JP7567209B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Pachinko machines are a type of gaming machine known in the art, in which game balls are fired into a play area to play the game.

A pachinko machine, for example, is equipped with a ball entry means (such as a starting gate or through gate) into which a game ball guided to a play area can enter, a lottery means for conducting a predetermined win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the ball entry means, a display means for displaying the result of the win/lose lottery, and a variable ball entry means in which a predetermined opening/closing member opens and closes when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by the win/lose lottery, and a predetermined game value (advantageous state, prize balls, etc.) is awarded to the player when a game ball enters the variable ball entry means.

Some of these pachinko machines are equipped with a variable ball entry means in a specific area of the play area (e.g., the right side area) that can be reached by a game ball shot with a specific strength (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-215386

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

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 launching means for launching a game ball;
a play area into which the launched game ball is guided;
A gaming machine capable of generating a special gaming state that is more advantageous to a player than a normal state when a specific condition is established based on a gaming ball entering a predetermined ball entry means provided in at least an area of the gaming area where the gaming ball launched by the launching means with a first strength can reach,
A first predetermined flow path through which the game ball can be reached when the game ball is launched with a second intensity by the launching means and passes through the first area;
A first ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball in the first predetermined flow path;
A second region is an internal region of a predetermined structure provided in the game area, the second region being reachable by the game ball flowing down the first predetermined flow path and capable of changing its state when at least a predetermined condition is satisfied ;
A second ball detection means capable of detecting a game ball in the second region which is an internal region of the predetermined structure ;
a game value providing means for providing one game value based on the detection of the game ball by the second ball detection means;
a game state control means for switching a control state of at least one variable ball entry means configured to allow a game ball to enter the game state from a first game control state in which the predetermined condition is easily satisfied based on detection of a game ball by the first ball detection means to a second game control state in which the predetermined condition is more difficult to satisfy than in the first game control state , based on the occurrence of at least the special game state;
a variable means for changing a state of the second region, which is an internal region of the predetermined structure, from a first state to a second state when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
A second predetermined flow path through which only game balls passing through the second region , which is an internal region of the predetermined structure , can reach;
In the second state, the game ball that has flowed into the second area , which is an internal area of the predetermined structure , is guided to the second ball detection means that can detect the game ball as a game ball that can provide the player with the one game value, and is discharged outside the game area;
In the first state, a game ball that has flowed into the second region , which is an internal region of the predetermined structure , is guided to the second predetermined flow path without being detected as a game ball that can provide the player with the one game value,
When the control state of the at least one variable ball entry means is switched from the first game control state to the second game control state by the game state control means based on the occurrence of at least the special game state, the rate at which game balls passing through the first area can pass through the second area, which is an internal area of the predetermined structure, and reach the second predetermined flow path changes, and in the second game control state, it is possible for game balls passing through the first area to pass through the second area, which is an internal area of the predetermined structure, more easily than in the normal state to reach the second predetermined flow path ;
The gist of the invention is that the period until the varying means changes the state of the second region from the first state to the second state after the predetermined condition is satisfied can be changed.

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. A front view showing the inner frame etc. when the front frame set is open. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. 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. 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart showing a trigger occurrence process. 13 is a flowchart showing a first trigger corresponding port passing process. 13 is a flowchart showing the first winning opportunity generation process. A flowchart showing the first variable winning device control process. A flowchart showing the second variable winning device control process. 13 is a flowchart showing a measurement interruption flag setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing a first winning stop determination process. 13 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a measurement interruption flag setting table; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a first display device control process. 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display setting process. 13 is a flowchart showing an external output process. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of outputting a control signal for a first display device. 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the dispensing control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a dispensing control process. 13 is a flowchart showing prize ball control. 13 is a flowchart showing ball lending control. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used for display control. 13 is a flowchart showing an update process of a losing symbol counter. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged front view of the game board showing the passage units and the like. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a passage unit and the like. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing a passage unit and the like. A time chart regarding the control of the display device and the variable winning device. FIG. 4 is a time chart relating to control of the display device. FIG. 11 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to another embodiment. A time chart diagram regarding the control of a conventional display device and a variable winning device.

Below, one embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10. Figure 2 is a front view showing the state in which the front frame set 14 has been removed from the pachinko machine 10. However, for the sake of convenience, in Figure 2, the configuration within the play area on the play board 27 surface is shown as blank.

The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with 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 outer frame 11 is made of, for example, wooden plate materials and has an overall rectangular shape, with each plate material attached by removable fasteners such as small screws. The inner frame 12 can be opened to the front side around an opening/closing axis that extends vertically to the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

A lower tray unit 13 is attached to the bottom of the inner frame 12, and a front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be able to open and close, corresponding to the area excluding the lower tray unit 13. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is designed to be able to open forward, centered on an opening and closing axis that extends vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

The lower tray unit 13 has a lower tray 15 in the center as a ball receiving tray, and game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. In addition, the reference number 24 is a sound output port from the speaker, and the reference number 25 is a ball removal lever that discharges game balls downward from the lower tray 15.

A game ball launch handle (hereinafter simply referred to as "handle") 18 is disposed to the right of the lower tray 15, protruding toward the front. An ashtray 26 is provided to the left of the lower tray 15. Meanwhile, an upper tray 19 is provided above the lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray. The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls and then guides them toward the game ball launching device (launching means) while aligning them in a row.

In FIG. 2, the inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 20 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially circular window 21 is formed in the center of the resin base 20. A game board 27 (see FIG. 3) is removably attached to the rear side of the resin base 20. The game board 27 is made of a rectangular plywood, and its peripheral portion is attached in contact with the rear side of the resin base 20 (inner frame 12). Therefore, the substantially central portion of the front part of the game board 27 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window 21 of the resin base 20. The resin base 20 is provided with an opening detection sensor 22 that detects the opening of the front frame set 14. Also, an opening detection switch (not shown) is provided to detect the opening of the inner frame 12.

Next, the configuration of the game board 27 will be explained using Figure 3. As will be described in detail later, the game board 27 is provided with a plurality of variable winning devices (first variable winning device 31, second variable winning device 32, third variable winning device 33, fourth variable winning device 34) as variable ball entry means, a plurality of through gates (first trigger corresponding port 28, second trigger corresponding port 29, third trigger corresponding port 30) as trigger ball entry means, and a plurality of display devices (first display device 41A, second display device 41B, third display device 41C, fourth display device 41D) as display means.

In addition, the game board 27 is provided with numerous nails (not shown) for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the direction in which the game balls fall, various components such as a windmill, a general winning hole 37, etc.

As is well known, when a game ball enters one of the various winning sections, such as the variable winning devices 31-34 or the general winning port 37, it is detected by various detection switches, which will be described later, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or lower tray 15).

For example, in this embodiment, three prize balls (game balls) are paid out when the first variable winning device 31 wins, three when the second variable winning device 32 wins, seven when the third variable winning device 33 wins, one when the fourth variable winning device 34 wins, and ten when the general winning port 37 wins. Of course, the number of prize balls for each winning section is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a different number of prize balls are paid out may also be used.

In addition, an outlet 38 is provided at the bottom of the game board 27 (game area), and game balls that do not enter the various winning sections (winning devices, winning ports, etc.) such as the general winning port 37 are discharged outside the game area through this outlet 38. Therefore, any of the various winning ports such as the big winning port or the V winning port may constitute the specified area, and the flow path through which the game balls flow down after passing through the winning port may be the specified flow path.

The configuration of the game board 27 will be described in more detail below. The variable display unit 23 is disposed in approximately the center of the game board 27 (game area). The variable display unit 23 is provided with a first display device 41A that changes the color of an LED (variable display) when a game ball enters (passes through) the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29, and a decorative pattern display device 42 that changes the display of a decorative pattern in accordance with the variable display by the first display device 41A.

The first display device 41A is composed of a three-color light-emitting diode (three-color LED) that emits light in red, green, and blue. The display content of the first display device 41A is controlled by a main control device 261, which will be described later. Four hold lamps 43A corresponding to the first display device 41A are provided on the sides of the first display device 41A. In this embodiment, the first display device 41A definitively displays whether or not there is a jackpot. In this embodiment, the first display device 41A may constitute the first display means (first first display means) or the third display means.

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 described below. In the decorative pattern display device 42, a display area 42A corresponding to the first display device 41A is provided, and 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 display device 41A, and are displayed by the display control device 45.

Although not shown, the display area 42A has three pattern rows, for example, left, center, and right, and the pattern (decorative pattern) is displayed variably for each pattern row. In this embodiment, the decorative patterns are configured to be numbered "0" to "9", and the decorative patterns are displayed in ascending or descending order of the numbers to form a series of pattern rows. The decorative patterns are displayed variably from top to bottom with periodicity. In this case, the decorative patterns are displayed in descending order (in the order in which the assigned numbers decrease) in the left pattern row, and the decorative patterns are displayed in ascending order (in the order in which the assigned numbers increase) in the middle and right pattern rows. The variable display stops in the order of the left pattern row → right pattern row → middle pattern row. When a jackpot is confirmed by the main control device 261, the first display device 41A displays this fact, and the decorative patterns are displayed as a combination of jackpot patterns (in this embodiment, a combination of the same decorative patterns) on the decorative pattern display device 42 (display area 42A) as a supplementary display, and then the jackpot state begins. Note that the display area 42A displays the decorative patterns for the same period of time as the confirmed stop time (stop display time) on the first display device 41A. Also, a center frame 23a is disposed on the variable display device unit 23 so as to surround the decorative pattern display device 42.

A ball inlet 151 is provided on the left side of the center frame 23a, and a game ball that enters the ball inlet 151 is guided onto a stage 153 formed below the decorative pattern display device 42 via a warp flow path 152 formed inside the center frame 23a. The game ball guided onto the stage 153 falls from the stage 153 into the game area in front, or rolls on the stage 153 and is then guided into the game area via an outlet 154 that opens in the center of the bottom of the center frame 23a.

A first trigger corresponding opening (through gate) 28 is disposed below the variable display unit 23, approximately in the center of the game area in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the first trigger corresponding opening 28 may form a passing area or a predetermined ball entry means. The first trigger corresponding opening 28 is configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area to pass through it one by one. And, game balls led out from the stage 153 to the game area via the lead-out port 154 are configured to pass through the first trigger corresponding opening 28 with a relatively high probability.

In the right side area RE of the play area (the area located to the right of the variable display unit 23), the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, and the third variable winning device 33 are arranged in three vertical tiers. Each of these variable winning devices 31-33 has one blade 31a, 32a, 33a as an opening/closing member, and the state changes between an open state and a closed state by opening and closing the blade 31a-33a. Under normal circumstances, all the blades 31a-33a are closed and in the closed state. Various opening/closing members such as the blades 31a-33a and various movable members may constitute the route changing means. In addition, the variable winning devices 31-33 have solenoids 31b, 32b, 33b for driving the blades 31a, 32a, 33a, respectively.

In addition, a second display device 41B is provided between the first variable winning device 31 and the second variable winning device 32, and a third display device 41C is provided between the second variable winning device 32 and the third variable winning device 33.

The second display device 41B and the third display device 41C are composed of three-color light-emitting diodes (three-color LEDs) that emit light in red, green, and blue, just like the first display device 41A. The display contents of the display devices 41B and 41C are controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later. In addition, four hold lamps 43B and 43C corresponding to the display devices 41B and 41C are provided on the sides of the display devices 41B and 41C, respectively. In this embodiment, the second display device 41B definitively displays whether or not there is a first small win (second win), and the third display device 41C definitively displays whether or not there is a second small win (third win).

A passage unit 35 is disposed at a diagonally upper right position of the variable display unit 23, as a passage structure capable of guiding a game ball from the upper region TE of the game area (the region located above the variable display unit 23) to the right side region RE of the game area. In this embodiment, the upper region TE may constitute the specified region or the first region, and the right side region RE may constitute the second region.

In this embodiment, only game balls that pass through the passage unit 35 can reach the right side area RE of the game area. In other words, game balls that flow down the left side area LE of the game area (the area located to the left of the variable display unit 23) cannot reach the right side area RE.

As shown in Figures 29 to 31, the passage unit 35 includes a base portion 157 (see Figures 30 and 31) disposed on the front side of the game board 27, a left decorative portion 158 provided on the front left side of the base portion 157, and a right decorative portion 159 provided on the front right side of the base portion 157. The front side of the base portion 157 (between the left and right decorative portions 158, 159) includes an upstream vertical passage portion 161 configured to allow game balls to flow in from the upper region TE, an inclined passage portion 162 that communicates with the lower portion of the upstream vertical passage portion 161 and is formed so as to incline diagonally downward to the right, a downstream vertical passage portion 163 that communicates with the inclined passage portion 162 and is configured so that game balls can flow out to the right side region RE, and a front panel 164 (see Figures 30 and 31) that is attached to cover the front openings of the passage portions 161 to 163.

The passages 161-163 are configured so that game balls can pass through them one at a time. In this embodiment, the passages 161-163 may form a predetermined flow path. The front panel 164 is made of a transparent material, and the insides of the passages 161-163 can be seen through the front panel 164. In Figures 29-31, the game balls are illustrated by two-dot chain lines as "game ball B1" or "game ball B2."

A third trigger corresponding port (through gate) 30 is disposed within the upstream vertical passage section 161. The third trigger corresponding port 30 is configured so that game balls passing through the upstream vertical passage section 161 always pass through it one by one. The third trigger corresponding port 30 is provided with a third trigger corresponding port switch (gate switch) 30a capable of detecting game balls passing through it. The third trigger corresponding port 30 may be configured to be provided outside the upstream vertical passage section 161 (such as directly above the upstream vertical passage section 161). In this embodiment, the third trigger corresponding port 30 may constitute a specific area, and the third trigger corresponding port switch 30a may constitute the second detection means or the first ball detection means.

On the other hand, in the right side area RE of the game area, a second trigger corresponding opening (through gate) 29 is arranged at a position below the passage unit 35 (such as a position directly below the downstream vertical passage section 163) and above the variable winning devices 31 to 33. The second trigger corresponding opening 29 is configured so that the game balls led out from the downstream vertical passage section 163 always pass through one by one. The second trigger corresponding opening 29 is provided with a second trigger corresponding opening switch (gate switch) 29a that can detect the game balls passing through it. The second trigger corresponding opening 29 may be configured to be provided within the downstream vertical passage section 163. In this embodiment, the second trigger corresponding opening 29 may constitute a passing area (a predetermined passing area, a first passing area) or a predetermined ball entry means, and the second trigger corresponding opening switch 29a may constitute a first detection means (a predetermined first detection means, a first first detection means) or a second ball detection means.

The passage unit 35 is provided with a fourth variable winning device 34 at the front side of the base portion 157 and below the inclined passage portion 162. The fourth variable winning device 34 is provided with a ball receiving portion 165 that forms a winning opening 165a that opens upward, a rectangular flat opening/closing shutter 34a that serves as an opening/closing member (movable member) that opens and closes the winning opening 165a, and a solenoid 34b (see FIG. 30) that drives the opening/closing shutter 34a.

In addition, a winning passage 166 is formed in the base portion 157 (back side of the ball receiving portion 165) to allow the passage of a game ball that has entered the ball receiving portion 165 (winning port 165a), and the game ball is discharged through the winning passage 166 to the back side of the game board 27 (outside the game area). A winning switch 34c capable of detecting a game ball that has entered the fourth variable winning device 34 is provided in the winning passage 166. In this embodiment, the fourth variable winning device 34 may constitute the second variable ball entry means, and a processing function that controls the opening and closing of the fourth variable winning device 34 may constitute the second opening and closing control means.

The opening/closing shutter 34a is slidable in the front-rear direction. During normal operation when the solenoid 34b is in a non-energized state, the opening/closing shutter 34a protrudes forward from the base portion 157, closing the winning opening 165a (closed state) (see FIG. 30).

The upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a slopes gently downward from the left side to the right side, and in normal operation, this upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a forms the bottom surface of the inclined passage section 162. Therefore, in normal operation (when the opening/closing shutter 34a is in the closed position), a game ball that flows down the upstream vertical passage section 161 and is guided to the left end side of the inclined passage section 162 (opening/closing shutter 34a) flows down the upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a, rolling to the right (see game ball B1 in Figures 29 to 31). Therefore, in this embodiment, the normal state in which the opening/closing shutter 34a is in the closed position may form the first state of the opening/closing member (movable member).

On the other hand, when the solenoid 34b is energized, the opening/closing shutter 34a slides backward and retreats to the rear side of the base portion 157, and the winning opening 165a is in an open state (open state). Therefore, when a predetermined condition is met and the opening/closing shutter 34a is in the open position, the game ball that flows down the upstream vertical passage portion 161 and is guided to the left end side of the inclined passage portion 162 (opening/closing shutter 34a) will win the winning opening 165a below (see game ball B2 in Figures 29 and 30). Therefore, in this embodiment, the state in which the opening/closing shutter 34a is in the open position may constitute the second state of the opening/closing member (movable member).

When the opening/closing shutter 34a is in the closed position and there are game balls on it, if the opening/closing shutter 34a is then opened, all game balls on the opening/closing shutter 34a at that time will enter the lower winning opening 165a.

In addition, a delay means is provided within the inclined passage 162 to slow down the flow (rolling) speed of the game balls. More specifically, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, a plurality of protrusions 157a, 164a that protrude toward the inside of the inclined passage 162 are formed on the front surface of the base 157 and the back surface of the front panel 164, which face each other within the inclined passage 162. These protrusions 157a, 164a are alternately formed on the base 157 and the front panel 164 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the inclined passage 162.

The distance in the front-to-rear direction between the tip position of each convex portion 157a of the base portion 157 and the tip position of each convex portion 164a of the front panel 164 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. On the other hand, the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the general front portion of the base portion 157 and the tip end of the convex portion 164a of the front panel 164 facing it is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball. Similarly, the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the general back portion of the front panel 164 and the tip end of the convex portion 157a of the base portion 157 facing it is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, the game ball rolling on the top surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a flows down while meandering in the front-to-rear direction.

A fourth display device 41D is provided at a diagonally upper right position of the passage unit 35. The fourth display device 41D is configured with a three-color light-emitting diode (three-color LED) emitting red, green, and blue light, similar to the first display device 41A. The display content of the fourth display device 41D is controlled by the main control device 261 described below. Four hold lamps 43D corresponding to the fourth display device 41D are provided on the sides of the fourth display device 41D. Note that in this embodiment, the fourth display device 41D is configured to definitively display whether or not a third small win (fourth win) has occurred. In this embodiment, the fourth display device 41D may constitute the second display means.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, in the lower area BE of the play area (the area located below the variable display unit 23), multiple general winning openings 37 are provided at predetermined intervals along the periphery of the play area (the inner rail component 51 described below). Each general winning opening 37 has an opening above it through which game balls can always enter.

Here, we will explain the variable winning devices 31-33 located in the right side area RE of the play area, and the linked operation of the corresponding display devices 41A-41C. The variable winning devices 31-33 are normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot win (or may be in a closed state in which it is difficult to win).

The first variable winning device 31 is in an open state (or an open state that allows easy winning) in which the game ball can win when a jackpot state (first win) occurs as a special game state. In this embodiment, the first variable winning device 31 may constitute a passing area (second passing area), a first variable ball entry means (first first variable ball entry means), a third variable ball entry means, etc., and the processing function for opening and closing the first variable winning device 31 may constitute a first opening/closing control means (first first opening/closing control means capable of executing the first opening/closing control) or a third opening/closing control means.

The second variable winning device 32 is in the open state when the first small win state (second win) is reached based on the result of the first small win lottery. In this embodiment, the second variable winning device 32 may constitute a passing area (third passing area) or a first variable ball entry means (second first variable ball entry means), and the processing function for opening and closing the second variable winning device 32 may constitute a first opening and closing control means (second first opening and closing control means capable of executing second opening and closing control), etc.

The third variable winning device 33 is also in an open state when the second small win state (third win) is reached based on the result of the second small win lottery. In this embodiment, the third variable winning device 33 may constitute the first variable winning means (third first variable winning means), and the processing function for opening and closing the third variable winning device 33 may constitute the first opening and closing control means (third first opening and closing control means capable of executing the third opening and closing control).

More specifically, when a game ball passes through the first trigger corresponding opening 28 or the second trigger corresponding opening 29, the first display device 41A changes the color of the three-color LED at high speed (changing display) in the following order: red → green → blue → red → .... Here, the high-speed color change display means, for example, displaying red, green, and blue in sequence every 4 msec. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the display stops in one of the colors. In this embodiment, the specified change time of the first display device 41A (the change display time from the start of the change to the stop) is set to 12.5 seconds (12,500 ms), and the fixed stop time of the first display device 41A is set to 0.5 seconds (500 ms).

And when the red LEDs are displayed as stopped (stopped for 0.5 seconds (500 ms) in this embodiment), that is, when the player wins the jackpot lottery, the jackpot state occurs. Here, red is the display indicating a jackpot (first win). That is, this display corresponds to the specific mode of stop display (win stop display) related to the jackpot in this embodiment. Therefore, when the first display device 41A displays the three-color LEDs as stopped in red, in response to this, the display area 42A of the decorative pattern display device 42 corresponding to the first display device 41A displays a specific combination of decorative patterns as auxiliary stops (stopped for 0.5 seconds (500 ms) in this embodiment). Then, the blades 31a of the first variable winning device 31 are opened, and the game ball is configured to be in a state (open state) in which it is easy for the game ball to win. When a new game ball passes through the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29 during the variable display of the first display device 41A, the variable display for that portion is configured to be performed after the variable display performed at that time ends. In other words, the variable display is put on hold (on hold, stored). The maximum number of times that the variable display can be put on hold is determined for each model of pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, up to four times are put on hold, and the number of times that is put on hold is displayed by lighting the above-mentioned hold lamp 43A. Note that the maximum number of times that is put on hold is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of times that is put on hold may be set to eight times in order to put eight times of variable display on hold. However, the hold lamp 43A may be configured to be displayed as part of the decorative pattern display device 42.

As described above, if a jackpot state occurs as a result of the lottery that is triggered by the passage of a game ball through the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29, the first variable winning device 31 will be in the open state.

The reason why the first display device 41A, which is directly controlled by the main control device 261, displays the stop of the jackpot lottery and the display on the decorative pattern display device 42 is auxiliary as described above is because the main control device 261 is stored inside the sealed board box 263, as described below. In other words, considering that cheating on the sub-control device 262 is easier than cheating on the main control device 261, by making the display by the main control device 261 using LEDs or the like the main one and the display of the pattern by the decorative pattern display device 42 by the sub-control device 262 auxiliary, cheating on the sub-control device 262 can be easily discovered by the display by the main control device 261 using LEDs or the like. For example, if the first display device 41A displays blue, indicating a loss, but the decorative pattern display device 42 displays a jackpot, it can be considered that cheating is occurring.

Once the first variable winning device 31 is opened, it will remain open until a predetermined time (five seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed or until a specified number of game balls (four in this embodiment) have been won, and when the above condition is met, it will close the blades 31a and enter the closed state. Therefore, when a jackpot occurs, the player can win up to the specified number (four) of game balls in the first variable winning device 31.

When at least one game ball wins in the first variable winning device 31 and the above condition is met and the vanes 31a close, a variable display starts on the second display device 41B. In this embodiment, the second display device 41B may constitute the first display means (second first display means).

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first variable winning device 31 and the above conditions are met and the vanes 31a close, the second display device 41B, like the first display device 41A, rapidly changes color (varies) the three-color LED from red → green → blue → red → ... and when a predetermined time has passed, stops displaying one of the colors. In this embodiment, the specified variation time of the second display device 41B is set to 2.5 seconds (2500 ms), and the fixed stop time of the second display device 41B is set to 0.1 seconds (100 ms).

When the display is stopped in red (stopped for 0.1 seconds (100 ms) in this embodiment), i.e., when the first small prize lottery described below is won, the blades 32a of the second variable prize winning device 32 are opened, and the second variable prize winning device 32 is in a state (open state) in which it is easy for the game ball to win. Here, red is a display indicating a first small prize (second prize). In other words, this display corresponds to a stop display (win stop display) of a specific mode related to the first small prize in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the first small prize lottery may constitute a second win/lose lottery, and a processing function capable of executing the first small prize lottery may constitute the second first lottery means.

The second display device 41B can wait (reserve, store) the variable display for the number of game balls that have won the first variable winning device 31. That is, in this embodiment, the maximum number of times that the variable display can be reserved is four, and the number of reserved times is displayed by lighting the reserved lamp 43B. However, the maximum number of reserved times is not limited to this, and depends on the number of prizes that have been won by the first variable winning device 31. The second variable winning device 32 performs the above-mentioned opening and closing operation once for each small win stop display (stop in red) on the second display device 41B. In other words, it is performed a maximum of four times, which is the maximum number of reserved times. In this embodiment, the probability of stopping in red (probability of winning the first small win) is set to about 996 out of 1000. In other words, in the majority of cases, the second display device 41B stops in red and the second variable winning device 32 is in an open state. However, the winning probability is not limited to this value at all, and any value can be adopted.

Once the second variable winning device 32 is opened, it remains open until a predetermined time (five seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed or until a specified number of game balls (four in this embodiment) have been won, and when the above condition is met, it closes the blades 32a and enters the closed state. Therefore, when the first small win state occurs, the player can win up to the specified number (four) of game balls in the second variable winning device 32.

Then, when at least one game ball wins the second variable winning device 32, the above condition is met and the vanes 32a close, and then the variable display starts on the third display device 41C. In this embodiment, the third display device 41C may constitute the first display means (third first display means).

More specifically, when a game ball enters the second variable winning device 32 and the above condition is met and the vanes 32a close, the third display device 41C, like the second display device 41B, rapidly changes the color of the three-color LED (varies) from red → green → blue → red → ..., and when a predetermined time has passed, stops displaying one of the colors. In this embodiment, the specified variation time of the third display device 41C is set to 0.5 seconds (500 ms), and the fixed stop time of the third display device 41C is set to 0.1 seconds (100 ms).

When the red stop display (stopped for 0.1 seconds (100 ms) in this embodiment), i.e., when the second small prize lottery described below is won, the blades 33a of the third variable prize-winning device 33 are opened, and the third variable prize-winning device 33 is in a state (open state) in which it is easy for the game ball to win. Here, red is a display indicating a second small prize (third win). In other words, this display corresponds to a stop display (win stop display) of a specific mode related to the second small prize in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the second small prize lottery may constitute a third win/lose lottery, and a processing function capable of executing the second small prize lottery may constitute the third first lottery means.

The third display device 41C can also wait (reserve, store) the variable display for the number of game balls that have won the second variable winning device 32. In other words, in this embodiment, the maximum number of times that the variable display can be reserved is four, and the number of reserved times is displayed by lighting the reserved lamp 43C. However, the maximum number of reserved times is not limited to this, and depends on the number of prizes that have been won by the second variable winning device 32. The third variable winning device 33 performs the above-mentioned opening and closing operation once for each small win stop display (stop in red) on the third display device 41C. In other words, it is performed a maximum of four times, which is the maximum number of reserved times. In this embodiment, the probability of stopping in red (probability of winning the second small win) is set to about 996 out of 1000. In other words, in the majority of cases, the third display device 41C stops in red and the third variable winning device 33 is in an open state. However, the winning probability is not limited to this value at all, and any value can be adopted.

Once the third variable winning device 33 is opened, it will remain open until a predetermined time (five seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed or until a specified number of game balls (seven in this embodiment) have been won, and when the above condition is met, it will close the blades 33a and enter a closed state. Therefore, when the second small win state occurs, the player can win up to the specified number (seven) of game balls in the third variable winning device 33.

With this configuration, in the majority of cases, a series of opening and closing operations of the second variable winning device 32 and the third variable winning device 33 will be repeated a number of times (a total of four times) according to the number of small prize draws held for winning the first variable winning device 31. In other words, the third variable winning device 33 will be in the open state a total of 4 x 4 = 16 times.

Then, the big win state ends when the series of opening and closing operations of the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, and the third variable winning device 33 are completed. Of course, the opening time and number of openings of each variable winning device 31 to 33 are not limited to the above configuration.

As described above, in this embodiment, the specified fluctuation time of the first display device 41A [12.5 seconds (12,500 ms)] is set to 5 times the specified fluctuation time of the second display device 41B [2.5 seconds (2,500 ms)]. Also, the specified fluctuation time of the second display device 41B [2.5 seconds (2,500 ms)] is set to 5 times the specified fluctuation time of the third display device 41C [0.5 seconds (500 ms)].

As a result, a first small win state occurs in which the second variable winning device 32 (wings 32a) opens, and if four game balls win the second variable winning device 32 during the first small win state (i.e., the variable display related to the third display device 41C is reserved four times), the second variable winning device 32 closes, and after the first variable display related to the third display device 41C starts, as shown in FIG. 33, the next win stop display is not made on the second display device 41B until a series of operations such as the variable display (0.5 seconds) and the winning stop display (0.1 seconds) on the third display device 41C, and the corresponding opening of the third variable winning device 33 (occurrence of the second small win state) are completed four times, and the next first small win state does not occur (the second variable winning device 32 does not open).

Similarly, when a big win state occurs in which the first variable winning device 31 (wings 31a) opens, and four game balls win the first variable winning device 31 during the big win state (i.e., when the variable display related to the second display device 41B is reserved four times), the first variable winning device 31 closes, and after the first variable display related to the second display device 41B starts, the next stop display (win stop display or miss stop display) is not performed on the first display device 41A until a series of operations such as the variable display (2.5 seconds) and the winning stop display (0.1 seconds) on the second display device 41B, and the opening of the corresponding second variable winning device 32 (the occurrence of the first small win state) are completed four times. In other words, even if a winning result is obtained by the big win lottery, the next big win state does not occur (the first variable winning device 31 does not open).

Therefore, once a jackpot occurs, in the majority of cases, the player will be able to have a more reliable chance of the third variable winning device 33 being in the open state a total of 4 x 4 = 16 times.

Next, we will explain the related operations of the third trigger port 30, the fourth display device 41D, and the fourth variable winning device 34 provided in the passage unit 35.

The fourth variable winning device 34 is normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot win (or it may be in a closed state in which it is difficult to win). The fourth variable winning device 34 then opens when the third small win state (fourth win) is reached based on the result of the third small win lottery. In this embodiment, the third small win lottery may constitute a win/lose lottery or an operation lottery process, and the processing function for executing the third small win lottery may constitute the second lottery means or the operation lottery means. Therefore, the case where the third small win lottery is won may constitute the case where a predetermined operation condition is met.

More specifically, when the game ball passes through the third trigger port 30, the fourth display device 41D changes the color (varies) of the three-color LED at high speed from red → green → blue → red → ..., and when a predetermined time has passed, it stops displaying one of the colors. In this embodiment, the specified variation time of the fourth display device 41D is set to 1.02 seconds (1020 ms), and the fixed stop time of the fourth display device 41D is set to 0.1 seconds (100 ms).

When the red stop display (stopped for 0.1 seconds (100 ms) in this embodiment), i.e. when the third small prize lottery described below is won, the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable prize-winning device 34 opens, and the fourth variable prize-winning device 34 enters a state (open state) in which it is easier for the game ball to win. Here, red is the display indicating the third small prize (fourth prize). In other words, this display corresponds to the stop display (winning stop display) of a specific mode related to the third small prize in this embodiment.

In addition, if a new game ball passes through the third trigger port 30 while the fourth display device 41D is displaying a change in value, the change in value will be displayed after the change in value currently being displayed has finished. In other words, the change in value will be put on hold (reserved, stored). In this embodiment, the maximum number of reserved change in values is four, and the reserved number is displayed by lighting the reserved lamp 43D. The maximum reserved number is not limited to this. For example, the maximum reserved number may be set to eight in order to have eight change in values on hold.

The fourth variable winning device 34 performs the above-mentioned opening and closing operation once for each small win stop display (stopping in red) on the fourth display device 41D. In this embodiment, the probability of the red stop display (probability of winning the third small win) is set to approximately 996 in 1000. In other words, in the vast majority of cases, the fourth display device 41D will stop displaying red, and the fourth variable winning device 34 will be in an open state. However, the winning probability is not limited to this numerical value in any way, and any value can be adopted.

Once the fourth variable winning device 34 is opened, it will remain open until a predetermined time (five seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed or until a specified number of game balls (one in this embodiment) have been won, and when the above condition is met, it will close the opening/closing shutter 34a and enter a closed state. Therefore, when the third small win state occurs, the player can win up to the specified number of game balls (one) in the fourth variable winning device 34.

With this configuration, in the majority of cases, when a game ball passes through the third trigger port 30, the game ball enters the fourth variable winning device 34, which opens the opening/closing shutter 34a, and the opening/closing shutter 34a closes.

However, when the big win state starts, the vanes 31a of the first variable winning device 31 are in the open state, so the variable display of the fourth display device 41D does not proceed, and the stop display showing the result of the third small win lottery is not performed. In other words, at this stage, regardless of the result of the third small win lottery, the third small win state will not occur, and the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable winning device 34 will not be in the open state.

Therefore, the game ball that passes through the third trigger port 30 and flows down the upstream vertical passage 161 will flow down along the inclined passage 162 without winning the prize winning port 165a. Specifically, the game ball that is placed on the upper surface of the opening and closing shutter 34a will flow down by rolling to the right while snaking back and forth due to the multiple protrusions 157a, 164a.

The shortest time required for the game ball to pass through the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable winning device 34 in the closed state after passing through the third trigger corresponding port 30 is set to be longer than the total time (1.62 seconds (1620 ms) in this embodiment) obtained by adding the specified variable time (1.02 seconds (1020 ms) in this embodiment) and the fixed stop time (0.1 seconds (100 ms) in this embodiment) in the fourth display device 41D, and the fixed stop time (0.5 seconds (500 ms) in this embodiment) in the first display device 41A. For example, it is set to 2 seconds (2000 ms).

The game ball that falls from the right end of the inclined passage section 162 (opening/closing shutter 34a) into the downstream vertical passage section 163 passes through the second trigger corresponding opening 29 provided directly below the downstream vertical passage section 163 and is guided to the right side area RE.

When the game ball passes through the second trigger corresponding opening 29, a lottery for a big win (first win) is held in the same way as when the game ball passes through the first trigger corresponding opening 28, and the first display device 41A etc. displays a fluctuation of the specified fluctuation time of 12.5 seconds (12,500 ms).

Now, a rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 27 as a rail member that guides the game balls launched from the game ball launcher as a launching means to the top of the game board 27. As a result, the game balls launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The left side area or the right side area of the game area to which the game balls are guided may form a predetermined flow path, a first area, or a second area. In this embodiment, the rail unit 50 is composed of an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left of FIG. 3) of the inner rail component 51. This prevents a game ball that has been guided from the ball guide passage between the inner rail component 51 and the outer rail component 52 to the top of the game board 27 from returning back into the ball guide passage. The area where the return ball prevention member 53 is provided may be the first area. In addition, a return rubber 54 is attached to a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball that flies out along the outer rail component 52. Specifically, in this embodiment, the return rubber 54 is attached to a part of the passage unit 35. As a result, most of the game balls that are launched with a force greater than a predetermined value bounce off the return rubber 54 and flow into the upstream vertical passage portion 161 of the passage unit 35.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, in the resin base 20, below the window hole 21 (game board 27), a launch rail 61 is attached that guides the game ball immediately after it is launched from the game ball launcher. The launch rail 61 is attached and fixed to the resin base 20 integrally with the metal plate 62 behind it, and is configured to extend linearly at a predetermined launch angle (launch angle). Therefore, the game ball launched in response to the rotation of the handle 18 is first launched diagonally upward along the launch rail 61, and then, as described above, is guided to the game area through the ball guide passage of the rail unit 50.

In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined distance between the launch rail 61 and the rail unit 50, and a foul ball passage 63 is formed below this gap. Therefore, if a game ball launched from the game ball launching device does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and goes back through the ball guide passage as a foul ball, the foul ball is discharged into the lower tray 15 via the foul ball passage 63.

Although detailed drawings are omitted, game balls are supplied to the game ball launching device one by one from the ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side (the ball outlet leading from the most downstream part of the upper tray 19). In addition, guide members 65, 66 are installed on the right and front sides, respectively, near the base end of the launching rail 61. This ensures that the game balls supplied from the ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side are always set at the specified launch position. In addition, a hitting hammer is provided in the game ball launching device, and the game balls are launched as the hitting hammer rotates around the axis.

Also, the symbol 67 in FIG. 2 is an outlet that leads to the upper tray 19, and game balls are discharged through this outlet 67 into the upper tray 19. An openable shutter 68 is attached to the outlet 67. The shutter 68 is rotatable around an axis provided along its lower edge, and when the front frame set 14 is open (as shown in FIG. 2), the shutter 68 almost closes the outlet 67 due to the biasing force of a spring or the like. When the front frame set 14 is closed (as shown in FIG. 1), the shutter 68 is pushed open by a ball passage gutter (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14, and the outlet 67 and the upper tray 19 are in communication. When the front frame set 14 is open, the game balls are discharged into the lower tray 15.

Next, the front frame set 14 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The front frame set 14 has an approximately elliptical window portion 101 formed therein so that most of the play area (the area defined in an approximately circular shape by the inner periphery of the rail unit 50) can be viewed from the outside.

In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with various light-emitting means such as lamps around it. These light-emitting means are controlled to change their light-emitting modes, such as lighting and blinking, depending on the change in the game state when a jackpot is hit or when a certain reach is reached, and play a role in enhancing the presentation effect during the game. For example, annular illumination parts 102 incorporating light-emitting means such as LEDs are provided symmetrically on the periphery of the window part 101, and a central illumination part 103 incorporating a light-emitting means such as LEDs is provided at the center of the annular illumination part 102 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10. In this pachinko machine 10, the central illumination part 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and by lighting or blinking when a jackpot is hit, it notifies the player that a jackpot is being hit. Furthermore, an upper tray illumination part 104 incorporating a light-emitting means such as LEDs is provided around the upper tray 19. In addition, a prize ball lamp 105 that lights up during the payout of prize balls and an error display lamp 106 that lights up when a certain error occurs are provided on the left and right sides of the central illumination part 103.

In addition, below the window 101, a ball lending operation unit 120 is provided, which is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a degree display unit 123. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated in a state where bills, cards, etc. are inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in an amusement parlor or the like, game balls are lent out in accordance with the operation. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain loaned balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and loaned balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 as long as there is a balance on the card, etc. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card, etc. inserted into the card unit. The degree display unit 123 displays the remaining balance information on the card, etc. In addition, in pachinko machines in which game balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispensing device to the upper tray 19 without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 120 is not necessary. Therefore, decorative stickers or the like are attached to the installation area of the ball dispensing operation unit 120. This allows the ball dispensing operation unit to be standardized between pachinko machines using card units and cash machines.

Although not shown in the drawings, a metal reinforcing plate is provided on the rear side of the front frame set 14 so as to surround the window portion 101, and this reinforcing plate also functions as a metal frame for supporting the glass. More specifically, a part of the reinforcing plate is folded back to form two rows of glass holding grooves, one in front and one in back, and a pair of rectangular glass panes 137 are held in each of the glass holding grooves.

Next, the configuration of the back of the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. On the back of the pachinko machine 10 (actually the back of the inner frame 12 and the game board 27), various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, and some are overlapped front to back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) that supplies game balls and a resin protective cover are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are mounted separately on two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the back of the inner frame 12 or the game board 27. In this case, the main board and the sub-control board are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the payout control board, the launch control board, and the power supply board are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit will be referred to as the "first control board unit 201" and the latter unit will be referred to as the "second control board unit 202". The dispensing mechanism and protective cover are also integrated into one unit, and since the resin part is generally referred to as the back pack, this unit will be referred to as the "back pack unit 203" here. The detailed configuration of each unit 201-203 will be described later.

The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured so that they can be attached and detached as units without using tools, and in addition, a support shaft is provided in one part so that they can be opened and closed relative to the back surface of the inner frame 12 or the game board 27.

The locking mechanism of the front frame set 14 is integrated with the locking mechanism of the inner frame 12, and the main body of the integrated locking mechanism G1 is provided on the rear side of the inner frame 12. Therefore, in Figure 2, only the locking claws T1, T2 protruding from the locking mechanism G1 to the front side of the inner frame 12 are shown. Then, when the locking claws T1, T2 are engaged with the rear side of the front frame set 14, the front frame set 14 is placed in a locked state.

In addition, the back side of the game board 27 is provided with a winning sensing mechanism as a ball entry detection means for detecting the passage of game balls through various winning sections. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, etc., a winning switch 37a is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning port 37 on the front side of the game board 27. In addition, the first variable winning device 31 is provided with a winning switch 31c, the second variable winning device 32 is provided with a winning switch 32c, the third variable winning device 33 is provided with a winning switch 33c, and the fourth variable winning device 34 is provided with a winning switch 34c (see FIG. 30). The first trigger corresponding port switch (gate switch) 28a is provided at a position corresponding to the first trigger corresponding port 28, the second trigger corresponding port switch (gate switch) 29a is provided at a position corresponding to the second trigger corresponding port 29, and the third trigger corresponding port switch (gate switch) 30a is provided at a position corresponding to the third trigger corresponding port 30. These winning switches 31c etc. can function as ball detection means. In other words, a detection switch capable of detecting a game ball that has entered one of the various winning ports (including various trigger-responsive ports) such as the large winning port or the V winning port may be used as ball detection means such as the first ball detection means or the second ball detection means. For convenience, the disclosure of these winning switches 31c etc. in the block diagram (FIG. 5) etc. is omitted, but they are connected to the main board (main control device 261) by electrical wiring (cable connector) directly or indirectly via a relay board.

The detection results detected by each of the winning detection mechanisms are input to the main board, which will be described later, and a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning status at each time is sent from the main board to the payout control board. A predetermined number of game balls are then paid out based on the output of the payout control board. In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, winning game balls are electrically detected for each winning slot, and the balls are immediately paid out.

Furthermore, on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, although not shown in the figure, a recovery passage and a discharge passage are provided to guide the game balls that have won the general winning port 37, etc., and the game balls discharged from the game area are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through these. Here, any of the various winning ports, such as the big winning port and the V winning port, may be set as the first specific area or the second specific area, and the route that guides the game ball thereto may be set as the first route or the second route. Alternatively, the area in which any of the above-mentioned various detection switches are provided as ball detection means may be set as the second specific area, and the route that guides the game ball thereto may be set as the second route. Therefore, the internal area (internal flow path) of any of the various winning ports, such as the big winning port and the V winning port, may be set as the specified area or the second area. In addition, the out port 38 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won any of the winning ports are similarly discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Additionally, the lower back surface of the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a ball distribution section 245 that distributes balls dispensed from a dispensing mechanism (described later) to either the upper tray 19, the lower tray 15, or the discharge passage. Furthermore, the lower back surface is provided with a resin speaker box 246 that surrounds the back of the speaker that faces the lower tray 15, and this speaker box 246 improves the sound quality in the low range. In addition, in FIG. 4, the reference numeral 228 denotes a set handle equipped with a striking hammer, etc., and the reference numeral 229 denotes a firing motor.

The first control board unit 201 includes a main control device 261 and a sub-control device 262. The main control device 261 includes a main board including a CPU that performs main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, and a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, and this main board is housed in a board box 263 (enclosure means) made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 includes a box base that is approximately rectangular and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing unit 264 (sealing means) so that they cannot be opened, and the board box 263 is sealed.

The sealing unit 264 as the sealing means can be of any configuration as long as it is configured to connect the box base and the box cover in an unopenable manner, but in this embodiment, it is configured to connect five sealing members, and the box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by inserting a locking claw into the long hole of the sealing member. The sealing process by the sealing unit 264 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, it is possible to detect such a situation early and easily, and it is possible to perform the opening and sealing process again even after it has been opened once. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into the long hole of at least one of the five sealing members that make up the sealing unit 264. Then, when the board box 263 is opened due to a malfunction of the main board housed therein, the connection between the sealing member into which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing members is cut. After that, when the sealing process is to be performed again, a locking claw is inserted into the long hole of the other sealing member. If a record of the opening of the board box 263 is left on the board box 263, unauthorized opening can be easily discovered by looking at the board box 263.

The sub-controller 262 also includes a sub-controller board that includes a CPU that controls various presentations according to instructions from the main controller 261 (main board), a ROM that stores various programs, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries, and a clock pulse generating circuit used for time counting and synchronization, and this sub-controller board is also housed in a board box corresponding to the sub-controller board. A power supply relay board 266 is mounted on the sub-controller 262, and power supplied from the power supply board described later is output to the sub-controller 262 and the display control device 45 via this power supply relay board 266. The display control device 45 is detachably attached in a state where it is stacked on top of the decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device.

The second control board unit 202 is equipped with a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board 314. As is well known, the payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, and the power supply device 313 are equipped with a control board including a CPU that is the center of control, as well as ROM, RAM, various ports, etc., and the payout control board of the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls. In addition, the launch control board of the launch control device 312 controls the launch motor 229 in accordance with the operation of the handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board of the power supply device 313 generates and outputs a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control devices, etc. The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball loan operation unit 120 on the front of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and takes in the command of the ball loan operation by the player and outputs it to the payout control device 311. In addition, in a cash machine in which game balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispensing device to the upper tray without going through a card unit, it is possible to omit the card unit connection board 314.

The dispensing control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313 and the card unit connection board 314 are each housed in a board box 315, 316, 317, 318 made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the dispensing control device 311, like the main control device 261 described above, the box base and box cover constituting the board box 315 (enclosure means) are connected by a sealing unit 319 (sealing means) in an unopenable manner, thereby sealing the board box 315.

The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed in the event of a payout error, such as ball clogging in the payout motor, the payout motor rotates forward and reverse to eliminate the ball jam (return to normal state). In this embodiment, the payout control device 311 may constitute a grant control means (payout control means) that controls the payout of prize balls as game value.

The power supply 313 is also provided with a RAM erase switch 323. 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 procedure (for example, when the game arcade 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.

Next, we will explain the configuration of the back pack unit 203. The back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352.

The back pack 351 is integrally molded from, for example, ABS resin, and has a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes to the rear of the pachinko machine 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 surround at least the variable display unit 23 (however, in this embodiment, it is configured to also surround the aforementioned sub-control device 262).

The payout mechanism 352 is arranged to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, above the protective cover 354, a tank 355 with an opening on the upper side is provided, and the tank 355 is successively replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game center. Below the tank 355, a tank rail 356 having, for example, two horizontal rows (two lines) of ball passages and gently inclining toward the downstream side is connected, and further, a case rail 357 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. The payout device (payout means) 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 358a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19. In addition, a vibrator 360 that applies vibrations to the tank rail 356 is attached to the tank rail 356. If a ball becomes clogged near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is activated to clear the ball clog.

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.

The back pack unit 203 also has an opening 391 for the external relay terminal board 230, making it possible to remove and operate the external relay terminal board 230 even when the back pack unit 203 is fixed.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the main control device 261 (board box 263) can be removed only after going through a complicated process of first opening the back pack unit 203, then opening the first control board unit 201, and finally releasing the fasteners that secure the main control device 261. This is expected to have a deterrent effect against fraudulent acts such as removing the main control device 261 (board box 263).

In this embodiment, the main control device 261 is stored in a tightly sealed board box 263, so it is difficult to commit fraud such as sending any fraudulent signals to the main control device 261. For this reason, it is difficult to fraudulently light up an LED such as the first display device 41A, which is directly controlled by the main control device 261, in the "red" jackpot mode. Therefore, even if a fraudulent act is committed, such as making the decorative pattern display device 42 display as if it had been a jackpot and forcibly opening the jackpot opening using a cell or the like to win balls even though it has not been a jackpot, such fraudulent act can be easily discovered by checking the lighting state of the first display device 41A.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

The main control device 261 (main board) of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501, which is 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.

RAM 503 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from power supply device 313 even after power to pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and RAM 503 is provided with a backup area 503a in addition to memories and areas for temporarily storing various types of data, etc.

The backup area 503a is an area for storing values such as stack pointers, registers, and I/Os 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 when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 10), and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is performed during the power recovery process (see FIG. 7) when the power is turned on (including power on due to recovery from a power outage; the same applies below). 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 the power outage process (NMI interrupt process) in FIG. 10 is immediately executed when a power outage occurs.

The CPU 501, which incorporates the ROM 502 and RAM 503, is connected to an input/output port 505 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 505 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543 (described later), a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, the third variable winning device 33, the fourth variable winning device 34, the first display device 41A, the second display device 41B, the third display device 41C, the fourth display device 41D, and other switches (not shown). With this configuration, the above-mentioned display devices 41A to 41D are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative pattern display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) comprises 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 for temporarily storing 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. It also comprises a counter buffer which stores the values of various counters, which will be described later.

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 24, various illumination units, and lamps 102 to 106.

The CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 causes the display controller 45 to execute display control based on a command signal (e.g., a variation pattern command) sent from the main controller 261, for example, and causes the decorative pattern display device 42 to display. As described above, in this embodiment, the first display device 41A controlled by the main controller 261 displays whether or not there is a jackpot, and the decorative pattern display device 42 controlled by the sub-controller 262 displays a display that matches the display of the first display device 41A. In other words, the variation pattern command is a command output to the sub-controller 262 to cause the decorative pattern display device 42 to display a display that matches the display performed by the first display device 41A.

The payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls using the payout motor 358a. 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, is configured so that even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313, allowing data to be retained (backed up), and the RAM 513 is provided with a backup area 513a in addition to memories and areas for temporarily storing various types of data, etc.

The backup area 513a is an area for storing values of the stack pointer, each register, I/O, etc., at the time of power off, so that when the power is turned back on, the state of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power was turned off when the power is turned back on when the power is turned off due to a power outage or the like. Writing to this backup area 513a is performed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 10), and conversely, the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is performed during the power recovery process (see FIG. 23) 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, the NMI interrupt process is immediately executed as a power outage process.

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 motor 358a, and the like.

The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the gaming machine by the launch motor 229, and the launch motor 229 is permitted to operate when certain conditions are met. Specifically, the launch motor 229 is driven and the gaming ball is launched 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 is not 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 is equipped with a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 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 image controller 526. The image controller 526 is also connected to an output port 529 via a 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 controls the display of the decorative pattern display device 42 based on the display command sent from the sub-control device 262. The main control device 261 definitively displays whether or not there is a jackpot on the first display device 41A, so the display command is sent to perform auxiliary display on 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. A counter buffer is provided here to store the values of various counters, which will be described later.

Video RAM 524 is a memory that stores display data to be displayed on decorative pattern display device 42, and the display contents of decorative pattern display device 42 are 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. Image controller 526 adjusts the timing of each of CPU 521, video RAM 524, and output port 529 to mediate data reading and writing, and also reads out display data stored in video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and displays it on decorative pattern display device 42.

The power supply unit 313 also includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruptions due to power failures, etc., and a RAM deletion switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM deletion 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 an externally supplied 24-volt AC power supply, generates a +12V power supply for driving 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.

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 in FIG. 10).

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 in the main control device 261 uses various counter information during play to perform lottery (winning lottery), variable display, and stop display settings. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for winning lottery, a reach random number counter C2 used for reach lottery when the decorative pattern display device 42 is changed due to a miss, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a change type counter CS1, CS2 used for selecting the change pattern of the decorative pattern display device 42, and a small win random number counter C3 used for small win lottery. In this embodiment, the main control device 261 may constitute a lottery means (first lottery means, second lottery means) or a special game state generating means, or may constitute a game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value such as a jackpot lottery trigger.

Counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS1, and CS2 are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value each time they are updated and return to 0 after reaching their maximum value. 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).

The RAM 503 also has a reserved ball storage area, which is a memory area consisting of one execution area and four reserved areas (reserved areas 1 to 4), one corresponding to the big win random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2, and three corresponding to the small win random number counter C3. In this embodiment, each reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 may constitute a reservation means.

More specifically, in each area of the first reserved ball storage area, the values of the big win random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 are stored in chronological order according to the passage history of game balls into the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29. In each area of the second reserved ball storage area, the values of the small win random number counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of game balls into the first variable winning device 31. In each area of the third reserved ball storage area, the values of the small win random number counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of game balls into the second variable winning device 32. In each area of the fourth reserved ball storage area, the values of the small win random number counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the passing history of game balls into the third trigger corresponding port 30.

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 676, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 676). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676), and is updated once for each timer interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interruption in this embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area (first reserved ball storage area) of the RAM 503 corresponding to the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29 at the timing when the game ball passes through the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29. In this embodiment, the number of random numbers that become a jackpot is 2, and the value is "337,673".

The reach random number counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after it reaches a maximum value (i.e., 238). In this embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is used to select between a "reach that misses before or after" in which the final stopping symbol stops just one symbol before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, a "reach other than a front or rear miss" in which the final stopping symbol stops other than before or after the reach symbol after the reach occurs, and a "complete miss" in which no reach occurs; for example, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to a reach that misses before or after, C3 = 2 to 21 corresponds to a reach other than a front or rear miss, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to a complete miss. The reach random number counter C2 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt), and when the game ball passes through the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29, it is stored in the reserved ball storage area (first reserved ball storage area) of RAM 503 that corresponds to each of the trigger corresponding ports 28, 29.

In addition, of the two fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, one of the fluctuation type counters CS1 is configured to be incremented by one in the range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 198), and the other fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to be incremented by one in the range of, for example, 0 to 240, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (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." The first fluctuation type counter CS1 determines the reach type of the decorative pattern, such as the so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and other rough pattern fluctuation modes, and the second fluctuation type counter CS2 determines more detailed pattern fluctuation modes, such as the elapsed time (in other words, the number of variable patterns) until the final stop pattern (in this embodiment, the middle pattern) stops after the reach occurs. Therefore, by combining these fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, a wide variety of fluctuation patterns can be easily realized. It is also possible to determine the pattern change mode using only the first change type counter CS1, or to combine the first change type counter CS1 with the stopped pattern to determine the pattern change mode in the same way.

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

The small prize random number counter C3 is a counter used for the small prize lottery as described above. In this embodiment, a small prize refers to the second variable prize device 32, the third variable prize device 33, or the fourth variable prize device 34 being in an open state. In other words, the small prize lottery is a lottery to see whether the second display device 41B, the third display device 41C, or the fourth display device 41D will be stopped in red. The small prize random number counter C3 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by one in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 250 and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 250). The small prize random number counter C3 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment) and is obtained when the game ball wins the first variable prize device 31 or the second variable prize device 32, or when the game ball passes through the third trigger corresponding port 30. In this embodiment, the number of random numbers that will win is 250, and the value is "0 to 249". Therefore, the probability of winning the small prize in this embodiment is about 996 out of 1000, which is a fairly high probability. In other words, there is a fairly high probability that the second variable prize device 32, the third variable prize device 33, and the fourth variable prize device 34 will be in the open state for the number of times the small prize lottery has been held.

The size and range of each counter are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is desirable to set the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1, reach random number counter C2, and fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 to different prime numbers, and to set the numbers to be unsynchronized under any circumstances.

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, and NMI interrupt processing that is started by input of a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing and NMI interrupt processing will be explained first, and then the main processing will be explained. Of course, the configuration of the control processing is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the normal processing and timer interrupt processing described later may be configured to be executed in series as a series of periodic processes rather than being executed as parallel periodic processes. The main control device 261 may constitute the periodic processing execution means in this embodiment.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261, for example, every 2 msec.

In FIG. 9, first, in step S301, a process for reading various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main control device 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and detection information (winning detection information) is saved. In other words, the timer interrupt process may be configured as a process for monitoring a signal input from a predetermined trigger generating means (detection means) in this embodiment.

After that, in step S302, 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 maximum value (676 in this embodiment), it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is then stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. In the following step S303, the jackpot random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, and the small jackpot random number counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, and the small jackpot random number counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum values (676, 238, and 250, respectively, in this embodiment), they are each cleared to their initial values. The updated values of the counters C1, C2, and C3 are then stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

After that, in step S304, a trigger generation process is executed. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, in step S501, a first trigger corresponding port passing process is executed in response to the passage of the game ball through the first trigger corresponding port 28. In step S502, a second trigger corresponding port passing process is executed in response to the passage of the game ball through the second trigger corresponding port 29. In step S503, a third trigger corresponding port passing process is executed in response to the passage of the game ball through the third trigger corresponding port 30. In step S504, a first winning trigger generation process is executed in response to a win in the first variable winning device 31. In step S505, a second winning trigger generation process is executed in response to a win in the second variable winning device 32. In step S506, a third winning trigger generation process is executed in response to a win in the third variable winning device 33. In step S507, a fourth winning trigger generation process is executed in response to a win in the fourth variable winning device 34. After the trigger generation process, the CPU 501 temporarily ends this timer interrupt process.

The first trigger corresponding opening passage process in step S501 will now be explained using the flowchart in FIG. 12. In step S601, whether or not the game ball has passed through the first trigger corresponding opening 28 is determined based on detection information from the first trigger corresponding opening switch (gate switch) 28a. In this embodiment, the first trigger corresponding opening switch 28a may constitute the third detection means.

When it is determined in step S601 that a game ball has passed through the first trigger corresponding port 28, the next step S602 determines whether the start pending ball count N of the first display device 41A is less than the upper limit (4 in this embodiment). If there has been passage through the first trigger corresponding port 28 and the start pending ball count N is less than 4, the process proceeds to step S603, where the start pending ball count N is incremented by 1.

In the next step S604, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 updated in step S303 are stored in the first free memory area of the first reserved ball storage area of RAM 503 corresponding to the first trigger corresponding port 28. Then, the first trigger corresponding port passing process is temporarily terminated. In this embodiment, this process may constitute a win/lose lottery (jackpot lottery, first win/lose lottery), and a processing function capable of executing this process may constitute a lottery means (first lottery means, first first lottery means, third lottery means).

In the second trigger corresponding port passing process in step S502, the same process as the first trigger corresponding port passing process in step S501 is carried out. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted, but by replacing the "first trigger corresponding port 28" with the "second trigger corresponding port 29" and the "first trigger corresponding port switch 28a" with the "second trigger corresponding port switch 29a" in the explanation of the first trigger corresponding port passing process above, the second trigger corresponding port passing process can be explained. This process may constitute the winning/losing lottery process in this embodiment.

In the third trigger corresponding port passing process in step S503, the same process as the first trigger corresponding port passing process in step S501 is performed. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted, but by replacing the "first trigger corresponding port 28" with the "third trigger corresponding port 30", the "first trigger corresponding port switch 28a" with the "third trigger corresponding port switch 30a", the "first display device 41A" with the "fourth display device 41D", and the "first reserved ball storage area" with the "fourth reserved ball storage area" in the explanation of the first trigger corresponding port passing process above, the third trigger corresponding port passing process can be explained.

Next, the first winning opportunity generation process in step S504 will be explained using the flowchart in FIG. 13. In step S701, whether or not the game ball has won the first variable winning device 31 is determined based on the detection information of the winning switch 31c. In this embodiment, the winning switch 31c may constitute the first detection means (second first detection means) or the second ball detection means.

When it is determined in step S701 that a game ball has won the first variable winning device 31, the next step S702 determines whether the number of reserved balls N in the second display device 41B is less than the upper limit (4 in this embodiment). If there has been a win in the first variable winning device 31 and the number of reserved balls N is less than 4, the process proceeds to step S703, where the number of reserved balls N is incremented by 1.

In the next step S704, the value of the small win random number counter C3 updated in step S303 is stored in the first free memory area of the second reserved ball storage area of RAM 503. Then, this first winning opportunity generation process is temporarily terminated. This process may constitute the winning/losing lottery process in this embodiment.

In the second winning opportunity generation process in step S505, the same process as the first winning opportunity generation process in step S504 is performed. Therefore, although a detailed explanation is omitted, the second winning opportunity generation process can be explained by replacing the "first variable winning device 31" with the "second variable winning device 32," the "winning switch 31c" with the "winning switch 32c," the "second display device 41B" with the "third display device 41C," and the "second reserved ball storage area" with the "third reserved ball storage area" in the explanation of the above first winning opportunity generation process. In this embodiment, the winning switch 32c may constitute the first detection means (third first detection means) or the second ball detection means.

In addition, in the third winning opportunity generation process in step S506, although disclosure of a flowchart diagram is omitted, whether or not the gaming ball has won the third variable winning device 33 is determined based on detection information from the winning switch 33c, and if it is determined that the gaming ball has won the third variable winning device 33, processing related to the third variable winning device control process described below is executed, such as setting predetermined information indicating that the third variable winning device 33 has won, and the third winning opportunity generation process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if there is no win, the process is temporarily terminated as it is. In this embodiment, the winning switch 33c may constitute the second ball detection means.

In addition, in the fourth winning opportunity generation process in step S507, although the disclosure of the flowchart is omitted, whether or not the game ball has won the fourth variable winning device 34 is determined based on the detection information of the winning switch 34c, and if it is determined that the game ball has won the fourth variable winning device 34, processing related to the fourth variable winning device control process described below is executed, such as setting predetermined information indicating that the fourth variable winning device 34 has won, and the fourth winning opportunity generation process is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if there is no winning, the process is temporarily terminated as it is. In this embodiment, the winning switch 34c may constitute the third ball detection means.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. This 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 the like. 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 unit 261. The CPU 501 then suspends the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 10. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 10 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main control unit 261. For a predetermined time after the power outage signal SK1 is output, current is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the main control unit 261 can execute its processing, and the NMI interrupt process is executed within this predetermined time.

In the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 10, first, in step S401, the registers in use are saved to the backup area 503a of the RAM 503, and then, in step S402, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. Furthermore, in step S403, information on the occurrence of a power outage is set in the backup area 503a, and in step S404, a power outage notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is sent to other control devices.

In step S405, a RAM judgment value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the working area address of the RAM 503. In step S406, RAM access is prohibited. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for a complete power cut-off that would make it impossible to execute processing.

The above-mentioned NMI interrupt processing is also executed in the payout control device 311, and the state of the payout control device 311 at the time of power cut due to a power outage or the like is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 by this NMI interrupt. Similarly, for a predetermined time after the power outage signal SK1 is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the payout control device 311 processing can be executed. In other words, when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the 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 of FIG. 10. The contents are as described in FIG. 10 (excluding the transmission of the power outage notification command in step S404).

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261, and 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 step S102, a payout permission command is sent to the payout control device 311, and in the following step S103, RAM access is permitted.

Then, data backup processing is performed on the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, it is determined whether the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON) or not, and in the following step S105, it is determined whether power outage information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Also, in step S106, a RAM judgment value is calculated, and in the following step S107, it is determined whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power outage, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 503. It is also possible to determine the validity of the backup by whether the keyword written in a specified area of the RAM 503 is saved correctly.

As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example when the hall opens for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S114, etc.). Also, 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 proceeds to RAM 503 initialization processing (step S114, etc.). That is, in step S114, the used area of RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step S115, the initialization processing of RAM 503 is executed. Also, in step S116, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, processing at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of recovery from power failure) is executed on the condition that the power failure occurrence information has been set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step S108, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, and in step S109, the power failure occurrence information is cleared. In step S110, a command is sent to restore the sub-side control device to the game state at the time of the power failure, and in step S111, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of RAM 503. Furthermore, in steps S112 and S113, the interrupt permission/prohibition is restored to the state before the power failure, and then the address before the power failure is returned to.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S201 to S212 is executed as regular processing at a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S214 and S215 is executed in the remaining time. Note that the cycle of normal processing of the main control device 261 is not limited to 4 msec cycles, and may be executed at a different cycle, for example, at a cycle of 2 msec.

In FIG. 8, first, in step S201, external output processing is executed. That is, control signals based on the settings of the display device 41A, etc., updated in the previous processing are transmitted to each device, and output data such as commands are transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Details of this external output processing will be described later.

Next, in step S202, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and when their counter values reach their maximum 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 and payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 are read.

In step S204, a first variable winning device control process is executed as the first variable control process. In this process, the control content of the first variable winning device 31 is set, which determines what control is to be performed in the first variable winning device 31, as described below.

In step S205, a second variable winning device control process is executed as a second variable control process. In this process, the control content of the second variable winning device 32 is set, as will be described later, to determine what control is to be performed in the second variable winning device 32.

In step S206, a third variable winning device control process is executed as a third variable control process. In this process, the control content of the third variable winning device 33 is set, which determines what control is to be performed in the third variable winning device 33, as described below.

In this embodiment, the first opening/closing control means may be configured to have a function for executing at least one of the first variable winning device control process (step S204), the second variable winning device control process (step S205), and the third variable winning device control process (step S206).

In step S207, a fourth variable winning device control process is executed as a fourth variable control process. In this process, the control content of the fourth variable winning device 34 is set, as will be described later, to determine what control is to be performed in the fourth variable winning device 34. In this embodiment, the function of executing the fourth variable winning device control process may constitute the second opening/closing control means.

In step S208, a measurement interruption flag setting process is executed. In this process, a measurement interruption flag is set to determine whether or not to interrupt the progress of the display timer serving as a display time measurement means, as described below.

In step S209, a first display device control process is executed as a first display control process. In this process, the control contents of the first display device 41A are set to determine what control is to be performed on the first display device 41, as described below, and a jackpot determination and a change pattern of the decorative pattern in the decorative pattern display device 42 (display area 42A) are set.

In step S210, the second display device control process is executed as the second display control process. In this process, the control contents of the second display device 41B are set to determine what control is to be performed on the second display device 41B, as described below, and a small win determination is performed.

In step S211, a third display device control process is executed as a third display control process. In this process, the control contents of the third display device 41C are set to determine what control is to be performed on the third display device 41C, as described below, and a small win determination is performed.

In step S212, a fourth display device control process is executed as a fourth display control process. In this process, as described below, the control contents of the fourth display device 41D are set to determine what control is to be performed on the fourth display device 41D, and small win determination and the like are also performed. In this embodiment, the function of executing the fourth display device control process (step S212) may constitute the display control means.

Then, in step S213, it is determined whether the next normal processing execution timing has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal processing. Then, within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated (steps S214 and S215). That is, in step S214, 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 maximum value (676 in this embodiment), it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of RAM 503. Also, in step S215, 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 maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment), 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 the RAM 503.

Here, the execution time of each process in steps S201 to S212 changes depending on the game state, so the remaining time until the timing of the next normal process execution is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, it becomes possible to randomly update the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1).

Next, the first variable winning device control process in step S204 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, in step S801, it is determined whether the first variable flag is on. If it is determined that the first variable flag is not on (off), this process ends.

The first variable flag is a means for determining whether the first variable winning device 31 is in an open state or not, and in the determination process of step S801, if the first variable flag is set (if it is in an on state), it is considered to be in an open state, and if the first variable flag is released (if it is in an off state), it is considered to be in a closed state. Note that not limited to the first variable flag, the following various flags are similarly turned on (set) by setting their value to "1" and turned off (released) by setting their value to "0".

Then, based on the on/off status of this first variable flag, various control signals are output to the first variable winning device 31 (solenoid 31b) in the external output process of the next normal process (the control signal output process for the first variable winning device described below). When the first variable flag is on, a control signal to open the blades 31a is output to the first variable winning device 31 (solenoid 31b), and the first variable winning device 31 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the first variable flag is off, a control signal to close the blades 31a is output to the first variable winning device 31 (solenoid 31b), and the first variable winning device 31 is in a closed state.

On the other hand, if the above step S801 is judged to be positive, i.e., if the first variable flag is on, the first variable winning device 31 is deemed to be in an open state, and a first variable timer subtraction process is performed in step S802. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first variable timer is subtracted by 4 msec. In this embodiment, the first variable timer subtraction process may constitute the first variable time measurement means progress process.

The first variable timer is a variable time measurement means for determining the opening time of the first variable winning device 31, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the start of opening. In this embodiment, the opening time is preset to 5 seconds (5000 msec), so the first variable timer is set to 5000 msec. Similarly, the opening times of the variable winning devices 32 to 34 are also preset to 5 seconds (5000 msec). The opening time of the first variable winning device 31, which is 5 seconds, corresponds to the first opening time in this embodiment, and the opening times of the variable winning devices 32, 33, and 34, which are 5 seconds, correspond to the second opening time, the third opening time, and the fourth opening time.

Then, the process proceeds to step S803, where the value of the first variable timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether the opening time of 5 seconds has elapsed. In this embodiment, this process may constitute a first variable time measurement means determination process. At this time, when the opening time of 5 seconds has elapsed, that is, when the value of the first variable timer becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S803. If a positive determination is made in step S803, the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S803, a determination is made in step S805 as to whether the number of game balls that have won in the first variable winning device 31 has reached a first specified number (four in this embodiment). In this embodiment, this process may constitute a first ball number determination process. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S804.

The process proceeds to step S804, where the first variable flag and the first variable timer are deactivated (turned off), and then the process ends. The first variable flag/timer deactivation process of step S804 may constitute the first variable flag deactivation process and the first variable time measurement means deactivation process in this embodiment.

Also, if a negative judgment is made in step S805, i.e., if the number of winning balls in the first variable winning device 31 has not reached the first specified number, this process ends.

The first variable winning device 31 therefore remains open until the opening time of 5 seconds has elapsed or until the first specified number of four game balls have won, as described above, and closes when the above conditions are met.

Next, the second variable winning device control process in step S205 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, in step S901, it is determined whether the second variable flag is on. If it is determined that the second variable flag is not on (off), this process ends.

The second variable flag is a means for determining whether the second variable winning device 32 is in an open state or not, and during the determination process of step S901, if the second variable flag is set (if it is in an on state), it is considered to be in an open state, and if the second variable flag is released (if it is in an off state), it is considered to be in a closed state.

Then, based on the on/off status of this second variable flag, various control signals are output to the second variable winning device 32 (solenoid 32b) in the external output process of the next normal process (control signal output process for the second variable winning device, described later). When the second variable flag is on, a control signal to open the blade 32a is output to the second variable winning device 32 (solenoid 32b), and the second variable winning device 32 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is off, a control signal to close the blade 32a is output to the second variable winning device 32 (solenoid 32b), and the second variable winning device 32 is in a closed state.

On the other hand, if the above step S901 is judged to be positive, i.e., if the second variable flag is on, the second variable winning device 32 is deemed to be in an open state, and second variable timer subtraction processing is performed in step S902. Each time this processing is performed, the value of the second variable timer is subtracted by 4 msec. In this embodiment, the second variable timer subtraction processing may constitute the second variable time measurement means progress processing.

The second variable timer is a variable time measurement means that determines the opening time (5 seconds) of the second variable winning device 32, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a specified opening time has elapsed since the start of opening.

Then, the process proceeds to step S903, where the value of the second variable timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether the open time of 5 seconds has elapsed. In this embodiment, this process may constitute a second variable time measurement means determination process. At this time, when the open time of 5 seconds has elapsed, that is, when the value of the second variable time measurement means (second variable timer) becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S903. Then, if a positive determination is made in step S903, the process proceeds to step S904.

On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S903, a judgment is made in step S905 as to whether or not the number of game balls that have won in the second variable winning device 32 has reached a second specified number (four in this embodiment). In this embodiment, this process may constitute a second ball number judgment process. If a positive judgment is made here, the process proceeds to step S904.

The process proceeds to step S904, where the second variable flag and second variable timer are deactivated (turned off), and then the process ends. The second variable flag/timer deactivation process of step S904 may constitute the second variable flag deactivation process and the second variable time measurement means deactivation process in this embodiment.

Also, if a negative judgment is made in step S905, i.e., if the number of winning balls in the second variable winning device 32 has not reached the second specified number, this process ends.

The second variable winning device 32 therefore remains open until the opening time of 5 seconds has elapsed or until the second specified number of four game balls have won, as described above, and closes when the above conditions are met.

In the third variable winning device control process in step S206, the same process as the second variable winning device control process in step S205 is performed. Therefore, although detailed explanation is omitted, the third variable winning device control process can be explained by replacing the "second variable flag" with the "third variable flag," the "second variable timer" with the "third variable timer," the "second variable winning device 32" with the "third variable winning device 33," the "wing 32a" with the "wing 33a," the "solenoid 32b" with the "solenoid 33b," the "control signal output process for the second variable winning device" with the "control signal output process for the third variable winning device," and the "second specified number" with the "third specified number" in the explanation of the second variable winning device control process. However, the specified number of winnings (third specified number) for the third variable winning device 33 is set to seven. Similarly, the third variable timer subtraction process in step S902 may constitute a third variable time measurement means advancement process, the process in step S903 may constitute a third variable time measurement means discrimination process, the process in step S905 may constitute a third ball count discrimination process, and the third variable flag/timer release process in step S904 may constitute a third variable flag release process and a third variable time measurement means release process.

In addition, in the fourth variable winning device control process in step S207, the same process as the second variable winning device control process in step S205 is performed. Therefore, although detailed explanation is omitted, the fourth variable winning device control process can be explained by replacing the "second variable flag" with the "fourth variable flag," the "second variable timer" with the "fourth variable timer," the "second variable winning device 32" with the "fourth variable winning device 34," the "wing 32a" with the "wing 34a," the "solenoid 32b" with the "solenoid 34b," the "control signal output process for the second variable winning device" with the "control signal output process for the fourth variable winning device," and the "second specified number" with the "fourth specified number." However, the specified number of winnings (fourth specified number) for the fourth variable winning device 34 is set to one. Similarly, the fourth variable timer subtraction process in step S902 may constitute the fourth variable time measurement means progress process, the process in step S903 may constitute the fourth variable time measurement means discrimination process, the process in step S905 may constitute the fourth ball number discrimination process, and the fourth variable flag/timer release process in step S904 may constitute the fourth variable flag release process and the fourth variable time measurement means release process. Also, the function of executing the fourth variable winning device control process in step S207 may constitute the drive control means in this embodiment.

Next, the measurement interruption flag setting process in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 16. The measurement interruption flag is a means for determining whether or not to interrupt the progress of the display timer serving as the display time measurement means in each of the display devices 41A to 41D. As shown in FIG. 18, a first measurement interruption flag for the first display device 41A, a second measurement interruption flag for the second display device 41B, a third measurement interruption flag for the third display device 41C, and a fourth measurement interruption flag for the fourth display device 41D are stored and set in ROM 502 corresponding to each of the display devices 41A to 41D. Then, each measurement interruption flag is switched on and off according to a measurement interruption offset value as discrimination information that changes according to the game situation.

As shown in FIG. 16, in step S1101, the measurement interruption offset value is reset to 0. In the following step S1102, it is determined whether or not at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in an open state based on the first to fourth variable flags. Therefore, the processing of step S1102 may constitute the all variable flag determination processing in this embodiment.

If the answer is yes here, that is, if at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S1120. On the other hand, if the answer is no, the measurement interruption offset value is added by 1 in step S1103. In the following step S1104, the values of the first display flag and the first display timer are set as arguments in a predetermined determination storage area, and the first winning stop determination process is performed in step S1105 based on these values.

The first win stop determination process will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 17. First, in step S1201, it is determined whether the value of the first stop state flag is "1", which indicates that a jackpot is being displayed as stopped (including the start of the stop display). A jackpot is being displayed as stopped from the start of the jackpot display on the first display device 41A until the start of processing related to the jackpot state, that is, from the start of the jackpot display on the first display device 41A until the first variable winning device 31 is opened. In this embodiment, 0.5 seconds is set as the period during which a jackpot is being displayed as stopped. The first stop state flag is a flag for determining whether a jackpot is being displayed as stopped or is in a state other than the jackpot being displayed as stopped.

If the result of step S1201 is positive, i.e., if the jackpot stop display is in progress, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of step S1201 is negative, the process goes to step S1202 to determine whether the display is changing to the jackpot stop display. This determination is made based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the first reserved ball storage area and the value of the first display flag (or first display timer) corresponding to the first display device 41A.

If the answer is yes in step S1202, the process proceeds to step S1203; if the answer is no, the process proceeds to step S1204.

In step S1203, it is determined based on the value of the first display timer whether the variable display on the first display device 41A has one count remaining, i.e., 4 msec remaining. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1205, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1204. Note that if the value of the first display timer is determined to be 4 msec (1 count remaining) in step S1203, this is the case when the value of the first display timer is 0 msec (0 counts remaining) in the first display device control process in the same normal processing iteration as the normal processing in which step S1203 is performed. In other words, in step S1203, it is determined whether the value of the first display timer is 0 msec (0 counts remaining) in the same normal processing iteration.

In step S1205, the value of the first stop state flag is set to "1", which indicates that the jackpot is stopped, and this process ends. As a result, in the next and subsequent first stop process, it is determined that the jackpot is stopped.

In step S1204, the value of the first stop state flag is set to "0", indicating that the state is other than the jackpot stop display, and this process ends.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16, in step S1106, it is determined whether or not the first display device 41A is displaying a jackpot stop based on the value of the first stop state flag. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1120. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1107.

In step S1107, 1 is added to the measurement interruption offset value. In the following step S1108, the values of the second display flag and the second display timer are set as arguments in a predetermined determination storage area, and in step S1109, a second hit stop determination process is performed based on these values.

In the second hit stop determination process in step S1109, the same process as the first hit stop determination process in step S1105 is performed. Therefore, although a detailed explanation is omitted, the second hit stop determination process can be explained by replacing the "first stop state flag" with the "second stop state flag", "big hit stop display" with "first small hit stop display", "first display device 41A" with the "second display device 41B", "big hit state" with "first small hit state", "first reserved ball storage area" with "second reserved ball storage area", "first display flag" with the "second display flag", "first display timer" with the "second display timer", and "big hit random number counter C1" with the "small hit random number counter C3" in the explanation of the first hit stop determination process.

In step S1110, it is determined whether or not the second display device 41B is displaying the first small win stop based on the value of the second stop state flag. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1120. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1111.

In step S1111, 1 is added to the measurement interruption offset value. In the following step S1112, the values of the third display flag and the third display timer are set as arguments in a predetermined determination storage area, and in step S1113, a third hit stop determination process is performed based on these values.

In the third win stop determination process in step S1113, the same process as the first win stop determination process in step S1105 is performed. Therefore, although detailed explanation is omitted, the third win stop determination process can be explained by replacing the "first stop state flag" with the "third stop state flag", "displaying a big win stop" with "displaying a second small win stop", "the first display device 41A" with the "third display device 41C", "the big win state" with the "second small win state", "the first reserved ball storage area" with the "third reserved ball storage area", "the first display flag" with the "third display flag", "the first display timer" with the "third display timer", and "the big win random number counter C1" with the "small win random number counter C3" in the explanation of the first win stop determination process. In step S1114, based on the value of the third stop state flag, it is determined whether the third display device 41C is displaying a second small win stop. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1120. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S1115.

In step S1115, 1 is added to the measurement interruption offset value. In the following step S1116, the values of the fourth display flag and the fourth display timer are set as arguments in a predetermined determination storage area, and in step S1117, a fourth hit stop determination process is performed based on these values.

In the fourth hit stop determination process in step S1117, the same process as the first hit stop determination process in step S1105 is performed. Therefore, although a detailed explanation is omitted, the fourth hit stop determination process can be explained by replacing the "first stop state flag" with the "fourth stop state flag", "big hit stop display" with "third small hit stop display", "first display device 41A" with the "fourth display device 41D", "big hit state" with the "third small hit state", "first reserved ball storage area" with the "fourth reserved ball storage area", "first display flag" with the "fourth display flag", "first display timer" with the "fourth display timer", and "big hit random number counter C1" with the "small hit random number counter C3" in the explanation of the first hit stop determination process.

In step S1118, it is determined whether or not the fourth display device 41D is displaying the third small win stop based on the value of the fourth stop state flag. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1120. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1119. In step S1119, 1 is added to the measurement interruption offset value, and the process proceeds to step S1120. Note that the processes of steps S1106, S1110, S1114, S1118, etc. may constitute the process of determining whether or not a win stop is being displayed in this embodiment.

In step S1120, the measurement interruption flag setting table as the correspondence information shown in FIG. 18 and the measurement interruption offset value are set in a specified memory area.

In the next step S1121, data setting processing is performed taking into consideration the measurement interruption flag setting table and the measurement interruption offset value, and this processing ends.

More specifically, for example, when the measurement interruption offset value is "0", at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in the open state, so the measurement interruption flags of all the first to fourth devices are turned on. In this case, the progress of the display timers of the variable displays is stopped in all the first to fourth display devices 41A to 41D.

When the measurement interruption offset value is "1", a jackpot stop display is performed on the first display device 41A, so only the first measurement interruption flag is turned off and the other second to fourth measurement interruption flags are turned on. In this case, the first display timer progresses on the first display device 41A, and the progress of the display timers stops on the other second to fourth display devices 41B to 41D.

When the measurement interruption offset value is "2", the first small win stop display is performed on the second display device 41B, so only the second measurement interruption flag is turned off and the other first, third and fourth measurement interruption flags are turned on. By doing this, the second display timer progresses on the second display device 41B, and the progress of the display timers stops on the other first, third and fourth display devices 41A, 41C and 41D.

When the measurement interruption offset value is "3", the second small win stop display is performed on the third display device 41C, so only the third measurement interruption flag is turned off and the other first, second and fourth measurement interruption flags are turned on. By doing this, the third display timer progresses on the third display device 41C, and the progress of the display timers stops on the other first, second and fourth display devices 41A, 41B and 41D.

When the measurement interruption offset value is "4", the third small win stop display is performed on the fourth display device 41D, so only the fourth measurement interruption flag is turned off and the other first to third measurement interruption flags are turned on. By doing this, the fourth display timer progresses on the fourth display device 41D, and the progress of the display timers stops on the other first to third display devices 41A to 41C.

When the measurement interruption offset value is "5", no winning stop display is performed on any of the display devices 41A to 41D, so all measurement interruption flags are turned off. This causes the display timers to progress on all of the display devices 41A to 41D.

Next, the first display device control process in step S209 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, in step S1401, the value of the first stop state flag is taken into consideration to determine whether or not a jackpot stop is being displayed. If the determination is affirmative, i.e., if a jackpot stop is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S1402, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1403.

In step S1403, it is determined whether the first measurement interruption flag is on. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1414, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S1404.

In step S1404, the on/off state of the first display flag is checked to determine whether or not the first display device 41A is displaying a color change (changing display). If a positive determination is made here, i.e., if the first display flag is on, it is assumed that a changing display is in progress, and the process moves to step S1409. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, i.e., if the first display flag is not on, it is assumed that a changing display is not in progress, and the process moves to step S1405.

In step S1405, it is determined whether the number of balls reserved for starting N is greater than 0. If the number of balls reserved for starting N is 0, the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of balls reserved for starting N>0, the process proceeds to step S1406.

In step S1406, 1 is subtracted from the initial reserved ball count N. In the following step S1407, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the first reserved ball storage area. This data shift process is a process in which the data stored in reserved areas 1 to 4 of the first reserved ball storage area is shifted sequentially to the execution area, 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, etc.

Then, in step S1408, a variable display setting process is executed. Here, the variable display setting process is explained in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 20. This process (as well as the variable display setting process in step S1418) may constitute the first variable display setting process in this embodiment.

First, in step S1500, a first display flag/timer setting process is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing a color change display (variable display) on the first display device 41A have been met. This process may constitute the first display time measurement means setting process in this embodiment.

Specifically, the first display flag and the first display timer are set. The first display flag is a means for determining whether or not a changing display is in progress (including waiting for a changing display), and in the determination process of step S1404 above, if the first display flag is set (if it is in an on state), it is considered that a changing display is in progress, and if the first display flag is released (if it is in an off state), it is considered that a stopped display is in progress, which corresponds to a state in which the changing display has stopped.

The first display timer is a display time measurement means for specifying the change time, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the change display. For example, if the change time is 10 seconds (10,000 msec), it is set to 10,000 msec. As described later, the first display timer is decremented by 4 msec each time the normal processing is performed. Then, based on the settings of the first display flag and the first display timer, in the external output processing (control signal output processing for the first display device) of the next normal processing, if a control signal is output to the first display device 41A to start color change display (change display), the first display device 41A starts color change display. The first display device 41A is a three-color LED as described above, and if the lit color is red, it changes to green, if it is green, it changes to blue, and if it is blue, it changes to red. In this embodiment, the change time is previously determined as a predetermined value for each display device 41A to 41D, etc. For example, as described above, in this embodiment, the specified fluctuation time (first specified fluctuation time) of the first display device 41A is preset to 12.5 seconds (12,500 ms).

In the next step S1501, it is determined whether or not there is a jackpot based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the first reserved ball storage area. If it is determined to be a jackpot (step S1501: YES), the jackpot fluctuation pattern is determined in step S1502, the jackpot pattern is set in the pattern command in step S1503, and this fluctuation start process is terminated. At this time, the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of RAM 503 are confirmed, and the reach type of the decorative pattern, such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and other rough pattern fluctuation modes are determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1, and more detailed pattern fluctuation modes, such as the elapsed time until the final stop pattern (in this embodiment, the middle pattern) stops after the reach occurs, are determined based on the value of the second fluctuation type counter CS2.

The correspondence between the counter value of the first variation type counter CS1 and various reach patterns, and the correspondence between the counter value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the stop pattern time are predefined by a variation pattern table (not shown). In addition to the variation pattern table, various operation pattern tables that define the correspondence between the operation modes (operation modes) of various opening/closing members and various movable members and various counter values may be provided, and the operation pattern table to be taken into consideration may be changed according to conditions. The operation mode (operation mode) changing means may be configured by a function that executes such processing.

The symbol command in step S1503 indicates the jackpot symbol in a predetermined category, and the stopping symbol is determined by the sub-control device 262, as described below. Specifically, when "1", which indicates the jackpot symbol, is set in the symbol command (step S1503), the sub-control device 262 determines the stopping symbol to be a decorative symbol with any number from "0" to "9".

On the other hand, if the result of the negative judgment in step S1501, that is, if the result is a miss, the process proceeds to step S1504. In this step S1504, it is judged whether or not the game is in a reach state. This judgment is made based on the value of the reach random number counter C2 stored in the execution area of the first reserved ball storage area. As described above, in this embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is used to draw a "reach before and after a miss" in which the final stop pattern stops one space before or after the reach pattern after the reach occurs, a "reach other than a miss before and after" in which the final stop pattern stops other than before or after the reach pattern after the reach occurs, and a "complete miss" in which the reach does not occur. For example, C2 = 0, 1 corresponds to a reach before and after a miss, C2 = 2 to 21 corresponds to a reach other than a miss before and after, and C2 = 22 to 238 corresponds to a complete miss. If it is judged to be a reach state here (step S1504: YES), the process proceeds to step S1505. On the other hand, if it is determined that the win is not in reach (step S1504: NO), i.e., if the win is a "complete miss," the miss variation pattern is determined in step S1510, and the complete miss symbol ("4" in this embodiment) is set as the symbol command in step S1511, and the variation start process is terminated.

In step S1505, it is determined whether or not it is a front or rear miss reach. If it is determined to be a front or rear miss reach (step S1505: YES), the miss fluctuation pattern is determined in step S1506, a front or rear miss pattern ("2" in this embodiment) is set in the pattern command in step S1507, and this fluctuation start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be a front or rear miss reach (step S1505: NO), that is, if it is a reach other than a front or rear miss, the miss fluctuation pattern is determined in step S1508, a pattern other than a front or rear miss ("3" in this embodiment) is set in the pattern command in step S1509, and this fluctuation start process is terminated.

When determining the miss fluctuation pattern in steps S1506, S1508, and S1510, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of RAM 503, as in step S1502, etc. Also, as in step S1503, etc., the pattern commands in steps S1507, S1509, and S1511 indicate a predetermined category of the miss pattern. Specifically, when "2", which indicates a front/rear miss pattern, is set in the pattern command (step S1507), the sub-control device 262 that receives the pattern command determines the pattern corresponding to the front/rear miss reach stored in the front/rear miss reach pattern buffer of RAM 553 as the stop pattern. When "3", which indicates a pattern other than a front or rear miss, is set in the pattern command (step S1509), the sub-controller 262 determines the pattern corresponding to a reach other than a front or rear miss stored in the reach pattern buffer other than a front or rear miss in the RAM 553 as the stopping pattern. When "4", which indicates a complete miss pattern, is set in the pattern command (step S1511), the sub-controller 262 determines the pattern corresponding to a complete miss stored in the complete miss pattern buffer in the RAM 553 as the stopping pattern.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 19, if step S1404 is YES, i.e., the first display flag is on, it is assumed that a variable display is in progress, and the process proceeds to step S1409, where the 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 first display timer is set to 10,000 msec, the value of the first display timer will be 9,996 msec in the first display timer subtraction process in the next normal process after the first display timer is set. The first display timer subtraction process may constitute the first display time measurement means progress process in this embodiment.

Next, the process proceeds to step S1410, where the value of the first display timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether a predetermined variable time (first specified variable time) has elapsed. This process may constitute the first display time measurement means determination process in this embodiment. At this time, when the predetermined variable time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the first display timer becomes "0", step S1410 is determined to be positive. If the determination is positive in step S1410, the first display flag and the first display timer are released [OFF (clear)] in step S1411, and a stop display setting for performing a stop display on the first display device 41 is performed in step S1412, and this process is terminated. The first display flag/timer release process in step S1411 may constitute the first display time measurement means release process in this embodiment, and the stop display setting process in step S1412 may constitute the first stop display setting process. Then, based on the setting contents of this stop display setting, a control signal to perform a stop display is output to the first display device 41A in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, in the case of a jackpot, a red stop display (lights up for 0.5 seconds (500 ms) in this embodiment) is displayed, and in the case of a miss, a green or blue stop display is displayed. To reiterate, this type of stop display by the first display device 41A is the main display, and the display of the decorative patterns by the decorative pattern display device 42 is secondary. Therefore, in the stop display setting process of step S1412, a stop command is set to completely synchronize the stop of the decorative pattern fluctuation in the decorative pattern display device 42 with the stop of the LED fluctuation in the first display device 41A.

On the other hand, if the result of step S1410 is negative, i.e., if the value of the first display timer has not reached "0", then in step S1413, a color change display setting is made to continue the color change display (variable display) of the LED of the first display device 41A. Specifically, if the current lighting color is red, then the color is set to change to green, if green, then to blue, and if blue, then to red. This realizes the color change display (variable display) of the LED of the first display device 41A at the timing of the first display device control process, i.e., every 4 ms.

In addition, if the above step S1403 is judged to be positive, i.e., if the first measurement interruption flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1414, where the on/off status of the first display flag is checked to determine whether the first display device 41A is displaying a color change (variable display) or is waiting for a variable display. If the first display flag is not on, i.e., if the first display flag is off, it is assumed that the variable display is not in progress or is not waiting for a variable display, and the process proceeds to step S1415, where it is determined whether the start pending ball count N is greater than 0. At this time, if the start pending ball count N is 0, the process ends as is. On the other hand, if the start pending ball count N>0, the process proceeds to step S1416.

In step S1416, 1 is subtracted from the initial reserved ball count N. In the following step S1417, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the first reserved ball storage area, similar to step S1407 above. After that, in step S1418, a variable display setting process similar to step S1408 above is executed. Then, in the following step S1419, a first setting standby flag setting process is executed. Note that the first setting standby flag is a means for determining whether or not the variable display is on standby, that is, whether or not the variable display setting has been made, in the external output process (control signal output process for the first display device) described later. When the first setting standby flag is set (when in the on state), it is considered that the variable display is on standby, and when the first setting standby flag is released (when in the off state), it is considered that the variable display is not on standby.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1414 that the first display flag is on, it is considered that the variable display is in progress or is waiting for the variable display, and in step S1420, a first display timer stop process is executed to stop the progress of the first display timer, and a continuation setting process is executed in step S1421. In this embodiment, the display timer stop process may constitute a display time measurement means stop process, or a function that executes such a process may constitute a display progress interruption means or an operation mode (operation timing) change means. When these processes are executed, if a color change display (variable display) is being performed, the color change display (variable display) is continued with the first display timer temporarily stopped. On the other hand, when a stop display is being performed (when the variable display is stopped), even if the variable display setting process is performed, the stop display is continued with the first display timer temporarily set. Note that in this embodiment, the variable display and the stop display are configured to be executable even during a jackpot state, but even if a variable display is performed by the various configurations described above, the possibility that the variable display will reach a stop display is extremely low.

Now, if the above step S1401 is judged to be positive, i.e., if the jackpot stop display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1402, where it is judged based on the value of the first display timer whether the variable display on the first display device 41A has one count remaining, i.e., 4 msec remaining. If the above judgement is positive, it is assumed that this is immediately after the first stop state flag is set to on (the value of the first display timer becomes 0 msec in this first display control process), and in step S1422, the first stop timer is set as the stop time measurement means, and the process proceeds to step S1404. The process of step S1422 may constitute the first stop time measurement means setting process in this embodiment.

On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S1402, it is assumed that a jackpot stop display is in progress, and a first stop timer subtraction process is performed in step S1423. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first stop timer is subtracted by 4 msec. The first stop timer subtraction process may constitute the first stop time measurement means progress process in this embodiment.

Then, the process proceeds to step S1424, where the value of the first stop timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether the fixed stop time has elapsed. This process may constitute the first stop time measurement means determination process in this embodiment. At this time, when the specified stop time has elapsed, i.e., when the value of the first stop timer becomes "0", step S1424 is determined to be positive.

If the result of step S1424 is affirmative, the first stop state flag and the first stop timer are released (turned off) in step S1425, and a jackpot setting process is performed in step S1426. The process of releasing the first stop state flag and the first stop timer in step S1425 may constitute the process of releasing the first stop time measurement means in this embodiment.

In the jackpot setting process, a setting process is performed to generate a jackpot state (a jackpot corresponding to the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29). Specifically, the first variable flag and the first variable timer are set. Therefore, this process may constitute the first variable flag setting process and the first variable time measurement means setting process in this embodiment. Then, based on the settings of the first variable flag and the first variable timer, a control signal to open the blades 31a is output to the first variable winning device 31 (solenoid 31b) in the external output process of the next normal process as described above.

On the other hand, if the result of step S1424 is negative, i.e., if the value of the first stop timer has not reached "0", a continuation setting is made in step S1427 to continue displaying the jackpot stop on the first display device 41A.

Similarly, the second display device control process of step S210, the third display device control process of step S211, and the fourth display device control process of step S212 also carry out the same processing as the first display device control process of step S209. Therefore, detailed explanations will be omitted, but in the explanation of the first display device control process above, the "first stop state flag" is changed to the "second stop state flag", "big win stop display" is changed to the "first small win stop display", "first display device 41A" is changed to the "second display device 42B", "first reserved ball storage area" is changed to the "second reserved ball storage area", "first display flag" is changed to the "second display flag", "first display timer" is changed to the "second display timer", "first measurement interruption flag" is changed to the "second measurement interruption flag", and "first setting standby flag" is changed to the "second The second display device control processing can be explained by replacing "setting wait flag", "control signal output processing for first display device" with "control signal output processing for second display device", "first variable winning device control processing" with "second variable winning device control processing", "first variable winning device 31" with "second variable winning device 32", "first specified variable time" with "second specified variable time", "first stop timer" with "second stop timer", "first variable flag" with "second variable flag", and "first variable timer" with "second variable timer". Here, the variable display setting process in step S1408 (step S1418) may constitute the second variable display setting process in this embodiment, the second display flag/timer setting process in step S1500 may constitute the second display time measurement means setting process, the second display timer subtraction process in step S1409 may constitute the second display time measurement means progress process, the process in step S1410 may constitute the second display time measurement means determination process, the second display flag/timer cancellation process in step S1411 may constitute the second display time measurement means cancellation process, and the stop table in step S1412 may constitute the second display timer cancellation process. The display setting process may constitute a second stop display setting process, the process of step S1422 may constitute a second stop time measurement means setting process, the second stop timer subtraction process of step S1423 may constitute a second stop time measurement means progress process, the process of step S1424 may constitute a second stop time measurement means determination process, the second stop state flag and second stop timer release process of step S1425 may constitute a second stop time measurement means release process, and the first small win setting process of step S1426 may constitute a second variable flag setting process and a second variable time measurement means setting process. As described above, in this embodiment, the specified variable time (second specified variable time) of the second display device 41B is preset to 2.5 seconds (2500 ms).

In addition, in the explanation of the first display device control process, the third display device control process can be explained by replacing the "first stop state flag" with the "third stop state flag," "big win stop display in progress" with "second small win stop display in progress," "first display device 41A" with the "third display device 41C," "first reserved ball storage area" with the "third reserved ball storage area," "first display flag" with the "third display flag," "first display timer" with the "third display timer," "first measurement interruption flag" with the "third measurement interruption flag," "first setting standby flag" with the "third setting standby flag," "control signal output process for first display device" with the "control signal output process for third display device," "first variable winning device control process" with the "third variable winning device control process," "first variable winning device 31" with the "third variable winning device 33," "first specified variable time" with the "third specified variable time," "first stop timer" with the "third stop timer," "first variable flag" with the "third variable flag," and "first variable timer" with the "third variable timer." Here, the variable display setting process in step S1408 (step S1418) may constitute the third variable display setting process in this embodiment, the third display flag/timer setting process in step S1500 may constitute the third display time measurement means setting process, the third display timer subtraction process in step S1409 may constitute the third display time measurement means progress process, the process in step S1410 may constitute the third display time measurement means determination process, the third display flag/timer cancellation process in step S1411 may constitute the third display time measurement means cancellation process, and the stop table in step S1412 may constitute the third display time measurement means determination process. The display setting process may constitute a third stop display setting process, the process of step S1422 may constitute a third stop time measurement means setting process, the third stop timer subtraction process of step S1423 may constitute a third stop time measurement means progress process, the process of step S1424 may constitute a third stop time measurement means discrimination process, the third stop state flag and the third stop timer release process of step S1425 may constitute a third stop time measurement means release process, and the second small win setting process of step S1426 may constitute a third variable flag setting process and a third variable time measurement means setting process. As described above, in this embodiment, the specified variable time (third specified variable time) of the third display device 41C is preset to 0.5 seconds (500 ms).

In addition, in the explanation of the first display device control process, the fourth display device control process can be explained by replacing the "first stop state flag" with the "fourth stop state flag," "big win stop display in progress" with "third small win stop display in progress," "first display device 41A" with the "fourth display device 41D," "first reserved ball storage area" with the "fourth reserved ball storage area," "first display flag" with the "fourth display flag," "first display timer" with the "fourth display timer," "first measurement interruption flag" with the "fourth measurement interruption flag," "first setting standby flag" with the "fourth setting standby flag," "control signal output process for first display device" with the "control signal output process for fourth display device," "first variable winning device control process" with the "fourth variable winning device control process," "first variable winning device 31" with the "fourth variable winning device 34," "first specified variable time" with the "fourth specified variable time," "first stop timer" with the "fourth stop timer," "first variable flag" with the "fourth variable flag," and "first variable timer" with the "fourth variable timer." Here, the variable display setting process in step S1408 (step S1418) may constitute the fourth variable display setting process in this embodiment, the fourth display flag/timer setting process in step S1500 may constitute the fourth display time measurement means setting process, the fourth display timer subtraction process in step S1409 may constitute the fourth display time measurement means progress process, the process in step S1410 may constitute the fourth display time measurement means determination process, the fourth display flag/timer cancellation process in step S1411 may constitute the fourth display time measurement means cancellation process, and the stop process in step S1412 may constitute the fourth display time measurement means determination process. The stop display setting process may constitute the fourth stop display setting process, the process of step S1422 may constitute the fourth stop time measurement means setting process, the fourth stop timer subtraction process of step S1423 may constitute the fourth stop time measurement means progress process, the process of step S1424 may constitute the fourth stop time measurement means discrimination process, the fourth stop state flag and the fourth stop timer release process of step S1425 may constitute the fourth stop time measurement means release process, and the third small win setting process of step S1426 may constitute the fourth variable flag setting process and the fourth variable time measurement means setting process. As described above, in this embodiment, the specified variable time (fourth specified variable time) of the fourth display device 41D is preset to 1.02 seconds (1020 ms).

However, in the second display device control process of step S210, the third display device control process of step S211, and the fourth display device control process of step S212, no command setting is performed in the variable display setting process of steps S1408 and S1418 described above, and only the first step S1500, that is, the second display flag/timer setting process, the third display flag/timer setting process, or the fourth display flag/timer setting process, which indicates that the conditions for performing a color change display (variable display) on the second display device 41B, the third display device 41C, or the fourth display device 41D have been met, is performed.

Next, the external output process as the output process of step S201 above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 21.

In steps S2001 to S2008, control signal output processing is sequentially performed for the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, the third variable winning device 33, the fourth variable winning device 34, the first display device 41A, the second display device 41B, the third display device 41C, and the fourth display device 41D. Then, in steps S2009 to S2011, command transmission processing for decorative patterns, command transmission processing for audio lamps, and payout command transmission processing are sequentially performed. In addition, each control signal output process is performed based on various settings set in the first variable winning device control process (step S204), the second variable winning device control process (step S205), the third variable winning device control process (step S206), the fourth variable winning device control process (step S207), the first display device control process (step S209), the second display device control process (step S210), the third display device control process (step S211), and the fourth display device control process (step S212). Here, the control signal output process for the first variable winning device 31 may constitute the first variable control signal output process in this embodiment, the control signal output process for the second variable winning device 32 may constitute the second variable control signal output process, the control signal output process for the third variable winning device 33 may constitute the third variable control signal output process, and the control signal output process for the fourth variable winning device 34 may constitute the fourth variable control signal output process.

In the control signal output process for each variable winning device in steps S2001 to S2004, various control signals are output to the corresponding variable winning device 31 to 34 (solenoid 31b to 34b) based on the on/off status of the variable flag. For example, in the control signal output process for the first variable winning device, when the first variable flag is on, a control signal is output to the first variable winning device 31 (solenoid 31b) to open the blade 31a. This causes the first variable winning device 31 to be in an open state. On the other hand, when the first variable flag is off, a control signal is output to the first variable winning device 31 (solenoid 31b) to close the blade 31a. This causes the first variable winning device 31 to be in a closed state.

Here, the process of outputting a control signal for the first display device in step S2005 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 22. The process of outputting a control signal for the first display device may constitute the process of outputting a first display control signal in this embodiment.

First, in step S2101, it is determined whether the first setting standby flag is set (on), i.e., whether the display is in a state of waiting for a variable display. This process may constitute the first setting standby flag determination process in this embodiment.

If the result here is positive, i.e., if the first setting standby flag is set (ON), the process proceeds to step S2102, and if the result is negative, the process proceeds to step S2104.

In step S2102, it is determined whether the first measurement interruption flag is set (ON). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S2104, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S2103.

In step S2103, the first setting standby flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2104.

In step S2104, the output of a control signal is permitted based on the various settings (variable display settings or stop processing settings) set in the first display device control process.

When a control signal to perform a color change display (variable display) is output to the first display device 41A, the color change display is performed on the first display device 41A based on this, while when a control signal to perform a stationary display is output to the first display device 41A, the stationary display is performed on the first display device 41A based on this.

However, by going through the first display device control process of step S209 and steps S2101 to S2103, if at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in the open state, even if the first display device 41A is triggered to display a variable display and the first display flag and first display timer are set, the first display timer will not advance and will remain stopped as a stopped display, and after all of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 are closed, the first display timer will begin to advance and the variable display will begin.

In addition, in the second display device control signal output process in step S2006, the third display device control signal output process in step S2007, and the fourth display device control signal output process in step S2008, the same process as the first display device control signal output process in step S2005 is performed. Therefore, although detailed explanation is omitted, the second display device control signal output process can be explained by replacing the "first setting standby flag" with the "second setting standby flag," the "first measurement interruption flag" with the "second measurement interruption flag," the "first display device 41A" with the "second display device 41B," and the "first display device control process" with the "second display device control process" in the explanation of the first display device control signal output process. Here, the second display device control signal output process may constitute the second display control signal output process in this embodiment, and the process of step S2101 may constitute the second setting standby flag discrimination process.

Similarly, in the description of the control signal output process for the first display device, the "first setting standby flag" can be replaced with the "third setting standby flag", the "first measurement interruption flag" with the "third measurement interruption flag", the "first display device 41A" with the "third display device 41C", and the "first display device control process" with the "third display device control process" to describe the control signal output process for the third display device. Here, the control signal output process for the third display device may constitute the third display control signal output process in this embodiment, and the process of step S2101 may constitute the third setting standby flag discrimination process. In addition, the control signal output process for the fourth display device can be described by replacing the "first setting standby flag" with the "fourth setting standby flag", the "first measurement interruption flag" with the "fourth measurement interruption flag", the "first display device 41A" with the "fourth display device 41D", and the "first display device control process" with the "fourth display device control process". Here, the control signal output process for the fourth display device may constitute the fourth display control signal output process in this embodiment, and the process of step S2101 may constitute the fourth setting standby flag discrimination process.

In the decorative pattern command transmission process of step S2009, when the decorative pattern display device 42 changes and displays the decorative pattern, a pattern command, a change pattern command, a stop command, etc. are transmitted to the sub-control device 262. When the decorative pattern changes, the commands are sent in the order of a change pattern command → pattern command, one at a time for each normal process (i.e., one at a time every 4 msec), and a stop command is sent at the timing of the change time lapse. In addition, the sub-control device 262 that inputs the pattern command, change pattern command, stop command, etc. determines the display mode of the decorative pattern display device 42 based on the various commands. Then, based on the instruction of the sub-control device 262, the display control device 45 displays the display mode on the decorative pattern display device 42. Specifically, the decorative pattern is changed and displayed for a predetermined time based on the change pattern command, the stop pattern is determined based on the pattern command, and the stop display is performed after the predetermined time has elapsed. The pattern command is a command for making the sub-controller 262 determine the stop pattern, and specifies four predetermined categories: a jackpot pattern, a miss pattern, a non-miss pattern, and a complete miss pattern. These predetermined categories are indicated by the numbers "1", "2", "3", and "4", and one of these numbers is set as the pattern command. In the following, the description will be continued assuming that one of "1" to "4" is set as the pattern command. The jackpot pattern corresponds to a "jackpot", and when the pattern command is set to "1" indicating a jackpot pattern, the sub-controller 262 determines one of these patterns as the stop pattern. The miss pattern corresponds to a "miss-before-before-before reach" in which the final stop pattern stops with a shift of only one before or after the reach pattern after the reach occurs, and when the pattern command is set to "2" indicating a miss-before-before-before pattern, the sub-controller 262 determines the pattern stored in the miss-before-before-before-reach pattern buffer, which will be described later, as the stop pattern. The non-front/back miss pattern corresponds to a "non-front/back miss" where the final stop pattern after a reach occurs stops other than before or after the reach pattern, and when "3" indicating a non-front/back miss pattern is set in the pattern command, the sub-controller 262 determines the pattern stored in the non-front/back miss reach pattern buffer, described later, as the stop pattern. The complete miss pattern corresponds to a "complete miss" where a reach does not occur, and when "4" indicating a complete miss pattern is set in the pattern command, the sub-controller 262 determines the pattern stored in the complete miss pattern buffer, described later, as the stop pattern.

In addition, in the voice lamp command transmission process in step S2010, commands related to the control of voices and lamps in accordance with the changing display of decorative patterns, etc., are transmitted to the sub-control device 262.

In addition, in the payout command sending process of step S2011, it is determined whether or not there is winning detection information, and if there is winning detection information, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of winning game balls is sent to the payout control device 311.

In the above configuration, in this embodiment, in the above normal processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261, the external output processing of step S201, the first variable winning device control processing of step S204, the second variable winning device control processing of step S205, the third variable winning device control processing of step S206, the fourth variable winning device control processing of step S207, the measurement interruption flag setting processing of step S208, the first display device control processing of step S209, the second display device control processing of step S210, the third display device control processing of step S211, and the fourth display device control processing of step S212 are executed in the above order while other processing is executed in between. In addition, in the external output processing, control signals etc. corresponding to the settings of each display device and each variable winning device updated in the previous normal processing are transmitted to each display device and each variable winning device.

For example, when a small win lottery is performed during a big win state and a variable display is performed on the second display device 41B, the variation stops in normal processing TN1 at the timing when the second display timer becomes 0 as shown in FIG. 32. When the first small win state is reached, a second stop timer equivalent to a fixed stop time of 0.1 seconds (100 msec) is set in the second display device control processing of this normal processing TN1, and a win stop display is performed based on this. Then, the second stop timer is subtracted by 4 msec for each normal processing, and the second variable winning device 32 is opened in normal processing TN2 at the timing when the second stop timer becomes 0, generating the first small win state. In other words, in the second display device control processing of the normal processing TN2, a second variable flag indicating that the second variable winning device 32 is opened is turned on, and a second variable timer equivalent to an opening time of 5 seconds (5000 msec) of the second variable winning device 32 is set. Then, the second variable timer is decremented by 4 msec for each normal process, and the second variable flag is turned off in normal process TN3 when the third variable timer reaches 0. The opening and closing operation of the second variable winning device 32 is controlled by outputting a control signal based on the on/off state of the second variable flag. In FIG. 32, the vertical dashed lines are marked at 4 msec intervals, and each process performed within the same normal process is shown between the same vertical dashed lines.

Now, in this embodiment, as can be seen from the above configuration, when at least one of the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, the third variable winning device 33 and the fourth variable winning device 34 is in the open state, even if there is an opportunity for a variable display in any of the first display device 41A, the second display device 41B, the third display device 41C or the fourth display device 41D and a display timer is set, the display timer is not advanced and is left stopped as a stopped display, and after all of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 are closed, the display timer is advanced and the variable display begins.

In addition, if at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in an open state after the variable display has started on either the first display device 41A, the second display device 41B, the third display device 41C or the fourth display device 41D, the display timer is not advanced until all of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 are in a closed state, and after all of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 are in a closed state, the display timer is advanced again and the variable display is performed.

Furthermore, while a winning stop display is being performed on any of the first display device 41A, the second display device 41B, the third display device 41C, or the fourth display device 41D, the display timers of the other display devices 41A to 41D are not advanced, and after the winning stop display period of a specific display device 41A to 41D has elapsed, the display timers of the other display devices 41A to 41D are started to advance again to perform a variable display.

For example, FIG. 32 illustrates a case where the third display timer of the third display device 41C is set at the timing when normal processing TN4 is performed while the second display device 41B is displaying a fluctuation. Here, the value of the third display timer, which is set to the specified fluctuation time of 0.5 seconds (500 ms), is subtracted until the previous periodic processing TN5 of normal processing TN1 at the timing when the second display timer of the second display device 41B becomes 0. In contrast, in normal processing TN1, the third measurement interruption flag is set (on) in the measurement interruption flag setting process, so based on this, the third display timer is not subtracted in the third display device control process. Therefore, the third display timer remains in a stopped state after normal processing TN1, with its value remaining at 496 msec, which is the value subtracted in periodic processing TN5.

Then, after the small win stop display period (TN1-TN2) in the second display device 41B and the opening period (TN2-TN3) of the second variable winning device 32 have elapsed, in the normal processing TN3 at the timing when the second variable timer of the second variable winning device 32 becomes 0, the third measurement interruption flag is released (turned off) in the measurement interruption flag setting processing. Based on this, in the third display device control processing of the normal processing TN3, the subtraction processing of the third display timer is resumed, and the value becomes 492 msec. In other words, since the subtraction of the third display timer is resumed from the normal processing TN3 at the timing when the second variable timer becomes 0, the actual variable time in the third display device 41C becomes 500 msec, the same as the set value of 500 msec.

Then, the variable display stops in normal processing TN7 when the third display timer reaches 0. If the second small win state is reached, the third stop timer is set to display the small win stop for 0.1 seconds, and then the third variable winning device 33 is opened in periodic processing TN8 when the third stop timer reaches 0, generating the second small win state.

Next, we will explain the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the payout control device 311, which is started when the power is turned on and reset.

First, in step S3001, 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. In addition, in step S3002, the process waits until a payout permission command sent from the main control unit 261 is received. Then, at the point where the payout permission command is received, the process proceeds to step S3003 to permit RAM access, and in step S3004, an external interrupt vector is set.

Then, data backup processing is performed on the RAM 513 in the CPU 511. That is, in step S3005, it is determined whether the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power supply device 313 has been pressed (ON), and in the following step S3006, it is determined whether power outage information has been set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Also, in step S3007, a RAM judgment value is calculated, and in the following step S3008, it is determined whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of the power outage, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 513. It is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether the keyword written in a specified area of the RAM 513 has been saved correctly.

If the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S3015, etc.). Also, if power outage information has not been set or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the process proceeds to RAM 513 initialization processing (step S3015, etc.). That is, in step S3015, the entire area of RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in the following step S3016, the initialization processing of RAM 513 is executed. Also, in step S3017, the CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and in step S3018, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the payout control processing described below.

On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, processing at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of recovery from power failure) is executed on the condition that the power failure occurrence information has been set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step S3009, the stack pointer before the power failure is restored, and in step S3010, the power failure occurrence information is cleared. In addition, in step S3011, the CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and in step S3012, the registers in use are restored from the backup area 513a of RAM 513. Furthermore, in steps S3013 and S3014, the interrupt permission/prohibition is restored to the state before the power failure, and then the address before the power failure is returned to.

Next, the flow of the payout control process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 24.

In FIG. 24, in step S3101, a command is obtained from the main control device 261, and the total number of prize balls is stored. In step S3102, permission to launch is set for the launch control device 312. In addition, in step S3103, 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.

After that, in step S3104, 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 S3105, the tank ball no state or the tank ball no-removal 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 missing, the tank ball no-removal state is set.

Then, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not a condition that requires notification exists, and if a condition that requires notification exists, the notification is provided by a 7-segment LED provided on the dispensing control device 311.

In steps S3107 to S3109, the prize ball payout process is executed. In this case, if the prize balls are not in a payout-disabled state and the total number of prize balls stored in step S3101 is not 0 (steps S3107 and S3108 are both NO), the process proceeds to step S3109 and the prize ball control process (FIG. 25 described below) is started. Also, if the prize balls are in a payout-disabled state or the total number of prize balls is 0 (either step S3107 or S3108 is YES), the process proceeds to the loan ball payout process.

After that, in steps S3110 to S3112, the loaned ball payout process is executed. In this case, if the loaned ball is not in a state where it cannot be paid out and a loaned ball payout request has been received from the card unit (steps S3110: NO, S3111: YES), the process proceeds to step S3112 and the loaned ball control process (FIG. 26 described below) is started. Also, if the loaned ball is not in a state where it cannot be paid out or a loaned ball payout request has not been received (steps S3110: YES or S3111: NO), the subsequent ball removal process is executed.

In step S3113, 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 is driven to execute the ball removal process. In the following step S3114, control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on the condition that the ball is jammed. After that, the process returns to the beginning of this payout control process.

Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 25, in step S3201, the payout motor 358a is driven to pay out prize balls. In the following step S3202, it is determined whether the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S3203, where the payout motor 358a is driven to perform a retry process and a stop process for the payout motor 358a is performed, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 24.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S3204, and whether the game balls are being counted normally is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game balls are not being counted normally, the process proceeds to step S3205, and the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and execute a stop process for the payout motor 358a, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 24.

Furthermore, if the game ball count is normal, proceed to step S3206, and determine whether the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch has reached the total number of winning balls and payout has been completed. If payout has been completed, execute the stop process of the payout motor 358a in step S3207, and then return to the payout control process in FIG. 24.

In addition, in the ball loan control process shown in FIG. 26, in step S3301, the payout motor 358a is driven to dispense the loaned balls. In the following step S3302, it is determined whether the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S3303, where the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and a stop process for the payout motor 358a is executed, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 24.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S3304, and whether the game balls are being counted normally is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game balls are not being counted normally, the process proceeds to step S3305, and the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and execute a stop process for the payout motor 358a, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 24.

Furthermore, if the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S3306, where it is determined whether the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch has reached a predetermined number of loaned balls (25 balls) and payout has been completed. If payout has been completed, the process executes a stop process for the payout motor 358a in step S3307, and then returns to the payout control process in FIG. 24.

Next, the processing of the sub-controller 262 will be described. The sub-controller 262, which has received the variable pattern command, the design command, etc., determines the display mode of the decorative design display device 42 (display area 42A) based on the various commands. Then, the display controller 45 is controlled to display the display mode in the decorative design display device 42 (display area 42A). Specifically, in the display area 42A, the decorative design is displayed for a predetermined time based on the variable pattern command, and the stopped design is determined and displayed based on the design command. After the first display device 41A stops, a stop command is sent to the sub-controller 262 as described above, but this stop command is intended to completely synchronize the main first display device 41A and the auxiliary decorative design display device 42 (display area 42A), and the stop command may not be sent.

In this embodiment, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, a decorative symbol counter C5 at the time of a big win and left, middle, and right losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR used to set the losing symbols in the left, middle, and right columns are used. The losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured such that the register values are added using the R register (refresh register) in the CPU 521, resulting in randomly changing values.

The jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 determines the pattern (jackpot pattern) when the decorative pattern display device 42 (display area 42A) stops changing during a jackpot. In this embodiment, 10 patterns are set as decorative patterns for the display area 42A. Therefore, 10 counter values (0 to 9) are prepared for the jackpot decorative pattern counter C5. That is, the jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of 0 to 9, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 9). Then, when the pattern command sent from the main control device 261 is "1" indicating a jackpot pattern, the jackpot pattern is determined based on a table (not shown) (a table that associates counter values with decorative patterns), for example, if the value stored in the jackpot decorative pattern counter buffer is 0, then 1; if it is 1, then 2; if it is 2, then 3; if it is 3, then 4. Furthermore, if the pattern command sent from the main control device 261 is "2", which indicates a front or rear miss pattern, the pattern corresponding to the front or rear miss reach stored in the front or rear miss reach pattern buffer of the RAM 553 is determined as the stopping pattern. Furthermore, if the pattern command is "3", which indicates a pattern other than front or rear miss, the pattern corresponding to the reach other than front or rear miss stored in the non-front or rear miss reach pattern buffer of the RAM 553 is determined as the stopping pattern. Furthermore, if the pattern command is "4", which indicates a complete miss pattern, the pattern corresponding to the complete miss stored in the complete miss pattern buffer of the RAM 553 is determined as the stopping pattern.

This jackpot decorative pattern counter C5 is updated periodically and stored in the jackpot decorative pattern counter buffer in RAM 553. The counter is then read from the counter buffer when the sub-control device 262 receives a pattern command corresponding to the display area 42A. Alternatively, the counter value may not be stored in the buffer, but may be referenced when a pattern command is received.

The left, center, and right losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR determine the stopping symbols (combinations of losing symbols) for the left row decorative symbols, center row decorative symbols, and right row decorative symbols corresponding to the display area 42A when the jackpot lottery results in a losing combination. Since one of ten decorative symbols is displayed in each column, ten counter values (0 to 9) are prepared for each. The losing symbol counter CL determines the stopping symbol for the left row, the losing symbol counter CM determines the stopping symbol for the center row, and the losing symbol counter CR determines the stopping symbol for the right row.

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, we will explain in detail how the losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated. This process is executed by the sub-controller 262 at predetermined intervals, for example, every 4 msec.

As shown in FIG. 28, in step S4001, it is determined whether it is time to update the losing symbol counter CL of the left pattern row, and in step S4002, it is determined whether it is time to update the losing symbol counter CM of the middle pattern row. The losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the left pattern row, middle pattern row, and right pattern row are configured to be updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the losing symbol counter CR of the right pattern row has been updated in the previous update process, a positive judgment is made in step S4001. Also, if the losing symbol counter CL of the left pattern row has been updated in the previous update process, a positive judgment is made in step S4002. Then, if it is time to update the left pattern row (step S4001 is YES), proceed to step S4003 and update the losing symbol counter CL of the left pattern row. If it is time to update the middle pattern row (step S4002 is YES), proceed to step S4004 and update the losing pattern counter CM for the middle pattern row. If it is time to update the right pattern row (steps S4001 and S4002 are both NO), proceed to step S4005 and update the losing pattern counter CR for the right pattern row. When updating the losing pattern 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 the addition exceeds the upper limit, 10 is subtracted, and the result of the calculation is set as the current value of the losing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR.

According to the above CL, CM, and CR update process, the losing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR for the left, middle, and right symbol rows are updated one by one in one update process, and the update times of the counter values 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, 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 patterns) (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 losing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR is a losing pattern combination. If the combination is a losing pattern (complete losing pattern) (S4010 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4011, where the combination of the losing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the complete losing pattern buffer of RAM 553. Note that if steps S4006 and S4010 are both NO, the patterns are aligned on the left, center, and right, which corresponds to a combination of big win patterns, but in this case, the process ends without storing the losing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR in the buffer.

Based on the pattern command sent from the main control unit 261 as described above, the sub-control unit 262 determines the stopping pattern to be displayed on the decorative pattern display unit 42.

Next, we will explain the flow of play in the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above. Normally, the player plays the game in a firing mode in which the game ball is fired toward the left side area LE of the play area (hereinafter, this mode will be referred to as "left shot").

When a player "hits left," many of the game balls flowing down the left side area LE are guided by the nails or the like toward the first trigger corresponding opening 28 located in the lower area BE below the variable display unit 23. Alternatively, they are guided from above the stage 153 toward the first trigger corresponding opening 28 via the warp flow path 152 of the center frame 23a. Some of these game balls will enter the first trigger corresponding opening 28 and pass through.

When a game ball enters the first trigger corresponding opening 28, a lottery for a big win (first win) is held, and a variable display is performed for a specified variable time of 12.5 seconds (12,500 ms) on the first display device 41A (and the decorative pattern display device 42). The result of the big win lottery is then displayed statically on the first display device 41A etc. for 0.5 seconds (500 ms).

If the jackpot lottery is won here (if the red stop display appears on the first display device 41A), the jackpot state will occur.

When a jackpot occurs, the vanes 31a of the first variable winning device 31 open, allowing the game ball to win into the first variable winning device 31, and a predetermined jackpot presentation starts on the decorative pattern display device 42.

However, in this embodiment, the first variable winning device 31 is located in the right side area RE (a position that cannot be reached by game balls that have flowed down the left side area LE), so if the player continues to "hit left", the game ball cannot win the first variable winning device 31.

Therefore, when the jackpot performance starts, the decorative pattern display device 42 displays "Right hit →" to encourage the player to play in a firing mode in which the game ball is fired toward the right side area RE of the game area (hereinafter, such a mode is referred to as "right hit"). In response to this, the player plays the jackpot game by switching the firing mode from "left hit" to "right hit" so that the game ball passes through the upper area TE of the game area and heads toward the right side area RE.

Here, if the player plays with a "right hit", the game ball flows into the upstream vertical passage section 161 of the passage unit 35 and passes through the third trigger corresponding port 30. When the game ball passes through the third trigger corresponding port 30, a third small win (fourth win) lottery is executed, and the fluctuation display of the specified fluctuation time of 1.02 seconds (1020 ms) is performed on the fourth display device 41D.

However, when the big win state starts, the vanes 31a of the first variable winning device 31 are in the open state, so the variable display of the fourth display device 41D does not proceed, and the stop display showing the result of the third small win lottery is not performed. In other words, at this stage, regardless of the result of the third small win lottery, the third small win state will not occur, and the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable winning device 34 will not be in the open state.

Therefore, the game ball that passes through the third trigger port 30 and flows down the upstream vertical passage 161 will flow down along the inclined passage 162 without winning the prize winning port 165a. Specifically, the game ball that is placed on the upper surface of the opening and closing shutter 34a will flow down by rolling to the right while snaking back and forth due to the multiple protrusions 157a, 164a.

The game ball that falls from the right end of the inclined passage section 162 (opening/closing shutter 34a) into the downstream vertical passage section 163 passes through the second trigger corresponding opening 29 provided directly below the downstream vertical passage section 163 and is guided to the right side area RE.

When the game ball passes through the second trigger corresponding opening 29, a lottery for a big win (first win) is held in the same way as when the game ball passes through the first trigger corresponding opening 28, and the first display device 41A etc. displays a fluctuation of the specified fluctuation time of 12.5 seconds (12,500 ms).

However, because the first variable winning device 31 is in the open state, the variable display of the first display device 41A etc. does not proceed, and no stop display showing the result of the jackpot lottery is performed. In other words, at this stage, no new jackpot state will occur, regardless of the result of the jackpot lottery.

Meanwhile, the game ball that passes through the second trigger corresponding opening 29 flows down the right side area RE, is guided by the nails, etc., and enters the first variable winning device 31, which is now in the open state. After that, game balls that similarly pass through the second trigger corresponding opening 29 flow down the right side area RE and enter the first variable winning device 31, which is now in the open state.

Then, when the specified number (four) of game balls enter the first variable winning device 31 and the blades 31a are closed, the series of opening and closing operations of the second variable winning device 32 and the third variable winning device 33 as described above are repeated.

Once a jackpot state occurs, during that time, either the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, or the third variable winning device 33 will be in an open state, or the second display device 41B or the third display device 41C will be displaying a still image. For this reason, the variable image does not progress very quickly in the fourth display device 41D, and the number of times the still image is displayed will be extremely small. As a result, during a jackpot state, the number of times that the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable winning device 34 is in an open state will be extremely small (for example, about once or twice), and when the player "hits to the right," most of the game balls will flow down the right side area RE via the passage unit 35.

On the other hand, when the player hits the ball to the right during normal play (when the variable winning devices 31 to 33 are not in the open state), most of the game balls cannot pass through the passage unit 35 and cannot reach the right side area RE.

Specifically, during normal play, when a game ball flows into the upstream vertical passage section 161 of the passage unit 35 and passes through the third trigger corresponding port 30, a third small prize lottery is executed and a fluctuation display of the specified fluctuation time of 1.02 seconds (1020 ms) is performed on the fourth display device 41D. The result of the third small prize lottery is then displayed statically on the fourth display device 41D for 0.1 seconds (100 ms).

If the third small prize lottery is won here (if the fourth display device 41D displays a red stop), the third small prize state occurs and the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable prize-winning device 34 opens.

However, as described above, in this embodiment, the probability of winning the third small prize is set to about 996 out of 1000, so in most cases, the third small prize state occurs and the opening/closing shutter 34a is open. In other words, in most cases, the game ball that passes through the third trigger corresponding port 30 will enter the winning port 165a that is opened when the opening/closing shutter 34a slides backward. The game ball that enters the winning port 165a is then discharged to the back side of the game board 27 via the winning passage 166, and is detected by the winning switch 34c as it passes through the winning passage 166.

In this embodiment, the specified opening time of the fourth variable winning device 34 is set to 5 seconds, and the specified number of winnings is set to 1. Therefore, in most cases, the opening/closing shutter 34a will be open until the specified game ball that passed through the third trigger corresponding port 30 enters the winning port 165a (until it is detected by the winning switch 34c), and when the specified game ball enters the winning port 165a (when it is detected by the winning switch 34c), the opening/closing shutter 34a will return to the closed state.

As described above in detail, in this embodiment, in the normal processing executed as a periodic processing with a cycle of 4 msec by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261, the first variable winning device control processing, the second variable winning device control processing, the third variable winning device control processing, and the fourth variable winning device control processing are executed, and then the first display device control processing, the second display device control processing, the third display device control processing, and the fourth display device control processing are executed. Furthermore, in the stage prior to executing each display device control processing, it is determined whether at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in an open state, and whether a winning stop display is being performed on any of the display devices 41A to 41D, and if at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in an open state, the progress of the display timer is temporarily stopped in each of all display device control processing, or, if a winning stop display is being performed on any of the display devices 41A to 41D, in each of the display device control processing for the other display devices except the display device that is displaying the winning stop display. This makes it possible to prevent a winning stop display from being displayed on a specific one of the display devices 41A-41D while at least one of the variable winning devices 31-34 is in the open state, or to prevent a winning stop display from being displayed on another display device while a winning stop display is being displayed on a specific one of the display devices 41A-41D. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk that the player's attention will be distracted and he or she will not be able to concentrate on the game.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a passage unit 35 is disposed at a diagonally upper right position of the variable display unit 23, and only game balls that pass through the passage unit 35 via the upper region TE of the game area can reach the right side region RE where the variable winning devices 31-33 and the second trigger corresponding port 29 are located.

In the normal state where the variable winning devices 31-33 in the right side area RE are not open, if a player plays by "hitting to the right", most of the game balls that pass through the third trigger corresponding port 30 (third trigger corresponding port switch 30a) will enter the fourth variable winning device 34, which is opened based on the results of the lottery that accompanies this passage. In other words, most game balls will not actually flow down into the right side area RE.

As a result, under normal circumstances, if a player plays with a "right hit" to aim at the second trigger corresponding port 29, which is the trigger for the big win lottery (the trigger for opening the first variable winning device 31), it would be disadvantageous for the player, so the player will not play with a "right hit".

On the other hand, when a jackpot occurs in which the variable winning devices 31-33 in the right side area RE are in an open state and the player is playing with a "right hit", there is a high probability that a specific condition (in this embodiment, an interruption condition that temporarily stops the progress of the fourth display timer related to the fourth display device 41D, such as when at least one of the variable winning devices 31-33 is in an open state) is met, so the above configuration that can interrupt the progress of the variable display of the display devices 41A-41D reduces the probability that the fourth variable winning device 34 is in an open state. Therefore, many of the game balls that pass through the third trigger corresponding port 30 can flow down to the right side area RE without entering the fourth variable winning device 34.

In addition, even while the player is playing a jackpot game in which the game ball is shot toward the right side area RE and enters the variable winning devices 31-33, the game ball always passes through the second trigger corresponding port 29, so the jackpot lottery is held frequently, allowing the player to have more opportunities to win the jackpot state.

Furthermore, if the occurrence of a jackpot state is confirmed based on the results of this jackpot lottery, the next jackpot state will occur within a short period of time after the current jackpot state ends, and a state advantageous to the player may continue for a long period of time.

As a result, the risk of peg adjustments being made in game establishments that would reduce the proportion of game balls passing through the second trigger corresponding opening 29 in the right side area RE is reduced, making it less likely that players will find themselves in an extremely disadvantageous situation, and improving the interest of players.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shortest passing time required for the game ball to pass through the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable winning device 34 in the closed state after passing through the third trigger corresponding port 30 is set to be longer than the total time (1.62 seconds (1620 ms) in this embodiment) obtained by adding the specified variable time (1.02 seconds (1020 ms) in this embodiment) and the fixed stop time (0.1 seconds (100 ms) in this embodiment) in the fourth display device 41D, and the fixed stop time (0.5 seconds (500 ms) in this embodiment) in the first display device 41A.

As a result, even if, under normal conditions, the game ball passes through the third trigger corresponding port 30 at the same time that the stop display is started on the first display device 41A, the game ball that has passed through the third trigger corresponding port 30 passes through the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable winning device 34 before the opening/closing shutter 34a is opened, and is able to flow down to the second trigger corresponding port 29. This can prevent the occurrence of a malfunction, thereby enhancing the above-mentioned effect.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the opening/closing shutter 34a of the fourth variable winning device 34 in the passage unit 35 is in the closed position, the game ball that reaches the fourth variable winning device 34 is prevented from entering the winning opening 165a by the opening/closing shutter 34a, and continues to roll on the top surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a. On the other hand, when the opening/closing shutter 34a is in the open position, the game ball that was rolling on the opening/closing shutter 34a enters the winning opening 165a.

In order to ensure the above-mentioned shortest passing time, it is conceivable to ensure that the length (left-right width) of the opening/closing shutter 34a, which is the path through which the game ball passes, is at least a certain length; however, in a limited space such as the playing area of a pachinko machine 10, it is often difficult to ensure such a long path.

In contrast, according to this embodiment, a delay means (multiple protrusions 157a, 164a) is provided in the inclined passage section 162 of the passage unit 35 to make the game ball rolling on the upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a snake and delay the flow of the game ball.

As a result, even if the section (left-right width) corresponding to the opening/closing shutter 34a is relatively short, the delay means can be provided to make it relatively long until the game ball reaches the downstream vertical passage section 163. As a result, the path through which the game ball passes (the inclined passage section 162, etc.) can be made compact, which in turn allows for effective use of the limited space in the game area.

It is also possible to ensure the above-mentioned shortest passing time by shortening the specified fluctuation time of the fourth display device 41D without providing a delay means, but if the specified fluctuation time of the fourth display device 41D is set too short, even during a jackpot state, game balls that pass through the third trigger corresponding port 30 may frequently enter the fourth variable winning device 34, making it difficult to get more game balls to enter the variable winning devices 31 to 33 in a short period of time. In other words, it may take a long time to end one jackpot state.

In contrast, according to the present embodiment, by providing the above-mentioned delay means, it is not necessary to set the specified variation time of the fourth display device 41D too short, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems can be suppressed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to the above-described embodiments, or may be applied to the above-described embodiments in any combination of all or part. It is also possible to combine all or part of the various configurations shown in the above-described embodiments in any combination.

(a) The pachinko machine 10 according to the above embodiment is a gaming machine (a so-called former general electric game machine) that generates a jackpot state in which the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, and the third variable winning device 33 are linked together when a jackpot is won in a win/lose lottery based on whether a ball enters the first trigger corresponding port 28 or the second trigger corresponding port 29.

It is not limited to this, and may be implemented as other types of pachinko machines in which a predetermined gaming value is awarded. Here, the gaming value includes not only various gaming media such as prize balls paid out to players and various profit information stored in storage media such as magnetic cards, but also various special gaming states such as a big win state and a small win state or the lottery triggers for them, various special prize states (rounds) awarded during a big win or the lottery triggers for them, and various gaming modes such as a high probability mode awarded after the end of a big win or the lottery triggers for them.

In addition to pachinko machines, it can 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 gaming machine (so-called old type 1 pachinko machine) in which, when a jackpot is won in a lottery based on a ball entering a specified ball entry means (for example, a starting winning hole), a jackpot state occurs in which a specified variable ball entry means opens and closes.

(a-2) It may also be implemented as a gaming machine (so-called old type 2 pachinko machine) that is equipped with a variable ball entry means that opens when a small jackpot is won in a winning/losing lottery based on a ball entering a specific ball entry means (e.g., a starting winning hole), and in which a gaming ball that enters the variable ball entry means enters a special ball entry means (e.g., a V winning hole) to generate a big jackpot.

(a-3) It may also be implemented as a so-called type 1/type 2 hybrid machine that combines the functions of the gaming machine of the above type (a-1) (the so-called old type 1 pachinko machine) and the functions of the gaming machine of the above type (a-2) (the so-called old type 2 pachinko machine).

(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, i.e., a so-called sealed-in type pachinko machine.

(b) The type and content of the special game state (win), such as a big win or a small win, are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(b-1) For example, after a predetermined jackpot has ended, while the first display device 41A displays a predetermined number of variations, or until the next jackpot occurs, a game mode that is more advantageous to the player than the normal mode, such as a high probability mode or a time-saving mode, may be provided.

The high probability mode is a game mode in which the probability of winning a jackpot lottery or the like is higher than in normal times (normal mode). The time-saving (time-change) mode is a game mode in which the variable display time on the first display device 41A or the like is shortened (changed).

(b-2) A "high passing support mode" may be provided in which the game ball passes through the passage unit 35 more easily than in normal times (normal mode). Examples of the high passing support mode include (1) a state in which the variable display time of the fourth display device 41D is longer than in normal times (normal mode), (2) a state in which the opening time of the fourth variable winning device 34 is shorter than in normal times (normal mode), and (3) a state in which the winning probability of the opening lottery is lower than in normal times (normal mode). Here, the high passing support mode may be any one of the above configurations (1) to (3), or any combination of these configurations (1) to (3).

(b-3) For example, a lottery for the type of jackpot (such as the number of rounds or the game mode after the jackpot) may be held in conjunction with the lottery for determining whether or not a jackpot has been won, and if a jackpot of a specific type is won, a specific game mode may be granted after the jackpot has ended.

(b-4) After the big win, if a specific game mode, such as the high probability mode or high passing support mode, is assigned (such as when a specific game mode flag is set), a specific condition may be met. In other words, if a specific game mode is assigned and the player hits the right, many game balls may pass through the passage unit 35 and easily reach the right side area RE.

(c) The configuration of the various ball entry means, including the first trigger corresponding port 28 and the second trigger corresponding port 29 that trigger the big win lottery, is not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(c-1) For example, in the above embodiment, when a game ball enters the first trigger corresponding opening 28 and when a game ball enters the second trigger corresponding opening 29, a common winning/losing lottery (jackpot lottery) is held, and a variable display is performed on the common first display device 41A. If a jackpot state occurs as a result of the winning/losing lottery, the common first variable winning device 31 is configured to be in an open state.

In addition to this, a first special display device that performs a variable display to inform the result of a win/lose lottery that is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first trigger corresponding opening 28, and a second special display device that performs a variable display to inform the result of a win/lose lottery that is performed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second trigger corresponding opening 29 may be provided separately.

(c-2) Furthermore, when the configuration according to (c-1) above is adopted, each variable display may be reserved and stored in a separate reservation means, and the corresponding variable displays may be consumed in the order in which they are stored in both, or in such a way that one has priority over the other.

For example, if there are variable indications waiting in both the first holding means (first holding memory area) associated with the first trigger-responsive port 28 and the second holding means (second holding memory area) associated with the second trigger-responsive port 29, the variable indication waiting in the second holding means associated with the second trigger-responsive port 29 may be configured to be executed with priority.

With this configuration, when certain conditions are met that make it easier for game balls to pass through the passage unit 35, it becomes easier for more game balls to enter the second trigger corresponding opening 29, and the variable display related to the ball entry can be consumed with priority, so that more jackpot lotteries can be executed in a shorter period of time, making it easier to win more jackpot states in a shorter period of time.

(c-3) In addition, under the configurations according to (c-1) and (c-2) above, for example, a configuration may be made in which multiple types of jackpot states with different game values (for example, game modes, number of support plays, number of rounds, etc.) that can be awarded to a player can occur, and the allocation ratio of the game value that can be awarded when a jackpot lottery is won may be different when a game ball enters the first trigger corresponding opening 28 and when a game ball enters the second trigger corresponding opening 29.

For example, the configuration may be such that a jackpot state that can occur based on a win/lose lottery caused by a gaming ball entering the second trigger corresponding port 29 is more likely to provide a player with a more advantageous gaming value than a jackpot state that can occur based on a win/lose lottery caused by a gaming ball entering the first trigger corresponding port 28.

Also, the configuration may be such that a specific type of big win or small win can occur only when the game ball enters the second trigger corresponding port 29.

Therefore, when certain conditions are met that make it easier for game balls to pass through the passage unit 35, more game balls are likely to enter the second trigger corresponding opening 29, allowing the player to obtain more jackpot states that can award more advantageous game value.

(c-4) For example, in the above embodiment, the first trigger corresponding opening 28 and the second trigger corresponding opening 29, which are the triggers for the big win lottery, are configured as ball entry means through which game balls can pass (ball entry means configured to return to the game area after a game ball that has entered the opening is detected by a predetermined ball detection means).

Without being limited to this, for example, the first trigger-responsive opening 28 may be a ball entry means configured to eject a game ball that has entered the opening outside the game area (without returning to the game area) after being detected by a specified ball detection means.

(d) The configuration of the game board 27 (game area), such as the arrangement of the various ball entry means, is not limited to the above embodiment, and other different configurations may be adopted.

(d-1) For example, in the above embodiment, the first variable winning device 31, the second variable winning device 32, and the third variable winning device 33 are arranged vertically in three tiers in the right side region RE of the play area.

In addition to this, the configuration may include one, two, or four or more variable winning devices that are controlled to open and close when a jackpot occurs in the right side region RE (or lower region BE) of the play area.

For example, the right side area RE may be configured to have only one variable ball entry means (e.g., the first variable winning device 31) for the jackpot game. In this configuration, when a jackpot state occurs, for example, after the blades 31a of the first variable winning device 31 are switched from a closed state to an open state, one opening and closing operation until the closed state is reached after a specified time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed or a specified number of game balls (e.g., 8 balls) have entered the first variable winning device 31 is regarded as one special prize state, and this may be repeated a specified number of times (specified rounds).

(d-2) In the above embodiment, the passage unit 35, which acts as a passage structure that restricts the flow of game balls from the upper area TE to the right side area RE of the game area, is arranged diagonally above the right of the variable display unit 23. This is not limiting, and a ball passage that can guide game balls from the upper area TE to the right side area RE may be provided, for example, in the center frame 23a, etc.

(d-3) In the above embodiment, the game is played by "hitting from the left" during normal play, and by "hitting from the right" when a jackpot state occurs. This is not limited to the above, and the game may be played by "hitting from the right" during normal play, and by "hitting from the left" when a jackpot state occurs. Here, the game may be configured with a passage unit (passage structure) that restricts the passage of game balls from the left side area LE to the lower area BE of the game area.

(d-4) In the above embodiment, two ball entry means, a first trigger corresponding port 28 and a second trigger corresponding port 29, are provided as trigger ball entry means (starting ball entry means) that trigger the big win lottery.

Not limited to this, the number of trigger ball scoring means (start ball scoring means) may be, for example, one, or three or more. Also, two trigger ball scoring means (start ball scoring means) may be arranged side by side, one above the other.

(d-5) For example, the second trigger corresponding port 29 in the right side region RE may be omitted, and only the first trigger corresponding port 28 may be provided in the lower region BE. However, in such a configuration, it is preferable that the game ball that flows down to the right side region RE is able to flow down to the first trigger corresponding port 28 when a specific condition that makes it easier for the game ball to pass through the passage unit 35 is met. In such a case, the first trigger corresponding port 28 may constitute the passing region (predetermined passing region, first passing region) or the predetermined ball entry means in this embodiment, and the first trigger corresponding port switch 28a may constitute the first detection means (predetermined first detection means, first first detection means) or the second ball detection means.

(d-6) Furthermore, the first trigger corresponding opening 28 may be provided with a ball entry assisting device such as an electric tulip, and a through gate or the like that triggers the opening of the ball entry assisting device may be provided in the right side area RE (a position that cannot be reached by game balls flowing down the left side area LE). In this way, if the player continues to "hit left", the ball entry assisting device will not be opened, and the ease with which game balls can enter the first trigger corresponding opening 28 will not change, but if the player "hits right" when certain conditions are met that make it easier for game balls to pass through the passage unit 35, the ball entry assisting device will be able to be opened, making it easier for game balls to enter the first trigger corresponding opening 28.

The electric tulip may be configured to have a pair of left and right movable blades as opening/closing members that rotate left and right around the lower end as an axis, and a solenoid that drives the movable blades to open and close, and to be able to change between a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the first trigger corresponding opening 28, and an open state in which the game ball can or has difficulty entering the first trigger corresponding opening 28, and an opening lottery is held to determine whether or not the movable blades should be opened when the game ball passes through the through gate, and a variable display is displayed on a specified normal pattern display device, and if the opening lottery is won, the movable blades are opened and remain in the open state for a specified time.

In addition, in configurations equipped with a ball entry assistance device, a high ball entry support mode (high ball entry state) may be provided as a game mode after the end of a jackpot.

"High ball entry support mode (high ball entry state)" refers to a state in which the ratio of open to closed times per unit time of the electric tulip (ball entry assistance device) is higher than in the "low ball entry support mode (low ball entry state)" that is normally set.

For example, the "high ball entry support mode" may be (1) a state in which the variable display time in the normal symbol display device is shorter than in the "low ball entry support mode", (2) a state in which the opening time (prescribed time) of the movable blades of the electric tulip (ball entry support device) is longer than in the "low ball entry support mode", (3) a state in which the prescribed number of game balls that can win per opening of the movable blades is greater than in the "low ball entry support mode", (4) a state in which the number of times the movable blades are opened and closed each time a winning result is obtained in the electric tulip opening lottery due to a game ball passing through the through gate is greater than in the "low ball entry support mode", and (5) a state in which the winning probability in the electric tulip opening lottery is higher than in the "low ball entry support mode". The "high ball entry support mode" may be any one of the configurations (1) to (5), or any combination of these configurations (1) to (5). This makes it easier for game balls to enter the first trigger corresponding port 28 more frequently, increasing the number of times the jackpot lottery is executed and resulting in a good ball holding state.

In addition, when the "high ball entry support mode" is applied, the variable display time in the first display device 41A, etc. may be changed by changing the variable pattern table that is taken into consideration when determining the variable display time from a table for the "low ball entry support mode" to a table for the "high ball entry support mode."

(d-7) In addition, in the lower area BE, the first trigger corresponding opening 28 and the second trigger corresponding opening 29, which are provided as winning openings, may be arranged side by side above and below. However, in such a configuration, it is preferable that the game balls that flow down the right side area RE are arranged so that they can reach both trigger corresponding openings 28, 29.

Furthermore, as described above, the second trigger corresponding opening 29 located on the lower side may be provided with a ball entry assistance device such as an electric tulip, and a through gate or the like that triggers the opening of the ball entry assistance device may be provided in the right side area RE (a position that cannot be reached by game balls flowing down the left side area LE). As a result, as described above, if the player continues to "hit left", the ball entry assistance device will not be opened, and for example, game balls will not be able to enter the second trigger corresponding opening 29, whereas if the player "hits right", the ball entry assistance device can be opened, and game balls will be able to enter the second trigger corresponding opening 29.

(d-8) The second trigger-responsive opening 29 in the above embodiment is configured so that game balls that pass through the passage unit 35 and are led out of the downstream vertical passage section 163 always pass through it one by one.

In addition to this, the second trigger corresponding opening 29 may be positioned downwardly away from the passage unit 35, so that game balls led out from the downstream vertical passage section 163 may pass through the second trigger corresponding opening 29 at a predetermined rate (or may not pass through). For example, it may be configured to be located below the first variable winning device 31. In such a configuration, the second trigger corresponding opening 29 may be a ball entry means such as a winning opening configured so that a game ball that enters the second trigger corresponding opening 29 is detected by a predetermined ball detection means and then discharged outside the game area (does not return to the game area).

However, considering the possibility that nail adjustments may be made that make it difficult for game balls to enter the second trigger corresponding opening 29, it is preferable to configure the game balls discharged from the downstream vertical passage section 163 to always pass through the second trigger corresponding opening 29 one by one.

Also, as described above, if the second trigger corresponding opening 29 is used as a ball entry means such as a winning opening, the configuration may be such that game balls that do not enter the second trigger corresponding opening 29 can flow down to the first trigger corresponding opening 28.

(e) The number and configuration of the various display means and various variable winning means are not limited to the display devices 41A-41D and variable winning devices 31-34 of the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(e-1) For example, in the above embodiment, when at least one of the four variable winning devices 31-34 is in an open state, even if a variable display is triggered by any of the display devices 41A-41D and the display flag (display timer) is turned on, the display timer is not advanced and the display is stopped as stopped, and after all of the variable winning devices 31-34 are in a closed state, the display timer is advanced and the variable display is started.

In addition to this, for example, when at least one of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 is in an open state, if there is an opportunity to display a variable on any of the display devices 41A to 41D and the display flag (display timer) is turned on, the variable display may be started but the display timer may not advance, and the display timer may start to advance after all of the variable winning devices 31 to 34 are in a closed state.

(e-2) In the above embodiment, each of the variable winning devices 31-34 is configured to remain open until a predetermined time has elapsed or until a specified number of game balls have won, and to close when the above-mentioned conditions are met. Then, depending on the open/closed state, it is determined whether or not a variable display is to be executed on the display devices 41A-41D (whether or not the display timer is to proceed).

However, generally, at the moment each of the variable winning devices 31-34 closes, even if a game ball has entered each of the variable winning devices 31-34, if the game ball has not been detected by a specified ball detection sensor, there is a risk that there is a so-called remaining ball. For this reason, many gaming machines are set with a winning effective time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) for detecting remaining balls before determining whether to proceed to the next process. Therefore, rather than starting the above display timer at the moment each of the variable winning devices 31-34 closes, a configuration may be used in which a time including this winning effective time is preset as each of the above opening times, and the above display timer starts to progress after the time has elapsed.

(e-3) In the above embodiment, timer subtraction processing is used as the timer progression processing, but of course the variable display time may be determined by other calculation processing such as timer addition processing.

(e-4) In the above embodiment, a display device made of a three-color light-emitting diode (three-color LED) is used as the display devices 41A to 41D. This is not limiting, and display devices of other configurations, such as a seven-segment display device or a liquid crystal display device, may also be used.

(e-5) In the above embodiment, the control signal output processing for the first display device 41A, etc. is performed collectively in the external output processing within the normal processing, but this is not limiting. For example, the control signal output processing for the first display device 41A may be performed in the control processing for the first display device 41A, and the control signal output processing for the device may be performed individually in the control processing for each device or in a previous stage. In this case, the same effect as the above embodiment can be achieved by performing the control signal output processing for the display device at least in a stage prior to the display timer subtraction processing. Also, the external output processing may be performed at the end of the normal processing.

(e-6) In the above embodiment, the display flag is set at the same time that the display timers of the display devices 41A to 41D are set. However, the display timer setting status may be checked without setting the display flag to determine whether or not a variable display is being performed.

(f) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, at least when a specific condition is met (e.g., during a big win state), when a predetermined operating condition is met (e.g., when a winning result is obtained by the third small win lottery related to the fourth variable winning device 34), the operation start period up to the time when a predetermined operation of the fourth variable winning device 34 (opening/closing shutter 34a) is started may be configured to be changeable. The function that executes such processing may constitute the operation start period changing means in this example. Furthermore, the operation mode (operation timing) of the opening/closing shutter 34a may be changed by changing the operation start period. The function that executes such processing may constitute the operation mode (operation timing) changing means in this example.

Alternatively, the operating mode of the opening/closing shutter 34a may be changed by changing the operating time of the opening/closing shutter 34a (the operating time from the start of operation to the end of operation). The function for executing such processing may constitute the operating mode changing means in this example.

(f-1) For example, the device may be configured to have an operation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of operation patterns that determine the operation start period from the time when the small win stop display is made at least on the fourth display device 41D until the predetermined operation of the fourth variable winning device 34 (opening/closing shutter 34a) is started, an operation pattern selection means capable of selecting one of the plurality of operation patterns stored in the operation pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined operation condition, and a drive control means capable of executing a predetermined drive control to drive the fourth variable winning device 34 (opening/closing shutter 34a) based on the operation pattern selected by the operation pattern selection means, so that when a specific condition is established, the operation start period until the time when the predetermined operation of the fourth variable winning device 34 (opening/closing shutter 34a) is started after the establishment of the predetermined operation condition can be changed.

Alternatively, the device may be configured to be able to change the operation time (operation time from start of operation to end of operation) of the opening/closing shutter 34a when a specific condition is met by including an operation time pattern storage means for storing multiple operation times (operation time from start of operation to end of operation), an operation time pattern selection means capable of selecting one of the multiple operation time patterns stored in the operation time pattern storage means based on the satisfaction of a specific operation condition, and a drive control means capable of executing a specific drive control for driving the opening/closing shutter 34a based on the operation time pattern selected by the operation time pattern selection means.

(f-2) Also, by providing a variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation patterns with different variation display times for at least the fourth display device 41D, a variation pattern selection means capable of selecting one of the plurality of variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined operating condition, and a display control means capable of controlling the fourth display device 41D based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means, when a specific condition is established, the operation start period until the start of a predetermined operation of the fourth variable winning device 34 (opening/closing shutter 34a) can be changed after the establishment of the predetermined operating condition.

For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a variation pattern table corresponding to the currently set game mode is selected from among multiple variation pattern tables stored corresponding to various game modes, and the variation display time (variation pattern) is determined by taking into consideration the variation pattern table, and when a specific mode is set as the game mode (when a specific condition is met), the variation pattern table taken into consideration when determining the variation display time is changed from the normal table to a specific variation pattern table corresponding to the specific mode, thereby making it possible to change the specified variation time for the fourth display device 41D.

(g) The configuration for restricting the flow of game balls from the upper area TE to the right side area RE of the game area is not limited to the passage unit 35 of the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

(g-1) For example, the fourth variable winning device 34 may be omitted. One example of such a configuration is described with reference to FIG. 34. However, detailed descriptions of components that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used in the drawings. Also, in FIG. 34, the game balls are illustrated by two-dot chain lines as "game ball B1" or "game ball B2."

As shown in FIG. 34, the passage unit 35 in this example includes an upstream vertical passage section 161, an inclined passage section 162, and a downstream vertical passage section 163. In this example, the upstream vertical passage section 161 may form a predetermined flow path that can only be reached by game balls passing through the upper area TE as a predetermined area.

At a lower position of the inclined passage section 162, there is an opening 181 that communicates with the play area, and a rectangular flat movable member (opening/closing member) 182 that opens and closes the opening 181.

The movable member 182 is arranged to be swingable around an axis in the front-rear direction by a movable member solenoid (not shown). This allows the movable member 182 to change between a first induction state (a state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty flowing down to the right side region RE) in which the game ball flowing down the upstream vertical passage section 161 can flow down to a first route described below, and a second induction state (a state in which the game ball can or can easily flow down to the right side region RE) in which the game ball flowing down the upstream vertical passage section 161 can flow down to a second route described below.

And, during normal operation when the movable member solenoid is in a non-excited state, the movable member 182 opens the opening 181 (open state).

Therefore, under normal circumstances (when the movable member 182 is in the open state), the game ball that flows down the upstream vertical passage section 161 does not flow downstream of the inclined passage section 162, but is instead guided to the outside of the passage (the game area) through the opening 181 (see game ball B2 in Figure 34). Here, the route by which the game ball is guided to the outside of the passage through the opening 181 constitutes the first route in this example.

On the other hand, when the solenoid for the movable member is in an excited state, the movable member 182 rotates clockwise and closes the opening 181 (closed state).

When the movable member 182 is in the closed state, it is gently inclined downward from the left side to the right side, and in this state, the upper surface of the movable member 182 forms the bottom surface of the inclined passage section 162.

Therefore, when a predetermined operating condition is met and the movable member 182 is in a closed state, the game ball that has flowed down the upstream vertical passage section 161 and been guided to the left end side of the inclined passage section 162 (movable member 182) flows down the upper surface of the movable member 182 as if rolling to the right (see game ball B1 in Figure 34) and is led out to the right side area RE via the downstream vertical passage section 163. In other words, the route by which the game ball is led out to the right side area RE via the downstream vertical passage section 163 constitutes the second route in this example. Here, the right side area RE, etc. may constitute the second specific area in this example.

In addition, in this example, a ball inlet 185 is provided in the upper right part of the center frame 23a opposite the opening 181. As a result, the game ball that flows out of the passage through the opening 181 flows into the ball inlet 185 of the center frame 23a, as if guided by the movable member 182. The game ball that enters the ball inlet 185 is guided onto the stage 153 formed below the decorative pattern display device 42 via a warp flow path 187 formed inside the center frame 23a.

Here, the ball entrance 185 or the like may be configured to have a ball detection means (third ball detection means) capable of detecting game balls that have flowed down the first route. It is also preferable that game balls that do not pass through the second route, i.e. game balls that have passed through the first route, are configured to be unable to reach the right side region RE. Here, the stage 153 or the like may constitute the first specific region in this example.

With this configuration, when a gaming ball enters the upstream vertical passage section 161 and flows down, the gaming ball is detected by the third trigger-responsive port switch 30a, which serves as a ball detection means. Then, a predetermined activation assist lottery is performed based on the ball detection by the third trigger-responsive port switch 30a, and a variable display is performed on the fourth display device 41D, which serves as a display means. After that, on the fourth display device 41D, after the variable display has ended, a stop display is performed in a stop mode corresponding to the result of the activation assist lottery. Note that the fourth display device 41D for displaying the lottery result of the activation assist lottery may be omitted.

In addition, by winning the activation assist lottery, the predetermined activation condition is established, and a predetermined drive control is performed to cause the movable member 182, which serves as the route change means, to perform a clockwise rotation operation as a predetermined operation. The processing function of the main control unit 261 that executes such control may constitute the route control means in this example. In other words, the operation of the movable member 182 changes the destination of the game ball flowing down the upstream vertical passage section 161 to the first route or the second route.

In this example, a specific condition is met when a jackpot state occurs (such as when a jackpot flag is set), and a process is executed to change the operating mode (operation pattern) of the movable member 182. This increases the proportion of game balls flowing down the upstream vertical passage section 161 that are guided to the second route. The function for executing such a process may constitute the operating mode change means in this example.

(g-2) In addition, under the configuration according to (g-1) above, when a specific condition is met, a "high passing support mode" may be provided in which the game ball passes through the passage unit 35 more easily than usual. In this example, examples of the high passing support mode include (1) a state in which the variable display time of the fourth display device 41D is shorter than usual, (2) a state in which the operating time during which the movable member 182 is in the second guiding state is longer than usual, and (3) a state in which the probability of winning the operation assist lottery is higher than usual. Here, the high passing support mode may be any one of the above configurations (1) to (3), or any combination of these configurations (1) to (3).

(g-3) Under the configurations according to (g-1) and (g-2) above, when a specific condition is met, if a predetermined operating condition is met (for example, if a winning result is obtained in the third small prize lottery related to the fourth variable winning device 34), the operation start period up to the time when the predetermined operation of the movable member 182 is started may be configured to be changeable. The function for executing such processing may constitute the operation start period changing means in this example. Furthermore, the operating mode of the movable member 182 may be changed by changing the operation start period. The function for executing such processing may constitute the operating mode changing means in this example.

(g-4) For example, the device may be configured to have an operation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of operation patterns that determine the operation start period from the time when the winning stop display is made at least on the fourth display device 41D until the predetermined operation of the movable member 182 starts, an operation pattern selection means capable of selecting one of the plurality of operation patterns stored in the operation pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined operation condition, and a drive control means capable of executing a predetermined drive control to drive the movable member 182 based on the operation pattern selected by the operation pattern selection means, so that when a specific condition is established, the operation start period until the time when the predetermined operation of the movable member 182 starts can be changed after the establishment of the predetermined operation condition.

(g-5) In addition, by providing a fluctuation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of fluctuation patterns with different fluctuation display times for at least the fourth display device 41D, a fluctuation pattern selection means capable of selecting one of the plurality of fluctuation patterns stored in the fluctuation pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined operating condition, and a display control means capable of controlling the fourth display device 41D based on the fluctuation pattern selected by the fluctuation pattern selection means, a configuration may be provided in which, when a specific condition is established, the operation start period until the start of a predetermined operation of the movable member 182 after the establishment of the predetermined operating condition can be changed.

For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a variation pattern table corresponding to the currently set game mode is selected from among multiple variation pattern tables stored corresponding to various game modes, and the variation display time (variation pattern) is determined by taking into consideration the variation pattern table, and when a specific mode is set as the game mode (when a specific condition is met), the variation pattern table taken into consideration when determining the variation display time is changed from the normal table to a specific variation pattern table corresponding to the specific mode, thereby making it possible to change the specified variation time for the fourth display device 41D.

The method of changing the variable display time is not limited to these methods. For example, as in the above embodiment, a display interruption means capable of interrupting the progress of the variable display related to the fourth display device 41D may be provided, and the operation mode of the movable member 182 may be changed by interrupting the progress of the variable display.

(g-6) The position, shape, operation mode, etc. of the movable member (opening/closing member) are not limited to the configuration related to the movable member 182 in the above example, and other configurations may be adopted.

For example, the movable member 182 may be configured to be rotatable around its rear edge as a rotation axis. With this configuration, during normal operation when the solenoid for the movable member is in a non-energized state, the movable member 182 is positioned in a substantially vertical direction, opening the opening 181 (open state). In this state, game balls that have flowed down the upstream vertical passage 161 are guided to the first route. On the other hand, when a predetermined operating condition is met and the solenoid for the movable member is in an excited state, the movable member 182 tilts forward, closing the opening 181 (closed state). In this state, game balls that have flowed down the upstream vertical passage 161 are guided to the second route.

Alternatively, under normal circumstances when the solenoid for the movable member is in a non-energized state, the movable member 182 tilts forward and closes the opening 181 (closed state), and the game ball that has flowed down the upstream vertical passage section 161 is guided to the second route. On the other hand, when a predetermined operating condition is met and the solenoid for the movable member is in an excited state, the movable member 182 is positioned in a substantially vertical direction, opening the opening 181 (open state), and the game ball that has flowed down the upstream vertical passage section 161 is guided to the first route.

(h) The configuration of the fourth variable winning device 34 is not limited to the above embodiment, and other different configurations may be adopted.

The fourth variable winning device 34 according to the above embodiment is configured such that the opening/closing shutter 34a is slidably displaced in the front-rear direction, and a game ball that reaches the opening/closing shutter 34a in the closed state is placed on the upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a and moves from the area near the left end, which is one end of the opening/closing shutter 34a in the longitudinal direction, to the right end, which is the other end of the longitudinal direction, while when the opening/closing shutter 34a is in the open position, the game ball placed on the upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a falls into the winning opening 165a. This is not limiting, and the following configurations may also be adopted.

(h-1) The opening/closing shutter 34a may be configured to pivot and displace to open and close the prize opening 165a. For example, the rear edge of the opening/closing shutter 34a, which is generally rectangular in plan view, may be configured to pivot and displace with the front edge as the free end, or the left edge of the opening/closing shutter 34a may be configured to pivot and displace with the right edge as the free end.

(h-2) Instead of the opening/closing shutter 34a constituting the bottom wall of the inclined passage section 162, the bottom wall of the inclined passage section 162 may be a fixed bottom wall section that slopes gently downward to the right and toward the rear, and a rear prize winning opening in place of the prize winning opening 165a may be formed in the rear wall of the rear side of the inclined passage section 162, and a rear opening/closing shutter may be provided as an opening/closing member for opening and closing the rear prize winning opening.

With this configuration, the game ball resting on the upper surface of the fixed bottom wall portion remains in contact with the rear shutter and flows down the fixed bottom wall portion to the right. When the rear shutter is rotated toward the back or slid downward to the open position, the game ball that was leaning against the rear shutter while moving along the fixed bottom wall portion is released from the support of the shutter and enters the rear prize opening.

(i) The configuration of the delay means for delaying the flow of the game ball is not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted.

In the above embodiment, multiple protrusions 157a, 164a that protrude toward the inside of the inclined passage section 162 are formed on the front surface of the base section 157 and the back surface of the front panel 164, which face each other within the inclined passage section 162, and the game ball flows down the top surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a while snaking in the front-to-back direction between the multiple protrusions 157a, 164a.

(i-1) The upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a may be provided with projections and recesses to suppress the speed at which the game balls flow down. The upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a may also be formed with guide grooves to make the game balls meander. The upper surface of the opening/closing shutter 34a may also be formed in a stepped shape.

(i-2) On the upstream side of the opening/closing shutter 34a, for example, a structure such as a stage section may be provided in which the game ball moves back and forth in the same place several times before flowing down.

(i-3) If a relatively large space can be secured in the play area, the delay means may be omitted.

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

Conventional Issue A. Conventionally, a type of gaming machine known as a pachinko machine is one in which a game is played by shooting a gaming ball into a gaming area.

A pachinko machine, for example, is equipped with a ball entry means (such as a starting gate or through gate) into which a game ball guided to a play area can enter, a lottery means for conducting a predetermined win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the ball entry means, a display means for displaying the result of the win/lose lottery, and a variable ball entry means in which a predetermined opening/closing member opens and closes when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by the win/lose lottery, and a predetermined game value (advantageous state, prize balls, etc.) is awarded to the player when a game ball enters the variable ball entry means.

Some of these pachinko machines are equipped with a variable ball entry means in a specific side area (e.g., the right side area) of the play area that can only be reached by game balls shot with a specific strength, and also have a trigger ball entry means (such as a starting hole or through gate) that opens it. For example, there is a type of pachinko machine in which multiple electric parts are linked together (see, for example, JP Patent Publication No. 8-215386).

Here, we will explain the flow of play in a pachinko machine in which the multiple electric devices are linked together, using as an example a pachinko machine equipped with multiple display devices including a first display device and a second display device, and multiple variable winning devices including a first variable winning device and a second variable winning device.

A game ball is launched into the game area by a launching device, and when the game ball passes through a predetermined through gate or the like provided in the game area, a jackpot lottery is held. If a jackpot state occurs based on the results of this lottery, the special variable winning device opens.

The special variable winning device remains open until a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 4) have entered. When the above condition is met, the special variable winning device closes. When a game ball enters the special variable winning device, a small prize lottery is held. The lottery results are stored up to the above-mentioned predetermined number of times, i.e., up to 4 times in the above example. The identification information is displayed in a variable manner on the first display device this number of times, and the small prize winning result is announced depending on the stopping state. The probability of winning a small prize is, for example, about 996 out of 1000, so there is a fairly high probability that a small prize state will occur. Therefore, in many cases, the small prize state will occur for the maximum number of times, i.e., 4 times in the above example.

When a small win state occurs, the identification information is displayed variably on the first display device, and then the identification information is displayed stationary in a predetermined specific manner. Then, after the identification information is displayed stationary as a win for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), a small win state occurs and the first variable winning device opens. Here, like the special variable winning device, the first variable winning device also remains in the open state until a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 4) have won. Then, when the above condition is met, the first variable winning device closes.

When the small win state is occurring, a second small win lottery is held when a game ball enters the first variable winning device. The results of this lottery are stored up to the above-mentioned predetermined number of times per small win, i.e., up to four times in the above example. Then, for each occurrence of a small win state, the second display device displays a variable display this number of times, and the winning result is announced depending on the stopping state. The probability of winning the second small win is also, like the probability of winning the small win above, about 996 in 1000, for example, so that the second small win state occurs with a fairly high probability. Therefore, in many cases, for each occurrence of a small win state, the second small win state will occur up to the above-mentioned maximum number of times, i.e., four times in the above example.

When the second small win state occurs, the identification information is displayed variably on the second display device, and then the identification information is displayed stationary in a predetermined specific manner. Then, after the identification information is displayed stationary as a win for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), the second small win state is reached and the second variable winning device is opened. Here, the second variable winning device remains open until a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., seven) have won. Then, when the above condition is met, the second variable winning device is closed.

Therefore, when a jackpot state occurs, the series of opening and closing operations of the first and second variable winning devices as described above are repeated, allowing the player to win many prize balls. Then, when this series of opening and closing operations ends, the jackpot state ends.

In general, the control process for each display device and each variable winning device is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval by the main control means (main control board) that is responsible for the overall control of the pachinko machine.

The control of the first display device, the second display device, the first variable winning device, and the second variable winning device during the jackpot state is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 35.

In the example shown in FIG. 35, the first display device control process, the second display device control process, the first variable winning device control process, and the second variable winning device control process are executed in that order. This series of processes (periodic processes) are then executed repeatedly, for example, at a cycle of 4 msec. In FIG. 35, vertical dashed lines are drawn at a cycle of 4 msec, and each process performed within the same periodic process is shown between the same vertical dashed lines.

For example, in the first display device control process, a display timer equivalent to a fluctuation time of 10 seconds (10,000 msec) is set, and a control signal based on the value of this display timer is output to control the start and stop of fluctuation in the first display device. The second display device is controlled in the same manner as above.

When the variable display is performed on the first display device, the variable stops in periodic processing TM1 when the display timer reaches 0, as shown in FIG. 35. In the case of a small win state, a stop timer equivalent to a stop time of 0.5 seconds (500 msec) is set in the first display device control processing of this periodic processing TM1, and a win stop display is performed based on this. Then, the stop timer is subtracted by 4 msec for each periodic processing, and the first variable winning device is opened in periodic processing TM2 when the stop timer reaches 0, generating a small win state. In other words, in the first variable winning device control processing of periodic processing TM2, a variable flag is turned on to set the first variable winning device to an open state, and a variable timer equivalent to the opening time of the first variable winning device of 5 seconds (5000 msec) is set. Then, the variable timer is subtracted by 4 msec for each periodic processing, and the variable flag is turned off in periodic processing TM3 when the variable timer reaches 0. The opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device is controlled by outputting a control signal based on the on/off state of such a variable flag. Of course, the opening and closing operation of the second variable winning device is also controlled in the same manner as above.

Now, in the type of machine that has multiple display devices and multiple corresponding variable winning devices that move in conjunction with each other as described above, there may be cases where a stop display is made on a specific display device while a specific variable winning device is in an open state, or where a stop display is made on another display device while a winning stop display (a stop display of identification information in a specific mode) is made on a specific display device. In these cases, the player is interested in whether or not a winning stop display is made on the display device. On the other hand, while a specific variable winning device is in an open state, the player is interested in whether or not a game ball will win a prize in the variable winning device, and is often focused on the variable winning device. Therefore, if a stop display is made on a specific display device while a specific variable winning device is in an open state, or if a stop display is made on another display device while a winning stop display is made on a specific display device, the player may become distracted and not be able to concentrate on the game.

To avoid such problems, it is conceivable to take measures such as (1) if a specified variable winning device opens after a variable display has started, not advancing the display timer until the variable winning device closes, and then restarting the display timer to display the variable after the variable winning device closes, or (2) if, while a variable display is being displayed on a specified display device, an opportunity arises to start a variable display on another display device and a display timer is set, not advancing the display timer on the other display device at least while the variable display has stopped and a winning stop display is being displayed on the specified display device, and then restarting the display timer on the other display device to display the variable after the winning stop display period on the specified display device has elapsed.

Here, the flow of processing when such a configuration is adopted will be described. For example, FIG. 35 illustrates a case where the display timer of the second display device is set at the timing when the periodic processing TM4 is performed during the variable display of the first display device. The display timer set to a variable time of 10 seconds (10,000 msec) here is subtracted until the previous periodic processing TM5 of the periodic processing TM1 at the timing when the display timer of the first display device becomes 0. In contrast, after the periodic processing TM1, the display timer is not subtracted until the winning stop display period (TM1 to TM2) of the first display device and the opening period (TM2 to TM3) of the first variable winning device have passed. Then, in the next periodic processing TM6 of the periodic processing TM3 at the timing when the variable timer of the first variable winning device becomes 0, it is confirmed that the variable timer of the first variable winning device has become 0 (the variable flag has become off) and the subtraction of the display timer of the second display device is started. After that, the variable display stops in the periodic processing TM7 at the timing when the display timer becomes 0. Here, if the second small win state occurs, a stop timer is set and a stop display is performed for a specified period of time, and then the second variable winning device is opened in periodic processing TM8 when the stop timer reaches 0, generating the second small win state.

In addition, in the pachinko machine described above, even during a jackpot state in which the variable ball entry means performs an opening and closing operation, that is, while the game ball is being shot and played so that it flows down a specified side area, the game ball can enter the trigger ball entry means and a win/loss lottery can be held. Then, if the occurrence of a jackpot state is confirmed based on the results of this win/loss lottery, the next jackpot state will occur within a short period of time after the current jackpot state ends, and a state advantageous to the player can continue for a long period of time.

However, in a configuration in which the variable ball entry means and the trigger ball entry means are arranged in a specified side area of the game area, if it is easy for the game ball to enter the trigger ball entry means, even in a normal state other than a jackpot state, the player can fire the game ball toward the specified side area, obtain more lottery triggers, and obtain more jackpot states.

In such a case, the disadvantages to the gaming establishment may become extremely large. For this reason, in gaming establishments that have pachinko machines with the above-mentioned configuration installed, there is a very high possibility that nail adjustments will be made that make it difficult for gaming balls to enter the trigger ball entry means.

In this way, when it is difficult for the game ball to enter the trigger ball entry means, it becomes difficult to obtain a lottery trigger and a jackpot state is difficult to occur. In other words, after the end of the jackpot state as described above, it becomes difficult to create a state advantageous to the player, such as the next jackpot state occurring within a short period of time. As a result, there is a risk that the interest of the player will decrease significantly.

The above problem is not limited to gaming machines with multiple electrically-operated devices linked together, but can occur in other gaming machines as well.

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.

Means A1. A launching means for launching a game ball;
and a game area into which the launched game ball is guided.
A first detection means capable of detecting a game ball passing through a passing area (e.g., a ball entrance means such as a through gate or an electric device) located in a position where a game ball passing through a predetermined area (e.g., an upper area of the center frame) of the game area can reach;
A first lottery means capable of executing a predetermined winning/losing lottery (for example, a big win lottery or a small win lottery) based on the detection of the gaming ball by the first detection means;
a first display means for displaying a predetermined variation and then for a predetermined period of time displaying a stop display in a predetermined mode based on the result of the winning/losing lottery by the first lottery means;
a first variable ball entry means provided at a position reachable by the game ball passing through the predetermined area, the first variable ball entry means having an opening/closing member that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball can or easily enters the ball and a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball;
and a first opening/closing control means for executing a predetermined opening/closing control to open an opening/closing member of the first variable ball entry means after the first display means displays the stop display based on the winning result when the first lottery means obtains a predetermined winning result, and
a second detection means capable of detecting a game ball passing through a specific area (e.g., a through gate or a ball passage) that is located upstream of a predetermined passing area (e.g., a through gate) through which the game ball can pass when all of the first variable ball entry means of the at least one passing area are in the closed state;
A second lottery means capable of executing a predetermined winning/losing lottery (for example, a small winning lottery) based on the detection of the gaming ball by the second detection means;
A second display means for displaying a predetermined variation and then for a predetermined period of time displaying a stop display in a predetermined mode based on the result of the winning/losing lottery by the second lottery means;
a second variable ball entry means having an opening and closing member that can be changed between an open state in which a game ball passing through the specific area can or easily enter the ball and a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball, at a position downstream of the specific area and upstream of the predetermined passing area;
a second opening/closing control means for executing a predetermined opening/closing control for opening and closing the opening/closing member of the second variable ball entry means in the open state after the second display means displays the stop display based on the winning result when the second lottery means obtains a predetermined winning result;
When at least one of the opening and closing members of the plurality of variable ball entry means is in the open state, a display interruption means is provided that can interrupt (temporarily stop) the progress of the variable display in all of the plurality of display means, or when the stopped display is in the period in any of the plurality of display means, in the other display means other than the display means,
When the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means is in an open state, the game ball that has passed through the specific area enters the second variable ball entry means and cannot reach the predetermined passing area,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means is in a closed state, a gaming ball that has passed through the specific area does not enter the second variable ball entry means, but is able to reach the specified passing area.

According to the above-mentioned means A1, when at least one of the multiple variable ball entry means is in an open state, the progress of the variable display (e.g., the variable display timer) in all display means is interrupted. Furthermore, when a stop display (confirmed stop display) is being displayed in a specific display means, the progress of the variable display in the other display means is interrupted.

This makes it possible to avoid a situation where a winning stop display is displayed on a specified display means while a specified variable ball entry means is in an open state, or a winning stop display is displayed on another display means while a stop display is displayed on a specified display means. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk that the player's attention will be distracted and he or she will not be able to concentrate on the game.

In this manner, under a configuration that allows the progress of the variable display to be interrupted, the present means further includes a second detection means for detecting a game ball passing through a specific area located upstream of a predetermined passing area (first detection means) that triggers the opening of a predetermined first variable ball entry means, and also includes a second variable ball entry means at a downstream position into which a game ball passing through the specific area (second detection means) can enter. In other words, the specific area (second detection means) and second variable ball entry means are located midway along the flow path of a game ball launched to pass through a predetermined area in the game area to the predetermined passing area.

As a result, even if a player plays in a state where the specified first variable ball entry means is not in an open state (hereinafter referred to as the normal state) and the player shoots the game ball in a firing manner (e.g., right-handed shot) so that the game ball passes through a specified area in the game area, the game ball that passes through the specific area (second detection means) will enter the second variable ball entry means, which is in an open state based on the results of the lottery accompanying this passage, at a specified rate. In other words, the number of game balls flowing down to the specified passage area (first detection means) downstream is reduced.

In particular, when the probability of obtaining a predetermined winning result by the second lottery means (the probability that the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means will be in the open state) is set relatively high, the game ball will not actually flow down into the downstream passing area (first detection means).

In other words, under normal circumstances, playing in a firing mode (e.g., right-handed shot) in which the game ball is shot so that it passes through a specified area in the game area, aiming at a specified passing area that triggers the opening of a specified first variable ball entry means, is disadvantageous to the player, so the player will not play in such a firing mode.

On the other hand, when a predetermined condition is met and a state occurs in which a predetermined first variable ball entry means is in an open state (hereinafter referred to as a special game state), the player plays the game in a firing mode (e.g., right-handed shot) in which the game ball is fired so that it passes through a predetermined area of the game area in order to enter the first variable ball entry means.

In this way, while a player is playing in a launch mode (e.g., right-handed shot) in which the game ball is launched so that it passes through a specified area in the game area, there is a high probability that at least one of the first variable ball entry means is in an open state, so the above configuration, which can interrupt the progress of the variable display, reduces the probability that the second variable ball entry means is in an open state. Therefore, most of the game balls that pass through the specific area (second detection means) are able to flow down to a specified passage area downstream without entering the second variable ball entry means.

In addition, even while playing a game in which the game ball enters the first variable ball entry means, a lottery is held based on the game ball passing through a specified passage area, so the player can have more opportunities to enter a special game state in which the specified first variable ball entry means is in an open state.

Furthermore, if the occurrence of a special game state is confirmed based on the results of this lottery, the state advantageous to the player can continue for a long period of time, such that the next special game state occurs within a short period of time after the currently ongoing special game state ends.

As a result, the risk of peg adjustments being made in game establishments that reduce the proportion of game balls passing through a specified passing area (first detection means) is reduced, making it less likely that players will find themselves in an extremely disadvantageous situation, and improving the interest of players.

The passing area may include an entry means through which the game ball can always enter, such as a winning hole. The passing area or the specific area may also include an entry means through which the game ball can pass, such as a through gate (an entry means configured to return to the game area after a game ball that has entered the gate is detected by a predetermined detection means). At least one of the first variable entry means may constitute at least one of the passing areas.

The variable ball entry means (such as the first variable ball entry means and the second variable ball entry means) may be configured to switch from a closed state to an open state when a predetermined condition is met, and to execute an opening/closing process a predetermined number of times to switch to the closed state when a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have entered the ball.

In addition, the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means may be a shutter member that can slide in the forward and backward directions, and the second variable ball entry means may be closed when the shutter member is displaced to a closed position in which it protrudes forward, and the second variable ball entry means may be open when the shutter member is displaced to an open position in which it retracts rearward.

In addition, the game ball that has passed through the specific area may flow down over an opening/closing member (shutter member) that is in the closed position. With this configuration, the opening/closing member of the second variable ball entry means can be integrated with the game ball guide member, simplifying the configuration.

Means A2. The gaming machine described in means A1, characterized in that the shortest passing time required for a gaming ball to pass through the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means in the closed state after passing through the specific area (second detection means) is longer than the total time (e.g. 1.6 seconds) obtained by adding the variable display time (e.g. 1.0 second) and stationary display time (e.g. 0.1 second) of the second display means, and the stationary display time (e.g. 0.5 seconds) of a predetermined first display means related to the predetermined passing area (first detection means) among the at least one first display means.

If a game ball passes through a specific area (second detection means) at the same time that a stop display is started on a specific first display means, if the shortest passing time required for a game ball to pass through the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means, which is in a closed state, after passing through the specific area (second detection means) is shorter than the total time (e.g. 1.6 seconds) obtained by adding the stop display time of the first display means (e.g. 0.5 seconds) and the variable display time (e.g. 1.0 second) and stop display time (e.g. 0.1 seconds) of the second display means, i.e., the longest waiting time from when the game ball passes through the specific area until the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means becomes open, then in a normal state in which the specific first variable ball entry means is not in an open state, a game ball that has passed through the specific area may pass through the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means before the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means becomes open, and may be able to flow down to the specific passage area.

In contrast, the above-mentioned means A2 can suppress the occurrence of such a problem and enhance the effect of the above-mentioned means A1. It is preferable that the variable display time of the specified first display means is the longest among the variable display times of the at least one first display means.

Means A3. The gaming machine described in means A1 or A2, characterized in that it is provided with a delay means for delaying the passage of the gaming ball in the section corresponding to the opening and closing member of the second variable ball entry means.

For example, in order to ensure the above-mentioned shortest passing time, it is conceivable to ensure that the length of the opening and closing member that serves as the path through which the game ball passes is at least a certain length, but in limited spaces such as the playing area of pachinko machines, it is often difficult to ensure such a long path.

In contrast, according to the above-mentioned means A3, even if the section corresponding to the opening and closing member is relatively short, the delay means can be provided to make it relatively long for the game ball to reach a predetermined position. As a result, the path along which the game ball passes can be made compact, and the limited space in the game area can be effectively utilized.

It is also possible to ensure the above-mentioned shortest passing time by shortening the variable display time of the second display means without providing a delay means, but if the variable display time of the second display means is set too short, game balls that pass through the specific area may frequently enter the second variable ball entry means even during the special game state in which the first variable ball entry means is in the open state, making it difficult to get more game balls to enter the first variable ball entry means in a short period of time. In other words, it may take a long time to complete one special game state.

In contrast, according to the above-mentioned means A3, by providing the above-mentioned delay means, it is not necessary to set the variable display time of the second display means too short, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned malfunction can be suppressed.

Means A4. A gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A3, characterized in that only gaming balls that have passed through the specific area are allowed to pass through the predetermined passing area.

According to the above-mentioned means A4, the only route for the game ball to reach the specified passing area is through the specific area, so the effect of the above-mentioned means A1 etc. can be further enhanced.

Means A5. A gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A4, characterized in that the gaming ball that passes through the specific area always passes through the predetermined passing area.

The above-mentioned means A5 makes it possible to increase the chances of winning a special game state in which the specified first variable ball entry means is in an open state, and more reliably reduces the risk that the game arcade will make adjustments to the nails that reduce the proportion of game balls that pass through the specified passage area (first detection means), thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of the above-mentioned means A1, etc.

Means A6. A gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A5, characterized in that it is equipped with a payout control means capable of executing a payout process of a predetermined number (e.g., 5) of prize balls preset corresponding to a predetermined first variable ball entry means based on a single game ball entering a predetermined first variable ball entry means among the at least one first variable ball entry means, and capable of executing a payout process of one prize ball preset corresponding to the second variable ball entry means based on a single game ball entering the second variable ball entry means.

According to the above-mentioned means A6, the number of prize balls paid out for one game ball entering the second variable ball entry means is set to one. Therefore, in a normal state in which most game balls that pass through a specific area enter the second variable ball entry means, playing in a launch mode (e.g., right-hand hit) in which the game ball is launched so that it passes through a specified area in the game area is not in the player's interest, and so the player will not play in such a launch mode (e.g., right-hand hit). As a result, the action and effect of the above-mentioned means A1 etc. will be more effective.

In addition, even if the number of game balls entering the second variable ball entry means increases, the number of prize balls paid out to the player (the player's balls) will not increase, and this prevents the gaming establishment from experiencing any significant disadvantages.

In other words, during a special game state, it becomes easier for the gaming establishment to adjust the pins, etc., to increase the number of game balls guided from a specific area to a designated passing area, and increase the player's opportunities to win or lose in a lottery. This allows the player to have more game balls reach the designated passing area in a shorter period of time during a special game state, and to have more chances to win. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain the next special game state in a short period of time, which increases the player's interest.

The payment of prize balls includes not only the payment of actual game balls, but also the granting of points equivalent to the prize balls won by the player to a storage medium such as a magnetic card.

Means A7. A third detection means capable of detecting a game ball passing through a passing area (e.g., a central through gate) located in a position where the game balls not passing through the predetermined area (e.g., the upper area of the center frame) can reach among the game balls launched by the launching means and guided to the game area;
A third lottery means capable of executing a predetermined winning/losing lottery (for example, a big win lottery) based on the detection of the gaming ball by the third detection means;
a third display means for displaying a predetermined variation and then for a predetermined period of time displaying a stop display in a predetermined mode based on the result of the winning/losing lottery by the third lottery means;
a third variable ball entry means provided at a position reachable by the game ball passing through the predetermined area, the third variable ball entry means having an opening/closing member that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball can or easily enters the ball and a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball;
A gaming machine described in any of means A1 to A6, characterized in that when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the third lottery means, the third display means displays a stopped display based on the winning result, and then a third opening/closing control means is provided which is capable of executing a predetermined opening/closing control to bring the opening/closing member of the third variable ball entry means to the open state.

According to the above-mentioned means A7, under normal circumstances, the player plays the game in a launching manner (e.g., left-handed shot) in which the game ball is launched so as not to pass through the specified area, in order to cause the game ball to enter a passing area (third detection means) that is located in a position where the game ball can reach without passing through the specified area of the game area.

On the other hand, when a winning result is obtained by the third lottery means and a state occurs in which the third variable ball entry means is in an open state (hereinafter referred to as a special game state), the player plays the game in a firing mode (e.g., right-handed shot) in which the game ball is fired so that it passes through a specified area in the game area in order to enter the third variable ball entry means.

In addition, the predetermined "first lottery means" and the "third lottery means" related to the predetermined passing area (predetermined first detection means) of the at least one "first lottery means", the predetermined "first display means" and the "third display means" related to the predetermined passing area (predetermined first detection means) of the at least one "first display means", and the predetermined "first variable ball entry means (first opening and closing control means)" and the "third variable ball entry means (third opening and closing control means)" related to the predetermined passing area (predetermined first detection means) of the at least one "first variable ball entry means (first opening and closing control means)" may each be common.

In other words, "a predetermined (common) lottery means capable of performing a predetermined winning/losing lottery based on the detection of the game ball by the predetermined first detection means or the third detection means;
A predetermined (common) display means capable of executing a stop display of a predetermined mode based on the lottery result of the winning/losing lottery by the predetermined lottery means for a predetermined period after performing a predetermined variable display;
a predetermined (common) variable ball entry means provided at a position reachable by the game ball passing through the predetermined area, the variable ball entry means having an opening/closing member that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball can or easily enters the ball and a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball;
The configuration may also be such that, when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the predetermined lottery means, the predetermined display means displays the stopped display based on the winning result, and then the configuration is equipped with a predetermined (common) opening/closing control means capable of executing a predetermined opening/closing control to bring the opening/closing member of the predetermined variable ball entry means to the open state.

Means A8. A gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A7, characterized in that it has a plurality of combinations of the first detection means, the first lottery means, the first display means, the first variable ball entry means, and the first opening/closing control means.

For example, "a first detection means capable of detecting a game ball passing through a first passing area (e.g., a right through gate) located in a position reachable by a game ball passing through a predetermined area (e.g., an upper area of the center frame) of the game area;
A first lottery means capable of executing a first winning/losing lottery (e.g., a big win lottery) based on the detection of the gaming ball by the first detection means;
a first first display means capable of executing a stop display of a predetermined mode based on a lottery result of the first winning/losing lottery by the first first lottery means for a predetermined period of time after performing a predetermined variable display;
a first variable ball entry means provided at a position reachable by a game ball passing through the predetermined area, the first variable ball entry means having an opening/closing member that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball can or easily enters the ball and a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball;
a first opening/closing control means for executing a first opening/closing control for opening an opening/closing member of the first variable ball entry means to the open state after the first display means displays the stop display based on the winning result when the first lottery means obtains a predetermined winning result;
A second first detection means capable of detecting the passage of a game ball that has entered the first first variable ball entry means, which is a second passage area;
A second first lottery means capable of executing a second winning/losing lottery (for example, a first small winning lottery) based on the detection of the gaming ball by the second first detection means;
a second first display means for displaying a predetermined variation and then for displaying a stop display of a predetermined mode based on the result of the second winning/losing lottery by the second first lottery means for a predetermined period of time;
a second first variable ball entry means provided at a position reachable by the game ball passing through the predetermined area, the second first variable ball entry means having an opening/closing member that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball can or easily enters the ball and a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball;
a second first opening/closing control means capable of executing a second opening/closing control for opening an opening/closing member of the second first variable ball entry means to the open state after the second first display means performs the stop display based on the winning result when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the second first lottery means;
A third first detection means capable of detecting the passage of a game ball that has entered the second first variable ball entry means, which is a third passage area;
A third first lottery means capable of executing a third winning/losing lottery (for example, a second small winning lottery) based on the detection of the gaming ball by the third first detection means;
a third first display means for displaying a predetermined variation and then for displaying a stop display of a predetermined mode based on the result of the third winning/losing lottery by the third first lottery means for a predetermined period of time;
a third first variable ball entry means provided at a position reachable by the game ball passing through the predetermined area, and having an opening/closing member that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball can or easily enters the ball and a closed state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering the ball;
One example of the configuration is one which includes a third first opening/closing control means capable of executing a third opening/closing control to set the opening/closing member of the third first variable ball entry means to the open state after the third first display means has performed the stop display based on the winning result when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the third first lottery means.

In this type of gaming machine where multiple variable ball entry means are linked, the operation timing of each display means and each variable ball entry means becomes more complicated, so the above configuration, which allows the progress of the variable display to be interrupted, is particularly effective.

Conventional Issue B. Conventionally, a type of gaming machine known as a pachinko machine is one in which a game is played by shooting a gaming ball into a gaming area.

A pachinko machine, for example, is equipped with a ball entry means (such as a starting gate or through gate) into which a game ball guided to a play area can enter, a lottery means for conducting a predetermined win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the ball entry means, a display means for displaying the result of the win/lose lottery, and a variable ball entry means in which a predetermined opening/closing member opens and closes when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by the win/lose lottery, and a predetermined game value (advantageous state, prize balls, etc.) is awarded to the player when a game ball enters the variable ball entry means.

Some of these pachinko machines are equipped with a variable ball entry means in a specific side area (e.g., the right side area) of the play area that can only be reached by game balls shot with a specific strength, and also have a trigger ball entry means (such as a starting hole or through gate) that opens it. For example, there is a type of pachinko machine in which multiple electric parts are linked together (see, for example, JP Patent Publication No. 8-215386).

In the pachinko machine described above, even during a jackpot state in which the variable ball entry means performs an opening and closing operation, i.e., while the game ball is being shot and played so that it flows down a specified side area, the game ball can enter the trigger ball entry means and a winning/losing lottery can be held. Then, if the occurrence of a jackpot state is confirmed based on the results of this winning/losing lottery, the next jackpot state will occur within a short period of time after the current jackpot state ends, and a state advantageous to the player can continue for a long period of time.

However, in a configuration in which the variable ball entry means and the trigger ball entry means are arranged in a specified side area of the game area, if it is easy for the game ball to enter the trigger ball entry means, even in a normal state other than a jackpot state, the player can fire the game ball toward the specified side area, obtain more lottery triggers, and obtain more jackpot states.

In such a case, the disadvantages to the gaming establishment may become extremely large. For this reason, in gaming establishments that have pachinko machines with the above-mentioned configuration installed, there is a very high possibility that nail adjustments will be made that make it difficult for gaming balls to enter the trigger ball entry means.

In this way, when it is difficult for the game ball to enter the trigger ball entry means, it becomes difficult to obtain a lottery trigger and a jackpot state is difficult to occur. In other words, after the end of the jackpot state as described above, it becomes difficult to create a state advantageous to the player, such as the next jackpot state occurring within a short period of time. As a result, there is a risk that the interest of the player will decrease significantly.

The above problem is not limited to gaming machines with multiple electrically-operated devices linked together, but can occur in other gaming machines as well.

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.

Means B1. A launching means for launching a game ball;
a play area to which the launched game ball is guided;
A predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area;
A lottery means capable of executing a predetermined winning/losing lottery (for example, a big win lottery) based on the game ball entering the predetermined ball entry means;
and a special game state generating means for generating a special game state (e.g., a jackpot state) advantageous to a player when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the winning/losing lottery.
A predetermined flow path through which the game ball can reach when the game ball is launched with a predetermined intensity by the launching means and passes through the first area;
A first ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball flowing down the predetermined flow path;
A second area that the game ball that has flowed down the predetermined flow path can reach;
A second ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball in the second area;
a game value providing means for providing a predetermined game value based on the detection of the game ball by the second ball detection means;
a movable member that can be changed between a first state in which the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path can or easily flows down to the second area, and a second state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty flowing down to the second area;
a drive control means for executing a predetermined drive control for driving the movable member when a predetermined operating condition is established based on the detection of the game ball by the first ball detection means;
and an operation mode (operation timing) changing means for changing the operation mode of the movable member (for example, the operation timing for driving the movable member, i.e., the timing for starting the predetermined drive control) when at least a specific condition is established based on the occurrence of the special game state,
A gaming machine characterized in that the operating mode of at least the movable member is changed so that the proportion of gaming balls flowing down the specified flow path that are able to flow down to the second area changes (for example, the proportion that reaches the first state increases).

According to the above-mentioned means B1, a first ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball flowing down a predetermined flow path is provided upstream of the second ball detection means which triggers the awarding of a gaming value, and a movable member capable of causing a change in the behavior of the gaming ball flowing down the predetermined flow path (acting on the gaming ball). In other words, the predetermined flow path (first ball detection means) and the movable member are arranged midway along the flow path of a gaming ball that has been shot (e.g. hit to the right) to pass through the first area of the gaming area and reaches the second area.

As a result, in a normal state where a specific condition is not met (for example, when a favorable state such as a jackpot has not occurred), even if a player plays in a manner that shoots the game ball so that it passes through the first area (for example, hitting from the right), the game ball that passes through the specified flow path (first ball detection means) is prevented from flowing down to the second area at a specified rate by a movable member that can be operated in response to this passage.

In particular, when the percentage of the movable member being in the second state (a state in which game balls cannot or have difficulty flowing down to the second area) is set to be relatively high, game balls will be substantially prevented from flowing down to the second area.

In other words, under normal circumstances, playing in a firing mode (e.g., right-handed shot) in which the game ball is shot so as to pass through the first area, aiming at the second ball detection means in the second area that triggers the awarding of game value, is disadvantageous to the player, so players will not play in this firing mode.

On the other hand, when a special game state occurs and at least certain conditions are met, the operating mode of the movable member is changed, thereby changing the rate at which game balls can flow down into the second area.

For example, if the movable member is set to be in the first state at a better timing when game balls can or can easily flow down to the second area, more game balls will be allowed to flow down to the second area. In some cases, it may be possible for substantially all game balls to flow down to the second area.

As a result, the risk of peg adjustments being made in game establishments that would reduce the proportion of game balls detected by the second ball detection means provided in the second area is reduced, making it less likely that players will find themselves in an extremely disadvantageous situation, and improving the interest of players.

Means B2. The operation mode changing means is
an operation start period changing means for changing an operation start period from when the predetermined operation condition is satisfied to when the predetermined drive control is started when at least a specific condition is satisfied based on the occurrence of the special game state;
The gaming machine described in means B1 is configured so that the operation mode of the movable member can be changed by changing at least the operation start period.

According to the above-mentioned means B2, it is possible to realize the configuration related to the above-mentioned means B1 by a relatively simple process of changing (e.g., lengthening or shortening) the operation start period from when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied until the movable member operates. As a result, it is possible to simplify the control process.

For example, an operation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of operation patterns that define an operation start period from when the predetermined operation condition is satisfied until when the predetermined drive control is started;
and an operation pattern selection means for selecting one of a plurality of operation patterns stored in the operation pattern storage means based on the detection of a gaming ball by the first ball detection means,
The operation mode changing means is
The operation mode of the movable member may be changeable by changing at least the operation start period.

Means B3. The apparatus includes an activation lottery means capable of executing a predetermined activation lottery process based on the detection of a gaming ball by the first ball detection means,
The gaming machine described in means B1 or B2 is characterized in that the specified operating condition can be established at least when a specified lottery result (winning result) is obtained by the activation lottery process.

If a specific condition is met based on the occurrence of a special game state, and the movable member is configured to operate every time a game ball is detected by the first ball detection means, it may be difficult to change the rate at which game balls can flow down to the second area.

In contrast, according to the above-mentioned means B3, when a specific condition is met based on the occurrence of a special game state, the movable member will not operate every time a game ball is detected by the first ball detection means, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned malfunction and making it possible to easily realize the configuration related to the above-mentioned means B1.

Means B4. A display means capable of starting a variable display based on the detection of a game ball by the first ball detection means and executing a stop display of a predetermined mode based on the lottery result of the operation lottery process for a predetermined period of time;
A variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation patterns having different variation display times related to the display means;
A fluctuation pattern selection means for selecting one of a plurality of fluctuation patterns stored in the fluctuation pattern storage means based on the detection of the game ball by the first ball detection means;
A display control means capable of controlling the display means based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means,
The drive control means
the predetermined drive control for driving the movable member is executed after the display means displays a stopped state,
The operation mode changing means is
The gaming machine described in means B3 is characterized in that it is configured so that the operating mode of the movable member can be changed (the time until the specified drive control is started can be changed) by changing the time of the variable display (for example, by changing the variable pattern table used to select the variable pattern).

By means of the above-mentioned means B4, the time from when the variable display starts on the display means until when the display stops can be varied. By using this, the configuration related to the above-mentioned means B1 can be realized with relatively simple processing, and control can be simplified.

Means B5. A display means capable of starting a variable display based on the detection of a game ball by the first ball detection means and executing a stop display of a predetermined mode based on the lottery result of the activation lottery process for a predetermined period of time;
The operation mode changing means is
A display progress interruption means capable of interrupting (temporarily pausing) the progress of the variable display is provided,
The gaming machine described in means B3 is characterized in that the operating mode of the movable member can be changed (the time until the specified drive control is started can be changed) by interrupting the progress of the variable display.

By means of the above-mentioned means B5, the time from when the variable display is started to when the display is stopped can be varied. By using this, the configuration related to the above-mentioned means B1 can be realized with a relatively simple process, and control can be simplified.

Means B6. A gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B5, characterized in that the gaming ball that has passed through the specified flow path is always detected by the second ball detection means.

Means B6 described above makes it possible to provide more opportunities to award game value, and more reliably reduces the risk that an amusement parlor will adjust the nails in a way that reduces the proportion of game balls detected by the second ball detection means, thereby more reliably achieving the effects of means B1 described above.

Means B7. A ball entry means is provided that allows the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path to enter the ball entry means;
The movable member is
A gaming machine described in any of means B1 to B6, characterized in that the opening and closing member, when in the first state, becomes a closed state in which the gaming ball flowing down the designated flow path cannot or has difficulty entering the ball entry means, and, when in the second state, becomes an open state in which the gaming ball flowing down the designated flow path can or has difficulty entering the ball entry means.

By using the above-mentioned means B7, the action and effect related to the above-mentioned means B1 etc. can be made more certain. Here, for example, the movable member (opening and closing member) may be a shutter member that can slide in the forward and backward directions, and the ball entry means is closed when the shutter member is displaced to a closed position where it protrudes forward, and the ball entry means is opened when the shutter member is displaced to an open position where it retracts backward.

Means B8. The gaming machine described in means B7, characterized in that it is equipped with a payout control means capable of executing a payout process of one prize ball preset in correspondence with the ball entry means based on the entry of one gaming ball into the ball entry means.

According to the above-mentioned means B8, the number of prize balls paid out for one game ball entering the ball entry means is set to one. Therefore, in a normal state in which most of the game balls flowing down a specified flow path can enter the ball entry means, playing in a launching manner in which the game ball is launched so as to pass through the first area of the game area (e.g., right-handed hit) is not in the player's interest, and so the player will not play in such a launching manner (e.g., right-handed hit). As a result, the action and effect of the above-mentioned means B1 etc. will be more effective.

In addition, even if the number of game balls entering the ball entry means increases, the number of prize balls paid out to the player (the player's balls) will not increase, which prevents the gaming establishment from becoming disadvantaged.

In other words, during a special game state, it becomes easier for the gaming establishment to adjust the pins, etc., to increase the number of game balls guided from the first area to the second area, and increase the player's chances of winning or losing. This allows the player to get more game balls to reach the specified second area in a shorter period of time during the special game state, and obtain more game value. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain the next special game state, etc., in a short period of time, which increases the player's interest.

The payment of prize balls includes not only the payment of actual game balls, but also the granting of points equivalent to the prize balls won by the player to a storage medium such as a magnetic card.

Conventional Issue C. Conventionally, a type of gaming machine known as a pachinko machine is one in which a game is played by shooting a gaming ball into a gaming area.

A pachinko machine, for example, is equipped with a ball entry means (such as a starting gate or through gate) into which a game ball guided to a play area can enter, a lottery means for conducting a predetermined win/lose lottery based on the game ball entering the ball entry means, a display means for displaying the result of the win/lose lottery, and a variable ball entry means in which a predetermined opening/closing member opens and closes when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by the win/lose lottery, and a predetermined game value (advantageous state, prize balls, etc.) is awarded to the player when a game ball enters the variable ball entry means.

Some of these pachinko machines are equipped with a variable ball entry means in a specific side area (e.g., the right side area) of the play area that can only be reached by game balls shot with a specific strength, and also have a trigger ball entry means (such as a starting hole or through gate) that opens it. For example, there is a type of pachinko machine in which multiple electric parts are linked together (see, for example, JP Patent Publication No. 8-215386).

In the pachinko machine described above, even during a jackpot state in which the variable ball entry means performs an opening and closing operation, i.e., while the game ball is being shot and played so that it flows down a specified side area, the game ball can enter the trigger ball entry means and a winning/losing lottery can be held. Then, if the occurrence of a jackpot state is confirmed based on the results of this winning/losing lottery, the next jackpot state will occur within a short period of time after the current jackpot state ends, and a state advantageous to the player can continue for a long period of time.

However, in a configuration in which the variable ball entry means and the trigger ball entry means are arranged in a specified side area of the game area, if it is easy for the game ball to enter the trigger ball entry means, even in a normal state other than a jackpot state, the player can fire the game ball toward the specified side area, obtain more lottery triggers, and obtain more jackpot states.

In such a case, the disadvantages to the gaming establishment may become extremely large. For this reason, in gaming establishments that have pachinko machines with the above-mentioned configuration installed, there is a very high possibility that nail adjustments will be made that make it difficult for gaming balls to enter the trigger ball entry means.

In this way, when it is difficult for the game ball to enter the trigger ball entry means, it becomes difficult to obtain a lottery trigger and a jackpot state is difficult to occur. In other words, after the end of the jackpot state as described above, it becomes difficult to create a state advantageous to the player, such as the next jackpot state occurring within a short period of time. As a result, there is a risk that the interest of the player will decrease significantly.

The above problem is not limited to gaming machines with multiple electrically-operated devices linked together, but can occur in other gaming machines as well.

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.

Means C1. A launching means for launching a game ball;
a play area to which the launched game ball is guided;
A predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area;
A lottery means capable of executing a predetermined winning/losing lottery (for example, a big win lottery) based on the game ball entering the predetermined ball entry means;
and a special game state generating means for generating a special game state (e.g., a jackpot state) advantageous to a player when a predetermined winning result is obtained by the winning/losing lottery.
A predetermined flow path that can be reached by a game ball that is shot by the shot means with a predetermined strength (for example, a right shot) and passes through a predetermined area;
A ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball flowing down the predetermined flow path;
A first route capable of guiding a game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path to a first specific area;
A second route capable of guiding the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path to a second specific area;
A route changing means capable of changing the destination of the game ball flowing down the predetermined flow path to at least the first route or the second route;
a route control means for executing a predetermined drive control for causing the route change means to perform a predetermined operation when a predetermined operating condition is established based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detection means;
an operation mode changing means for changing an operation mode (operation pattern) of the route changing means when at least a specific condition is established based on the occurrence of the special game state;
A gaming machine characterized in that the ratio of gaming balls flowing down the specified flow path that can flow down the first route or the second route is changed by changing at least the operating mode of the route changing means.

According to the above-mentioned means C1, a ball detection means is provided that can detect a game ball flowing down a specified flow path, and a route change means is provided that can change the destination of the game ball flowing down the specified flow path to at least a first route (first specific area) or a second route (second specific area).

As a result, in a normal state where a specific condition is not met (for example, where an advantageous state such as a jackpot has not occurred), even if a player plays in a firing mode (for example, hitting from the right) that fires the game ball so that it passes through a specific area, the game ball that passes through the specific flow path (ball detection means) will flow down to the first specific area at a specific rate due to the route change means that can be activated in response to this passage. In other words, it will not flow down to the second specific area at a specific rate.

In particular, in the normal state, if the proportion of times that the route changing means guides game balls to the first route (a state in which game balls cannot or have difficulty flowing down to the second specific area) is set to be relatively high, substantially all game balls will not flow down to the second specific area.

In other words, even if the second specific area is more advantageous to the player than the first specific area, playing in a normal state with a launch mode (e.g., right-handed shot) in which the game ball is shot so as to pass through a specific area while aiming at the second specific area would be disadvantageous to the player, and so the player will not play in such a launch mode.

On the other hand, when a special game state occurs and at least certain conditions are met, the operating mode (operation timing, etc.) of the route changing means is changed, thereby changing the rate at which game balls can flow down into the second specific area.

For example, if the route changing means is set to operate in a predetermined manner at a better timing when game balls can or can easily flow down to the second specific area, more game balls will be allowed to flow down to the second specific area. In some cases, it may be possible for substantially all game balls to flow down to the second specific area.

As a result, the risk of game establishments adjusting the pins to reduce the proportion of game balls that flow into the second specific area is reduced, making it less likely that players will find themselves in an extremely disadvantageous situation, and improving the interest of players.

The above-mentioned "route change means" can be exemplified by "route change means that is capable of changing between a first guidance state in which the game ball flowing down the specified flow path can flow down to the first route (a state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty flowing down to the second specific area) and a second guidance state in which the game ball flowing down the specified flow path can flow down to the second route (a state in which the game ball can or can easily flow down to the second specific area)."

Means C2. The gaming machine described in means C1, characterized in that a gaming ball that does not pass through the second route (e.g., a gaming ball that has passed through the first route) is configured to be unable to reach the second specific area.

If the system is configured so that game balls that do not pass through the second route can reach the second specific area, there is a risk that the game balls that do not pass through the second route will get in the way of other game balls that have passed through the second route and flowed down toward the second specific area.

In response to this, the above-mentioned means C2 prevents the game ball from reaching the second specific area unless it passes through the second route, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned malfunction and further enhancing the effect of the above-mentioned means C1.

Means C3. The operation mode change means is
an operation start period changing means for changing an operation start period from when the predetermined operation condition is satisfied to when the predetermined drive control is started when at least the specific condition is satisfied based on the occurrence of the special game state;
The gaming machine described in means C1 or C2, characterized in that the operation mode of the route changing means can be changed by changing at least the operation start period.

The above-mentioned means C3 makes it possible to realize the configuration related to the above-mentioned means C1 by a relatively simple process of changing (e.g., lengthening or shortening) the operation start period from when a predetermined operation condition is met until the route change means operates. As a result, it is possible to simplify the control process.

For example, an operation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of operation patterns that define an operation start period from when the predetermined operation condition is satisfied until when the predetermined drive control is started;
and an operation pattern selection means for selecting one of a plurality of operation patterns stored in the operation pattern storage means based on the detection of a game ball by the ball detection means,
The operation mode changing means is
The operation mode of the route changing means may be changed by changing at least the operation start period.

Means C4. An operation lottery means capable of executing a predetermined operation lottery process based on the detection of a gaming ball by the ball detection means,
A gaming machine described in any of means C1 to C3, characterized in that the specified operating condition can be established at least when a specified lottery result (winning result) is obtained by the activation lottery process.

If a specific condition is met based on the occurrence of a special game state, and the route change means is configured to operate every time a game ball is detected by the ball detection means, it may be difficult to change the proportion of game balls that can flow down the second route (second specific area).

In response to this, with the above-mentioned means C4, when a specific condition is met based on the occurrence of a special game state, the route change means will not operate every time a game ball is detected by the ball detection means, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned malfunction and making it possible to easily realize the configuration related to the above-mentioned means C1.

Means C5. A display means capable of starting a variable display based on the detection of a game ball by the ball detection means and executing a stop display of a predetermined mode based on the lottery result of the activation lottery process for a predetermined period of time;
A variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation patterns having different variation display times related to the display means;
A variation pattern selection means for selecting one of a plurality of variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means based on the game ball being detected by the ball detection means;
A display control means capable of controlling the display means based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means,
The route control means
a predetermined drive control for causing the route changing means to perform a predetermined operation after the display means displays a stopped state;
The operation mode changing means is
The gaming machine described in means C4 is characterized in that it is configured so that the operating mode of the route change means can be changed (the time until the specified drive control is started can be changed) by changing the time of the variation display (for example, by changing the variation pattern table used to select the variation pattern).

By means of the above-mentioned means C5, the time from when the display means starts to display the change to when the display stops can be varied. By using this, the configuration related to the above-mentioned means C1 can be realized with relatively simple processing, and control can be simplified.

Means C6. A display means is provided which starts a variable display based on the detection of a game ball by the ball detection means, and is capable of executing a stop display of a predetermined mode based on the lottery result of the activation lottery process for a predetermined period of time;
The operation mode changing means is
A display progress interruption means capable of interrupting (temporarily pausing) the progress of the variable display is provided,
The gaming machine described in means C4 is characterized in that the operating mode of the route change means can be changed (the time until the specified drive control is started can be changed) by interrupting the progress of the varying display.

By means of the above-mentioned means C6, the time from when the display means starts to display the change to when the display stops can be varied. By using this, the configuration related to the above-mentioned means C1 can be realized with relatively simple processing, and control can be simplified.

Means C7. A second ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball in the second specific area;
A gaming machine described in any of means C1 to C6, characterized in that it is equipped with a gaming value awarding means capable of awarding a predetermined gaming value (such as an advantageous state or a prize ball) based on the detection of a gaming ball by the second ball detection means.

Under the configuration related to the above-mentioned means C7, the effects of the above-mentioned means C1, etc. will be more effective.

Means C8. A gaming machine as described in any one of means C1 to C7, characterized in that it is provided with a third ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball that has flowed down the first route.

By using the above-mentioned means C8, it is possible to detect a gaming ball heading toward the first specific area and, for example, perform some kind of performance that acts on the gaming ball. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest.

In addition, a gaming machine having a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means A1 to A8 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 A8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8.

Similarly, a gaming machine having a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B8 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 A8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8.

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 A8, a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means B1 to B8, and a part or all of the configurations of any of the above means C1 to C8.

The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

(a) 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 an operating means (a gaming ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (a launching motor, etc.) that bounces and launches gaming balls based on the operation of the operating means, a gaming area to which the launched gaming balls are guided, and various ball entry means (a general winning port, a variable winning device, a starting port, a through gate, etc.) arranged within the gaming area."

(b) The gaming machine in each of the above means is a pinball gaming machine with a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. A more detailed example of the embodiment is "a pinball gaming machine that includes an operating means (a gaming ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (a launching motor, etc.) that bounces and launches gaming balls based on the operation of the operating means, a predetermined gaming area (for example, the gaming area is composed of a gaming board surface, etc.) that extends in a substantially vertical direction and to which the launched gaming balls are guided, and various ball entry means (a general winning port, a variable winning device, a starting port, a through gate, etc.) that are arranged within the gaming area, and that is configured so that the behavior of the gaming balls flowing down the gaming area can be visually observed."

(c) The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the pinball gaming machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

10... Pachinko machine, 27... Game board, 28... First trigger corresponding port, 28a... First trigger corresponding port switch, 29... Second trigger corresponding port, 29a... Second trigger corresponding port switch, 30... Third trigger corresponding port, 30a... Third trigger corresponding port switch, 31... First variable winning device, 31c... Winning switch, 32... Second variable winning device, 32c... Winning switch, 33... Third variable winning device, 33c... Winning switch, 34... Fourth variable winning device, 34a... Opening and closing shutter, 34c... Winning switch, 35... Passage unit, 41A... First display device, 41B... Second display device, 41C... Third display device, 41D... Fourth display device, 161... Upstream vertical passage section, 162... Inclined passage section, 163... Downstream vertical passage section, TE... Upper area, RE... Right side area.

Claims (1)

A launching means for launching a game ball;
a play area into which the launched game ball is guided;
A gaming machine capable of generating a special gaming state that is more advantageous to a player than a normal state when a specific condition is established based on a gaming ball entering a predetermined ball entry means provided in at least an area of the gaming area where the gaming ball launched by the launching means with a first strength can reach,
A first predetermined flow path through which the game ball can be reached when the game ball is launched with a second intensity by the launching means and passes through the first area;
A first ball detection means capable of detecting a gaming ball in the first predetermined flow path;
A second region is an internal region of a predetermined structure provided in the game area, the second region being reachable by the game ball flowing down the first predetermined flow path and capable of changing its state when at least a predetermined condition is satisfied ;
A second ball detection means capable of detecting a game ball in the second region which is an internal region of the predetermined structure ;
a game value providing means for providing one game value based on the detection of the game ball by the second ball detection means;
a game state control means for switching a control state of at least one variable ball entry means configured to allow a game ball to enter the game state from a first game control state in which the predetermined condition is easily satisfied based on detection of a game ball by the first ball detection means to a second game control state in which the predetermined condition is more difficult to satisfy than in the first game control state , based on the occurrence of at least the special game state;
a variable means for changing a state of the second region, which is an internal region of the predetermined structure, from a first state to a second state when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
A second predetermined flow path through which only game balls passing through the second region , which is an internal region of the predetermined structure , can reach;
In the second state, the game ball that has flowed into the second area , which is an internal area of the predetermined structure , is guided to the second ball detection means that can detect the game ball as a game ball that can provide the player with the one game value, and is discharged outside the game area;
In the first state, a game ball that has flowed into the second region , which is an internal region of the predetermined structure , is guided to the second predetermined flow path without being detected as a game ball that can provide the player with the one game value,
When the control state of the at least one variable ball entry means is switched from the first game control state to the second game control state by the game state control means based on the occurrence of at least the special game state, the rate at which game balls passing through the first area can pass through the second area, which is an internal area of the predetermined structure, and reach the second predetermined flow path changes, and in the second game control state, it is possible for game balls passing through the first area to pass through the second area, which is an internal area of the predetermined structure, more easily than in the normal state to reach the second predetermined flow path ;
A gaming machine characterized in that the period until the variable means changes the state of the second area from the first state to the second state after the specified condition is satisfied can be changed.

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