponds to a transition to high-frequency support mode. If a positive result is obtained in step S1204, in step S1205, the high-frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604, and in the following step S1206, a value corresponding to the current jackpot result is set in the game count counter provided in the various counter area 634 of RAM 604. The game count counter is decremented each time a game is played, and when the value of the game count counter becomes "0", the game transitions from high-frequency support mode to low-frequency support mode.

[0283] As will be explained in more detail later, in this embodiment, for example, if a 16R probability variation jackpot is achieved based on ball entry into the right operating port 63a during the second or third normal game state described above, the transition to the high-frequency support mode is avoided.

[0284] After executing the process in step S1206, or if a negative determination is made in steps S1201 or S1204, the process proceeds to step S1207. In step S1207, the various flags for special game states (such as the winning mode flag and the jackpot flag) stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604 are erased, and this transition process ends.

[0285] Next, with reference to Figures 26 to 28, the power supply support process performed in step S205 of the normal process (see Figure 15) will be described. Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the power supply support process, Figure 27 is a schematic diagram comparing the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, and Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the power supply switching process.

[0286] (Processing for electrical support) In the process for supporting the electric device, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not support is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the support flag is stored in the support flag storage area provided in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. The support flag is stored when the electric device 71 attached to the right operating port 63a is switched to the open state and is erased when it is returned to the closed state.

[0287] If the "Support in Progress" flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S1302, where it is determined whether or not the "Support Winning Flag" is stored in the "Support Winning Flag Storage Area" located in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The "Support Winning Flag" is stored when the opening lottery for whether or not to open the electric mechanism 71 is won, and is erased when the "Support in Progress" flag is stored.

[0288] If the support winning flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S1303, where it is determined whether the value of the timer counter TC2 in the various counter area 634 of RAM 604 is "0". If the value of the timer counter TC2 is not "0", the process for supporting the main power service ends.

[0289] If the value of the timer counter TC2 is "0", the process proceeds to step S1304 to determine whether it is the end of the display of the changing symbols on the through-gate display unit DS. If it is the end of the display of the changing symbols, in step S1305, a "miss" display is set and the timer counter TC2 is set to "250" (equivalent to 0.5 seconds), after which the main support process is terminated. When a "miss" display is set, the display of the changing symbols on the through-gate display unit DS ends with the "miss" display stopped, and this "miss" display continues for 0.5 seconds (see Figure 27).

[0290] If the value of the timer counter TC2 is "0" and it is not the end of the variable display, the process proceeds to step S1306 to determine whether the value of the number of reserved bonus items SN is greater than "0". If the value of the number of reserved bonus items SN is "0", the process for supporting the main bonus item is terminated. If the value of the number of reserved bonus items SN is greater than "0", the process proceeds to step S1307 to determine whether the support mode is in high-frequency support mode.

[0291] If the high-frequency support mode is active, a positive determination is made in step S1307, and the process proceeds to step S1308. In step S1308, a lottery (open lottery) is held to determine whether or not to provide support using the electric mechanism 71. Specifically, the value stored in the mechanism reserve ball storage area of ​​the electric mechanism memory area 633 is shifted, and the open lottery is performed by referring to the value of the open random number counter C4 shifted to the execution area and the lottery table for high-frequency support mode stored in the win / fail table memory area 621 of ROM 603. Simultaneously with the open lottery, the timer counter TC2 is set to "100" (equivalent to 0.2 seconds) by referring to the fluctuation display time table for high-frequency support mode stored in ROM 603. Note that the timer counter TC2 is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process is activated. From there, the fluctuation display of the symbols on the through gate display unit DS continues until the value of the timer counter TC2 becomes "0", i.e., for 0.2 seconds (see Figure 27).

[0292] In the following step S1309, it is determined whether the result of the opening lottery in step S1308 is a winning result (support win). If it is not a support win, the main electric support processing is terminated. If it is a support win, in step S1310, the support win flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604 and the main electric support processing is terminated.

[0293] If the low-frequency support mode is active, a negative determination is made in step S1307, and the process proceeds to step S1311. In step S1311, a lottery (open lottery) is held to determine whether or not to provide support using the electric mechanism 71. Specifically, the value stored in the mechanism reserve ball storage area of ​​the electric mechanism memory area 633 is shifted, and the open lottery is performed by referring to the value of the open random number counter C4 shifted to the execution area and the lottery table for the low-frequency support mode stored in the win / fail table memory area 621 of the ROM 603. Simultaneously with the open lottery, the timer counter TC2 is set to "350" (i.e., equivalent to 0.7 seconds) by referring to the variable display time table for the low-frequency support mode stored in the ROM 603. From thereafter, the variable display of the symbols on the through gate display unit DS continues until the value of the timer counter TC2 becomes "0", i.e., for 0.7 seconds (see Figure 27).

[0294] In the following step S1312, it is determined whether the result of the opening lottery in step S1311 is a winning result (support win). If it is not a support win, the main electric support processing is terminated. If it is a support win, in step S1313, the support win flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604 and the main electric support processing is terminated.

[0295] Furthermore, the probability of winning support in high-frequency support mode (specifically 249 / 250) is higher than the probability of winning support in low-frequency support mode (specifically 248 / 250), indicating that high-frequency support mode is more advantageous.

[0296] Returning to the explanation of step S1302 in Figure 26, if the support winning flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604, a positive determination is made in step S1302, and the process proceeds to step S1314 to determine whether the value of timer counter TC2 is "0". If the value of timer counter TC2 is not "0", the display of the changing symbols on the through gate display unit DS is in progress, and the main electric support process is terminated. If the value of timer counter TC2 is "0", the winning display is set in step S1315. As a result, the display of the changing symbols on the special feature display unit 44 ends with the winning display stopped. In the following step S1316, the support in progress flag is set in the various flag storage area 635, the support winning flag stored in the various flag storage area 635 is erased, and then the main electric support process is terminated.

[0297] Returning to the explanation of step S1301, if a positive determination is made in step S1301, that is, if the support flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604, the process proceeds to step S1317, where the electric device opening / closing process for controlling the opening and closing of the electric device 71 is executed, and then the electric device support process ends. The electric device opening / closing process will be explained below with reference to Figure 28.

[0298] (Power supply switching process) In the electric device opening and closing process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the electric device 71 is open. Whether or not the electric device 71 is open is determined by whether or not the electric device drive unit 332 is in a driving state. If the electric device 71 is open, the process proceeds to step S1402, where it is determined whether or not the number of winning entries after opening the attached right operating port 63a of the electric device 71 has reached the upper limit (10 in this embodiment). If the determination in step S1402 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1403, where it is determined whether or not the value of the timer counter TC2 is "0".

[0299] If the value of the timer counter TC2 is not "0", the main electric device opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the timer counter TC2 is "0", or if it is determined in step S1402 that the number of winnings has reached the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S1404. In step S1404, a closing process is performed to switch (return to the closed state) the electric device 71. After that, in step S1405, the support flags stored in the various flag storage area 635 are cleared, and the main electric device opening / closing process is terminated.

[0300] Returning to the explanation of step S1401, if the electric mechanism 71 is not open, a negative check is performed in step S1401, and the process proceeds to step S1406. In step S1406, it is determined whether the timer counter TC2 is "0". If the timer counter TC2 is not "0", the electric mechanism opening / closing process is terminated. If the timer counter TC2 is "0", the opening process is executed in step S1407 to switch the electric mechanism 71 to the open state.

[0301] Subsequently, in step S1408, it is determined whether or not the system is in high-frequency support mode. If it is in high-frequency support mode, in step S1409, the timer counter TC2 is set to "2850" (equivalent to 5.7 seconds), and then the main power switching process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is in low-frequency support mode, in step S1410, the timer counter TC2 is set to "40" (equivalent to 0.08 seconds), and then the main power switching process is terminated (see Figure 27).

[0302] (Relationship between game state and display time of fluctuations) As already explained, in this embodiment, hold information is acquired based on balls entering the lower opening 62a and the right opening 63a, and based on the acquired hold information, the display of changing patterns and symbols during gameplay is executed. Here, the display time for the changing patterns and symbols is set according to the game state. The configuration related to setting the display time for changing patterns, etc. (the setting process for the display time for changing patterns in the lower opening's change start process (see Figure 18) and the setting process for the display time for changing patterns in the upper opening's change start process (see Figure 19)) will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 29 to 31. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the setting process for the display time for changing patterns in the lower opening's change start process (setting process for the display time for changing patterns in the lower opening), Figure 30 is a flowchart showing the setting process for the display time for changing patterns in the right opening, and Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the display time for changing patterns.

[0303] (Setting process for variable display time for the lower operating port) As shown in Figure 29, in the variable display time setting process for the lower operating port, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the first normal game state corresponding to the low probability mode and low frequency support mode is in place. If the determination in step S1501 is positive, the setting process for the first normal game state is executed in step S1502, and then this variable display time setting process is terminated.

[0304] In the setting process for the first normal game state, a table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the first normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of ROM 603, and the variable display time is set according to the number of reserved information stored in the lower operation opening reserved area Ra in the reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604, the result of the win / loss lottery, and whether or not a reach occurred.

[0305] Regarding the display time for fluctuations, the system is configured so that when comparing a winning result with a losing result, the former tends to have a longer display time than the latter. In the case of a losing result where no reach display occurs (a complete loss), the display time becomes shorter as the number of stored reserve information increases. Figure 31(a1) shows an example of the display time for fluctuations in the case of a complete loss in the first normal game state. For example, if the number of stored reserve information is "0" or "1", the display time for fluctuations is set to "12, 13, or 14 seconds". If the number of stored reserve information is "2", the display time for fluctuations is set to "7, 8, or 9 seconds". If the number of stored reserve information is "3" or "4", the display time for fluctuations is set to "3, 4, or 5 seconds". In the first normal game state, the display time for confirmed symbols in the lower operation port display unit DL and the display time for confirmed symbols in the symbol display device 75 are configured to be "0.5 seconds".

[0306] Returning to the explanation in Figure 29, if a negative result is obtained in step S1501, the process proceeds to step S1503. In step S1503, it is determined whether or not the game is in the second normal game state corresponding to the high probability mode and high frequency support mode. If a positive result is obtained in step S1503, the setting process for the second normal game state is executed in step S1504, and then this variation display time setting process is terminated.

[0307] In the setting process for the second normal game state, the table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the second normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603, and the variable display time is set.

[0308] In the second normal game state, unlike the first normal game state, the selection of the variation display time is limited to one, regardless of various conditions such as the number of stored reserve information and the result of the win / loss lottery. Specifically, in the second normal game state, the variation display time is set to "0.5 sec" and the confirmation display time to "0.5 sec" for each game round (see Figure 31(a2)), resulting in a shorter variation display time compared to the first normal game state.

[0309] As will be explained in more detail later, in the second normal game state, by launching the game ball towards the right route formed in the game area PE, the game progresses more favorably for the player compared to when aiming for the left route. The game ball launched towards the right route enters the right operation opening 63a, and the game proceeds mainly based on the held information related to the right operation opening 63a. In this situation, the player may become confused if a game round corresponding to the lower operation opening 62a, which is less advantageous than the right operation opening 63a, interrupts the game. In this embodiment, taking this into consideration, after transitioning to the second normal game state, the game round corresponding to the lower operation opening 62a is quickly consumed to suppress the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

[0310] If a negative result is obtained in step S1503 in Figure 29, the process proceeds to step S1505. In step S1505, it is determined whether or not the game is in the third normal game state corresponding to the high probability mode and low frequency support mode. If a positive result is obtained in step S1505, the setting process for the third normal game state is executed in step S1506, and then this variation display time setting process is terminated.

[0311] In the setting process for the third normal game state, the table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the third normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603, and the variable display time is set.

[0312] In the third normal game state, unlike the first normal game state, the selection of the variation display time is limited to one, regardless of various conditions such as the number of stored reserve information and the result of the win / loss lottery. Specifically, in the third normal game state, the variation display time is set to "0.5 sec" and the confirmed display time to "0.5 sec" for every game round (see Figure 31(a3)).

[0313] If a negative determination is made in step S1505 of Figure 29, that is, if the game is in the fourth normal game state corresponding to the low probability mode and high frequency support mode, the process proceeds to step S1507, where the setting process for the fourth normal game state is executed, and then the variable display time setting process is terminated.

[0314] In the setting process for the fourth normal game state, the table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the fourth normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603, and the variable display time is set.

[0315] In the fourth normal game state, unlike the first normal game state, the selection of the variation display time is limited to one, regardless of various conditions such as the number of stored reserve information and the result of the win / loss lottery. Specifically, in the fourth normal game state, the variation display time is set to "0.5 sec" and the confirmed display time to "0.5 sec" for every game round (see Figure 31(a4)).

[0316] (Setting the variable display time for the right-hand operating port) As shown in Figure 30, in the variable display time setting process for the right-side operation port, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not the first normal game state corresponding to the low probability mode and low frequency support mode is in place. If the determination in step S1601 is positive, the setting process for the first normal game state is executed in step S1602, and then this variable display time setting process is terminated.

[0317] In the setting process for the first normal game state, the table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the first normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603, and the variable display time is set. Note that the variable display time table referenced in the variable display time setting process for the right operation opening is a different table from the variable display time table referenced in the variable display time setting process for the lower operation opening.

[0318] In the first normal game state, regardless of various conditions such as the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved ball storage area Rb for the right operating port in the reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604, the result of the win / loss lottery, and whether or not a reach occurs, the selection of the variable display time is limited to one. Specifically, in the first normal game state, the variable display time is set to "600 sec" and the confirmed display time is set to "1 sec" for every game round (see Figure 31(b1)). In the first normal game state, game balls launched to the right route can enter the right operating port 63a, but the prize ball that can be obtained by entering the right operating port 63a is "1", and it is necessary to wait 600 sec for the lottery result based on entering the right operating port 63a to be determined. This suppresses the act of launching game balls to aim for the right route in the first normal game state in order to gain an advantage in the game.

[0319] Returning to the explanation of Figure 30, if a negative result is obtained in step S1601, the process proceeds to step S1603. In step S1603, it is determined whether or not the game is in the second normal game state corresponding to the high probability mode and high frequency support mode. If a positive result is obtained in step S1603, the setting process for the second normal game state is executed in step S1604, and then this variation display time setting process is terminated.

[0320] In the setting process for the second normal game state, the table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the second normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603, and the variable display time is set.

[0321] In the second normal gameplay state, the display time for fluctuations tends to be longer for special wins and misses compared to big wins. In particular, in the case of a miss, where no reach display occurs (a complete miss), the display time for fluctuations decreases as the number of stored reserve information increases. Similarly, in the case of a special win, no reach display occurs, and in this case as well, the display time for fluctuations decreases as the number of stored reserve information increases.

[0322] Figure 31(b2) shows the display time for special wins or complete losses in the first normal game state. For example, if the number of stored reserved information is "0", the display time for the variation is set to "13 sec", if the number of stored reserved information is "1", the display time for the variation is set to "8 sec", if the number of stored reserved information is "2", the display time for the variation is set to "4 sec", and if the number of stored reserved information is "3" or "4", the display time for the variation is set to "1 sec". In the second normal game state, the display time for the confirmed symbols in the right operation port display unit DR and the display time for the confirmed symbols in the symbol display device 75 are both unified to "1 sec".

[0323] If a negative result is obtained in step S1603 in Figure 30, the process proceeds to step S1605. In step S1605, it is determined whether or not the game is in the third normal game state corresponding to the high probability mode and low frequency support mode. If a positive result is obtained in step S1605, the setting process for the third normal game state is executed in step S1606, and then this variation display time setting process is terminated.

[0324] In the setting process for the third normal game state, the table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the third normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603, and the variable display time is set.

[0325] In the third normal game state, the display time for fluctuations tends to be longer for special wins and misses compared to big wins. In particular, in the case of a miss, where no reach display occurs (a complete miss), the display time for fluctuations decreases as the number of stored reserve information increases. Similarly, in the case of a special win, no reach display occurs, and in this case as well, the display time for fluctuations decreases as the number of stored reserve information increases.

[0326] Figure 31(b3) shows the display time for special wins or complete losses in the third normal game state. For example, if the number of stored reserved information is "0" to "2", the display time for the variation is set to "4 sec", and if the number of stored reserved information is "3" to "4", the display time for the variation is set to "0.5 sec". In the third normal game state, the display time for confirmed symbols in the right operation port display unit DR and the display time for confirmed symbols in the symbol display device 75 are both standardized to "1 sec".

[0327] If a negative determination is made in step S1605 of Figure 30, that is, if the game is in the fourth normal game state corresponding to the low probability mode and high frequency support mode, the process proceeds to step S1607, where the setting process for the fourth normal game state is executed, and then the variable display time setting process is terminated.

[0328] In the setting process for the fourth normal game state, the table corresponding to the current game round is selected from the various variable display time tables for the fourth normal game state stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603, and the variable display time is set.

[0329] In the fourth normal gameplay state, the display time for fluctuations tends to be longer for special wins and misses compared to big wins. In particular, in the case of a miss, where no reach display occurs (a complete miss), the display time for fluctuations decreases as the number of stored reserve information increases. Similarly, in the case of a special win, no reach display occurs, and in this case as well, the display time for fluctuations decreases as the number of stored reserve information increases.

[0330] Figure 31(b4) shows the display time for the variation when there is a complete miss in the first normal game state. For example, if the number of stored reserved information is "0", the display time for the variation is set to "13 sec", if the number of stored reserved information is "1", the display time for the variation is set to "8 sec", if the number of stored reserved information is "2", the display time for the variation is set to "4 sec", and if the number of stored reserved information is "3" or "4", the display time for the variation is set to "2.5 sec". In the second normal game state, the display time for the confirmed symbols in the right operation port display unit DR and the display time for the confirmed symbols in the symbol display device 75 are both unified to "1 sec".

[0331] In this embodiment, the game is diversified by switching between the first normal game state and the fourth normal game state. In particular, when transitioning from the second normal game state to the third normal game state, the hurdle for this transition depends on the number of games played in which the high-frequency support mode continues (hereinafter referred to as "time-saving rounds"). The relationship between the type of jackpot result and the time-saving rounds will be explained below with reference to the schematic diagram in Figure 32.

[0332] (Number of time-saving sessions) If a regular 8R jackpot is achieved based on a ball entering the lower opening 62a, 50 rounds of time-saving spins are set, regardless of whether a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the game state at the time of winning. As mentioned above, in the special game state (open / close execution mode) corresponding to a regular 8R jackpot, the advantageous ball entry section 314 is temporarily opened, but the advantageous ball entry section 314 is closed before any game balls flowing into the upper large prize opening 311 reach it, effectively preventing balls from entering the advantageous ball entry section 314.

[0333] If the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot A based on a ball entering the lower opening 62a, the number of time-saving spins will be set to "100" regardless of whether the ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the state of play at the time of winning. If the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot B, the number of time-saving spins will be set to "70" regardless of whether the ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the state of play at the time of winning. If the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot C, the number of time-saving spins will be set to "50" regardless of whether the ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the state of play at the time of winning. If the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot D, the number of time-saving spins will be set to "30" regardless of whether the ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the state of play at the time of winning. If the result is a 6R probability variation jackpot E, the number of time-saving spins will be set to "10" regardless of whether the ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the state of play at the time of winning.

[0334] As mentioned above, in the special game state (open / close execution mode) corresponding to 6R probability variation jackpot results A to E, if game balls are continuously launched toward the right route, the configuration ensures that balls enter the advantageous ball entry section 314 in almost all cases, thereby preventing the transition to the high probability mode from being avoided despite a probability variation jackpot result.

[0335] If a 16R probability variation jackpot result A or 16R probability variation jackpot result B is achieved based on a ball entering the lower opening 62a, the number of time-saving rounds is set to "0", regardless of whether a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the game state at the time of winning. In other words, with these jackpot results, the game does not transition to the normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode after the special game state (open / close execution mode) ends. Specifically, if a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the game transitions to the second normal game state corresponding to the high-probability mode and low-frequency support mode, and if a ball does not enter the advantageous ball entry section 314, the game transitions to the first normal game state corresponding to the low-probability mode and low-frequency support mode.

[0336] If a 2R regular jackpot is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, 50 rounds of time-saving spins are set, regardless of whether a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the game state at the time of winning. As mentioned above, in the special game state (open / close execution mode) corresponding to a 2R regular jackpot, the advantageous ball entry section 314 is temporarily opened, but the advantageous ball entry section 314 is closed before any game balls that have flowed into the large prize entry port 311 reach it, effectively preventing balls from entering the advantageous ball entry section 314.

[0337] If a 2R probability variation jackpot is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, 50 rounds of time-saving bonus rounds are set, regardless of whether a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the game state at the time of winning.

[0338] If a 6R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "100". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds set will differ depending on the game state at the time the 6R probability variation jackpot result A was achieved. If a 6R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved during the first normal game state, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "1000". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved during the second to fourth normal game states, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "100".

[0339] If a 6R probability variation jackpot result B is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, the number of time-saving rounds will be set according to whether or not a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 and the state of play at the time of winning. Specifically, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result B is achieved in the first normal play state but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "100". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result B is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "70". Conversely, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result B is achieved in the first normal play state and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "1000". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result B is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "70".

[0340] If a 6R probability variation jackpot result C is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, the number of time-saving rounds will be set according to whether or not a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 and the state of play at the time of winning. Specifically, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result C is achieved in the first normal play state but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "100". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result C is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "50". Conversely, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result C is achieved in the first normal play state and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "1000". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result C is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "50".

[0341] If a 6R probability variation jackpot result D is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, the number of time-saving rounds will be set according to whether or not a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 and the state of play at the time of winning. Specifically, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result D is achieved in the first normal play state but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "100". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result D is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "30". Conversely, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result D is achieved in the first normal play state and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "1000". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result D is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "30".

[0342] If a 6R probability variation jackpot result E is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, the number of time-saving rounds will be set according to whether or not a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 and the state of play at the time of winning. Specifically, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result E is achieved in the first normal play state but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "100". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result E is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "10". Conversely, if a 6R probability variation jackpot result E is achieved in the first normal play state and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "1000". If a 6R probability variation jackpot result E is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "10".

[0343] If a 16R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, the number of time-saving rounds is set according to whether or not a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 and the state of play at the time of winning. Specifically, if a 16R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved in the first normal play state but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds is set to "100" and the game transitions to high-frequency support mode (transitions to the fourth normal play state). If a 6R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved in the second to fourth normal play states but no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds is set to "0" and the game does not transition to high-frequency support mode (transitions to the first normal play state). On the other hand, if a 16R probability variation jackpot result A is achieved in the first normal play state and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds is set to "1000" and the game transitions to high-frequency support mode (transitions to the second normal play state). If a 16R probability variation jackpot result A occurs during the second to fourth normal game state and a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the number of time-saving rounds is set to "0", and the game does not transition to high-frequency support mode (it transitions to the second normal game state).

[0344] If a 16R probability variation jackpot result B is achieved based on a ball entering the right operating port 63a, the number of time-saving rounds will be set to "0", regardless of whether a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 or the game state at the time of winning. Specifically, if no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the game will transition to the first normal game state, which corresponds to the low probability mode and low frequency support mode. If a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314, the game will transition to the second normal game state, which corresponds to the high probability mode and low frequency support mode.

[0345] In this embodiment, the special game state (open / close execution mode) that is entered when a jackpot is achieved is broadly divided into a first prize mode and a second prize mode, which differ in the variable prize device to be opened and the opening / closing manner. When a jackpot is achieved, the game transitions to the special game state corresponding to the first prize mode. In the special game state corresponding to the first prize mode (hereinafter referred to as the first special game state), the upper variable prize device 64 is set as the target to be opened, and the opening is repeated for a maximum of multiple rounds, with one round being defined as the elapsed time of a predetermined opening period (specifically 30 seconds) or the occurrence of a predetermined number of balls (specifically 9 balls). In contrast, when a special win is achieved, the game transitions to the special game state corresponding to the second prize mode. In the special game state corresponding to the second prize mode (hereinafter referred to as the second special game state), the lower variable prize device 65 is set as the target to be opened, and the second special game state ends when either a predetermined opening period (specifically 0.8 seconds) is elapsed or a predetermined number of balls (specifically 9 balls) are entered. Thus, the first special game state is set to have a relatively high frequency of winning, while the second special game state is set to have a relatively low frequency of winning, resulting in a difference in the number of prize balls that can be won.

[0346] (Game flow) Next, we will explain the basic flow of the game by referring to Figure 33. Figure 33 is a block diagram showing the flow of the game.

[0347] In the first normal game state, which is a low-probability mode and supports low-frequency support mode, a jackpot lottery is executed when a ball enters the lower operating port 62a located in the game area PE (left route). The first normal game state is set to be less advantageous for the player compared to other normal game states.

[0348] If any jackpot result occurs during the first normal game state, the game transitions to the first special game state (open / close execution mode). In the first special game state, the advantageous ball entry section 314 is opened according to the type of jackpot result. If a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 during the first special game state, the lottery mode after the first special game state ends becomes the high probability mode. If no ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 during the first special game state, the lottery mode after the first special game state ends becomes the low probability mode.

[0349] More specifically, if the first special game state is triggered by an 8R regular jackpot result or a 2R regular jackpot result, ball entry into the advantageous ball entry section 314 is effectively avoided. For this reason, the game state after the end of the first special game state becomes the fourth regular game state, which is a low probability mode and corresponds to a high frequency support mode. The fourth regular game state is maintained until the number of game rounds played reaches a predetermined number (50 rounds in this embodiment), and when the number of game rounds played reaches the predetermined number, the game transitions to the first regular game state, which is set to be less advantageous to the player than the fourth regular game state. In the fourth regular game state, although there is an upper limit on the number of game rounds, the game can be played while suppressing the decrease in the number of balls held with the support of the electric mechanism 71. Furthermore, since ball entry into the right operating opening 63a, which is favored to distribute jackpot results in a favorable manner to the player, is expected, there is a chance to transition to the second and third regular game states, which are more advantageous than the fourth regular game state.

[0350] As already explained, when a ball enters the right operating port 63a, the lottery based on that entry will result in a special win in almost all cases. In other words, in the fourth normal game state, a special win will occur in almost every game round, and the game will transition to the second special game state in each game round. When the game transitions to the second special game state, the lower variable prize entry device 65 will open, but most of the game balls launched to the right route will enter the right operating port 63a and be discharged from the game area PE, thus suppressing entries into the lower variable prize entry device 65. The movement of the game balls in the fourth normal game state will now be explained with reference to the schematic diagram in Figure 34.

[0351] In the fourth normal game state, the opening time of the electric mechanism 71 is extended from 0.08 sec to 5.7 sec, increasing the number of balls that enter the right operating opening 63a. Furthermore, the display time of the through gate display unit DS is shortened from 0.7 sec to 0.2 sec, reducing the time that the electric mechanism 71 is kept closed (first interval time), and thus reducing the number of game balls that pass through the right operating opening 63a without entering. As a result, almost all game balls launched to the right route will enter the right operating opening 63a.

[0352] Specifically, as shown in Figures 34(a) → 34(b) → 34(c), based on the passage of a game ball through the through gate 66, the shutter 331 of the electric mechanism 71 moves from the closed position to the open position, and the upstream passage 322 is interrupted. As a result, game balls passing through the upstream passage 322 flow into the right operating port 63a. Here, the time required for a game ball to pass over the shutter 331 (the first specific area SE1) is set to be slightly longer than the first interval time. Therefore, when game balls are continuously launched towards the right route, most of these game balls flow into the right operating port 63a, and movement toward the lower variable prize winning device 65 is avoided.

[0353] The number of prize balls dispensed by a ball entering the lower variable prize entry device 65 (lower large prize entry opening 341) is "10", and the number of prize balls dispensed by a ball entering the right operating ball entry section 63 (right operating opening 63a) is more than "1". However, as mentioned above, most of the game balls launched on the right route enter the right operating opening 63a, and prize balls entering the lower large prize entry opening 341 are rare. Therefore, in the fourth normal game state, it is possible to proceed with the game while suppressing the decrease in the number of balls held, but it is practically difficult to increase the number of balls held.

[0354] In this embodiment, when game balls are continuously launched to the right route in the fourth normal game state, the launch interval time is "0.6 sec", the closing time of the electric mechanism 71 is approximately "0.7 sec", the opening time of the electric mechanism 71 is "5.7 sec", the time required for a game round is "2 sec", and the time required for the second special game state is "0.8 sec". For the reasons above, when game balls are continuously launched to the right route in the fourth normal game state, there will be many instances of balls entering the right operating port 63a beyond the maximum reserve limit, i.e., over-entries where no new reserve information is acquired. Even in this case, the prize balls based on balls entering the right operating port 63a are guaranteed, so the rate at which the number of balls decreases will be significantly slower.

[0355] Returning to the explanation of Figure 33, if the first special game state is triggered by a 6R probability variation jackpot result A to E or a 2R probability variation jackpot result, as long as the launch of game balls toward the right route continues, balls will enter the advantageous ball entry section 314. For this reason, in most cases, the game state after the end of the first special game state becomes the second normal game state, which is a high probability mode and corresponds to a high frequency support mode.

[0356] In the second normal game state, the second normal game state is maintained until the number of game rounds played in that state reaches a predetermined number (10 to 100 rounds in this embodiment). Once the number of game rounds played reaches the predetermined number, the game transitions to a third normal game state, which is more advantageous to the player than the second normal game state.

[0357] During the second normal game state, the game count counter is displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 as information corresponding to the remaining number of games until the specified number is reached. The displayed game count counter counts down as the number of games progresses, and when the specified number is reached and the remaining number becomes "0", a display effect corresponding to the transition to the third normal game state is executed. This clearly indicates the transition to the third normal game state.

[0358] The second normal game state, like the fourth normal game state, supports a high-frequency support mode, allowing players to progress through the game while suppressing the reduction of their ball count with the support of the electric mechanism 71. In this state, although the lower variable prize-winning device 65 opens when a ball enters the right operating port 63a, most of the game balls launched on the right route enter the right operating port 63a, suppressing their arrival at the lower variable prize-winning device 65 located downstream of the right operating port 63a. Therefore, just like in the fourth normal game state, it is practically difficult to increase the number of balls held in the second normal game state. For details on the flow of game balls in the second normal game state, please refer to Figure 34.

[0359] Furthermore, in the second normal game state, when the number of reserved information (reserved number) is "3" to "4", the display time for the variation becomes "1 sec", which is shorter than the display time for the variation in the fourth normal game state ("2.5 sec"). By shortening the display time for the variation in this way, the second normal game state is differentiated from the fourth normal game state in that the game progresses at a faster pace.

[0360] In the second normal game state, if the number of game rounds played without a jackpot reaches a predetermined number, the support mode switches from high-frequency support mode to low-frequency support mode. In this embodiment, unlike the high-frequency support mode, there is no upper limit on the number of game rounds in the high-probability mode. Therefore, upon reaching the predetermined number, the game transitions to the third normal game state, which is both high-probability mode and low-frequency support mode.

[0361] As already explained, when a ball enters the right-hand opening 63a, the lottery based on that entry will result in a special win in almost all cases. In other words, in the third normal game state, a special win will occur in almost every game round, and the game will transition to the second special game state in each game round. This is the same as in the second and fourth normal game states described above.

[0362] However, when the game transitions to the second special game state, the lower variable prize-winning device 65 will open, but some of the game balls launched to the right route will pass through the right operating port 63a and head towards the lower variable prize-winning device 65, and the number of balls held will increase as a result of winning in the lower variable prize-winning device 65. The movement of the game balls in the third normal game state will be explained below with reference to the schematic diagrams in Figures 35 and 36.

[0363] The third normal game state corresponds to the low-frequency support mode, in which the opening time of the electric mechanism 71 is shortened from "5.7 sec" to "0.08 sec", and the display time of the through-gate display unit DS is extended from "0.2 sec" to "0.7 sec". In other words, the period during which the electric mechanism 71 is in the closed state is longer, and the period during which it is in the open state is shorter. Here, as mentioned above, the sum of the display time of the changing pattern on the through-gate display unit DS, "0.7 sec", and the display time of confirmation, "0.5 sec", is "1.2 sec", which is the time during which the shutter 331 is kept in the closed state, i.e., the effective interval time (hereinafter referred to as the second interval time). This second interval time is set to be longer than the time required for the game ball to pass above the shutter 331 (first specific area SE1). For this reason, some of the game balls launched to the right route will pass through the right operating port 63a and head towards the lower variable prize entry device 65. In other words, the number of balls entering the right-hand opening 63a decreases, and the number of balls passing through the right-hand opening 63a increases. As a result, the number of balls entering the lower large winning opening 341 increases.

[0364] Specifically, as shown in Figures 35(a) → 35(b) → 35(c), when a game ball passes through the through gate 66, the shutter 331 of the electric mechanism 71 moves from the closed position to the open position, and the upstream passage 322 is severed. As a result, game balls passing through the upstream passage 322 flow into the right operating opening 63a. When a prize is awarded in the right operating opening 63a, most of the lottery results become special prize results, and the lower variable prize award device 65 is opened.

[0365] As shown in Figures 35(d) to 36(e), when a game ball that has passed through the right operating opening 63a enters the lower variable prize entry device 65, 10 prize balls will be dispensed. The number of prize balls dispensed by entering the lower variable prize entry device 65 (lower large prize entry opening 341) is greater than the number of prize balls dispensed by entering the right operating ball entry section 63 (right operating opening 63a). As a result, the number of balls held increases.

[0366] Here, the time required to pass through the first specific area SE1 is longer than the game ball launch cycle of "0.6 sec", and the interval time for the electric mechanism 71 to go from open state to closed state to open state is "1.2 sec". Furthermore, the time "0.08 sec" for which the electric mechanism 71 is maintained in the open state is longer than the time required for the game ball on the shutter 331 to pass through the right operating opening 63a. For this reason, when game balls are continuously launched to the right route, a prize of 1 is awarded to the right operating opening 63a each time the electric mechanism 71 opens, and approximately half of the game balls that reach the ball entry unit 70 end up entering the right operating opening 63a.

[0367] Furthermore, in the third normal game state, when the number of stored reserved information (reserved number) is "3" to "4", the display time for the changing symbols on the right operation port display unit DR is 0.5 seconds, the confirmation display time is 1 second, and the ending time at the end of the second special game state is 0.2 seconds. In other words, when the transition to the second special game state is continuous, the interval time required for the lower variable prize device 65 to go from the accepting state to the non-accepting state and then back to the accepting state is "1.7 seconds". The time required for a game ball that has reached the lower variable prize device 65 to pass through the second specific area SE2 is longer than that interval time. For this reason, most of the game balls that pass through the right operation port 63a and reach the lower variable prize device 65 will enter the lower large prize port 341 (see Figures 36(e) and 36(f)). Overall, although some thinning may occur, the system is configured such that approximately one in two game balls launched along the right route and reaching the ball entry unit 70 enters the right operating opening 63a, and approximately one in two enters the lower large prize opening 341.

[0368] In the third normal game state, although the number of balls entering the right operating port 63a and the rate of ball entry are not as high as in the second and fourth normal game states, balls enter the right operating port 63a consistently, and the game progresses with the number of reserved balls related to the right operating port 63a fluctuating between "3" and "4". However, strictly speaking, in the second and fourth normal game states, the configuration was such that ball entry occurred frequently, significantly exceeding the upper limit of the reserved balls, whereas in the third normal game state, ball entry only slightly exceeds the upper limit of the reserved balls. However, considering that no new reserved ball information is acquired when ball entry exceeds the upper limit, the actual change in the reserved balls is not affected as much as the difference in the number of ball entry and the rate of ball entry. In other words, the second and fourth normal game states are configured to make it easy for ball entry to occur exceeding the upper limit of the reserved balls, and are differentiated from the third normal game state so that there are more ball entry events for which no reserved ball information is acquired.

[0369] Here, the condition for transitioning from the second normal game state to the third normal game state is to play the maximum number of rounds (specified number of rounds or time-saving rounds) set when transitioning to the second normal game state, but this upper limit differs depending on the type of jackpot result that triggered the transition to the second normal game state. For example, the upper limit is set to "50" rounds for a 2R probability variation jackpot result, to "100" rounds for a 6R probability variation jackpot result A, to "70" rounds for a 6R probability variation jackpot result B, to "50" rounds for a 6R probability variation jackpot result C, to "30" rounds for a 6R probability variation jackpot result D, and to "10" rounds for a 6R probability variation jackpot result E. In other words, the probability of transitioning to the third normal game state increases in the following order: 6R probability variation jackpot result A < 6R probability variation jackpot result B < 6R probability variation jackpot result C, 2R probability variation jackpot result < 6R probability variation jackpot result D < 6R probability variation jackpot result E. By creating differences in the hurdles for transitioning to the third normal game state in this way, the gameplay is diversified.

[0370] If a jackpot is achieved in the third normal game state, the game will transition to the first special game state. If the current first special game state is triggered by a 16R probability variation jackpot result A or 16R probability variation jackpot result B, the game will immediately return to the third normal game state after the first special game state ends, giving the player a chance to increase their winnings. On the other hand, if the current third normal game state is triggered by a 2R probability variation jackpot result, or any of the 6R probability variation jackpot results A through E, the game will transition to the second normal game state after the first special game state ends, and the game will continue with the aim of transitioning back to the third normal game state.

[0371] In this embodiment, although there is still a chance to return to the third normal game state in both the second normal game state and the fourth normal game state, when considering the return to the third normal game state via the second normal game state, a difference is made such that it is easier to return to the second normal game state than to the fourth normal game state.

[0372] As detailed above, the pachinko machine 10 in this embodiment is configured to generate two states with different ways of increasing the number of balls held by the player. The combination of these two increases prevents the game from becoming monotonous in a game state that is advantageous to the player. Here, with reference to Figure 37, the relationship between the flow of the game and the number of balls held in this pachinko machine 10 will be explained in more detail.

[0373] In the first normal game state, if the game balls are launched to the left route, the number of balls held will decrease as the game progresses. If a jackpot is hit while the investment continues in this manner, and the game transitions to the first special game state, the number of balls held will increase significantly due to frequent entries into the upper variable prize entry device 64. Specifically, the first special game state is configured so that it is possible for a total of 9 balls to enter during a round of gameplay. Since 14 game balls are dispensed for each entry, 126 game balls can be acquired in one round. Furthermore, since this round of gameplay is repeated multiple times with a 2-second interval, there is a chance to acquire a large number of game balls at once.

[0374] In the first round of the first special game state, the advantageous ball entry section 314 is opened. If a ball enters the advantageous ball entry section 314 in this round, the game transitions to the second normal game state after the first special game state ends. In the second normal game state, the support mode of the electric mechanism 71 becomes the high-frequency support mode. In the high-frequency support mode, most of the game balls launched to the right route will enter the right operating port 63a, but only one prize ball is dispensed for each ball that enters the right operating port 63a. Furthermore, considering that some of the game balls launched to the right route are discharged from the game area PE without entering any prize ball corresponding ball entry sections, the number of balls held will gradually decrease even in the second normal game state. However, since prize balls can be obtained by entering the right operating port 63a, the rate at which the number of balls decreases is slower compared to the first normal game state.

[0375] As already explained, if the number of game rounds played without a jackpot after transitioning to the second normal game state reaches the above limit, the game transitions to the third normal game state. In the third normal game state, the high probability mode is maintained, but the support mode switches to the low frequency support mode, and the number of game balls that pass through the right operating opening 63a increases. Most of the game balls that pass through the right operating opening 63a will enter the lower large prize opening 341. As mentioned above, of the game balls that reach the ball entry unit 70, about half go to the lower variable prize entry device 65, and each time the game enters the second special game state and the lower variable prize entry device 65 enters the receiving state, about one prize is awarded. Since the number of prize balls paid out by an entry into the lower variable prize entry device 65 is 10, the number of balls held increases by 10 each time the game transitions to the second special game state. In other words, the number of balls held increases by about 10 with each game round. In light of these circumstances, if the game transitions to the third normal game state, the chances of repeatedly transitioning to the third special game state by obtaining a special win result between big wins present a significant opportunity to increase the number of balls held.

[0376] (Time reduction) As detailed above, when transitioning from the second normal game state, which corresponds to high probability mode and high frequency support mode, to the third normal game state, which corresponds to high probability mode and low frequency support mode, the number of game balls passing through the right-side operating ball entry section 63 increases, and these game balls enter the lower variable prize entry device 65, resulting in the payout of many prize balls. As a result, the number of balls held by the player begins to increase. The third normal game state continues until a jackpot result (normal jackpot result or probability variation jackpot result) occurs during that third normal game state.

[0377] During the period between a big win and the end of the third normal game state, special win results occur repeatedly, and each time the game transitions to the second special game state, providing a chance to significantly increase the number of balls held. For this reason, compared to the second normal game state, where virtually no increase in the number of balls can be expected, it is assumed that the third normal game state will attract even more attention to the game and increase the player's desire to play. One of the features of this embodiment is that the rhythm of the game progress is changed in accordance with these changes in the game state, thereby further enhancing the player's sense of excitement as the advantage level increases. Below, with reference to Figure 31 again, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the configuration related to the change in the rhythm of the game progress. As already explained, Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing the variable display time and confirmed display time set in the game round corresponding to a losing result (more specifically, a complete losing result that does not correspond to the reach display) or a special win result.

[0378] The display time for the changing symbols in the lower operation port display unit DL on the main display unit 81 is the same for both the second normal game state and the third normal game state (see Figures 31(a2) and (a3)). In contrast, the display time for the changing symbols in the right operation port display unit DR is shorter in the third normal game state compared to the second normal game state.

[0379] Specifically, in the second and third normal game states, most of the lottery results based on balls entering the right operating port 63a are either special wins or losses. As shown in Figure 31(b2), in the second normal game state, when the number of reserved balls related to the right operating port 63a is "0", the display time corresponding to the special win or loss is "13 seconds", when the number of reserved balls is "1", the display time corresponding to the special win or loss is "8 seconds", when the number of reserved balls is "2", the display time corresponding to the special win or loss is "4 seconds", and when the number of reserved balls is "3" to "4", the display time corresponding to the special win or loss is "1 second". In contrast, in the third normal game state, as shown in Figure 31(b3), when the number of reserved balls related to the right operating port 63a is "0" to "2", the display time corresponding to the special win or loss is "4 seconds", and when the number of reserved balls is "3" to "4", the display time corresponding to the special win or loss is "0.5 seconds".

[0380] As described above, in the second and third normal game states, game balls launched to the right route enter the right operating port 63a and are prevented from entering the lower operating port 62a. Furthermore, when game balls are continuously launched to the right route, in both the second and third normal game states, game balls enter the right operating port 63a at a constant rate, with the number of reserved balls remaining near the upper limit ("3" to "4"). For this reason, when game balls are continuously launched to the right route, in the second normal game state, the display time for fluctuations in most game rounds (game rounds involving the right operating port 63a) is "1 sec", and in the third normal game state, the display time for fluctuations in most game rounds (game rounds involving the right operating port 63a) is "0.5 sec".

[0381] Here, with reference to Figure 38, the flow of gameplay in each game state will be explained. Figure 38(a) is a timing chart showing the flow of gameplay in the second normal game state, which corresponds to the high probability mode and high frequency support mode, and Figure 38(b) is a timing chart showing the flow of gameplay in the third normal game state, which corresponds to the high probability mode and low frequency support mode. In Figure 38(a), an example is given in which the number of reserved balls related to the right operation port 63a changes from "3" to "4" as the game progresses, and a special win result occurs in each game round related to the right operation port 63a, causing the second normal game state and the second special game state to loop. In Figure 38(b), an example is given in which the number of reserved balls related to the right operation port 63a changes from "3" to "4" as the game progresses, and a special win result occurs in each game round related to the right operation port 63a, causing the third normal game state and the second special game state to loop.

[0382] As shown in Figure 38(a), in the second normal game state, after the fluctuation display (1 sec) of the right operation port display unit DR is executed, the game transitions to the second special game state when the confirmation display (1 sec) of the symbols corresponding to the lottery result is completed. As a result, the lower variable prize device 65 switches from the closed state to the open state. The lower variable prize device 65 is kept in the open state for "0.8 sec", but most of the game balls flowing down the right route flow into the right operation port 63a, effectively preventing them from entering the lower variable prize device 65. When the lower variable prize device 65 returns to the closed state and the ending time (0.2 sec) of the second special game state has elapsed, the fluctuation display of the right operation port display unit DR starts again. From there, the game progresses in the same manner as described above, repeating until the number of time-saving rounds is used up or a jackpot result is achieved.

[0383] As shown in Figure 38(b), in the third normal game state, after the fluctuation display (0.5 sec) of the right operation port display unit DR is executed, the game transitions to the second special game state when the confirmation display (1 sec) of the symbols corresponding to the lottery result is completed, and the lower variable prize device 65 switches from the closed state to the open state. Then, as in the case of going through the second normal game state, the lower variable prize device 65 is maintained in the open state for "0.8 sec". As for the game balls flowing down the right route, most of them flow into the right operation port 63a, but some pass through the right operation ball entry section 63 and head towards the lower variable prize device 65. Then, each time these game balls enter the lower variable prize device 65, a large number of prize balls are dispensed. When the lower variable prize winning device 65 returns to the closed state and the ending time (0.2 sec) has elapsed, the variable display on the right operating port display unit DR starts again, and thereafter the game proceeds in the same manner as described above, repeating until a jackpot result is achieved and the game transitions to the first special game state.

[0384] In the third normal game state, the interval time (2.5 seconds) from when the symbol change display starts on the right-side display unit DR to when the symbol change display starts again after the confirmation display and the second special game state is shorter than the interval time (3 seconds) in the second normal game state from when the symbol change display starts on the right-side display unit DR to when the symbol change display starts again after the confirmation display and the second special game state. In other words, the game progresses slightly faster in the third normal game state compared to the second normal game state.

[0385] In the third normal game state, balls enter the lower variable prize device 65, thus increasing attention to the second special game state. Therefore, the second special game state becomes more noticeable compared to the second normal game state, where balls entering the lower variable prize device 65 are substantially avoided. When switching between the normal game state and the second special game state, the prominence of the second special game state increases the likelihood of giving players the impression that the game is progressing slowly. This is a concern as it may hinder the enhancement of the player's sense of excitement. In this regard, as shown in this embodiment, by increasing the game's progress speed in the third normal game state compared to the second normal game state, it is possible to reduce the impression of such a situation, and the effect of enhancing the player's sense of excitement upon transitioning to the third normal game state can be suitably achieved.

[0386] Furthermore, in the third normal game state, the interval time (1.7 sec) during which the lower variable prize device 65 is kept closed when it is continuously switched to the open state is shorter than the interval time (2.2 sec) during which the lower variable prize device 65 is kept closed when it is continuously switched to the open state in the second normal game state. This reduces the possibility that game balls that reach the lower variable prize device 65 will pass through it without opening. In this way, by shortening the interval time during which players wait for the device to open, it is possible to create the impression that the game is accelerating while minimizing significant changes in play time.

[0387] As already explained, in this embodiment, by making the support mode of the electric mechanism 71 attached to the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switchable between a low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode, it is possible to create a difference in the frequency of balls entering the right operating opening 63a. Considering these circumstances, it is also considered preferable to configure the system so that the display time for fluctuations is shorter in the high-frequency support mode, where the frequency of ball entry is higher, in order to achieve smooth game progression. However, as mentioned above, when comparing the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode, although the high-frequency support mode is indeed advantageous in that more prize balls can be obtained based on ball entry into the right operating opening 63a, there is no difference in the number of reserved information acquired based on ball entry, as a memory limit is set for reserved information and ball entry exceeding that memory limit occurs at all times in both the first normal game state and the third normal game state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the speed of game progression described above is achieved by deliberately shortening the display time for fluctuations in the third normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode.

[0388] In the third normal game state, the player can expect an increase in their number of balls by repeatedly transitioning to the second special game state, thus differentiating it from the second normal game state. Furthermore, in the third normal game state, the rhythmic loop between the third normal game state and the second special game state emphasizes the smoothness of the game. In this embodiment, the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a and the game rounds related to the right operating port 63a can proceed simultaneously (in parallel), and as shown in Figure 11, the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a do not result in a special win. In other words, if the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a are executed even after transitioning to the third normal game state, the smoothness of the third normal game state described above may not be properly conveyed to the player, or the player may get the impression that they have lost out by playing rounds unnecessarily. One of the features of this embodiment is that measures have been taken to address these issues. The outline of these measures will be explained below with reference to Figure 39.

[0389] As already explained, during the first special game state, neither the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a nor the game rounds related to the right operating port 63a progress. Therefore, if a jackpot result is obtained from the reserved information related to the lower operating port 62a during the first normal game state and the game transitions to the second normal game state, there is a possibility that the reserved information related to the lower operating port 62a acquired during the first normal game state will be carried over to the second normal game state.

[0390] In the second normal game state, the number of time-saving rounds is basically set to be between "10" and "100". Each time-saving round is subtracted when a game round related to the lower operation port 62a or a game round related to the right operation port 63a is executed. If the second normal game state continues until the number of time-saving rounds becomes "0", the game transitions directly to the third normal game state without going through the first special game state. In this embodiment, the number of time-saving rounds set in the second normal game state is defined so that even if there is any pending information related to the lower operation port 62a remaining when transitioning to the second normal game state, all of that pending information can be used up before transitioning to the third normal game state (while in the second normal game state). In this way, by avoiding the carrying over of pending information to the third normal game state, after transitioning to the third normal game state, the game proceeds based on the pending information related to the right operation port 63a. The specific configuration for realizing such a function will be explained below with reference to Figures 40 and 41. Figure 40 illustrates the case where the number of reserved balls related to the right operating port 63a is "0" when transitioning to the second normal game state, and Figure 41 illustrates the case where the number of reserved balls related to the right operating port 63a has reached the upper limit ("4") when transitioning to the second normal game state.

[0391] As shown in Figure 40, if the number of reserved balls related to the lower operating port 62a reaches the memory limit ("4") at the time of transitioning from the first special game state to the second normal game state, the number of game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a will be executed up to the memory limit (4 times) in the second normal game state. In the second normal game state, regardless of the number of reserved balls related to the lower operating port 62a, the display time for the change in the symbols on the lower operating port display unit DL is "0.5 sec" and the display time for the confirmed symbols is "0.5 sec". Therefore, the time required to execute the above-mentioned maximum number of game rounds is (change display time: 0.5 sec + confirmed display time: 0.5 sec) × memory limit: 4 = 4 sec.

[0392] As the game transitions to the first special game state, the route advantageous to the player changes from the left route to the right route. Therefore, by launching the game ball towards the right route, the reserved information related to the right operating port 63a is automatically acquired. However, during the first special game state, the upper variable prize entry device 64, located upstream of the right operating port 63a, switches to the open state, obstructing the flow of game balls toward the right operating ball entry section 63. For this reason, although the right operating ball entry section 63 also switches to the open state during the first special game state, most game balls do not reach the right operating ball entry section 63, and ball entry into the right operating port 63a is suppressed.

[0393] In the example shown in Figure 40, when the first special game state ends and the game transitions to the second normal game state, a ball enters the right operation port 63a, and the display of changing symbols begins on the right operation port display unit DR. At this transition timing, the number of reserved balls related to the right operation port 63a is "0", so the display time on the right operation port display unit DR is "13 seconds". Although most of the game rounds related to the right operation port 63a result in a special win, there is at least "13 seconds" of leeway before the confirmation display corresponding to the special win result is executed on the right operation port 63a. This time is longer than the time required to process all the reserved information related to the lower operation port 62a as described above. Therefore, all the reserved information related to the lower operation port 62a is processed before the display of changing symbols on the right operation port display unit DR ends, that is, before the time reduction rounds that trigger the transition to the third normal game state are consumed. The minimum number of time reduction rounds that are set is greater than the upper limit of the reserved information related to the lower operation port 62a (specifically, the upper limit + 1). Therefore, the game will not transition to the third normal game state while the pending information related to the lower operating port 62a remains.

[0394] As mentioned above, during the first special game state, most of the game balls launched to the right route enter the upper variable prize entry device 64, but some game balls pass through the upper variable prize entry device 64 and enter the right operation port 63a. When transitioning from the first normal game state to the second normal game state, most of the first special game state results in a jackpot with a relatively small number of rounds (for example, a 6R probability variation jackpot), and although the number of game balls flowing to the right operation ball entry section 63 is suppressed, it cannot be ruled out that the number of reserved balls related to the right operation port 63a may reach the memory limit during the first special game state due to accidental bias, etc. Furthermore, the display unit DR for the right operation port is set so that the more reserved balls related to the right operation port 63a there are, the shorter the display time for the changing patterns. Specifically, as shown in Figure 31, when the number of reserved balls is "4", the display time for the changing patterns is shortened to "1 sec". Therefore, unlike the example shown in Figure 40, it is impossible to process all the reserved information related to the lower operating port 62a in one game round related to the right operating port 63a. However, even in such a case, all the reserved information related to the lower operating port 62a is processed before transitioning to the third normal game state. The basis for this will be explained below with reference to the timing chart in Figure 41.

[0395] In the example shown in Figure 41, the number of reserved balls related to the lower operating port 62a reaches the memory limit ("4") at the time of transition from the first special game state to the second normal game state. In this case, after transitioning to the second normal game state, the number of game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a will be executed up to the memory limit (4 times). In the second normal game state, regardless of the number of reserved balls related to the lower operating port 62a, the display time for the change in the symbols on the lower operating port display unit DL is "0.5 sec" and the display time for the confirmed symbols is "0.5 sec". Therefore, the time required to execute the above-mentioned maximum number of game rounds is (change display time: 0.5 sec + confirmed display time: 0.5 sec) × memory limit: 4 = 4 sec.

[0396] If the number of reserved symbols related to the right operating port 63a reaches its upper limit ("4") at the timing of the transition to the second normal game state, the display of changing symbols on the right operating port display unit DR will begin at the timing of the transition to the second normal game state. The display time set for this changing display is "1 sec". Since this reserved information corresponds to the special win result, after the transition to the second normal game state, the game will transition to the second special game state at the timing when the display time of changing symbols (1 sec) and the confirmation display time (1 sec) on the right operating port display unit DR have elapsed. In other words, the number of reserved symbols related to the lower operating port 62a that are consumed before the transition to the second special game state will be 2, and 2 reserved symbols related to the lower operating port 62a will remain even after the end of the second special game state.

[0397] The duration of the second special game state is "1 second," which is the sum of the time the lower variable prize-winning device 65 is kept open (0.8 seconds) and the ending time (0.2 seconds). However, during this time, neither the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a nor the game rounds related to the right operating port 63a progress. The game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a and the game rounds related to the right operating port 63a begin simultaneously when the second special game state ends and the game returns to the second normal game state.

[0398] Here, even during the second special game state, the main destination for game balls launched to the right route is the right operation port 63a. Therefore, if game balls are continuously launched towards the right route, a ball may enter the right operation port 63a during the second special game state, and the number of reserved balls related to the right operation port 63a may reach the memory limit again. In the example shown in Figure 41, the number of reserved balls related to the right operation port 63a has reached the memory limit during the second special game state, and the display time for the changing symbols executed by the display unit DR for the right operation port after returning to the second normal game state is "1 sec".

[0399] In the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a, the display time for the variation is set to "0.5 sec" regardless of the remaining number of reserved balls. Therefore, the third and fourth game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a are completed during the second game round related to the right operating port 63a. In other words, even if the game rounds related to the right operating port 63a are completed in the shortest possible time, all game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a will be completed while the game rounds related to the right operating port 63a are being executed twice. Furthermore, the sum of the game rounds related to the lower operating port 62a (4 rounds) and the game rounds related to the right operating port 63a (2 rounds) (6 rounds) is less than the minimum number of time-saving rounds set in the second normal game state (10 rounds), so all reserved ball information related to the lower operating port 62a will be consumed before the time-saving rounds that trigger the transition to the third normal game state are consumed.

[0400] In other words, in this embodiment, as long as the game ball is launched to the right route during the second normal game state, all the reserved information related to the lower operation port 62a will be consumed before the transition to the third normal game state, and at least in the third normal game state, the game can be played using only the game rounds related to the right operation port 63a.

[0401] Furthermore, in order to implement such a function, it is also possible to set the minimum number of time-saving actions to 6 instead of 10.

[0402] As detailed above, the transition from the first normal game state to the second normal game state is configured to go through the first special game state, but the transition from the second normal game state to the third normal game state is configured to go directly. Therefore, if the game speed is accelerated when transitioning from the second normal game state to the third normal game state, the difference can be made more noticeable. With this configuration, the change can be easily understood without having to make the difference in the display time of the changing symbols excessively large between the second normal game state and the third normal game state. Thus, by suppressing the extremely short display time of the changing symbols in a configuration that changes the game speed, it is possible to ensure that there is an opportunity to visually confirm the changing display of the symbols.

[0403] If the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is configured to be openable and closable, the frequency of ball entry can be increased depending on the situation. By combining this configuration with a configuration in which the display time of the changing patterns on the operating port display section shortens as the number of stored reserved information increases, it becomes possible to suitably increase the speed of gameplay. Here, if the configuration includes the display time of the changing patterns when the number of stored reserved information reaches the storage limit as a target for shortening the period associated with the transition from the second normal game state, which is advantageous to the player, to the even more advantageous third normal game state, the speed of gameplay can be increased when balls are frequently entering the right-side operating ball entry section 63. Therefore, the effect of increasing the speed of gameplay when transitioning from the second normal game state to the third normal game state can be suitably demonstrated.

[0404] If the display time for confirmed symbols on the right-side display unit DR is set to be the same in both the second and third normal game states, and the display time for the variable symbols is set to be longer or shorter before and after the game state switch relative to that confirmed display time, players who focus on the symbols can compare the length of the variable display time based on the same standard (common confirmed display time). This makes it easier to convey to the player that the game is progressing faster.

[0405] Furthermore, by shortening the display time of the changing symbols for the right operating port 63a, which is the main ball entry point in the third normal game state, the effect of time reduction can be optimally realized. And, by making the display time of the changing symbols for the lower operating port 62a, which is not the main ball entry point, the same in the second and third normal game states, it is possible to suppress the factor that would cause excessive complexity in the symbol display control processing while improving the exhilaration by changing the speed of game progression.

[0406] In the configuration shown in this embodiment, an increase in the number of balls held can be expected by repeatedly transitioning from the third normal game state to the second special game state. Here, the pace of transitioning to the second special game state depends on the rate at which game rounds are played. As described above, by increasing this rate of play from the second normal game state in the third normal game state, the speed at which the number of balls held can be increased can be changed (made faster) without excessively complicating the various structures provided in the game area, etc.

[0407] Furthermore, if transitions to the second special game state occur frequently during the third normal game state, the game may be prolonged due to the time required to execute the second special game state. This can hinder the increase in the speed of gameplay during the third normal game state. Therefore, by configuring the game so that the display time of the changing symbols is shortened when a special win occurs during the second normal game state, the game speed can be increased and the sense of exhilaration during gameplay can be improved, even when transitions to the second special game state are repeated.

[0408] If a jackpot is achieved in the first normal game state and the game transitions to the second normal game state, a time-saving round (corresponding to the "standard round") is set as the number of rounds that can be played in the second normal game state. When the number of rounds played in the second normal game state reaches the set time-saving round, the game transitions to the third normal game state. Here, the number of time-saving rounds is set so that all special information related to the first ball entry section can be consumed during the second normal game state. Therefore, if the game transitions from the second normal game state to the third normal game state without a jackpot, all the reserved information related to the lower operating port 62a will be consumed during the second normal game state, and the carryover to the third normal game state will be avoided. In other words, in the third normal game state, the rounds of play will proceed based on the reserved information related to the right operating port 63a. In this way, by suppressing the intervention of rounds of play related to the lower operating port 62a, it is possible to make the game in the third normal game state proceed smoothly. In particular, in a configuration where the lottery based on the right operating port 63a is more favorable than the lottery based on the lower operating port 62a, by processing the reserved information related to the lower operating port 62a before transitioning to the third normal game state, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the player's advantage in the third normal game state.

[0409] (Valid period for ball entry) In this embodiment, the right-side operating ball entry section 63 has a larger entrance (right operating opening 63a) to increase the frequency of game ball entry. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 42, the width of the right operating opening 63a is made larger than twice the diameter of a game ball so that multiple game balls can pass through it simultaneously. Game balls that enter the right operating opening 63a are guided to a collection passage located behind the game board 60 via a single ball entry passage that is narrowed to prevent multiple game balls from passing through simultaneously. The detection sensor 391d is positioned midway along this ball entry passage as a ball entry detection means for detecting game balls that have entered the right operating opening 63a. In other words, all game balls that enter the right operating opening 63a pass through the detection sensor 391d (specifically the detection area DE) and head towards the collection passage.

[0410] Here, if the right operating port 63a is enlarged to expand the range in which game balls can be received in the right operating port 63a, a certain amount of time lag will occur for game balls that have entered the right operating port 63a to pass through the detection area DE, due to the passage structure and other reasons mentioned above. Taking this time lag into consideration, the effective time of the detection sensor 391d, or more specifically, the time during which the main control device 162 is permitted to read (receive) information from the detection sensor 391, is extended to match the time required for game balls that have entered the right operating port 63a to reach the detection area DE (see Figure 27). In other words, even after the right operating ball entry section 63 is switched to the closed state, game ball detection remains effective until the above required time has elapsed, and game balls that enter just before switching to the closed state are included in the detection target, thereby suppressing the factor that would reduce a player's motivation to play if they do not receive a reward despite entering the right operating port 63a.

[0411] Furthermore, positioning the detection sensor 391d away from the right operating port 63a is preferable not only for ensuring detection accuracy by restricting the passage of multiple game balls through the detection area DE at once, but also for suppressing unauthorized access to the detection sensor 391d using fraudulent devices, etc.

[0412] In this embodiment, one of the features is that the interval time during which the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is maintained in a closed state is suppressed by using the effective time of the detection sensor 391d for the right operating opening 63a to perform the display of changing patterns and the display of confirmed patterns on the through-gate display unit DS. The relationship between the effective time and the display of patterns on the through-gate display unit DS will be explained below with reference to Figure 43. Figure 43(a) is a timing chart illustrating the flow of gameplay in low-frequency support mode, and Figure 43(b) is a timing chart illustrating the flow of the game machine in high-frequency support mode.

[0413] In low-frequency support mode, the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is kept open for 0.08 seconds. This open time is set to allow sufficient time for a game ball located on the shutter 331, which is positioned in the closed position, to pass through the right operating opening 63a as it falls under its own weight due to the displacement of the shutter 331 to the open position. The detection sensor 391d is activated when the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches to the open position and remains activated for 0.7 seconds after the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches to the closed position.

[0414] In the through-gate display unit DS, while the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is open, the display of changing symbols is not executed even if an electric ball reserve is stored. The display of changing symbols begins when the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches to the closed state. In other words, the display of changing symbols begins when the detection sensor 391d is activated.

[0415] During low-frequency support mode, the display time for the changing symbols on the through-gate display unit DS is "0.7 sec," so the confirmation display will start when the above effective time has elapsed.

[0416] The display time for confirming the pattern in the through-gate display unit DS is "0.5 sec". In the example in Figure 43(a), the case where the support lottery is won is illustrated, and the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 switches from the closed state to the open state when the confirmation display time has elapsed. In this way, when the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 repeatedly switches to the open state, the interval time during which it is maintained in the closed state is the sum of the pattern change display time in the through-gate display unit DS (over the effective time of the detection sensor 391d: 0.7 sec) and the pattern confirmation display time in the through-gate display unit DS (0.5 sec) (1.2 sec). As described above, the time required (1 sec) for the game ball rolling on the shutter 331 to pass through the first specific area SE1 is shorter than the above interval time. In other words, during the low-frequency support mode, some of the game balls that reach the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 pass through the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 and head towards the lower variable prize entry device 65.

[0417] Thus, configuring the display unit DS for the through gate to show fluctuations prior to the effective time of the detection sensor 391d has technical significance in that it ensures a certain amount of ball entry into the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 while encouraging some game balls to enter the lower variable prize entry device 65.

[0418] In contrast, in high-frequency support mode, the time during which the right-side operating ball entry section 63 remains open is longer than in low-frequency support mode, extending to 5.7 seconds. The detection sensor 391d is activated when the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches to the open state, and remains activated for 0.7 seconds after the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches to the closed state. This time is the same as in low-frequency support mode.

[0419] In this case, in the through-gate display unit DS, as in the low-frequency support mode, the display of changing symbols is not executed while the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 is open, even if an electric power reserve is stored. The display of changing symbols begins when the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 switches to the closed state. In other words, the display of changing symbols begins when the detection sensor 391d is activated.

[0420] During high-frequency support mode, the display time for the changing patterns on the through-gate display unit DS is shortened to "0.2 sec". The display time for the confirmed patterns on the through-gate display unit DS is "0.5 sec", and the sum of the changing display time and the confirmed display time (0.7 sec) is the same length as the above-mentioned excess of the effective time (0.7 sec). In the example in Figure 43(b), the case in which the support lottery is won is illustrated, and the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 switches from the closed state to the open state when the confirmed display time has elapsed. In this way, when the right-side operating ball entry unit 63 repeatedly switches to the open state, the interval time during which it is maintained in the closed state is the sum of the display time for the changing patterns on the through-gate display unit DS and the display time for the confirmed patterns on the through-gate display unit DS (0.7 sec), that is, the excess of the effective time of the detection sensor 391d, so that the detection sensor 391d remains activated for an extended period.

[0421] As described above, the time required (1 sec) for a game ball rolling on the shutter 331 to pass through the first specific area SE1 is longer than the interval time mentioned above. In other words, during high-frequency support mode, most game balls that reach the right-side operating ball entry section 63 enter the said right-side operating ball entry section 63, and are prevented from heading towards the lower variable prize entry device 65.

[0422] In the second normal game state, which supports high-frequency support mode, the configuration is designed so that balls enter the lower variable prize device 65 almost never, in order to differentiate it from the third normal game state, which supports low-frequency support mode. By avoiding balls entering the lower variable prize device 65 in this way, the increase in the number of balls held in the second normal game state is suppressed. In this embodiment, the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is quickly switched to the open state when the effective time of the detection sensor 391d is used to display the changing and confirmed patterns on the through-gate display section DS. This makes it possible to keep the interval time during which the right-side operating ball entry section 63 is maintained in the closed state shorter than the time required for the game ball to pass through the first specific area SE1.

[0423] As shown in this embodiment, in a configuration in which the right-side operating ball entry section 63 frequently switches to the open state in both the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the display of changing patterns and confirmation displays on the through-gate display section DS can be performed using the effective time of the detection sensor 391d, thereby contributing to the smooth progress of the game.

[0424] When the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches from the open state to the closed state, the ball entry remains valid for a predetermined period of time even after switching to the closed state. This allows, for example, game balls that flow into the right operating opening 63a at the same time as the switch to the closed state to also be eligible for bonuses. This is preferable in order to avoid factors that would reduce the player's motivation to play, such as the loss of bonuses that would otherwise be available. In this embodiment, if an electric bonus is stored before the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches to the closed state, the display of changing patterns on the through-gate display section DS starts without waiting for the valid time to elapse. By starting the display of changing patterns during the valid time in this way, and overlapping the valid time and the pattern display time at least partially, it is possible to prevent the pattern pattern display time and the confirmed display time from becoming extremely short when switching the right-side operating ball entry section 63 from the open state to the closed state and then back to the open state to quickly advance the game. This is preferable in order to increase the player's attention to the game.

[0425] Furthermore, by setting the effective time based on the time required for the game ball to move from the right operating port 63a to the detection area DE, it is possible to prevent the effective time from becoming excessively long in order to ensure the player's interests. This is a desirable configuration in order to suppress fraudulent activities related to the right operating ball entry section 63 while ensuring the player's interests.

[0426] In a configuration where an electric bonus is acquired based on the passage of a game ball through the through gate 66, the electric bonus is not necessarily acquired and stored before the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches from the open state to the closed state; it may also be acquired and stored after it switches to the closed state. Therefore, by configuring the system so that when an electric bonus is newly acquired during the effective time after the right-side operating ball entry section 63 switches to the closed state, the display of the changing patterns on the through gate display section DS starts during that effective time, it is possible to contribute to smoother gameplay compared to a configuration that waits for the effective time to elapse before starting the display of the changing patterns.

[0427] In this embodiment, the symbol display device 75 (display screen 75a) is configured to display information indicating the third normal game state, which is reached when the game progresses without a jackpot in the second normal game state, as well as information such as the remaining number of games until the transition to the third normal game state. The electrical configuration related to the display of the various types of information described above will be further explained below with reference to the block diagram in Figure 44.

[0428] (Notification / Performance Control Device 143 and Display Control Device 710) The notification and effect control board 651 of the notification and effect control device 143 is equipped with an MPU 602. The MPU 602 contains a ROM 603 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 602, a RAM 604 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 603, and various circuits such as interrupt circuits, timer circuits, and data input / output circuits. It should be noted that it is not a mandatory configuration for the ROM 603 and RAM 604 to be integrated into a single chip for the MPU 602; they may be configured as separate chips.

[0429] The MPU602 is equipped with input and output ports. The input side of the MPU602 is connected to the main control unit 162, from which it receives game turn control commands (game turn control information) such as the variation start command, type command, and variation end command mentioned above. It also receives hold display control commands (hold display control information) such as the shift command and hold command, as well as open / close execution mode commands (open / close execution mode information) such as the opening command and ending command.

[0430] As previously explained, the output side of the MPU602 is connected to the lamp units 26-28 and speaker unit 29 located on the front door frame 14, as well as the display control device 710. Some of the various commands input from the main control device 162 to the notification / effect control device 143 are transmitted to the display control device 710 while maintaining their original information format.

[0431] The display control device 710 includes an MPU 712, which is an element in which the program ROM 713 and work RAM 714 are integrated into a single chip, and a display control board 711 on which a video display processor (VDP) 715, a character ROM 716, and a video RAM 717 are mounted. It is not mandatory for the program ROM 713 and work RAM 714 to be integrated into a single chip on the MPU 712; they may be configured as separate chips.

[0432] The MPU 712 of the display control device 710 analyzes various commands received from the main control device 162 via the notification and performance control device 143, or performs predetermined calculation processing based on the received commands to control the VDP 715 (specifically, to generate internal commands for the VDP 715). More specifically, the MPU 712 executes a process to identify the variation display pattern for each game round on the symbol display device 75 based on the commands transmitted from the notification and performance control device 143, and also executes a process related to the hold notification described later, and then executes a drawing process for the VDP 715 in accordance with the result of that processing. As a result, various images are displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75.

[0433] The program RO...

Claims

[Claim 1] A game board in which the game area is formed, A special information acquisition means that acquires special information when a ball enters a predetermined ball entry means provided in the aforementioned game area, An acquired information storage means capable of storing the special information acquired by the special information acquisition means, A determination means for determining whether the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information, Prior to or based on the determination by the determination means, a game cycle operation is started, and the game cycle operation is terminated with a notification result corresponding to the result of the determination, which is considered one game cycle. A game cycle control means controls the notification means so that the game cycle operation is performed for each game cycle according to the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. A means that, when the determination result by the determination means corresponds to the predetermined determination information, allows the player to transition to a special game state that is advantageous to the player, A means that allows the game state to transition to a specific game state upon the termination of the aforementioned special game state, A means for transitioning the game state to a state different from the specified game state when the number of games played in the specified game state reaches the upper limit, A means capable of starting the display of a changing pattern in a first display area on a predetermined display screen prior to or based on the determination being made by the determination means, and displaying a result corresponding to the determination result by the determination means, Prior to or based on the determination by the determination means, a means capable of starting a variation display of the pattern in a second display area larger than the first display area on the predetermined display screen, and displaying a result corresponding to the determination by the determination means, Equipped with, In any of the following specific situations, in which the number of games played in the specified game state reaches the upper limit, or in any specific situation after the number of games played in the specified game state reaches the upper limit, the system is configured to display a change in the first display area and a display corresponding to the determination result by the determination means, while not displaying a change in the second display area and a display corresponding to the determination result by the determination means. In situations different from the aforementioned specific circumstances, the system is configured to enable the display of fluctuations in both the first and second display areas and the display corresponding to the determination result by the determination means. A gaming machine characterized in that, when a fluctuation display is performed in the first display area and a fluctuation display is not performed in the second display area, it is configured to be able to perform notification that the end of the specific game state can be recognized by the player in an area that overlaps with the second display area and is larger than the first display area.

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