JP7662978B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Pachinko machines, which are a type of gaming machine that shoots game balls to play a game, are known. Pachinko machines are provided with a game board with a game area on the front side into which the shot game balls are guided. The game board is provided with various winning means through which game balls guided to the game area can win prizes, and an outlet for discharging game balls that do not win any of the winning means out of the game area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In such pachinko machines, for example, a predetermined lottery process is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning means, and when a predetermined lottery result is obtained, a winning state advantageous to the player is generated. When a winning state occurs, a special winning means is opened, and by allowing a gaming ball to enter the special winning means, the player can acquire a predetermined amount of gaming value.

JP 2016-86946 A

However, there was a demand for further improvements in entertainment value with conventional gaming machines.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A predetermined game board;
A support member for supporting the game board;
A launching means capable of launching a game ball;
A rail member capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching means;
A game area is provided on the front part of the game board so that game balls guided by the rail member can flow down, and at least a part of the game area is defined by the rail member;
A frame-shaped member provided on the game board so as to surround a predetermined display area of a predetermined display device when viewed from the front;
A first starting ball entry means is provided so that the game ball can enter the first starting ball entry means at a position where the game ball can reach the position where the game ball is launched by the launching means so as to pass through at least the left side area of the frame-shaped member in the game area;
A trigger ball entry means is provided so that the game ball can enter the game area at a position where the game ball launched by the launching means can reach the game area so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member;
a second trigger ball entry means which is provided in a position within the game area where the game ball launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member, and which can change between a first state in which the game ball cannot enter and a second state in which the game ball can enter when a predetermined opening condition is established based on at least an entry into the trigger ball entry means;
A lottery means for performing a predetermined winning/losing lottery due to the game ball entering the first start ball entry means or the second start ball entry means;
a display means for displaying a stop display in a predetermined manner based on the result of the winning/losing lottery after displaying the change;
and a game state generating means for generating a predetermined game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the winning/losing lottery.
A specific inflow area into which game balls flowing down the game area can flow in through a predetermined opening;
A switching means is provided for changing the state of the specific inflow area between a specific state and a specific state different from the specific state when the specific game state occurs;
In the specific state, the game ball that has flowed into the specific inflow area is detectable by a first detection means as a game ball that can provide a player with a predetermined game value, and is not detectable as a game ball that does not provide the predetermined game value, and the game ball detected by the first detection means is configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area through a predetermined passage,
The gist of the invention is that in the specified state, the game ball that has flowed into the specific inflow area is detectable by a second detection means as a game ball that does not award the specified game value to the player, but is undetectable as a game ball that can award the specified game value , and the game ball detected by the second detection means is configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area via the specified passage .

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the interest of players.

1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. An oblique view showing the inner frame and front frame set in an open state. A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. This is an oblique view showing the inner frame, rear pack unit, etc. in an open state. A partially enlarged front view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. A partially enlarged rear view showing the configuration of the inner frame and game board, etc. A partial cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 7 showing the variable winning device etc. in a closed state. A partial cross-sectional view of line A-A in Figure 7 showing the variable winning device etc. in an open state. A partial cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 7, showing the variable winning device etc. in a closed state. A partial cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 7, showing the variable winning device etc. in an open state. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. A flowchart showing the start winning processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing a reach determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing a through gate passing process. 13 is a flowchart showing a game status check process. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a lottery mode flag, a support mode flag, a game state identification counter, and a game state judgment value. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a first display control process. 13 is a flowchart showing the end of fluctuation setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. A flowchart showing variable winning device control processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a second display control process. 13 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing feature control process. 13 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the sub-control device. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine decorative patterns. 13 is a flowchart showing a counter update process. 13 is a flowchart showing a command determination process of the sub-control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing a hold display setting process. A diagram to explain the types of jackpots. A diagram showing the configuration of the first jackpot type determination table. A diagram showing the configuration of the second jackpot type determination table. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a special jackpot, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the storage configuration of a fluctuation pattern table for a complete miss. This is a diagram showing the configuration of the fluctuation pattern table when a special jackpot occurs under normal conditions. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an opening and closing pattern control table. A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a decorative pattern display device in a normal state. A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a decorative pattern display device when a jackpot occurs. A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device during a chance mode. A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of the decorative pattern display device during gold mode. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of a decorative pattern display device during a roulette performance. FIG. A schematic diagram showing an example of the display mode of a decorative pattern display device when a pending display change process is performed. A schematic front view showing a variable winning device etc. in a closed state according to another embodiment. A schematic front view showing a variable winning device etc. in an open state according to another embodiment. A front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, game board, etc. relating to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are open. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30, etc. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which the inner frame 12 and the back pack unit 203, etc. are open. However, for convenience, in FIG. 3, nails and accessories arranged on the game board 30 surface, glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, etc. are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3 etc., the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so that it can be opened and closed. The inner frame 12 forms the support frame in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the outer frame 11 is made up of an upper frame component 11a and a lower frame component 11b made of wooden boards, and a left frame component 11c and a right frame component 11d made of an aluminum alloy extrusion material, and these frame components 11a to 11d are assembled together into a rectangular frame shape by removable fasteners such as screws.

An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left frame component 11c, respectively (see Figure 1). The upper and lower parts of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, allowing the inner frame 12 to be opened and closed. The inner frame 12 and other components are housed in a space formed inside the outer frame 11.

The right frame component 11d also has an extending wall 83 formed near its rear end in the width direction that protrudes toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the front side of the extending wall 83 is provided with a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 to which the locking member of the locking device 600 is engaged. The lower receiving portion 85 also has a pressing portion 86 that protrudes toward the inside of the outer frame 11 and abuts against the inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later.

In addition, a resin valance panel 87 is attached to the lower frame component 11b. A rib 88 that protrudes upward is integrally formed on the innermost part of the top surface of the valance panel 87. This makes it difficult for a gap to form between the valance panel 87 and the inner frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the opening/closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with this opening/closing axis as its axis. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base frame 38 with a rectangular outer shape, and a roughly elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the center of the base frame 38.

The front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is designed to be able to be opened forward around an opening and closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 when closed. A roughly oval window 101 is formed in the center of the front frame set 14. This makes it possible to view the game board 30 (play area 30a) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 from the outside through the window 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later. The front frame set 14 constitutes the front frame in this embodiment, and the window 101 constitutes the viewing window.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lower tray 15 is provided at the center of the lower part of the front side of the front frame set 14 as a ball receiving tray, and game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, a ball removal lever 25 is provided at the front side of the lower tray 15 to discharge game balls from within the lower tray 15.

In addition, a performance button 125 is provided on the left side of the lower tray 15 as an operating means that can be operated by the player. The performance button 125 is configured so that the player can press it (by pressing it downward). An operation detection switch (not shown) for detecting the pressing of the performance button 125 is provided inside the lower tray 15. When the performance button 125 is pressed, an operation detection signal is output from the operation detection switch to the sub-control device 262, which will be described later. As a result, when the player presses the performance button 125, a corresponding performance is performed or the performance content is changed in the decorative pattern display device 42, which will be described later.

A game ball launch handle (hereinafter simply referred to as the handle) 18 is provided to the right of the lower tray 15, protruding toward the front. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detection means (not shown) for detecting the amount of operation of the operating part of the handle 18.

An upper tray 19 is provided above the lower tray 15. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls, aligns them in a row, and guides them toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter simply referred to as the launching device) 60, which serves as a launching means described below. When the upper tray 19 is full of game balls, the game balls that are paid out are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray connecting passage 71 and a discharge port 16, described below.

The upper tray 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into the card unit (ball lending unit) located on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, loaned balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 in response to the operation. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. However, in pachinko machines in which game balls are directly loaned from a ball lending device, etc. to the upper tray 19 without going through the card unit, so-called cash machines, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary.

Furthermore, the upper tray 19 is provided with a ball removal button 123. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) that is provided downstream of the ball guide path of the upper tray 19 and communicates with the lower tray 15 opens, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 are guided (dropped) to the lower tray 15. In other words, the player can move the game balls in the upper tray 19 to the lower tray 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

In addition, various light emitting means such as lamps are provided around the front of the front frame set 14. These light emitting means are controlled to change their light emission state, such as turning on or blinking, depending on changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or a specified reach is reached, and serve to enhance the presentation effect during play. For example, a frame lamp 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided around the periphery of the window portion 101. Also, error display lamps 104 are provided on both sides of the frame lamp 102, which light up when a specified error occurs. Note that a number of fine through holes are formed in the upper portion of each error display lamp 104 of the frame lamp 102, corresponding to the speaker SP (see Figure 3) provided on the back of the front frame set 14.

A glass frame portion 14a is provided on the rear side of the front frame set 14 (see Figure 3), and a glass unit 137 is attached to the glass frame portion 14a. The glass unit 137 has a pair of front and rear transparent glass plates 137a, 137b arranged at a predetermined distance from each other (see Figure 9, etc.).

Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the base frame 38 of the inner frame 12 behind the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached with its peripheral portion (excluding the left-right center portion of the lower edge 30b) abutting the back side of the base frame 38. Therefore, the range from approximately the center portion of the front portion of the game board 30 to the left-right center portion of the lower edge 30b is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the base frame 38.

A launching device 60 that launches game balls is disposed on the front side of the portion of the base frame 38 that is located below the window hole 39 (game board 30) (hereinafter referred to as the "lower portion of the base frame 38A"). In this embodiment, a solenoid-type launching device is used as the launching device 60.

In addition, a ball feeding device 63 is provided above the launching device 60 in the lower part 38A of the base frame. The ball feeding device 63 guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 one by one to the launching position of the launching device 60 (launching rail 61, described below) by driving a built-in driving means (e.g., a solenoid).

In addition, the lower part of the base frame 38A is provided with a launch rail 61 on which game balls guided by the ball feeding device 63 are placed and which guides the game balls immediately after they are shot out by the launch device 60, as well as a relay rail 62 which is disposed on an extension of the launch rail 61 and guides the game balls that fly out from the launch rail 61 to the game board 30 (the guide rail 54 described below). The launch rail 61 and relay rail 62 form the support frame side rail section in this embodiment.

The launch rail 61 and the relay rail 62 are arranged at a predetermined interval, and a foul ball drop section 65 is formed between the two as a drop hole section through which the game ball can fall. As a result, if a game ball launched from the launch device 60 does not reach the play area 30a and returns along the guide rail 54 as a foul ball, the foul ball is guided to the foul ball drop section 65 by one side wall section 169b (the guide rail 54 side) of the front side guide section 169 described below, and falls downward through the foul ball drop section 65. Therefore, the foul ball guide section in this embodiment is constituted by the one side wall section 169b (the guide rail 54 side).

As shown in FIG. 3, a resin rail sidewall member (rail sidewall portion) 69 is provided on the rear side of the front frame set 14 below the window portion 101. The rail sidewall member 69 is disposed along the launch rail 61 and relay rail 62 when the front frame set 14 is closed against the inner frame 12, and serves as the sidewall portion of these rails 61, 62. This prevents launch balls from spilling out of the launch rail 61 and relay rail 62.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 etc. An outer rail member 51, an inner rail member 52, and a right rail member 53, which are formed in a band shape from thin metal steel plate, are attached to the front side of the game board 30 in a curved arc shape.

The outer periphery of the play area 30a, which is divided into a front and a back by the front surface of the play board 30 and the rear surface of the glass unit 137 (glass plate 137b), is defined in a roughly circular shape mainly by these rail members 51 to 53.

More specifically, when viewed from the front of the game board 30, the outer rail member 51 extends from the lower edge 30b of the game board 30, curved diagonally upward to the left, so as to connect with the relay rail 62, to the vicinity of the approximate vertical center of the left edge of the game board 30, then curved diagonally upward to the right from the approximate vertical center of the left edge of the game board 30 to the vicinity of the approximate horizontal center of the top edge of the game board 30, and further curved diagonally downward to the right from the vicinity of the approximate horizontal center of the top edge of the game board 30 to the upper right area of the game board 30, so that the outer rail member 51 is arranged in an approximately arc shape overall.

The inner rail member 52 curves and extends parallel to the outer rail member 51 from approximately the center in the left-right direction of the lower edge 30b of the game board 30 (near the left end of the outlet 36 described below) to the upper left diagonal area of the game board 30, and is arranged in an approximately arc shape overall.

The right rail member 53 is arranged in an approximately arc shape overall, extending from approximately the center in the left-right direction of the lower edge 30b of the game board 30 (near the right end of the outlet 36 described below) to the lower right area of the game board 30, curving diagonally upward to the right.

The outer periphery of the play area 30a is defined by the outer rail member 51 in the area where only the outer rail member 51 extends, by the inner rail member 52 in the area where only the inner rail member 52 extends, and by the right rail member 53 in the area where only the right rail member 53 extends.

On the other hand, in the section where the outer rail member 51 and the inner rail member 52 are arranged in parallel, the outer periphery of the play area 30a is defined by the inner rail member 52, and in the section where none of the rail members 51 to 53 exist (excluding the section where the outlet 36 is formed, which will be described later), the outer periphery of the play area 30a is defined by the inner periphery of the window hole 39 of the base frame 38.

The section in which the outer rail member 51 and the inner rail member 52 are arranged in parallel forms a guide rail 54 that guides the game ball launched from the launching device 60. As a result, the game ball launched from the launching device 60 in response to the rotation of the handle 18 is guided to the upper part of the game area 30a through the launch rail 61, the relay rail 62, and the guide rail 54.

A return ball prevention member 56 is provided near the upper end of the inner rail member 52 (see FIG. 4). This prevents a game ball that has been guided from the guide rail 54 to the play area 30a from returning back into the guide rail 54.

In addition, an opening 55 through which the game ball can pass is formed between the lower end (right end) of the inner rail member 52 and the lower end (left end) of the right rail member 53 at the lower edge 30b of the game board 30.

In correspondence with the opening 55, an outlet 36 is formed in the approximate center of the lower edge 30b of the game board 30 in the left-right direction by cutting out the lower edge 30b. Of the game balls guided to the game area 30a, those that do not win in the various winning holes described below are discharged outside the game area 30a through this outlet 36. Therefore, the outlet 36 constitutes the out-ball discharge area (out-ball discharge section) in this embodiment.

In addition, a variable winning device 32 is provided as a variable ball entry means at approximately the center in the left-right direction of the upper edge 145 of the base frame lower part 38A, which is below the outlet 36. The variable winning device 32 in this embodiment is provided in the base frame lower part 38A, not on the game board 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the game area 30a formed on the front side of the game board 30 is considered to be the main game area (first game area), the area on the front side of the base frame lower part 38A where the variable winning device 32 is arranged or the internal area of the variable winning device 32 can also be considered to be the sub-game area (second game area).

Here, the variable prize-winning device 32 and its related configuration will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

A mounting recess 146 is formed in the approximate center of the upper edge 145 of the base frame lower portion 38A in the left-right direction, and the variable winning device 32 is attached and fixed here. As a result, almost the entire variable winning device 32 is positioned below the lower edge 30b of the game board 30.

The variable winning device 32 is provided with a front wall 149 arranged so as to be substantially flush with the front part of the lower part of the base frame 38A (in this embodiment, substantially the same position in the front-rear direction as the front part of the game board 30), a large winning opening 151 formed as an opening in the front wall 149, a bottom wall 152 formed on the back side of the front wall 149 and extending rearward from the lower side of the large winning opening 151, and a pair of side walls 153 formed along the side edges of the bottom wall 152 and extending rearward from both sides of the large winning opening 151. The large winning opening 151 is configured so that a game ball can pass through it in the front-rear direction. In addition, in Figures 8 to 12, the game ball is illustrated by a two-dot chain line as "game ball B".

In this embodiment, the left-right width of the big prize opening 151 is set to be approximately the same as the left-right width of the outlet 36 formed on the lower edge 30b of the game board 30. The big prize opening 151 constitutes the special ball entry area (special ball entry section) in this embodiment.

The rear of the bottom wall portion 152 reaches the ball recovery member 216, and its rear end is connected to the winning ball discharge passage 232 formed in the ball recovery member 216. Therefore, the ball passage structure in this embodiment is formed by the variable winning device 32.

A count switch 223 is attached to the winning ball discharge passage 232 (below the bottom wall portion 152). The count switch 223 constitutes the winning ball detection means (ball detection means) in this embodiment.

The ball passage (winning ball passage) and support frame side passage component in this embodiment are made up of the bottom wall portion 152 connected to the large winning opening 151, the pair of side wall portions 153, and the winning ball discharge passage 232. Here, the mounting position of the count switch 223 is not limited to the above position, and may be any part that constitutes the ball passage (winning ball passage).

A solenoid 154 is attached to the rear of the variable winning device 32. The solenoid 154 has a plunger 155 on its front side that can slide back and forth. The plunger 155 has a disk-shaped tip portion with a larger diameter than its shaft portion (symbol omitted). In addition, a coil spring (not shown) is attached in a compressed state around the shaft portion.

As a result, when the solenoid 154 is in a non-energized state, the force of the coil spring maintains the plunger 155 in the protruding position. When the solenoid 154 is excited, the plunger 155 retracts into the solenoid 154, and when in an excited state, the plunger 155 is maintained in the retracted position.

The variable prize-winning device 32 is provided with an opening/closing shutter 160 as an opening/closing member at a position above the bottom wall 152 and in front of the solenoid 154. The opening/closing shutter 160 is fixed to the tip of the plunger 155 and is provided so as to be able to slide back and forth as the plunger 155 is driven.

The opening/closing shutter 160 has a body formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and its left-right width is set to be generally the same as the left-right width of the outlet 36 formed in the lower edge 30b of the game board 30. In addition, a connection part 161 that is connected and fixed to the plunger 155 is provided on the underside of the body part of the opening/closing shutter 160.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing shutter 160 constitutes the bottom of the outlet 36, and is disposed at a lower position within the outlet 36 so as to penetrate the outlet 36 from front to back. In addition, the upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 160 is gently inclined downward from the front to the rear as a whole so that the game ball (out ball) can be smoothly guided rearward.

To accommodate this, the ball recovery member 216 is formed with a pair of left and right out-ball discharge passages 241A, 241B that communicate with the outlet 36. The ball recovery member 216 and the variable winning device 32 are assembled so that the rear of the opening/closing shutter 160 is continuous with the out-ball discharge passages 241A, 241B.

Out ball detection switches 226A and 226B are attached to the out ball discharge passages 241A and 241B, respectively. The out ball detection switches 226A and 226B constitute the out ball detection means (ball detection means) in this embodiment.

The ball passage (out ball passage) in this embodiment is composed of the outlet 36, the opening/closing shutter 160 (shutter section 160a and guide section 160b described below), and the out ball discharge passages 241A, 241B, etc. Here, the attachment positions of the out ball detection switches 226A, 226B are not limited to the above positions, but may be any part that constitutes the ball passage (out ball passage).

Under the above configuration, the opening/closing shutter 160 is in a protruding state in which it protrudes forward to the vicinity of the glass unit 137 (glass plate 137b) under normal circumstances, i.e., when the solenoid 154 is in a non-energized state and the plunger 155 is in a protruding position. On the other hand, when the solenoid 154 is in an excited state and the plunger 155 is in a retracted position, the opening/closing shutter 160 is in a retracted state in which it retracts to a position near the front wall portion 149.

Hereinafter, when the opening/closing shutter 160 is in a protruding state, the portion protruding forward from the front wall portion 149 is referred to as the shutter portion 160a, and the portion located within the outlet 36 is referred to as the guide portion 160b.

The shutter portion 160a is curved in the left-right direction so that it is concave upward when viewed from the front. When the opening/closing shutter 160 is in a protruding state in which it protrudes forward, the left end of the shutter portion 160a is positioned adjacent to the right end (lower end) of the inner rail member 52, and the right end of the shutter portion 160a is positioned adjacent to the left end (lower end) of the right rail member 53.

On the other hand, the upper surface of the left half of the guide section 160b is gently inclined downward toward the rear left from the center in the left-right direction, and the upper surface of the right half is gently inclined downward toward the rear right, so that the game balls can be smoothly distributed to the left and right out ball discharge passages 241A, 241B.

A branching portion 216b that branches off the out ball discharge passages 241A and 241B is formed protrudingly on the front side (passage side) of the rear wall portion 216a of the ball recovery member 216. Correspondingly, a V-shaped notch portion 160c is formed on the rear end portion of the guide portion 160b of the opening/closing shutter 160. When the opening/closing shutter 160 is in the retracted state, the branching portion 216b is inserted into the V-shaped notch portion 160c of the guide portion 160b (see FIG. 12).

Now, a front side guide section 169 is provided in the front frame set 14 in correspondence with the opening 55 and the large prize opening 151. The front side guide section 169 constitutes the guide means and the front frame side passage component in this embodiment.

The front guide portion 169 is formed so as to protrude rearward from the upper position of the rail sidewall member 69 provided on the rear side of the front frame set 14. The front guide portion 169 is formed integrally with the rail sidewall member 69 from a synthetic resin or the like.

The front guide section 169 is concave when viewed from behind, has a bottom wall section 169a that slopes downward toward the rear, and a pair of side walls 169b formed on both the left and right sides of the bottom wall section 169a, and is open upward and backward.

The left-right width of the bottom wall 169a of the front guide section 169 (the left-right width between the side wall sections 169b) is set to be approximately the same as the left-right width of the large prize opening 151. When the front frame set 14 is closed against the inner frame 12, the front guide section 169 is positioned opposite the large prize opening 151 in front of it (see Figure 9, etc.).

As a result, the bottom wall 169a of the front guide section 169 is connected to the bottom wall 152 of the variable winning device 32, and both side walls 169b of the front guide section 169 are connected to both side walls 153 of the variable winning device 32.

Under such a configuration, when the solenoid 154 is in a non-energized state and the plunger 155 is in the extended position, the opening/closing shutter 160 is in a protruding state protruding forward to the vicinity of the glass unit 137, and closes the opening 55 between the right end of the inner rail member 52 and the left end of the right rail member 53.

At the same time, the opening/closing shutter 160 (shutter portion 160a) blocks the upper part of the front side guide portion 169 (bottom wall portion 169a) of the front frame set 14.

In this state, therefore, the opening/closing shutter 160, as well as the rail members 51-53 and the window hole 39, form a partition that divides the play area 30a.

In this state, the front end of the opening/closing shutter 160 is positioned at approximately the same position in the front-to-rear direction as the front ends of the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53, and game balls cannot pass between the glass unit 137. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the large prize opening 151 is closed to the game area 30a, and game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 151.

In this state, when a game ball flows down to the bottom of the game area 30a, the game ball falls onto the opening 55 between the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53 onto the opening/closing shutter 160 (shutter portion 160a), rolls along the upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 160, and flows into the outlet 36.

The game ball then rolls backwards on the opening/closing shutter 160 (guiding portion 160b), passes through the outlet 36, and is distributed by the branching portion 216b of the ball recovery member 216 to either the left or right out ball discharge passage 241A, 241B.

The game ball is then discharged through the out-ball discharge passages 241A, 241B to the discharged ball receiver 217 described below. In addition, when the game ball passes through the out-ball discharge passages 241A, 241B, it is detected by the out-ball detection switches 226A, 226B.

On the other hand, when a winning state occurs and the solenoid 154 becomes excited, the plunger 155 slides backward and the opening/closing shutter 160 becomes retracted. When the opening/closing shutter 160 becomes retracted, the opening/closing shutter 160 becomes housed in the outlet 36 and the opening 55 between the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53 becomes open. In other words, the big prize opening 151 becomes open to the play area 30a.

In this state, when a game ball flows down to the bottom of the game area 30a, the game ball falls downward through the opening 55 between the inner rail member 52 and the right rail member 53, and is guided to the front side guide section 169 provided on the front frame set 14.

The game ball guided to the front guide section 169 rolls backward along the slope of the bottom wall section 169a and enters the big prize opening 151.

The game ball that enters the large winning opening 151 rolls backward along the bottom wall 152 of the variable winning device 32 and is guided to the winning ball discharge passage 232. The game ball is then discharged through the winning ball discharge passage 232 to the discharged ball receiver 217, which will be described later. In addition, the game ball is detected by the count switch 223 as it passes through the winning ball discharge passage 232.

In this embodiment, even when the large prize opening 151 is open, the outlet 36 is not closed and is always open. Also, in this embodiment, even when the opening/closing shutter 160 is in a retracted state, the opening/closing shutter 160 is not completely contained within the outlet 36, but is slightly protruding from the front surface of the front wall portion 149 while leaving a space through which the game ball can pass, so that even when the large prize opening 151 is open, depending on the behavior of the game ball, there is a possibility that the game ball may flow into the outlet 36.

In addition, in the game area 30a of the game board 30, the general winning hole 31, the upper start winning hole 33A, the lower start winning hole 33B, the through gate 34, the variable display unit 35, the first special display device 43L, and the second special display device 43R are arranged in through holes formed by router processing, and are attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. Here, the upper start winning hole 33A constitutes the first starting ball entry means, and the lower start winning hole 33B constitutes the second starting ball entry means.

As in the past, when a game ball enters various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper start winning port 33A, and the lower start winning port 33B, it is detected by various detection switches, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or the lower tray 15). For example, three game balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (lower tray 15) when the upper start winning port 33A is won, one game ball is paid out to the lower start winning port 33B, ten game balls are paid out to the general winning port 31, and fifteen game balls are paid out to the variable winning device 32. The prize balls correspond to the game value in this embodiment, and the game value granting means in this embodiment is composed of various functions that execute the payout of the prize balls.

The game board 30 is also provided with numerous nails to appropriately disperse and adjust the direction in which the game balls fall, and various components (gimmicks) such as windmills are also provided. This allows for an appropriate probability of winning at the start winning holes 33A, 33B, etc. mentioned above. In this embodiment, the general winning hole 31, the upper start winning hole 33A, and the lower start winning hole 33B constitute the "ball winning means provided within the game area."

The upper start winning opening 33A is always capable of receiving a winning ball. In contrast, the lower start winning opening 33B is equipped with an opening/closing device 37 as an opening/closing type winning assistance device.

The opening/closing device 37 is equipped with a pair of left and right movable blades 37a that rotate left and right around the axis at the lower end, and a solenoid for the start winning opening (not shown) that drives the movable blades 37a to open and close. The movable blades 37a open and close depending on the establishment of predetermined conditions, so that the state can be changed between an open state in which a game ball flowing down the play area 30a can win a prize in the lower start winning opening 33B, and a closed state in which a game ball cannot win a prize in the lower start winning opening 33B.

As will be described in more detail later, the upper start winning opening 33A and the lower start winning opening 33B are provided with a first start winning switch 224A and a second start winning switch 224B, respectively, which detect winning game balls. When a game ball is detected by the start winning switches 224A and 224B, a lottery is held to determine whether or not a jackpot state or the like will be generated, and a variable display is performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R (and the decorative pattern display device 42, described later). If the lottery is won, the jackpot state or the like is granted.

Now, the jackpot types in this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 40, in this embodiment, the jackpot types include "16R special jackpot A", "16R special jackpot B", "4R special jackpot A", "4R special jackpot B", "16R regular jackpot A", "16R regular jackpot B", "4R regular jackpot A", "4R regular jackpot B" and "JUB (Jump Up Bonus) jackpot".

In the "16R Special Jackpot A" jackpot state, a "long open" is counted as one special prize state, and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds).

In this embodiment, "long opening" refers to one opening/closing operation from when the opening/closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32 is switched from the closed state to the open state until it is closed, provided that the specified time of 30 seconds has elapsed or the specified number of 10 game balls have entered the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151).

In the "16R Special Jackpot B" jackpot state, a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds), after which a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated 12 times (twelve rounds).

In this embodiment, "short opening" refers to one opening/closing operation from when the opening/closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32 is switched from the closed state to the open state until it is closed, provided that the specified time of 0.4 seconds has elapsed or the specified number of three game balls have entered the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151).

In this embodiment, the game balls are launched from the launching device 60 toward the game area 30a at a rate of one ball every 0.6 seconds based on the operation of the handle 18 by the player. In contrast, in the above-mentioned "short opening", the opening time of the opening/closing shutter 160 is set to 0.4 seconds. In other words, in the case of "short opening", the opening time of the opening/closing shutter 160 is shorter than the launch cycle of the game balls. Therefore, in a single "short opening", not even one game ball may win. For this reason, the opening/closing shutter 160 is rarely closed based on the condition related to the number of winning balls (three winning balls) among the two closing conditions corresponding to the "short opening", and once the opening/closing shutter 160 is opened, it is usually closed based on the passage of the specified time (0.4 seconds). This prevents the execution period of the "short opening" from changing each time.

In the "4R Special Jackpot A" and "4R Special Jackpot B" jackpot states, a "long opening" is counted as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds).

In the "16R Normal Jackpot A" jackpot state, a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated eight times (eight rounds), after which a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated eight times (eight rounds).

In the "16R Normal Jackpot B" jackpot state, a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds), after which a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated 12 times (twelve rounds).

In the "4R Regular Jackpot A" and "4R Regular Jackpot B" jackpot states, a "long opening" is counted as one special prize state, and this is repeated four times (four rounds).

In the "JUB jackpot" jackpot state, a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated five times, after which a "long opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated fifteen times. In other words, five "short openings" are performed in the first round, and a "long opening" is performed in each of the second to sixteenth rounds.

In addition, when any of the above-mentioned "variable jackpots" and "JUB jackpots" occur, the "high probability mode (high probability state)" is granted as the lottery mode after the jackpot state ends. On the other hand, when any of the "normal jackpots" occur, the "low probability mode (low probability state)" is granted after the jackpot state ends.

"High Probability Mode" refers to a state in which the probability of a jackpot is increased compared to the "Low Probability Mode" that is normally set. The "High Probability Mode" that is set after a jackpot ends will continue until the next jackpot occurs.

After the various jackpots mentioned above have ended, a "high support mode (high ball entry state)" is granted as a winning support mode for the opening and closing device 37 while the special display devices 43L and 43R display a predetermined number of changes, or until the next jackpot occurs.

"High support mode" refers to a state in which the ratio of open to closed states per unit time of the opening/closing device 37 of the lower start winning port 33B is higher than that of the "low support mode (low ball entry state)" that is normally set.

For example, the "high support mode" may be a state in which (1) the variable display time in the normal symbol display device 41 described later is shorter than in the "low support mode", (2) the opening time (prescribed time) of the movable blade 37a of the opening/closing device 37 is longer than in the "low support mode", (3) the prescribed number of game balls that can win a prize per opening of the movable blade 37a is greater than in the "low support mode", (4) the number of times the opening/closing process of the movable blade 37a is performed each time a winning result is obtained by the opening lottery of the opening/closing device 37 caused by the passing of the game ball through the through gate 34 is greater than in the "low support mode", and (5) the winning probability in the opening lottery of the opening/closing device 37 is higher than in the "low support mode". In the high support mode in this embodiment, the above configurations (1), (2), and (5) are adopted. Of course, the "high support mode" is not limited to this, and may be any one of configurations (1) to (5), or any combination of configurations (1) to (5). This makes it easier for game balls to enter the lower start winning slot 33B more frequently, increasing the number of times the jackpot lottery is executed and resulting in good ball holding.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the "high support mode" is applied, the variation pattern table is changed to a table for the "high support mode" as described below, so that the variation display time in the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (decorative pattern display device 42) becomes shorter than in the "low support mode".

In this embodiment, after the end of the "16R Special Jackpot A" and "4R Special Jackpot A", a "high support mode" is granted until the next jackpot occurs. This "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as the "Until Next High Support Mode".

After the "16R High Success Big Win B" and "4R High Success Big Win B" end, a "high support mode" is granted while the special display devices 43L and 43R display the variable "20 times", "30 times", "40 times", or "50 times". Hereinafter, this "high support mode" is referred to as the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode", or "50 times high support mode", respectively.

After the "16R normal jackpot A" and "4R normal jackpot A" end, the "high support mode" is granted while the "30 times" variable display is being displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R. This "high support mode" is hereinafter referred to as the "30 times high support mode S."

After the end of the "16R normal jackpot B" and "4R normal jackpot B", the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" will be awarded.

After the "JUB jackpot" ends, the "Until next time - high support mode" will be granted.

In this embodiment, various game states are generated by combining the various modes described above.

For example, if "high probability mode" and "high support mode" are applied, it will be in a so-called "high probability state (probability fluctuating state)."

When "low probability mode" and "low support mode" are applied, it becomes what is known as the "normal state."

When "low probability mode" and "high support mode" are applied, it will be in what is known as a "time-saving state."

When the "high probability mode" and "low support mode" are both applied, it becomes a so-called "latent probability state (latent probability change state)." In other words, when it becomes a "latent probability state," the probability of a jackpot is simply increased, and on the surface it is no different from the "normal state," so it becomes difficult for players to recognize that the "high probability mode" has been applied.

In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the various "big wins" mentioned above, a "small win" occurs when a predetermined result is obtained in the win/lose lottery. In the small win state, a "short opening" is considered as one special prize state, and this is repeated five times (five rounds). However, the lottery mode and winning support mode granted after the small win state ends are the original modes before the small win state occurred. For example, if the lottery mode before the small win state occurred was the "high probability mode," the "high probability mode" will be maintained even after the small win state ends.

In this embodiment, the details will be described later, but the allocation of the jackpot type awarded in the case of winning the winning/losing lottery is different depending on whether the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A or the lower start winning hole 33B. If the winning/losing lottery triggered by the game ball entering the upper start winning hole 33A is won, the jackpot type is assigned to one of "16R sure-win A", "16R sure-win B", "4R sure-win A", "4R sure-win B", "16R normal jackpot A", "16R normal jackpot B", and "4R normal jackpot B", and if the winning/losing lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower start winning hole 33B is won, the jackpot type is assigned to one of "16R sure-win A", "4R sure-win A", "4R normal jackpot A", and "JUB jackpot". In addition, the "small win" will only occur if the player wins the lottery triggered by the game ball entering the lower start winning hole 33B.

The first and second special display devices 43L, 43R are each composed of two segment display devices and are installed at the bottom of the game board 30. Each segment display device is provided with eight display segments. Each display segment has an individual light source made of an LED, and by controlling the on/off of these individual light sources, it is possible to light up any one display segment, or to light up any combination of display segments. This allows each segment display device to individually display a predetermined symbol (including letters and numbers).

When a game ball enters the upper start winning opening 33A, a changing display is performed on the first special display device 43L, and when a game ball enters the lower start winning opening 33B, a changing display is performed on the second special display device 43R. The display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later. The first special display device 43L constitutes the first display means, and the second special display device 43R constitutes the second display means.

After the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R display a varying value, the display mode when the varying value stops will definitively display whether or not the jackpot has been won. For example, when a game ball enters the upper start winning slot 33A, the corresponding first special display device 43L displays a varying value at high speed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, one of the display modes stops displaying (for example, for a few seconds). If the jackpot has been won, various numerical values corresponding to the jackpot (see FIG. 40) will be displayed when the varying value stops, and a jackpot state will occur.

As shown in FIG. 40, for example, when the "16R certain jackpot A" is won, "9-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and when the "16R certain jackpot B" with the "50 times high support mode" is won, "84" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Also, when the "JUB jackpot" is won, "1.-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and when the "small jackpot" is won, "1-" is displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R. Here, in order to enhance the performance effect of the "JUB jackpot", it is preferable that the stop modes of both are confusingly configured, such as the stop mode "1.-" for the "JUB jackpot" and the stop mode "1-" for the "small jackpot".

Of course, the stop modes of the special display devices 43L, 43R corresponding to various winning types are not limited to the above modes. For example, there may be multiple stop modes of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R indicating one winning type, rather than just one. For example, when a "16R special jackpot A" is won, one of "91", "92", "93", ... may be selected and stopped and displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R.

Even if there are multiple stop modes of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R indicating one winning type, it is preferable that the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB jackpot" and the multiple stop modes related to the "small win" are configured to be confusingly configured. For example, any of "-1.", "-2," "-3.", "-4," ... may be displayed as multiple stop modes related to the "JUB jackpot," and any of "-1," "-2," "-3," "-4," ... may be displayed as multiple stop modes related to the "small win." In such a configuration, one of a pair of a specific symbol (here, "1," "2," "3," ...) with a predetermined display segment (here, ".") lit and a specific symbol that is not lit is included in the multiple stop modes related to the "JUB jackpot," and the other is included in the multiple stop modes related to the "small win," and they are configured to be alternately switched.

The color displayed in any or all of the display segments may also be configured to be changeable as appropriate.

In addition, if a new game ball enters the start winning slot 33A, 33B during the variable display of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, the variable display for that part is configured to be displayed after the variable display currently being performed ends. In other words, the variable display is put on hold (on hold). The maximum number of variable displays that can be held is determined for each type of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four variable displays (a total of eight variable displays) are held for each game ball that entered the upper start winning slot 33A and the game ball that entered the lower start winning slot 33B. In addition, the number of reserved displays is displayed by lighting the first reserved lamp 46a and the second reserved lamp 46b. In addition, if a new game ball enters the start winning slot 33A, 33B during a jackpot state, the variable display for that part is also held on hold.

In addition, basically, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the upper start winning opening 33A and is consumed in the order in which they entered, and the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the lower start winning opening 33B and is consumed in the order in which they entered. However, if both the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A and the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B are reserved (if one or more of the first reserved lamp 46a and the second reserved lamp 46b are lit), the variable display triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B is consumed preferentially. In other words, unless all the variable displays triggered by winning the lower start winning opening 33B are consumed, the variable display triggered by winning the upper start winning opening 33A will not be displayed. For example, when one first reserved lamp 46a is lit, if a game ball enters the lower start winning opening 33B and one second reserved lamp 46b is lit, the variable display triggered by the winning of the upper start winning opening 33A is postponed, and the variable display triggered by the winning of the lower start winning opening 33B is performed first. For ease of explanation, the variable display triggered by the winning of the upper start winning opening 33A is also referred to as the "first variable display," and the variable display triggered by the winning of the lower start winning opening 33B is also referred to as the "second variable display."

The through gate 34 is configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area 30a to pass through it one by one. As will be described in more detail later, the through gate 34 is equipped with a through gate switch 225 that can detect game balls passing through the through gate 34. When a game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, a lottery is held to determine whether the opening and closing device 37 (lower start winning port 33B) should be opened, and a variable display is performed on the normal pattern display device 41. When the opening lottery is won, the opening and closing device 37 is opened for a specified period of time.

The variable display unit 35 is provided with a normal symbol display device 41 that changes its display in response to passing through the through gate 34, and a decorative symbol display device 42 that changes its display in accordance with the changing display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R.

Furthermore, the variable display unit 35 is provided with a variable specification lamp 40 that indicates whether the variable display being performed by the decorative pattern display device 42 corresponds to the winning combination of the upper start winning slot 33A or the lower start winning slot 33B.

The normal symbol display device 41 is configured to be able to light and display "O" or "X" as a normal symbol, and each time the game ball passes through the through gate 34, the normal symbol is displayed in a rapidly changing manner, for example, from "O" → "X" → "O" → ... Then, when the changing display stops at the "O" symbol (winning symbol) for several seconds, the opening and closing device 37 of the lower start winning opening 33B is opened for a predetermined period of time. The display content of this normal symbol display device 41 is directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later.

In addition, if a new game ball passes through the through gate 34 while the normal symbol display device 41 is displaying a variation, the variation display for that part will be displayed after the current variation display has finished. In other words, the variation display will be put on hold (on hold). The maximum number of times that the variation display can be held is determined for each model of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four times can be held, and the number of times that the display is held is displayed by lighting up the hold lamp 44.

The decorative pattern display device 42 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and the display contents are controlled by the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 described later. That is, in the decorative pattern display device 42, auxiliary display contents are determined by the sub-control device 262 based on commands from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the results displayed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and are displayed by the display control device 45 described later.

As shown in FIG. 46, the decorative pattern display device 42 is provided with three pattern display areas, for example, upper, middle, and lower, and multiple types of patterns (numbers) are displayed (variably displayed) in each pattern display area in sequence, and then the patterns are displayed in order for each pattern display area (for example, in the order of upper pattern display area → lower pattern display area → middle pattern display area). For example, when the main control device 261 determines the above-mentioned various "certain jackpots" or various "normal jackpots", the first or second special display device 43L, 43R displays a display corresponding to the jackpot, and the decorative pattern display device 42 displays a combination of patterns corresponding to the jackpot (for example, the patterns displayed in the upper pattern display area, middle pattern display area, and lower pattern display area are the same), and the jackpot state is started. In addition, in the case of a "JUB jackpot" or a "small jackpot", the combination of patterns displayed in the decorative pattern display device 42 does not correspond to a jackpot, as will be described later.

Also, when the symbols are displayed in a combination that corresponds to a big win, the first step is to display the same symbols in the upper and lower symbol display areas. This state in which the same symbols are displayed in the upper and lower symbol display areas while the middle symbol display area is still displaying a variable pattern is called a reach state.

In addition, if a reach state occurs but a jackpot state does not occur, a pattern different from the pattern displayed in the upper pattern display area and the lower pattern display area is displayed in the middle pattern display area. Also, in the case of various "probable jackpots" or various "normal jackpots", a repeating number is displayed in the decorative pattern display device 42 as described above, but in this embodiment, depending on the type of pattern displayed, it is impossible to determine the game state (such as "high probability mode" or not) that will be awarded after the jackpot ends.

In addition, when a "JUB jackpot" or "small jackpot" occurs, a predetermined combination of specific numbers (hereinafter referred to as a chance symbol) is displayed instead of a repeating number. For example, in this embodiment, "3", "4", and "1" are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas. This means that when a chance symbol is displayed, the player cannot distinguish between a "JUB jackpot", which is more advantageous to the player, and a "small jackpot", which is not so advantageous, and can have hope that a "JUB jackpot" will occur, thereby preventing a decline in the player's interest.

Of course, the specific number combinations displayed in the upper, middle, and lower pattern display areas may be different for a "JUB jackpot" and a "small jackpot". Also, when a "JUB jackpot" or a "small jackpot" is obtained, instead of a specific predetermined number combination, a random miss combination may be displayed, similar to a miss, on the surface.

In addition, the decorative pattern display device 42 is configured to display the number of pending changes in the special display devices 43L and 43R in response to the pending lamps 46a and 46b (see FIG. 46, etc.).

In addition, in this embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L, 43R and the hold lamps 46a, 46b are covered by the front frame set 14, making them invisible to the player. Therefore, the player will be able to understand the game status, lottery results, etc. solely through the display contents (pattern display, hold display, etc.) of the decorative pattern display device 42.

Of course, the configuration of the special display devices 43L, 43R and the hold lamps 46L, 46R is not limited to this configuration, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. may be configured to be visible. However, as described above, the special display devices 43L, 43R are provided in inconspicuous locations such as the lower corners of the play area 30a where they are unlikely to be seen by players, and the size of their display units is small and the time for which the distinguishing characters are displayed is relatively short. Therefore, unless one keeps an eye on the special display devices 43L, 43R and observes them carefully, it is virtually impossible to grasp the given play state.

The variable specification lamp 40 is equipped with a blue LED and a red LED, and emits blue light when the decorative pattern display device 42 is displaying a variable triggered by a win in the upper start winning port 33A, and emits red light when the decorative pattern display device 42 is displaying a variable triggered by a win in the lower start winning port 33B.

Next, the configuration of the variable display unit 35 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the center frame 47 is fixed to the front side of the game board 30 (see Figure 4), and the frame cover 213 is fixed to the back side of the game board 30 (see Figure 6), so that they are integrated into the variable display unit 35.

The frame cover 213 has a rectangular opening in its center, and a decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is removably attached to the back side.

The center frame 47 has a frame shape with a substantially circular opening 751 in the center, through which the liquid crystal display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 can be seen.

The center frame 47 is not constructed from a single member, but is made up of, for example, a base member to which various decorative members that have been plated or the like, and a lens member made of transparent resin that transmits light such as an LED, are attached.

A stage portion 770 is provided on the upper surface of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47 along the left-right direction. The stage portion 770 has gentle undulations formed along the left-right direction.

A drop hole 774 is formed in the center of the rear wall 772 of the stage 770, which opens forward and through which game balls can fall. A communication passage 776 that leads to the drop hole 774 is provided below (inside) the center of the stage 770. The other side of the communication passage 776 opens to the front side of the lower edge 47b of the center frame 47, and is configured so that game balls that have fallen into the drop hole 774 can be discharged onto the surface of the game board 30. When the center frame 47 is placed on the game board 30, the opening of the communication passage 776 is located above the upper starting winning opening 33A, as shown in FIG. 4.

A guide groove (not shown) that slopes gently downward toward the back is formed in the center of the stage portion 770, in front of the drop hole 774. This allows game balls to fall from the stage portion 770 into the drop hole 774.

A ball passage (warp flow path) 764 is formed inside the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47 to allow game balls to pass through. The inlet portion 764a of the ball passage 764 opens to approximately the center in the vertical direction of the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47, while the outlet portion 764b opens toward the upper surface (stage portion 770) of the lower side portion 47b of the center frame 47. This ball passage 764 can guide game balls flowing down the surface of the game board 30 onto the stage portion 770 inside the center frame 47.

The game ball guided onto the stage portion 770 rolls on the stage portion 770, then falls from the front onto the surface of the game board 30, or falls into the drop hole 774 described above. Of these, the game ball that falls into the drop hole 774 is guided onto the surface of the game board 30 via the connecting passage 776. The game ball discharged from the connecting passage 776 has a relatively high probability of entering the upper start winning hole 33A.

3 and 4, the reference numeral 67 denotes a payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out by the payout mechanism 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and is divided into a passage leading to the upper tray communication passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray communication passage 71 (lower tray 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67, and when the front frame set 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by the biasing force of a spring or the like to almost close the outlet of the payout passage 67. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end of the inlet side of the lower tray communication passage 71. The inlets (ball inlet portions) of the lower tray communication passage 71 and the upper tray communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and when the front frame set 14 is closed, the inlets and the payout passage 67 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, allowing the game balls to pass through the gap between them. Therefore, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray connecting passage 73 become full of game balls, the game balls being paid out will flow to the lower tray connecting passage 71 (overflowing into the entrance side of the lower tray connecting passage 71) and will be paid out through the lower tray connecting passage 71 to the lower tray 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the rear side of the front frame set 14 below the rail side wall member 69. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray communication passage 71 that connects the payout mechanism 352 (described later) to the discharge outlet 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray communication passage 73 that connects the payout mechanism 352 to the upper tray 19.

Furthermore, the ball passage unit 70 is formed with a foul ball passage 72 that guides the game ball that has fallen from the foul ball drop section 65 to the lower tray 15. As a result, the foul ball is discharged to the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 72.

In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects game balls located in the lower tray connecting passage 71. The presence of this full detection switch makes it possible to know that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls (that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls and game balls are stuck in the lower tray connecting passage 71). In this embodiment, control is performed such that the launching device 60 is prohibited from firing based on the game balls being detected continuously for a predetermined time by the full detection switch. Note that when the accumulation of game balls in the lower tray connecting passage 71 is resolved and game balls are no longer detected by the full detection switch (when they are not detected continuously for a predetermined time), the launching device 60 is permitted to fire.

Next, the rear structure of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. On the rear of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, with some parts overlapping front to back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) that supplies game balls, a resin protective cover, etc. are attached. The payout mechanism and protective cover are integrated into one unit, and since the resin part is generally sometimes referred to as the back pack, this unit will be referred to here as the "back pack unit 203".

First, the rear structure of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 etc. As described above, a resin frame cover 213 that covers the center frame 47 from behind is provided protruding rearward on the rear side of the variable display unit 35 (see FIG. 4) that is arranged corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30. In addition, on the rear side of the frame cover 213, the decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, the display control device 45 and the sub-control device 262 are removably attached in a stacked state from front to back.

The decorative symbol display device 42 is housed in a storage box (numeral omitted) with an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is fixed to the rear side of the frame cover 213. The display control device 45 is housed in a board box 45a and is fixed to the rear side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (storage box). The sub-control device 262 is housed in a board box 262a and is fixed to the rear side of the display control device 45 (board box 45a). The board boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the insides are visible. An LED control board or the like that drives the LEDs and the like built into the center frame 47 is arranged inside the frame cover 213.

A back frame set 215 is attached to the back of the game board 30 below the frame cover 213. This back frame set 215 is a thin resin molded part that is attached to the back of the game board 30.

A ball recovery member 216 is attached to the back of the rear frame set 215. The ball recovery member 216 covers the various winning holes, such as the general winning hole 31 and the starting winning holes 33A and 33B, from behind, and has a ball passage for recovering the game balls that have entered these various winning holes.

However, in this embodiment, the ball recovery member 216 extends beyond the lower edge 30b of the game board 30 and the upper edge 145 of the lower part of the base frame 38A to a position that covers the upper part of the back surface of the lower part of the base frame 38A, covers the back of the variable winning device 32, and has a ball passage for recovering game balls that have won in the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151).

More specifically, the ball recovery member 216 is a member integrally formed from a resin material, and as shown in FIG. 8, it has winning ball discharge passages 231, 232, and 233 that guide the game balls that have entered the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, and the starting winning openings 33A and 33B downstream.

In addition, the ball recovery member 216 is equipped with out ball discharge passages 241A, 241B that guide the game balls discharged from the outlet 36 downstream.

The game balls collected by the ball collection member 216 are then guided to the discharged ball receiving section 217 (described later) and discharged from the discharge chute 218 (see FIG. 5, etc.) of the discharged ball receiving section 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

In addition, in this embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, the board box 263 on which the main control device 261 is mounted is rotatably supported on the back frame set 215 and can be opened to the rear.

The main control device 261 is housed in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 comprises a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board box 263 connected by the sealing member is configured so that it cannot be opened unless a specified trace is left behind. This makes it easy to discover whether the board box 263 has been tampered with.

In addition, the game board 30 and the ball recovery member 216 on the back side thereof are provided with winning detection switches (ball entry detection means) that correspond to various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 and detect game balls that have entered the various winning openings.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 8, a winning port switch 221 is provided in the ball passage 231 of the ball recovery member 216 corresponding to the general winning port 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the ball passage 232 of the ball recovery member 216 corresponding to the variable winning device 32 (large winning port 151). In addition, start winning switches 224A and 224B are provided in the ball passage 233 of the ball recovery member 216 corresponding to the start winning ports 33A and 33B, respectively.

However, in this embodiment, the count switch 223 is configured to be fixed to the underside of the variable winning device 32, and a portion of it is configured to be inserted into the ball passage 232 when the ball recovery member 216 and the variable winning device 32 are assembled. Of course, instead of this, the count switch 223 may be configured to be attached to the ball recovery member 216 (ball passage 232) side.

Furthermore, a through gate switch 225 is provided on the game board 30 in correspondence with the through gate 34. In addition, out ball detection switches 226A and 226B are provided on the ball passages 241A and 241B of the ball recovery member 216 in correspondence with the out port 36, respectively.

Although not shown, the rear frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected to the winning port switch 221, the count switch 223, and the through gate switch 225 via a cable connector. This first board relay board relays between the winning port switch 221, etc. and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector.

In contrast, the start winning switches 224A and 224B, which detect winnings at the start winning ports 33A and 33B, are connected directly to the main control device 261 via a connector cable without going through a relay board.

The detection results detected by the various winning detection switches are input to the main control device 261. The main control device 261 then transmits a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning status at each time to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the output signal from the payout control device 311 (except when detected by the through gate switch 225).
Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a payout mechanism 352 for game balls. The back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable on the left side (right side in Fig. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened backwards with an opening/closing axis extending in the vertical direction as the axis. In addition, an external relay terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left part (upper right part in Fig. 5) of the back pack unit 203.

The external relay terminal board 240 is provided with multiple external connection terminals for relaying various information transmissions to the hall computer of the gaming hall, etc., and is not labeled for convenience. For example, terminals for outputting information regarding the current gaming state (jackpot state, high probability mode, etc.), terminals for outputting information regarding the opening of the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 detected by the opening detection switches 91, 92 described below, terminals for outputting information regarding various error states such as winning error, lower tray full error, no ball in the tank error, and payout error, and terminals for outputting information regarding the number of winning balls paid out from the payout control device 311 are provided.

However, in this embodiment, there is no terminal for outputting information about a "small win", and the configuration is such that information about the occurrence of a "small win" is not output. In this embodiment, since "small wins" tend to occur relatively frequently during "high support mode", constantly outputting occurrence information every time a "small win" occurs may result in a significant increase in the output signal. Therefore, when such problems are relatively unlikely to occur, such as during "low support mode", the configuration may be such that information about the occurrence of a "small win" is output.

In addition, it is preferable to output the occurrence information of a "JUB jackpot" when the occurrence of the "JUB jackpot" is confirmed, for example, after the five "short openings" related to the "JUB jackpot" have ended, that is, after the situation in which it is impossible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot" has been overcome, at the timing of outputting an opening command (jackpot notification performance) described later. If only the occurrence information of the "JUB jackpot" is output in advance when it is still impossible to distinguish it from a "small jackpot," players may see the information display device installed in the island equipment of the hall corresponding to the pachinko machine 10 and know in advance that a "JUB jackpot" has occurred, which may weaken the performance effect of the "JUB jackpot."

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

The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 is provided with an opening on the top side, and the tank 355 is successively replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 is connected, which has, for example, two horizontal rows of ball passages and is gently inclined toward the downstream side, and further, a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and the required number of game balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19, etc.

The dispensing mechanism unit 352 is also provided with a dispensing relay board 381 that relays dispensing command signals from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in main power from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with main power, for example, 24 V AC, via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

Below the rear pack unit 203 (base box 263) is a lower frame set 251 that is pivoted on the left side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened to the rear. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge ball receiving section 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball collection member 216 described above flow. In addition, at the most downstream portion of the discharge ball receiving section 217, a discharge chute 218 is formed that discharges the game balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (see FIG. 5, etc.).

Therefore, game balls that have won in various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, as well as game balls that have not won in any winning port and have been discharged through the outlet 36, are all guided to the discharged ball receiving section 217 through the ball recovery member 216, and are further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (the island equipment of the game hall) through the discharge chute 218 of the discharged ball receiving section 217. The discharge chute 218 is provided with a full ball detection switch 227 for detecting all game balls that have been shot into the game area 30b.

In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate entities and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 may also be formed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 5, the payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are removably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251 in a stacked manner.

The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in a circuit board box 313a and fixed to the rear side of the lower frame set 251. For convenience, the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices, but in reality they are composed of a single board (printed circuit board).

The dispensing control device 311 is housed in a board box 311a and is fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313). The board box 311a housing the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a sealing member, similar to the board box 263 housing the main control device 261 described above, so that evidence that the board box 311a has been opened remains.

In addition, the card unit connection board 314 is housed in the board box 314a and fixed to the rear side of the board box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313).

The board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, so that the inside can be seen.

The payout control device 311 is also provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the base box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed in the event of a payout error, such as a ball jam in the payout motor, the payout motor rotates forward and reverse, and the ball jam is resolved (returning to the normal state).

The power supply 313 is further provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the circuit board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when power is restored after the power outage, the state at the time of the power outage can be restored. Therefore, since the state before the power outage is stored and retained when the power is turned off in the normal manner (for example, when the game hall closes), if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while pressing the RAM erase switch 323.

As shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the rear side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 is equipped with a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame set 14. The inner frame 12 can be unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 700 and rotating it in one direction, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating it in the other direction. In this embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

As described above, the right frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 has an extended wall 83 formed thereon that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the rear side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). This makes it difficult to insert a wire or the like from the rear side of the outer frame 11 and operate the locking device 600 with the wire or the like. As a result, it is possible to improve defensive performance. Furthermore, the extended wall 83 is configured to cover the right end (the left end in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the rear side, and when the inner frame 12 is in a closed state, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

As shown in FIG. 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided at the lower right side of the front side of the inner frame 12 (to the right of the launching device 60), and as shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame open detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided at the lower right side of the back side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in FIG. 5). The front frame open detection switch 91 and the inner frame open detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can be inserted and removed from the switch main body, and the front frame open detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward, and the inner frame open detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces backward. When the detection unit is protruding from the switch main body, an ON signal is output to the main control device 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and is inserted into the switch main body, an OFF signal is output to the main control device 261. In other words, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the detection part of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back surface of the front frame set 14, turning it to the OFF state, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection part returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the detection part of the inner frame open detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing part 86 integrally formed with the receiving part 85 of the outer frame 11, turning it to the OFF state, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the detection part returns to the protruding state and turns it to the ON state.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 (main board) is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is a calculation device. The CPU 501 contains a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 502 are executed, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission/reception circuit. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into a single chip, and each function may be integrated into a chip.

RAM 503 includes a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of CPU 501 and the return addresses of control programs executed by CPU 501 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I/O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 503a.

In addition, the RAM 503 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all data stored in the stack area, working area, and backup area 503a is backed up.

The backup area 503a is an area for storing values such as stack pointers, registers, and I/O at the time of power off (including power outages; the same applies below) so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be restored to the state before the power was off when the power is turned back on in the event that the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned on (including power on when the power is cleared; the same applies below). Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 (described later) when the power is turned off due to a power outage or the like, and power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed when a power outage occurs.

Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 503a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which data stored in the stack area and backup area 503a is backed up, but data stored in the working area is not backed up.

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

For convenience, various relay boards and the like are not shown, but the input/output port 505 is connected to various detection switches such as the winning port switch 221, count switch 223, start winning unit switches 224A and 224B, and through gate switch 225, as well as various electrical components such as various boards. In other words, the main control device 261 is provided with multiple terminal sections (board side connectors) for connecting the connectors of various cable connectors, and these terminal sections and the like constitute the input/output port 505.

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

The input/output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551, ROM 552, and RAM 553 via the bus line 555, and is also connected to the display control device 45. In addition, the input/output port 554 is connected to the speaker SP, the performance button 125, various illumination units, and the lamps 102 to 104.

The CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 causes the display controller 45 to execute display control based on a command (e.g., a variable pattern command) sent from the main controller 261, and causes the display controller 45 to display on the decorative pattern display device 42. As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main controller 261 display whether or not a jackpot has been reached, and the decorative pattern display device 42 controlled by the sub-controller 262 displays information in accordance with the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R.

The payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511, which is a calculation device, is equipped with a ROM 512 that stores the control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, etc., and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory, etc.

The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return addresses of the control programs executed by the CPU 511 are stored, a working area (working region) in which various flags, counters, I/O values, etc. are stored, and a backup area 513a.

RAM 513 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data even after the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 313, and all data stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a is backed up. Note that as long as data stored in at least the stack area and backup area 513a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and backup area 513a may be backed up, and data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

The backup area 513a is an area for storing values such as the stack pointer, each register, and I/O at the time of power off, so that when the power is turned back on in the event that the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power was cut off. Writing to this backup area 513a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is performed by the main processing when the power is turned on. Note that, like the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is configured to receive a power outage signal SK1 from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage signal SK1 is input to the CPU 511, an NMI interrupt process is immediately executed as a power outage process.

The working area is provided with a payout permission flag that sets permission for the payout control device 311 to pay out prize balls, a command reception flag that is set when a command sent from the main control device 261 is received, and a command buffer in which commands sent from the main control device 261 are stored.

The payout permission flag is a flag that sets permission to pay out prize balls. A specific command to permit the payout of prize balls is sent from the main control unit 261, and the flag is turned on when the specific command is received, and turned off when the initial setting process is performed or the state before the power was cut off is restored. In this embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command that instructs the initial process of the RAM 513 of the payout control unit 311, a prize ball command that instructs the payout of prize balls, and a payout return command that is sent when power is restored to the main control unit 261.

The command reception flag is a flag that checks whether the dispensing control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Like the dispensing permission flag, it is turned off when the initial setting process is performed or the state is restored to before the power was cut off, and is also turned off when the received command is judged by the command judgment process.

The command buffer consists of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main control unit 261.

The CPU 511, which incorporates the ROM 512 and RAM 513, is connected to an input/output port 515 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 515 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a launch control device 312, a payout device 358, etc.

The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation section (ball lending button 121 and return button 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10 and to a card unit (ball lending unit) placed to the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement hall or the like, and receives ball lending operation commands from the player and outputs them to the card unit. Note that in a cash machine in which game balls are directly lent from a ball lending device or the like to the upper tray 19 without going through the card unit, it is possible to omit the card unit connection board 314.

The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of game balls by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to operate when certain conditions are met. Specifically, the launch device 60 is operated and launches game balls with a strength according to the amount of operation of the handle 18 under the conditions that a launch permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal detects that the player is touching the handle 18, and the launch stop switch that stops the launch has not been operated.

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

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command sent from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, and performs control of the VDP 526 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the VDP 526) by analyzing the received command or performing a predetermined calculation process based on the received command. This controls the display in the decorative pattern display device 42.

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

Video RAM 524 is a memory that stores display data to be displayed on decorative pattern display device 42, and the display content of decorative pattern display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of this video RAM 524. Character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as patterns to be displayed on decorative pattern display device 42.

The VDP 526 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) built into the decorative pattern display device 42. The VDP 526 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its actual form can be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the timing of the CPU 521, video RAM 524, etc., and mediates the reading and writing of data, and reads out the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a specified timing and displays it on the decorative pattern display device 42.

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

The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control unit 261, the payout control unit 311, etc., through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 541 takes in 24V AC power supplied from an external source, generates a +12V power supply to drive various switches and motors, a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supplies to the main control unit 261, the payout control unit 311, etc. Note that the launch control unit 312 is supplied with operating power (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) via the payout control unit 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to the various switches, motors, etc. via the control devices to which they are connected.

The power outage monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power outage signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261 and the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of 24 volts DC, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and when this voltage falls below 22 volts, it determines that a power outage (power outage) has occurred and outputs a power outage signal SK1 to the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power outage signal SK1, the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing).

The power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage for the control system, at a normal value for a period of time sufficient to execute the power outage processing, even after the stable 24 volt DC voltage falls below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control unit 311 can execute and complete the power outage processing normally.

The RAM clear switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM clear switch 323 and clears the backup data in the RAM 503 of the main control unit 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control unit 311 depending on the state of the switch 323. When the RAM clear switch 323 is pressed, the RAM clear switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM clear signal SK2 to the main control unit 261 and the payout control unit 311. When the pachinko machine 10 is powered on with the RAM clear switch 323 pressed (including powering on after a power outage is resolved), the data in the RAMs 503, 513 of the main control unit 261 and the payout control unit 311 are cleared.

Next, we will explain the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above.

In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control unit 261 conducts a lottery using various counter information during play. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a jackpot random number counter C1 is used for the jackpot lottery (win/lose lottery) to determine whether or not a jackpot state is generated, a jackpot type determination counter C2 is used to determine the type of jackpot, a reach selection counter C3 is used to determine whether or not a reach state is generated when the decorative pattern display device 42 is changed due to a miss, and to determine the type of reach to be generated, etc., an initial value random number counter CINI is used to set the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a change type counter CS1, CS2 is used to determine the change display time of the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (decorative pattern display device 42) and to determine the change pattern (presentation pattern) in the decorative pattern display device 42, etc., and a normal pattern random number counter C4 is used for the lottery of the normal pattern display device 41 (open lottery to determine whether or not the opening and closing role 37 of the lower start winning opening 33B is opened).

Counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and C4 are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value each time they are updated, and return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit. Each counter is updated periodically, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a specified area of RAM 503 (except for the random number initial value counter CINI).

RAM 503 has a special variable reserve area in which the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 are stored, and a normal variable reserve area in which the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 is stored. The normal variable reserve area has one execution area and four reserve areas (reserve areas 1 to 4).

The special variable reserved area also includes a first special variable reserved area and a second special variable reserved area, each of which has four reserved areas (reserved areas 1 to 4), and one execution area.

In each holding area of the first special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the game balls into the upper start winning slot 33A. The first special variable holding area constitutes the first holding means.

In each holding area of the second special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of the game balls in the lower start winning slot 33B. The second special variable holding area constitutes the second holding means.

In each holding area of the normal variable holding area, the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 is stored in chronological order according to the passage history of the game ball through the through gate 34.

By adopting this configuration, it is possible to hold the variable display on the special display devices 43L, 43R and the normal symbol display device 41 up to four times each, as described above.

To explain each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and after reaching the upper limit value as the closing value (i.e., 599), it returns to the lower limit value of 0 as the opening value. Normally, when the jackpot random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. Meanwhile, the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. Then, when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A or the lower start winning hole 33B, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is stored in the first special variable reserve area or the second special variable reserve area. Therefore, this process constitutes a part of the first win/lose lottery and the second win/lose lottery.

Two types of random number values that result in a jackpot are set: "low probability mode" and "high probability mode". In this embodiment, in "low probability mode", there are two random number values that result in a jackpot, with the values being "7, 307", and in "high probability mode", there are 20 random number values that result in a jackpot, with the values being "7 to 16, 307 to 316". In other words, in "low probability mode", there is a 1/300 probability of winning the lottery (a jackpot state occurs), and in "high probability mode", there is a 1/30 probability of winning the lottery. These winning probabilities correspond to the first winning probabilities in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a win/lose determination table that is referenced when determining whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to a jackpot. In this embodiment, there are two win/lose determination tables: a first win/lose determination table that stores "7, 307" and a second win/lose determination table that stores "7 to 16, 307 to 316."

In this embodiment, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is also used to determine a "small win." The number of random numbers that result in a "small win" is 50, and the values are "101 to 125, 401 to 425." In other words, there is a 1/12 probability of winning the lottery (a small win state occurs). This probability of winning corresponds to the second probability of winning in this embodiment.

The jackpot type determination counter C2 is configured to increment by one within the range of, for example, 0 to 19, and after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 19), return to the lower limit, 0. In this embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter C2 determines the jackpot type to be awarded, i.e., "16R special jackpot A", "16R special jackpot B", "4R special jackpot A", "4R special jackpot B", "16R regular jackpot A", "16R regular jackpot B", "4R regular jackpot A", "4R regular jackpot B", or "JUB jackpot".

The ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table that is referenced when determining which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 corresponds to. As described above, in this embodiment, the allocation of jackpot types differs between when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A and when the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33B. In other words, in this embodiment, there are two jackpot type determination tables, a first jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A, and a second jackpot type determination table that is taken into consideration when the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33B.

Specifically, when a game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A, the first jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 41) is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "0,1", it is determined that a "16R guaranteed jackpot A" will be awarded.

If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "2", it is determined that a "16R sure-change jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "3", it is determined that a "16R sure-change jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "4", it is determined that a "16R sure-change jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "5", it is determined that a "16R sure-change jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "6", it is determined that a "4R special jackpot A" will be awarded.

If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "7", it is determined that a "4R certain jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "8", it is determined that a "4R certain jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded, if it is "9", it is determined that a "4R certain jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded, and if it is "10", it is determined that a "4R certain jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "11", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot A" will be awarded.

If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "12", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "13", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "14", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "15", it is determined that a "16R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

If the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "16", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "17", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "18", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" will be awarded; if it is "19", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" will be awarded.

In other words, if you win the lottery triggered by winning the upper start winning slot 33A, there is a 10% chance of a "16R special jackpot A", a 20% chance of a "16R special jackpot B", a 5% chance of a "4R special jackpot A", a 20% chance of a "4R special jackpot B", a 5% chance of a "16R regular jackpot A", a 20% chance of a "16R regular jackpot B", a 20% chance of a "4R regular jackpot B", a 5% chance of a "16R regular jackpot A", a 20% chance of a "16R regular jackpot B", and a 20% chance of a "4R regular jackpot B".

On the other hand, when the game ball enters the lower start winning hole 33B, the second jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 42) is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "0 to 9", it is determined that a "16R certain variable jackpot A" is awarded, if it is "10, 11", it is determined that a "4R certain variable jackpot A" is awarded, if it is "12, 13", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot A" is awarded, if it is "14", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "20 times, high support mode" is awarded, if it is "15", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "30 times, high support mode" is awarded, if it is "16", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "40 times, high support mode" is awarded, if it is "17", it is determined that a "4R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" is awarded, and if it is "18, 19", it is determined that a "JUB jackpot" is awarded.

In other words, if you win the lottery triggered by winning the lower start winning slot 33B, there is a 50% chance of a "16R special jackpot A", a 10% chance of a "4R special jackpot A", a 10% chance of a "4R regular jackpot A", a 20% chance of a "4R regular jackpot B", and a 10% chance of a "JUB jackpot".

The jackpot type determination counter C2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer. Then, when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A or the lower start winning hole 33B, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area (first special variable reserve area or second special variable reserve area) of RAM 503.

The reach selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 238). In this embodiment, the reach selection counter C3 is configured to select one of the following: a "reach before or after miss" in which the final stop symbol stops one space before or after the reach symbol after a reach occurs for the decorative symbol; a "reach other than a reach before or after miss" in which the final stop symbol stops other than before or after the reach symbol after a reach occurs; and a "complete miss" in which no reach occurs. In this embodiment, a reach determination table is provided in the ROM 502 to be referenced when determining whether the value of the reach selection counter C3 corresponds to the occurrence of a reach state and which reach it corresponds to. The reach determination table stores values from 0 to 238, with C3 = 0, 1 corresponding to a reach that misses either forward or backward, C3 = 2 to 21 corresponding to a reach that does not miss either forward or backward, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponding to a complete miss.

The reach selection counter C3 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once per timer interrupt), and the value of the reach selection counter C3 is stored in the reach selection counter buffer. Then, when the game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A or the lower start winning hole 33B, the value of the reach selection counter C3 stored in the reach selection counter buffer is stored in the special variable reserve area (first special variable reserve area or second special variable reserve area) of RAM 503.

Of the two fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, one of the fluctuation type counters CS1 is configured to increment by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 198), while the other fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to increment by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 240, and return to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 240). In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as the "first fluctuation type counter" and CS2 as the "second fluctuation type counter." This is also shown in Figure 14.

For example, in the normal state probability jackpot fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 44), the first fluctuation type counter CS1 determines the reach type of the decorative pattern, such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and other general fluctuation modes, while the second fluctuation type counter CS2 determines more detailed fluctuation modes, such as fluctuation time. Therefore, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, it is easy to diversify the fluctuation patterns. Of course, it is also possible to determine the fluctuation mode using only the first fluctuation type counter CS1.

The normal reach is a reach pattern in which no special effects are displayed other than the changing decorative symbols. The super reach is a reach pattern in which, while the changing decorative symbols are being displayed (after the reach state is established), characters and the like are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbols, thereby creating a sense of anticipation in the player. The premium reach is a presentation mode that can only be derived when a jackpot state occurs, and is performed in a mode in which, while the changing decorative symbols are being displayed (after the reach state is established), characters and the like of a different pattern from the super reach are displayed in addition to the decorative symbols, thereby creating a sense of anticipation in the player.

The fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time the normal processing described below is executed, and are repeatedly updated during the remaining time of the normal processing. The buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined at the start of the fluctuation of the decorative pattern by the decorative pattern display device 42.

The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is desirable to use different prime numbers for the jackpot random number counter C1, reach selection counter C3, and variation type counters CS1 and CS2, and to use numbers that are not synchronized under any circumstances.

The normal symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that increments by one within the range of 0 to 9, and returns to the lower limit of 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 9). The normal symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is obtained when the game ball passes through the through gate 34.

When a winning value is obtained from the normal symbol random number counter C4, the normal symbol display device 41 displays a variable pattern for a predetermined period of time, after which the symbol corresponding to the winning symbol (in this example, a circle) is displayed stationary, and the opening/closing device 37 of the lower start winning opening 33B is opened for a predetermined period of time.

In this embodiment, in "low support mode", the winning random number values are two, "0, 1". On the other hand, in "high support mode", the winning random number values are eight, "0 to 7". In other words, in "low support mode", there is a 1/5 probability that the opening and closing device 37 will be in the open state, and in "high support mode", there is a 4/5 probability that the opening and closing device 37 will be in the open state. These winning probabilities correspond to the third winning probabilities in this embodiment.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be explained with reference to a flowchart. The processes of the CPU 501 can be broadly divided into main processing that is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing that is started by inputting a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For ease of explanation, the timer interrupt processing and NMI interrupt processing will be explained first, followed by the main processing.

The NMI interrupt process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or other reason. This NMI interrupt causes the state of the main control device 261 at the time of the power outage to be stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

In other words, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal SK1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. The CPU 501 then suspends the ongoing control and starts NMI interrupt processing, stores the power outage occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the power outage occurrence information setting, and ends the NMI interrupt processing.

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

Figure 17 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261, for example, every 2 msec.

In FIG. 17, first, in step S301, the process of reading the various winning detection switches is executed. Here, the state of the various winning detection switches (winning port switch 221, count switch 223, start winning switches 224A, 224B, through gate switch 225) connected to the main control device 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information is saved.

In step S302, a random number initial value update process is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

In addition, in step S303, a random number update process is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, the reach selection counter C3, and the normal pattern random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach their upper limit values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of each counter C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of RAM 503.

After that, in step S304, the start winning process is executed in response to the winning of the start winning port 33A, 33B, and in step S305, the through gate passing process is executed in response to the passage of the game ball to the through gate 34. Then, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

Here, the start winning process of step S304 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 18. The execution area of the special variable reserve area and each reserve area are provided with a jackpot random number memory area that stores the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a jackpot type random number memory area that stores the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2, and a reach random number memory area that stores the value of the reach selection counter C3.

First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the lower start winning port 33B based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 224B. If the determination in step S501 is positive, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the value of the lower hold counter Nb, which counts the number of holds in the variable display triggered by the ball entering the lower start winning port 33B, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the determination in step S502 is negative, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if the determination in step S502 is positive, the process proceeds to step S503, where the lower hold counter Nb is incremented by one.

In the following step S504, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 updated in the random number update process in step S303 are stored in the first empty reserved area in the second special variable reserved area. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

In step S505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area corresponds to a jackpot. The details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

In the following step S506, if it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a second jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area.

Here, first, in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before, it is determined whether or not the jackpot winning flag was set, and if the result is negative, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the result is positive, the second jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is any of the values "0 to 9" corresponding to the "16R variable jackpot A", the "16R variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if the value is any of the values "10, 11" corresponding to the "4R variable jackpot A", the "4R variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if the value is any of the values "12, 13" corresponding to the "4R normal jackpot A", the "4R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on, if the value is any of the values "14 to 17" corresponding to the "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if the value is any of the values "18, 19" corresponding to the "JUB jackpot", the "JUB jackpot flag" is turned on.

Here, if a "16R High-Speed Jackpot A", "4R High-Speed Jackpot A" or "JUB Jackpot" is won, i.e. if a "High Support Mode Until Next Time" is granted after the jackpot ends, a lottery is held with a probability of, for example, about 1/100 to determine whether or not a non-notification effect will be performed that does not notify the player that the granted "High Support Mode" is the "High Support Mode Until Next Time". If the lottery result indicates that a non-notification effect will be performed, the non-notification effect execution flag is turned on.

In the next step S507, if it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area. The reach determination process will be described in detail later.

Then, in the next step S508, a process for setting a pending control command is performed. A pending control command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 in advance of various pending information (information used to determine the content of the variable display) that is pending and stored in the second special variable pending area. The pending control command set in this process is output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step S201). The pending control command includes, for example, pending information such as information indicating the results of the jackpot determination process and the jackpot type determination process, and information indicating whether the variable display was triggered by a win in the start winning slot 33A or 33B.

Here, the details of the jackpot determination process in step S505 will be explained with reference to FIG. 19.

First, in step S5101, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches either of the values "7" or "307" corresponding to the jackpot stored in the first hit/miss judgment table. Note that for convenience in FIG. 19, the process of step S5101 is described in a simplified manner, but in reality, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is "7", and if the judgment is negative, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is "307", and if either of these judgments is positive, a positive judgment is made in step S5101, and if both judgments are negative, a negative judgment is made in step S5101.

If a positive judgment is made in step S5101, i.e., if it is judged that a jackpot state will occur, the jackpot winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then the process proceeds to step S5105. The first special game state generating means in this embodiment is constituted by the function of the main control device 261 that generates a jackpot state corresponding to the first special game state in step S5102.

On the other hand, if the result of step S5101 is negative, then in step S5103, it is determined whether or not the game is in "high probability mode" based on the value of the lottery mode flag, which will be described later.

If the result of step S5103 is positive, i.e., if the game is in "high probability mode", then in step S5104, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area is any of the values corresponding to the jackpot stored in the second win/loss determination table, excluding the above-mentioned "7" and "307", namely "8 to 16, 308 to 316". Note that even during this determination process, it is actually determined one by one whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 matches each value corresponding to the jackpot, as described above.

If the determination in step S5104 is affirmative, i.e., if it is determined that a jackpot state will occur during the "high probability mode," the jackpot winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then the process ends.

The judgment process of steps S5101 and S5104 constitutes the first winning/losing lottery in this embodiment, and the function of the main control device 261 that executes this constitutes the first lottery means.

If the result of step S5103 or step S5104 is negative, i.e., if it is not a "jackpot," the process proceeds to step S5105.

In addition, in step S5105, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable reserve area matches the value "101 to 125, 401 to 425" corresponding to the small jackpot.

If the result of step S5105 is positive, i.e., if it is determined that a small win state has occurred, the small win flag is turned on in step S5106, and then this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S5105 is negative, this process ends as is.

The determination process in step S5105 constitutes the second win/lose lottery in this embodiment, and the function of the main control unit 261 that executes this constitutes the second lottery means. Also, the function of the main control unit 261 that generates a small win state equivalent to the second special game state in step S5106 constitutes the second special game state generation means in this embodiment.

Next, the reach determination process of step S507 will be explained with reference to FIG. 20.

First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not a win flag (a big win win flag or a small win win flag) was set in the big win determination process performed immediately before. If the determination in step S5301 is positive, i.e., if a big win state or a small win state occurs, this process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of step S5301 is positive, i.e., if a winning state does not occur, then in step S5302, the reach determination table is referred to and it is determined whether the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variable pending area matches either the value "0" or "1" corresponding to a "front or rear miss reach." If the result of step S5302 is positive, then in step S5303, the front or rear miss flag indicating the occurrence of a front or rear miss reach is turned on, and then this process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the result of step S5302 is negative, then in step S5304, the reach determination table is referred to and it is determined whether the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variable pending area matches any of the values "2 to 21" corresponding to a "reach other than a front or rear miss." If the result of step S5304 is positive, then in step S5305, the non-front or rear miss flag is turned on, and the process is terminated.

Also, if the result of step S5304 is negative, i.e., if the result is a "complete miss," the process ends.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 18, after the processing of step S508, or if a negative judgment is made in step S501, in step S509, it is judged whether or not the game ball has entered the upper start winning hole 33A based on the detection information of the first start winning switch 224A. If a negative judgment is made in step S509, this processing ends as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made, in step S510, it is judged whether or not the value of the upper reserved counter Na, which counts the number of reserved variable displays triggered by the winning of the ball in the upper start winning hole 33A, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If a negative judgment is made in step S510, this processing ends as it is. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S510, the processing proceeds to step S511, and the upper reserved counter Na is incremented by 1.

In the following step S512, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the reach selection counter C3 are stored in the first empty reserved area of the first special variable reserved area. After step S512, the process proceeds to step S513.

In step S513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area corresponds to a jackpot. The jackpot determination process in step S513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step S505 above, except for the small jackpot determination, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display to be processed is based on winning at the upper start winning port 33A. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, a detailed description will be omitted.

In the following step S514, if it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to a jackpot, a first jackpot type determination process is performed to determine the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area.

Here, first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot winning flag was set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before, and if the determination is negative, this process is terminated as is. On the other hand, if the determination is positive, the above-mentioned first jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration, and if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area is either the value "0, 1" corresponding to "16R certain variable jackpot A", the "16R certain variable jackpot A flag" is turned on, if it is either the value "2-5" corresponding to "16R certain variable jackpot B", the "16R certain variable jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if it is the value "6" corresponding to "4R certain variable jackpot A", the "4R certain variable jackpot A flag" is turned on. is turned on, and if the value is any of "7-10" corresponding to the "4R special jackpot B", the "4R special jackpot B flag" is turned on, if the value is "11" corresponding to the "16R normal jackpot A", the "16R normal jackpot A flag" is turned on, if the value is any of "12-15" corresponding to the "16R normal jackpot B", the "16R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on, and if the value is any of "16-19" corresponding to the "4R normal jackpot B", the "4R normal jackpot B flag" is turned on.

If the "16R High-Speed Jackpot A" or "4R High-Speed Jackpot A" is won, that is, if the "Until Next Time High Support Mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, a lottery is held to determine whether or not the non-notification effect will be performed, as in step S506. If the lottery result indicates that a non-notification effect will be performed, the non-notification effect execution flag is turned on.

In the following step S515, if it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to a jackpot, a reach determination process is performed to determine the type of reach based on the value of the reach selection counter C3 newly stored in the first special variable reserve area. Note that the reach determination process in step S515 is the same as the reach determination process in step S507 above, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display to be processed is based on the ball to the upper start winning hole 33A, so for convenience, a detailed description will be omitted.

In the next step S516, a process for setting the reserved control command is performed. After that, this process ends. Note that the process for setting the reserved control command in step S516 is similar to the process for setting the reserved control command in step S508 above, and the only difference is that the information on the variable display that is the subject of the process is based on the ball into the upper start winning hole 33A. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, the through gate passing process in step S305 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S601, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the through gate 34 based on the detection information of the through gate switch 225.

If the result of step S601 is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S601 is positive, that is, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34, then in step S602, it is determined whether the value of the normal hold counter Nc, which counts the number of reserved variable displays performed by the normal symbol display device 41, is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). If the result of this determination is negative, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S602 is positive, that is, if it is confirmed that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34 and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is less than 4, then the process proceeds to step S603, and the normal hold counter Nc is incremented by 1.

Then, in the following step S604, a random number related to the win or loss is obtained. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated in the random number update process in step S303 above is stored in the first free memory area of the normal variable reserve area of RAM 503. After that, the through gate passing process is terminated.

Next, the flow of the main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 15. This main processing is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

First, in step S101, the initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and a wait process is executed for, for example, about one second to wait for the sub-controllers (sub-controller 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step S102, RAM access is permitted.

Then, data backup processing is performed on the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON) or not, and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S112 to clear (delete) the backup data. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S104 to determine whether power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If it is not set, the backup data is not stored, and in this case, the process proceeds to step S112 as well. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step S105, and in the next step S106, it is determined whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, that is, the validity of the backup. If the calculated RAM judgment value does not match the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, the backed up data has been destroyed, and in this case, the process proceeds to step S112 as well.

In the process of step S112, an initialization command is sent to initialize the sub-control device 262, which is the sub-side control device, and the payout control device 311, etc. In addition, upon receiving the initialization command, the sub-control device 262 executes its own initialization process as described below, and stores the value "0" of the game state determination value Xj, which corresponds to the initial setting of "normal state", in the game state storage area.

Then, the process proceeds to RAM initialization (step S113, etc.). The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the working area address of RAM 503. Instead of this RAM judgment value, it is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a specified area of RAM 503 are correctly saved.

As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, if you want to return to the initial state when you turn on the power, for example when the hall opens for business, you turn on the power while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process moves to RAM initialization processing (step S113, etc.). Similarly, if the power outage occurrence information is not set, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process moves to RAM 503 initialization processing (step S113, etc.). That is, in step S113, the used area of RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step S114, the initial value of RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, in step S115, interrupt permission is set, and the process moves to normal processing, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step S103: NO), the process at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of recovery from power outage) is executed on the condition that the power outage occurrence information has been set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before the power outage is restored, and in step S108, the power outage occurrence information is cleared.

In step S109, a game status check process is executed to ascertain the game status at the time of power outage that is stored in RAM 503.

In the next step S110, a recovery command is sent to the sub-control device 262, which is the sub-side control device, and the payout control device 311, etc., to restore the gaming state at the time of power failure. The recovery command sent to the sub-control device 262 includes information related to the gaming state at the time of power failure identified in the gaming state check process (the gaming state determination value Xj, described later).

In step S111, the registers in use are restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Then, in step S115, interrupt permission is set and the process moves to normal processing, which will be described later.

The game status check process in step S109 will now be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the game status check process, and Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the lottery mode flag, support mode flag, game status identification counter Kj, and game status determination value Xj, which will be described later. The game status check process is also executed in the variable display setting process (step S807) and the winning end setting process (step S1216), which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 22, in step S1901, a process of reading various information related to the game state at the time of power outage that is backed up and stored in RAM 503 is executed. Specifically, the value of the lottery mode flag, the value of the support mode flag, and the value of the game state identification counter Kj are each read from RAM 503.

The lottery mode flag is state determination information for determining whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" or the "high probability mode". The flag value is set to "50 (H)" when the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and to "53 (H)" when the lottery mode is the "high probability mode". Note that the value "5" of the upper 4 bits of the lottery mode flag is added uniformly as a noise countermeasure and is not intended to determine the game state in particular.

The support mode flag is state determination information used to determine the state of the winning support mode, and the flag value is set to "A0 (H)" if the winning support mode is "low support mode." Note that the value "A" of the upper 4 bits of the support mode flag is added uniformly for noise prevention purposes and is not intended to determine the game state in particular.

In addition, if the winning support mode is "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode", the flag value is set to "A1 (H)".

In addition, if the winning support mode is "30 times/high support mode S", the flag value is set to "A2 (H)", and if it is "Until next time/high support mode", the flag value is set to "A3 (H)".

The game state identification counter Kj is state determination information that counts the number of times a variable display is executed after the end of a jackpot and identifies the timing of switching of the game state. A predetermined initial value is set when the jackpot ends, and one is subtracted each time a variable display is executed. For example, as described below, if the initial value of the game state identification counter Kj is set to "50", and the value of the counter Kj then becomes "31", the variable display at that time can be identified as the 20th variable display after the end of a jackpot.

In this embodiment, if a "16R sure-change jackpot B", "4R sure-change jackpot B", "16R normal jackpot B" or "4R normal jackpot B" is won, i.e., if "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is awarded after the jackpot ends, the initial value is set to "50".

In addition, if you win a "16R normal jackpot A" or a "4R normal jackpot A", that is, if you are awarded the "30 times high support mode S" after the jackpot ends, the initial value will be set to "30".

In addition, if a "16R High-Speed Jackpot A", "4R High-Speed Jackpot A" or "JUB Jackpot" is won, i.e. if the "Until Next Time High Support Mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, the initial value is set to "0". However, if the non-notification performance execution flag is turned on and a non-notification performance is executed, the initial value is set to "30". The non-notification performance execution flag is turned off after the initial value is set.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 22, in step S1902, the value of the lottery mode flag read in step S1901 is added to the value of the support mode flag.

In the following step S1903, the sum calculated in step S1902 is ANDed with a predetermined mask value (in this embodiment, "07(H)") to extract the lowest 3 bits of data, which are then set in a predetermined working area as the game status determination value Xj.

In step S1904, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "1". In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode", or "50 times high support mode".

If the result here is negative, the process proceeds to step S1905, where it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "4". In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode", or "50 times high support mode".

If the determination in step S1904 or S1905 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1909. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1905 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1906.

In step S1906, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "2". In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "low probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "30 times/high support mode S" state.

If the result here is negative, the process proceeds to step S1907, where it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "5". In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "30 times/high support mode S" state.

If the determination in step S1906 or S1907 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1912. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1907 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1908.

In step S1908, it is determined whether the value of the game state determination value Xj is "6". In other words, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the "high probability mode" and the winning support mode is the "until next time, high support mode".

If the result is positive, the process proceeds to step S1914. On the other hand, if the result is negative, the process proceeds to step S1916, where the game state determination value Xj of "6" is stored in a specified area of RAM 503, and the process ends.

Now, in step S1909, which is reached when a positive judgment is made in step S1904 or step S1905, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "31". In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the jackpot has been performed for the 20th time. If the judgment is positive here, the process proceeds to step S1913, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step S1910.

In step S1910, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "21". In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the jackpot is the 30th time. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1913, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1911.

In step S1911, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "11". In other words, it is determined whether the variable display after the end of the jackpot is the 40th time. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1913, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1912.

In step S1912, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "1". In other words, it is determined whether it is the "50th time (if the initial value is "50")" or the "30th time (if the initial value is "30")".

If the result here is negative, the process proceeds to step S1916, the value of the game state determination value Xj ("1", "4", "2", or "5") is stored in a specified area of RAM 503, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of step S1912 is affirmative, i.e., if the value of the game state determination counter Kj is "1", the process proceeds to step S1913, where the value of the game state determination value Xj is changed to "7". After that, the process proceeds to step S1916, where the value "7" of the game state determination value Xj is stored in a specified area of the RAM 503, and the process ends.

Now, in step S1914, which follows when a positive judgment is made in step S1908, it is determined whether the value of the game state identification counter Kj is "0". In other words, it is determined whether the winning support mode is the "Until next time, high support mode" in which the non-notification performance is not performed. If a positive judgment is made here, the value of the game state judgment value Xj, "6", is stored in a specified area of RAM 503, and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the result of step S1914 is negative, i.e., if the mode is "Until next time, high support mode" in which a non-notification effect is performed, the process proceeds to step S1915, where the value of the game state determination value Xj is changed to "5". After that, the process proceeds to step S1916, where the value of this game state determination value Xj, "5", is stored in a predetermined area of RAM 503, and the process ends. As a result, even if the mode is in "Until next time, high support mode", for a predetermined number of times (20 times in this embodiment), the lottery mode will be in "high probability mode" and the winning support mode will be in "30 times, high support mode S", and the same effect will be performed.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 16. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S201 to S210 is executed as a regular process with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S211 and S212 is executed in the remaining time.

First, in step S201, external output processing is performed to transmit control signals based on the control contents of the special display devices 43L, 43R and the opening/closing device 37, etc., updated in the previous processing, to each device, and to transmit output data such as commands to each control device on the sub side. Some more detailed examples are given below.

For example, based on the detection information from the various detection switches described above, it is determined whether or not game balls have entered various winning ports, such as the general winning port 31, and if a prize has been entered, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of prizes entered is sent to the payout control device 311.

In addition, if a command is set to blink the error indicator lamp 104, the command is output to the sub-control device 262.

In addition, in the external output process, information for understanding the game status is output to the hall computer of the gaming hall, taking into consideration various information such as the lottery mode flag and the jackpot flag described below. Furthermore, the output of error information and the like to the hall computer is also performed in this output process.

For example, if a winning error is detected, an ON signal (pulse signal) is output to the hall computer of the gaming hall via a specified terminal of the external relay terminal board 240, and if there is no winning error, an OFF signal is output.

When the decorative pattern display device 42 changes and displays the decorative pattern, it transmits a change pattern command, a pattern command, etc. to the sub-control device 262. In response, the sub-control device 262, which has received the change pattern command, pattern command, etc., determines the change mode of the decorative pattern display device 42 based on the various commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (change display) the change mode on the decorative pattern display device 42.

In step S202, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like the other counters, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values reach their upper limit values (198 and 240 in this embodiment), they are cleared to 0. The updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of RAM 503.

In the next step S203, the prize ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

Then, in step S205, the first display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R are set to determine what control is to be performed on the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R, and the big win determination and the change pattern of the decorative pattern on the decorative pattern display device 42 are set. The details of this first display control process will be described later.

In step S206, a variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set to determine what control is to be performed on the variable winning device 32. As a result, when a big win or small win occurs, the opening and closing process of the opening and closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32 is executed a predetermined number of times. The details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

In step S207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the normal pattern display device 41 are set to determine what control is to be performed on the normal pattern display device 41. The details of this second display control process will be described later.

In step S208, the opening and closing device control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the opening and closing device 37 is set to determine what control is to be performed on the opening and closing device 37. The details of this opening and closing device control process will be described later.

Then, in step S209, it is determined whether or not power failure occurrence information has been set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If power failure occurrence information has not been set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S210 whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S201, and the processes from step S201 onwards are repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, if the specified time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the timing of the next normal processing execution (steps S211 and S212).

That is, in step S211, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the upper limit value (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

In addition, in step S212, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values reach their upper limit values (198 and 240 in this example), they are cleared to 0. The changed values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of RAM 503.

Here, the execution time of each process in steps S201 to S209 changes depending on the game state, so the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be randomly updated.

Now, if the power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), the power has been cut off, and the processing from step S213 onwards is performed as power failure processing when the power is cut off. The power failure processing first prohibits the occurrence of each interrupt processing in step S213, saves the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 to the stack area in step S214, and stores the value of the stack pointer in the backup area 503a in step S215. Then, in step S216, a power failure notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is sent to other control devices (such as the dispensing control device 311). Then, in step S217, a RAM judgment value is calculated and saved in the backup area 503a. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 503. Then, in step S218, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop continues until the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

The processing of step S209 is executed at the end of a series of processing corresponding to changes in the game state performed in steps S201 to S208, or at the end of one cycle of processing in steps S211 and S212 performed within the remaining time. Therefore, in normal processing of the main control device 261, the power interruption occurrence information is confirmed at the end of each processing, so the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is smaller than when each processing is in the middle, and storage can be facilitated. In addition, when returning to the state before the power interruption, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, so recovery can be easily performed, and the processing burden on the main control device 261 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the occurrence of interrupt processing is prohibited before the data is stored (step S213), it is possible to prevent the data at the time of the power interruption from being changed, and the state before the power interruption can be reliably stored.

Next, the first display control process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In FIG. 24, in step S801, various winning flags (big win flag and small win flag) described in detail later are referenced to determine whether or not the current state is a winning state (big win state or small win state). The winning state (big win state and small win state) includes a predetermined time during the winning state and after the winning state ends. The predetermined time after the winning state ends here is the time from the winning state ends to the start of normal play (variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R), and generally during this time period, the decorative pattern display device 42 displays the end of the winning state and various game states and modes that are granted after the winning state. In addition, the period from when the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative pattern display device 42 is stopped in a manner corresponding to the winning state to when the variable winning device 32 is opened (generally during this time period, the decorative pattern display device 42 displays the start of the winning state) is also included in the winning state.

If the result of the judgment in step S801 is positive, that is, if the winning state is occurring, this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in step S801 is negative, in step S802, the setting status of the first display flag, which will be described in detail later, is checked to determine whether or not the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (decorative pattern display device 42) is displaying a variable. In detail, if the first display flag is set (if it is in an on state), it is considered that the variable display is in progress, and if the first display flag is released (if it is in an off state), it is considered that the variable display is in a stopped state, which corresponds to a stopped state. In addition, as will be described in detail later, the first display flag is turned on when the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R start displaying a variable (see step S920, see step S807), and is turned off when the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R display a stopped variable (see step S814).

If the result of step S802 is negative, i.e., if the winning state is not occurring and the variable display is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S803, where it is determined whether the value of the lower pending counter Nb, which counts the number of pending variable displays (second variable display) triggered by winning at the lower start winning port 33B, is greater than 0.

If the result of step S803 is positive, i.e., if at least one second change display is stored as pending, then in step S804, 1 is subtracted from the lower pending counter Nb. Note that in this embodiment, if the second change display is stored as pending as a result of the determination process of step S803, then the second change display is executed without executing the first change display. In other words, even if the first change display is stored as pending earlier than the second change display, the second change display is consumed first (the first change display is postponed).

In the next step S805, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the second special variable pending area. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the first to fourth pending areas of the second special variable pending area to the execution area side in sequence, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: pending area 1 → execution area, pending area 2 → pending area 1, pending area 3 → pending area 2, pending area 4 → pending area 3. After step S805, in step S806, a process is executed to turn on and off the second pending lamp 46b and a process is executed to cause the variable specific lamp 40 to emit red light, and then the process proceeds to step S807.

If the result of step S803 is negative, i.e., if no second variable display is stored as pending, then in step S808, it is determined whether the upper pending counter Na, which counts the number of pending variable displays (first variable displays) triggered by winning at the upper start winning port 33A, is greater than 0. If the result of step S808 is negative, this process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the result of step S808 is positive, in step S809, 1 is subtracted from the upper reserved counter Na. In the following step S810, a process of shifting the data stored in the first special variable reserved area is executed. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved areas 1 to 4 of the first special variable reserved area to the execution area side in sequence, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: reserved area 1 → execution area, reserved area 2 → reserved area 1, reserved area 3 → reserved area 2, reserved area 4 → reserved area 3. After step S810, in step S811, a process of turning on and off the first reserved lamp 46a and a process of making the variable specific lamp 40 emit blue light are performed, and then the process proceeds to step S807. In this embodiment, the special variable reserved area has one execution area, and the data stored in the first special variable reserved area and the second special variable reserved area are shifted to a common execution area when performing a variable display based on the data.

In step S807, a variable display setting process is performed. Details of the variable display setting process are now described with reference to FIG. 26.

First, in step S900, a game status check process is executed. Note that this game status check process is the same as the game status check process in step S109 (see FIG. 22) described above, so a detailed description is omitted.

Next, in step S901, it is determined whether the small win flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a small win.

If it is determined that the winning combination corresponds to a small win, the process proceeds to step S910. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination does not correspond to a small win, the process proceeds to step S902.

In step S902, it is determined whether the jackpot winning flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a jackpot.

If it is determined that the winning combination corresponds to a big win, the process proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination is neither a big win nor a small win, i.e., if the winning combination is a miss, the process proceeds to step S912.

In step S903, it is determined whether any of the various probability variable jackpot flags ("16R probability variable jackpot A flag", "16R probability variable jackpot B flag", "4R probability variable jackpot A flag", "4R probability variable jackpot B flag") are on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "probability variable jackpot".

If the result of step S903 is positive, i.e., if it is a "high probability jackpot", then in step S904, the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table corresponding to the "high probability jackpot" and set in the variation pattern command. Next, in step S905, the jackpot pattern (whether an odd number pattern or an even number pattern in this embodiment) is determined by referring to the pattern table corresponding to the "high probability jackpot", and the corresponding pattern command (in this embodiment, "B1" or "B2" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S920.

If the result of the negative judgment in step S903 is negative, the process proceeds to step S906, where it is judged whether any of the above-mentioned various normal jackpot flags ("16R normal jackpot A flag", "16R normal jackpot B flag", "4R normal jackpot A flag", "4R normal jackpot B flag") is on, thereby judging whether the variable display corresponds to a "normal jackpot". If the result of the positive judgment in step S906 is positive, that is, if it is a "normal jackpot", then in step S907, the variable pattern is determined by referring to the variable pattern table corresponding to the "normal jackpot" and set in the variable pattern command. Next, in step S908, the jackpot pattern (whether it is an odd number pattern or an even number pattern in this embodiment) is determined by referring to the pattern table corresponding to the "normal jackpot", and the corresponding pattern command (in this embodiment, "B1" or "B2" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S920.

However, in this embodiment, as described above, depending on the type of pattern stopped and displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42, the game state such as the lottery mode that is given after the end of the jackpot cannot be determined. In other words, there is no clear relationship between the variable pattern or the stopped pattern and the jackpot type, such as an "odd pattern" being stopped and displayed for a "high probability jackpot" and an "even pattern" being stopped and displayed for a "normal jackpot". In this embodiment, the tables are simply divided so that the appearance rate of the predetermined variable pattern or pattern differs depending on the type of jackpot, for example, an "odd pattern" is more likely to be stopped and displayed for a "high probability jackpot". Therefore, for example, when a jackpot occurs, the variable pattern or the stopped pattern may be selected based on one jackpot table, regardless of the jackpot type such as a "high probability jackpot" or a "normal jackpot".

If the result of the determination in step S906 is negative, the process proceeds to step S909, where the process determines whether the JUB jackpot flag is on, thereby determining whether the variable display corresponds to a "JUB jackpot." If the result of the determination in step S909 is positive, i.e., if the display is a "JUB jackpot," the process proceeds to step S910.

In step S910, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "JUB big win" and "small win", and is set in the fluctuation pattern command. After that, in step S911, a symbol command corresponding to the chance symbol (in this embodiment, "B6" described later) is set, and the process proceeds to step S920.

If the result of step S902 is negative, i.e., if the result is a miss, then in step S912, it is determined whether the front/rear miss flag is on.

If the determination in step S912 is positive, i.e., if it is a "front or rear miss reach", then in step S913, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "front or rear miss reach", and is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the front or rear miss flag is turned off. Then, in step S914, it is set in the pattern command corresponding to the front or rear miss pattern (in this embodiment, "B3" described later). Then, the process proceeds to step S920.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S912 is negative, then in step S915 it is determined whether the non-front/back miss flag is on. If the determination in step S915 is positive, i.e., if it is a "reach other than front/back miss", then in step S916 a fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to a fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a "reach other than front/back miss", and this is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the non-front/back miss flag is turned off. Next, in step S917 it is set in a pattern command corresponding to a pattern other than front/back miss (in this embodiment, "B4" described later). Then, the process proceeds to step S920.

Also, if the result of step S915 is negative, i.e., if it is a "complete miss", then in step S918, the miss variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern table corresponding to a "complete miss" and set in the variation pattern command. Then, in step S919, the pattern command corresponding to the complete miss pattern (in this embodiment, "B5" described later) is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S920.

Here, for convenience, the variation pattern table and the variation pattern command will be explained. In this embodiment, a variation pattern table corresponding to the above-mentioned "probable jackpot" (hereinafter referred to as the "probable jackpot variation pattern table"), a variation pattern table corresponding to a "normal jackpot", a variation pattern table corresponding to a "JUB jackpot" and a "small jackpot", a variation pattern table corresponding to a "reach for a miss before or after", a variation pattern table corresponding to a "reach for a non-reach for a miss before or after", and a variation pattern table corresponding to a "complete miss" (hereinafter referred to as the "complete miss variation pattern table") are provided in multiple locations according to the game state (the game state determination value Xj has a value of "0" to "7").

For example, as shown in FIG. 43(a), in the reference address "100", the probability variable jackpot time fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "normal state" where the game state determination value Xj is "0" is stored.

Similarly, at address 101, a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "1" is stored, at address 102, a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "2" is stored, at address 103, a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "3" is stored, at address 104, a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "4" is stored, at address 105, a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "5" is stored, at address 106, a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "6" is stored, and at address 107, a probability variable jackpot fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the game state determination value Xj of "7" is stored.

As for the complete miss/variation pattern table, as shown in FIG. 43(b), the complete miss/variation pattern table corresponding to the "normal state" where the game state determination value Xj is "0" is stored at the reference address "700".

Similarly, at address 701, a complete miss pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "1" is stored, at address 702, a complete miss pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "2" is stored, at address 703, a complete miss pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "3" is stored, at address 704, a complete miss pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "4" is stored, at address 705, a complete miss pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "5" is stored, at address 706, a complete miss pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "6" is stored, and at address 707, a complete miss pattern table corresponding to a game state determination value Xj of "7" is stored.

Although not shown in the figures, for the other fluctuation pattern tables corresponding to the above-mentioned "normal jackpot", the fluctuation pattern tables corresponding to the "JUB jackpot" and "small jackpot", the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "reach before or after miss", and the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the "reach other than the front or rear miss", similarly to the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern table for the special jackpot and the fluctuation pattern table for the complete miss, multiple table groups corresponding to the game state determination value Xj values "0" to "7" are stored in consecutive numbers from a predetermined reference address.

Therefore, when determining the fluctuation pattern in the above steps S904, S907, S910, S913, S916, and S918, a process is first performed to select a table corresponding to a predetermined gaming state (the gaming state judgment value Xj has a value of "0" to "7") from among a group of multiple tables based on the gaming state judgment value Xj identified in the above gaming state check process (step S900). At this time, the address in which the table to be selected is stored can be identified by adding the value of the gaming state judgment value Xj to a reference address (for example, "100" in the case of a table for a sure-variable jackpot/fluctuation pattern). In other words, the value of the gaming state judgment value Xj itself plays the role of an offset value.

Then, a fluctuation pattern is determined based on the selected fluctuation pattern table (for example, the fluctuation pattern table for the guaranteed jackpot corresponding to the "normal state (Xj = 0)" stored in "Address 100": see Figure 44), and a corresponding fluctuation pattern command is set.

The fluctuation pattern command in this embodiment is composed of two bytes, and the upper four bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the game state. In this embodiment, the value of the game state determination value Xj is set as is. In addition, the lower four bits of the upper byte are composed of information that specifies the jackpot type, etc., and the lower eight bits of the lower byte are composed of information that specifies the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time, reach type, etc.).

For example, as can be seen by referring to the probability jackpot fluctuation pattern table for the normal state (Xj = 0) [see Figure 43 (a)], in the probability jackpot fluctuation pattern command for the normal state, the upper four bits of the upper byte are set to "0", which is the value of the game state determination value Xj, and the following lower four bits are set to "F", which indicates a "probability jackpot". Then, the remaining eight bits of the lower byte are set to a value that specifies the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of RAM 503. The sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these fluctuation pattern commands and the fluctuation mode (presentation pattern) of the decorative pattern in a table, and when a fluctuation pattern command is received, the fluctuation pattern (presentation pattern) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command can be executed.

Next, the symbol command will be described in detail. The symbol command is a command for causing the sub-controller 262 to determine the symbols to be stopped. In this embodiment, six categories are specified: a combination of odd jackpot symbols, a combination of even jackpot symbols, a combination of miss symbols at the beginning and end, a combination of symbols other than miss symbols at the beginning and end, a combination of complete miss symbols, and a combination of chance symbols. These categories are indicated, for example, by "B1", "B2", "B3", "B4", "B5", and "B6", and any one of these is set as the symbol command. Meanwhile, the sub-controller 262 stores the relationship between these commands and the symbols to be stopped in a table. The sub-controller 262 then displays the symbols to be stopped that correspond to the symbol command.

The odd jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination consisting of the repeated numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, and the symbol command corresponding to the odd jackpot symbol combination is set to "B1." When the symbol command is set to "B1," which indicates an odd jackpot symbol, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of the repeated numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 as the stopping symbol.

The even jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination consisting of the repeated numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, and the symbol command corresponding to the even jackpot symbol combination is set to "B2." When the symbol command is set to "B2," which indicates an even jackpot symbol, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of the repeated numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 as the stopping symbol.

The combination of front and rear miss patterns corresponds to a "reach that misses front and rear" in which the final stopping pattern stops one pattern before or after the reach pattern after the reach occurs, and the pattern command that corresponds to the combination of front and rear miss patterns is set to "B3".

A combination of symbols other than front and rear misses corresponds to a "reach other than front and rear miss" in which the final stopping symbol stops other than before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and the symbol command corresponding to the combination of symbols other than front and rear misses is set to "B4".

A complete miss symbol combination corresponds to a "complete miss" that does not result in a reach, and the symbol command corresponding to a complete miss symbol combination is set to "B5."

The symbol command corresponding to the chance symbol combination is set to "B6". Incidentally, there is only one type of chance symbol, and in this example, the decorative symbols stopped and displayed in each symbol display area are "3", "4", and "1" from the top, as described above.

...

Also, when the symbol command is set to "A6", the sub-control device 262 selects a chance symbol as a combination of decorative symbols.

The variation pattern command and the design command set as described above are output in the external output process (step S201) described below. The sub-control device 262 that receives these commands then determines the variation mode of the decorative design display device 42 based on the commands, and issues an instruction to the display control device 45 to display (variably display) the variation mode on the decorative design display device 42.

Now, in step S920, a start setting process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R have been met. In this start setting process, a first display in progress flag, which indicates whether or not a variable display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R, is turned on, and a first display timer setting process is performed.

The first display timer is a means for measuring the change time (remaining time of the change display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the change display.

In this embodiment, the variable display time of the special display devices 43L, 43R is set to a value corresponding to the variable pattern of the decorative pattern selected by the above-mentioned variable type counters CS1, CS2. Based on such a setting of the first display timer, when a control signal to start a variable display is output to the special display devices 43L, 43R in the external output process of the next normal process, the variable display is started on the special display devices 43L, 43R. Then, after step S920 is completed, the variable display setting process is terminated.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 24, if the determination in step S802 is affirmative, i.e., if a varying display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S812, where a first display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, if the variation time is 10 seconds (10,000 msec), the first display timer is set to "2500", and is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

Then, the process proceeds to step S813, where the value of the first display timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether or not the predetermined variable time has elapsed. At this time, when the predetermined variable time has elapsed, i.e., when the value of the first display timer becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S813.

If a negative judgment is made in step S813, a switching display setting is made in step S817 to continue the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R, and this process ends. Based on the contents of the switching display setting, a control signal to switch the display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output process in the next normal process. This realizes the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R at the timing of the first display control process, i.e., every 4 ms.

On the other hand, if the result of step S813 is affirmative, the first display flag is cleared (turned off) in step S814, and the stop display setting is performed in step S815 to display a stop display on the special display devices 43L and 43R.

In addition, based on the settings of the stop display settings, a control signal to display a stop is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the external output process of the next normal process. For example, in the case of a "16R special jackpot A", a "9-" is displayed as a stop (e.g., lit for a few seconds).

Next, in step S816, the end-of-variation setting process is performed, and then this process is terminated. The end-of-variation setting process is now described with reference to FIG. 25.

First, in step S1001, the jackpot winning flag and the small jackpot winning flag are taken into consideration to determine whether the stopped display corresponds to a jackpot or a small jackpot. If it corresponds to a jackpot or a small jackpot, the process proceeds to step S1002, where a win is set. Specifically, the process performs setting processes for the jackpot mid-flag, the small jackpot mid-flag, the first variable flag, the first variable timer, the opening count counter, and the winning counter Vx. After step S1002 is completed, the process for setting the end of the fluctuation is completed.

The jackpot flag is state determination information for determining whether or not a jackpot state is occurring, and in this case, the flag value is set to "1" (turned on), indicating the occurrence of a jackpot state.

The small win flag is state determination information for determining whether or not a small win state is occurring, and here, like the big win flag, the flag value is set to "1" (turned on), indicating the occurrence of a small win state.

The first variable flag is state determination information for determining whether the variable winning device 32 is in an open state.

The first variable timer is a measuring means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32 (the time when the special prize state occurs) and the interval between each special prize state, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has passed since the opening start or end of the opening of the opening/closing shutter 160. In the winning setting process of step S1002, a predetermined value corresponding to each type of winning is set by taking into consideration the opening/closing pattern control table (see FIG. 45). For example, if the first time is the above-mentioned "long opening" such as "16R sure-variable big win A", the first variable timer is set to "7500", and if the first time is the above-mentioned "short opening" such as "JUB big win", the first variable timer is set to "100". As a result, the maximum opening time (specified time) per opening/closing operation of the opening/closing shutter 160 is set to "30 seconds" or "0.4 seconds".

In addition, as shown in Figure 45, the opening and closing pattern control table pre-sets the number of times the special prize state occurs in each winning state (number of rounds), the opening time of the opening and closing shutter 160 in each special prize state (each round), the interval time between each special prize state, etc.

The opening number counter is state determination information for determining the number of times the special prize state occurs during a big win state or a small win state, that is, the number of times the opening and closing process ("long opening" or "short opening") of the variable winning device 32 is executed. In the winning setting process of step S1002, an initial value corresponding to each type of winning is set with reference to the opening and closing pattern control table. For example, in the case of a "16R special big win A", "16" indicating 16 times is set, and in the case of a "JUB big win", "20" indicating 20 times, which is the sum of 5 "short openings" and 15 "long openings", is set as the initial value.

The winning counter Vx is a winning counting means for counting the number of game balls that have won the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151). In this embodiment, during the switch reading process (see FIG. 17) of the timer interrupt process, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred in the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151) based on the detection information of the count switch 223, and if it is determined that a winning has occurred in the variable winning device 32, the value of the winning counter Vx is incremented by one.

In addition, in the winning setting process of step S1002, the opening and closing pattern control table is taken into consideration to set the specified number K1, which is the maximum number of expected winnings in the variable winning device 32 per one opening and closing operation of the opening and closing shutter 160 (one special prize state). As described above, the specified number K1 is pre-determined for each opening type (operation mode of the opening and closing shutter 160 per one opening and closing operation) such as "long opening" or "short opening". For example, for "long opening", the specified number K1 is set to "10", and for "short opening", the specified number K1 is set to "3".

In the hit setting process in step S1002, the opening command that announces the start of a big hit or small hit is also set. However, in the case of a "JUB big hit", the opening command is set after five "short opens" have ended (such as the special prize state start process in step S1217 described later). As a result, in the case of a "JUB big hit", the big hit notification performance is performed after five "short opens", and up to this point, it is indistinguishable from the case of a small hit.

Now, in step S1001, if it is determined that the result does not correspond to a big win or a small win, i.e., the big win flag and the small win flag are off, the process proceeds to step S1003.

In step S1003, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is "0". The support count counter is a means for measuring the duration of the "high support mode" (the number of variable displays), and as described below, after the end of a jackpot, a value corresponding to each type of jackpot is set as the counter value.

If the counter value of the support count counter is "0", this process ends. On the other hand, if the support count counter is set (if the counter value is other than "0"), it is assumed that the high support mode is set, and in step S1004, the process of subtracting 1 from the support count counter is performed. In step S1004, the process of subtracting 1 from the game state specification counter Kj is also performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S1005.

In step S1005, it is determined whether the counter value of the support count counter is "0". In other words, it is determined whether the current variable display is the specified number of variable displays after the end of the jackpot (after the high support mode is granted). If the support count counter value is "0", then in step S1006, the value of the support mode flag is switched to "A0 (H)" which indicates "low support mode", and this process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the counter value of the support count counter is not "0", this process ends.

Next, the variable prize-winning device control process in step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 27. The opening/closing control means in this embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that executes the variable prize-winning device control process in step S206.

First, in step S1201, it is determined whether the big win flag or the small win flag is on. If the determination is negative, the process ends.

If the determination in step S1202 is affirmative, the count value of the first variable timer is decremented by 1 in the following step S1202.

In the next step S1203, it is determined whether the first variable flag is on. If the determination is affirmative, i.e., if the variable winning device 32 (large winning port 151) is open (a state in which a ball can enter), the process proceeds to step S1204, where it is determined whether the count value of the first variable timer is "0", i.e., whether the opening time (the specified time "30 seconds" or "0.4 seconds") remains per opening/closing operation ("long opening" or "short opening") of the opening/closing shutter 160.

If the result of step S1204 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1205, where it is determined whether the value of the winning counter Vx is equal to or greater than the specified number K1, i.e., whether the number of game balls that have won the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151) in one special prize state has reached the maximum number of expected winning balls (special number "10" or "3"). If the result of step S1205 is negative, i.e., if the timing for closing the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151) (ball-unwinnable state) (timing for the special prize state to end) has not yet arrived, the process ends.

On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S1204 or step S1205, the process proceeds to step S1206, where the first variable timer is set.

Here, the first variable timer is set to a predetermined value (for example, a value of "750" equivalent to "3 seconds", or "250" equivalent to "1 second") with reference to the opening and closing pattern control table to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the special prize state (for example, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of a big win or small win, or whether an interval has elapsed between the end of a predetermined special prize state and the start of the next special prize state, etc.).

Then, proceed to step S1207 and determine whether the counter value of the opening count counter is "0", i.e., whether the number of times the special prize state ("long opening" or "short opening") has been executed has reached a specified number of times.

If the result of step S1207 is affirmative, the release end setting process is performed in step S1210, and the process ends. In the end setting process in step S1210, the first variable flag is turned off and the winning end flag is turned on.

If the result of step S1207 is negative, i.e., if the number of times the special prize state ('long opening' or 'short opening') has been executed has not reached the specified number of times, the special prize transfer process is performed in step S1211, and the process ends.

In the special prize sending process in step S1211, the value of the opening count counter is decremented by 1 and the first variable flag is turned off. This causes the above opening and closing process to be repeated until the number of times the special prize state has been executed reaches the specified number of times.

Now, if the above step S1203 returns a negative judgment, i.e., if it is within a predetermined time after the end of the special prize state (within a predetermined time after the end of a win or during an interval between special prize states), the process proceeds to step S1212, where it is judged whether the value of the first variable timer is "0".

If the determination in step S1212 is affirmative, i.e., if a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the special prize state and it is time to move on to the next process (the start of the next special prize state or the start of normal play), the process proceeds to step S1215. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1212 is negative, the process ends.

In step S1215, the above-mentioned winning end flag is taken into consideration to determine whether or not to end the big win state or the small win state.

If the result of step S1215 is positive, the process ends after performing the winning end setting process in step S1216.

On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S1215, the special prize state start process is performed in step S1217, and then this process is terminated.

In the win end setting process in step S1216, the big win flag or small win flag is turned off, and the lottery mode flag is switched, the support mode flag is switched, the support count counter is set, the game status notification command is set, and an ending command that notifies the end of the big win or small win is set.

In the lottery mode flag switching process, the lottery mode flag is switched and set based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, when the "high probability mode" is set after the jackpot ends (when the various "variable jackpot flags" or "JUB jackpot flags" are on), the flag value is set to "53 (H)," indicating the occurrence of the "high probability mode." On the other hand, when the "low probability mode" is set (when the various "normal jackpot flags" are on), the flag value is set to "50 (H)," indicating the occurrence of the "low probability mode." The function of switching the lottery mode flag constitutes the probability state switching means in this embodiment.

However, if the small win flag is on, the lottery mode flag is not switched and the flag value for the original mode remains set. For example, if the "high probability mode" is set before the small win occurs (the lottery mode flag's flag value is "53 (H)"), the "high probability mode" (the lottery mode flag's flag value is "53 (H)") remains set even after the small win ends.

In the support mode flag switching process, the support mode flag is switched and set based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, if "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is granted after the jackpot ends, the flag value is set to "A1 (H)", if "30 times high support mode S" is granted, the flag value is set to "A2 (H)", and if "until next time high support mode" is granted, the flag value is set to "A3 (H)".

In the setting process of the support count counter, the support count counter is switched based on the various jackpot flags described above. As a result, when the "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is granted after the jackpot, the value of the support count counter is set to "20", which corresponds to 20 times of fluctuation display, "30", which corresponds to 30 times of fluctuation display, "40", which corresponds to 40 times of fluctuation display, or "50", which corresponds to 50 times of fluctuation display. When the "30 times high support mode S" is granted, the value of the support count counter is set to "30", which corresponds to 30 times of fluctuation display. When the "Until next time high support mode" is granted, the value of the support count counter is set to a value that cannot be reached practically (for example, "99999", which corresponds to 99999 times of fluctuation display).

The game status notification command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 of the game status that will be set after the end of a jackpot. In setting this command, a game status check process is first performed. This game status check process is similar to the game status check process in step S109 above (see FIG. 22), so a detailed description will be omitted here.

The game status notification command includes a game status judgment value Xj relating to the new game status identified by the game status check process. As described below, the sub-control device 262 that receives this command switches the game status (game status judgment value Xj) that it has identified to the new game status (game status judgment value Xj). Note that the game status notification command may be omitted, and instead, for example, the game status judgment value Xj may be included in an ending command that notifies the end of the jackpot state.

The big win flag, small win flag, and various "big win flags" are turned off after various processes such as the lottery mode flag switching process are completed. Also, when a win is set (step S1002) in the end-of-variation setting process in FIG. 25, the lottery mode flag may be reset once (set to "50 (H)"), and the "high probability mode" may be interrupted during a big win or small win.

In the special prize state start process in step S1217, the first variable flag is turned on, and the opening time for the next special prize state ("7500" or "100") is set in the first variable timer with reference to the opening and closing pattern control table, and the specified number K1 for the next special prize state is set. In addition, the value of the prize counter Vx is reset to "0".

In addition, based on the on/off status of the first variable flag, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the external output processing of the next normal processing. When the first variable flag is on, a control signal to open the opening/closing shutter 160 (large winning opening 151) is output to the variable winning device 32, and the opening/closing shutter 160 (large winning opening 151) is in an open state. On the other hand, when the first variable flag is off, a control signal to close the opening/closing shutter 160 (large winning opening 151) is output to the variable winning device 32, and the opening/closing shutter 160 (large winning opening 151) is in a closed state.

Next, the second display control process of step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In FIG. 28, in step S2101, the setting status of the second display flag, which indicates whether or not a changing display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41, is checked to determine whether or not a changing display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41. In more detail, if the second display flag is on, it is considered that a changing display is being performed on the normal pattern display device 41, and if the second display flag is off, it is considered that a stopped display is being performed, which corresponds to a state in which the changing display is stopped on the normal pattern display device 41.

If the result of step S2101 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2102, where it is determined whether the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than 0. At this time, if the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, the process ends.

Also, if the change is not being displayed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc is >0, proceed to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step S2104, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the normal change hold area. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the first to fourth hold areas of the normal change hold area to the execution area side in sequence, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: hold area 1 → execution area, hold area 2 → hold area 1, hold area 3 → hold area 2, hold area 4 → hold area 3.

After that, in step S2105, a start setting process is executed. In this process, a process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a variable display on the normal pattern display device 41 have been met. In detail, the second display flag is turned on, and a second display timer setting process is performed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the variable time (remaining time) of the variable display performed on the normal pattern display device 41, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display.

In this embodiment, in the "low support mode", the change time of the variable display performed by the normal pattern display device 41 is set to 2 seconds, so the second display timer is set to "500". Also, in the "high support mode", the change time of the variable display performed by the normal pattern display device 41 is set to 0.4 seconds, so the second display timer is set to "100".

Based on the settings in the start setting process, when a control signal to start a variable display is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process of the next normal process, the variable display is started in the normal pattern display device 41. As described above, the normal pattern display device 41 is configured to light and display an "O" or "X" as a normal pattern, and if an "O" is displayed, it switches to an "X", and if an "X" is displayed, it switches to an "O". Then, after step S2105 is completed, the second display control process is completed.

Now, if the determination in step S2101 is positive, i.e., if the normal pattern display device 41 is displaying a variable number, the process proceeds to step S2106, where the second display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the second display timer is subtracted by 1.

Then, the process proceeds to step S2107, where it is determined whether the count value of the second display timer is "0", i.e., whether the variable time has elapsed. If the determination in step S2107 is affirmative, the second display flag is turned off in step S2108, and in step S2109, a normal pattern stop display setting is performed on the normal pattern display device 41 to perform a stop display. Then, based on the contents of this normal pattern stop display setting, a control signal is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process in the next normal process to cause a stop display. In other words, if there is a win, the "○" pattern (winning pattern) is displayed as a stop (for example, lit for a few seconds), and if there is a loss, the "X" pattern is displayed as a stop display.

As mentioned above, whether or not a win has been made is determined based on the value of the normal pattern random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the normal variable pending area.

Specifically, of the numbers 0 to 9 on the normal symbol random number counter C4, the winning values are two (0 and 1) in "low support mode" and eight (0 to 7) in "high support mode."

Then, the process proceeds to step S2110, where a setting process is performed when the variation ends, and the process ends. In this process, if the stopped display corresponds to a win, a setting process is performed to open and close the opening and closing device 37. Specifically, the second variable flag is turned on, and the opening time is set in the second variable timer.

The second variable flag is state determination information for determining whether the opening/closing device 37 is in the open state.

The second variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the opening/closing device 37, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the opening started. In this embodiment, the opening time of the opening/closing device 37 differs between the "high support mode" and the "low support mode", and in the "high support mode", the second variable timer is set to "1000", and in the "low support mode", the second variable timer is set to "100".

On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S2107, a switch display setting is made in step S2111 to continue the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41, and this process is terminated. Then, based on the contents of this switch display setting, a control signal is output to the normal pattern display device 41 in the external output process in the next normal process to cause the normal pattern display device 41 to switch display. Specifically, if the currently lit up symbol is "○", it is switched to "×", and if it is "×", it is switched to "○". This realizes the variable display of the normal pattern display device 41 at the timing of the second display control process, i.e., every 4 ms.

Next, the opening and closing feature control process in step S208 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 29.

First, in step S2201, it is determined whether the second variable flag, which indicates whether the opening/closing device 37 is in the open state, is on. If it is determined that the second variable flag is not on (the opening/closing device 37 is in the closed state), this process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the above step S2201 is judged to be positive, i.e., if the second variable flag is on, the opening/closing device 37 is deemed to be in the open state, and the second variable timer decrement process is performed in step S2202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the second variable timer is decremented by one.

Then, the process proceeds to step S2203, where the value of the second variable timer after the above subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether or not the specified open time has elapsed. Here, when the specified open time has elapsed, i.e., when the value of the second variable timer becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S2203. If a negative determination is made here, the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S2203 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S2204, where an end setting process is performed, and then the process ends. In the end setting process in step S2204, the second variable flag is turned off.

In addition, based on the on/off status of the second variable flag, various control signals are output to the opening/closing device 37 in the external output processing of the next normal processing. When the second variable flag is on, a control signal to open the movable blade 37a is output to the opening/closing device 37, and the opening/closing device 37 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is off, a control signal to close the movable blade 37a is output to the opening/closing device 37, and the opening/closing device 37 is in a closed state. This makes it impossible for the game ball to enter the lower start winning hole 33B.

Next, we will explain the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311. For ease of explanation, we will first explain the reception interrupt processing with reference to Figure 30, and then explain the main processing with reference to Figure 31.

Figure 30 is a flowchart showing the reception interrupt process executed by the dispensing control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process that is executed by interrupting when the dispensing control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the dispensing control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, other processes executed by the CPU 511 in the dispensing control device 311 are put on hold for a while, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, first in step S3001, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and in step S3002, the command reception flag is turned on to store that a command has been transmitted from the main control device 261, and this reception interrupt process is terminated. As described above, when the command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referenced and stored in a specified storage area, and the storage pointer is updated to store the next command received in the next storage area.

In this embodiment, the reception process of the command sent from the main control unit 261 is performed by an interrupt process executed when the command is received. However, for example, in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 32, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it may be confirmed whether or not a command has been received, and if a command has been received, the command may be stored in the command buffer of RAM 513 and the command reception flag may be turned on, and if a command has not been received, the process may proceed to command determination process. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by checking the port corresponding to the command input of the input/output port at predetermined intervals.

Next, the main processing of the dispensing control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. 31. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device 311, which is started when the power is turned on and reset.

First, in step S3101, the initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. Then, in step S3103, RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, an external interrupt vector is set.

Then, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not power failure occurrence information is set in backup area 513a of RAM 513. If power failure occurrence information is set in backup area 513a, a RAM judgment value is calculated in step S3107, and in the following step S3108, it is determined whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the working area address of RAM 513. It is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not a keyword written in a specified area of RAM 513 is saved correctly.

If power outage information is not set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed based on the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) in step S3108, the process proceeds to initialization of RAM 513 in step S3115 and subsequent steps.

In step S3115, the entire area of RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial values of RAM 513 are set. After that, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to allow interrupts.

On the other hand, if the power failure occurrence information has been set in step S3106 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal in step S3108, processing at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored in step S3109, the power failure occurrence information is cleared in step S3110, and the payout permission flag that permits the payout of prize balls is cleared in step S3111. Also, in step S3112, the CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and in step S3113, the used registers are restored from the backup area 513a of RAM 513. Furthermore, in step S3114, interrupts are permitted.

After the interrupt is permitted in step S3114, in the process of step S3122, it is determined whether or not power interruption information is set in the backup area 513a. If the power interruption information is set here, it means that the power has been cut off, and the process from step S3123 onwards is performed as power outage processing when the power is cut off. In the power outage processing, first, in step S3123, the occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited, and in the next step S3124, a command judgment process to be described later is executed. Then, in step S3125, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area, in step S3126, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 513a, in step S3127, a RAM judgment value is calculated and saved in the backup area 513a, and in step S3128, RAM access is prohibited, and an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and working area backed up in the RAM 513.

In addition, since the processing of step S3122 checks for information on the occurrence of a power outage after the processing performed when the power is turned on is completed, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of RAM 513 is smaller than when each processing is in progress, and storage can be made easier. Also, when returning to the state before the power was cut off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored, and the processing burden on the dispensing control device 311 can be reduced.

Next, the timer interrupt process of the dispensing control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 32. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment).

In the timer interrupt process, first, a command is obtained from the main control unit 261, and a judgment process for the command is performed (step S3201). This command judgment process is described below with reference to FIG. 33.

Figure 33 is a flowchart showing the command determination process performed by the dispensing control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124, S3201), it is first determined in step S3301 whether the command reception flag is on. The command reception flag is turned on when a command sent from the main control device 261 is received in the reception interrupt process described above (see Figure 30).

If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is off, no new command has been received from the main control unit 261, and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing of steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, thereby reducing the control of the dispensing control unit 311.

The type of command read from RAM 513 is determined in steps S3304 to S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether the command sent from the main control unit 261 is a payout initialization command, in step S3305 it is determined whether it is a payout return command, and in step S3306 it is determined whether it is a prize ball command.

If the command sent from the main control unit 261 is a payout initialization command, step S3307 determines whether the payout permission flag is already on. If the payout permission flag is off, this means that the main control unit 261 instructed the initialization of RAM 513 when the power was turned on, so in step S3308 the working area (area) other than the stack area of RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3309 the initial value of RAM 513 is set. After that, in step S3311 the payout permission flag is turned on, and permission to pay out prize balls is set.

As described above, the main control unit 261 performs initialization processing of RAM 503 after sending the payout initialization command, and the payout control unit 311 performs initialization processing of RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command, so the timing at which RAM 503 and the timing at which RAM 513 are initialized are approximately the same. Therefore, even if the payout control unit 311 receives a command sent from the main control unit 261 due to a difference in initialization timing, it is possible to prevent problems such as the RAM 513 being initialized and being unable to perform control corresponding to the received command. In addition, since the payout permission flag is turned on after RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set permission to pay out prize balls.

On the other hand, if the payout permission flag is already on in step S3307, the command judgment process is terminated without clearing the working area of RAM 513 and initializing RAM 513. That is, the process of step S3307 prohibits the initialization of RAM 513 with the payout permission flag set. Note that the payout initialization command is a command that is sent only when the RAM erase switch 323 is on when the power is turned on, so it is not received with the payout permission flag on. In such a case, it is considered that the payout control device 311 has recognized it as a payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the payout permission flag is on and the working area of RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value of RAM 513 is set (step S3309), a problem occurs such as a prize ball not being paid out when there are remaining balls, causing a loss to the player, but since the initialization of RAM 513 is prevented with the payout permission flag on, it is possible to prevent the player from losing money.

Also, if the command sent from the main control unit 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control unit 261 and payout control unit 311 will return to the state before the power was cut off, and the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311 to permit the payout of prize balls. In other words, if there is information of a power outage and the main control unit 261 and payout control unit 311 have returned to the state before the power was cut off, the payout of prize balls will be permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the processing of step S3311, processing based on the command stored in a specified memory area of the command buffer has ended, and the read pointer is updated to the read pointer corresponding to the next memory area.

Furthermore, if the command sent from the main control unit 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), in step S3310, the received number of prize balls is added to the total number of prize balls and stored, and in step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on to permit the payout of the prize balls. At this time, the payout control unit 311 sequentially reads the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in a specified buffer area, and stores it. Since the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls is performed based on the prize ball command sent from the main control unit 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command that instructs the payout of prize balls. In addition, when a prize ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the payout of prize balls can be performed early for a winning prize. When the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311, processing based on the command stored in a specified memory area of the command buffer is completed, and the read pointer is updated to the read pointer corresponding to the next memory area.

If the command sent from the main control unit 261 is neither a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), nor a payout return command (step S3305: NO), nor a prize ball command (step S3306: NO), the command determination process ends without turning on the payout permission flag.

Now, let us return to the flowchart in Figure 32 for further explanation. When the command determination process is completed, in step S3202, it is determined whether or not the payout permission flag has been turned on in the command determination process. If the payout permission flag has not been turned on, this process is terminated. In other words, it is possible to prevent prize balls from being paid out before a command is sent from the main control device 261.

On the other hand, if the result of step S3202 is positive, then in step S3203, permission to launch is set for the launch control device 312, and in step S3204, the state return switch 321 is checked, and if it is determined that the state return operation should be started, the state return operation is executed. With this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed in the event of a payout error, such as a ball jam in the payout motor, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse, and the ball jam is resolved (returned to normal).

After that, in step S3205, the lower tray 15 is set to full or the lower tray full/unfull state according to the change in state. That is, the full state of the lower tray 15 is determined based on the detection signal of the lower tray full switch, and when the lower tray is full, the lower tray full state is set, and when the lower tray is no longer full, the lower tray full/unfull state is set. Also, in step S3206, the tank ball no state (bulb out state) or the tank ball no state (bulb present state) is set according to the change in state of the tank ball. That is, the tank ball no state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and when the tank ball is no longer present, the tank ball no state is set, and when the tank ball is no longer present, the tank ball no state is set.

Then, in step S3207, it is determined whether there is a condition that should be notified, such as an error condition, and if there is a condition that should be notified, the condition is notified.

Next, the payout control process for the prize balls and loan balls is executed. In detail, the payout number setting process is executed in step S3208, the motor control status acquisition process is executed in step S3209, and the motor drive process is executed in step S3210.

In step S3211, the state return switch 321 is checked to ensure that the ball removal is not impossible and that the ball removal operation has not started, and the payout motor 358a (see FIG. 5) is driven to execute the ball removal process. In the following step S3212, control of a vibrator (not shown) (vibration motor control) is executed on the condition that the ball is jammed. After that, the process returns to the beginning of this timer interrupt process.

Next, the normal processing of the sub-controller 262 will be described with reference to FIG. 34. Note that this normal processing is a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment).

In this normal process, first in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input/output port 554 is checked to determine whether the command sent from the main control unit 261 has been received.

If a command has been received, in step S3902, the command is stored in the command buffer of RAM 553. The command buffer of RAM 553 is configured as a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main control unit 261.

The ring buffer has a specified storage area, and commands are stored in a regular pattern from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands have been stored in all of the storage area, the storage area returns to the beginning and the commands are updated. Therefore, when a command is stored or read, the storage pointer and read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and commands are stored and read based on these pointers.

Then, in step S3903, command determination processing is performed. Here, the command determination processing is explained with reference to FIG. 37.

First, in step S4101, the received command is read from the command buffer of RAM 553. In the following step S4102, it is determined whether the command is an initialization command, in step S4103, it is determined whether the command is a return command, in step S4104, it is determined whether the command is a pending control command, in step S4110, it is determined whether the command is a game status notification command, in step S4111, it is determined whether the command is a variation pattern command, and in step S4112, it is determined whether the command is a symbol command.

If the command sent from the main control device 261 is an initialization command, this means that the main control device 261 has instructed to initialize the RAM 553 when the power was turned on, so the RAM 553 is cleared in step S4105, and the initial value of the RAM 553 is set in step S4106. As a result, the game state information storage area of the RAM 553 stores the value "0" of the game state determination value Xj, which corresponds to the initial setting of "normal state". After that, this process ends.

Also, if the command sent from the main control device 261 is a return command (step S4102: NO, step S4103: YES), the main control device 261 returns to the state before the power was cut off, and the sub-control device 262, which does not have a backup function, reads out the value of the game status determination value Xj (any of "0" to "7") included in the return command in step S4107 and stores it in the game status information storage area of RAM 553. Then, this process ends.

Furthermore, if the command sent from the main control unit 261 is a hold control command (step S4103: NO, step S4104: YES), in step S4108, a storage process is performed to store various information included in the hold control command (jackpot determination information, jackpot type information, information indicating whether the variable display was triggered by a win in the start winning slot 33A or 33B, etc.) in the sub-variable hold area, and this process is terminated.

The sub-variable pending areas are provided in correspondence with the special variable pending areas of the main control device 261. In other words, the sub-variable pending areas include a first sub-variable pending area corresponding to the upper start winning slot 33A, a second sub-variable pending area corresponding to the lower start winning slot 33B, and one sub execution area, and the two sub-variable pending areas each include four pending areas (pending areas 1 to 4).

In each pending area, information related to the variable display executed by the decorative pattern display device 42 (such as jackpot determination information and jackpot type information) is stored in chronological order according to the reception history (reception order) of the pending control command and the winning history of the game ball included in the pending control command (whether it is based on winning into the starting winning slot 33A or 33B, etc.). This allows the sub-control device 262 to grasp the number of pending variable displays and their contents.

If the command sent from the main control device 261 is a game status notification command (step S4104: NO, step S4110: YES), in step S4107, the value of the game status determination value Xj (any of "0" to "7") included in the game status notification command is read and stored in the game status information storage area of RAM 553. Then, this process is terminated.

If the command sent from the main control device 261 is a variable pattern command (step S4110: NO, step S4111: YES), it is time to start variable display on the decorative pattern display device 42, so start setting processing is performed in step S4113 and the process proceeds to step S4114.

In the start setting process of step S4113, various settings related to the variable display performed by the decorative pattern display device 42 are performed.

In this start setting process, first, as in the case of the special variation pending area of the main control device 261, a process is executed to sequentially shift the data stored in the sub variation pending area to the sub execution area. Next, the variation time corresponding to the received variation pattern command is set in the variation display timer. The variation display timer is a means for measuring the variation time (remaining time of the variation display) in the decorative pattern display device 42, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variation display.

In addition, during the start setting process, a variable display in progress flag is turned on, which is taken into consideration when determining whether or not a variable display is in progress on the decorative pattern display device 42.

In this embodiment, a presentation pattern for the display of decorative symbols is selected based on the variation pattern information stored in the variation pattern command, and the stop pattern (combination of stop patterns) to be displayed after the variation time has elapsed is determined based on the hit type information (including "miss"). Information on the presentation pattern and stop patterns determined here is added to the sub-execution area of the sub-variation pending area. The correspondence between the variation time information and the presentation pattern, and the correspondence between the jackpot type information and the stop patterns are stored in a table in the ROM 552 of the sub-control device 262.

In addition, in the sub-controller 262, as in the main controller 261, a plurality of table groups corresponding to the game state determination value Xj values "0" to "7" are stored in consecutive order from a predetermined reference address for the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a "guaranteed jackpot", the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a "normal jackpot", the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a "JUB jackpot" and a "small jackpot", the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a "reach for a miss before or after", the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a "reach for a non-miss before or after", and the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a "complete miss".

In other words, when determining the display mode in the decorative pattern display device 42, the sub-control device 262 selects a table corresponding to a predetermined game state (game state determination value Xj of value "0" to "7") from among a group of multiple tables based on the game state determination value Xj included in the variation pattern command. At this time, the address where the table to be selected is stored is identified by adding the value of the game state determination value Xj to the reference address, in the same way as when selecting the variation pattern table.

If the command sent from the main control unit 261 is a pattern command (step S4111: NO, step S4112: YES), pattern setting processing is performed in step S4116, and this processing is terminated.

In the pattern setting process of step S4116, the pattern stored in the counter buffer (see FIG. 35) of RAM 553 described later is set in the above-mentioned sub-execution area as the stopping pattern to be displayed in a stopped state on the decorative pattern display device 42, based on the winning type information stored in the holding area of the sub-variable holding area.

More specifically, when the symbol command is set to "B1", any of the combinations of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are determined as the stopping symbol. On the other hand, when the symbol command is set to "B2", any of the combinations of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are determined as the stopping symbol. Also, when the symbol command is set to "B3", the combination of symbols stored in the front and rear miss reach symbol buffer is determined as the stopping symbol. When the symbol command is set to "B4", the combination of symbols stored in the front and rear miss reach symbol buffer is determined as the stopping symbol. When the symbol command is set to "B5", the combination of symbols stored in the complete miss symbol buffer is determined as the stopping symbol. When the symbol command is set to "B6", the combination of symbols "3", "4", and "1" is determined as the stopping symbol corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas of the decorative symbol display device 42.

Now, in step S4114, it is determined whether or not the value of the game state determination value Xj included in the variation pattern command matches the value of the game state determination value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of RAM 553. If the two values match, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the two values are different, the status error flag is turned on in step S4115, and the value of the game status determination value Xj included in the newly received variation pattern command is deemed to be the correct value in step S4117, and the value of the game status determination value Xj is stored in the game status information storage area. Then, this process ends. When the status error flag is turned on and the two values are different, this fact is notified by the error display lamp 104 or the like. Of course, the error notification means is not limited to the error display lamp 104, and an error notification may be made by the decorative pattern display device 42, speaker SP, or the like.

In addition, recent gaming machines are equipped with backup functions for the main control device, etc., so even if the power is cut off due to a power outage, various data including the game mode (game state) at that time can be stored and retained. Therefore, even if the power is cut off during high probability mode, the player can resume playing in high probability mode when the power is restored.

However, by using the backup function, it becomes possible for amusement halls to set gaming machines to high probability mode from the start of business, commonly known as "morning". This is done to attract more customers at the start of business, but there is a risk of mischievously inviting players' gambling greed. There are various methods for setting the above-mentioned behavior, and one example is a method in which gaming machines that were in high probability mode at the end of business on the previous day are not reset to initial state. In addition, in a configuration in which the main control unit transmits information about the gaming mode (gaming state determination value Xj) to the sub-control unit by a return command or the like when the power is turned on for the pachinko machine, as in this embodiment, if the cable connector connecting the main control unit and the sub-control unit is removed when the power is turned on, the sub-control unit will not be able to grasp the actual gaming mode set by the main control unit, and will instead control the initial gaming mode, i.e., "normal mode".

In general gaming machines, when a display or presentation is performed on a liquid crystal display or other display means, the display format (e.g. background color, etc.) is made different between normal mode and high probability mode, making it easy for players to understand the current game mode.

In addition, sub-control devices that control liquid crystal displays and the like generally do not have a backup function, so when the power is turned off, control is performed for the initial setting game mode ("normal mode").

Therefore, by utilizing this, it is possible to make the display state of the LCD display device appear as if it is in normal mode, even if the actual game mode set by the main control device is a high probability mode. If this happens, the current game mode cannot be easily determined at a glance from the LCD display device, and it becomes substantially difficult to confirm this behavior through prescribed investigations, etc.

In particular, in gaming machines that have a high probability mode that is difficult to distinguish from the "normal mode" on the surface, such as the "latent probability change state" of this embodiment, if the high probability mode is set from the time the gaming hall opens for business due to the above-mentioned actions, the actual gaming mode cannot be distinguished from the display state of the liquid crystal display device, etc.

In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, if the value of the game state judgment value Xj included in the variation pattern command is different from the value of the game state judgment value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553, an error is notified to that effect, and the value of the game state judgment value Xj included in the newly received variation pattern command is stored in the game state information storage area. In other words, the sub-control device 262 can grasp the appropriate game mode at that time. As a result, even if an action such as the above-mentioned "morning" is performed and the actual game mode set by the main control device 261 is the high probability mode, and the presentation mode in the sub-control device 262 is in the normal mode, when the variation pattern command is received, it is notified that the game mode is different, and the presentation mode corresponds to the game state judgment value Xj included in the variation pattern command. As a result, the above-mentioned "morning" action by the game hall can be suppressed.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 34, after step S3903 or if a negative judgment is made in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, where it is judged whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, i.e., whether or not a predetermined time (1 msec in this example) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3905, whereas if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal process, the process proceeds to step S3912.

In step S3905, various counters are updated. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 and the top, middle, and bottom losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR used to set the losing symbols in the top symbol display area, middle symbol display area, and bottom symbol display area are used.

The losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured so that the register values are added using the R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, resulting in randomly changing numerical values. The values of these counters are stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 553 as appropriate.

The jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is used to determine the pattern (jackpot pattern) that is stopped and displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 when a jackpot occurs (either a "high probability jackpot" or a "normal jackpot"). In this embodiment, five odd-numbered patterns and five even-numbered patterns are set as the jackpot patterns. Therefore, five counter values (0 to 4) are prepared for the jackpot decorative pattern counter C5. In other words, the jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of 0 to 4, and to return to 0 after reaching the upper limit (i.e., 4). Then, when the symbol command sent from the main control device 261 is "B1", which indicates a combination of odd jackpot symbols, the odd jackpot symbol combination is determined based on a table (not shown) (a table that associates counter values with decorative symbols) in the following way: for example, if the counter value is 0, it is "1" (double number of 1); if it is 1, it is "3" (double number of 1); if it is 2, it is "5" (double number of 1); if it is 3, it is "7" (double number of 1); if it is 4, it is "9" (double number of 1); and so on.

In addition, if the symbol command is "B2", which indicates a combination of even jackpot symbols, the combination of even jackpot symbols is determined based on a table (not shown) (a table that associates counter values with decorative symbols) in the following way: if the counter value is 0, it is "0" (double number of 1); if it is 1, it is "2" (double number of 1); if it is 2, it is "4" (double number of 1); if it is 3, it is "6" (double number of 1); if it is 4, it is "8" (double number of 1);

The jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is periodically updated by the counter update process in step S3905, and is read from the counter buffer in RAM 553 when the sub-control device 262 receives a pattern command as described above. Note that in this embodiment, the jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is stored in the jackpot decorative pattern counter buffer in RAM 553, but it is also possible to refer to the counter value when a pattern command is received, without storing it in the buffer.

The top, middle and bottom losing symbol counters CL, CM and CR determine the stopping symbols (combinations of losing symbols) in the top, middle and bottom symbol display areas if the jackpot lottery results in a "miss". Since one of ten decorative symbols is displayed in each column, ten counter values (0 to 9) are prepared for each. The top/losing symbol counter CL determines the stopping symbol in the top symbol display area, the middle/losing symbol counter CM determines the stopping symbol in the middle symbol display area, and the bottom/losing symbol counter CR determines the stopping symbol in the bottom symbol display area.

In this embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated using the value of the R register built into the CPU 551. That is, when updating each of the losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, the value of the lowest 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and if the result of this addition exceeds the upper limit, 10 is subtracted to determine the current value. Each losing symbol counter CL, CM, and CR is updated so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is stored in either the front and rear losing reach symbol buffer, the front and rear non-miss reach symbol buffer, or the complete losing symbol buffer of the RAM 553.

Here, the update process of each losing symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be explained in detail. As shown in FIG. 36, in step S4001, it is determined whether it is time to update the top/losing symbol counter CL, and in step S4002, it is determined whether it is time to update the middle/losing symbol counter CM. The top, middle, and bottom losing symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured to be updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the bottom/losing symbol counter CR has been updated in the previous update process, a positive judgment is made in step S4001. Also, if the top/losing symbol counter CL has been updated in the previous update process, a positive judgment is made in step S4002. Then, if it is time to update the top/losing symbol counter CL (step S4001 is YES), proceed to step S4003 and update the top/losing symbol counter CL. If it is time to update the center/missing symbol counter CM (step S4002 is YES), proceed to step S4004 and update the center/missing symbol counter CM. If it is time to update the bottom/missing symbol counter CR (steps S4001 and S4002 are both NO), proceed to step S4005 and update the bottom/missing symbol counter CR. When updating the missing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the value of the lowest 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and if the result of this addition exceeds the upper limit, 10 is subtracted, and the result of this calculation becomes the current value of the missing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR.

According to the above CL, CM, and CR update process, the top, middle, and bottom losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in one update process, and the update times of each counter value do not overlap. This allows one set of losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR to be updated every time the update process is performed three times.

Then, in step S4006, it is determined whether the combination of the updated losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of reach symbols (the symbols in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area are the same, and the symbols in the upper and lower symbol display areas and the symbols in the center symbol display area are different), and if it is a reach symbol combination (S4006 is YES), it is further determined in step S4007 whether it is a front and rear missing reach. If the losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are a combination of front and rear missing reach (front and rear missing symbols) (S4007 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4008, and the combination of the losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the front and rear missing reach symbol buffer of RAM 553. If the losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are a combination of a reach other than a front or rear miss (a pattern other than a front or rear miss) (S4007 is NO), proceed to step S4009, and store the combination of the losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time in the reach pattern buffer other than a front or rear miss in RAM 553.

If the combination is other than the reach pattern (S4006 is NO), the process proceeds to step S4010, where it is determined whether the combination of the missing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR is a missing pattern combination. If the combination is a missing pattern (completely missing pattern) (S4010 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4011, where the combination of the missing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the complete missing pattern buffer of RAM 553. Note that if steps S4006 and S4010 are both NO, the patterns are aligned on the top, middle, and bottom, which corresponds to a combination of big win patterns, but in this case, the process ends without storing the missing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR in the buffer.

In this embodiment, the chance symbol that stops and is displayed in the event of a "JUB jackpot" has one combination of decorative symbols ("3", "4", and "1"), so there is no need to use counter information when displaying the decorative symbols.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 34, in step S3907, a display setting process is performed to perform various displays on the decorative pattern display device 42. This display setting process mainly performs a variable display setting process to perform a variable display of the decorative pattern on the decorative pattern display device 42, a hold display setting process to perform a hold display, and the like.

First, the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 38, in step S4301, the setting status of the variable display flag is checked to determine whether or not the decorative pattern display device 42 is displaying a variable. In detail, if the variable display flag is set (if it is in an on state), it is considered that the variable display is in progress, and if the variable display flag is released (if it is in an off state), it is considered that the variable display is in a stopped display state, which corresponds to a stopped state. As described above, the variable display flag is turned on when the variable display of the decorative pattern display device 42 is started (start setting process in step S4113), and is turned off when the variable display of the decorative pattern display device 42 is displayed as stopped (see step S4305).

If the answer here is positive, i.e., if the fluctuation has started or is still occurring, the process proceeds to step S4302; if the answer is negative, the process ends.

In step S4302, a variable display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, if the variable time is 10 seconds (10,000 msec), the variable display timer is set to "2500" and is subtracted by 1 every 4 msec.

Then, the process proceeds to step S4303, where the value of the fluctuation display timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether or not the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed. At this time, when the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, i.e., when the value of the fluctuation display timer becomes "0", step S4303 is judged to be positive.

If a negative judgment is made in step S4303, in step S4304, a change execution process is performed to execute a change display of the decorative pattern display device 42, and this process is terminated.

In this change execution process, various calculation processes and command output settings are performed, such as generating display commands to be output to the display control device 45, based on various information stored in the execution area of the sub-change pending area of RAM 553.

As a result, the display control device 45 performs drawing processing in response to instructions from the sub-control device 262, and starts the changing display of the pattern on the decorative pattern display device 42. Then, once a changing pattern command is received from the main control device 261, the changing display of the pattern continues in cooperation with the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 until the changing time of the changing display corresponding to the changing pattern command has elapsed (until the value of the changing display timer set in the start setting process of step S4113 reaches "0").

On the other hand, if the result of step S4303 is affirmative, i.e., if the value of the variable display timer is determined to be "0", then in step S4305, a stop display setting is made to perform a stop display on the decorative pattern display device 42, and this process ends. In this stop display setting, the variable display in progress flag is released (turned off), and a stop command is set to instruct the display control device 45 to stop the variable display on the decorative pattern display device 42, etc.

In addition, the variable execution process in step S4304 also includes a presentation mode switching setting process for changing the display mode of the decorative pattern display device 42 to a mode (presentation mode) that corresponds to the type of game state.

In this embodiment, the presentation mode is switched between "normal mode" where "high support mode" is not applied, "high support mode" where "chance mode" is applied and the duration is unknown, and "gold mode" where "until next time high support mode" is applied and the player is explicitly notified of this, depending on the game state (the value of game state determination value Xj).

More specifically, when the value of the game state determination value Xj stored in the game state information storage area of RAM 553 is "0", i.e., when the "low probability mode" and "low support mode" are applied, the presentation mode in the decorative pattern display device 42 is set to "normal mode" (see FIG. 46).

In addition, when the value of the game state judgment value Xj is "3", that is, after the end of the "high support mode" for a specified period, the state in which the "high probability mode" and the "low support mode" are applied becomes a so-called "latent state", so that even in such a case, the state appears to be no different from the "normal state", so the presentation mode in the decorative pattern display device 42 is set to the "normal mode".

When the value of the game status judgment value Xj stored in the game status information storage area of RAM 553 is "1", "2", "4", "5" or "7", that is, during the non-alert presentation of "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode", "50 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode S", "Until next time high support mode", or during the "support continuation presentation" described below, the presentation mode in the decorative pattern display device 42 is set to "chance mode" (see Figure 48).

When the value of the game status judgment value Xj stored in the game status information storage area of RAM 553 is "6", that is, when the "Until next time high support mode" is applied (excluding the non-notification presentation period), the presentation mode in the decorative pattern display device 42 is set to "Gold mode" (see Figure 49).

Next, the hold display setting process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 39. First, in step S4501, it is determined whether the winning type information stored in the first to fourth reserve areas of the second sub-variable reserve area corresponding to the lower start winning slot 33B among the sub-variable reserve areas is information corresponding to a small win (small win information).

If a negative judgment is made here, i.e., if small win information is not included, normal hold display update processing is performed in step S4502. As shown in FIG. 46, in the normal hold display, hold images TA1-TA4, TB1-TB4 corresponding to four hold areas (hold areas 1-4) are displayed in the first hold display area W3a and the second hold display area W3b, respectively. Normally, a "hold lamp image" that resembles a circular hold lamp is displayed as each of the hold images TA1-TA4, TB1-TB4.

Then, in the normal pending display update process of step S4502, a display update process is performed to increase or decrease the number of pending images TA1 to TA4, TB1 to TB4 displayed in a lit or unlit state according to the increase or decrease in the number of pending items in the sub-variable pending area.

On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S4501, i.e., if small win information is contained in any of the first to fourth reserved areas of the second sub-variable reserved area, a reserved display change process is performed in step S4503, and then this process is terminated.

By performing the hold display change process of step S4503, one of the four hold images TB1 to TB4 displayed in the second hold display area W3b that corresponds to the hold area containing the small win information is replaced with a "star-shaped image" from the "hold lamp image" displayed during normal hold display. For example, in the example shown in Figure 51, the third hold image TB3 has been changed to a "star-shaped image."

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 34, in the lamp setting process of step S3908, the lighting pattern of the lamps and electric decorations is set to synchronize with the display performance performed by the decorative pattern display device 42.

In the audio setting process of step S3909, the output pattern of the speaker SP is set to synchronize with the display performance performed by the decorative pattern display device 42. In addition, when audio-related commands such as an error notification are sent from the main control device 261, settings for controlling these are also performed in step S3909.

In step S3910, other processing such as control settings for customer waiting performance (for example, a demo screen display that is set to be displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed while the decorative pattern display device 42 is not displaying changes) is performed.

In step 3912, an external output process is executed to transmit a control signal based on the settings in steps S3905 to S3911 to each device. For example, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative pattern display device 42 displays a changing decorative pattern.

After steps S3905 to S3911 are executed every 1 msec, or if a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912, where it is determined whether or not information about the occurrence of a power outage is stored in the RAM 553. The information about the occurrence of a power outage is stored when a power outage command is received from the main control device 261.

If no information about the power outage is stored, the process proceeds to step S3913, where it is determined whether or not RAM 553 has been corrupted. If RAM 553 has not been corrupted, the process returns to step S3901, and normal processing is repeated. On the other hand, if RAM 553 has been corrupted, the process enters an infinite loop in order to stop the execution of subsequent processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3912 that the power failure occurrence information is to be stored, power failure processing is executed in step S3914. In the power failure processing, interrupt processing is prohibited from occurring and each output port is turned off. In addition, the stored information on the power failure occurrence is erased. After the power failure processing is executed, the processing is looped infinitely.

Next, the display mode of the display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 will be explained along with the flow of the game played by the player.

In the normal state (when the value of the game state determination value Xj is "0"), a variable display area W1 consisting of three pattern display areas, upper, middle, and lower, is set on the display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 (see FIG. 46). In addition, below the variable display area W1, an instruction display area W2 is set that instructs (recommends) the player on the mode of launching the game ball, and further below that, a reserved display area W3 is set that shows the number of reserved variable displays.

The pending display area W3 is set to correspond to the sub-variable pending area. In other words, the pending display area W3 is divided into a first pending display area W3a and a second pending display area W3b corresponding to the first sub-variable pending area and the second sub-variable pending area. Each pending display area W3a, W3b displays pending images TA1 to TA4, TB1 to TB4 corresponding to the four pending areas (pending areas 1 to 4) (see Figure 46).

The pending images TA1-TA4, TB1-TB4 are normally (non-pending) displayed in an off state (see shaded area), and when a variable display is pending in a specific pending area, the pending images TA1-TA4, TB1-TB4 corresponding to that pending area are switched to a lit state (see white area).

In the example shown in FIG. 46, the first pending image TA1 and the second pending image TA2 in the first pending display area W3a are displayed in a lit state, and the remaining pending images TA3, TA4, TB1 to TB4 are displayed in an unlit state. In other words, it shows that a variable display is reserved in the first pending area and the second pending area of the first sub-variable pending area, and the current number of pending variable displays is "2", which is related to the upper start winning slot 33A.

In the normal state, "←Hit to the left" is displayed in the instruction display area W2 to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the left area of the variable display unit 35 (such an action will be referred to as "Hit to the left" below). In response to this, the player plays the game by "hitting to the left".

When "hitting from the left," most of the game balls are guided by the nails and the like toward the upper start winning hole 33A located below the variable display unit 35. Of these, some game balls will enter the upper start winning hole 33A.

In this embodiment, the through gate 34, which triggers the opening of the lower start winning opening 33B (opening/closing device 37), is located in the right side area of the variable display unit 35, i.e., in a position that cannot be reached by game balls that have flowed down the left side area of the variable display unit 35. Therefore, if the player continues to "hit left," the opening/closing device 37 will not open and the game ball will not enter the lower start winning opening 33B.

However, in this embodiment, the inlet 764a of the warp flow path 764 that can guide the game ball onto the stage portion 770 is formed only on the left side portion 47c of the center frame 47, so that in the normal state, the game is more advantageously played by "hitting from the left."

When a game ball enters the upper start winning hole 33A, multiple types of decorative patterns are displayed in a variable display area W1 of the decorative pattern display device 42 for each of the above-mentioned pattern display areas. In this embodiment, decorative patterns Z numbered "1" to "9" are displayed. The various decorative patterns Z are scrolled from right to left with periodicity in ascending or descending numerical order, thereby forming a series of patterns.

In such a case, in the upper pattern display area, the various decorative patterns Z are displayed in descending order (in order of decreasing numbers), and in the middle and lower pattern display areas, the various decorative patterns Z are displayed in ascending order (in order of increasing numbers). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the varying display stops in the order of the upper pattern display area → lower pattern display area → middle pattern display area, and the decorative patterns Z are displayed stationary in each pattern display area.

If the jackpot lottery is won based on the entry of a game ball into the upper start winning hole 33A, the player will go through a reach state, and then a decorative pattern Z of the jackpot combination will be displayed stopped on a specified jackpot line. In the normal state of this embodiment, the jackpot line is composed of left, center, and right vertical lines and two diagonal lines (called five lines). Therefore, when three decorative patterns Z of the jackpot combination are displayed stopped in a row on any of the five lines in the top, middle, and bottom pattern display areas, the occurrence of a jackpot state is confirmed.

When a jackpot state occurs, the bottom part of the game area 30a (opening/closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32) opens, allowing the game ball to enter the big winning hole 151, and a predetermined jackpot presentation starts on the display part 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42. Here, the number of jackpot rounds may be displayed.

However, in this embodiment, the through gate 34 that triggers the opening of the lower start winning opening 33B (opening/closing device 37) is located in the right side area of the variable display unit 35, i.e., in a position that cannot be reached by the game ball that has flowed down the left side area of the variable display unit 35. Therefore, if the player continues to "hit from the left", the opening/closing device 37 will not be opened and the game ball will not enter the lower start winning opening 33B. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 47, when the big win performance starts, the instruction display area W2 displays "right hit →" to encourage the player to shoot the game ball toward the right side area of the variable display unit 35 (such an action will be referred to as "right hit" below). In response to this, the player switches from "left hit" to "right hit" to play the big win game so that the game ball passes above the variable display unit 35 and heads toward the right side area of the variable display unit 35.

When "hitting to the right" here, most of the game balls are guided by the nails and the like to the through gate 34, and after passing through the through gate 34, they flow down toward the upper start winning hole 33A or the lower start winning hole 33B. Then, some of the game balls enter the upper start winning hole 33A or the lower start winning hole 33B.

On the other hand, many of the other game balls that do not enter the starting winning openings 33A, 33B and pass through them are guided by the nails and the like toward the bottom of the game area 30a (the opening and closing shutter 160 of the variable winning device 32) and enter the variable winning device 32 (the large winning opening 151). This allows the player to win more game balls.

As mentioned above, a through gate 34 is provided in the right side area of the variable display unit 35, which serves as an opening trigger for the lower start winning opening 33B (opening/closing device 37) on the way down to the start winning openings 33A and 33B, and some game balls pass through the through gate 34.

If the game ball wins the opening lottery that is held when it passes through the through gate 34, the opening/closing device 37 opens, allowing the game ball to enter the lower start winning hole 33B.

After the big win ends, the "high support mode" is applied as a winning support mode related to the opening and closing device 37 while the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorative pattern display devices 42) display a predetermined number of changes, or until the next big win occurs.

In response to this, the display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 performs a predetermined support effect related to the "high support mode" (a "chance mode" effect or a "gold mode" effect), and the variable display area W1 is reduced in size. In the reduced variable display area W1, the top, middle, and bottom pattern display areas are switched to left, middle, and right pattern display areas, and the number of jackpot lines becomes one line.

During this support effect, a support count display area W4 is set in the display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 (see Figures 48 and 49). The support count display area W4 displays the number of support times that have apparently been confirmed to be awarded. Therefore, for example, even if the internal lottery has confirmed that "50" support times will be awarded, for the sake of the effect, "20" will initially be displayed.

More specifically, when a "16R normal jackpot B" or a "4R normal jackpot B" is won and "20 times high support mode", "30 times high support mode", "40 times high support mode" or "50 times high support mode" is awarded, that is, when the value of the game state determination value Xj is "1", the support count display area W4 initially displays "20 times". Then, each time the variable display is performed, the value is decremented by one.

Similarly, when a "16R High-Speed Jackpot B" or a "4R High-Speed Jackpot B" is won and "20 Times High Support Mode", "30 Times High Support Mode", "40 Times High Support Mode" or "50 Times High Support Mode" is awarded, i.e., when the game state determination value Xj has a value of "4", the support count display area W4 initially displays "20 times". Then, each time the variable display is performed, the value is decremented by one.

On the other hand, if a "16R normal jackpot A" or "4R normal jackpot A" is won and "30 times high support mode S" is awarded, that is, if the game state determination value Xj is "2" or "5" (excluding Xj = "5" in the case of non-notification performance), the support count display area W4 initially displays "30 times." Then, each time the variable display is performed, the value is decremented by one.

In addition, if the "16R High-Speed Jackpot A", "4R High-Speed Jackpot A" or "JUB Jackpot" is won and the "Until Next Time High Support Mode" is granted, that is, if the game state determination value Xj has a value of "6", the support count display area W4 will initially display "Until Next Time". However, if the non-notification performance is performed, the support count display area W4 will initially display "30 times". Then, each time the variable display is performed, the value is decremented by one.

As mentioned above, while the "high support mode" is in effect, the game ball is more likely to enter the lower start winning hole 33B, so even if the jackpot game has ended, it is preferable for the player to continue "hitting to the right" in order to get an opportunity to open the opening and closing device 37. In other words, during the "high support mode," the game is set up so that players who play by "hitting to the right" can play more advantageously. Therefore, during the "high support mode," the instruction display area W2 of the decorative pattern display device 42 displays "Hit to the right" to recommend that the player "hit to the right."

In this embodiment, the change time during normal times fluctuation in "high support mode" (when the number of times displayed in the support times display area W4 is not the final value of "1 time"), i.e., when the game state determination value Xj has a value of "1", "2", "4", or "5", is set to "1 second" by the change pattern table selected based on each game state determination value Xj (except for a jackpot). Then, on the display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 during the support performance, a display performance that matches this is determined and executed by the sub-control device 262.

In addition, the change time during a specific number of times in the "high support mode" (when the number of times displayed in the support number display area W4 reaches the final value of "1 time", i.e., when the number of times corresponds to the "20th", "30th", "40th" or "50th" time since the end of a jackpot), i.e., when the value of the game state determination value Xj is "7", is set to "25 seconds" by the change pattern table selected based on the value "7" of the game state determination value Xj (except during a jackpot). Then, on the display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 during the support performance, a display performance that matches this is determined and executed by the sub-control device 262.

When the specific number of changes occurs (25-second change), the display section 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 performs a support continuation effect that increases the player's interest, such as determining by lottery whether the "high support mode" will continue or not.

For example, in this embodiment, a roulette effect is performed as the display effect (support continuation effect) when the specific number of times changes. In this roulette effect, as shown in FIG. 50, a roulette pattern TR is displayed. The roulette pattern TR includes items such as "End", which indicates that the support number of times ends here, "+10 times", which indicates that the support number of times will be added by another 10 times, and "Until next time", which indicates that the support number of times will continue until the next big win.

In the roulette presentation, the roulette symbol TR spins, and the item that stops at the position indicated by the arrow TY determines the subsequent game state.

Which item the ball will land on is determined by the number of times the "high support mode" has been awarded ("20 times," "30 times," "40 times," "50 times," or "until next time") determined at the time of the big win lottery, and the number of times support has been awarded at that time (the value of the support count counter).The item that has been determined is then displayed in the support count display area W4.

For example, if you win a "16R normal jackpot B" with "50 times, high support mode" and the support count display area W4 initially shows "20 times," and then the roulette performance begins, the upper limit is not "until next time," and there are "30 times" of support remaining, so the "+10 times" option is selected.

For example, if you win a "4R normal jackpot A" with "30 times, high support mode" and the support count display area W4 initially displays "30 times," and then the roulette performance begins, the upper limit is not "until next time," and there are no support counts remaining, so the "End" option is selected.

For example, if a "16R guaranteed jackpot A" with "Until next time, high support mode" is won, a non-notification effect is performed (the value of the game state determination value Xj becomes "5"), and after "30 times" is initially displayed in the support count display area W4, if the roulette effect is reached, the "Until next time" option is selected since the upper limit is "Until next time".

Now, when the "high support mode" ends and returns to the "low support mode," the display state on the display unit 42a of the decorative pattern display device 42 returns to the same state as the normal state (see FIG. 46). Therefore, the instruction display area W2 of the display unit 42a displays "← left hit."

However, in this embodiment, when a small win is won during "high support mode" and small win information is stored in one of the reserve areas of the second sub-variable reserve area related to the lower start winning port 33B, the display mode of the reserve image TB1-TB4 displayed in the second reserve display area W3b that corresponds to the reserve area storing the small win information is changed to an image with a different mode from the normal mode (see FIG. 51). In the example shown in FIG. 51, the third reserve image TB3 is changed to a "star-shaped image". In this embodiment, together with this, "Right hit →" is displayed in the instruction display area W2.

Therefore, even if the "high support mode" ends and returns to the "low support mode," if small win information is stored in the reserved area, the above display will be displayed, suggesting to the player that a small win will occur.

As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, by providing the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151) on the inner frame 12 (lower part 38A of the base frame) side, the game area (sub-game area) is expanded accordingly, and the total area of the game area can be increased.

As a result, in the game area (main game area) 30a formed on the front side of the game board 30, there is more space for arranging various components such as ball entry means, guide pegs, and performance devices, as well as more area that can be used as a path for the game balls to flow down, which increases the design freedom of the game area 30a. As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of players.

In addition, the opening/closing shutter 160 that opens and closes the large prize opening 151 also serves as part of the partition that divides the play area 30a, which reduces the number of parts and makes the configuration more compact.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to the above-mentioned embodiment, or may be applied to the above-mentioned embodiment in any combination of some or all of them. It is also possible to combine all or some of the various configurations shown in the above-mentioned embodiment in any combination.

(a) In the above embodiment, an example is given of a gaming machine (a so-called old type 1 pachinko machine) in which, when a jackpot is won in a win/lose lottery based on the entry of a gaming ball into the starting winning openings 33A and 33B, a jackpot state occurs in which the variable winning device 32 opens and closes.

It is not limited to this, and may be implemented as other types of pachinko machines. In addition to pachinko machines, it may also be implemented as various gaming machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball machines.

(a-1) For example, it may be implemented as a so-called type 1/2 hybrid machine that combines the functions of a gaming machine of the type according to the above embodiment (so-called old type 1 pachinko machine) with the functions of a gaming machine (so-called old type 2 pachinko machine) that is equipped with a variable role device that opens and closes when a small jackpot is won in a win/lose lottery based on the ball entering the starting winning openings 33A and 33B, and in which a gaming ball that enters the variable role device enters a predetermined ball entry means (for example, a V winning opening) to generate a jackpot state (V winning jackpot).

(a-2) In addition, when a game ball enters the starting winning openings 33A and 33B, a predetermined lottery process is not performed (or a lottery process with a 100% probability of winning may be performed), and the variable role device opens based on the ball entering the starting winning openings 33A and 33B, and the game ball that enters the variable role device enters a predetermined ball entry means (for example, a V winning opening) to create a jackpot state (the so-called old type 2 pachinko machine).

(a-3) In the above embodiment, the game value is awarded by paying out prize balls (game balls) as real game value. Alternatively or in addition to this, the game value may be awarded to the player as virtual game value in the form of points (scores) equivalent to the prize balls (game balls) that the player has acquired, for example, by a storage medium such as a magnetic card.

The gaming value may also include, for example, various special gaming states such as a big win state or a small win state or the selection triggers thereof, various special prize states (rounds) awarded during a big win or the like or the selection triggers thereof, and various gaming modes such as a high probability mode awarded after the end of a big win or the selection triggers thereof.

(a-4) It may also be implemented as a type of gaming machine in which gaming balls are circulated within the gaming machine and not directly paid out to the player, a so-called sealed-in type pachinko machine. If the gaming area 30a is considered to be the main gaming area (first gaming area), the area in which the variable role device is arranged or the internal area of the variable role device can also be considered to be the sub-gaming area (second gaming area).

(b) The type of win (number of rounds, configuration, etc.) and the configuration of the game mode granted after the end of the jackpot state (award period, configuration, etc.) are not limited to the above embodiment, and different configurations may be adopted.

(b-1) For example, in the above embodiment, the "high support mode" is always granted after the end of a jackpot regardless of the type of jackpot, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the "high support mode" may not be granted depending on the type of jackpot.

(b-2) For example, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine in which the lottery mode ("high probability mode" or "low probability mode") is not switched, and only the winning support mode ("high support mode" or "low support mode") is switched. Of course, it may be implemented as a gaming machine in which the time-saving mode or high probability mode is not provided after the end of the jackpot state.

(c) In the above embodiment, the outlet 36 as the out ball discharge area is provided on the game board 30 side, and the large winning opening 151 (variable winning device 32) as the special winning area is provided in the lower part 38A of the base frame.

The configurations relating to the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(c-1) For example, as shown in Figures 52 and 53, both the big prize opening 901 and the outlet opening 902 may be provided in the lower part of the base frame 38A.

More specifically, in the example shown in Figures 52 and 53, the lower part 38A of the base frame is provided with a variable winning device 900, with a large winning opening 901 at its upper part and an outlet 902 at its lower part. Therefore, of the variable winning device 900, the upper component having the large winning opening 901 corresponds to the first component in this embodiment, and the lower component having the outlet 902 corresponds to the second component in this embodiment.

In addition, a roughly plate-shaped opening/closing member 903 is provided on the front side of the large prize opening 901 so that it can rotate around its axis in the left-right direction.

In normal operation, the opening and closing member 903 is positioned in a substantially vertical direction, closing the large prize opening 901 and leaving the outlet 902 open.

On the other hand, when a big win occurs, the opening/closing member 903 tilts forward, opening the big win opening 901 and closing the outlet 902.

In addition, a pair of guide sections 904 are formed on the front side of the opening/closing member 903, which can guide the game ball B to the outlet 902 when the opening/closing member 903 is in the closed state. Furthermore, a pair of left and right partition sections 905 are formed on the front side of the variable winning device 900 to prevent the game ball B from spilling out from the sides of the opening/closing member 903 when the opening/closing member 903 is in the open state.

(c-2) In the variable prize-winning device 900 shown in Figures 52 and 53, the opening indicated by the reference symbol 901 may be configured as an outlet, and the opening indicated by the reference symbol 902 may be configured as a large prize-winning opening.

In this case, under normal circumstances, the opening/closing member 903 tilts forward to enter a closed state that closes the large prize opening 902, and the outlet opening 901 is in an open state. On the other hand, when a large win occurs, the opening/closing member 903 is positioned in a substantially vertical direction to enter an open state that opens the large prize opening 902, and the outlet opening 901 is in a closed state.

(c-3) The out opening as the out ball discharge area and the large prize opening (variable prize means) as the special ball entry area may both be provided on the game board 30 side. In such a configuration, it is preferable that the large prize opening is provided downstream of the out opening. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the out opening and the large prize opening are provided side by side (closely or adjacently arranged) one above the other, and the large prize opening is provided directly below the out opening.

(c-4) A large prize opening (variable prize device) as a special ball entry area may be provided on the game board 30 side, and an out opening as an out ball discharge area may be provided in the inner frame 12 (lower part of the base frame 38A).

In this configuration, the front guide section 169 (guiding means) provided on the front frame set 14 may be used to discharge the out balls. In other words, out balls that are guided to the play area 30a and do not enter any of the winning holes may fall through the opening 55 and be guided to the out hole on the inner frame 12 side via the front guide section 169 (guiding means).

(c-4) The number of outlets is not limited to one, and multiple outlets may be provided. For example, an outlet may be provided on the game board 30 side, and an outlet may be provided on the lower part 38A side of the base frame.

(d) The configuration of the variable winning device is not limited to the variable winning device 32 described in the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(d-1) For example, in the above embodiment, the variable winning device 32 is attached and fixed to the mounting recess 146 on the upper edge 145 of the lower part 38A of the base frame. Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the variable winning device 32 may be configured to be removable.

For example, one of the variable winning device 32 and the inner frame 12 may be provided with a locking means (locking claw), and the other may be provided with a locking means (locking receiving portion) to which it is locked, and when these are locked together, the variable winning device 32 is attached and fixed to the inner frame 12, and when these locking states are released, the variable winning device 32 can be removed from the inner frame 12.

Also, the variable winning device 32 may be attached and fixed to the inner frame 12 by a fastening means such as a screw, and the variable winning device 32 may be removed from the inner frame 12 by releasing the fastening means such as the screw.

(d-2) The front wall 149, bottom wall 152, side wall 153, etc., which form the housing part of the variable winning device 32, may be omitted, and the large winning opening 151 and ball passage may be provided directly in the lower part 38A of the base frame.

(d-3) In the above embodiment, almost the entire variable winning device 32 is positioned below the lower edge 30b of the game board 30.

In addition to this, the variable winning device 32 may be attached so as to straddle between the lower base frame 38A and the game board 30. This allows the opening and closing shutter 160 to function as part of the partition that divides the game area 30a at a position above the lower edge 30b of the game board 30. It is preferable that the large winning opening 151 is located below the lower edge 30b of the game board 30.

(d-4) Some of the functions of the variable winning device 32 may be provided on the front frame set 14 side.

For example, the opening/closing member and its drive mechanism for opening and closing the opening 55 may be provided on the front frame set 14 side. In this case, however, the opening/closing shutter 160 and solenoid 154 are omitted, and the bottom wall portion of the outlet 36 is constructed of a member other than the opening/closing shutter 160, and the variable winning device 32 simply becomes a ball passage component that constitutes part of the out ball passage and the winning ball passage.

(e) The configuration of the game board is not limited to the game board 30 according to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(e-1) For example, the nail arrangement and the arrangement of various components are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(e-2) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the game board 30 may be made of wood as in the conventional case, or may be made of, for example, a transparent resin material, allowing a view through to the back side.

(f) The configuration of the front frame is not limited to the front frame set 14 described in the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

For example, in the above embodiment, the player cannot see the large prize opening 151 through the window 101 of the front frame set 14. Without being limited to this, for example, the range of the window 101 of the front frame set 14, which is arranged so that the game area 30a can be seen, may be extended to the range in which the large prize opening 151 is located, or the front frame set 14 may be provided with a second window (viewing window) through which the large prize opening 151 can be seen, in addition to the first window 101 through which the game area 30a can be seen.

(g) The configuration of the play area is not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

For example, in the above embodiment, in addition to the game area 30a that constitutes the first game area (main game area) formed on the front side of the game board 30, a variable winning device 32 that constitutes the second game area (secondary game area) is provided in the lower part of the base frame 38A located below the game board 30.

(g-1) The second play area may be formed on the front side of the play board 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 54, in addition to the first play area 30a defined by the outer rail member 51, the inner rail member 52, and the window hole 39 on the front side of the play board 30, the area near the lower right corner of the play board 30 may be used as the second play area.

More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 54, a second play area 30d is formed near the lower right corner of the play board 30, an opening 39a is formed on the right side of the window hole 39 of the base frame 38, a tongue-shaped opening/closing member 950 capable of opening and closing the opening 39a is provided in the opening 39a, and a ball passage component 38c is formed on the right side of the base frame 38 to connect the opening 39a to the second play area 30d.

Although not shown in the figure, a front frame side passage component having a U-shaped cross section (half split) is provided on the front frame set 14 side in correspondence with ball passage component 38c as a support frame side passage component having a U-shaped cross section (half split). When the front frame set 14 is closed against the inner frame 12, these are assembled together to form a cylindrical ball passage that can guide game balls from the opening 39a to the second game area 30d without them falling out.

Under this configuration, the opening/closing member 950 is normally in a closed state, and game balls cannot flow from the first game area 30a to the second game area 30d. On the other hand, when a winning state occurs, the opening/closing member 950 opens, and when the player hits the ball to the right, game balls can flow from the first game area 30a to the second game area 30d through the opening 39a. When the game ball enters the big prize opening 30e provided in the second game area 30d, the player can win a predetermined number of prize balls.

The inner rail member 52 shown in FIG. 54 is a rail member in which the inner rail member 52 in the above embodiment is continuously arranged up to the range of the right rail member 53. In the example shown in FIG. 54, an outlet 36 is formed at a position corresponding to the bottom of the inner rail member 52.

In addition, in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 54, similar to the configuration related to (f) above, for example, the range of the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14, which is arranged so that the play area 30a can be viewed, may be expanded to the range in which the second play area 30d is provided, or the front frame set 14 may be configured to have, in addition to the first window portion 101 through which the play area 30a can be viewed, a second window portion (viewing window) through which the second play area 30d can be viewed.

(g-2) In addition to the configuration according to the above embodiment, the configuration may include a second play area 30d, an opening 39a, an opening/closing member 950, etc., as shown in FIG. 54.

In this configuration, the second game area 30d may be provided with a distribution means (e.g., a mechanical lottery mechanism such as a rotating body or a crane) that distributes the game balls that flow in from the opening 39a, a lottery is held based on the behavior of the game balls, and a jackpot state is awarded if the lottery is won. In this configuration, an outlet for discharging game balls that flow into the second game area 30d but do not enter the designated ball entry means is also provided in the second game area 30d. Also, the second game area 30d may be configured to have guide members such as nails arranged therein.

(h) The configuration of the support frame is not limited to the inner frame 12 described in the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

For example, in the above embodiment, the ball recovery member 216 provided on the back side of the game board 30 extends beyond the lower edge 30b of the game board 30 and the upper edge 145 of the lower part of the base frame 38A to a position covering the upper part of the back surface of the lower part of the base frame 38A, covering the back of the variable winning device 32, and also having a ball passage for recovering game balls that have won in the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening 151).

Not limited to this, the ball passage on the back side of the lower base frame 38A may be configured to be formed integrally with the lower base frame 38A by omitting the ball recovery member 216. In other words, the lower base frame 38A may be configured to include a portion of the winning ball passage (winning ball discharge passage 232, etc.) and a ball detection means (count switch 223) capable of detecting game balls passing therethrough, as well as a portion of the out ball passage (out ball discharge passages 241A, 241B, etc.) and a ball detection means (out ball detection switches 226A, 226B) capable of detecting game balls passing therethrough.

(i) The configuration of the various ball passages is not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(i-1) For example, in the above embodiment, the variable winning device 32 is given as an example of a ball passage component that constitutes part of the winning ball passage and part of the out ball passage, but instead of or in addition to this, the configuration may include other ball passage components that are removable from the inner frame 12.

(i-2) For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 54, the inner frame 12 side is provided with a ball passage component 38c as a support frame side passage component having a U-shaped cross section (half split), and the front frame set 14 side is provided with a front frame side passage component having a U-shaped cross section (half split), and by assembling these together, a cylindrical ball passage is formed.

Alternatively, a cylindrical ball passage that connects the opening 39a to the second play area 30d may be provided in either the inner frame 12 or the front frame set 14.

In addition, an upstream portion of a cylindrical ball passageway that connects the opening 39a to the second play area 30d may be provided on one of the inner frame 12 or the front frame set 14, and a downstream portion of the cylindrical ball passageway may be provided on the other of the inner frame 12 or the front frame set 14, and the front frame set 14 may be closed against the inner frame 12, thereby connecting the upstream portion (e.g., the front frame side passageway component) and the downstream portion (e.g., the support frame side passageway component) to form the entire section of the cylindrical ball passageway.

(i-3) The front guide section 169 on the front frame set 14 side may be configured with a ball detection means (e.g., count switch 223, etc.) capable of detecting game balls passing through here. This allows game balls to be detected early.

(i-4) In the above embodiment, the configuration is equipped with one winning ball discharge passage 232 (count switch 223) and two out ball discharge passages 241A, 241B (out ball detection switches 226A, 226B).

Without being limited to this, for example, the lower part 38A of the base frame may be configured so that a predetermined section (part or all) of one or more winning ball passages is formed, and a predetermined section (part or all) of one or more out ball passages is formed.

In addition, the lower part 38A of the base frame may be configured so that two or more winning ball passages (part or all) are formed in a predetermined section, and no out ball passages are formed (the out opening is formed in the game board 30).

In addition, the lower part 38A of the base frame may be configured so that no winning ball passages are formed (winning ball passages are formed in the game board 30) and a predetermined section (part or all) of two or more out ball passages is formed.

Of course, the base frame lower portion 38A may be configured to have a predetermined section (part or all) of either the winning ball passage or the out ball passage. However, since there is a risk of a decrease in the efficiency of the discharge of game balls, it is preferable that at least two or more ball passages are formed in the base frame lower portion 38A.

(j) The configuration of the guiding means (front frame side passage component) is not limited to the front side guiding section 169 according to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(j-1) In the above embodiment, the front guide portion 169 is formed integrally with the rail side wall member 69, but this is not limited thereto and it may be formed separately.

(j-2) In the above embodiment, one side wall portion 169b (the side facing the guide rail 54) of the front guide portion 169 is configured to function as a foul ball guide portion, but this is not limited thereto, and a foul ball guide portion may be provided separately from the front guide portion 169.

(j-3) In the above embodiment, the front guide section 169 is configured to be open upward and backward, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be configured as a cylindrical ball passage component.

(j-4) The lower part 38A of the base frame may be provided with a merging ball passage in which two or more ball passages merge, and a ball detection means capable of detecting a game ball passing through the merging ball passage may be attached (e.g., detachably) to the merging ball passage.

This allows the ball detection means to be configured to be detachable and replaceable as needed relative to the merging ball passage, improving convenience when changing models, etc.

For example, in the lower part 38A of the base frame, a first ball passage (e.g., a winning ball passage), a second ball passage (e.g., an out ball passage), and a merging ball passage that merges these are provided, and by attaching ball detection means to two locations, the first ball passage and the merging ball passage, the number of game balls passing through the second ball passage can also be grasped. For example, game balls that flow into the out port do not need to be detected early or individually, so they can be detected together with game balls that flow into other ball passages.

On the other hand, if a model change (game board change) is made and the first ball passage is not used, a ball detection means may be attached to either the second ball passage or the merging ball passage. Similarly, if the second ball passage is not used, a ball detection means may be attached to either the first ball passage or the merging ball passage.

As a result, when a model change (changing of game board) is made, it becomes possible to switch the function of each ball passage. For example, a ball passage that was used as an out ball passage in an earlier model may be used as a winning ball passage in a later model.

The technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiments are described below, along with their effects.

<Configuration A> Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine is known in which gaming is performed by shooting gaming balls. A pachinko machine is provided with a gaming board having a gaming area on the front side where the shot gaming balls are guided. The gaming board is provided with various winning means where gaming balls guided to the gaming area can win, and an outlet for discharging gaming balls that do not win any of the winning means out of the gaming area (for example, see JP2016-86946A).

In such pachinko machines, for example, a predetermined lottery process is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning means, and when a predetermined lottery result is obtained, a winning state advantageous to the player is generated. When a winning state occurs, a special winning means is opened, and by allowing a gaming ball to enter the special winning means, the player can acquire a predetermined amount of gaming value.

However, in addition to the various winning methods, various presentation devices such as display devices and decorative devices are installed in the game area of a pachinko machine. In recent years, these devices have tended to become larger as decorativeness has improved and presentations have become more diverse.

For this reason, although efforts have been made in recent years to expand the playing area by making the game board itself larger, there is a limit to the installation space for the game board on a pachinko machine due to the relationship with the island equipment on which the pachinko machine is installed in an amusement hall.

As a result, it has become extremely difficult to secure the space to install the various components such as winning mechanisms, guide pins, and performance devices, as well as the paths through which game balls flow, and there is a demand for further expansion of the gaming area.

Furthermore, if the path that the game balls take to flow becomes narrow, the game balls' behavior will lose its sense of dynamism and the design freedom of the gauge (nail arrangement) will decrease, which may reduce the interest of players.

On the other hand, in pachinko machines, the space below the game board (the internal space below the game board between the support frame that supports the game board and the front frame that is arranged in front of it) has traditionally been unused and wasted space, and some pachinko machines have spacer members or the like that fill this space.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players by making effective use of space.

Means A1. A predetermined game board;
A support frame for supporting the game board;
A launching means provided on the support frame for launching game balls;
A game area formed on the front side of the game board, into which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided;
and a special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established based on the ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided in the game area, and
A gaming machine characterized in that a special ball entry area (e.g., a big prize hole) into which a gaming ball can enter when the special game state occurs is provided in a portion of the support frame located below the gaming board.

According to the above-mentioned means A1, by providing the special ball entry area on the support frame side, the game area (sub-game area) is expanded accordingly, and the total area of the game area can be increased.

As a result, in the game area (main game area) formed on the front side of the game board, there is more space to install various components such as ball entry means, guide pegs, and performance devices, as well as more area that can be used as a path for game balls to flow down, allowing for greater freedom in designing the game area.

As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of players. For example, in the playing area on the front side of the game board, it will be possible to install a larger display device than before while maintaining the area of the path for the game balls to flow down as before.

In addition, by providing a special ball entry area on the support frame side, it is possible to effectively utilize the space below the game board of the support frame (particularly the space between the bottom edge of the game board and the launch rail), which has previously been little utilized.

In addition, "when a predetermined condition is met based on a game ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided within the game area" includes, for example, in a configuration equipped with "ball entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the predetermined ball entry means," "when a game ball is detected by the ball entry detection means," and "when a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the ball entry detection by the ball entry detection means, and a predetermined lottery result (winning result) is obtained by the lottery."

The configuration may also be such that "at least when a gaming ball enters the special ball entry area, a gaming value granting means is provided that can grant a predetermined gaming value." The granting of the gaming value includes, for example, the payment of prize balls (gaming balls) as real gaming value. In this case, the prize balls (gaming balls) correspond to the gaming value. The granting of the gaming value also includes, for example, displaying (or storing) the number of prize balls (gaming balls) stored as virtual gaming value on a predetermined display means (or storage medium). In this case, the stored value corresponds to the gaming value.

Means A2. A front frame is provided on the front side of the support frame and has a viewing window through which the play area can be viewed;
The gaming machine described in means A1 is characterized in that it is equipped with a guide means on the back side of the front frame, which can guide gaming balls flowing down the gaming area to the special ball entry area.

In addition, when the special ball entry area is provided on the support frame side, i.e. when the playing area is extended downward beyond the lower edge of the game board, it is possible to consider a method in which part of the partition (inner rail, outer rail, etc.) that defines the playing area formed on the front side of the game board extends downward from the lower edge of the game board.

However, in the field of gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the gaming board is usually configured to be attached from the back side of the support frame, so if part of the partition is arranged to protrude from the lower edge of the gaming board, the mounting structure and installation work for the gaming board become complicated, and there is also a risk that the gaming board may not be able to be mounted.

In contrast, according to the above-mentioned method A2, by providing a guide means on the front frame side that can guide game balls flowing down the game area (main game area) to the special ball entry area (sub game area), it is not necessary to provide a guide means on the game board or support frame side, which simplifies the structure of the game board and support frame as well as the mounting structure and mounting work for the game board.

In addition, it makes effective use of the space below the viewing window on the rear side of the front frame, which has traditionally been underutilized.

Means A3. A support frame side rail portion provided on the support frame for guiding the game ball launched by the launching means;
a rail side wall portion provided on the rear side of the front frame and arranged on the side of at least one section of the support frame side rail portion;
The gaming machine described in means A2, wherein the rail side wall portion and the guiding means are integrally formed.

By using the above-mentioned method A3, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and to compact the structure in the space below the viewing window on the rear side of the front frame. In addition, it is possible to effectively utilize the space below the game board between the support frame and the front frame.

Means A4. A drop hole portion formed in a predetermined section of the support frame side rail portion for guiding the game balls shot by the launching means, through which the game balls can fall;
a foul ball guide section capable of guiding a foul ball, which is one of the game balls launched from the launching means and returns without reaching the game area, to the drop hole section;
The gaming machine described in means A2 or A3, wherein the foul ball guide portion and the guiding means are integrally formed.

When a game ball is launched from the launching means and travels along a guide rail provided on the front side of the game board to the play area, it may return from the guide rail without reaching the play area. In such cases, the launched game ball becomes a foul ball, and if it returns to the launching means, there is a risk that the smooth and continuous ball launching operation will be hindered. Therefore, it is necessary to collect the foul balls that flow back from the guide rail.

According to the above-mentioned means A4, by providing the above-mentioned drop hole portion and the above-mentioned foul ball guide portion, the foul ball can be smoothly collected.

Furthermore, according to this method, the foul ball guide section and the above-mentioned guide means are formed as one unit, which reduces the number of parts and makes it possible to compact the structure in the space below the game board on the front side of the support frame. In addition, it is possible to effectively utilize the space below the game board of the support frame.

The "predetermined section of the support frame side rail portion" includes the "predetermined section including the tip of the support frame side rail portion." In other words, the drop hole portion may be formed between the guide rail provided on the front side of the game board and the support frame side rail portion.

Means A5. An opening through which the game ball can pass is formed in a part of the partition that divides the game area,
an opening/closing member provided so as to be able to open and close the opening;
an opening/closing control means for controlling the opening/closing member when the special game state occurs;
When the opening and closing member is in an open state, a game ball flowing down the game area can enter the special ball entry area through the opening,
A gaming machine described in any one of means A1 to A4, characterized in that when the opening and closing member is in a closed state, gaming balls flowing down the gaming area cannot enter the special ball entry area.

According to the above-mentioned method A5, the opening and closing member that opens and closes the special ball entry area is also used as part of the partition that divides the play area, which reduces the number of parts and makes the configuration more compact.

Means A6. A gaming machine described in any one of means A1 to A5, characterized in that the front frame is configured to allow a player to view the special ball entry area.

Note that "the front frame is configured to allow the player to view the special goal entry area" includes, for example, a configuration in which the range of the viewing window of the front frame, which is provided to allow the game area to be viewed, is extended to the range in which the special goal entry area is located, or a configuration in which the front frame has a second viewing window that allows the player to view the special goal entry area in addition to a first viewing window that allows the game area to be viewed.

If a player cannot see whether the game ball has entered the special ball entry area or where the game ball is heading, the player may feel uneasy. In contrast, the above-mentioned means A6 allows the player to see the special ball entry area, which can prevent the above-mentioned problems from occurring. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the player's interest.

Means A7. A gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A6, characterized in that the special ball entry area is provided downstream (e.g. directly below) of an out ball discharge area (e.g. an out port) that can discharge game balls that do not enter the ball entry means provided within the game area out of the game area.

The out-ball discharge area is usually provided at the very bottom of the play area, where the game balls guided to the play area will ultimately flow down. The play area is also configured so that game balls tend to gather in the out-ball discharge area, for example by the nail arrangement.

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned method A7, by locating the special ball entry area downstream of such an out ball discharge area, it is possible to increase the concentration of balls in the special ball entry area.

<Configuration B> Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine is known in which gaming is performed by shooting gaming balls. A pachinko machine is provided with a gaming board having a gaming area on the front side where the shot gaming balls are guided. The gaming board is provided with various winning means where gaming balls guided to the gaming area can win, and an outlet for discharging gaming balls that do not win any of the winning means out of the gaming area (for example, see JP2016-86946A).

In such pachinko machines, for example, a predetermined lottery process is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning means, and when a predetermined lottery result is obtained, a winning state advantageous to the player is generated. When a winning state occurs, a special winning means is opened, and by allowing a gaming ball to enter the special winning means, the player can acquire a predetermined amount of gaming value.

However, in addition to the various winning methods, various presentation devices such as display devices and decorative devices are installed in the game area of a pachinko machine. In recent years in particular, these devices have tended to become larger as decorativeness has improved and presentations have become more diverse.

For this reason, although efforts have been made in recent years to expand the playing area by making the game board itself larger, there is a limit to the installation space for the game board on a pachinko machine due to the relationship with the island equipment on which the pachinko machine is installed in an amusement hall.

As a result, it has become extremely difficult to secure the space to install the various components such as winning mechanisms, guide pins, and performance devices, as well as the paths through which game balls flow, and there is a demand for further expansion of the gaming area.

Furthermore, if the path that the game balls take to flow becomes narrow, the game balls' behavior will lose its sense of dynamism and the design freedom of the gauge (nail arrangement) will decrease, which may reduce the interest of players.

In addition, pachinko machines have spaces that are not used for play, such as the space outside the play area that is formed in a roughly circular shape on the front side of the play board, and the space located below the play board in the support frame that supports the play board, and there is a demand for effective use of such spaces.

On the other hand, even if the size of the conventional play area were expanded as much as possible, players would not be able to recognize the difference from the conventional one, and there is a risk that this will not lead to increased interest. In this regard, there was a demand for the creation of new play areas and new gameplay.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players by making effective use of space.

Means B1. A predetermined game board;
A support frame for supporting the game board;
A launching means provided on the support frame for launching game balls;
A first game area (main game area) formed on the front side of the game board and into which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided;
An opening formed in a part of a partition that divides the first game area and through which a game ball can pass;
A second game area (sub-game area) into which game balls flowing down the first game area can flow through the opening;
an opening/closing member provided so as to be able to open and close the opening;
A gaming machine characterized by being equipped with an opening/closing control means capable of driving and controlling the opening/closing member when a predetermined condition is met based on the entry of a gaming ball into a predetermined entry means (e.g., a starting entry means) provided within the first gaming area.

According to the above-mentioned means B1, in addition to the conventional first play area, a second play area that can be accessed from the first play area is provided, thereby expanding the play area accordingly.

As a result, there is more space in the first game area for arranging various components such as ball entry means, guide pegs, and performance devices, as well as more area that can be used as a path for the game balls to flow down, improving the design freedom of the first game area.

As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of players. For example, in the first game area, it is possible to install a larger display device than before while maintaining the area of the path through which the game balls flow as before.

In addition, when certain conditions are met, new gameplay is created, such as the ability to cause game balls to flow into the second game area, further increasing excitement.

Generally, the playing area of a pachinko machine is formed by dividing the front side of the playing board into a roughly circular shape using inner and outer rails. The inner and outer rails are made of strip-shaped metal plates, and are arranged on the playing board in an arc-shaped curved state. More specifically, the inner and outer rails have a large number of fixing protrusions formed thereon, and during the manufacturing process of the playing board, these protrusions are hammered into the playing board using a press or the like.

Therefore, when installing inner and outer rails over a relatively long distance, it is necessary to ensure a certain level of strength for the game board (where the rails are installed) to prevent warping or distortion. As a result, the weight of the game board and material costs may increase. Furthermore, if warping or distortion occurs in the inner and outer rails, this may affect the guidance of the game balls.

In response to this, the present method forms the opening in part of the partition that divides the first play area, thereby shortening the length of the partition and reducing the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem.

In addition, "when a predetermined condition is met based on a game ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided within the first game area" includes, for example, in a configuration equipped with "ball entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the predetermined ball entry means," "when a game ball is detected by the ball entry detection means," and "when a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the ball entry detection by the ball entry detection means, and a predetermined lottery result (winning result) is obtained by the lottery."

The configuration may also include "special game state generating means capable of generating a special game state advantageous to the player when the predetermined condition is met." In other words, "when the predetermined condition is met" may be "when a special game state advantageous to the player occurs."

Means B2. The second play area is
The gaming machine described in means B1 is characterized in that it is formed on the front side of the gaming board, outside the first gaming area.

By using the above-mentioned method B2, it is possible to effectively utilize the area on the front side of the game board that has not been used as a game area in the past.

Means B3. The second play area is
The gaming machine described in means B1 or B2, characterized in that the support frame is formed in a portion located below the gaming board.

By using the above-mentioned means B3, it is possible to effectively utilize the space below the game board within the support frame, which has traditionally been underutilized.

Means B4. A special game state generating means capable of generating a special game state advantageous to a player is provided;
The opening/closing control means is
A gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B3, characterized in that when the special game state occurs, the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member can be performed a predetermined number of times.

By using the above-mentioned means B4, when a special game state advantageous to the player occurs, a new gameplay feature can be created in which game balls can flow into the second game area, further increasing the interest.

The above-mentioned "opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member" may be, for example, "an opening and closing operation in which the opening and closing member is switched from a closed state to an open state and then closed when a specified time has elapsed" or "an opening and closing operation in which the opening and closing member is switched from a closed state to an open state and then closed when a specified time has elapsed or when a specified number of game balls have entered the special ball entry area".

Means B5. The second game area is provided with a special ball entry area into which the game ball can enter;
A gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B4, further comprising a gaming value awarding means capable of awarding a predetermined gaming value when a gaming ball enters the special ball entry area.

By using the above-mentioned means B5, a new gameplay is created in which a predetermined game value can be acquired by causing the game ball to flow into the second game area, thereby further increasing the interest.

In particular, the special ball entry area, which allows balls to be entered when a special game state occurs, is not necessary within the first game area under normal circumstances. Therefore, by providing the special ball entry area outside the first game area (second game area), the game area can be expanded, and the effects of the above-mentioned means can be more effective.

The provision of the gaming value includes the payment of prize balls (gaming balls) as real gaming value. In this case, the prize balls (gaming balls) correspond to the gaming value. The provision of the gaming value also includes, for example, displaying (or storing) the number of prize balls (gaming balls) stored as virtual gaming value on a specified display means (or storage medium). In this case, the stored value corresponds to the gaming value.

Means B6. When the opening and closing member is in an open state, a game ball flowing down the game area is in a ball entry state in which the game ball can enter the special ball entry area through the opening,
The gaming machine described in means B5 is characterized in that, when the opening and closing member is in a closed state, gaming balls flowing down the gaming area are unable to enter the special entry area through the opening, resulting in an entry-prohibited state.

According to the above-mentioned means B6, the opening and closing member that opens and closes the opening is also used as the opening and closing member that opens and closes the special ball entry area, which reduces the number of parts and makes the configuration more compact.

Means B7. The gaming machine described in any one of means B1 to B6, characterized in that the opening is provided at the bottom (lowest stream part) of the first gaming area.

According to the above-mentioned means B7, the bottom of the first game area is where the game balls ultimately flow down, and by providing an opening and an opening/closing member at this location, it is possible to improve the collection of balls into the second game area.

If an opening is provided at a side position of the first game area, etc., and the nails in the surrounding area are adjusted at the game arcade, there is a risk that game balls will hardly flow from the first game area to the second game area, and the effects of the above-mentioned means will not be effective. In this regard, this means can reduce the occurrence of such problems.

Means B8. A gaming machine as described in any one of means B1 to B7, characterized in that the front frame is configured to allow a player to view the second gaming area.

Note that "the front frame is configured to allow the player to view the second game area" includes, for example, a configuration in which the range of the viewing window in the front frame that allows the first game area to be viewed is expanded to the range in which the second game area is located, or a configuration in which the front frame has a second viewing window that allows the second game area to be viewed in addition to a first viewing window that allows the first game area to be viewed.

If the player cannot see whether the game ball has entered the second game area or where the game ball is heading, the player may feel uneasy. In contrast, the above-mentioned means B8 makes it possible to visually confirm the game ball's location in the second game area, thereby preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems. As a result, the player's interest can be improved.

Means B9. A gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B8, characterized in that the second gaming area is provided downstream (e.g., directly below) of an out-ball discharge area (e.g., an out port) capable of discharging gaming balls that do not enter the ball entry means provided in the first gaming area.

The out-ball discharge area is usually provided at the very bottom of the play area, where the game balls guided to the play area will ultimately flow down. The play area is also configured so that game balls tend to gather in the out-ball discharge area, for example by the nail arrangement.

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned means B9, by locating the second game area downstream of such an out ball discharge area, it is possible to increase the ball collection rate in the second game area.

<Configuration C> Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine is known in which gaming is performed by shooting gaming balls. A pachinko machine is provided with a gaming board having a gaming area on the front side where the shot gaming balls are guided. The gaming board is provided with various winning means where gaming balls guided to the gaming area can win, and an outlet for discharging gaming balls that do not win any of the winning means out of the gaming area (for example, see JP2016-86946A).

In such pachinko machines, for example, a predetermined lottery process is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning means, and when a predetermined lottery result is obtained, a winning state advantageous to the player is generated. When a winning state occurs, a special winning means is opened, and by allowing a gaming ball to enter the special winning means, the player can acquire a predetermined amount of gaming value.

However, in addition to the various winning methods, various presentation devices such as display devices and decorative devices are installed in the game area of a pachinko machine. In recent years, these devices have tended to become larger as decorativeness has improved and presentations have become more diverse.

For this reason, although efforts have been made in recent years to expand the playing area by making the game board itself larger, there is a limit to the installation space for the game board on a pachinko machine due to the relationship with the island equipment on which the pachinko machine is installed in an amusement hall.

As a result, it has become extremely difficult to secure the space to install the various components such as winning mechanisms, guide pins, and performance devices, as well as the paths through which game balls flow, and there is a demand for further expansion of the gaming area.

In addition, if the path that the game balls take to flow becomes narrow, the game balls will lose their sense of dynamism and the design freedom of the gauge (nail arrangement) will decrease, which could reduce the interest of players.

Furthermore, nails or the like are usually planted in the playing area of a pachinko machine to guide the game ball to a specific location, such as the winning means. The placement of these nails or the like is preset by the gaming machine manufacturer, taking into account factors such as the proportion of game balls that are guided to the specific location.

Traditionally, amusement parlors have performed so-called nail adjustments, such as adjusting the angle of the nails (nail direction) relative to the game board to change the rate at which game balls are guided to specific locations.

However, if the nail adjustments are made in a way that is extremely advantageous to the gaming establishment, it could result in an extremely disadvantageous situation for the player, which could significantly reduce the player's interest in the game.

For example, if the pins are adjusted to drastically reduce the proportion of game balls that enter the special winning means, there is a risk that the game value that a player can obtain when a winning state occurs will be extremely small (the player will not be able to obtain much game value).

In particular, in recent years, there are many pachinko machines in which the opening time of the special prize means is short, creating a winning state, and this could have a significant impact.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players by making effective use of space.

Means C1. A predetermined game board;
A support frame for supporting the game board;
A launching means provided on the support frame for launching game balls;
A game area formed on the front side of the game board, into which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided;
A special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established based on the ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided in the game area;
A special ball entry area (big prize entry port) into which the game ball can enter when the special game state occurs;
and an out-ball discharge area (e.g., an out port) capable of discharging game balls that have not entered the ball entry means provided in the game area to the outside of the game area,
A gaming machine characterized in that the special ball entry area is located downstream (e.g. directly below) the out ball discharge area in the downward flow direction (e.g. up and down) of the gaming balls.

The out-ball discharge area is usually provided at the very bottom of the play area, where the game balls guided to the play area will ultimately flow down. The play area is also configured so that game balls tend to gather in the out-ball discharge area, for example by the nail arrangement.

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned means C1, by locating the special ball entry area downstream of such an out ball discharge area, it is possible to increase the concentration of balls in the special ball entry area. This allows the player to efficiently place game balls in the special ball entry area without wasting game balls.

Furthermore, by locating the special ball entry area downstream of the out ball discharge area, the area that can be used for play within the game area upstream of the out ball discharge area can be increased accordingly.

As a result, there is more space available for arranging various components such as ball entry means, guide pegs, and performance equipment, as well as more area that can be used as a path for the game balls to flow down, allowing for greater freedom in designing the game area.

As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of players. For example, in the game area, it will be possible to install a display device that is larger than before while maintaining the area of the path through which the game balls flow in the same way as before.

In addition, "when a predetermined condition is met based on a game ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided within the game area" includes, for example, in a configuration equipped with "ball entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the predetermined ball entry means," "when a game ball is detected by the ball entry detection means," and "when a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the ball entry detection by the ball entry detection means, and a predetermined lottery result (winning result) is obtained by the lottery."

The configuration may also be such that "at least when a gaming ball enters the special ball entry area, a gaming value granting means is provided that can grant a predetermined gaming value." The granting of the gaming value includes, for example, the payment of prize balls (gaming balls) as real gaming value. In this case, the prize balls (gaming balls) correspond to the gaming value. The granting of the gaming value also includes, for example, displaying (or storing) the number of prize balls (gaming balls) stored as virtual gaming value on a predetermined display means (or storage medium). In this case, the stored value corresponds to the gaming value.

Means C2. The gaming machine described in means C1, characterized in that the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area are arranged vertically side by side (closely or adjacently arranged).

In recent years, in order to expand the playing area, pachinko machines have been seen that provide a special ball entry area (big prize opening) at the bottom of the game board, with out ball discharge areas (out openings) on either side of it, and when the opening and closing member that opens and closes the special ball entry area is in the closed state, the opening and closing member distributes the playing balls to the left and right out ball discharge areas.

However, even in such pachinko machines, if nails are placed above the special ball entry area, there is a risk that the nails will be adjusted to extremely increase the proportion of game balls that are distributed to the left and right out ball discharge areas, even when the special ball entry area is open. As a result, even when a special game state occurs, the game balls may not land in the special ball entry area easily, which could significantly reduce the player's interest in the game.

In response to this, the above-mentioned method C2 eliminates the space between the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area where nails or the like can be placed, and is therefore not affected by nail adjustments, etc., thereby suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems and improving the concentration of balls in the special ball entry area. As a result, the effect of the above-mentioned method C1 can be further improved.

Furthermore, by arranging the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area side by side, one above the other, it is possible to make the structures related to these areas more compact in both the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, the effect of the above-mentioned means C1 can be further enhanced, and the space available for play within the play area can be further expanded.

Means C3. Between the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area, an opening and closing member that can be opened and closed when the special game state occurs is provided;
When the opening and closing member is in an open state, the game ball can enter the special ball entry area,
A gaming machine described in means C1 or C2, characterized in that when the opening and closing member is in a closed state, the gaming ball cannot enter the special ball entry area, and the opening and closing member guides the gaming ball to the out ball discharge area.

According to the above-mentioned means C3, the opening and closing member that opens and closes the special ball entry area can also be used as a guide means that guides the game ball to the out ball discharge area. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and to make the structure related to the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area more compact.

Means C4. The gaming machine described in means C3, characterized in that when the opening and closing member is in the open state, gaming balls cannot enter the out ball discharge area.

According to the above-mentioned means C4, by making it impossible for game balls to enter the out ball discharge area, the player can more efficiently place game balls in the special ball entry area without wasting game balls. Here, for example, an opening and closing member that can be rotated and displaced with the left and right direction as the axis direction may be used.

Means C5. An out ball passage is provided to guide the game balls flowing into the out ball discharge area to a predetermined location (for example, the rear side of the game machine),
A gaming machine described in means C3 or C4, characterized in that the opening and closing member constitutes a part of the out ball passage.

According to the above-mentioned means C5, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and further compact the structure related to the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area. Here, for example, an opening and closing member that can slide back and forth may be used, and the upper surface of the opening and closing member may form the bottom surface of the out ball passage, allowing the game balls to roll on the opening and closing member.

Means C6. A gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C5, characterized in that at least the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area are provided in a portion of the support frame that is located below the game board.

According to the above-mentioned method C6, by providing the special ball entry area on the support frame side, the playing area is expanded downward accordingly, and the total area of the playing area can be increased. As a result, the effect of the above-mentioned method C1 etc. can be further enhanced.

In addition, in conventional pachinko machines, the space below the game board (the internal space below the game board between the support frame that supports the game board and the front frame that is arranged in front of it) has traditionally been unused and wasted space, and some pachinko machines have spacer members or the like that fill this space.

In response to this, this method provides at least a special ball entry area on the support frame side, making it possible to effectively utilize the space below the game board of the support frame (particularly the space between the bottom edge of the game board and the launch rail), which has traditionally been underutilized.

Means C7. The gaming machine described in means C6, characterized in that the out ball discharge area is provided in a portion of the support frame that is located below the gaming board.

By using the above-mentioned means C7, the effect of the above-mentioned means C6 can be further enhanced.

Means C8. A first component having the special winning area (big winning hole);
A gaming machine described in any of means C1 to C7, characterized in that a second component part having the out ball discharge area (e.g., an outlet) is integrally formed.

By using the above-mentioned method C8, it is possible to compact the structure related to the out ball discharge area and the special ball entry area, and to improve the ease of installation.

<Configuration D> Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine is known in which gaming is performed by shooting gaming balls. A pachinko machine is provided with a gaming board having a gaming area on the front side where the shot gaming balls are guided. The gaming board is provided with various winning means where gaming balls guided to the gaming area can win, and an outlet for discharging gaming balls that do not win any of the winning means out of the gaming area (for example, see JP2016-86946A).

In such pachinko machines, for example, a predetermined lottery process is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning means, and when a predetermined lottery result is obtained, a winning state advantageous to the player is generated. When a winning state occurs, a special winning means is opened, and by allowing a gaming ball to enter the special winning means, the player can acquire a predetermined amount of gaming value.

However, in addition to the various winning methods, various presentation devices such as display devices and decorative devices are installed in the game area of a pachinko machine. In recent years in particular, these devices have tended to become larger as decorativeness has improved and presentations have become more diverse.

For this reason, although efforts have been made in recent years to expand the playing area by making the game board itself larger, there is a limit to the installation space for the game board on a pachinko machine due to the relationship with the island equipment on which the pachinko machine is installed in an amusement hall.

As a result, it has become extremely difficult to secure the space to install the various components such as winning mechanisms, guide pins, and performance devices, as well as the paths through which game balls flow, and there is a demand for further expansion of the gaming area.

In addition, if the path that the game balls take to flow becomes narrow, the game balls will lose their sense of dynamism and the design freedom of the gauge (nail arrangement) will decrease, which could reduce the interest of players.

In response to this, in order to expand the playing area even slightly, it is conceivable to form an outlet or the like at the bottom end of the game board, and form part of the ball outlet passageway on the support frame side that supports the game board, for discharging the game balls that flow into the outlet to the rear side of the game machine.

Here, in order to further expand the playing area, for example, if one were to provide not only a portion of the out ball passageway but the entire out ball passageway, including the opening of the out port, on the support frame side, it would be necessary to extend the playing area downward beyond the bottom edge of the playing board, and part of the partition (inner rail, outer rail, etc.) that defines the playing area formed on the front side of the playing board would have to be provided so that it extends downward beyond the bottom edge of the playing board.

However, in the field of gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the gaming board is usually configured to be attached from the back side of the support frame, so if part of the partition is arranged to protrude from the lower edge of the gaming board, the mounting structure and installation work for the gaming board become complicated, and there is also a risk that the gaming board may not be able to be mounted.

Also, the playing area of a pachinko machine is usually divided into front and back by the front of the game board attached to the support frame and the rear of a viewing window (glass plate) provided in the front frame arranged on the front side of the support frame, and in relation to the range of the viewing window, there is a risk that the game balls will not be guided to the out ball passage simply by forming part of the partition (inner rail, outer rail, etc.) arranged on the front side of the game board to extend downward from the lower edge of the game board.

Of course, such defects are not limited to the out ball passage that discharges out balls, but can also occur in other ball passages that discharge game balls from the game area.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players by making effective use of space.

Means D1. A predetermined game board;
A support frame for supporting the game board;
A launching means provided on the support frame for launching game balls;
A game area formed on the front side of the game board, into which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided;
A front frame is disposed on the front side of the support frame and has a viewing window through which the play area can be viewed;
and a special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established based on the ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided in the game area, and
A gaming machine characterized in that at least a part of a ball passage for guiding a gaming ball guided into the gaming area to a predetermined location outside the gaming area (e.g., the rear side of the gaming machine) is provided in the front frame.

According to the above-mentioned means D1, at least a part of the ball passage that guides the game ball guided into the game area to a specified location outside the game area (for example, the back side of the game machine) is provided on the front frame side, which eliminates the need to drill through holes or the like in the game board, thereby increasing the area within the game area that can be used for games.

As a result, there is more space in the play area for arranging various components such as ball entry means, guide pegs, and performance equipment, as well as more area that can be used as a path for the game balls to flow down, allowing for greater freedom in designing the play area.

As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of players. For example, in the game area, it will be possible to install a display device that is larger than before while maintaining the area of the path through which the game balls flow in the same way as before.

This also applies to the following means, but "when a predetermined condition is met based on a game ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided within the game area" includes, for example, in a configuration equipped with "ball entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the predetermined ball entry means," "when a game ball is detected by the ball entry detection means," and "when a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the ball entry detection by the ball entry detection means, and a predetermined lottery result (winning result) is obtained by the lottery."

Means D2. A predetermined game board;
A support frame for supporting the game board;
A launching means provided on the support frame for launching game balls;
A game area formed on the front side of the game board, into which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided;
A front frame is disposed on the front side of the support frame and has a viewing window through which the play area can be viewed;
A special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established based on the ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided in the game area;
A partition section that divides the play area;
An opening formed in a part of the partition portion through which a game ball can pass;
A ball passage provided outside the game area (e.g., a support frame) and capable of guiding the game ball to a predetermined portion (e.g., a rear side of the game machine);
A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with a guide means on the rear side of the front frame, capable of guiding gaming balls flowing out from within the gaming area through the opening to the ball passage.

According to the above-mentioned means D2, by providing a ball passage for discharging the game balls guided into the game area to a specified location (for example, the rear side of the game machine) outside the game area, such as on a support frame, there is no need to drill through holes or the like within the game area, and therefore the area within the game area that can be used for games can be increased accordingly.

Furthermore, according to this method, by providing a guide means capable of guiding game balls that flow out of the play area through the opening to the ball passage, it is not necessary to provide a guide means on the game board or support frame side, which simplifies the structure of the game board and support frame as well as the mounting structure and mounting work for the game board.

As a result, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned method D1 is achieved.

Means D3. The gaming machine described in means D2, characterized in that the opening is provided at the bottom (lowest stream) of the gaming area.

According to the above-mentioned means D3, the bottom of the game area is where the game balls ultimately flow down, and by providing an opening there, it is possible to improve the collection of balls into the ball passage.

Means D4. A gaming machine according to any one of means D1 to D3, characterized in that the ball passage is provided in a location below the gaming board.

By using the above-mentioned means D4, the effects of the above-mentioned means D1 and the like can be more effectively achieved. In addition, it is possible to effectively utilize the space below the game board in gaming machines, which has not been used much in the past.

Means D5. The front frame is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the support frame,
A gaming machine described in any of means D1 to D4, characterized in that when the front frame is closed relative to the support frame, the ball passage is configured so that a game ball guided into the game area can be guided to a predetermined location outside the game area by assembling a support frame side passage component formed on the support frame side and a front frame side passage component formed on the front frame side.

The configuration related to the above-mentioned means D5 includes, for example, a configuration in which a cylindrical spherical passage is formed by assembling a support frame side passage component having a semicircular arc (half-split) cross section and a front frame side passage component having a semicircular arc (half-split) cross section, and a configuration in which a cylindrical front frame side passage component on the upstream side and a cylindrical support frame side passage component on the downstream side are connected to form the entire section of the cylindrical spherical passage.

According to the above-mentioned method D5, the ball passage is divided by opening the front frame, making it easier to carry out work such as clearing clogged balls. As a result, the maintainability of the ball passage can be improved.

Means D6. A special ball entry area (e.g., a big prize hole) into which the game ball can enter when the special game state occurs is provided;
A gaming machine described in any of means D1 to D5, characterized in that the ball passage is provided with a ball passage that guides the gaming ball flowing in from the special ball entry area to a predetermined location.

Since a large number of game balls flow into the special ball entry area (big prize opening) in a short period of time, it is necessary to provide multiple ball passages to prevent ball jams from occurring frequently.

In contrast, with the above-mentioned method D6, it is possible to provide more ball passages without having to consider reducing the playing area, etc.

The configuration may also be such that "at least when a gaming ball enters the special ball entry area, a gaming value granting means is provided that can grant a predetermined gaming value." The granting of the gaming value includes, for example, the payment of prize balls (gaming balls) as real gaming value. In this case, the prize balls (gaming balls) correspond to the gaming value. The granting of the gaming value also includes, for example, displaying (or storing) the number of prize balls (gaming balls) stored as virtual gaming value on a predetermined display means (or storage medium). In this case, the stored value corresponds to the gaming value.

Means D7. Provided with an out ball discharge area (e.g., an out port) capable of discharging game balls that do not enter the ball entry means provided in the game area to the outside of the game area,
A gaming machine described in any of means D1 to D6, characterized in that the ball passage is provided with a ball passage that guides the gaming ball flowing in from the out ball discharge area to a predetermined location.

Because game balls constantly flow into the out ball discharge area (out port), a relatively large passage needs to be provided to prevent frequent ball jams.

In contrast, with the above-mentioned method D7, a relatively large passageway can be provided without having to consider reducing the playing area, etc.

Means D8. A gaming machine according to any one of means D1 to D7, characterized in that the support frame or the front frame is provided with a ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball passing through the ball passage.

Conventionally, ball detection means for detecting game balls that have flowed into the big prize opening or the outlet in the play area are attached to the game board together with the components that make them up. Therefore, the components that make up the big prize opening and the outlet need to be strong enough to support the ball detection means, making it difficult to reduce the size, which causes the play area to be compressed.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, since a large number of game balls flow into the big prize opening and the outlet opening, it is preferable to have multiple ball passages and ball detection means in order to detect these early, but this may occupy an even larger area within the game area.

In contrast, with the above-mentioned means D8, more ball passages and ball detection means can be provided without having to consider reducing the playing area, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems can be suppressed.

<Configuration E> Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, a pachinko machine is known in which gaming is performed by shooting gaming balls. A pachinko machine is provided with a gaming board having a gaming area on the front side where the shot gaming balls are guided. The gaming board is provided with various winning means where gaming balls guided to the gaming area can win, and an outlet for discharging gaming balls that do not win any of the winning means out of the gaming area (for example, see JP2016-86946A).

In such pachinko machines, for example, a predetermined lottery process is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning means, and when a predetermined lottery result is obtained, a winning state advantageous to the player is generated. When a winning state occurs, a special winning means (a large winning port) is opened, and by allowing a gaming ball to enter this port, the player can obtain a predetermined amount of gaming value.

However, in addition to the various winning methods, various presentation devices such as display devices and decorative devices are installed in the game area of a pachinko machine. In recent years, these devices have tended to become larger as decorativeness has improved and presentations have become more diverse.

For this reason, although efforts have been made in recent years to expand the playing area by making the game board itself larger, there is a limit to the installation space for the game board on a pachinko machine due to the relationship with the island equipment on which the pachinko machine is installed in an amusement hall.

As a result, it has become extremely difficult to secure the space to install the various components such as winning mechanisms, guide pins, and performance devices, as well as the paths through which game balls flow, and there is a demand for further expansion of the gaming area.

Furthermore, if the path that the game balls take to flow becomes narrow, the game balls' behavior will lose its sense of dynamism and the design freedom of the gauge (nail arrangement) will decrease, which may reduce the interest of players.

Furthermore, conventionally, the game board is provided with a ball passage for discharging game balls that have flowed into the big prize opening to the rear side of the game machine, and a ball detection means for detecting game balls that pass through this passage.

On the other hand, since many game balls flow into the big prize opening at the same time, it would be desirable to provide multiple ball passages and ball detection means on the game board to detect a large number of game balls early on, but it was difficult to provide these without reducing the area of the game area that was used for play.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can improve convenience and increase the interest of players by making effective use of space.

Means E1. A predetermined game board;
A support frame for supporting the game board;
A launching means provided on the support frame for launching game balls;
A game area formed on the front side of the game board, into which the game ball launched by the launching means is guided;
A special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established based on the ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided in the game area;
A plurality of ball passages for guiding the game balls guided into the game area to a predetermined portion outside the game area,
A gaming machine characterized in that at least a portion (one section) of the multiple ball passages are provided in the support frame, and a ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball passing through the ball passage can be attached (for example, detachably) to each of the multiple ball passages provided in the support frame.

According to the above-mentioned means E1, at least some of the multiple ball passages that guide the game balls guided into the game area to a specified location outside the game area (for example, the back side of the game machine) are provided on the support frame side, which eliminates the need to drill through holes or the like in the game board, thereby increasing the area within the game area that can be used for play.

In particular, since multiple ball passages are provided, even if a large number of game balls flow in at the same time, they can be detected early.

As a result, there is more space in the play area for arranging various components such as ball entry means, guide pegs, and performance equipment, as well as more area that can be used as a path for the game balls to flow down, allowing for greater freedom in designing the play area.

As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of players. For example, in the game area, it will be possible to install a display device that is larger than before while maintaining the area of the path through which the game balls flow in the same way as before.

In addition, by configuring the ball detection means so that it can be attached, detached, and replaced as appropriate for each ball passage, convenience can be improved when changing models, etc.

Means E2. A special ball entry area (e.g., a big prize hole) into which the game ball can enter when the special game state occurs is provided;
A gaming machine described in means E1, characterized in that at least one of the multiple ball passages is provided with a ball passage that guides the gaming ball flowing in from the special entry area to a predetermined location.

Since a large number of game balls flow into the special ball entry area (big prize opening) in a short period of time, it is necessary to provide multiple ball passages in order to detect these early and to prevent frequent ball jams.

In contrast, with the above-mentioned method E2, it is possible to provide more ball passages without having to consider reducing the playing area, etc.

The configuration may also be such that "at least when a gaming ball enters the special ball entry area, a gaming value granting means is provided that can grant a predetermined gaming value." The granting of the gaming value includes, for example, the payment of prize balls (gaming balls) as real gaming value. In this case, the prize balls (gaming balls) correspond to the gaming value. The granting of the gaming value also includes, for example, displaying (or storing) the number of prize balls (gaming balls) stored as virtual gaming value on a predetermined display means (or storage medium). In this case, the stored value corresponds to the gaming value.

Means E3. Provided with an out ball discharge area (e.g., an out port) capable of discharging game balls that do not enter the ball entry means provided in the game area to the outside of the game area,
A gaming machine described in means E1 or E2, characterized in that at least one of the multiple ball passages is provided with an out ball passage that guides gaming balls flowing in from the out ball discharge area to a predetermined location.

Because game balls are constantly flowing into the out ball discharge area (out port), it is necessary to provide multiple ball passages to prevent frequent ball jams.

In contrast, with the above-mentioned means E3, it is possible to provide more ball passages without having to consider reducing the playing area, etc.

Means E4. A gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E3, characterized in that a ball passage structure in which at least a portion of the plurality of ball passages is formed is removably provided on the support frame.

In order to expand the playing area as much as possible, it is conceivable to form an outlet or the like at the bottom end of the game board, and form part of the ball outlet passage on the support frame side that supports the game board to discharge the game balls that flow into the outlet to the back side of the game machine.

However, the game board is usually manufactured in a separate process from the support frame and is assembled at the end. Also, when changing the model of a pachinko machine, it is sometimes the case that the support frame is left in place and only the game board is replaced with a different type.

As a result, depending on the combination of the game board and the support frame, there may be unnecessary ball passages in the support frame that are not used to eject game balls.

Such unnecessary passages can be used as a route for fraudulent acts such as inserting wire or other materials into the pachinko machine.

In response to this, according to the above-mentioned means E4, the ball passage component is removably mounted on the support frame, so that the ball passage component can be selectively replaced for each type of gaming machine (each gaming board).

In other words, when changing the model of the gaming machine (game board), it is only necessary to replace only the ball passage component with one that corresponds to the model of the gaming machine (game board) without replacing the entire support frame. This makes it difficult for unnecessary ball passages that could be used for fraudulent activities to be formed in the support frame. As a result, the versatility of the support frame can be increased, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In addition, "the ball passage constituent is provided so as to be removable from the support frame" includes, for example, a configuration in which one of the ball passage constituent and the support frame is provided with a locking means (locking claw) and the other is provided with a locking means (locking receiving portion) to which it is locked, and the ball passage constituent is attached and fixed to the support frame when these are in an locked state, and the ball passage constituent can be removed from the support frame by releasing this locked state, or a configuration in which the ball passage constituent is attached and fixed to the support frame by a fastening means such as a screw, and the ball passage constituent can be removed from the support frame by releasing the fastening with the screw, etc.

In addition, "when a predetermined condition is met based on a game ball entering a predetermined ball entry means (e.g., a starting ball entry means) provided within the game area" includes, for example, in a configuration equipped with "ball entry detection means capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the predetermined ball entry means," "when a game ball is detected by the ball entry detection means," and "when a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the ball entry detection by the ball entry detection means, and a predetermined lottery result (winning result) is obtained by the lottery."

Means E5. A gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E4, characterized in that the ball passage is provided in a position located below the gaming board.

By using the above-mentioned means E5, the effect of the above-mentioned means E1 etc. can be more effectively achieved. In addition, it is possible to effectively utilize the space below the game board in gaming machines, which has not been used much in the past.

Means E6. The support frame is provided with a confluence ball passage in which two or more of the plurality of ball passages are joined together,
A gaming machine described in any one of means E1 to E5, characterized in that a ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball passing through the junction ball passage can be attached (for example, detachably) to the junction ball passage.

According to the above-mentioned means E6, the ball detection means can be configured to be detachable and replaceable as appropriate with respect to the merging ball passage, thereby improving convenience when changing models, etc.

For example, the support frame may be provided with a first ball passage (e.g., a ball passage that guides game balls flowing in from a special ball entry area to a specified location), a second ball passage (e.g., an out ball passage that guides game balls flowing in from an out ball discharge area to a specified location), and a merging ball passage that merges these together, and by attaching ball detection means to two locations, the first ball passage and the merging ball passage, it is possible to grasp the number of game balls passing through the second ball passage as well. Game balls that flow into the out port do not need to be detected early or individually, so they can be detected together with game balls that flow into other ball passages.

On the other hand, if a model change (game board change) is made and the first ball passage is not used, a ball detection means may be attached to either the second ball passage or the merging ball passage. Similarly, if the second ball passage is not used, a ball detection means may be attached to either the first ball passage or the merging ball passage.

In addition, a gaming machine having a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means A1 to A7 may be implemented by arbitrarily combining at least one of the following: a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means A1 to A7, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B9, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means D1 to D8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means E1 to E6.

Similarly, a gaming machine having a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B9 may be implemented by arbitrarily combining at least one of the following: a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means A1 to A7, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B9, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means D1 to D8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means E1 to E6.

Similarly, a gaming machine having a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8 may be implemented by arbitrarily combining at least one of the following: a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means A1 to A7, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B9, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means D1 to D8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means E1 to E6.

Similarly, a gaming machine having a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means D1 to D8 may be implemented by arbitrarily combining at least one of the following: a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means A1 to A7, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B9, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means D1 to D8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means E1 to E6.

Similarly, a gaming machine having a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means E1 to E6 may be implemented with any combination of at least one of the following: a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means A1 to A7, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B9, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means D1 to D8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means E1 to E6.

The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

The gaming machine in each of the above means is a pinball gaming machine. A more detailed example of the form is "a pinball gaming machine equipped with a launch operation means (game ball launch handle) operated by a player, a launch means (launch solenoid, etc.) that bounces and launches game balls based on the operation of the launch operation means, a game area to which the launched game balls are guided, and a ball entry means (general entry opening, starting opening, etc.) arranged within the game area."

10... Pachinko machine, 12... Inner frame, 14... Front frame set, 30... Game board, 30a... Game area, 30b... Lower edge, 32... Variable winning device, 36... Outlet, 38... Base frame, 38A... Lower part of base frame, 39... Window hole, 51... Outer rail member, 52... Inner rail member, 53... Right rail member, 54... Guide rail, 55... Opening, 60... Launching device, 61... Launching rail, 62... Relay rail, 65... Foul ball drop section, 69... Rail side wall member, 137...glass unit, 137a, 137b...glass plate, 145...upper edge, 146...mounting recess, 151...big prize opening, 160...opening/closing shutter, 169...front guide portion, 169a...bottom wall, 169b...side wall, 216...ball recovery member, 223...count switch, 226A, 226B...out ball detection switch, 232...winning ball discharge passage, 241A, 241B...out ball discharge passage, B...game ball.

Claims (1)

A predetermined game board;
A support member for supporting the game board;
A launching means capable of launching a game ball;
A rail member capable of guiding the game ball launched by the launching means;
A game area is provided on the front part of the game board so that game balls guided by the rail member can flow down, and at least a part of the game area is defined by the rail member;
A frame-shaped member provided on the game board so as to surround a predetermined display area of a predetermined display device when viewed from the front;
A first starting ball entry means is provided so that the game ball can enter the first starting ball entry means at a position where the game ball can reach the position where the game ball is launched by the launching means so as to pass through at least the left side area of the frame-shaped member in the game area;
A trigger ball entry means is provided so that the game ball can enter the game area at a position where the game ball launched by the launching means can reach the game area so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member;
a second trigger ball entry means which is provided in a position within the game area where the game ball launched by the launching means can reach so as to pass through at least the right side area of the frame-shaped member, and which can change between a first state in which the game ball cannot enter and a second state in which the game ball can enter when a predetermined opening condition is established based on at least an entry into the trigger ball entry means;
A lottery means for performing a predetermined winning/losing lottery due to the game ball entering the first start ball entry means or the second start ball entry means;
a display means for displaying a stop display in a predetermined manner based on the result of the winning/losing lottery after displaying the change;
and a game state generating means for generating a predetermined game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the winning/losing lottery.
A specific inflow area into which game balls flowing down the game area can flow in through a predetermined opening;
A switching means is provided for changing the state of the specific inflow area between a specific state and a specific state different from the specific state when the specific game state occurs;
In the specific state, the game ball that has flowed into the specific inflow area is detectable by a first detection means as a game ball that can provide a player with a predetermined game value, and is not detectable as a game ball that does not provide the predetermined game value, and the game ball detected by the first detection means is configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area through a predetermined passage,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the specified state, a gaming ball that has flowed into the specific inflow area is detectable by a second detection means as a gaming ball that does not award the player the specified gaming value, but is not detectable as a gaming ball that can award the specified gaming value, and that the gaming ball detected by the second detection means is configured to be able to flow out of the specific inflow area via the specified passage .

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