Gaming machine

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a representative example of a gaming machine, there is a pachinko machine. In a conventional typical pachinko machine, when a ball enters a starting port provided in a game area and wins a jackpot in a lottery conducted in response to the ball entry, a configuration is known in which the machine shifts to a special game state more advantageous than the normal game state (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] However, various improvements have been made to the configuration of conventional gaming machines, but there may still be room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably displaying a production image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes lottery means for conducting a predetermined lottery when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, game control means for generating a special game state more advantageous than the normal game state when the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result, and a display unit capable of displaying at least a predetermined variable display and a result display corresponding to the lottery result, and is a gaming machine provided with A display control means that controls the display unit to display a predetermined fluctuation display and a result display when the predetermined starting conditions are met, wherein when the predetermined starting conditions are met, the control means includes a fluctuation display image that includes at least a part of the fluctuation display that is displayed when the predetermined starting conditions are met, or a result display image that suggests the lottery result, a game machine corresponding image that corresponds to the game machine in which the player is playing, and the method of operation by the player on the game machine when the fluctuation display image or the result display image is displayed on the display unit, as shown by the game machine corresponding image. An image corresponding to the player's operation method is displayed along with it. The system includes a display control means that controls the display unit to display a player operation image using the displayed image, The display control means, in some cases when the predetermined starting conditions are met, displays the image corresponding to the gaming machine. An image corresponding to the method of operation by the player is displayed along with it. It is characterized by being configured to enable control of displaying the player operation image using the aforementioned method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably displaying performance images. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Front and side perspective view of a pachinko machine, an example of a gaming machine. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing a pachinko machine in an open state. [Figure 3] Perspective view showing a pachinko machine in another open state. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing a pachinko machine in yet another open state. [Figure 5] Front view of a pachinko machine [Figure 6] Front view showing the front block of the pachinko machine removed. [Figure 7] Front view of the game board [Figure 8] Rear oblique view of a pachinko machine [Figure 9] Rear view of a pachinko machine [Figure 10]Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine [Figure 11] Flowchart showing an example of the main control main process [Figure 12] Flowchart showing an example of the main control interrupt process [Figure 13] (A) is a front view showing a part of the symbol sheet, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of the symbol sheet along the line A-A in Fig. 13(A). <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(A) is a screen transition diagram showing an example of screen transitions in the display of the decorative symbol display when a special symbol combination is achieved, and (B) is a screen transition diagram showing an example of screen transitions in the display of the decorative symbol display when a push operation is performed on the push operation device during a non-game state. [Figure 26] A screen diagram showing an example of a variable display and a confirmed display shown on the decorative pattern display device in a pachinko machine of the 10th embodiment. [Figure 27] A screen diagram showing an example of the display content shown on the decorative pattern display device during the operable period of the variable display configured to allow operation input in the pachinko machine of the 11th embodiment. [Figure 28] A screen diagram showing an example of the display content shown on the decorative pattern display device during the operable period of the variable display configured to allow operation input in the pachinko machine of the 12th embodiment. [Figure 29] A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the remaining operable period and the status of the press operation device in a variable display configured to allow operation input. [Figure 30] A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the remaining time on the variable display and the state of the pressing device. [Figure 31] A time chart illustrating an example of the progression of a fluctuation display when a pressing operation is performed on the pressing device while the fluctuation display is active. [Figure 32] A time chart illustrating an example of the progression of a fluctuation display when a pressing operation is performed on the pressing device while the fluctuation display is active. [Figure 33] This diagram illustrates the control mechanism in which the height position of the operating surface of the pressing device is set to one of several different height positions, which serves as the trigger for the effects performed in the variable display. [Figure 34] This diagram illustrates the control mechanism in which the height position of the operating surface of the pressing device is set to one of several different height positions, which serves as the trigger for the effects performed in the variable display. [Figure 35]This diagram illustrates several types of control mechanisms used in variable display, specifically when the operating surface of a pressure-operated device is pressed down, causing it to lower and then return to its original position. [Figure 36] An explanatory diagram illustrating how the sub-control board changes the operating force of the pressing device according to a predetermined pattern set as a control condition for the operating mechanism. [Figure 37] An explanatory diagram illustrating how the sub-control board changes the operating force of the pressing device according to a predetermined pattern set as a control condition for the operating mechanism. [Figure 38] An explanatory diagram illustrating how the sub-control board changes the operating force of the pressing device according to a predetermined pattern set as a control condition for the operating mechanism. [Figure 39] An explanatory diagram illustrating how the sub-control board changes the operating force of the pressing device according to a predetermined pattern set as a control condition for the operating mechanism. [Figure 40] An explanatory diagram illustrating how the sub-control board changes the operating force of the pressing device according to a predetermined pattern set as a control condition for the operating mechanism. [Figure 41] An explanatory diagram illustrating how the sub-control board changes the operating force of the pressing device according to a predetermined pattern set as a control condition for the operating mechanism. [Figure 42] An explanatory diagram illustrating how the sub-control board changes the operating force of the pressing device according to a predetermined pattern set as a control condition for the operating mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Regarding embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100, which is an example of a pinball gaming machine, will be described, followed by descriptions of modified versions and other types of gaming machines. First, the structural configuration, electrical configuration, and various control processes of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in order.

[0010] <Structural structure> First, the structure of the pachinko machine 100 will be explained, mainly referring to Figures 1 to 9. Figures 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100. Figure 1 shows the pachinko machine 100 in a closed state, Figure 2 shows the state in which the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 are integrally open to the outer frame 101, Figure 3 shows the state in which the front block 102 is open to the intermediate block 103, and Figure 4 shows the state in which the rear block 104 is open to the intermediate block 103. Figure 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and Figure 6 shows the state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 has been removed from the state in Figure 5. Note that various wirings are omitted in each figure, and some of the components of the game board 400 are omitted in Figures 3 and 6.

[0011] The pachinko machine 100, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, for example, comprises an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, and each of these parts is configured to be displaceable relative to each other by predetermined operations.

[0012] The outer frame 101 functions as a main body support means for supporting the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100. The outer frame 101 is a roughly quadrilateral frame body assembled from a top plate portion 111, a bottom plate portion 112, a left side plate portion 113, and a right side plate portion 114, as shown in Figure 2, and is fitted into and secured to the amusement machine installation equipment (island equipment) provided in the amusement hall where the pachinko machine 100 is installed. It is firmly fixed by a fixing device (not shown). Note that the outer frame 101 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 100, and a support mechanism that supports the main body portion, which has the same internal shape as the outer frame 101 and corresponds to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101, or a part of a locking mechanism that locks the main body portion, may be installed on the island equipment.

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

[0014] The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided, for example, at spaced apart from the upper and lower ends of the outer frame 101, as shown in Figure 1. Each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 is configured to be rotatable, for example, by having a shaft portion provided on the outer frame 101 support the shaft portion provided on the intermediate block 103 from below, and by having the shaft portion inserted into a shaft hole provided on the shaft support portion. Note that the configuration for making the main body portion of the pachinko machine 100, including the intermediate block 103, rotatable is not limited to the above configuration, and other configurations are also possible, such as providing a shaft hole on the intermediate block 103 side and forming a shaft portion on the outer frame 101 side.

[0015] The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided with a function to release the connection between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removal operation, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100, including the intermediate block 103, is detachably attached to the outer frame 101. For example, by performing a predetermined removal operation that involves opening the intermediate block 103 to the outer frame 101 by a certain amount and moving it upward by a certain amount, the connection of the intermediate block 103 to the outer frame 101 is released. As a result, the main body of the pachinko machine 100 is detachable from the outer frame 101.

[0016] The front block 102 is positioned so as to overlap the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 provided on the left side in a front view. The front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, and are configured to support the front block 102 so as to be rotatable forward relative to the intermediate block 103, and to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

[0017] The rear block 104 is positioned so as to overlap the intermediate block 103, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are connected by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 (see Figure 8) provided on the left side in a front view. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, and are configured to support the rear block 104 so as to be rotatable to the rear of the intermediate block 103, and also so as to be removable by a predetermined removal operation.

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

[0019] When a rightward rotation operation is performed using an operating key (not shown) as a predetermined operation on the key cylinder 141, the movable part 14 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided on the intermediate block 103 3 is activated. This releases the engagement between the engaged portion 142 and the movable portion 143, which are provided on the outer frame 101 as part of the intermediate block locking mechanism, and the intermediate block 103 becomes openable and closable relative to the outer frame 101.

[0020] Meanwhile, in response to a leftward rotation operation of the key cylinder 141 using a predetermined operating key, the movable part 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided on the intermediate block 103 is activated. As a result, the engagement between the engaged part 145 provided on the front block 102 as part of the front block locking mechanism and the movable part 144 is released, and the front block 102 becomes openable and closable relative to the intermediate block 103.

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

[0022] The rear block opening / closing restriction mechanism is composed of, for example, two opening / closing restriction sections 150A and 150B provided on the intermediate block 103 and one opening / closing restriction section 150C provided on the rear block 104, as shown in Figure 4. These three opening / closing restriction sections 150A to 150C are provided with rotatable pieces 151A to 151C that can be rotated. By rotating the rotatable pieces 151A to 151C, the engagement state with the openings, which are arranged to overlap front to back when the rear block 104 is in the closed state, changes, thereby allowing switching between an opening / closing prohibition position corresponding to an opening / closing prohibition state and an opening / closing permitting position corresponding to an opening / closing permitting state. When all the rotatable pieces 151A to 151C are in the opening / closing permitting position, each rotatable piece 151A to 151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 becomes open / closing permitting relative to the intermediate block 103. Furthermore, the opening / closing prohibited position and the opening / closing permitted position only need to be switchable by a change in at least one of the position and orientation of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C. The configuration may be one in which the piece rotates only at a fixed position, or in which it moves in a fixed direction, or in which it operates by a combination of movement and rotation. The same applies to changes in posture when the components of each device transition between multiple positions.

[0023] Of the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two of them, 151A and 151B, are exposed to the rear side of the pachinko machine 100 through an opening formed in the rear block 104 when the rear block 104 is in the opening / closing-restricted state, as shown in Figure 2. The remaining rotating piece, 151C, is exposed to the front side of the intermediate block 103, as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, it is not possible to switch all of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the opening / closing-allowed position by operation from only one side, such as the rear side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103, thereby enhancing security.

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

[0025] When the front block 102 is closed to the intermediate block 103 (closed state of the front block 102), the flow restriction piece 161 is in a movable state that allows the game balls to flow down, and specifically, it is pressed and pushed toward the rear side of the intermediate block 103 by the restriction change part 162. When the flow restriction piece 161 is in a movable state, it moves away from the intermediate block 103 and toward the front block Block 102 is positioned offset to the rear of the guide passage (not shown) for guiding the game balls. This allows the game balls to move from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 when the front block 102 is closed.

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

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with an open / close detection switch 108 at the lower end of the rear side of the intermediate block 103, on the rotating tip side (left side when viewed from the rear), which detects whether or not the intermediate block 103 is closed to the outer frame 101. Also, as shown in Figure 3, an open / close detection switch 109 is provided at the lower end of the front side of the intermediate block 103, on the rotating tip side (right side when viewed from the front), which detects whether or not the front block 102 is closed to the intermediate block 103.

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

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the front block 102 forms substantially the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100 and is a substantially rectangular member with thickness in the front-to-back direction, functioning as a front decorative means for decorating the front surface portion of the pachinko machine 100. The front block 102 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin base frame 201, with a plurality of functional parts attached to the front and rear of the base frame 201. On the front side of the base frame 201, a front decorative body 210 that forms the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 is attached along the outer edge of the opening 210A that is formed including the central portion of the front view of the front block 102, enclosing the opening 210A. When the base frame 201 and the front decorative body 210 that constitute the front block 102 are combined, the opening 210A is formed to penetrate in the front-to-back direction over a wide area excluding the outer periphery to which the front decorative body 210 is attached. Through this opening 210A, the intermediate block 103, including the game board 400 located behind the front block 102, is made visible to the player.

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

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the front block 102 is formed as part of the front decorative body 210, and consists of an opening periphery portion 211 surrounding the periphery of the opening 210A, an upper projection 217 projecting forward below the opening 210A, a lower projection 218 located below the upper projection 217 and projecting forward, and a flat portion 219 to the right of the lower projection 218 and located further back than the upper projection 217 and the lower projection 218, where the launch operating device 250 is arranged. The main storage mechanism 230 is arranged in the upper projection 217, and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is arranged in the lower projection 218.

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

[0033] The main storage mechanism 230 has the function of storing game balls acquired as the game progresses and game balls borrowed from the game hall. The main storage mechanism 230 includes, for example, a storage section 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operating member 232 for operating the ball removal mechanism, as shown in Figure 1. The storage section 231 is provided with an inlet 231A for allowing game balls to flow from inside the pachinko machine 100 into the storage section 231, an outlet (not shown) for allowing game balls to flow out of the storage section 231 into the pachinko machine 100, and a discharge port (not shown) formed upstream of the outlet. By opening this discharge port, game balls are released from the storage section 231 to the player without being taken into the pachinko machine 100. The ball removal mechanism has the function of switching the destination of the game balls between the outlet and the discharge port.

[0034] Game balls acquired during gameplay, and game balls lent out in response to a lending operation on the lending device 292 (described later), mainly flow into the storage section 231 through the inlet 231A. The storage section 231 has an opening on its upper side, through which game balls owned by players can be manually inserted, and game balls lent out at the arcade can be supplied.

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

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

[0037] The bottom surface of the storage section 241 slopes downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the discharge port 241B is opened by a ball removal operation (e.g., pressing operation) on the ball removal operating member 242, all the game balls stored in the storage section 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. If the discharge port 241B is completely opened by a ball removal operation on the ball removal operating member 242, it will remain open until a return operation (e.g., another pressing operation) is performed on the ball removal operating member 242. Behind the inlet 241A, there is a ball overflow switch 249 (see Figure 10) that detects whether or not there are too many game balls stored in the storage section 241.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the launching device 250 includes a base 251 that protrudes forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decorative body 210, a rotatable launching handle 252 provided around the base 251, a variable resistor 253 (see Figure 10) that detects the amount of rotation of the launching handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see Figure 10) that detects when a player is in contact with the launching handle 252, and a launch stop switch 255 (see Figure 5) that disables the launch of game balls associated with the rotation of the launching handle 252 by the player's operation. When the handle 252 is rotated, game balls are launched from the launcher 330 (see Figure 3) toward the game board 400 (see Figure 3) with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation. However, if the contact sensor 254 does not detect contact between the launch handle 252 and the player, or if the launch operation is disabled by operating the launch stop switch 255, no game balls will be launched from the launcher 330 even if the launch handle 252 is rotated.

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

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

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

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

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input device 260 that allows the player to perform input operations other than the firing operation. The input device 260 includes, for example, a pressing device 261 that allows a pushing operation, a rotation device 262 that allows a rotation operation, and a selection device 263 that allows up, down, left, and right direction operation. These operation devices 261 to 263 allow the player to perform an effect selection operation to select an effect to be performed in the pachinko machine 100, a device setting operation to set the volume and light intensity of each device that performs the effects in the pachinko machine 100, or... Information about the player is entered, and it is possible to perform performance setting operations that enable the pachinko machine 100 to execute performances corresponding to previous games played, and these operations can be performed by the player or the manager of the amusement hall as needed. Preferably, the input operation part that the player touches in the input operation device 260 (for example, the annular rotation operation part in the rotation operation device 262) is configured so that it can rotate, move up and down, or vibrate by an input operation part driving means such as a motor or solenoid, and this can be performed by the control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, by the control of the sub-control board 940 (see Figure 10)), and by operating the input part at any or multiple timings before, during, or after the input operation, it is possible to diversify the performances that involve input operations, such as actively encouraging input operations.

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

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see Figure 3) attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, a game board support mechanism that rotatably and detachably supports the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, a launching device 330 (see Figure 3) that shoots game balls onto the game board 400, a main control device 370 (see Figure 4) mounted on the back side of the game board 400 to comprehensively control the progress of the game, and a sub-control device 390 (see Figure 4) that controls game effects and status notifications based on commands from the main control device 370.

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

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the game board 400 comprises a flat base 401 having through holes such as an outlet 401A through which game balls can pass back and forth, an outer rail 402 that curves smoothly from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401, an inner rail 403 that curves smoothly from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, a ball return prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper left end of the inner rail 403, and a bounce prevention member 405 attached to the upper right end of the outer rail 402. The outer rail 402 guides game balls launched from the launching device 330 (described later) into the game area. The ball return prevention mechanism 404 prevents game balls that have been released into the game area from the launching passage 401B, which is formed in the area between the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 that are parallel to each other, from returning to the launching passage 401B. The bounce prevention member 405 has shock-absorbing properties to prevent excessive bounce of game balls that have gone past the upper center of the game board 400 to the right and then returned to the left side via the upper center again, and is formed of a material such as vibration-damping rubber.

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

[0049] Game balls that have advanced beyond the ball return prevention mechanism 404 reach the game area and move (flow) within the game area by falling under their own weight. The game area has a roughly circular outer circumference and is divided into sections that mostly consist of areas with a front-to-back width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The game area is generally divided on its outer circumference by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front is divided in a roughly planar manner by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear is divided in a roughly planar manner by the base 401 of the game board 400. Various structures provided in the game area will be described later.

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

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the main control device 370 comprises a main control board 920 (see Figure 10) and a two-part board case 371 that houses the main control board 920. The main control board 920 is housed inside the translucent board case 371, which is sealed in such a way that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace.

[0052] Furthermore, the main control device 370 is rotatably mounted on the rear side of the game board 400. Specifically, a mounting part 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the base 401 of the game board 400 on the rear side, and the main control device 370 is attached to this mounting part 372. This makes it possible to easily check not only the rear side (front side) of the main control device 370, but also the front side (back side) of the main control device 370 by rotating the mounting part 372, even while the main control device 370 is still attached to the game board 400. The main control device 370 may be connected to the mounting part 372 in a way that prevents removal without leaving a trace, making it easier to manage the removal status of the main control device 370.

[0053] The sub-control device 390 comprises a sub-control board 940 (see Figure 10) and a two-part board case 391 that houses the sub-control board 940. The sub-control board 940 is mounted on the back side of the game board 400, housed inside a translucent board case 391 that is sealed in a way that prevents it from being opened without leaving a trace, similar to the main control board 920.

[0054] Here, the various structures arranged in the game area of ​​the game board 400 will be explained, mainly with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a front view of the game board 400. Figure 7 also shows an example of a decorative pattern displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the game board 400 comprises a base 401, flow-changing members such as nails 411 and windmills 412 that change the direction and velocity of the game balls, a central structure 420 located approximately in the center of the base 401, a starting device for the first special symbol located below the central structure 420 (specifically, an upper central starting prize device 431A and a lower central starting prize device 431B), a starting device for the second special symbol located to the lower right of the central structure 420 (specifically, a right starting prize device 432), and a large prize device located below the right starting prize device 432. The game board 400 is equipped with 433 and 434 (specifically, the lower large prize device 433 and the upper large prize device 434), a start device 436 for ordinary symbols located above (upstream of) the right start prize device 432, a combination activation device 435 located on the upper right side of the game board 400 and above (upstream of) the upper and lower large prize devices 433 and 434, and general prize devices 439A and 439B located on both the left and right sides of the lower middle start prize device 431B.

[0056] Furthermore, the game board 400 is provided with multiple switches as detection means for detecting the passage of game balls in correspondence with the upper middle starting prize device 431A, etc. (see Figure 10), and it is possible to detect the entry of game balls into predetermined areas corresponding to each switch. For example, there is a middle starting prize switch (upper middle starting prize switch 441A) that detects game balls that enter the upper middle starting prize device 431A, a middle starting prize switch (lower middle starting prize switch 441B) that detects game balls that enter the lower middle starting prize device 431B, a right starting prize switch 442 that detects game balls that enter the right starting prize device 432, a lower large prize switch 443 that detects game balls that enter the lower large prize device 433, an upper large prize switch 444 that detects game balls that enter the upper large prize device 434, and a winning combination device 435 The game board 400 is equipped with a combination of switches, including a combination activation switch 445 for detecting incoming game balls, a start switch 446 for detecting game balls entering the start device 436, a non-specific passage switch 447 for detecting game balls entering a non-specific passage (not shown) formed inside the lower large prize device 433, a specific passage switch 448 for detecting game balls entering a specific passage (not shown) formed inside the lower large prize device 433, and general prize switches 449A and 449B, respectively, for detecting game balls entering the general prize devices 439A and 439B.

[0057] Furthermore, the game board 400 is equipped with various sensors to prevent fraud (see Figure 10), which are capable of detecting abnormalities that occur in the pachinko machine 100. For example, a magnetic sensor 491, a vibration sensor 492, and a radio wave sensor 493 are installed on the game board 400.

[0058] The inlet portions of the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 for game balls constitute ball entry points, and game balls that enter each entry point are released into the game area. The inlet portions of each prize-winning device, specifically the upper middle starting prize-winning device 431A, the lower middle starting prize-winning device 431B, the right starting prize-winning device 432, the lower large prize-winning device 433, the upper large prize-winning device 434, and the general prize-winning devices 439A and 439B, constitute prize entry points, and game balls that enter each prize entry point are guided through through-holes formed in the base body 401 to a recovery and discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base body 401. Game balls that do not enter each prize-winning device are guided to the recovery and discharge passage through an outlet 401A provided at the downstream end of the game area. Game balls guided to the recovery and discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game hall. When a game ball enters any of the prize-winning devices, a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the type of prize-winning device are dispensed from the payout device 540 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0059] Each prize-winning device may be configured separately from other prize-winning devices, or a prize-winning device may be composed of two or more prize-winning devices (for example, an upper-center starting prize-winning device 431A and a lower-center starting prize-winning device 431B) integrated into one device. Furthermore, starting devices such as the upper-center starting prize-winning device 431A do not necessarily have to be prize-winning openings that dispense a predetermined number of game balls when a game ball enters, but may be ball-entry openings that release game balls back into the game area without dispensing them.

[0060] The upper middle starting prize device 431A and the lower middle starting prize device 431B related to the first special symbol, as well as the general prize devices 439A and 439B, each do not change the probability of game balls entering them, and guide the entered game balls to the back side of the base 401. Furthermore, the right starting prize device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism that changes the probability of game balls entering its interior. The mechanism that changes the probability of game ball entry is the starting device related to the second special symbol. It is not necessary to provide it only in the first special symbol, and instead, or in addition to it, it may be provided in any or more of the starting device for the first special symbol, and the general prize-winning devices 439A and 439B. Furthermore, the mechanism for changing the probability of the game ball entering may be configured by an electrically driven means such as a solenoid, or by a mechanically operated mechanism such as a mechanism that operates due to the weight of the game ball that has entered a predetermined area.

[0061] The right-start prize-winning device 432 related to the second special symbol includes a right-entry restriction mechanism 452 that changes the probability of a game ball entering its interior by transitioning between an entry-permitted position and an entry-prohibited position, and a right-entry restriction solenoid 462 (see Figure 10) that drives the right-entry restriction mechanism 452. The right-entry restriction mechanism 452 has two movable pieces driven by the right-entry restriction solenoid 462. When the right-entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry-prohibited position, the two movable pieces are arranged to narrow (or close) the entry opening (prize-winning opening), preventing the game ball from entering the right-start prize-winning device 432. However, when the right-entry restriction mechanism 452 is in the entry-permitted position, the two movable pieces are arranged to widen the distance between their tips, allowing the game ball to enter the right-start prize-winning device 432. The right entry restriction mechanism 452, when a winning lottery (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal symbol lottery") is determined based on the detection of a game ball that has entered the starting device 436 related to a normal symbol by the starting switch 446, moves to an entry-permitting position for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time in response to the drive of the right entry restriction solenoid 462.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the lower prize winning device 433 is equipped with a lower entry restriction mechanism 453 that restricts the entry of game balls into its interior by transitioning between an entry-permitted position and an entry-prohibited position, a lower entry restriction solenoid 463 (see Figure 10) that changes the position of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453, a distribution mechanism (not shown) that distributes game balls that have entered the lower prize winning device 433 to a non-specific passage or a specific passage by transitioning between a non-guiding position and an guiding position, and a switching solenoid 465 (see Figure 10) that switches the destination of the game balls by changing the position of the distribution mechanism. When the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower large prize device 433 is in the no-entry position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 closes the entry point (prize entry opening), preventing the game ball from entering the lower large prize device 433. However, when the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 is in the entry-permitting position, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 opens the entry point, allowing the game ball to enter the lower large prize device 433. Furthermore, if the distribution mechanism is in the non-guiding position where it protrudes forward, the game ball is guided to a non-specific passage, and if the distribution mechanism is in the guiding position where it retracts backward, it is guided to a specific passage. The specific passage, non-specific passage, and distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the transitions between game states, and when a game ball enters a specific passage, the player is granted a favorable game state as a reward.

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

[0064] Furthermore, as mechanisms that change the probability of game balls entering the interior of the right entry restriction mechanism 452, etc., the entry-permitting posture and entry-prohibiting posture should correspond to the change in posture of the operating member that constitutes each mechanism and switches between a special state in which game balls can enter the prize entry opening (or ball entry opening) of each device and a normal state in which game balls cannot enter, and it is sufficient that at least one of the position and orientation of the operating member differs according to each posture. Also, as a mechanism that changes the probability of game balls entering the right entry restriction mechanism 452, etc., it is not necessarily required that the state in which game balls cannot enter be the normal state, and that game balls may be allowed to enter even in the normal state, and that game balls may be easier to enter in the special state than in the normal state. The configuration may also involve the movement of the moving member changing its orientation depending on the state.

[0065] The lower large prize device 433 and the upper large prize device 434 become accessible to game balls when a winning lottery is achieved. Specifically, if a game ball that has entered the upper middle start prize device 431A or the lower middle start prize device 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by the upper middle start prize switch 441A or the lower middle start prize switch 441B and wins a lottery (hereinafter also referred to as the "first special symbol lottery"), or if a game ball that has entered the right start prize device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start prize switch 442 and wins a lottery (hereinafter also referred to as the "second special symbol lottery"), at least one of the lower entry restriction solenoid 463 or the upper entry restriction solenoid 464 will be activated. This operation causes at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 to assume an entry-permitting position for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time. The distribution mechanism then transitions to an induction position in response to the operation of the switching solenoid 465 a predetermined time after the transition to the entry-permitting position of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453, and then returns to a non-induction position in response to the deactivation of the switching solenoid 465 a predetermined time after the transition to the induction position.

[0066] The bonus trigger device 435 is a device for setting the conditions necessary for the lower big prize device 433 and the upper big prize device 434 to start operating. After winning the big prize lottery, either the lower big prize device 433 or the upper big prize device 434 starts operating, conditional on the passage of a game ball through the bonus trigger device 435. Therefore, if a player wins a big prize, they can start the special game state at their own desired timing. However, it is not necessarily required that either the lower big prize device 433 or the upper big prize device 434 starts operating, conditional on the passage of a game ball through the bonus trigger device 435. Alternatively, or in addition to that, either the lower big prize device 433 or the upper big prize device 434 may start operating after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the game board 400 is equipped with a display unit in the lower left portion of the game board 400, which has multiple light-emitting units that integrate display devices 471-473 for displaying the changing symbols and lottery results, and display devices 476-478 for displaying the number of reserved game spins. The multiple light-emitting units are pre-divided into light-emitting areas corresponding to each device, and the status of each device is displayed by the state of its illumination.

[0068] Specifically, the game board 400 is equipped with a special symbol display device 471 for the first special symbol that displays the first special symbol in a variable manner or confirms the first special symbol with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result in conjunction with the lottery for the first special symbol; a special symbol display device 472 for the second special symbol that displays the second special symbol in a variable manner or confirms the second special symbol with a stop symbol corresponding to the lottery result in conjunction with the lottery for the second special symbol; a special symbol hold display device 476 that displays the number of times the unit game for the first special symbol has been held; and a special symbol hold display device 477 that displays the number of times the unit game for the second special symbol has been held. The right to a unit game for the first special symbol and the right to a unit game for the second special symbol can each be held up to a maximum of four times. Here, a unit game refers to one game performed based on one starting win, and includes a series of games from the start to the end of the display, including the determination of whether the lottery performed based on one starting win is successful or unsuccessful, and the display of the lottery result based on that determination.

[0069] If the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, even if a game ball that enters the start prize device 431 is detected by the upper middle start prize switch 441A (see Figure 10) or the lower middle start prize switch 441B (see Figure 10), the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol will not be added. Similarly, if the right to play a unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, even if a game ball that enters the right start prize device 432 is detected by the right start prize switch 442 (see Figure 10), the right to play a unit game related to the second special symbol will not be added. No additional rights will be granted.

[0070] Each of the special symbol display devices 471 for the first special symbol and 472 for the second special symbol is composed of multiple light-emitting units and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see Figure 10). The display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol are expressed by the light-emitting patterns of the multiple light-emitting units (combinations of light-emitting states (off, on, flashing), including the light-emitting color). The special symbol hold display device 476 for the first special symbol and the special symbol hold display device 477 for the second special symbol display the number of holds by a combination of the light-emitting states (off, on, flashing) of two monochromatic light-emitting units.

[0071] Furthermore, the game board 400 is equipped with a regular symbol display device 473 that displays the regular symbols in a variable manner in accordance with the regular symbol lottery, or displays the regular symbols as the stopping symbols corresponding to the lottery result, and a regular symbol hold display device 478 that displays the number of times the right to a unit game related to a regular symbol has been held. The right to a unit game related to a regular symbol can be held up to a maximum of 4 times. If the right to a unit game related to a regular symbol has been held up to the maximum number of times, even if a game ball that has entered the starting device 436 is detected by the starting switch 446, the right to a unit game related to a regular symbol will not be added.

[0072] The standard symbol display device 473 is composed of multiple light-emitting units and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see Figure 10). Standard symbols are represented by the light-emitting patterns of the multiple light-emitting units. The standard symbol hold display device 478 displays the number of holds by a combination of the light-emitting states (off, on, flashing) of two single-color light-emitting units.

[0073] Furthermore, the game board 400 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 479 that overlaps the central structure 420 and displays decorative symbols in a variable manner or confirms the decorative symbols during unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

[0074] The decorative pattern display device 479 has three pattern display areas 479A, 479B, and 479C arranged horizontally. All of the pattern display areas 479A, 479B, and 479C are areas for displaying decorative patterns in a variable or fixed state. Of the pattern display areas 479A, 479B, and 479C, the decorative patterns displayed in the leftmost pattern display area 479A constitute the left pattern column, and the decorative patterns displayed in the rightmost pattern display area 479B constitute the right pattern column. In addition, the decorative patterns displayed in the pattern display area 479C, located between pattern display areas 479A and 479B, constitute the middle pattern column.

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

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

[0077] The decorative pattern display device 479 can move (scroll) multiple decorative patterns provided on the pattern sheet 601 from top to bottom or in the opposite direction within each pattern display area 479A, 479B, and 479C by rotating each reel. This enables the display of changing decorative patterns in the decorative pattern display device 479. The display device 479 does not necessarily have to consist of multiple reels, and may be composed of other devices such as a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying images.

[0078] The display of changing and confirmed decorative patterns by the decorative pattern display device 479 is controlled by the sub-control board 940 and is synchronized with the display of changing and confirmed first and second special patterns by the main control board 920. The display of changing decorative patterns is more complex and diverse than the display of changing first and second special patterns. It is not necessary for the display of changing and confirmed decorative patterns to start changing or stop as confirmed with the display of changing first and second special patterns to start changing or stop as confirmed with the display of changing first and second special patterns and the display of changing decorative patterns to start changing or stop as confirmed with a display of changing first and second special patterns and the display of changing decorative patterns to stop as confirmed with a display of changing first and second special patterns and stop as confirmed with a display of changing first and second special patterns and stop as confirmed with a display of changing first and second special patterns and stop at

[0079] Furthermore, the game board 400 is equipped with a board surface light-emitting device 490 (see Figure 10) located on the back of various structures. The board surface light-emitting device 490 performs various light-emitting effects and status notifications through light emission in accordance with the progress of the game, based on control by the sub-control board 940.

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

[0081] If a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game state to which the player transitions after the special game state will differ depending on whether or not the game ball enters a specific passage (internal passage of the lower jackpot device 433) during the special game state to which the player transitions based on that win. If the game ball does not enter a specific passage during the special game state, the player transitions to a game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "time-saving game state") in which the display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol, and the regular symbol is shorter than that of the non-time-saving state, and the probability of winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as that of the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "low probability state"). On the other hand, if a game ball enters a specific passage during a special game state, the game transitions to a game state (hereinafter also referred to as a "probability change game state") in which the time reduction state is active and the probability of winning a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than in the normal game state.

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

[0083] Furthermore, the game state and transitions between game states do not necessarily have to follow the configuration described above. For example, the high probability state may continue until the next jackpot is won, or at least one of the above game states may be composed of other elements, or the configuration may include game states other than those described above, or the transitions between game states may occur under conditions different from those described above.

[0084] Next, the operation of the main devices of the game board 400 will be explained in roughly chronological order. The main control board 920 generates winning random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first and second special symbols), jackpot symbol random numbers, stop pattern random numbers, and various variation pattern random numbers. In various game states, if a game ball that has entered either the start-up prize device 431A or 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by either the middle start-up prize switch 441A or 441B (see Figure 10), the first special symbol will be started. When the first special symbol is started, the 1. If the right to play a unit game related to a special symbol has not been reserved to the maximum number of times, the winning random number related to the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number, and the stop pattern random number are acquired and stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM of the main control board 920.

[0085] Unit games based on random numbers obtained based on the initial win of the first special symbol will start immediately after the random numbers are stored, provided that the player is not in a special game state, is not in a unit game related to the first or second special symbol, and the right to a unit game related to the first special symbol is not reserved. Furthermore, even if the player is not in a special game state, if a unit game related to the first or second special symbol is in progress, or if the right to a unit game related to the first or second special symbol is reserved, the unit game based on the current initial win will start after all unit games related to the special symbols (first and second special symbols) that were reserved prior to the current win have finished. If random numbers are obtained based on the initial win of the first special symbol while the player is in a special game state, the unit game based on those random numbers will start after the special game state has ended and all unit games related to the special symbols that were reserved prior to the current initial win have finished.

[0086] Furthermore, the unit game based on the random number obtained based on the initial win of the first special symbol will begin after all unit games related to the second special symbol have finished. In other words, if random numbers are obtained based on the initial win of the second special symbol after the current initial win, the unit game based on the initial win of the second special symbol will be executed preferentially. However, it is not necessary for the unit game based on the initial win of the second special symbol to be executed preferentially over the unit game related to the first special symbol; the unit game priority control related to the first and second special symbols may be executed in the order of the initial wins, or the two special symbols may not be mutually exclusive but can change simultaneously.

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

[0088] After the first special symbol lottery, the display time for the first special symbol's variation is determined based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the values ​​of various variation pattern random numbers, and the number of times the right to play a unit game related to the first special symbol has been held, and the variation pattern for the decorative symbols is selected. The variation patterns for the decorative symbols can be broadly divided into two types: a variation pattern in which a reach is displayed before the decorative symbol corresponding to the stop symbol related to the first special symbol (winning symbol or losing symbol) is confirmed and displayed (hereinafter also referred to as the "reach variation pattern"), and a variation pattern in which a reach is not displayed before the decorative symbol corresponding to the stop symbol related to the first special symbol being confirmed and displayed when the stop symbol is a losing symbol.

[0089] In addition, a "reach display" is a display that indicates to the player that, in a unit game involving special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol), after the display of the decorative symbols has started to change, the combination of decorative symbols that has been confirmed in each symbol row other than the first symbol row (for example, the left and right symbol rows) has met the conditions for becoming a jackpot symbol, and that there is a possibility that the decorative symbols in the remaining symbol row (for example, the middle symbol row), which continues to change display thereafter, will become a jackpot symbol depending on the display result (i.e., the stopped symbol) when they are confirmed.

[0090] The reach display includes normal reach, which has a relatively short display time (for example, approximately 25 to 30 seconds), and super reach, which has a longer display time than normal reach (for example, approximately 60 to 180 seconds). Note that the types of reach displays are not limited to just normal reach and super reach; there may be three or more types, including special reach, which has a longer display time than super reach.

[0091] After the display time for the first special symbol is determined and the variation pattern for the decorative symbol corresponding to that display time is selected, the display of the first special symbol on the special symbol display device 471 and the display of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 479 (variation effect) are started. For the first special symbol, the variation display continues in a fixed pattern for the duration of the display time, and for the decorative symbol, the variation display continues according to the variation pattern for the duration of the display time. Subsequently, as the display time elapses, the stopped symbol for the first special symbol is displayed, and the symbol corresponding to the stopped symbol of the first special symbol is displayed as a decorative symbol. The display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol continues for at least a predetermined period of time.

[0092] If the stopping symbol related to the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the game state transitions to a special game state after the confirmation display of the first special symbol. In the special game state, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 of the lower jackpot device 433 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 of the upper jackpot device 434 enter an entry-allowing position a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of jackpot. During each entry-allowing position of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454, if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 8) are detected by the jackpot switches 443 and 444, or if a predetermined maximum entry-allowing time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 transitions to an entry-prohibiting position. After the predetermined entry-prohibiting time has elapsed, either the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 or the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 returns to an entry-allowing position. This entry restriction action is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of jackpot.

[0093] The lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 are configured such that only one of them can enter during the special game state. After a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period), one of them transitions to the initial entry-allowing position. The special game state ends after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed from the final entry prohibition position, and after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed thereafter (after the ending period). After the special game state ends, the game transitions to either the time-saving game state or the probability variation game state as described above.

[0094] In various game states, if a game ball that has entered the right-start prize device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right-start prize switch 442, a start prize for the second special symbol is awarded. The control of the unit game based on the start prize for the second special symbol is performed in the same way as the control for the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right to play the unit game related to the second special symbol has not been reserved to the maximum number of times at the time of the start prize for the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is acquired, and the unit game based on this start prize is executed. Furthermore, the determination of the stopping symbols according to the second special symbol lottery, the determination of the display time for the variation of the second special symbol, the selection of the variation pattern of the decorative symbols corresponding to the display time, the execution of the variation display, and the control of transitions in game states are also performed in the same way as the control for the first special symbol.

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

[0096] In unit games involving regular symbols, whether or not a win has occurred is determined based on the value of the winning random number. If a win occurs, a predetermined winning symbol is set as the stopping symbol. On the other hand, if a win does not occur in the regular symbol lottery, a predetermined losing symbol is set as the stopping symbol. After the regular symbol lottery, the regular symbol display device 473 starts displaying the variation of the regular symbols. In the non-time-saving state, the variation display continues in a certain pattern for a predetermined variation display time, and in the time-saving state, the variation display continues in a certain pattern for a predetermined variation display time that is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. As a predetermined amount of time elapses according to the game state, the stopping symbol related to the regular symbols is displayed for a certain period of time.

[0097] If the stopping symbol related to the normal symbol is a winning symbol, after the confirmation display of the normal symbol, the right entry restriction mechanism 452 of the right start prize entry device 432 will move to the entry permitting position at least once. Specifically, if a win occurs in a non-time-saving state (normal game state and special game state), the right start prize entry device 432 will move to the entry permitting position for a predetermined maximum entry permitting time (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds), and if a win occurs in a time-saving state (time-saving game state and probability-changing game state), the right start prize entry device 432 will move to the entry permitting position intermittently (for example, in three steps) for a predetermined maximum entry permitting time that is longer than in the non-time-saving state (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds). However, if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) are detected by the right-start prize entry switch 442, the right-entry restriction mechanism 452 will switch to the no-entry position without waiting for the maximum permitted entry time to elapse. Furthermore, even if the number of times the mechanism has switched to the permitted entry position has not reached a predetermined number, the operation of the right-start prize entry device 432 for the current unit game involving the normal symbols will end.

[0098] Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, first, the player must win the normal symbol lottery, and furthermore, the game ball must enter the right-start prize entry device 432 in the entry-permitted state of the right-start prize entry device 432 based on that win. The probability of winning a normal symbol in the normal game state is the same as the probability of winning in the time-saving game state, but the stay time in the entry-permitted state of the right-start prize entry device 432 based on a win in the normal game state (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds) is set to be extremely short compared to the stay time in the time-saving state (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds). Therefore, in the normal game state, the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery is significantly smaller than the opportunity per unit time to receive the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in time-saving game states such as time-saving game states or probability-changing game states, the opportunity to receive a second special symbol lottery per unit of time is significantly greater than the opportunity to receive a first special symbol lottery per unit of time.

[0099] Therefore, the player aims to win a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and then transition to a probability variation game state by getting the game ball into a specific passage during the subsequent special game state. On the other hand, during the time-saving game state and the probability variation game state, the player aims to win a jackpot in the second special symbol lottery before each game state ends.

[0100] Specifically, the game board 400 has a central structure 420 in the center of the game area where the game balls flow down, and is configured to allow selective play between a game method in which the game balls mainly flow down from the left side of the central structure 420 (left-handed play method) and a game method in which the game balls mainly flow down from the right side of the central structure 420 (right-handed play method). In normal game mode, the player plays using the left-handed play method, and in time-saving game mode and probability-changing game mode, the player plays using the right-handed play method. In addition, since the lower large prize device 433 and the upper large prize device 434 are located to the right of the central structure 420, the player also plays using the right-handed play method in special game mode.

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

[0102] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is constructed by attaching other members and devices to the base 501. The base 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, thereby supporting the rear block 104 in an openable and closable manner relative to the intermediate block 103.

[0103] The rear block 104 includes a game ball tank 510 as a ball storage section for storing game balls, a tank rail 520 as a ball alignment section that straightens the game balls (for example, into a single line) and aligns them in a single row, located downstream of the game ball tank 510, a case rail 530 as a ball guidance section that guides the game balls flowing in from the tank rail 520, located downstream of the tank rail 520, a dispensing device 540 that dispenses or lends out game balls, located downstream of the case rail 530, and a guide passage (not shown) formed in the base 501 that guides the game balls flowing out from the dispensing device 540. The system includes a guide member 550 as a ball guide unit, a payout control device 560 that controls the payout and lending of game balls by the payout device 540, a power supply / launch control device 570 that functions as a power supply means that converts external power into power of a predetermined voltage required by various devices and outputs it, and as a launch control means that cooperates with the main control board 920 to control the ejection of game balls based on launch operations on the launch operation device 250, and a relay device 950 that relays signals between the payout control device 560 and the game ball lending device 290 (see Figure 1) and a card unit (not shown) located on the side of the pachinko machine 100.

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

[0105] The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a roughly plate-like shape with thickness in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the protective cover portion 503 is not shaped to cover the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103, but is set to form a window that exposes a portion of the back surface of the intermediate block 103, such as a part of the main control device 370, which requires frequent inspection and verification, to the back surface of the pachinko machine 100. Numerous ventilation holes 503A are formed on the back surface of the protective cover portion 503, which have the function of improving the heat dissipation of heat generated in the main control device 370 and the sub-control device 390.

[0106] The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally elongated box-shaped container with an opening at the top. Game balls supplied from the island equipment's ball circulation device (not shown) are sequentially replenished to one end of the tank in the longitudinal direction. An opening (not shown) is formed on the other end of the game ball tank 510 in the longitudinal direction, opposite to the side from which the game balls are supplied. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is gently sloped in the longitudinal direction, and the game balls supplied to the game ball tank 510 move towards the opening side by their own weight. In addition, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is also sloped in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) in addition to the longitudinal direction, and preferentially guides the game balls to the side with the opening (for example, the front side). Furthermore, a metal antistatic plate (not shown) is attached to the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap it, and the antistatic plate is connected to the ground potential to remove static electricity from the game balls inside the game ball tank 510 and downstream of it.

[0107] The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, Game balls flow in through the opening of the game ball tank 510. The tank rail 520 includes a passage forming member 521 that forms a roughly trough-shaped passage for game balls with a width that allows the game balls to pass through in a single row, and a flow straightening member 522 that has a top surface that gradually decreases in height as it is the upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521, straightening the game balls flowing down the passage from a height where they are stacked vertically to a single height. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently sloped toward the downstream side, guiding the game balls toward the opposite side from the game ball tank 510.

[0108] The case rail 530 is formed vertically and continuously below the tank rail 520, through which game balls flow in from the tank rail 520. The case rail 530 curves to the left and right to prevent the game balls from flowing too quickly, and continues downwards. In addition, a ball depletion detection unit 539 is provided in the middle of the ball passage in the case rail 530 to detect when a ball is depleted. The ball depletion detection unit 539 has a built-in ball storage switch 591 (see Figure 10), which detects a ball depletion condition in which a ball jam or the like has occurred in the case rail 530 or upstream there, and game balls are not being properly supplied into the case rail 530.

[0109] The dispensing device 540 includes a dispensing mechanism for sending out game balls, a dispensing motor 542 (see Figure 10) as a driving means for driving the dispensing mechanism, and a dispensing counting switch 592 (see Figure 10). In response to the operation of the dispensing motor 542 based on control by the dispensing control device 560, game balls stored in the ball passage are released downstream. The passage of the released game balls through the ball passage is detected by the dispensing counting switch 592, and the dispensing control device 560 (dispensing control board 930) counts the number of game balls dispensed.

[0110] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply / launch control device 570 are mounted so as to overlap the lower rear surface of the base portion 502 of the base body 501, so as to be located at the lower rear side of the rear block 104. The rear block 104, including these payout control device 560 and power supply / launch control device 570, can be used continuously even when the game board 400 is replaced with a different game board due to a change in model, etc.

[0111] The dispensing control device 560 comprises a dispensing control board 930 (see Figure 10) and a board case that houses the dispensing control board 930. The dispensing control board 930, like the main control board 920, is housed inside a sealed board case that prevents it from being opened without leaving any trace of tampering.

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

[0113] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, a rear setting switch 905 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 100. The rear setting switch 905 is a setting activation device that enables the setting operation to set the payout rate of the pachinko machine 100 to one of several predetermined levels (for example, 6 levels or 9 levels).

[0114] The setting change for the ball payout rate can be enabled (allowed) by inserting a predetermined key (not shown) into the rear setting switch 905 and rotating it to a predetermined position (in this embodiment, a position rotated approximately 90° clockwise from the initial position). With the setting change for the ball payout rate thus enabled, the setting change for the ball payout rate is made effective by performing a predetermined setting operation (in this embodiment, pressing the initialization switch 907).

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

[0116] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, depending on the stage set by changing the payout rate setting (i.e., changing the game mode setting), it is possible to select one of nine different game modes in which the combination of the initial win probability (in this embodiment, the winning probability of the first special symbol lottery) and the probability continuation rate (in this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the probability variation game state after the special game state when transitioning to the special game state via the second special symbol lottery in the probability variation game state) differs. Therefore, when the payout rate setting change (game mode setting change) is effectively performed, the payout rate is adjusted by changing the winning probabilities of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery so that the initial win probability and continuation probability correspond to the set stage (i.e., using probability lottery data corresponding to each winning probability).

[0117] Specifically, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to select a top type in which the initial win probability is significantly low but the probability of continuing the bonus round is significantly high, a middle type in which the initial win probability is moderate and the probability of continuing the bonus round is moderate, and a bottom type in which the initial win probability is significantly low but the probability of continuing the bonus round is significantly high. Furthermore, in each of these types, it is possible to select a first-stage probability, which is the lowest initial win probability among the three stages, a second-stage probability, which is the second lowest initial win probability, and a third-stage probability, which is the highest initial win probability.

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

[0119] Here, the number of prize balls awarded may be set to the same number for the top type, middle type, and bottom type. This makes it impossible for the player to determine which type the setting is from the number of prize balls, and adds a gameplay element of guessing which type it is over a long period of time.

[0120] Furthermore, while the profit margin for players changes depending on the probability setting stage for all top, middle, and bottom types, the profit margin for players is effectively the same regardless of the type, as long as the probability setting stage is the same. Therefore, even if the probability setting is changed by changing the type, the profit earned by the arcade over a certain period (for example, one day) can be easily predicted, making it easier to manage the arcade.

[0121] Furthermore, the game mode that is changed by changing the setting of the payout rate is not necessarily limited to the combination of the initial win probability and the probability of entering a bonus round as described above, and may be, for example, either the initial win probability or the probability of entering a bonus round. In addition, other lottery probabilities besides the initial win probability and the probability of entering a bonus round may be used, for example, the probability of winning the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, the probability of a minor win being selected in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the probability of entering a bonus round (in this embodiment, the probability of entering a bonus round game state via a win in the second special symbol lottery), or the probability of the bonus round game state ending after transitioning to a special game state (for example, the probability of the bonus round game state ending in the fallout lottery performed each time the symbol change display is executed during the bonus round game state), and there may be two or more combinations of these game modes.

[0122] A setting display device 906 is provided above the rear setting switch 905. The setting of the payout rate (setting of the game mode) can be effectively changed by operating the rear setting switch 905. If this occurs, setting display information corresponding to the currently set game mode is displayed on the setting display device 906. The setting display information consists of a combination of an English letter representing the type and a number representing the probability setting state. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the top type, middle type, and bottom type are represented by the English letters "T", "M", and "B", respectively. In addition, the probability setting state for each type is represented by "1" for the first stage probability, "2" for the second stage probability, and "3" for the third stage probability.

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

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

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

[0126] The power supply unit 901 takes in external power (e.g., 24 volts AC) supplied from the outside and converts it into internal power (e.g., 24 volts DC), and generates various types of power from that internal power. The power generated by the power supply unit 901 includes power for driving various solenoids and motors (e.g., 12 volts DC), power for driving various switches and executing control processes (e.g., 5 volts DC), and power for backup to maintain the contents of the RAM of the main control board 920.

[0127] The power supply unit 901 supplies various types of power generated from its internal power to the power supply monitoring board 910, the main control board 920, the payout control board 930, the sub-control board 940, etc. Specifically, the power supply monitoring board 910 is supplied with internal power, drive voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage. The main control board 920 is supplied with drive voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage, and this power is supplied via the power supply monitoring unit 911 of the power supply monitoring board 910. The payout control board 930 is supplied with drive voltage and control voltage. The sub-control board 940 is supplied with drive voltage and control voltage. The firing control unit 902 and the signal relay unit 903 are supplied with drive voltage and control voltage.

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

[0129] The power supply unit 901 is configured to output control voltage power normally for a predetermined period even after transitioning to a power outage state. This allows the main control board 920 to save its state and terminate control so that it can return to the current control state.

[0130] The launch control unit 902 works in cooperation with the main control board 920 to control the driving of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 of the launching device 330. The ball feed solenoid 332 and the launch solenoid 334 are permitted to operate only when certain conditions are met. Specifically, the launch control unit 902 outputs an ON launch permission signal to the main control board 920 when it is detected that the player is touching the launch handle 252 (see Figure 1) based on a contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, and when the launch stop switch 255 for stopping the launch has not been operated. The main control board 920 also outputs a launch solenoid control signal and a ball feed solenoid control signal to the launch control unit 902 based on the launch permission signal and the launch abnormality signal. The launch control unit 902 operates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the ON ball feed control signal, and operates the launch solenoid 334 based on the reception of the ON launch solenoid control signal and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. As a result, game balls are sequentially launched from the launching device 330 with a strength corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (the amount of rotation of the launching handle 252).

[0131] The signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The main control board 920 initializes the stored information in its RAM in response to the receipt of the ON initialization signal. Note that the initialization switch 907 does not necessarily have to be configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay unit 903. For example, the initialization switch 907 may be mounted directly on the main control board 920 and housed within the board case 371, thereby preventing unauthorized signal input targeting the signal transmission section.

[0132] Furthermore, when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON ball overflow signal to the main control board 920. Based on the detection of the ON ball overflow signal, the main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930. Upon receiving the low-speed payout signal, the payout control board 930 reduces the rotation speed of the payout motor 542 (the payout speed of game balls from the payout device 540). Also, based on the detection of the OFF ball overflow signal, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930. Upon receiving the high-speed payout signal, the payout control board 930 increases the rotation speed of the payout motor 542.

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

[0134] The power supply monitoring board 910 includes a power supply monitoring unit 911 that monitors the power supply status from the power supply / launch control board 900, and a signal relay unit 912 that relays power supply and various signals between the power supply / launch control board 900 and the main control board 920. The power supply monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power outage signal to the main control board 920 in response to a transition to a power outage state, and monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901, and when this voltage is 22 volts If the state of being less than 5 continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that a power outage has occurred, and an ON power outage signal is output to the main control board 920. The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to a power outage state upon receiving the ON power outage signal.

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

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

[0137] The dispensing control board 930 is equipped with input / output ports as connection means for communicating information with other devices. For example, it is connected to the main control board 920 and the relay device 950 for bidirectional information input / output communication, connected to the open / close detection switches 108, 109, the stored ball switch 591, and the dispensing count switch 592 for unidirectional information input communication only, and connected to the dispensing motor 542 for unidirectional information output communication only. The RAM of the dispensing control board 930 may be configured to have a backup function that allows it to maintain internal data for a certain period of time in the event of a power outage, similar to the RAM of the main control board 920, or it may be configured not to maintain internal data in the event of a power outage, unlike the RAM of the main control board 920.

[0138] The sub-control board 940 controls the operation of various performance devices, various light-emitting devices, various sound devices, etc., based on instructions from the main control board 920. The sub-control board 940 is equipped with input / output ports as means of connection to communicate with other devices. For example, it is connected to the main control board 920 for one-way information input communication only, to the input operation device 260 for bidirectional information communication only, and to the decorative pattern display device 479, etc., for one-way information output communication only.

[0139] <Various control processes> Next, the various control processes performed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processes on the main control board 920 can be broadly divided into a main process that is started when power is restored from a power outage, and a timer interrupt process that is executed periodically (in this configuration, every 2ms (milliseconds)) by interrupting the main process.

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

[0141] In the main processing of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial) are performed to start up the main control board 920 and to initialize various information. The timer setting process S1019) is executed only once, and thereafter, the following are repeatedly executed: interrupt disabling process S1020 which prohibits interrupts; random number initial value update process S1021 which updates the values ​​of the winning random number initial value counter (part of RAM) for special symbols, the winning symbol random number initial value counter (part of RAM), and the winning random number initial value counter (part of RAM) for normal symbols; variation counter update process S1022 which updates the values ​​of the first variation type counter to the fourth variation type counter (part of RAM) for determining the variation display time (variation time) and variation pattern, etc.; and interrupt enabling process S1023 which enables interrupts. If a timer interrupt request occurs before the interrupt enabling process S1023, the timer interrupt process is executed immediately after the interrupt enabling process S1023.

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

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

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

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

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

[0147] On the other hand, if the power outage information is not a power outage value (S1010:Y), the retained information is not restored, and various information is initialized (RAM initial setting process S1013), and an initial message indicating the completion of the setting is issued. The initialization command is output (initialization command output process S1014).

[0148] In addition, during the RAM recovery setting process S1011 and the RAM initial setting process S1013, the power outage information is set to a predetermined power supply value different from the power outage value, and any various error conditions such as fraud detection errors that occurred immediately before the transition to the previous power outage state are all cleared. Furthermore, either a recovery command or an initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub-control board 940, and a predetermined initialization process is executed in each of the payout control board 930 and the sub-control board 940 that received the recovery command or initialization command.

[0149] After the initial RAM settings (determination process S1004 to initialization command output process S1014) according to the startup conditions, if the condition device was operating when the system transitioned to the previous power outage state, preparations are made to return to the special game state (special game state return preparation process S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operating status of the condition device and the continuous operation device for the special features is determined, and processing corresponding to the game state during the power outage is executed on the sub-control board 940.

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

[0151] On the other hand, in the determination process S2001, if it is determined that the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is in the ON state, indicating that the rear setting switch 905 is being operated by a predetermined key (S2001:Y), then the RAM clear process S2002 is executed, which erases the information in virtually the entire area of ​​the RAM 922. Specifically, in the RAM clear process S2002, the information in virtually all areas of the RAM 922, excluding the setting-corresponding information, is erased.

[0152] The setting information corresponds to each of the predetermined stages (nine types in this embodiment) of game modes, and the setting mode information corresponding to the game mode being set is stored in the RAM 922. Therefore, the RAM clear process S2002 erases information from virtually all areas of the RAM 922 of the main control board 920, except for the storage area for the setting information, and enables setting changes.

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

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

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

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

[0157] Therefore, the person responsible for changing the settings, such as the manager of the amusement arcade, can complete the selection of the game mode by repeatedly pressing the initialization switch 907 until the desired game mode is selected for the pachinko machine 100, while the rear setting switch 905 is operated with a predetermined key, and then inserting a game ball into the upper middle start prize device 431A or the lower middle start prize device 431B. Thus, the setting change process S2003 ends when a game ball is inserted into the middle start prize devices 431A or 431B after the game mode has been selected by pressing the initialization switch 907.

[0158] If the setting signal from the rear setting switch 905 is turned off (S2004:Y), the RAM change setting process S2005 is executed, which initializes various information in the RAM 922, excluding information related to the setting of the game mode (i.e., setting correspondence information). As a result, the startup of the main control board 920 is effectively completed, and it is confirmed that the game will proceed in the game mode corresponding to the setting correspondence information stored in the RAM 922.

[0159] After the RAM change setting process S2005, the setting command output process S2006 is executed, which outputs a setting command indicating the completion of the RAM 922 setting to the payout control board 930. Upon receiving the setting command output by the main control board 920, the payout control board 930 can recognize that the main control board 920 is transitioning to normal game processing and can also recognize which game mode will be operated in. After the setting command output process S2006, the processing from the special game state return preparation process S1015 onwards is executed.

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

[0161] In the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 920, first, the interrupt start processing S1201 is executed to initiate the timer interrupt. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. This disables interrupts other than this timer interrupt. After that, the power outage monitoring processing S1202 to the external information output processing S1221, which are related to the actual control of the pachinko machine 100, such as controlling the progress of the game and monitoring various sensors, are executed sequentially. However, if the game progress is stopped based on the detection of various irregularities (S1207:Y), the control signal output processing S1208 to the external information output processing S1221 are not executed. Finally, the interrupt enable processing S1222, which enables the next timer interrupt, is executed, and the timer interrupt processing for this time is completed. The following sections will explain each of the main processes individually.

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

[0163] On the other hand, if the power outage monitoring process S1202 determines that a power outage is occurring, the following processes are executed. First, the power outage information value is changed from the power supply value set in the RAM recovery setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see Figure 11) to a predetermined power outage value. Also, a checksum value is calculated for a predetermined range of memory areas in the RAM, and the two's complement of that checksum value is set as the RAM judgment value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which it does not perform any actual control such as game progress or monitoring of various sensors, and the state of the RAM after the RAM judgment value is set is maintained based on the backup power. Note that since the output state of the power outage signal is checked three times, each timer interrupt process is executed twice after the first detection of the power outage signal.

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

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

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

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

[0168] Furthermore, the winning random number counters for special symbols and regular symbols, the jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and each variation type counter do not necessarily have to be configured as described above. At least a part of the above counters may be configured in other ways. For example, it is possible to configure them to update from a fixed initial value without using an initial value counter, or to configure them using a random number generation IC without using a program and refer to the value as needed.

[0169] In the game stop determination process S1206, if the fraud detection information is a fraud detection value, it is updated to a game stop value, and various information for stopping the game is set. On the other hand, if the fraud detection information is not a fraud detection value or is already a game stop value, the processes for stopping the game are not executed, and the game stop determination process S1206 terminates. The fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when various frauds are detected in the fraud detection process S1211. In the determination process S1207, it is determined whether the game is stopped or not based on whether the fraud detection information is a game stop value.

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

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

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

[0173] In the timer update process S1210, various timers (a predetermined area in RAM) used for displaying the fluctuations of special and regular symbols, controlling each game state, and monitoring for fraudulent activity are updated.

[0174] In the fraud detection process S1211, fraudulent activities such as forcibly inserting game balls into various prize-winning devices or forcibly activating various prize-winning devices are detected. Specifically, forcibly inserting balls into the right-start prize-winning device 432, the lower large prize-winning device 433, and the upper large prize-winning device 434 is detected. The system detects situations in which there is a high probability of fraudulent activity occurring, such as movement to a specific position, guidance of game balls to a specific passage of the lower large prize device 433 by vibration, forced malfunction induction of the right starting prize device 432, the lower large prize device 433, and the upper large prize device 434 by radio waves, guidance of game balls to various prize devices by magnetic attraction, and guidance of game balls to the upper middle starting prize device 431A, the lower middle starting prize device 431B, the right starting prize device 432, the lower large prize device 433, and the upper large prize device 434 at abnormal timings.

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

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

[0177] In the input signal monitoring process S1214, it is detected whether the intermediate block 103 (see Figures 1 and 2) is closed to the outer frame 101 (see Figures 1 and 2) based on the output status of the signal from the open / close detection switch 108 (see Figure 10) via the dispensing control board 930. Also, it is detected whether the front block 102 (see Figures 2 and 3) is closed to the intermediate block 103 (see Figures 2 and 3) based on the output status of the signal from the open / close detection switch 109 via the dispensing control board 930 (see Figure 10).

[0178] In the dispensing status monitoring process S1215, information indicating the dispensing control status output from the dispensing control board 930 is monitored, and various dispensing status commands corresponding to the dispensing control status are set as needed. Upon receiving a dispensing status command, the sub-control board 940 causes the decorative pattern display device 479, the upper left sound device 281, and the upper right sound device 282, etc., to execute notifications according to the type of dispensing status command.

[0179] In the payout signal output processing S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values ​​of the first payout counter and the second payout counter as needed, and output to the payout control board 930. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of prize ball commands. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by 1 each time a game ball corresponding to one win is detected, and decremented by 1 each time a prize ball command based on that win is set. The payout control board 930 requests a prize ball command from the main control board 920 each time it executes control to dispense the number of game balls corresponding to that win (for example, 3 balls) (more specifically, a little before the payout is completed), and if the payout of prize balls is continuing, the main control board 920 outputs further prize ball commands. The second payout counter is updated in response to winnings with a different number of prize balls than the first payout counter (for example, 13 balls). When the payout control board 930 receives a prize ball command based on the value of the second payout counter, the payout control board 930 executes control to pay out the number of game balls corresponding to that prize ball command.

[0180] In the special symbol-related processing S1217, the right to hold the unit game related to the first special symbol and the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, in the right to hold the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol hold display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed. Furthermore, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and if a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery, the operation control of the lower jackpot device 433 and the upper jackpot device 434 is further executed.

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

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

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

[0184] In the normal symbol-related processing S1218, the right to hold the unit game related to the normal symbol and the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol are executed. Specifically, in the right to hold the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol hold display device 478 is executed. Furthermore, in the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol, the operation control of the normal symbol display device 473 related to the normal symbol is executed, and if the normal symbol lottery is won, the operation control of the right start prize device 432 is also executed.

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

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

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

[0188] <Design Sheet> Next, the configuration of the pattern sheet 601 will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13(A) is a front view showing a part of the pattern sheet 601, and Figure 13(B) is a cross-sectional view of the pattern sheet 601 along line AA in Figure 13(A). In Figure 13(B), for reference, the orientation of each surface of the pattern sheet 601 is indicated by arrows.

[0189] As shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), the pattern sheet 601 comprises a strip-shaped sheet-like base material 611 having light-transmitting properties such as transparency, a decorative pattern 621 formed on the back surface of the base material 611 (the surface facing the reel body when the pattern sheet 601 is attached to the reel body), and a decorative part 622 formed on the front surface of the base material 611 (the surface facing outward when the pattern sheet 601 is attached to the reel body).

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

[0191] The main symbol 621A is composed of a symbol that includes information defining individual numerical values, such as numbers and characters corresponding to those numbers (hereinafter, this information is referred to as "numerical information"). For example, in the example shown in Figure 13(A), the main symbol 621A is composed of a symbol that includes both numbers representing numerical values ​​such as "2" and "3," and characters corresponding to each number (for example, a pufferfish corresponding to "2" and a turtle corresponding to "3") as numerical information.

[0192] Furthermore, the main symbol 621A may consist only of numbers indicating a value, or only of characters corresponding to each value (number). In addition, all of the main symbols 621A may be unified into one of the following configurations: symbols containing only numbers indicating a value as numerical information, symbols containing only characters corresponding to each value as numerical information, or symbols containing both numbers indicating a value and characters corresponding to each number as numerical information, or a configuration in which these symbols are mixed.

[0193] The main symbol 621A is composed of symbols that include numerical information corresponding to each number from "1" to "9". Alternatively, the main symbol 621A may include numerical information corresponding to each number from "1" to "9", excluding some numbers (for example, "4").

[0194] The winning symbols are composed of predetermined combinations of the main symbols 621A in each symbol row (left symbol row, right symbol row, middle symbol row) (for example, combinations of the same main symbols 621A). In unit games involving special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol), if the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is won, the winning symbols are confirmed and displayed as stopping symbols on the pre-set active lines.

[0195] An "active line" is a line on which the game state transitions to a special game state when a winning symbol, formed by decorative patterns, is displayed as a stopping symbol. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, five active lines are set. Specifically, there are three horizontal active lines. Effective lines (specifically, the upper line located at the top, the lower line located at the bottom, and the middle line located between the upper and lower lines) and two diagonal effective lines (specifically, an effective line moving upwards to the right and an effective line moving downwards to the right) are set.

[0196] Note that the number of active lines to be set does not necessarily have to be five; one or more appropriate numbers can be set. For example, it may be configured with three active lines: the upper line, the lower line, and the middle line, or it may be configured with one active line, such as the middle line.

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

[0198] The secondary symbol 621B is composed of a predetermined picture that is smaller than the main symbol 621A and does not contain numerical information. In the example shown in Figure 13(A), the secondary symbol 621B is composed of a star-shaped picture. In the pattern sheet 601, the secondary symbol 621B is placed between the two main symbols 621A.

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

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

[0201] Furthermore, "colors configured to reflect light easily" may be defined, for example, by the presence or absence of luminosity, or by the brightness of the color. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, for example, the decorative pattern 621 is colored with ink that does not contain luminosity materials, and the decorative part 622 is colored with a color that reflects light more easily than at least some of the colors used to color the decorative pattern 621, such as metallic colors (for example, gold or silver) or pearlescent colors (for example, pearlescent white).

[0202] Alternatively, the decorative part 622 may be colored with a color that reflects light more easily than at least some of the colors used to color the decorative pattern 621, and may be colored with a color that has a higher brightness than the color that reflects the most light among the colors used to color the decorative pattern 621 (for example, a high-brightness color such as white or pale yellow).

[0203] As shown in Figure 13(B), the decorative part 622 is coated onto the surface side of the base material 611 by printing with ink of a color that is configured to easily reflect light. As a result, the decorative part 622 protrudes forward (towards the surface) from the decorative pattern 621 formed on the back side of the base material 611, and the decorative part 622 can be provided three-dimensionally in relation to the decorative pattern 621. The surface of the decorative part 622 (the surface facing outwards) may be smooth, or it may be uneven, or it may be a mixture of smooth and uneven parts.

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

[0205] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a decorative pattern 621 is formed on the back side of a sheet-like base material 611 that has light-transmitting properties (translucency), and a decorative part 622 is formed on the front side of the base material 611, on the peripheral side of the decorative pattern 621. As a result, the decorative part 622 can be provided three-dimensionally with respect to the decorative pattern 621, thereby improving the decorative effect of the decorative part 622 on the decorative pattern 621.

[0206] In particular, since the decorative part 622 is colored with a color that reflects light more easily than at least some of the colors used to color the decorative pattern 621, a sense of splendor and brilliance can be added to the decorative part 622, thereby more effectively enhancing the decorative feel provided by the decorative part 622.

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

[0208] Furthermore, the reel of the reel device constituting the decorative pattern display device 479 is constructed by attaching a pattern sheet 601, which comprises a base material 611, a decorative pattern 621 with a coating formed on the back side of the base material 611, and a decorative part 622 with a coating formed on the front side of the base material 611, to the outer surface of the reel body. As a result, the decorative effect provided by the decorative part 622 is enhanced, which can effectively increase attention to the changing display and stop display (confirmation display) of the decorative pattern 621.

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

[0210] In the following description, components identical to those in the pachinko machine 100 of the above-described embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as the "first embodiment") will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration described below as the second embodiment may be added to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 of the first embodiment described above, or it may be provided in place of some of the configurations of the pachinko machine 100 of the first embodiment described above.

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

[0212] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14(A), the inner circumference of each reel body corresponding to the left symbol row Z1 and the right symbol row Z2 respectively is equipped with a heat source. The heater 650 is positioned so that it can overlap with the patterns 721A and 721B, which will be described later, when viewed from the front.

[0213] Each symbol sheet 601 corresponding to each symbol row Z1, Z2, and Z3 is provided with symbols 701, 702, and 703 that are normally difficult or impossible to see, but become visible when a predetermined light, such as a flash of light, is shone upon them and the light is retroreflected. Symbols 701, 702, and 703 are drawn across each symbol sheet 601 corresponding to each symbol row Z1, Z2, and Z3, and are configured so that each symbol is completed when a predetermined main symbol 621A is placed on the middle line L2 during the final display.

[0214] For example, as shown in Figure 14(B), when a confirmed display is made with the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in each symbol row Z1, Z2, and Z3 positioned on the middle line L2 (i.e., when the winning symbol, the main symbol 621A corresponding to the number "7", becomes the stopping symbol and is confirmed), the symbol 701 is completed by the symbol 701A provided on the symbol sheet 601 corresponding to the left symbol row Z1, the symbol 701B provided on the symbol sheet 601 corresponding to the right symbol row Z2, and the symbol 701C provided on the symbol sheet 601 corresponding to the middle symbol row Z3.

[0215] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(C), when the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "5" is positioned on the middle line L2 in the left and right symbol rows Z1 and Z2, and the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "9" is positioned on the middle line L2 in the middle symbol row Z3, the symbol 702 is completed by the symbol 702A provided on the symbol sheet 601 corresponding to the left symbol row Z1, the symbol 702B provided on the symbol sheet 601 corresponding to the right symbol row Z2, and the symbol 702C provided on the symbol sheet 601 corresponding to the middle symbol row Z3.

[0216] In other words, in a configuration where the stopping order of the variable decorative symbols 621 is left symbol column Z1, right symbol column Z2, and middle symbol column Z3, if the left and right symbol columns Z1 and Z2 are stopped by the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "5" and a reach is displayed on the middle line L2, and then the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "9" stops on the middle line L2 of the middle symbol column Z3, resulting in a losing symbol (more specifically, a losing symbol that makes up a losing reach), then the symbol 702 is completed.

[0217] Furthermore, in the example of the pattern sheet 601 shown in Figure 14(D), when the main pattern 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "9" is placed on the middle line L2 in the left and right pattern rows Z1 and Z2, and the main pattern 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "5" is placed on the middle line L2 in the middle pattern row Z3, the pattern 703 is completed by the pattern 703A provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the left pattern row Z1, the pattern 703B provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the right pattern row Z2, and the pattern 703C provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the middle pattern row Z3.

[0218] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheet 601 is configured such that no decorative part 622 (see Figure 13) is formed on the surface side of the base material 611 (see Figure 13). Patterns such as the image 701, which become visible when a predetermined light such as a flash of light is shone upon them and the light is retroreflected, are formed on the surface side of the base material 611 with ink that has retroreflective properties and emits light of a predetermined color (for example, black or green) when irradiated with a flash of light or the like.

[0219] Therefore, when the predetermined main symbol 621A is placed on the middle line L2 in the final display, and a predetermined pattern (for example, pattern 701 or pattern 702) is completed as a result, By taking a flash photograph with a camera, an image can be obtained showing the predetermined design drawn in the predetermined colors.

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

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

[0222] The heater 650 is configured to be heated or warmed by control from the sub-control board 940 when a confirmed display is made with the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "7" positioned on the middle line L2 in each symbol row Z1, Z2, Z3 (i.e., when the winning symbol represented by the main symbol 621A corresponding to the value "7" becomes a stop symbol and is confirmed).

[0223] Therefore, when the winning symbol, represented by the main symbol 621A corresponding to the value "7", becomes a stop symbol and is displayed as confirmed, symbols 721A and 721B appear visible in a predetermined color. Furthermore, if the main symbol 621A, which contains numerical information corresponding to the value "7", is positioned on the middle line L2 and a confirmed display is made, and heating or warming of the heater 650 is started, the sub-control board 940 will then terminate heating or warming by the heater 650 when the display of special symbols changes.

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

[0225] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheet 601 is provided with patterns 701, 702, and 703 that are normally difficult or impossible to see but become visible when a predetermined light such as a flash is shone on them and the light is retroreflected, and patterns 721A and 721B that are normally difficult or impossible to see but become visible when heated or warmed. This allows different patterns to be displayed in a visible manner under different circumstances. As a result, the machine can attract more attention by displaying different patterns that become visible depending on the situation.

[0226] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, if the stopped symbol is a predetermined losing symbol (for example, the losing symbol shown in Figure 14(C)), a specific symbol such as symbol 702 can be made visible by the irradiation of a flash of light (for example, by flash photography with a camera). If the decorative symbol 621 is confirmed to be a losing symbol, and the number of reserved units for the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) is zero, the confirmed state of the losing symbol will be maintained for a period of time until the next winning combination of the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) occurs. In other words, a specific symbol such as symbol 702 can be maintained in a completed state for that period of time.

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

[0228] Furthermore, if the decorative pattern 621 is confirmed to be a predetermined jackpot pattern, a special game state is then activated. In this special game state, players tend to prioritize operations to get game balls into the jackpot devices 433 and 434 (operations on the launch handle 252), and therefore may not be able to perform operations to make a specific pattern visible (for example, operating the camera to take a flash photograph), potentially causing them to miss that specific pattern. In contrast, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, even if the special pattern lottery is not won, the completed specific pattern (for example, pattern 702) can be made visible by the illumination of a flash of light. Therefore, even if the special pattern lottery is not won, the game can be made to make a specific pattern visible.

[0229] As described in this embodiment, in a configuration in which patterns 701, 702, and 703 become visible when a predetermined light such as a flash is shone upon them, for example, by providing a stage 670 in front of the decorative pattern display device 479, the playability can be improved so that patterns 701, 702, and 703 become visible under predetermined conditions.

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

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

[0232] A game ball that enters the left edge of stage 670 moves back and forth along the rolling surface of stage 670 in a left-right direction. By positioning the two recesses in the roughly W-shaped stage 670 to correspond to the eyes in the face-like pattern 702, it becomes possible to represent game balls (for example, game balls P1 and P2) passing near these recesses as eyes.

[0233] This makes it possible to obtain an interesting image that looks as if eyes have been added to the symbol 702 when the timing of the flash photography by the camera is such that the symbol 702 can be displayed (that is, when the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "5" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "5" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the number "9" in the middle symbol column Z3 are arranged on the middle line L2 to complete the symbol 702).

[0234] Furthermore, by forming the passage through which the game balls ejected (dropped) from the two recesses in the roughly W-shaped stage 670 can pass, using a resin that has light-transmitting properties (translucency) that allows the game balls passing through to be visible to the player, it is possible to make the game balls ejected from the recesses appear as if they were tears. By making the passage a zigzag shape that goes downwards while moving back and forth from side to side, it is possible to ensure that the player can see the game balls for a certain period of time.

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

[0236] In the following description, components identical to those in the first or second embodiment of the pachinko machine 100 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration described below as the third embodiment may be added to the configuration of the first or second embodiment of the pachinko machine 100 described above, or it may be provided in place of some of the configurations of the first or second embodiment of the pachinko machine 100 described above.

[0237] Figure 16(A) is a schematic side view illustrating the configuration of the reel device, and Figures 16(B) to 16(C) are front views of the decorative pattern display device 479 of the third embodiment. In Figure 16(A), the reel body R and the pattern sheet 601 attached to the outer surface of the reel body R are shown separated in order to facilitate understanding of the drawing. Also in Figure 16(A), for reference, the direction of light irradiation by the light emitter 690 is indicated by an arrow, and the vertical display range of the decorative patterns 621 located on the upper line, middle line, and lower line is shown.

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

[0239] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16(A), heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C, which function as heat sources similar to heater 650, are provided on the inner circumference side of each reel body R corresponding to each symbol row Z1, Z2, and Z3, respectively. More specifically, heater 650A is provided in a position that overlaps with the main symbol 621A located on the upper line L3 when viewed from the front, heater 650B is provided in a position that overlaps with the main symbol 621A located on the middle line L2 when viewed from the front, and heater 650C is provided in a position that overlaps with the main symbol 621A located on the lower line L1 when viewed from the front.

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

[0241] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheets 601 corresponding to each pattern row Z1, Z2, and Z3 are provided with patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C that are difficult or impossible to see under normal circumstances but become visible when heated or warmed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 16(B), pattern 741A is a ring-shaped pattern that surrounds the main pattern 621A, which is provided on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the left pattern row Z1 and contains numerical information corresponding to the number "7".

[0242] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16(B), pattern 741B is a ring-shaped pattern that surrounds the main pattern 621A, which contains numerical information corresponding to the number "9", and is located on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the right pattern row Z2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16(B), pattern 741C is a ring-shaped pattern that surrounds the main pattern 621A, which contains numerical information corresponding to the number "8", and is located on the pattern sheet 601 corresponding to the middle pattern row Z3.

[0243] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pattern sheet 601 is configured such that no decorative part 622 (see Figure 13) is formed on the surface side of the base material 611 (see Figure 13). The patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C are formed on the surface side of the base material 611 with ink that changes from colorless to a predetermined color (for example, pink or orange) when heated. The ink that forms the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C is configured to produce a darker color the higher the heating temperature.

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

[0245] Furthermore, when the main symbols 621A are positioned on the middle line L2 and the display is confirmed, and then heated by the heater 650B, the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C will appear lighter in color compared to when the main symbols 621A are positioned on the upper line L3 and heated by the heater 650A, and darker in color compared to when the main symbols 621A are positioned on the lower line L1 and heated by the heater 650C, as shown in Figure 16(C).

[0246] Furthermore, if the main symbols 621A are positioned on the lower line L1 and the display is confirmed, and heating (heating) is performed by the heater 650C, the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C will be displayed in a lighter color compared to when the main symbols 621A are positioned on the upper line L3 or the middle line L2 and heated by the heater 650A or heater 650B, as shown in Figure 16(D).

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

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

[0249] More specifically, when the game modes of the first-stage probability in each of the top type, middle type, and bottom type are set, if the sub-control board 940 has not won in the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol lottery), in the unit game related to the special symbol, with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 10%), the main symbol 621A including digital information corresponding to the numerical value "7" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A including digital information corresponding to the numerical value "9" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A including digital information corresponding to the numerical value "8" in the middle symbol column Z3 are arranged and fixedly displayed on the upper line L3, and the heater 650A is heated or warmed. As a result, the patterns 741A, 741B, 741C can be presented in a darker color than when other game modes are set.

[0250] Also, among the nine game modes that can be set by operating the back setting switch 905 and the initialization switch 907, when the game mode corresponding to the payout rate that is the lowest for the player (that is, the game mode of the third-stage probability in each of the top type, middle type, and bottom type) is set, the patterns 741A, 741B, 741C are configured to appear in the lightest color (that is, a lighter color than when other game modes are set).

[0251] More specifically, when the game modes of the third-stage probability in each of the top type, middle type, and bottom type are set, if the sub-control board 940 has not won in the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol lottery), in the unit game related to the special symbol, with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 10%), the main symbol 621A including digital information corresponding to the numerical value "7" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A including digital information corresponding to the numerical value "9" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A including digital information corresponding to the numerical value "8" in the middle symbol column Z3 are arranged and fixedly displayed on the lower line L1, and the heater 650C is heated or warmed. As a result, the patterns 741A, 741B, 741C can be presented in a lighter color than when other game modes are set.

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

[0253] More specifically, when the game mode of the second-stage probability in each of the top type, middle type, and bottom type is set, the sub-control board 940, in the unit game related to the special symbol when not winning in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery), at a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 10%), the main symbol 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "7" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "9" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A including the numerical information corresponding to the number "8" in the middle symbol column Z3 are arranged and fixedly displayed on the middle line L2, and the heater 650B is heated or warmed. Thereby, the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C can be made to appear in a lighter color than when the game mode of the first-stage probability in each type is set, and in a darker color than when the game mode of the third-stage probability in each type is set.

[0254] Note that the appearance probability of the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C when not winning in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) may be a fixed value of 1 (for example, approximately 10%), or a variable value that changes according to the situation. For example, the configuration may be such that the appearance probability of the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C changes according to the number of times of retaining the right to the unit game related to the special symbol. Specifically, for example, the configuration may be such that the appearance probability of the patterns 741A, 741B, and 741C increases as the number of times of retaining the right to the unit game related to the special symbol increases.

[0255] Alternatively, the probability of symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C appearing may change depending on the length of the game time. For example, the longer the game time, the higher the probability of symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C appearing. The game time may be measured from the time when the so-called "waiting for players" display (i.e., a display of a title or demo that is unrelated to the game state and is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 when a predetermined amount of time has passed without the pachinko machine 100 being played by a player) ends, or it may be the time when the launch handle 252 is operated continuously.

[0256] Alternatively, the probability of symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C appearing may change depending on the type of gameplay. For example, the probability of symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C appearing may be higher when the game is in a probability variation state compared to when it is in a normal game state.

[0257] Furthermore, if the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "7" in the left symbol column Z1, the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "9" in the right symbol column Z2, and the main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "8" in the middle symbol column Z3 are positioned on lines L1, L2, and L3 of each row, and a confirmation display is made, and heating or warming of heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C begins, the sub-control board 940 will then terminate the heating or warming by heaters 650A, 650B, and 650C when the display of special symbols begins.

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

[0259] Each reel (reel body R and pattern sheet 601) corresponding to each pattern row Z1, Z2, and Z3 is provided with a light-emitting element 690 (for example, a black light LED) on the front side, which is a light-emitting means capable of illuminating the area that will be the display area of ​​the decorative pattern with a black light. For example, as shown in Figure 16(A), black light LEDs, which are light-emitting elements 690 directed towards the display area of ​​the decorative pattern on each reel, are arranged in rows in the width direction (left-right direction) of each reel on the front upper and front lower sides of each reel.

[0260] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when a main symbol 621A containing numerical information corresponding to the value "7" is positioned on the middle line L2 in the left and right symbol rows Z1 and Z2, and when patterns such as patterns 701, 702, and 703 are completed, the sub-control board 940 is configured to emit light from the light-emitting element 690 (i.e., to emit black light). As a result, when a predetermined main symbol 621A is positioned on the middle line L2 in the confirmation display, the player can see each of the patterns such as patterns 701, 702, and 703.

[0261] Furthermore, in a configuration in which patterns such as patterns 701, 702, and 703 are formed on the pattern sheet 601 using ink that emits light in a predetermined color when illuminated with a black light, it is not necessarily required to provide a light-emitting element 690 that can emit black light. The player may use a light-emitting means that they own or are lent to them, which can emit black light, to display patterns such as patterns 701, 702, and 703.

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

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

[0264] Therefore, it is possible to add a gameplay element in which the player infers probability information about the game machine they are playing based on the differences in the intensity of the colors of the symbols 741A, 741B, and 741C. For example, the inferred probability information can be used as one of the factors in deciding whether to continue playing or move to another game machine, based on whether the pachinko machine 100 is a game machine that suits the player's preferences or not. This improves the gameplay of game machines in which the lottery probability can be set in multiple stages.

[0265] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. In the pachinko machine 100 of the fourth embodiment, the luminous decorative element 780 with improved decorative properties on the peripheral side (edge ​​side) is provided to increase the player's attention.

[0266] In the following description, components identical to those in the pachinko machine 100 of the first to third embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration described below as the fourth embodiment may be added to the configuration of any of the pachinko machine 100 of the first to third embodiments described above, or it may be provided in place of some of the configurations of any of the pachinko machine 100 of the first to third embodiments described above.

[0267] Figure 17 is a front view of the game board 400 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 18(A) is a front view of the light-emitting decorative element 780, and Figure 18(B) is a simplified cross-sectional view of the light-emitting decorative element 780 along the BB line in Figure 18(A).

[0268] In Figure 18(A), for reference, a schematic boundary line G between the direct light transmission region X1 and the reflected light transmission region X2 in the peripheral decorative portion 788 is shown by a dashed line. In Figure 18(B), for reference, an example of the path of light emitted from the light-emitting element 782 as a light-emitting means is shown by arrows J1 and J2.

[0269] As shown in Figure 17, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a light-emitting decorative element 780, which is configured to be star-shaped when viewed from the front, is provided approximately in the center of the upper part of the central structure 420.

[0270] As shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the light-emitting ornament 780 comprises light-emitting elements 781 and 782, a substrate 783, an inner lens 784, a reflector 785, a decorative lens portion 786, a protruding portion 787, a peripheral decorative portion 788, a decorative sheet 789, and a reflective component 790.

[0271] The light-emitting elements 781 and 782 are composed of a light source capable of displaying full color (for example, a full-color LED). The light-emitting elements 781 and 782 emit light in a predetermined color through light emission control by the sub-control board 940. The light source constituting the light-emitting elements 781 and 782 does not necessarily have to be a light source capable of displaying full color; a light source that emits a single color (for example, a white LED) may also be used.

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

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

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

[0275] The outer shape on the top surface portion 784A side (the front side outer shape) of the inner lens 784 is configured to be a shape that can be fitted to the inner surface of the decorative lens portion 786 described later (more specifically, the surface composed of the rear surface of the top surface portion 786A and the surface facing the inside of the side surface portion 786B).

[0276] The reflector 785 is an opaque component having a light-reflecting color (e.g., white) and is provided adjacent to the rear side (more specifically, the rear side of the side portion 784B) of the inner lens 784. The reflector 785 reflects light emitted outward from the rear side (the side closer to the light emitter 781) of the side portion 784B of the inner lens 784 back towards the inner lens 784. This allows the light output from the light emitter 781 to be suitably guided to the front side (i.e., the side of the top surface portion 784A of the inner lens 784).

[0277] Furthermore, the reflector 785 is positioned between the light-emitting element 782 and the side portion 784B of the inner lens 784, and can suitably guide the light emitted from the light-emitting element 782 toward the front side (i.e., toward the peripheral decorative portion 788).

[0278] Therefore, by arranging the reflector 785 between the light-emitting element 781 and the light-emitting element 782, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 781 can be directed into the decorative lens portion 786 via the inner lens 784, and the light emitted from the light-emitting element 782 can be directed into the peripheral decorative portion 788. Alternatively, a reflector similar to the reflector 785 may be provided on the side of the reflective component 790 relative to the light-emitting element 782 (the side opposite to the reflector 785).

[0279] The reflector 785 does not necessarily have to be a light-opaque component with a color capable of reflecting light; it may also be configured to have light-opaque surfaces by applying a mirror finish (for example, chrome plating) to the surfaces of the inner lens 784 and the light-emitting element 782.

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

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

[0282] The front surface 786A1 of the top surface 786A is exposed in a way that allows the player to directly see it in the area where the protruding portion 787, described later, is not provided. Therefore, when the light-emitting element 781 is lit, the light emitted from the front surface 786A1 through the top surface 786A can be seen by the player.

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

[0284] In particular, in this embodiment, the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786 is configured as a plate shape with a substantially flat front surface 786A1, so the light-emitting decorative body 780 can illuminate the decorative shape (star shape in this embodiment) formed by the decorative lens portion 786, which is the first decorative portion, in a planar manner.

[0285] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the top surface 786A of the decorative lens section 786 is configured to be a flat plate extending in a substantially horizontal direction, but it may also be a plate that is inclined in a predetermined direction (for example, inclined towards the rear as it goes downwards in a front view). Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the top surface 786A of the decorative lens section 786 is configured to be a flat plate, that is, both the front surface 786A1 (the front side visible to the player) and the rear surface (the side facing the inner lens 784) are substantially flat, but either the front surface 786A1 or the rear surface, or each of these surfaces, may be a curved surface, or a flat or curved surface that includes fine irregularities.

[0286] The protruding portion 787 is made of a resin having the same light-transmitting properties as the decorative lens portion 786, and protrudes forward from the front surface 786A1 of the top surface portion 786A. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 787 is integrally molded together with the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral decorative portion 788, which will be described later, and is connected to the front surface 786A1 of the top surface portion 786A. Alternatively, the protruding portion 787 may be configured as a separate part from the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral decorative portion 788.

[0287] The protrusions 787 are provided at least on the peripheral side of the top surface portion 786A, along the periphery. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18(A), the protrusions 787 are provided on the peripheral side of the star-shaped top surface portion 786A, along the periphery, and are also provided in a substantially straight line connecting adjacent recesses in the star shape.

[0288] The front end face 787A of the protruding portion 787 is subjected to a light-diffusing treatment such as surface roughening (e.g., texturing). This diffuses natural light on the end face 787A, making the end face 787A appear whitish. Alternatively, instead of surface roughening the end face 787A, white Alternatively, the end face 787A may be printed with a color that easily reflects light, such as metallic colors (for example, silver or gold).

[0289] The peripheral decorative portion 788 is made of a resin having the same light-transmitting properties as the decorative lens portion 786, and is provided around the entire circumference of the peripheral (outer) side of the decorative lens portion 786. More specifically, the peripheral decorative portion 788 protrudes outward from the side portion 786B around the entire circumference of the decorative lens portion 786.

[0290] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the peripheral decorative portion 788 is integrally molded together with the decorative lens portion 786 and the protruding portion 787 and is connected to the side portion 786B. Alternatively, the peripheral decorative portion 788 may be configured as a separate part from the decorative lens portion 786 and the protruding portion 787.

[0291] The front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative section 788 (the front surface visible to the player) is configured as a substantially horizontal, substantially flat surface. However, the front surface 788A does not necessarily have to be a substantially horizontal, substantially flat surface; it may be a plane inclined in a predetermined direction (for example, a plane that inclins backward as it moves outward in a front view) or a substantially flat surface. Furthermore, the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative section 788 may be a curved surface, or a flat or curved surface containing fine irregularities.

[0292] In the example shown in Figure 18(B), the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative portion 788 is configured to be located behind the front surface 786A1 of the top surface 786A of the decorative lens portion 786. However, the front surface 788A does not necessarily have to be located behind the front surface 786A1; even if it is located in front of the front surface 786A1, its position in the front-to-back direction may be approximately the same as that of the front surface 786A1.

[0293] On the other hand, the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 (the surface facing the light-emitting element 782) is configured as an inclined surface that slopes away from the substrate 783 as it moves outward. As a result, some of the light emitted (illuminated) from the light-emitting element 782 towards the front is incident from the rear surface 788B and transmitted to the front side (the side of the front surface 788A), while some is reflected at the rear surface 788B and travels backward and outward, as shown in Figure 18(B).

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

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

[0296] Furthermore, the decorative sheet 789 does not necessarily have to be a single resin sheet formed in the shape of the top surface portion 786A of the decorative lens portion 786, but may be multiple resin sheets divided into the shape of the top surface portion 786A surrounded by the protruding portion 787. For example, in the example shown in Figure 18(A), the decorative sheet 789 corresponds to the five roughly triangular shapes formed on the convex portion side of the star. The structure may be divided into individual resin sheets and a resin sheet corresponding to a roughly pentagonal shape formed on the central side.

[0297] The decorative sheet 789 is constructed as a light-transmitting sheet that is colored in a single color (for example, each single color such as yellow or blue) or multiple colors. This allows the light emitted from the front surface 784A1 of the decorative lens section 786 to be the color corresponding to the color of the decorative sheet 789 when the light-emitting element 781 is lit. This allows the player to see the color of the star-shaped light-emitting decorative element 780, which shines in the color of the decorative sheet 789, for example, in a configuration where both the inner lens 784 and the decorative lens section 786 are made of transparent resin.

[0298] Furthermore, if the decorative sheet 789 is colored with multiple colors, the multiple colors may be configured to color each area independently, or the multiple colors may be configured to color in a gradient. In addition, the decorative sheet 789 may have a predetermined pattern (such as a design, picture, or text) drawn on it.

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

[0300] The reflective component 790 has a front surface 790A which is spaced downward from the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and is inclined to move away from the substrate 783 as it moves outward, similar to the rear surface 788B.

[0301] In the example shown in Figure 18(B), the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 is configured as an inclined surface that is substantially parallel to the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788. However, the front surface 790A does not necessarily have to be substantially parallel to the rear surface 788B; the front surface 790A and the rear surface 788B may be non-parallel (i.e., the inclination angle of the front surface 790A may be different from the inclination angle of the rear surface 788B).

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

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

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

[0305] The reflective film portion 790B may be composed of a single color or multiple colors. The color of the reflective film portion 790B may be the same as or similar to the color of the decorative sheet 789 or the main color in the decorative sheet 789. By configuring it in this way, a sense of unity can be given to the color of the luminous decorative body 780, and unnaturalness or excessive ostentation of the color scheme can be suppressed.

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

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

[0308] As described above, with the light-emitting decorative body 780, in a front view, the light-emitting body 782 is provided in the inner part (closer to the decorative lens part 786) of the region that overlaps with the rear side (side of the substrate 783) of the peripheral decorative part 788. Therefore, light emitted from the light-emitting body 782 directly enters the inner side (closer to the decorative lens part 786) of the peripheral decorative part 788.

[0309] In contrast, the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 (more specifically, a part of the inner side of the reflective film portion 790B) is positioned in a region that overlaps with the rear side of the peripheral decorative portion 788 in a front view, and is located outside the light-emitting body 782. As described above, the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 are set so that a portion of the light reflected by the reflective film portion 790B (specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B) can enter from the rear surface 788B. Thus, a portion of the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B can be directed to the peripheral decorative portion 788 outside the region into which the light output from the light-emitting body 782 directly enters.

[0310] Therefore, of the light incident from the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788, the direct light from the light-emitting body 782 passes through the inward direct light transmission region X1, while the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B passes through the reflected light transmission region X2 located outside the direct light transmission region X1.

[0311] In Figure 18(A), a linear boundary line G is shown as the boundary between the direct light transmission region X1 and the reflected light transmission region X2. However, it is not necessary for the direct light transmission region X1 and the reflected light transmission region X2 to be clearly separated by the boundary line G. A configuration may exist near the boundary line G in which both the direct light from the light emitter 782 and the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B are transmitted.

[0312] Furthermore, the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788 and the front surface 790A of the reflective component 790 are configured such that a portion of the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B can travel outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788 (i.e., outward from the reflected light transmission region X2) without entering the peripheral decorative portion 788. This allows a portion of the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B to travel through the air as light that is directly visible to the player outside the peripheral decorative portion 788.

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

[0314] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a reflector 785 is provided between the light-emitting element 781 and the light-emitting element 782, so output is produced from the light-emitting element 781 and the light-emitting element 782 respectively. The light emitted allows the decorative lens portion 786 and the peripheral decorative portion 788 to be illuminated independently. Therefore, the peripheral decorative portion 788 can be illuminated independently as the edge portion of the shape of the decorative lens portion 786 when viewed from the front (star-shaped in this embodiment).

[0315] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a peripheral decorative part 788 capable of transmitting light output from the light-emitting element 782 is provided on the peripheral side of the decorative lens part 786. The peripheral decorative part 788 is configured such that on the inner side (the side closer to the decorative lens part 786), direct light from the light-emitting element 782 passes through the direct light transmission region X1, and on the outer side, light reflected by the reflective film part 790B of the reflective component 790 (specific reflected light) passes through the reflected light transmission region X2.

[0316] This makes it possible to make the way the light appears to the player (for example, brightness and color) different in the direct light transmission region X1, where light based on direct light from the light-emitting element 782 is emitted, and in the reflected light transmission region X2, where light based on specific reflected light from the reflective film 790B is emitted. Therefore, in the peripheral decorative part 788, which appears to glow based on the light output from the light-emitting element 782 (direct light and specific reflected light from the reflective film 790B), the way it glows can be made different on the inner and outer sides, thereby improving the decorative effect of the light emitted from the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative part 788 (the decorative effect of the light transmitted through the peripheral decorative part 788).

[0317] Furthermore, since the intensity of reflected light is generally lower than the intensity of incident light, in a configuration where direct light from the light-emitting element 782 passes through the direct light transmission region X1 on the inner side of the peripheral decorative part 788, and specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 passes through the reflected light transmission region X2 on the outer side, the intensity of the light passing through the reflected light transmission region X2 can be made weaker than the intensity of the light passing through the direct light transmission region X1. This makes the outer side of the peripheral decorative part 788 appear to glow weaker than the inner side. Thus, the intensity of the light emitted from the peripheral decorative part 788 can be varied, and in this respect as well, the decorative effect of the light emitted from the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative part 788 can be improved.

[0318] As described above, the decorative effect of the peripheral decorative part 788 is improved by the light emitted from the front surface 788A of the peripheral decorative part 788. This makes it clearer how the decorative lens part 786, which shines in a planar manner due to the light from the light-emitting element 781, will be illuminated, thereby increasing the attention given to the decorative lens part 786 and the peripheral decorative part 788. This, in turn, increases the attention given to the gaming machine.

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

[0320] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 is configured such that a portion of it enters the rear surface 788B of the peripheral decorative portion 788, and a portion of it does not enter the peripheral decorative portion 788 but travels outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788 (i.e., outward from the reflected light transmission region X2) as light that can be directly seen by the player. Depending on whether the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B passes through the peripheral decorative portion 788 (more specifically, the reflected light transmission region X2) or travels outward from the peripheral decorative portion 788, the way the light appears to the player (e.g., brightness and luster) can change, thus improving the decorative properties of the light-emitting decorative body 780 made by the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B.

[0321] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 100 is configured such that a portion of the reflective film portion 790B of the reflective component 790 does not overlap with the peripheral decorative portion 788 when viewed from the front (i.e., it is directly visible to the player when viewed from the front). As a result, the player can see a mixture of light from the reflective film portion 790B, which is the reflected light of natural light (hereinafter also referred to as "natural reflected light") and the specific reflected light from the reflective film portion 790B, when viewed from the outside of the peripheral decorative portion 788. This makes it possible to give a different impression than when the only light visible to the player on the outside of the peripheral decorative portion 788 is natural reflected light, for example, an impressive sense of brilliance (metallic feel).

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

[0323] Furthermore, if the color of the light-transmitting decorative sheet 789, described later, or the main color of the decorative sheet 789 is a relatively dark color such as blue, it is preferable that the light-emitting element 781 emits light in the same color or a similar color to the color of the decorative sheet 789 or the main color of the decorative sheet 789 (for example, if the decorative sheet 789 is blue, a blue-based color such as light blue). This suppresses the appearance of the color of the decorative sheet 789 or the main color of the decorative sheet 789 as being lighter than its original color, compared to when the light-emitting element 781 emits light in a single color, white.

[0324] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the protrusion 787 is provided along the periphery of the top surface portion 786A of the decorative lens portion 786. Since the decorative sheet 789 is provided on the back side of the decorative lens portion 786, the protrusion 787 can be provided three-dimensionally relative to the decorative sheet 789. This makes it possible to improve the decorative effect provided by the protrusion 787.

[0325] In particular, the front end face 787A is treated with a light-diffusing process, so it appears whitish due to the diffusion of natural light. As a result, by configuring the main color of the decorative sheet 789 (for example, the color that colors the largest area of ​​the decorative sheet 789) to be a color that reflects less light than white, the decorative appearance of the protruding portion 787, where the end face 787A appears whitish, can be suitably improved.

[0326] Furthermore, since the protruding portion 787 that projects forward from the decorative lens portion 786 is provided along the periphery of the top surface portion 786A of the decorative lens portion 786, the shape of the decorative lens portion 786 in a front view (star shape in this embodiment) can be decorated three-dimensionally by the protruding portion 787. This improves the decorative quality of the light-emitting decorative body 780.

[0327] Furthermore, the protrusion 787, which is provided along the periphery of the top surface portion 786A of the decorative lens portion 786, is located between the exposed portion of the top surface portion 786A of the decorative lens portion 786 and the periphery-side decorative portion 788. As a result, the protrusion 787 forms a clear boundary between the shape of the decorative lens portion 786, which is the first decorative portion in the decoration of the light-emitting decorative body 780, in a front view, and the periphery-side decorative portion 788, which is the edge portion as the second decorative portion relative to the first decorative portion. This makes it possible to clearly differentiate the illumination of each portion when the first decorative portion and the second decorative portion (edge ​​portion) of the decoration of the light-emitting decorative body 780 are illuminated independently.

[0328] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, with reference to Figure 19, the fifth embodiment will be described. In the pachinko machine 100 of the fifth embodiment, an image corresponding to an image that includes a part of a character that appears in a suggestive effect displayed after a predetermined reach display is shown is displayed in a suggestive effect that is shown after a reach display different from the said reach display, thereby increasing the player's attention.

[0329] Furthermore, "suggestive effects" refer to effects that suggest the degree to which a transition to a special game state occurs after the end of a unit game involving special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) (hereinafter also referred to as "expected degree of transition to a special game state"), that is, the degree to which the decorative symbol 1621 displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 stops on a symbol that will result in a jackpot.

[0330] In the following description, components identical to those in the pachinko machine 100 of the first to fourth embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration described below as the fifth embodiment may be added to the configuration of any of the pachinko machine 100 of the first to fourth embodiments described above, or it may be provided in place of some of the configurations of any of the pachinko machine 100 of the first to fourth embodiments described above.

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

[0332] In the decorative pattern display device 479 of this embodiment, the decorative pattern 1621 is displayed as an image, as shown in Figure 19 (Figures 19(A) to 19(D)). The decorative pattern 1621, like the decorative pattern 621 (see Figure 13), is a decorative pattern used to display the stop symbols (winning symbols, losing symbols) corresponding to the lottery results of the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) on the decorative pattern display device 479.

[0333] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the decorative symbols 1621 are composed of main symbols that can form a jackpot symbol, similar to the main symbols 621A (see Figure 13). Alternatively, the decorative symbols 1621 may include both main symbols and sub-symbols that cannot form a jackpot symbol, similar to the sub-symbols 621B.

[0334] The main design constituting the decorative design 1621 is composed of a design that includes numerical information representing multiple types of numbers (for example, each number from "1" to "9"). Furthermore, the main design constituting the decorative design 1621 may be composed of a design that includes not only numbers representing values, but also both numbers and characters corresponding to those numbers as numerical information.

[0335] The decorative symbol 1621 is displayed in a variable manner on the decorative symbol display device 479 during unit games involving special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol), and is then displayed as a stop symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol lottery (stopped symbol display). The display position of the decorative symbol 1621 does not necessarily have to be approximately in the center of the display area of ​​the decorative symbol display device 479; the decorative symbol 1621 may be displayed at various positions within the display area. For example, as shown in Figure 19, the decorative symbol 1621 may be displayed on the corner side of the display area of ​​the decorative symbol display device 479 (for example, the upper right corner).

[0336] In the decorative pattern display device 479 of this embodiment, when a reach display occurs during the variation display of the decorative pattern 1621, a predetermined suggestive effect using video or images can be displayed after the variation display ends.

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

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

[0339] Furthermore, whether the reach display using the decorative symbol 1621 consists of odd or even numbers depends, for example, on the jackpot symbol random number acquired by the main control board 920 when a special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) is initially awarded. More specifically, if the stopping symbol determined by the main control board 920 based on the jackpot symbol random number is a jackpot symbol, the sub-control board 940 determines a reach display consisting of odd or even numbers, depending on the type of jackpot indicated by that jackpot symbol. On the other hand, if the stopping symbol determined by the main control board 920 based on the jackpot symbol random number is a losing symbol that constitutes a losing reach, the sub-control board 940 determines a reach display consisting of predetermined numbers, regardless of whether they are odd or even.

[0340] The first suggestive presentation has multiple presentation patterns prepared according to the expected value (or reliability) of transitioning to a special game state. The expected value of transitioning to a special game state set for each presentation pattern is determined by the probability of winning in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery), the selection probability in the selection table referenced when winning in the special symbol lottery (hereinafter also referred to as the "winning selection table"), and the selection probability in the selection table referenced when not winning in the special symbol lottery (hereinafter also referred to as the "losing selection table").

[0341] Each video data (image data) corresponding to each performance pattern of the first suggestion performance is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM of the sub-control board 940, associated with each performance pattern. The sub-control board 940 selects a performance pattern for the first suggestion performance and displays (executes) the first suggestion performance of the selected performance pattern on the decorative pattern display device 479.

[0342] The timing at which the sub-control board 940 selects the performance pattern for the first suggestion performance may be the timing at which the sub-control board 940 receives a variation pattern command from the main control board 920 corresponding to a unit game (i.e., a variation display of the special symbol) related to the target special symbol, or it may be a predetermined timing between the time the variation pattern command is received and the time when the reach display by the decorative symbol 1621 is displayed. Furthermore, in a configuration in which an operating device such as the push operation device 261 can be operated in response to the display of the first suggestion performance, the sub-control board 940 may be configured to select the performance pattern for the first suggestion performance at the timing at which this period ends.

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

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

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

[0346] The player can recognize the degree of expectation set for each character by means of an instruction manual distributed to the pachinko machine 100 or the like, or can empirically recognize the relative magnitude of the degree of expectation set for each character. As a result, for example, among the characters CA1, CA2, and CA3, when the character CA1 appears in the first suggestive effect, the player can most expect the transition to the special game state. When the character CA3 appears, the player cannot expect it as much as the character CA1 but can expect it more than the character CA2.

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

[0348] As the probability of executing the second suggestive effect (that is, the above "predetermined probability") when a reach display consisting of an even numerical value is displayed by the decorative symbol 1621, an appropriate value greater than 0% may be adopted. For example, a probability less than 100% (for example, 30% or 60%) may be used, or the probability that the second suggestive effect is always displayed (that is, 100%) may be used. The selection of whether to execute the second suggestive effect is executed under the control of the sub-control board 940.

[0349] In the example shown in Figure 19(B), after the decorative pattern 1621 displays a reach indicator consisting of "6", a second suggestive effect is performed in which images 821, 822, and 823, which include a part of character CA1, appear (are displayed) simultaneously. More specifically, image 821 is an image that includes the left eye portion of character CA1 in Figure 19(A), image 822 is an image that includes the left hand of character CA1 and a part of the flag 801A held in that left hand, and image 523 is an image that includes the button portion of character CA1's jacket.

[0350] In the second suggestive presentation, in which an image containing part of a character (for example, image 821) appears, the magnitude of the expectation (high expectation) for transitioning to a special game state is indicated by the displayed image. The image can be recognized by the player in relation to the type of character it corresponds to.

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

[0352] Images such as images 821, 822, and 823 that appear in the second suggestion presentation, that is, images including a part of the character that suggests the degree of expectation for transitioning to a special game state in the first suggestion presentation, are generated based on images extracted from video data (image data) corresponding to the presentation pattern of the first suggestion presentation, which is stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 940. Here, images extracted from video data (image data) are a portion of the video or images that are pre-selected from the video or images composed of video data or image data, and the expression "extract" may also be expressed as "pre-select" or "extract," and the same applies below.

[0353] More specifically, the image to be displayed in the second suggestion sequence is generated by extracting a relevant area from a predetermined frame containing the character, which is part of the video data that makes up the sequence corresponding to the sequence pattern in the first suggestion sequence in which a character that suggests the degree of expectation for transitioning to a special game state appears, and then processing the extracted image (for example, by applying processing such as deformation or scaling to the extracted image).

[0354] For example, image 821 is generated based on an image extracted from region AR1 of the frame image corresponding to the display content shown in Figure 19(A) in the video data corresponding to the performance pattern in which character CA1 appears. Similarly, images 822 and 823 are generated based on images extracted from regions AR2 and AR3, respectively, of the same frame image. As will be described in detail later, images 821, 822, and 823 are generated by applying processing such as transformation and scaling to the images extracted from regions AR1, AR2, and AR3.

[0355] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, for the performance pattern in which character CA2 appears, the image to be displayed in the second suggestion performance is generated based on images extracted from the frame image corresponding to the display content shown in Figure 19(C) in the video data corresponding to the performance pattern in which character CA2 appears, specifically from the parts of regions AR1, AR2, and AR3. Similarly, for the performance pattern in which character CA3 appears, the image to be displayed in the second suggestion performance is generated based on images extracted from the frame image corresponding to the display content shown in Figure 19(D) in the video data corresponding to the performance pattern in which character CA3 appears, specifically from the parts of regions AR1, AR2, and AR3.

[0356] Furthermore, it is preferable that the region from which images are extracted in the video data of the first suggestive presentation is a region from which the extracted image can suggest the type of character. For example, regions AR1, AR2, and AR3 are preferably regions that include the character's eyes, the pattern of the flag 801A held in the character's left hand, the jacket worn by the character, and the buttons on the jacket.

[0357] In the following, an image containing a portion of a character that suggests the likelihood of transitioning to a special game state, extracted from video data corresponding to the first suggestive effect pattern (for example, an image extracted from area AR1), will also be referred to as a "extracted image."

[0358] The extracted image is generated by the control of the sub-control board 940. Specifically, the sub-control board 940 selects one performance pattern from among the performance patterns prepared for the first suggestion performance, and generates an extracted image from a predetermined frame image in the video data stored in the ROM, corresponding to the selected performance pattern.

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

[0360] The frames used to generate the extracted images (i.e., predetermined frames containing characters that suggest the likelihood of transitioning to a special game state) are pre-identified by the frame number and time in the video data. Furthermore, the extraction regions, such as region AR1, within the image of the frame to be extracted are pre-identified by their coordinates on the image.

[0361] Furthermore, the cut-out regions do not necessarily have to be rectangular in shape, such as region AR1; they may also be circular or other shapes. The number of cut-out regions may be one or more. If multiple cut-out regions are provided, the shape of each region does not necessarily have to be the same (for example, all rectangular), such as regions AR1 to AR3; a configuration with two or more different shapes is acceptable.

[0362] The sub-control board 940 generates a cropped image by cutting out a predetermined region from a predetermined frame image. The timing at which the sub-control board 940 generates the cropped image may be when the sub-control board 940 receives a variation pattern command from the main control board 920 corresponding to a unit game (i.e., variation display of the special symbol) related to the target special symbol, or it may be a predetermined timing between receiving the variation pattern command and the display of the reach by the decorative symbol 1621. Furthermore, in a configuration in which an operating device such as the push operation device 261 can be operated in response to the display of the second suggestion effect, the sub-control board 940 may generate the cropped image at the timing when that period ends.

[0363] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, an image extracted from video data corresponding to the performance pattern of the first suggestion performance (i.e., an extracted image) is processed by deformation, scaling, etc., and the processed extracted image (for example, image 821, etc.) is displayed in the second suggestion performance. The processing of the extracted image (for example, deformation, scaling, etc.) and the display of the processed extracted image are controlled by the sub-control board 940.

[0364] For example, in the example shown in Figure 19(B), the images 821, 822, and 823 that appear (are displayed) in the second suggestion presentation are not rectangular in shape corresponding to the shapes of the cropped regions AR1, AR2, and AR3, but are displayed as images that appear to have their front facing downwards to the right, and are distorted into a rhombus shape when viewed from the front. By displaying the images 821, 822, and 823 in such a way that they all appear to be facing approximately the same direction, different from the front direction, a more orderly impression can be created compared to the case where the display orientation of at least one of these images 821, 822, and 823 is different from the display orientation of the other images.

[0365] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 19(B), images 821, 822, and 823 that appear in the second suggestion presentation are images that have been enlarged or reduced by different scaling ratios (magnification or reduction ratios) relative to their respective cropped images. Specifically, the size of the cropped images is different for each of the following: the image cropped from region AR1, the image cropped from region AR3, and the image cropped from region AR2 While the images extracted from the same portion increase in size in the order they are extracted, each of these extracted images is enlarged or reduced so that it increases in size in the order of image 822, image 822, and image 823.

[0366] It is not necessary to enlarge or reduce all of the cropped images; some of the cropped images may be enlarged or reduced by different scaling ratios, or all may be enlarged or reduced by the same scaling ratio. Alternatively, some or all of the cropped images may be enlarged or reduced by different scaling ratios in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0367] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, multiple processed cropped images (for example, images 821, 822, and 823) are configured to appear (be displayed) simultaneously in the second suggestion effect. For example, in the example shown in Figure 19(B), images 821, 822, and 823, which are based on cropped images (cutout images) extracted from the frame image corresponding to the display content shown in Figure 19(A), are all displayed facing downwards to the right, and are shown in order from front to back as image 823, image 821, and image 822.

[0368] In particular, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when multiple processed cropped images appear simultaneously in the second suggestion effect, one processed cropped image and other processed cropped images are displayed so that they overlap in at least a portion of each other (i.e., appear to overlap). The control of this display is also performed by the sub-control board 940.

[0369] For example, in the example shown in Figure 19(B), a portion of image 822 and a portion of image 821 overlap, and a portion of image 821 and image 823 overlap. As a result, the content drawn in the area of ​​image 822 where image 821 overlaps, and the content drawn in the area of ​​image 821 where image 823 overlaps, becomes difficult (impossible) to see.

[0370] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when one processed cropped image and another processed cropped image are displayed overlapping in at least part, the display position of the image whose drawing content becomes difficult to see due to the overlap is moved, thereby making the drawing content that was difficult to see visible. This display control is also performed by the sub-control board 940.

[0371] For example, in the example shown in Figure 19(B), after a portion of image 822 and a portion of image 821 are displayed overlapping, the display position of image 822, where some of the drawn content has become difficult to see due to the overlap with image 821, is moved to the left (arrow M direction). As the overlap between image 822 and image 821 decreases, the area in image 822 where the drawn content is visible increases. As a result, the player can recognize that image 822 is an image that includes, for example, a left hand and a portion of the flag 801A held in that left hand, and that the flag 801A has a cat pattern drawn on it.

[0372] Here, character CA1 is configured the same as character CA2 except for the pattern depicted on flag 801A. Therefore, if the player recognizes that the pattern depicted on flag 801A is a cat through the movement of image 822, they can infer that the character corresponding to the image displayed in the second suggestion sequence is character CA1. Thus, the configuration makes it easier to estimate the expectation of transitioning to a special game state based on the time elapsed since the processed cropped image appeared in the second suggestion sequence, thereby improving the gameplay of estimating the expectation of transitioning to a special game state in the second suggestion sequence.

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

[0374] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the image that appears in the second suggestion effect, which includes a part of the character that suggests the expectation level of transition to a special game state in the first suggestion effect, is generated based on an image extracted from video data corresponding to the effect pattern of the first suggestion effect. In other words, the video data corresponding to the effect pattern of the first suggestion effect is reused to generate the image that appears in the second suggestion effect. This configuration allows for a reduction in the amount of video data (image data) to be stored, and reduces the need to develop separate effect images for the first and second suggestion effects, thereby reducing development costs.

[0375] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, an image corresponding to an image containing a part of a character that suggests the expectation level of transition to a special game state, extracted from video data corresponding to the performance pattern of the first suggestion performance (specifically, an image obtained by processing such as deformation or scaling of the extracted image), is displayed in the second suggestion performance. Therefore, the expectation level of transition to a special game state, which is suggested by the character that appeared in the first suggestion performance, can be similarly suggested in the second suggestion performance. In addition, since the suggestion of the expectation level in the first suggestion performance and the suggestion of the expectation level in the second suggestion performance are realized with different appearances, it is possible to increase the variety of suggestion performances while suppressing the cost of developing separate performance images for the second suggestion performance.

[0376] Here, the image displayed in the second suggestion sequence corresponds to an image that includes a part of the character that suggests the degree of expectation for transitioning to the special game state that appears in the first suggestion sequence. Therefore, the amount of information contained in the image is less than when the entire character is displayed, making it difficult to infer the character corresponding to the image from the image displayed in the second suggestion sequence.

[0377] As a result, the difficulty of inferring the likelihood of transitioning to a special game state from the content of each suggestion animation differs depending on whether the first or second suggestion animation is displayed. Therefore, the gameplay of inferring the likelihood of transitioning to a special game state from the content of each suggestion animation when the first or second suggestion animation is displayed can be improved, thereby increasing the attention given to the game machine.

[0378] In particular, since the second suggestion effect displays an image that has been processed, such as being transformed or scaled, from an image extracted from video data corresponding to the effect pattern of the first suggestion effect, it is possible to suitably make it difficult to guess the character corresponding to the image displayed in the second suggestion effect. In this respect as well, when the first or second suggestion effect is displayed, the gameplay of inferring the expected degree of transition to a special game state from the content of each suggestion effect can be suitably improved.

[0379] Furthermore, since the configuration allows each image corresponding to multiple cropped images extracted from multiple regions to be displayed simultaneously in the second suggestion sequence, it is easier to infer the character corresponding to the image from the image displayed in the second suggestion sequence compared to when only one cropped image is displayed. This prevents the inference of the character corresponding to the image from becoming too difficult in the second suggestion sequence.

[0380] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when multiple processed cropped images appear simultaneously in the second suggestion effect, one processed cropped image and another processed cropped image are displayed so that they overlap in at least a portion (i.e., appear to overlap), making it difficult for the player to recognize the content of the overlapping image. In this respect as well, it is possible to suitably make it difficult to infer the character corresponding to the image from the image displayed in the second suggestion effect, so that when the first or second suggestion effect is displayed, the expectation of transitioning to a special game state can be inferred from the content of each suggestion effect. This allows for a significant improvement in the gameplay aspect of measuring the game's performance.

[0381] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, when one processed cropped image and another processed cropped image are displayed overlapping in at least part, the display position of the image whose drawing content has become difficult to see due to the overlap is moved, thereby making the drawing content that was difficult to see visible visible. As a result, the difficulty of inferring the expected degree of transition to a special game state from the content of the second suggestion performance can be varied according to the passage of time since the initial appearance of multiple processed cropped images simultaneously in the second suggestion performance. This improves the gameplay in which the expected degree of transition to a special game state can be inferred from the content of each suggestion performance when the second suggestion performance is displayed.

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

[0383] In the following description, components identical to those in the pachinko machine 100 of the first to fifth embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration described below as the sixth embodiment may be added to the configuration of any of the pachinko machine 100 of the first to fifth embodiments described above, or it may be provided in place of some of the configurations of any of the pachinko machine 100 of the first to fifth embodiments described above.

[0384] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the press operation device 1261 provided in the pachinko machine 100 of the sixth embodiment. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the press operation device 1261 according to the operating position. In Figure 20, for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the internal configuration of the press operation device 1261, the base 851 and operated part 852 of the button operating section 850, the operating cover member 870, and the bottom member 880 are each shown in cross-sectional shapes. Hatching has been omitted for these cross-sections.

[0385] Furthermore, in Figures 20 and 21, for reference, the position of the surface of the pachinko machine 100 (more specifically, the surface around the operating cover member 870 in the front block 102 that the player can touch) is shown by a dashed-dotted line Q. In other words, the area above the dashed-dotted line Q indicates that a part of the operating device 1261 (operating cover member 870) is exposed (protruding) upward from the surface of the front block 102, while the area below the dashed-dotted line Q indicates that the operating device 1261 is embedded below the surface of the front block 102. Furthermore, in Figure 21, for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the drawing, the bottom member 880 is not shown, and the area below the dashed line Q in the operating device 1261 (i.e., the area embedded below the surface of the front block 102) is shown with a dotted line.

[0386] The pressing device 1261, like the pressing device 261, is a device that can be pressed by the player. As shown in Figure 20, the pressing device 1261 comprises a button operating section 850, an operating mechanism 860, an operating cover member 870, and a bottom member 880. The button operating unit 850 comprises a base body 851, an operated part 852, and a spring member 853. The base body 851 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface on its lower end. The operated part 852 is configured in a cylindrical shape that can be housed on the inner circumference of the base body 851. The spring member 853 is, for example, a coil spring and is interposed between the base body 851 and the operated part 852 to support the operated part 852 relative to the base body 851. The spring member 853 functions as a biasing means that biases the operated part 852 upward.

[0387] The upper end of the base 851 is provided with a projection 851A that protrudes inward, and the lower end of the operated portion is provided with a projection 852A that protrudes outward, positioned to overlap with the projection 851A when viewed from above.

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

[0389] When the operated portion 852 is pushed in (i.e., when the operated portion 852 is pressed downwards), the operated portion 852 moves downwards against the biasing force of the spring member 853 (i.e., while deforming the spring member 853). Then, when the pushing operation on the operated portion 852 is completed (i.e., when the operated portion 852 is no longer under load), the operated portion 852 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the spring member 853.

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

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

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

[0393] The operating mechanism 860 is located below the button operating section 850. As shown in Figure 20, the operating mechanism 860 comprises a rack 861, which is a rod-shaped body on a toothed flat plate; a pinion (gear) 862 that meshes with the teeth of the rack 861; and a motor 863 for rotating the pinion 862. The motor 863 is, for example, a DC motor.

[0394] The operating mechanism 860 rotates (drives) the motor 863, thereby rotating the pinion 862, and thereby moving the position of the button operating section 850 in a direction along the tooth pattern of the rack 861 and corresponding to the rotation direction of the motor 863, without any operation by the player on the operated section 852.

[0395] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the operating mechanism 860 can move the button operating section 850 in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the operated section 852 moves due to the deformation (compression or restoration by biasing) of the spring member 853 (i.e., the vertical direction). Within the range of movement of the rack 861 relative to the pinion 862, the button operating section 850 can be moved vertically.

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

[0397] The operating mechanism 860 is configured to hold (maintain) the button operating section 850 in a predetermined position by controlling the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 so that the detection result by the encoder remains constant. As a result, the unloaded button operating section 850 (the button operating section 850 in a state where the operated section 852 is not being operated), which is not being touched by the player, can be held (maintained) in a predetermined position within the range of movement of the button operating section 850 by the operating mechanism 860. The position in which the unloaded button operating section 850 is held by the operating mechanism 860 is also referred to as the "neutral position".

[0398] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the operating mechanism 860 is configured such that, when a predetermined condition is met, the unloaded button operating section 850 is held at a position corresponding to the met condition, from among a plurality of predetermined neutral positions for the button operating section 850. In other words, the neutral position of the button operating section 850 is configured to change according to the met condition.

[0399] Specifically, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the height of the button operation section 850 in the neutral position (more specifically, the height from the surface of the pachinko machine 100) is configured to increase as the number of times a unit game related to special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) is held increases.

[0400] Furthermore, when the button operation unit 850 is in the neutral position, the pressing operation device 1261 is also in the neutral position. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the height of the pressing operation device 1261 in the neutral position also increases as the number of reserved unit games related to special symbols increases.

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

[0402] For example, if a downward force exceeding the torque is applied to the button operating section 850 (i.e., if the button operating section 850 is pushed down with a force exceeding the torque), the button operating section 850 can be moved downward by that force. Also, if an upward force exceeding the torque is applied to the button operating section 850 (i.e., if the button operating section 850 is pulled up with a force exceeding the torque), the button operating section 850 can be moved upward by that force.

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

[0404] The operation cover member 870 is a member that covers the button operation section 850 from the outside, and is configured in a cylindrical shape with an operating surface on its upper end surface. The operation cover member 870 is translucent and is configured to transmit light emitted from a light-emitting element (not shown), such as an LED, which is placed inside the operation cover member 870 (for example, the base 851 of the button operation section 850).

[0405] The back surface of the operating cover member 870 relative to the operating surface (i.e., the surface facing the button operating section 850) is in contact with the operated portion 852 of the button operating section 850. Therefore, when a player presses the operating surface of the operating cover member 870, the operating cover member 870 and the operated portion 852 move downward together.

[0406] As a result, a push operation performed by the player on the operating surface of the operating cover member 870 becomes a push operation on the operated part 852, which moves the operated part 852 downward against the biasing force of the spring member 853, and also moves the button operating part 850 downward through the operation of the operating mechanism 860.

[0407] As shown in Figure 21, the surface of the operation cover member 870 is provided with a hold count display section 870A. The hold count display section 870A displays numbers from "0" to "8" corresponding to the number of holds in a unit game related to special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol), and line segments as scales corresponding to each of these numbers.

[0408] In the hold count display unit 870A, the numbers corresponding to the number of holds for a unit game related to a special symbol are arranged in ascending order from top to bottom, and the numbers corresponding to the current number of holds are depicted in such an arrangement that they are exposed from the surface (dotted line Q) of the pachinko machine 100 when the button operation unit 850 is in the neutral position corresponding to the current number of holds.

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

[0410] Furthermore, for example, if the number of reserved spins for a unit game related to a special symbol is 3, as shown in Figure 21(B), the button operation unit 850 is positioned in a neutral position corresponding to that reserved spin (i.e., the number of reserved spins being 3), so that the number "3" corresponding to that reserved spin, as depicted on the reserved spin count display unit 870A, is exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100. As a result, the numbers from "0" to "3" are exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100.

[0411] Furthermore, for example, if the number of reserved spins for a unit game related to a special symbol is 8, as shown in Figure 21(C), the button operation unit 850 is positioned in a neutral position corresponding to that reserved spin (i.e., the number of reserved spins being 8), so that the number "8" corresponding to that reserved spin, as depicted on the reserved spin count display unit 870A, is exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100. As a result, the numbers from "0" to "8" are exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100.

[0412] Therefore, in a configuration where the height of the neutral position of the button operation unit 850 increases as the number of reserved units for special symbols increases, the player can determine the current number of reserved units by visually checking the numbers displayed on the reserved unit display unit 870A that are exposed from the surface of the pachinko machine 100. In other words, the push operation device 1261 can function as a display device that displays the number of reserved units for special symbols, similar to the special symbol reserved display devices 476 and 477.

[0413] Let's return to Figure 20 for explanation. The bottom member 880 is a component that makes up the bottom portion of the pressing operation device 1261. The bottom member 880 is configured to be approximately circular in shape when viewed from above, and a groove 880A is provided on its peripheral edge that can accommodate the side surface of the operation cover member 870. The groove 880A also functions as a guide that guides the operation cover member 870 in the vertical direction. The operation cover member 870 is configured to be able to move vertically only within a certain range upwards, and is equipped with a stopper mechanism that limits upward movement beyond a certain amount, but this is omitted from the illustration.

[0414] The pressing device 1261 includes a detection sensor 890 that outputs predetermined detection information (detection signal) to the sub-control board 940 when the button operating section 850 is located at the lower end of the movement range of the operating mechanism 860. The detection sensor 890 is, for example, an optical proximity sensor. This detection sensor 890 is not necessarily required; the detection position of the detection sensor 890 may be detected by utilizing information from a sensor (encoder) capable of detecting the vertical position of the button operating section 850.

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

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

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

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

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

[0420] When the pressing device 1261 (button operating section 850) is in a neutral position at a position above the lower end of the range of movement by the operating mechanism 860, the sub-control board 940 determines that the pressing device 1261 has been operated and controls the operating mechanism 860 to return the button operating section 850 to the neutral position. This allows the pressing device 1261 to return to its current neutral position.

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

[0422] As a result, even if the button operating section 850 is operated (pressed) with a force exceeding the torque of the motor 863, and the operation is completed before the button operating section 850 reaches the lower end of the range of movement by the operating mechanism 860, the pressing device 1261 can be returned to its current neutral position.

[0423] When returning the pressing device 1261 to its current neutral position, the movement speed of the button operating section 850 as it moves toward the neutral position within the range of movement of the operating mechanism 860 may be a constant speed, or it may be a different speed depending on the current state.

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

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

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

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

[0428] The stroke amount S2 of the button operating section 850 by the operating mechanism 860 is the amount of movement from the neutral position of the button operating section 850 to the lower end of the range of movement of the button operating section 850 by the operating mechanism 860, and therefore it is a value that changes with changes in the neutral position of the button operating section 850. More specifically, the stroke amount S2 increases as the neutral position of the button operating section 850 rises. Therefore, in the pressing device 261 of this embodiment, the stroke amount due to the pressing operation increases as the neutral position of the button operating section 850 rises.

[0429] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operating position of the pressing device 1261 and the reaction force to the pressing operation when the pressing device 1261 is pressed. More specifically, Figure 22 is a graph with the operating position of the pressing device 1261 on the horizontal axis and the reaction force to the pressing operation on the vertical axis.

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

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

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

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

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

[0435] Since the torque of motor 863 depends on the current value supplied to motor 863, the relationship between the operating position of the pressing device 1261 and the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 can be set to various configurations by controlling the current value supplied to motor 863, and multiple settings can be made to provide different operating sensations depending on the game situation and the lottery results.

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

[0437] Alternatively, if the torque of motor 863 increases linearly as the operating position of the pressing device 1261 approaches operating position Amin, the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 will be as shown by the dashed line J4 in Figure 21(A), from operating position A2x to operating position A The configuration can include a pattern that increases linearly as it approaches min.

[0438] Furthermore, the pattern may include not only increasing the torque of motor 863, but also decreasing the torque of motor 863. In such cases, the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 can be reduced as it approaches the operating position Amin from the operating position A2x. Patterns combining increases and decreases in the torque of motor 863 may also be included. Moreover, the increase or decrease in the torque of motor 863 does not necessarily have to be linear; patterns in which the torque of motor 863 increases or decreases curvilinearly may also be included, as well as patterns that include a maximum portion where the torque increases and then decreases, and patterns that include a minimum portion where the torque decreases and then increases.

[0439] Furthermore, the torque of the motor 863 may change discontinuously in the section between operating position A2x and operating position Amin (more specifically, a pattern in which the torque change includes a step and is discontinuous before and after a predetermined position). In such a case, for example, as shown in Figure 21(B), the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 becomes discontinuous at operating position X, rising sharply without any change in operating position. The change in the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 in the section from operating position X to operating position Amin may be constant in that section, as shown by the straight line J5 in Figure 21(B), or it may include a pattern in which it increases as it approaches operating position Amin, as shown by the dashed line J6 in Figure 21(B).

[0440] Furthermore, the configuration may include patterns in which the change in reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 in the section from operating position A2x to operating position X is the same as the change in reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 in the section from operating position X to operating position Amin, or these change patterns may be different.

[0441] Furthermore, the operating position that creates a discontinuous reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 does not necessarily have to be just one, as shown in Figure 21(B). Patterns may include multiple (i.e., two or more) operating positions that create a discontinuous reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261.

[0442] Furthermore, it is not necessarily required to discontinuously change the torque of the motor 863 at the operating position X (i.e., to discontinuously change the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261). In patterns where the manner of change of the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 differs before and after the operating position X, a pattern in which each manner of change changes continuously at the operating position X may also be included.

[0443] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the operating mechanism 860 is equipped with an encoder (not shown) that allows detection of the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the motor 863 when a force exceeding the torque of the motor 863 is applied to the button operating section 850 to move the button operating section 850. Based on the values ​​detected by the encoder, the sub-control board 940 can detect the pressing speed (movement speed of the pressing operating device 1261) and the amount of movement of the pressing operating device 1261 during the pressing operation of the pressing operating device 1261.

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

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

[0446] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a gameplay experience in which the player operates the push-button device 1261 in accordance with a predetermined target value, thereby increasing the attention given to the pachinko machine 100.

[0447] The target value may be set as either the movement speed or the amount of movement, a combination of both, or as the pressing force applied to the button operating section 850 held at a certain height. Furthermore, the target value may be set using a threshold, such as whether or not a predetermined target value is exceeded, or it may be set as an operation with a target that involves an operation time that maintains a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range for a certain period of time or longer.

[0448] Furthermore, it is preferable to set multiple types of target values, neutral position heights, and reaction force magnitude and change patterns for the pressing operation device 1261. It is preferable to select which of the multiple types to use based on conditions based on the game situation (for example, the number of times a ball is held, the duration of the game, the number of times a predetermined effect (for example, the display of a specific character) is performed), or to select which of the multiple types to use based on conditions based on the results of a predetermined lottery such as a jackpot lottery, and to use this as an effect that suggests to the player, for example, the result of winning or losing a symbol lottery, or the possibility (expected value, reliability) of transitioning to a special game state.

[0449] For example, the sub-control board 940 can detect the amount of movement of the pressed operating device 1261 when it is pressed based on the values ​​detected by the encoder. In a configuration where the height of the neutral position of the pressed operating device 1261 changes according to the number of times a unit game related to a special symbol has been held, the sub-control board 940 may be configured to control the operating mechanism 860 to discontinuously change the torque of the motor 863 at a position corresponding to the number of times the unit game has been held corresponding to the unit game that has been won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery, second special symbol lottery) if a unit game that has been won in the special symbol lottery is included among the currently held unit games, with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%).

[0450] Furthermore, if a unit game that has won the special symbol lottery is included among the currently held unit games, the probability of discontinuously changing the torque of motor 863 at the position corresponding to the number of held units corresponding to the unit game that has won the special symbol lottery may be greater than 0% and less than 100%, or it may be 100%.

[0451] Thus, in a configuration in which, when a pressing operation is performed on the pressing device 1261 with a force exceeding the torque of the motor 863, the movement pattern of the pressing device 1261 (i.e., the change in the operating sensation due to the discontinuous change in the torque of the motor 863 during the movement of the pressing device 1261, and the pattern of the reaction force to the movement) changes according to the content of each pending unit game (for example, whether or not a special symbol lottery has been won), the lottery of each pending unit game This provides a gameplay experience in which the content of selection results, etc., can be inferred based on the movement pattern of the pressing operation device 1261.

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

[0453] In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the pressing operation device 1261, which can be pressed by a player, comprises a button operating section 850 whose operated part 852 is supported by a base 851 via a spring member 853, and an operating mechanism 860 that enables vertical movement of the button operating section 850. The operating mechanism 860 can hold the button operating section 850 in a predetermined neutral position, and by applying a downward force (pressing force) to the button operating section 850 that exceeds the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 of the operating mechanism 860, the button operating section 850 can be moved in the direction of the force.

[0454] This allows the stroke amount of the pressing operation device 1261 to be changed in accordance with the change in the neutral position of the pressing operation device 1261 (i.e., the neutral position of the button operation section 850). Compared to the case where the amount of movement of the operated section 852 is limited to a certain range based on the deformation of the spring member 853, this makes it possible to diversify the feel of operation when the player operates the operated section 852, and thereby effectively increase the attention given to the pachinko machine 100.

[0455] In particular, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the height of the neutral position of the pressing device 1261 (the neutral position of the button operation unit 850) increases as the number of reserved spins for the special symbols increases. Therefore, the player can see the pressing device 1261 and recognize the number of reserved spins, and even when playing with their eyes looking downwards, the height of the button operation unit 850 makes it easier to recognize the number of reserved spins.

[0456] Furthermore, the stroke length of the pressing device 1261 increases as the number of holds increases. This makes it possible to make the feel of the operation when the player operates the operated part 852 different according to the number of holds, so that the player can intuitively estimate (recognize) the number of holds by pressing the pressing device 1261. Thus, with this configuration, it is possible to provide a gameplay experience in which the player can estimate (recognize) the number of holds for a unit game related to special symbols by pressing the pressing device 1261, without having to visually check information regarding the number of holds.

[0457] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 can be changed according to the current value supplied to the motor 863 by changing the current value supplied to the motor 863. Therefore, the operating sensation (operating sensation to the button operating section 850) for the operated section 852 can be varied in various ways within the section in which the button operating section 850 can move vertically by the operating mechanism 860.

[0458] For example, if the torque of the motor 863 is kept constant within the range of movement of the button operating section 850 by the operating mechanism 860, regardless of the operating position (amount of operation of the pressing device 1261) of the pressing device 1261, the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 can be kept constant within that range of movement. As a result, within that range, the player can press the pressing device 1261 with a constant force.

[0459] Furthermore, if the torque of the motor 863 is increased linearly or nonlinearly as the amount of operation (amount pressed) of the pressing device 1261 increases within the range of movement of the button operating section 850 by the operating mechanism 860, the reaction force to the pressing operation on the pressing device 1261 can be increased or decreased linearly or nonlinearly within that range of movement. Therefore, within that range, the player can operate the pressing device 1261 while linearly or nonlinearly increasing or decreasing the force (pressure) applied to the pressing device 1261.

[0460] This allows the operating feel of the pressing device 1261 in the section where the button operating section 850 can move vertically by the operating mechanism 860 to be varied in various ways, such as an operating feel that requires pressing with a constant force, or an operating feel that requires pressing with a force that increases or decreases as the amount of pressing increases. This makes it possible to diversify the operating feel when a player operates the operated section 852. In this respect as well, it is possible to effectively increase the attention given to the pachinko machine 100.

[0461] Furthermore, by controlling the current value supplied to the motor 863 to change the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 in accordance with the content of a predetermined animation displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479, the feel of operating the operated part 852 can be changed to match the content of the animation.

[0462] For example, when the display of a balloon being inflated with a manual air pump is shown on the decorative pattern display device 479 during the variation display, the current value of the motor 863 can be controlled so that the torque of the motor 863 remains constant in accordance with the depiction of operating the manual air pump, thereby making the pressing sensation of the pressing device 1261 consistent, as if operating a manual air pump. Furthermore, if the display result of the variation display indicates a win or suggests to the player that it is a variation display with a high probability of success, a reaction force is generated until the end of the display to depict the balloon becoming maximum size through the pressing operation. On the other hand, if the result is a loss or suggests to the player that it is a variation display with a low probability of success, a hole may be made in the balloon and it may shrink, and the torque may be reduced to minimize the reaction force as the balloon shrinks, so that it does not inflate.

[0463] Furthermore, when a scene in which a character attempts to push open a tightly closed door is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 479 during the variation display, the current value can be controlled so that the torque of the motor 863 decreases sharply at the moment the door opens, in accordance with the depiction of the character pushing to open the door. This makes the feeling of pressing the push operation device 1261 suddenly lighter, as if the door had opened. If the result of the variation display indicates a win or a variation display with a high probability of success, the torque can be reduced at the end of the scene to minimize the reaction force, depicting the door opening and a character indicating a lucky state being behind the door. On the other hand, if the result indicates a loss or a variation display with a low probability of success, the reaction force can be generated until the end of the scene, depicting the door not opening.

[0464] As for the effects corresponding to the display results of the fluctuating display, the above is not the only option. For example, the button may be held down all the way for a certain period of time, and then, depending on the expectation level or whether it is a win or loss, the position after the operation may be changed, such as whether the button operation part 850 is maintained at the lower end position or rises. The magnitude of the operating force (reaction force) may also be changed, or a combination of these may be used.

[0465] In this way, by controlling the current value supplied to the motor 863 so that the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 changes in accordance with the content of a predetermined performance displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479, the feel of pressing the push operation device 1261 can be made to match the feel of the performance displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479. This gives the player the feeling that they are participating in the predetermined performance displayed on the decorative pattern display device 479.

[0466] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 can be changed according to the current value supplied to the motor 863. Therefore, the torque of the motor 863 can be changed discontinuously (or in a step-like or abrupt way) at a predetermined position within the section in which the button operation unit 850 can move vertically by the operating mechanism 860.

[0467] As a result, when a player operates the operated part 852 with a force exceeding the torque (holding force) of the motor 863 of the operating mechanism 860, the operating sensation on the operated part 852 (pressing device 1261) changes discontinuously at a predetermined position within the range in which the button operating part 850 can move vertically by...

Claims

[Claim 1] A lottery means that conducts a predetermined lottery when predetermined starting conditions are met, A game control means that generates a special game state which is more advantageous than the normal game state when the result of the lottery by the lottery means is a predetermined result, A gaming machine comprising a display unit capable of displaying at least a predetermined fluctuation display and a result display corresponding to the lottery result, Display control means for controlling the display unit to display a predetermined fluctuation display and a result display when the predetermined starting conditions are met, comprising: a fluctuation display image including at least a part of the fluctuation display that is displayed when the predetermined starting conditions are met, or a result display image that suggests the lottery result, a game machine corresponding image corresponding to the game machine in which the player is playing, and a player operation image that displays the method of operation by the player on the game machine in the situation in which the fluctuation display image or the result display image is displayed on the display unit, using an image corresponding to the method of operation by the player that is displayed together with the game machine corresponding image, The display control means is configured to enable the display of a player operation image, which is an image corresponding to the method of operation performed by the player and is displayed together with the game machine-compatible image, in some cases when the predetermined start conditions are met.

Images