JP7486468B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, this type of gaming machine is known to hold a lottery for a jackpot when certain conditions are met, and also to give the player a sense of anticipation of a jackpot or the like both visually and audibly by executing effects such as displaying images on a display means and outputting sounds or music from a sound output means (speaker).
In recent years, gaming machines have been devised in which the volume of the sound output means can be set to one of a number of set values, which have a defined range, using a hall-side operating means that can be operated by the hall manager, etc., and any volume within the defined range of the set setting value is determined as the initial volume, and the volume can be changed in stages within the above-mentioned range using a player operating means that can be operated by the player.
In such gaming machines, the display means displays specific images to give various suggestions regarding volume change operations (i.e., displays related to change operations that the player can perform) (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-54904 A

In the display means of the gaming machine described above, it is common to display multiple numbers, such as a performance pattern consisting of a number pattern to notify the result of the jackpot lottery, the number of jackpot lotteries from a certain point in time, etc. These are information related to the game, so they can be said to be highly important displays for the player.
Here, in the gaming machine described above, a specific image is displayed on the display means as an indication of a change operation that the player can perform, and this specific image is intended to provide a suggestion regarding the player's operation, and therefore needs to be as highly visible as possible. However, since the display area of the display means is limited in size, if the specific image is displayed in a highly visible state, it may be displayed overlapping with an indication related to a number.
In this way, when a specific image is displayed overlapping with a display relating to a number, the visibility of the display relating to the number is reduced, and there is a risk of misinterpretation of the display relating to the number.

The present invention was made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent misunderstandings about the display of numbers.

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a display means capable of executing various displays, a sound output means capable of outputting sound at a predetermined volume, a first operation means operable by an administrator, and a second operation means operable by a player, wherein the display means is capable of executing a first specific display, a second specific display, and a third specific display as specific displays including displays relating to numbers, and is capable of executing displays relating to change operations which can be performed by a player, wherein the first specific display and the second specific display both display the same number, and the third specific display displays a display relating to a number different from the first specific display and the second specific display, and the display relating to the change operation overlaps with the first specific display but does not overlap with the second specific display and the third specific display. a first setting for setting an initial volume among a plurality of volumes based on an operation of the first operating means, a second setting for setting one of the plurality of volumes based on an operation of the second operating means, and a specific sound based on execution of a RAM clear process; when the first operating means is operated while the specific sound is being output, the first setting is executed, but the display of the specific image based on the first setting and the output of the specific sound effect based on the first setting are not executed, and when the second operating means is operated while the specific sound is being output, none of the second setting, the display of the specific image based on the second setting, and the output of the specific sound effect based on the second setting are executed .
(2) A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a first frame portion on which a gaming board having a gaming area through which gaming balls flow down is provided, a second frame portion located on the front side of the first frame portion, a decorative portion provided on an upper portion of the second frame portion, a guide passage provided on an upper portion of the gaming area and capable of guiding gaming balls to a specific gaming area corresponding to the right side of the gaming area, and an outer passage surface constituting the guide passage and located on the outer periphery of the gaming area, wherein a virtual line passing through the uppermost end of the outer passage surface among virtual lines extending in a direction perpendicular to the board surface of the gaming board is defined as a first reference line, and The first reference position may be defined as the position where a virtual vertical line extending perpendicular to the reference line and in the vertical direction intersects with the rearmost side of the underside of the decorative part, and the second reference position may be defined as the position where the virtual vertical line intersects with the lowest end of the underside of the decorative part, wherein the first reference position is located below the first reference line and the distance from the first reference line to the first reference position is less than the diameter of a gaming ball, and the second reference position is located below the first reference line and the distance from the first reference line to the second reference position is greater than the diameter of a gaming ball.
(3) A gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with a display means capable of executing various displays, the display means being capable of executing a first specific display, a second specific display, and a third specific display as specific displays including a display relating to a number, and also being capable of executing a display relating to a change operation that can be performed by a player, the first specific display and the second specific display all display the same number, the third specific display displays a number different from that of the first specific display and the second specific display, and the display relating to the change operation overlaps with the first specific display but does not overlap with the second specific display and the third specific display, the gaming machine comprising: a first frame portion on which a game board having a game area through which game balls flow down is provided, a second frame portion located on the front side of the first frame portion, a decorative portion provided at an upper portion of the second frame portion, and a decorative portion provided at an upper portion of the game area, the decorative portion being provided at an upper portion of the game area, The game board may be characterized in that it comprises a guide passage capable of guiding a game ball to a specific game area corresponding to the right side of the skill area, and an outer passage surface constituting the guide passage and located on the outer periphery of the game area, wherein a virtual line extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the game board that passes through the uppermost end of the outer passage surface is defined as a first reference line, a position where a virtual vertical line extending in an up-down direction perpendicular to the first reference line intersects with the rearmost side of the underside of the decorative part is defined as a first reference position, and a position where the virtual vertical line intersects with the lowermost end of the underside of the decorative part is defined as a second reference position, wherein the first reference position is located below the first reference line, and the distance from the first reference line to the first reference position is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball, and the second reference position is located below the first reference line, and the distance from the first reference line to the second reference position is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the first specific display and the second specific display, which include a display related to a number, display the same number, and the display related to the change operation that the player can perform overlaps with the first specific display, but is executed so as not to overlap with the second specific display. As a result, the second specific display, which does not overlap with the display related to the change operation that the player can perform, displays the same number as the first specific display, so even if the display related to the change operation that the player can perform is executed overlapping with the first specific display, the content of the first specific display can be understood from the second specific display. In addition, the third specific display, which displays a number different from the first and second specific displays, does not overlap with the display related to the change operation that the player can perform, so its content can be directly understood. This makes it possible to prevent misunderstandings about the display related to the number.

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can prevent misunderstandings about numerical displays.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine with the front door open. 1 is a schematic front view of a gaming board of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operating handle of a pachinko machine. 1 is an oblique view showing the state in which the frame cover of the operating handle of a pachinko machine has been removed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the results of a sensory test on the operating handle of a pachinko machine. 1 is an enlarged schematic view showing an operating handle in an initial position in a pachinko machine. 1 is an enlarged schematic view showing an operating handle of a pachinko machine at its maximum rotation position. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a random number determination table for determining a jackpot in a pachinko machine. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a winning symbol random number determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of a reach group determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a variation pattern lottery table for a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a variable time determination table for a pachinko machine. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a special electric device operating table of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a game status setting table for a pachinko machine. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a winning determination random number judgment table for a pachinko machine. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a normal symbol variation pattern determination table for a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram of the second start winning hole opening control table of a pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main processing in the main control board of the pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the initialization process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining the power cut-off evacuation process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of timer interrupt processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a sensor is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a gate is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when the first start winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when the second start winning port is detected in the main control board of a pachinko machine. A flowchart showing an outline of special chart-related control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special pattern variation start processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the variation pattern determination process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special pattern variation stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of post-stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the special game ending processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the general map-related control processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal pattern variation start processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the normal pattern variation stop processing in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing after a normal symbol stops in the main control board of a pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the movable piece control process in the main control board of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the multiple volume levels defined for each volume setting value of a pachinko machine. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the initial volume according to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the change effect and hold display effect of a pachinko machine. This figure shows an example of a pachinko machine's change effect, hold display effect, and special play effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a special game effect on a pachinko machine. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a volume change suggestion image and an enlarged volume meter image of a pachinko machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of a volume meter image of a pachinko machine. A figure showing an example of the display mode of a volume meter image and specific sound effects according to the volume levels defined for each volume setting value of a pachinko machine. This figure shows an example of the display mode of the volume meter image, the variable music selection image, and the special game music selection image of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the initial volume setting process when power is restored in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the initial volume setting process while the power is on in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the current volume change process in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the notification control process in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the music change process in the sub-control board of a pachinko machine. 13 is an enlarged right-side cross-sectional view of the decorative portion and the upper guide passage of a pachinko machine according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is an oblique view of the rail base, outer rail, and game board of a pachinko machine according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an outer rail of a pachinko machine according to a modified example. FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rail base and game board of a pachinko machine according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to a modified example.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this specification, the front-to-back (front, back), left-to-right (left side, right side), and top-to-bottom (flat, bottom) directions of each component part installed in the pachinko machine P refer to the directions when the pachinko machine P is viewed from the front with each component part fixed to the pachinko machine P.
(External configuration of pachinko machine P)
The gaming machine according to this embodiment is a pachinko machine P that uses gaming balls as a gaming medium. Although not shown in the figure, in general, in an amusement parlor where pachinko machines P are installed, a plurality of pachinko machines P are arranged side by side in an area where the gaming machines are installed, called an island, and a gaming ball lending device for lending the gaming balls is installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. Also, each pachinko machine P is connected to a corresponding gaming ball lending device R.
The game ball lending device R can accept the insertion of bills and a storage medium (card) that stores value information required for lending game balls. After inserting bills (or a card) into the game ball lending device R, a player can receive game balls from the game ball lending device R by performing a predetermined operation on the pachinko machine P.

As shown in Fig. 1 or 2, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment comprises a machine frame 1 which is a rectangular frame body fixed to an island and has a hollow portion (not shown), a main body frame 2 which is a rectangular frame body attached to the machine frame 1 by a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be freely opened and closed and has a hollow portion (not shown), and a door frame 3a which is a rectangular frame body attached to the main body frame 2 by a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be freely opened and closed and has an opening portion (not shown) on the front. The door frame 3a constitutes the front door 3 of the pachinko machine P.
The main body frame 2 and the door frame 3a can be used to open and close the machine frame 1 by closing the door frame 3a against the main body frame 2 and integrating the two (i.e., the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3a are integrated to form a frame portion that can open and close the machine frame 1, and this frame portion opens and closes the machine frame 1).

In addition, the length from the upper edge to the lower edge of the main frame 2 (the height of the main frame 2) is slightly longer than the length from the upper edge to the lower edge of the door frame 3a (the height of the door frame 3a), and the length from the left edge to the right edge of the main frame 2 (the width of the main frame 2) is slightly longer than the length from the left edge to the right edge of the door frame 3a (the width of the door frame 3a). Therefore, when the door frame 3a is closed, the lower edge of the main frame 2 is located slightly lower than the lower edge of the door frame 3a, and the right edge of the main frame 2 is located slightly to the right of the right edge of the door frame 3a (see Figures 7 and 8).
In addition, the height and width of the door frame 3a and the main body frame 2 may be the same, and when the door frame 3a is closed, the lower edge of the door frame 3a coincides with the lower edge of the main body frame 2, and the right edge of the door frame 3a coincides with the right edge of the main body frame 2.
Furthermore, the door frame 3a and the main body frame 2 do not have to be configured as frame bodies that can be opened and closed separately, as described above. For example, an outer frame (not shown) that is a frame body that can house the door frame 3a and the main body frame 2 and is attached to the machine case 1 so as to be freely opened and closed may be provided, and the outer frame with the door frame 3a and the main body frame 2 housed therein may open and close the machine case 1.

As shown in Fig. 1 or 2, a speaker 10 is provided at the lower left of the machine frame 1 as an output device that outputs sound. A game board 11 that forms a game area 12 is housed in the hollow part of the main body frame 2. The door frame 3a is provided with a transparent plate 4 that covers the opening, an upper tray 6 and a receiving tray 7 that are located below the transparent plate 4 and can receive game balls, an operating handle 5 attached to the right of the receiving tray 7 for operating the launch of game balls, and two speakers 10 as sound output devices attached to the upper left and right of the transparent plate 4.

In this pachinko machine P, when the main body frame 2 is closed against the machine casing 1, and the front door 3 formed by the door frame 3a is closed, the transparent plate 4 is positioned in front of the game board 11 with a gap between them. This makes it possible to view the game board 11 located at the rear through the transparent plate 4.

The upper tray 6 is adapted to guide the game balls dispensed by the game ball dispenser R and the prize balls dispensed from the pachinko machine P. The upper tray 6 is adapted to receive a predetermined amount of game balls, but when the upper tray 6 is filled with game balls, the game balls dispensed or dispensed thereafter are guided to the receiving tray 7. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the bottom surface of the receiving tray 7 is provided with a discharge hole for discharging the stored game balls and an opening/closing plate that can open and close the discharge hole. Normally, the discharge hole is closed by the opening/closing plate, but by moving the opening/closing lever 8 (see FIG. 1) attached integrally to the opening/closing plate in the horizontal direction, the opening/closing plate also moves in the same direction, opening the discharge hole. This allows the game balls to fall through the discharge hole and be discharged out of the receiving tray 7.

The operating handle 5 is used to launch game balls, and is formed so that the player can rotate it in a predetermined direction. When the player rotates the operating handle 5, the game balls held in the upper tray 6 are sent to a launching device (not shown), and the launching device launches the game balls toward the play area 12 with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the operating handle 5. The game balls launched in this manner are guided upward by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and reach the play area 12.

The game area 12 is a portion of the space formed between the game board 11 and the transparent plate 4 when the main frame 2 and the front door 3 (door frame 3a) are closed to the machine frame 1, which is partitioned into an approximately circular shape by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and is an area through which game balls can flow down.
As shown in Fig. 3, the game area 12 is composed of a first game area 12a, which is an area on the left side as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine P, and a second game area 12b, which is an area on the right side as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine P. The two game areas 12 have different possibilities for game balls to enter depending on the firing strength of the launching device. Specifically, when the firing strength of the launching device is less than a predetermined strength (a strength at which the game ball launched by the launching device does not reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the first game area 12a. On the other hand, when the firing strength of the launching device is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength (a strength at which the game ball launched by the launching device can reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the second game area 12b.

Here, the operating handle 5 will be described in detail.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the operating handle 5 is broadly composed of a base 510 fixed to the door frame 3a, an operating frame 550 rotatably supported on this base 510 and capable of rotating within a predetermined angle range from an initial position in the normal state, and a frame cover 570 covering the front surface of this operating frame 550.

Although not specifically shown, the base 510 is a generally cylindrical member that opens toward the front when fixed to the door frame 3a, and this base 510 has holes and protrusions formed therein for mounting various components, and also has storage space for storing various components.

The operation frame 550 is supported by the base 510 so as to be rotatable relative to the base 510, and includes an annular ring body 551 that faces the opening of the base 510, and a flat plate portion 552 that is provided within the ring body 551 (see FIG. 5). The outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551 is provided with three finger hooks 551a, 551b, and 551c that protrude outward, and the player can easily rotate the operation frame 550 by hooking his or her fingers on the finger hooks 551a, 551b, and 551c.

The flat plate portion 552 is provided with a pair of elongated guide holes 553 that penetrate in the direction of the rotation axis of the operation frame 550 and curve along the circumferential direction of the operation frame 550. A guide shaft 518 protruding from the base 510 can be inserted into the guide holes 553, and with the operation frame 550 supported by the base 510, the guide holes 553 are guided by the guide shafts 518, allowing the operation frame 550 to rotate freely.
In addition, a protrusion 554 is provided on the front side (frame cover 570 side) of the flat plate portion 552, standing in the front direction at the center position of the operation frame 550, and a spring retaining piece 555 is provided near this protrusion 554, protruding in the front direction.

The frame cover 570 is a substantially hemispherical member that opens toward the rear when covering the front surface of the operation frame 550. The rear side of the frame cover 570 is screwed to the guide shaft 518 of the base 510 inserted into the guide hole 553, whereby the frame cover 570 is fixed to the base 510. In addition, the rear side of the frame cover 570 is provided with a rear hole (not shown) into which the protrusion 554 of the operation frame 550 can be inserted so as to be relatively rotatable, and when the frame cover 570 covers the front surface of the operation frame 550, the protrusion 554 of the operation frame 550 is inserted into the rear hole.
By fastening with the screws as described above, the operation frame 550 is sandwiched between the frame cover 570 and the base 510 so as to be freely rotatable.

When the operating handle 500 is assembled, the guide shaft 518 of the base 510 is inserted into the guide hole 553 of the operating frame 550, and when the guide shaft 518 abuts against the circumferential end of the guide hole 553, further rotation of the operating frame 550 is restricted. In other words, the guide shaft 518 and the guide hole 553 function as a stopper that guides the rotation of the operating frame 550 and restricts the rotation angle within a certain range.

As shown in FIG. 5, a coil spring 581 is wound around the outer periphery of the projection 554 of the operation frame 550 .
One end of this coil spring 581 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the guide shaft 518 of the base 510 inserted into the guide hole 553, and the other end is hooked to the spring holding piece 555, and constantly urges the operation frame 550 to rotate counterclockwise via the guide shaft 518. That is, a counterclockwise rotational force is constantly applied to the operation frame 550 about the rotation axis of the operation frame 550. As a result, in a normal state, the elastic force of the coil spring 581 causes the operation frame 550 to be located at an initial position where the guide shaft 518 abuts against the end of the guide hole 553 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the operation frame 550 (see FIG. 5).

When a clockwise rotational force is applied to the operation frame 550 in a state where the operation frame 550 is located in the initial position, the operation frame 550 rotates clockwise against the elastic force of the coil spring 581. When the clockwise rotational force applied to the operation frame 550 is released, the operation frame 550 rotates counterclockwise due to the elastic force of the coil spring 581, and returns to the initial position.

In addition, in this operating handle 5, the counterclockwise rotational force (biasing force) that is constantly acting on the operating frame 550 is adjusted by adjusting the amount of winding and rotation of the coil spring 581, and the operating torque required to rotate the operating frame 550 in the clockwise direction is set as follows:

Specifically, with regard to the operating torque required to rotate the operating handle 5 from its initial position (hereinafter also referred to as the first operating torque), the operating torque required to rotate the operating handle 5 from its initial position to the left-hand hit reference position (hereinafter also referred to as the second operating torque), and the operating torque required to rotate the operating handle 5 from the left-hand hit reference position to the maximum rotation position (hereinafter also referred to as the third operating torque), the second operating torque is set to be greater than the first operating torque but not greater than twice the first operating torque, and the third operating torque is set to be greater than the second operating torque but not greater than twice the second operating torque.
For example, in the above-mentioned operating handle 5, the first operating torque can be approximately 6.8 N·mm (N·mm is a unit indicating operating torque, the same applies below), the second operating torque can be approximately 13.6 N·mm, and the third operating torque can be approximately 23.8 N·mm. Note that the first operating torque of approximately 6.8 N·mm is the minimum value at which the operating frame 550 can return to the initial position when the clockwise rotational force on the operating frame 550 is released from a state in which the operating handle 5 is rotated slightly clockwise from the initial position.

Note that the left-hand hit reference position is the position of the operating handle 5 at which the launch strength is such that the launched game ball is more likely to enter the first game area 12a than the second game area 12b in the game area 12 and can be shot into a specific area (so-called a "throw-in") where the game ball is more likely to enter the first start winning hole 15 described below. The maximum rotation position is the position of the operating handle 5 at which the clockwise rotation of the operating frame 550 is restricted (i.e., the position at which the guide shaft 518 abuts against the end of the operating frame 550 in the rotation direction at the guide hole 553).

In addition, in the above-mentioned operating handle 5, the operating angle (rotation angle, hereinafter also referred to as the first operating angle) of the operating handle 5 from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position is set to be approximately half or less of the operating angle (hereinafter also referred to as the second operating angle) of the operating handle 5 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position. Note that it is desirable for the first operating angle to be in the range of approximately 45 degrees to 60 degrees, and the second operating angle to be in the range of approximately 100 degrees to 120 degrees. For example, in the above-mentioned operating handle 5, the first operating angle can be approximately 45 degrees, and the second operating angle can be approximately 100 degrees.

As described above, by setting the second operation torque to be greater than the first operation torque but less than twice the first operation torque, the operation torque does not increase suddenly from the initial position to the left hit reference position, and the operation burden on the player can be reduced. Also, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling that the operation load increases suddenly from the initial position to the left hit reference position, and the player can be made less likely to feel tired when operating the operation handle 5.
Moreover, by setting the third operation torque to be greater than the second operation torque and less than twice the second operation torque, the operation torque does not increase suddenly from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, and there is no large difference between the operation load when rotating the operation handle 5 from the initial position to the left hit reference position and the operation load when rotating the operation handle 5 from the left hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, so that the operation burden on the player can be reduced. Also, it is possible to prevent the player from getting the impression that the operation load increases suddenly the closer they get to the maximum rotation position from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, so that the player is less likely to feel tired when operating the operation handle 5.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the operating handle 5 described above will be described in comparison with a comparative example.
As described above, the operating handle 5 in the embodiment is set so that the first operating torque is about 6.8 N·mm, the second operating torque is about 13.6 N·mm, and the third operating torque is about 23.8 N·mm. That is, the operating handle 5 in the embodiment satisfies the condition that the second operating torque is larger than the first operating torque and is not more than twice the first operating torque (hereinafter also referred to as the first condition), and satisfies the condition that the third operating torque is larger than the second operating torque and is not more than twice the second operating torque (hereinafter also referred to as the second condition).
In contrast, the operating handle 5 in the comparative example was set so that the first operating torque was approximately 31 N mm, the second operating torque was approximately 69 N mm, and the third operating torque was approximately 152 N mm. In other words, the operating handle 5 in the comparative example does not satisfy either the first condition or the second condition described above.

Using the operating handle 5 in the above-mentioned embodiment and the operating handle 5 in the comparative example, the fatigue feeling when the operating handle 5 is rotated a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times) from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position (hereinafter also referred to as "first half fatigue"), and the fatigue feeling when the operating handle 5 is rotated a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times) from the left-hand hit reference position to the maximum rotation position (hereinafter also referred to as "second half fatigue") were evaluated by a sensory test in which the subjects actually rotated the operating handle 5.
As shown in FIG. 6, the operating handle 5 in the example had a small feeling of fatigue in both the first half and the second half, whereas the operating handle 5 in the comparative example had a large feeling of fatigue in both the first half and the second half. Thus, the operating handle 5 in the example was rated superior to the operating handle 5 in the comparative example in terms of both feelings of fatigue.
Therefore, as is clear from the above results, the range in which the second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque but not greater than twice the first operating torque, and the range in which the third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque but not greater than twice the second operating torque, can be said to be appropriate from the standpoint of the above-mentioned sense of fatigue.

The above-mentioned operating handle 5 is provided on the door frame 3a (main frame 2) so as to have the following positional relationship with the door frame 3a. In the following, of the three finger hook protrusions arranged in parallel along the outer circumferential surface of the ring body 551 of the operating frame 550, the finger hook protrusion 551a located on the left side when the operating handle 5 is in the initial position is also referred to as the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the finger hook protrusion 551b located in the center is also referred to as the second finger hook protrusion 551b, and the finger hook protrusion 551c located on the right side is also referred to as the third finger hook protrusion 551c.

Specifically, the above-mentioned operating handle 5 is located at a position where the distance DA1 from the center position C of the frame cover 570 (the position that protrudes most toward the front when attached to the door frame 3a) to the lower edge of the door frame 3a is approximately 40.0 mm, the distance DA2 from the center position C to the lower edge of the main frame 2 is approximately 45.0 mm, the distance DA3 from the center position C to the right edge of the door frame 3a is approximately 49.1 mm, and the distance DA4 from the center position C to the right edge of the main frame 2 is approximately 51.1 mm (see Figure 7).

Here, the above-mentioned operating handle 5 is configured so that the distance DB from the center position C to the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551 is approximately 34.6 mm, the distance DC1 from the center position C to the protruding end of the first finger hook protrusion 551a (the position on the first finger hook protrusion 551a that protrudes most from the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551) is approximately 53.4 mm, the distance DC2 from the center position C to the protruding end of the second finger hook protrusion 551b (the position on the second finger hook protrusion 551b that protrudes most from the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551) is approximately 45.6 mm, and the distance DC3 from the center position C to the protruding end of the third finger hook protrusion 551c (the position on the third finger hook protrusion 551c that protrudes most from the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551) is approximately 39.3 mm (see Figure 7).
In addition, when the above-mentioned operating handle 5 is in the initial position, the first finger hook protrusion 551a is located slightly above and to the left of the center position C, the second finger hook protrusion 551b is located almost directly above the center position C, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c is located slightly above and to the right of the center position C (see Figure 7).

In other words, when the operating handle 5 is in the initial position, the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b and the third finger hook protrusion 551c are all positioned above the center position C, so that the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b and the third finger hook protrusion 551c do not protrude downward beyond the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main frame 2 (see Figure 7).
Furthermore, as described above, the distance DC3 from the center position C to the protruding end of the third finger hook protrusion 551c is approximately 39.3 mm, the distance DA3 from the center position C to the right edge of the door frame 3a is approximately 49.1 mm, and the distance DA4 from the center position C to the right edge of the main frame 2 is approximately 51.1 mm, so that when the operating handle 5 is in the initial position, none of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c protrude to the right further than the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main frame 2 (see Figure 7).

On the other hand, when the operating handle 5 is rotated from the initial position by the second operating angle (approximately 100 degrees) and is in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook protrusion 551a is located slightly above and to the right of the center position C, the second finger hook protrusion 551b is located slightly below and to the right of the center position C, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c is located slightly below and to the right of the center position C (see FIG. 8). In addition, the protruding end of the third finger hook protrusion 551c is located above the lower edge of the door frame 3a (main frame 2) and to the left of the right edge of the door frame 3a (main frame 2) (see FIG. 8).

In other words, when the operating handle 5 is in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b and the third finger hook protrusion 551c are all positioned above the lower end of the door frame 3a (main frame 2), so that the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b and the third finger hook protrusion 551c do not protrude downward below the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main frame 2 (see Figure 8).
Furthermore, as described above, the distance DC2 from the center position C to the protruding end of the second finger hook protrusion 551b is approximately 45.6 mm, the distance DA3 from the center position C to the right edge of the door frame 3a is approximately 49.1 mm, and the distance DA4 from the center position C to the right edge of the main frame 2 is approximately 51.1 mm, so that when the operating handle 5 is in the initial position, none of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c protrude to the right further than the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main frame 2 (see Figure 8).

Furthermore, as described above, whether the operating handle 5 is in the initial position or in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b and the third finger hook protrusion 551c protrudes downwardly beyond the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main body frame 2, and none of them protrudes to the right beyond the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main body frame 2.
As a result, although not specifically shown, regardless of any rotation position the operating handle 5 is in from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c protrude downward below the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main body frame 2, and none of them protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main body frame 2.

As described above, the distance DC1 from the center position C to the protruding end of the first finger hook protrusion 551a is approximately 53.4 mm, the distance DC2 from the center position C to the protruding end of the second finger hook protrusion 551b is approximately 45.6 mm, and the distance DC3 from the center position C to the protruding end of the third finger hook protrusion 551c is approximately 39.3 mm, and the protruding end of the first finger hook protrusion 551a is the farthest from the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551 (the protruding most from the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551).
Furthermore, as described above, when the operating handle 5 is in the initial position, the first finger hook protrusion 551a is located slightly above and to the left of the center position C, and when the operating handle 500 is in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook protrusion 551a is located slightly above and to the right of the center position C, so that the height position of the first finger hook protrusion 551a in the maximum rotation position described above is higher than the height position of the first finger hook protrusion 551a in the initial position described above.
In other words, when the operating handle 5 is in the maximum rotation position, the protruding end of the first finger hook protrusion 551 is not positioned at the lowest point of the rotational orbit through which the protruding end passes when the operating handle 5 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position.

As described above, the above-mentioned operating handle 5 is configured so that when the operating handle 5 is in the initial position, none of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c protrudes downwardly below the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main body frame 2, and none of them protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main body frame 2; and when the operating handle 5 is in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c protrudes downwardly below the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main body frame 2, and none of them protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main body frame 2.
This prevents the finger hook protrusions 551a, 551b, 551c from coming into contact with the floor or wall and damaging the operating handle 5, for example, when the pachinko machine P is temporarily placed on the floor of the hall or leaned against a wall during work to install the pachinko machine P on an island.

Furthermore, regardless of which rotation position the operating handle 5 is in from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, the second finger hook protrusion 551b, and the third finger hook protrusion 551c protrude downward below the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main body frame 2, and none of them protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main body frame 2.
As a result, as described above, when the pachinko machine P is placed on the floor or the like of a hall or leaned against a wall, regardless of the rotation position of the operating handle 5, it is possible to prevent the finger hook protrusions 551a, 551b, 551c from coming into contact with the floor or wall and damaging the operating handle 5.

In addition, the protruding end of the first finger hook protrusion 551a, which has the protruding end that is furthest from the outer peripheral surface of the ring body 551, is configured so that when the operating handle 5 is in the maximum rotation position, the protruding end is not positioned at the lowest point of the rotation orbit through which the protruding end passes when the operating handle 5 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position.
This reliably prevents the finger hook protrusions 551a, 551b, 551c from protruding below the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main frame 2 when the operating handle 5 is in the maximum rotation position.

The number of finger hook protrusions on the operating handle 5 is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more, as long as the operating handle 5 and the door frame 3a (main frame 2) have the relationship described above.

In addition, the distance from the center position C of the above-mentioned operating handle 5 to each finger hook protrusion, the position of each finger hook protrusion at the initial position or maximum rotation position, the distance from the center position C to the door frame 3a (main body frame 2), etc. are not limited to the above values, and can be any value as long as the operating handle 5 and the door frame 3a (main body frame 2) have the relationship described above.

In addition, the above-mentioned operating handle 5 is designed so that the finger hook protrusions 551a, 551b, 551c do not protrude downward beyond both the lower edge of the door frame 3a and the lower edge of the main body frame 2, and do not protrude to the right beyond both the right edge of the door frame 3a and the right edge of the main body frame 2, but is not limited to this.
For example, at least one of the lower edges of the door frame 3a and the main frame 2 may not protrude downward further than the lower edge located on the lower side. Similarly, at least one of the right edges of the door frame 3a and the main frame 2 may not protrude rightward further than the right edge located on the right side.
Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be achieved.

In addition, the above-mentioned operating handle 5 may be provided at any location on the pachinko machine P, such as the machine frame 1 or the main body frame 2, rather than on the door frame 3a. And, if the operating handle 5 is provided on the machine frame 1 or the main body frame 2, the operating handle 5 and the machine frame 1 or the main body frame 2 can be set to have the relationship described above.

In addition, the above-mentioned operating handle 5 may be configured so that the first finger hook protrusion 551a does not have a protruding end that is the furthest from the outer circumferential surface of the ring body 551, but the other finger hook protrusions (the second finger hook protrusion 551b and the third finger hook protrusion 551c) have protruding ends that are the furthest from the outer circumferential surface of the ring body 551. In this case, too, when the operating handle 5 is in the maximum rotation position, the above-mentioned protruding end can be set so that it is not located at the lowest point of the rotation orbit through which the protruding end passes when the operating handle 5 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position.

Now, we return to the explanation of the game area 12.
As shown in Figure 3, within the game area 12, there are provided a windmill and numerous nails for making the direction in which the game balls flow irregularly, a general winning port 14 through which the game balls can enter, a first starting winning port 15 and a second starting winning port 16 as starting areas, a gate 20 through which the game balls can pass, an attacker device 17 that activates when certain conditions are met, an outlet 19 that guides the game balls out of the game area 12, and a performance display device 21 that acts as a performance device for producing performances as the game progresses.

As shown in FIG. 3, the general winning opening 14 is provided at the lower left side of the game area 12, and when a game ball enters the general winning opening 14, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.
The number and locations of the general winning ports 14 are not particularly limited.

The first start winning opening 15 is located slightly below the center of the game area 12, as shown in FIG. 3. Game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter this first start winning opening 15, but game balls flowing down the second game area 12b are almost unable to enter. In contrast, the second start winning opening 16 is located to the right of the center of the game area 12 (i.e., within the second game area 12b), as shown in FIG. 3. Game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter this second start winning opening 16, but game balls flowing down the first game area 12a are almost unable to enter.

3, the second start winning opening 16 is provided with a movable piece 16b (normal electric device) that can be opened and closed. When the movable piece 16b is closed, the second start winning opening 16 is in a closed state, and it is impossible or difficult for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. On the other hand, when the movable piece 16b is opened, the second start winning opening 16 is in an open state, and the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball toward the second start winning opening 16, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16.
Furthermore, the configuration of this movable piece 16b is not particularly limited, and may be configured, for example, by a pair of blade members that rotate left and right around an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or a cover member that rotates back and forth around a horizontal axis to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or it may be configured by a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second start winning opening 16.
In addition, the installation locations of the first start winning port 15 and the second start winning port 16 are not particularly limited, and for example, the first start winning port 15 and the second start winning port 16 may be placed in a position where game balls flowing down either game area 12 (first game area 12a, second game area 12b) can easily enter the port.

When a game ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a lottery is held to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, and one special pattern is selected from a number of predefined special patterns based on the results of the lottery. When a special pattern is selected, a change time during which the special pattern is displayed is determined, and the display of the determined special pattern is executed for the determined change time. When the change time has elapsed, the display of the special pattern ends and the special pattern is displayed stationary. Various game benefits are associated with each special pattern, and depending on the type of special pattern selected, the player can receive game benefits such as the execution of a special game advantageous to the player and the setting of a predetermined game state.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gate 20 is provided above the second start winning opening 16. When a game ball passes through this gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held. If the result of the lottery is a winning one, the movable piece 16b provided in the second start winning opening 16 is opened for a predetermined time.

3, the attacker device 17 is provided below the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16. The attacker device 17 includes a large winning opening 18 into which game balls can enter, and an opening/closing door 18b for opening and closing the large winning opening 18. Normally, the opening/closing door 18b is closed and the large winning opening 18 is closed, so that game balls cannot enter the large winning opening 18. However, when the special game is played, the opening/closing door 18b opens and the large winning opening 18 is opened, and the opening/closing door 18b functions as a receiving member that guides game balls to the large winning opening 18, so that game balls can enter the large winning opening 18.
When a game ball enters the big prize opening 18, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the game area 12 and receives game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 14, the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, and the big winning opening 18. Game balls received in the outlet 19 are guided to the back side of the game board 11 and collected.

As shown in Fig. 3, the performance display device 21 is provided in the approximate center of the play area 12. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the performance display device 21. The performance display device 21 is provided with a display unit 21a capable of displaying images such as moving images and still images.
In the display unit 21a, in addition to displaying a background image, a variable performance is performed in accordance with the variable display of the special symbols. In this variable performance, the performance symbols 50 (dummy symbols) are displayed in a variable manner, and the result of the lottery for a jackpot is notified (suggested) to the player by the stop display mode of each performance symbol 50.
During special play, the display unit 21a performs an opening performance executed at the start of the special play, a round play performance executed during the round play described below, and an ending performance executed after all round plays have ended (at the end of the special play) (hereinafter, the opening performance, round play performance, and ending performance are collectively referred to as special play performance). The opening performance displays an opening image described below, the round play performance displays a round play image described below, and the ending performance displays an ending image described below.
In addition, the performance display device 21 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be, for example, a drum-type display device that uses multiple drums with patterns on the outer circumference to display various types of information.

The pachinko machine P in this embodiment is equipped with, as a performance device, a performance display device 21, as well as a speaker 10 as the above-mentioned sound output device, and a lamp 23 (see Figure 2) as a performance lighting device that produces performance by emitting light in various colors and lighting patterns.
It should be noted that the presentation devices are not limited to these, and may include, for example, prop devices that can move at various times and in various ways.

A performance operation device 9 is provided at the front position of the upper tray 6, which the player can operate to progress or switch the performances executed during play or while waiting. The performance operation device 9 is composed of an operation dial 9a, which is a circular ring-shaped frame that can be rotated, and an operation button 9b that is fitted into the operation dial 9a and can be pressed. When a specific performance is being executed by the performance display device 21, rotating the operation dial 9a or pressing the operation button 9b will progress various performances, such as variable performances, or switch to a different display.

A cross key 25 that can be operated by a player is provided to the right of the performance operation device 9 on the upper tray 6 (see FIG. 1). The cross key 25 includes an up key, a down key, a left key, and a right key.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, by pressing the up or down key on the cross key 25, the volume of the speaker 10 (i.e., the volume of the sound or music output from the speaker 10) can be changed within a range of multiple stages as described below.
In addition, in the variable performance (display of the variable special symbol) and the special game performance (special game) in this embodiment, a predetermined music is output from the speaker 10 in accordance with the above-mentioned display on the display unit 21a. A plurality of types of music (hereinafter also referred to as variable music) are provided for each game state (normal game state, high probability time-saving game state) described later. A plurality of types of music (hereinafter also referred to as special game music) are provided for the special game performance. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned variable music output in the variable performance and the above-mentioned special game music output in the special game performance can be changed (switched) by pressing the left key or the right key on the cross key 25. This allows the player to arbitrarily select the music (variable music, special game music) output during the variable display of the special symbol or during the special game.
The volume and music may be changed by operating the performance operation device 9, rather than by pressing the cross key 25. A touch panel that can be operated by the player may be provided, and buttons for changing the volume and music may be displayed on the touch panel, allowing the volume and music to be changed by touching the buttons.
Changing the volume and music will be explained in more detail later.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the lower right portion of the game board 11 and outside the game area 12, a first special symbol display device 30, a second special symbol display device 31, a first special symbol reserved display device 38, a second special symbol reserved display device 39, a normal symbol display device 32, and a normal symbol reserved display device 33 are provided as devices for displaying various game statuses.

As described above, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the game ball lending device R, and the pachinko machine P is configured to accept operations on the game ball lending device R, such as lending game balls and ejecting cards. For this reason, the pachinko machine P is provided with a value information display device 35 that displays value information (balance information) stored in the card, a ball lending button 36 that can be pressed, and a card return button 37 that can be pressed, as shown in FIG. 1.

(Configuration of the control means of the pachinko machine P)
Next, the control means for controlling the game and presentation of the pachinko machine P will be described.
The above-mentioned control means is composed of various control boards, and specifically, as shown in Figure 9, it includes a main control board 100 that controls the basic operations of the pachinko machine P, a launch and payout control board 200 that controls the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls, a sub-control board 300 that controls various presentations, and a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R.

9, a launching/payout control board 200 and a sub-control board 300 are connected to the main control board 100, and a game ball lending control board 400 is connected to the launching/payout control board 200. Furthermore, an external information terminal board 500 is connected to the main control board 100 and the launching/payout control board 200 to output various information on the progress of the game to the outside of the pachinko machine P (for example, a hall computer in the game center).
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the launch and payout control board 200 controls both the launch of game balls and the payout of prize balls, but a board that controls the launch of game balls (launch control board) and a board that controls the payout of prize balls (payout control board) may be provided separately.

The main control board 100 controls the games played on the pachinko machine P, and specifically controls the special game that is started when the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, the regular game that is started when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and special games that are advantageous to the player.
As shown in FIG. 9, this main control board 100 is equipped with a main CPU 101 which performs various calculation processes, a main ROM 102 which stores a control program for progressing the game and data and tables necessary for the game, and a main RAM 103 which is used as a temporary storage area during calculation processes.
Then, based on signals from each detection sensor and timer described later, the main CPU 101 reads out a control program stored in the main ROM 102 and performs calculation processing, as well as controlling various devices connected to the main CPU 101 and sending commands to other boards based on the results of the calculation processing.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the main control board 100 is connected to a general winning opening detection sensor 14a that detects when a game ball enters the general winning opening 14, a first start winning opening detection sensor 15a that detects when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 15, a second start winning opening detection sensor 16a that detects when a game ball enters the second start winning opening 16, a large winning opening detection sensor 18a that detects when a game ball enters the large winning opening 18, a gate detection sensor 20a that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 20, and a fraud detection sensor 35 that detects magnetism, radio waves, etc. directed toward the game board 11. The detection signals output from each of these detection sensors are input to the main control board 100.

Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to the following devices to be controlled: a start winning port solenoid 16c which drives the movable piece 16b of the second start winning port 16 to open and close, a large winning port solenoid 18c which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large winning port 18 to open and close, a first special pattern display device 30, a second special pattern display device 31, a normal pattern display device 32, a first special pattern reserve display device 38, a second special pattern reserve display device 39, and a normal pattern reserve display device 33.
The main control board 100 drives each solenoid to control the opening and closing of the second start winning opening 16 and the large winning opening 18, and also controls the display of each display device.

The firing and dispensing control board 200, although not specifically shown, is equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM, just like the main control board 100, and is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

As shown in FIG. 9, the launch/payout control board 200 is connected with the following devices for controlling the launch of game balls: a touch sensor 5a that detects when a player touches the operating handle 5; an operating volume 5b that detects the operating angle (rotation angle) of the operating handle 5; a launch stop switch 5c that stops the launch of game balls; a ball feed solenoid 60 that sends the game balls held in the upper tray 6 to a launch device (not shown); and a launch motor 61 that launches the game balls. In addition, control signals output from the touch sensor 5a, the operating volume 5b, and the launch stop switch 5c are input to the launch/payout control board 200.

When the control signals from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b are input to the launch/payout control board 200, the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 are energized to launch the game balls. On the other hand, when the control signal from the launch stop switch 5c is input to the launch/payout control board 200, the ball feed solenoid 60 and the launch motor 61 are de-energized to stop the launch of the game balls.
In addition, a rotary solenoid may be used instead of the launch motor 61 as a device for launching the game ball.

As shown in FIG. 9, the launch payout control board 200 is connected to a payout motor 62 that pays out the game balls stored in a game ball storage section (not shown) as prize balls, and a payout counting switch 63 that detects and counts the paid-out game balls, as devices for controlling the payout of game balls. When the launch payout control board 200 receives a payout number command transmitted from the main control board 100, the launch payout control board 200 controls the payout motor 62 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) based on the payout number command. At this time, the number of paid-out game balls is counted by the payout counting switch 63, making it possible to determine whether the predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) have been paid out.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the firing/dispensing control board 200 is connected to a door frame open detection sensor 3b that detects the open state of the door frame 3a (front door 3) and a tray full detection sensor 7a that detects the full state of the tray 7.

When the door frame open detection sensor 3b detects that the door frame 3a is open, it outputs an open detection signal to the launch/dispense control board 200, and the open detection signal is output continuously while the door frame 3a is open. When the open detection signal is input, the launch/dispense control board 200 sends a door open command to the main control board 100. On the other hand, when the input of the open detection signal stops, it determines that the door frame 3a is closed, and sends a door close command to the main control board 100.

The tray full detection sensor 7a is provided at a predetermined position on the tray 7. When the tray 7 is filled with a predetermined amount of game balls to be paid out as prize balls, the stored game balls reach the above-mentioned predetermined position. When the tray full detection sensor 7a detects that the game balls have reached the above-mentioned predetermined position, it turns on and outputs a tray detection signal to the launch payout control board 200. The tray detection signal is output continuously while the stored game balls are at the above-mentioned predetermined position. When the tray detection signal is input, the launch payout control board 200 transmits a tray full command to the main control board 100. In response, when the tray full detection sensor 7a no longer detects that the game balls have reached the above-mentioned predetermined position, it turns off and stops outputting the tray detection signal. When the input of the tray detection signal stops, the launch payout control board 200 determines that the full state of the tray 7 has been released, and stops sending the tray full command to the main control board 100.

As described above, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected to a game ball lending control board 400 that relays operations to the game ball lending device R. As shown in FIG. 9, the launching and dispensing control board 200 is connected, via the game ball lending control board 400, to a value information display device 35, a ball lending switch 36a that detects the pressing operation of the ball lending button 36, and a card return switch 37a that detects the pressing operation of the card return button 37.

When the ball lending button 36 is pressed, a detection signal output from the ball lending switch 36a is input to the launching and paying out control board 200, which then transmits a lending request signal requesting the lending of game balls to the game ball lending device R. When the game ball lending device R receives the lending request signal, the game ball lending device R performs a process of subtracting predetermined value information from the stored value information, and controls the paying out of a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted value information.
When the card return button 37 is pressed, a detection signal output from the card return switch 37a is input to the launch/payout control board 200, and the launch/payout control board 200 transmits a return request signal requesting the return of the card to the game ball lending device R. When the game ball lending device R receives the return request signal, the game ball lending device R controls the ejection of the card.

The sub-control board 300 controls the presentation that is executed during play, standby, etc.
As shown in Figure 9, this sub-control board 300 is equipped with a sub-CPU 301 which performs various types of calculation processing, a sub-ROM 302 which stores control programs for executing performances, data and tables necessary for executing performances, etc., and a sub-RAM 303 which is used as a temporary memory area during calculation processing, and is connected so as to enable one-way communication from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300.
Then, based on commands sent from the main control board 100 and signals from a timer, the sub-CPU 301 reads out the control program stored in the sub-ROM 302, performs calculations, and sends commands for executing performances to an image control board (not shown) that controls image display, an audio control board 310 that controls audio output, and an electric lighting control board (not shown) that controls the lighting.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, the audio control board 310 and the illumination control board are provided separately, but it is also possible to provide a single board (audio and illumination control board) that combines the functions of these boards, and to use this board to control both the audio output and the lighting.

The sub-control board 300 is connected to the performance display device 21 via an image control board, and is connected to the speaker 10 and the cross key detection sensor 25a, which detects the pressing operation of the cross key 25, via an audio control board 310. In addition, the sub-control board 300 is connected to the lamps 23, the rotation operation detection sensor 9c, which detects the rotation operation of the operation dial 9a, and the pressing operation detection sensor 9d, which detects the pressing operation of the operation button 9b, via an illumination control board.

The image control board is equipped with an image CPU, image ROM, image RAM, etc., although not specifically shown. The image ROM of this image control board stores image data such as the designs and backgrounds displayed on the performance display device 21. The image CPU controls the image display by the performance display device 21 by storing image data read from the image ROM in the image RAM based on commands sent from the sub-control board 300.

The audio control board 310 is composed of a sound ROM that stores various sound data such as the sound output from the speaker 10 and background music, a control unit that adjusts the audio signal based on the sound data, and an amplifier to which the sound data adjusted by the control unit is input. In this embodiment, sound data corresponding to each of a number of tracks (40 tracks in this embodiment) is read out, and the sound data corresponding to each track is input to the control unit, thereby adjusting the audio signal for each track, and the adjusted sound data is input to the amplifier and output from the speaker 10 via the amplifier.

In addition, although not shown, the control unit in this embodiment includes a decoder unit for decoding sound data, a fader unit for adjusting the volume of each track, a first ducker unit for lowering the volume of other tracks when a specific track reaches a specific volume or higher, a bus output control unit for determining which speaker 10 and at what volume the sound data is to be reproduced, a switcher unit for determining which bus the sound data of each track is to be assigned to, a second ducker unit for lowering the volume of other buses when a specific bus reaches a specific volume or higher, a router unit for determining the correspondence between each bus and a speaker, and a channel volume unit for setting the volume for each bus. It is composed of an equalizer section that sets the emphasis or reduction of specific frequency bands for each bus, a limiter section that adjusts the volume of each bus so that it does not exceed a certain level, a waveform correction section that performs waveform correction for each bus, a gain section that raises the overall volume, a post-limiter section that readjusts the volume adjusted by the gain section so that it does not exceed a certain level, a short delay section that corrects the phase shift of the sound caused by differences in the position of each speaker 10 by delaying the timing of the sound output for each bus, a master volume section that adjusts the volume of all buses simultaneously, and a serial output section that converts the sound data of each bus so that it can be transmitted serially to the amplifier, and these are connected in the above order.
In addition, the control unit can be set separately to use each of the above components (i.e., to enable the function of each of the above components). For example, if the volume of all basses is not to be adjusted by the master volume, it is possible to set the master volume unit not to be used (i.e., the function of the master volume unit is not enabled (disabled)) and only the other components are used (i.e., only the functions of the other components are enabled). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, none of the above components related to the volume configuring function are used, and only the other components are used.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the volume of the speaker 10 can also be set separately from the volume adjustment by the control unit of the sound control board 310 .
Specifically, although not shown, the sub-control board 300 is provided with a volume setting changeover switch 10a and an initial volume setting changeover switch 10b for setting the volume of the speaker 10. The volume setting changeover switch 10a has a dial (not shown), and one of a plurality of volume setting values (10 values from "0" to "9" in this embodiment) can be set by rotating the dial. The initial volume setting changeover switch 10b has a lever (not shown), and one of a plurality of initial volume setting values ("A" and "B" in this embodiment) can be set by tilting the lever. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a plurality of volume levels are predefined for each of the volume setting values, and one of the volume levels defined for the volume setting value is set as the initial volume according to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value that are set.
The volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are provided on the sub-control board 300, and since the sub-control board 300 is provided on the back of the game board 11 (not shown), players cannot operate these switches and only hall staff (managers) or the like can operate them.

As described above, the volume of the speaker 10 can be changed within a range of multiple steps defined by the volume setting value by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25. Specifically, the volume can be increased in stages up to the maximum volume in the multiple steps by pressing the up key, and the volume can be decreased in stages up to the minimum volume in the multiple steps by pressing the down key.
The cross key 25 is provided at the front position of the upper tray 6 (see FIG. 1), so that the player can operate the cross key 25.

The sub-RAM 303 of the sub-control board 300 is also configured to store the volume being set for the speaker 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the current volume), etc. For example, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume corresponding to the initial volume setting value are stored in the sub-RAM 303 as the current volume, and when the cross key 25 is pressed, the volume after the pressing operation is stored in the sub-RAM 303 as the current volume. Then, sound is output from the speaker 10 at the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the initial volume settings of all the speakers 10 can be performed collectively by the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, but this is not limited to this. For example, an individual switch for setting the initial volume for each speaker 10 may be provided, and the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value may be set for each speaker 10 by this switch. Also, the current volume for each speaker 10 may be changed by the cross key 25.
In addition, the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are provided directly on the sub-control board 300, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b may be provided on the audio control board 310.

The illumination control board controls the illumination by the illumination device 23 based on commands from the sub-control board 300. When the illumination control board receives a rotation detection signal output from the rotation detection sensor 9c based on the rotation of the operation dial 9a, or a press detection signal output from the press detection sensor 9d based on the press of the operation button 9b, the illumination control board transmits a specified command to the sub-control board 300.

Although not shown, a power supply board is connected to each board of the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, and this power supply board is provided with a predetermined power switch and a reset switch. When the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply board to each board, and when the power switch is turned off, the supply of power from the power supply board to each board is stopped. This power supply board is also provided with a backup power supply.
The main control board 100 is provided with a power interruption detection circuit for detecting the voltage value of the power supply supplied. When the voltage value of the power supply supplied falls below a predetermined value (for example, when the power switch is turned off or an unexpected power interruption occurs), the power interruption detection circuit determines that a power interruption has occurred and outputs a power interruption occurrence signal to the main control board 100, and when the voltage value exceeds the predetermined value (for example, when the power switch is turned on or when the power is restored from an unexpected power interruption), the power interruption detection circuit determines that the power has been restored and stops outputting the power interruption occurrence signal to the main control board 100.
When the main CPU 101 detects the above-mentioned power interruption occurrence signal, it prohibits access to the main RAM 103 and performs a process (i.e., a backup process) to retain various data related to the progress of the game stored in the memory area of the main RAM 103, and when it no longer detects the power interruption occurrence signal, it lifts the prohibition on access to the main RAM 103 and sends to the sub-control board 300 various commands indicating the contents of the data necessary for controlling the presentation when power is restored after the power interruption.
Here, in order to prevent the processing when a power outage occurs from becoming complicated, the sub-control board 300 in this embodiment is not provided with a power outage detection circuit, and the above-mentioned backup processing is not performed in the sub-control board 300. Therefore, when the power is restored from the power outage, the sub-CPU 301 controls the presentation based on the above-mentioned various commands sent from the main CPU 101, so that an appropriate presentation can be executed at that time.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, if the power is turned on (power switch is turned on) while the reset switch provided on the power supply board is operated, or if an inconsistency occurs between the data stored in the main RAM 103 at the time of an unexpected power outage and the data stored in the main RAM 103 at the time of recovery from the unexpected power outage, a system reset is performed and a RAM clear (hereinafter also referred to as RAM clear) process is executed to clear and initialize the data stored in the main RAM 103.
In addition, inconsistencies in stored data can be determined, for example, by comparing the checksum at the time of power outage with the checksum at the time of power recovery.

(Overview of Pachinko Machine P)
Next, the game in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment will be described based on various tables stored in the main ROM 102.
As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the special game and the normal game proceed in parallel. As the game state when these two games proceed, either a low probability game state (so-called non-variable state) or a high probability game state (so-called variable state) is set as a game state in which either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state is combined. In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, either a game state in which a low probability game state and a non-time-saving game state are combined (hereinafter also referred to as a normal game state) or a game state in which a high probability game state and a time-saving game state are combined (hereinafter also referred to as a high probability time-saving game state) is set.

Here, the low probability gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot through a jackpot lottery, which will be described later, is set to a predetermined value. Meanwhile, the high probability gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot through a jackpot lottery is set to a higher value than in the low probability gaming state. In other words, it is easier to win a jackpot through a jackpot lottery in the high probability gaming state than in the low probability gaming state.
Moreover, the non-time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 16b is less likely to open (i.e., the second start winning port 16 is less likely to be in an open state), and a game ball is less likely to enter the second start winning port 16. Moreover, the time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 16b is more likely to open (i.e., the second start winning port 16 is more likely to be in an open state) than in the non-time-saving game state, and a game ball is more likely to enter the second start winning port 16.
In addition, the normal game mode is set in the initial state, such as immediately after shipping from the factory or after the RAM clear process described below.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball that is launched by a launching device (not shown) and flows down the game area 12 enters the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16, a lottery is held to determine whether or not a big win has occurred. If a big win is won by the lottery, a big win opening 18 is opened and a special game is played in which the game ball can be allowed to enter the big win opening 18, and the game state after the special game is ended is set to a high probability time-saving game state.
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the game ball flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning hole 15. Also, the game ball flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the big winning hole 18, pass through the gate 20, and enter the second start winning hole 16. During the normal game state, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 12a (so-called left shot) so that the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, and during the high probability time-saving game state and special game, the player is made to shoot the game ball toward the second game area 12b (so-called right shot) so that the game ball enters the big winning hole 18 or passes through the gate 20 and enters the second start winning hole 16.
Specifically, during the high probability time-saving game state and during special game play, a display is made on the performance display device 21 instructing the player to shoot a game ball toward the second game area 12b, and when the normal game state is set, a display is made on the performance display device 21 instructing the player to shoot a game ball toward the first game area 12a.

The jackpot lottery is conducted based on various random numbers obtained when the game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, and various tables stored in the main ROM 102 for determining the random numbers.
Here, the pachinko machine P in this embodiment has, as random numbers related to the jackpot lottery, a jackpot determination random number used to determine a jackpot, a winning pattern random number used to determine the type of special pattern, and a reach group determination random number, a reach mode determination random number, and a change pattern random number used to determine the change mode number and change pattern number for determining the changing display of the determined special pattern and the pattern of the changing performance executed in conjunction with the changing display (hereinafter also referred to as the change pattern).
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the random number for determining a jackpot is a hardware random number built into the main control board 100. This random number for determining a jackpot is updated according to a certain rule, and the random number sequence is automatically changed every time the random number sequence goes through one cycle, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset.
In addition, the change mode number and the change pattern number are for determining the above-mentioned change pattern, and the change time, which is the time when the special pattern change display and the change performance are executed, is determined according to the change mode number and the change pattern number. The random numbers used to determine the change mode number and the change pattern number are not limited to the above-mentioned three types, and for example, other random numbers may be used in addition to these random numbers, or any one or more of these random numbers may be used.

When a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, a random number value is obtained for each of the above-mentioned random numbers, and each random number value is stored in a reserved memory area of the main RAM 103.
This reserved memory area is composed of a first reserved memory area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as first special random number) obtained by the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning port 15, and a second reserved memory area for storing each random number value (hereinafter referred to as second special random number) obtained by the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning port 16. Each of these reserved memory areas is composed of a total of four memory sections, from the first memory section to the fourth memory section, and is capable of storing a total of four sets of first special random numbers and a total of four sets of second special random numbers.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15, the first special chart random number is stored in sequence from the first storage section of the first reserved memory area. For example, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 in a state where the first special chart random number is not stored in any storage section of the first reserved memory area, the first special chart random number obtained as a result of this is stored in the first storage section of the first reserved memory area. Also, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 in a state where the first special chart random number is stored in the first storage section of the first reserved memory area, the first special chart random number obtained as a result of this is stored in the second storage section of the first reserved memory area. In addition, in a state where the first special random number is stored in the first memory section and the second memory section of the first reserved memory area, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special random number obtained as a result of this is stored in the third memory section of the first reserved memory area. In addition, in a state where the first special random number is stored in the first memory section to the third memory section of the first reserved memory area, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special random number obtained as a result of this is stored in the fourth memory section of the first reserved memory area. In a state where the first special random number is stored in the first memory section to the fourth memory section of the first reserved memory area, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special random number related to this ball entry is not stored.

Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the second special random number is stored in order from the first storage section of the second reserved storage area. The specific storage process is the same as the storage of the first special random number described above, so the explanation will be omitted.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of sets of first special chart random numbers stored in the first reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the first special chart reserved number) is stored in a first special chart reserved number counter (not specifically shown), and the number of sets of second special chart random numbers stored in the second reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the second special chart reserved number) is stored in a second special chart reserved number counter (not specifically shown).
In this specification, as described above, the storage of the first special chart random number and the second special chart random number in the reserved memory area is also referred to as "reserved" or "reserved memory", and the first special chart reserved number and the second special chart reserved number are simply referred to as the "reserved number".

The pachinko machine P of this embodiment has tables related to the lottery for jackpots, the determination of special patterns, the determination of variation mode numbers, variation pattern numbers, etc., including a jackpot determination random number determination table 110, a winning pattern random number determination table 111, a reach group determination random number determination table 112, a reach mode determination random number determination table 113, and a variation pattern lottery table 114.
In addition, the tables related to the lottery for the jackpot, the determination of special patterns, the determination of the change mode number, the change pattern number, etc. are not limited to these, and in other cases where it is necessary to make judgments or decisions based on specific random numbers, tables may be provided as appropriate.

The jackpot determination random number judgment table 110 is used to draw jackpots, and as shown in FIG. 10, includes a low probability judgment table 110a which is referenced in a low probability game state, and a high probability judgment table 110b which is referenced in a high probability game state.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one jackpot determination random number is obtained within a numerical range of 0 to 65535. Then, depending on the game state at the time when the jackpot lottery is performed, either the low probability determination table 110a or the high probability determination table 110b is selected, and the jackpot lottery is performed based on the obtained jackpot determination random number and the selected jackpot determination random number determination table 110.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), according to the low probability determination table 110a, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10220, it is determined to be a jackpot, and a jackpot is determined to have been won. On the other hand, if the jackpot determination random number is any other number (0 to 10000, 10221 to 65535), it is determined to be a miss, and a miss (i.e., no jackpot) is determined. The probability of winning a jackpot in this low probability determination table 110a is approximately 1/298.

As shown in Fig. 10(b), according to the high probability judgment table 110b, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 11119, it is judged as a jackpot, and a jackpot is determined to have been won. On the other hand, if the jackpot determination random number is other than these (0 to 10000, 11120 to 65535), it is judged as a miss, and a miss is determined. Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in this high probability judgment table 110b is approximately 1/59.
That is, the high probability determination table 110b is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately five times higher than that of the low probability determination table 110a.

The jackpot determination random numbers (10001-10220) that are determined to be jackpots in the low probability determination table 110a are set to be included in the jackpot determination random numbers (10001-11119) that are determined to be jackpots in the high probability determination table 110b. In other words, the jackpot determination random numbers that are determined to be jackpots in the low probability determination table 110a will also be determined to be jackpots in the high probability determination table 110b.

The winning pattern random number determination table 111 is used to determine the type of special pattern, and as shown in Figure 11, it includes a first start winning port determination table 111a which is referenced when a jackpot is won by the first special pattern random number, and a second start winning port determination table 111b which is referenced when a jackpot is won by the second special pattern random number.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16, one winning symbol random number is obtained within a numerical range of 0 to 199. Then, when a jackpot is won by the above-mentioned jackpot lottery, either the first start winning port judgment table 111a or the second start winning port judgment table 111b is selected according to the start winning port into which the game ball entered, and the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained winning symbol random number and the selected winning symbol random number judgment table 111.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, three types of special symbols (X1, X2, X3) are provided as special symbols that are determined in the event of a jackpot win (hereafter also referred to as jackpot symbols), and two types of special symbols (Y1, Y2) are provided as special symbols that are determined in the event of a miss (hereafter also referred to as miss symbols).

As shown in FIG. 11(a), according to the first start winning gate determination table 111a, if the winning pattern random number is between 0 and 19, the special pattern X1 is determined, if the winning pattern random number is between 20 and 59, the special pattern X2 is determined, and if the winning pattern random number is between 60 and 199, the special pattern X3 is determined. In other words, in this first start winning gate determination table 111a, the probability that the special pattern X1 is determined is 10%, the probability that the special pattern X2 is determined is 20%, and the probability that the special pattern X3 is determined is 70%.

11(b), according to the second start winning gate judgment table 111b, when the winning pattern random number is 0 to 119, the special pattern X1 is determined, when the winning pattern random number is 120 to 179, the special pattern X2 is determined, and when the winning pattern random number is 180 to 199, the special pattern X3 is determined. That is, in this second start winning gate judgment table 111b, the probability that the special pattern X1 is determined is 60%, the probability that the special pattern X2 is determined is 30%, and the probability that the special pattern X3 is determined is 10%.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the same jackpot symbol is determined for any winning symbol random number determination table 111, but this is not limited to this, and different jackpot symbols may be determined for each table.

In addition, if the lottery for a jackpot based on the first special random number results in a loss, special pattern Y1 is determined as the losing pattern without conducting the above-mentioned lottery based on the winning random number, and if the lottery for a jackpot based on the second special random number results in a loss, special pattern Y2 is determined as the losing pattern without conducting the above-mentioned lottery based on the winning random number.
In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table 111 is referenced only when a jackpot is won, and is not referenced when a loss occurs.

The reach group determination random number judgment table 112, the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113, and the fluctuation pattern selection table 114 are tables used to determine the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number for determining the fluctuation pattern.
As described above, when the lottery for the big win and the determination of the special symbol are performed, a fluctuation mode number and a fluctuation pattern number for determining a fluctuation pattern are determined based on the result of the determination, and a fluctuation mode command corresponding to the determined fluctuation mode number and a fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the fluctuation pattern number are generated. The generated fluctuation mode command and fluctuation pattern command are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 determines the specific mode of the fluctuation performance that notifies the result of the lottery for the big win (for example, the stop display mode of the performance pattern 50, the performance image to be displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, etc.) based on the received fluctuation mode command and fluctuation pattern command.

The reach group determination random number judgment table 112 is for determining the group to which the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 used for determining the variation mode number and the variation pattern number belongs. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the result of the lottery for the big win is a miss, the type of group is determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table 112 as a preliminary step in determining the variation mode number and the variation pattern number.
A plurality of reach group determination random number judgment tables 112 are provided for each game state, type of start winning port, and reserved number (first special symbol reserved number, second special symbol reserved number). Here, as shown in Fig. 12, only the reach group determination random number judgment table 112 that is selected when the game state is the normal game state and the result of the lottery for the jackpot based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15 is a miss will be explained, and explanations of the other reach group determination random number judgment tables 112 will be omitted.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning slot 15 or the second start winning slot 16, one reach group determination random number is obtained within the numerical range of 0 to 10006. Then, if the jackpot lottery results in a miss, a reach group determination random number judgment table 112 is selected according to the game state at the time of the jackpot lottery, the type of start winning slot, and the number of reserved balls, and the type of group is determined based on the obtained reach group determination random number and the selected reach group determination random number judgment table 112.

Specifically, when the game state is the normal game state and the result of the lottery for a jackpot based on the first special chart random number obtained by the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15 is a miss, if the number of reserved first special charts is 0, the first normal game state judgment table 112a is selected, if the number of reserved first special charts is 1, the second normal game state judgment table 112b is selected, and if the number of reserved first special charts is 2 or more, the third normal game state judgment table 112c is selected (see Figures 12(a) to (c)).

As shown in Figure 12 (a), according to the first normal game state judgment table 112a, when the reach group determination random number is between 0 and 7999, the "first group" is determined, and when the reach group determination random number is between 8000 and 10006, the "second group" is determined.
As shown in Figure 12 (b), according to the second normal game state judgment table 112b, when the reach group determination random number is between 0 and 8999, the "first group" is determined, and when the reach group determination random number is between 9000 and 10006, the "third group" is determined.
As shown in Figure 12 (c), according to the judgment table 112c for the third normal game state, when the reach group determination random number is between 0 and 10006 (i.e., regardless of the value of the reach group determination random number), the "third group" is determined.

On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 is determined without determining the group type. In other words, the reach group determination random number judgment table 112 is referenced only when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and is not referenced when the result is a jackpot.

The reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 is used to determine the fluctuation mode number used to determine the fluctuation pattern, and also to determine the fluctuation pattern selection table 114 used to determine the fluctuation pattern number described below. This reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 is roughly divided into a miss judgment table that is referenced when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and a jackpot judgment table that is referenced when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot.

In addition, multiple loss judgment tables are provided for each type of group determined as described above. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, we will explain the first group judgment table 113a, which is referenced when the "first group" is determined, the second group judgment table 113b, which is referenced when the "second group" is determined, and the third group judgment table 113c, which is referenced when the "third group" is determined, and we will not explain the other loss judgment tables.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one reach mode determination random number is obtained within the numerical range of 0 to 2038. Then, when a group is determined by the above-mentioned group type lottery, a loss judgment table corresponding to the determined group type is selected, and a variation mode number and a variation pattern lottery table 114 are determined based on the obtained reach mode determination random number and the selected loss judgment table.

Specifically, for example, if the "first group" is determined by the lottery for the group type described above, the judgment table for the first group 113a is selected, if the "second group" is determined, the judgment table for the second group 113b is selected, and if the "third group" is determined, the judgment table for the third group 113c is selected (see Figures 13(a) to (c)).

13(a), according to the first group judgment table 113a, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 1799, the variation mode number "01H" (alphanumeric characters with "H" at the end are expressed in hexadecimal; the same applies below) is determined, and the first variation table 114a is selected as the variation pattern selection table 114. Also, when the reach mode determination random number is 1800 to 2038, the variation mode number "02H" is determined, and the first variation table 114a is selected as the variation pattern selection table 114.
13B, according to the second group judgment table 113b, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 1499, the fluctuation mode number "01H" is determined, and the second fluctuation table 114b is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table 114. Also, when the reach mode determination random number is 1500 to 2038, the fluctuation mode number "02H" is determined, and the second fluctuation table 114b is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table 114.
As shown in Figure 13 (c), according to the judgment table 113c for the third group, when the reach mode determination random number is between 0 and 2038 (i.e., regardless of the value of the reach group determination random number), the variation mode number "00H" is determined, and the third variation table 114c is selected as the variation pattern lottery table 114.

A plurality of jackpot determination tables are provided for each type of starting winning slot, the game state at the time of the jackpot lottery (i.e., when the jackpot is won), and the type of jackpot pattern determined in the event of a jackpot.
Here, as shown in FIG. 14, we will explain the first jackpot determination table 113d which is referenced when the special pattern X1 or X2 is determined by the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning port 15 in the normal game state, and the second jackpot determination table 113e which is referenced when the special pattern X3 is determined by the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning port 15 in the normal game state, and we will omit explanations of the other jackpot determination tables.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a jackpot is won and the type of special symbol is determined, a jackpot determination table is selected that corresponds to the type of starting winning slot, the type of the determined special symbol, and the game state at the time of the jackpot lottery. Then, just as in the case of determination based on the above-mentioned loss determination table, a variation mode number and variation pattern selection table 114 are determined based on the obtained reach mode determination random number and the selected jackpot determination table.

Specifically, when a jackpot is won by a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15 in normal game mode and the special symbol X1 or X2 is determined, the first jackpot determination table 113d is selected, and when a jackpot is won by a game ball entering the first start winning hole 15 in normal game mode and the special symbol X3 is determined, the second jackpot determination table 113e is selected (see Figures 14(a) and (b)).

As shown in Fig. 14(a), according to the first big win judgment table 113d, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 399, the fluctuation mode number "30H" is determined, and the 30th fluctuation table 114d is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table 114. When the reach mode determination random number is 400 to 1499, the fluctuation mode number "31H" is determined, and the 30th fluctuation table 114d is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table 114. When the reach mode determination random number is 1500 to 2038, the fluctuation mode number "32H" is determined, and the 31st fluctuation table 114e is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table 114.
14(b), according to the second big win judgment table 113e, when the reach mode determination random number is 0 to 1399, the fluctuation mode number "30H" is determined, and the 31st fluctuation table 114e is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table 114. Also, when the reach mode determination random number is 1400 to 2038, the fluctuation mode number "31H" is determined, and the 31st fluctuation table 114e is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table 114.

The variation pattern lottery table 114 is provided for determining the variation pattern number used to determine the variation pattern, and multiple tables are provided.
Here, as shown in FIG. 15, we will explain the first variation table 114a, the second variation table 114b, and the third variation table 114c, which are determined when the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, and the 30th variation table 114d and the 31st variation table 114e, which are determined when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, and we will omit explanations of the other variation pattern lottery tables 114.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, one fluctuation pattern random number is obtained within the numerical range of 0 to 249. Then, a fluctuation pattern number is determined based on the obtained fluctuation pattern random number and the fluctuation pattern lottery table 114 determined together with the above-mentioned fluctuation mode number.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), according to the first variation table 114a, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 89, the variation pattern number "00H" is determined, when the variation pattern random number is 90 to 139, the variation pattern number "01H" is determined, and when the variation pattern random number is 140 to 249, the variation pattern number "02H" is determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(d), according to the 30th variation table 114d, when the variation pattern random number is 0 to 119, the variation pattern number "30H" is determined, and when the variation pattern random number is 120 to 250, the variation pattern number "31H" is determined. Similarly, in the other variation pattern lottery tables 114, the variation pattern number corresponding to the obtained variation pattern random number is determined (see FIG. 15).

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the jackpot lottery and special pattern are determined as described above at the start of the fluctuation (i.e., when the fluctuation display of the special pattern begins), and the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern number are determined according to the result of the jackpot lottery, the type of special pattern determined, the game status and the number of reserved balls at the time of the jackpot lottery, etc. As described above, the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern number are used to determine the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation time, which is the time during which the fluctuation display of the special pattern and the fluctuation performance are executed, is determined according to the combination of the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number.

Next, the process of determining the variable time in special chart games and the control of special games will be explained.
The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is provided with a variable time determination table 115, a special electric device operation table 116, a game status setting table 117, and the like, as tables for carrying out the above-mentioned processing and controlling special games.

The fluctuation time determination table 115 is for determining the fluctuation time. In this fluctuation time determination table 115, the fluctuation time is determined corresponding to the combination of the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number. When the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number are determined, the fluctuation time according to the combination of the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number is determined.
16, according to the fluctuation time determination table 115, for example, when the determined fluctuation mode number is "00H" and the fluctuation pattern number is "01H", a fluctuation time of "5 seconds" is determined, and when the determined fluctuation mode number is "01H" and the fluctuation pattern number is "02H", a fluctuation time of "15 seconds" is determined. The determined fluctuation time becomes the execution time of the fluctuation performance that notifies the fluctuation display of the special pattern and the result of the lottery for the big win.
Specifically, when the starting winning hole into which the game ball entered is the first starting winning hole 15, the first special symbol display device 30 is displayed flashing during the determined variable time, and when the starting winning hole into which the game ball entered is the second starting winning hole 16, the second special symbol display device 31 is displayed flashing during the determined variable time. After the variable time has elapsed, the determined special symbol is displayed stationary. Also, during the determined variable time, the variable performance is performed on the performance display device 21.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the variation mode number and the variation pattern number are determined, a variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number and a variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number are sent to the sub-control board 300. The sub-control board 300 determines the mode of the variation presentation based on the received variation mode command and variation pattern command. It is also possible to divide the variation presentation into a first half and a second half, and determine the mode of the first half of the variation presentation based on either the variation mode command or the variation pattern command, and determine the mode of the second half of the variation presentation based on the other.

The special electric device operation table 116 is for controlling the special game that is executed when a jackpot is won, and is referenced to operate the jackpot opening solenoid 18c during the execution of the special game. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the special electric device operation table 116 includes a first operation table 116a that is referenced when the special symbol X1 is determined, a second operation table 116b that is referenced when the special symbol X2 is determined, and a third operation table 116c that is referenced when the special symbol X3 is determined.

When the special symbol X1 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the first operation table 116a shown in FIG. 17(a). According to the first operation table 116a, ten round games are executed, which end when either the large prize opening 18 is open for 29.0 seconds or ten game balls enter the large prize opening 18. In addition, the large prize opening 18 is opened only once during each round game, and the time during which the large prize opening 18 is closed between each round game (i.e., the interval time) is set to 2.0 seconds.

When the special symbol X2 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the second operation table 116b shown in FIG. 17(b). According to the second operation table 116b, five round games similar to those in the first operation table 116a are executed. In addition, the number of times the large prize opening 18 is opened and closed during each round game and the interval time are set to the same contents as those in the first operation table 116a.

When the special symbol X3 is determined, a special game is executed by referring to the third operation table 116c shown in Fig. 17(c). According to the third operation table 116c, three round games similar to those in the first operation table 116a and the second operation table 116b are executed. In addition, the number of times the big prize opening 18 is opened and closed during each round game and the interval time are set to the same contents as those in the first operation table 116a and the second operation table 116b.
Since the number of rounds of play executed during the special game is set as described above, the expected value of the prize balls that can be obtained during the special game gradually decreases when the special pattern X1 is determined, when the special pattern X2 is determined, and when the special pattern X3 is determined, in that order.

The game state setting table 117 is for setting the game state after the special game ends when the special game is executed.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, when any of the special symbols X1, X2, and X3 is determined, the game state after the special game ends is set to a high probability game state and a time-saving game state. In addition, the number of times the high probability game state continues (hereinafter also referred to as the high probability number of times) and the number of times the time-saving game state continues (hereinafter also referred to as the time-saving number of times) are both set to 70 times. That is, after the special game ends, the high probability game state continues until the result of the lottery for the jackpot is derived 70 times without winning the jackpot. In addition, if a jackpot is won during the high probability time-saving game state, the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times are set again. Therefore, when the game state is set to a high-probability time-saving game state after the special game ends, if no big win is won during the continuation of this high-probability time-saving game state and all 70 lottery results are losses, the high-probability game state ends and a low-probability game state is set, and the time-saving game state ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, thereby changing the game state to a normal game state.

Next, the process related to the regular game will be described.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched by a launching device (not shown) and flowing down the game area 12 passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol is held to determine whether or not to activate the movable piece 16b of the second start winning opening 16 and open the movable piece 16b. If a winning normal symbol is selected by the lottery, the movable piece 16b opens and the second start winning opening 16 is opened, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16.
The selection of the normal symbols is carried out based on a winning determination random number obtained when the game ball passes through the gate 20, and a winning determination random number determination table 118 that is stored in the main ROM 102 and is used to determine the random number.

When the game ball passes through the gate 20, the above-mentioned winning random number is obtained and the random number is stored in the normal map reserve memory area of the main RAM 103, with a maximum of four numbers. Specifically, this normal map reserve memory area is composed of a total of four memory areas, from the first memory area to the fourth memory area, and the winning random numbers are stored starting from the first memory area in the order of passing through the gate 20. Also, if winning random numbers have already been stored in several memory areas, the winning random number is stored in the memory area with the smallest number among the empty memory areas. Even if the game ball passes through the gate 20 when four winning random numbers have already been stored in the normal map reserve memory area, the winning random number related to this passage is not stored in the normal map reserve memory area.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the winning random number is a hardware random number built into the main control board 100. This winning random number is updated according to a certain rule, and the random number sequence is automatically changed every time the random number sequence goes through one cycle, and the start value is changed every time the system is reset.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of winning determination random numbers stored in the regular number reserve memory area (hereinafter referred to as the regular number reserve number) is stored in a regular number reserve number counter (not specifically shown).
In this specification, as described above, the storage of the winning determination random number in the regular number reserve memory area is also referred to as "regular number reserve."

The win determination random number judgment table 118 is used to determine whether or not a win has occurred by drawing lots for normal symbols, and as shown in Figure 19, it is equipped with a non-time-saving judgment table 118a which is referenced in a non-time-saving game state, and a time-saving judgment table 118b which is referenced in a time-saving game state.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball passes through the gate 20, one winning determination random number is obtained within a numerical range of 0 to 65535. If the game state at the time of drawing the lottery for the normal symbol is a non-time-shortened game state, the non-time-shortened judgment table 118a is selected, and the lottery for the normal symbol is performed based on the obtained winning determination random number and the selected non-time-shortened judgment table 118a. If the game state at the time of drawing the lottery for the normal symbol is a time-shortened game state, the time-shortened judgment table 118b is selected, and the lottery for the normal symbol is performed based on the obtained winning determination random number and the selected time-shortened judgment table 118b.

19A, according to the non-time-saving judgment table 118a, if the winning determination random number is 1, it is judged as a winning and a winning is determined. On the other hand, if the winning determination random number is any other than this (0, 2 to 65535), it is judged as a losing and a losing is determined. The probability of winning in this non-time-saving judgment table 118a is 1/65536.
As shown in Fig. 19(b), according to the time-saving judgment table 118b, if the winning determination random number is between 1 and 65000, it is judged as a winning and a winning is determined. On the other hand, if the winning determination random number is other than this (0, 65001 to 65535), it is judged as a losing and a losing is determined. In this time-saving judgment table 118b, the probability of winning is 65000/65536, or approximately 99/100.
In addition, if the normal symbol is selected by lottery, a winning symbol is determined, and if the normal symbol is selected by lottery, a losing symbol is determined.

The pachinko machine P in this embodiment is equipped with a normal symbol change pattern determination table 119 and a second start winning hole opening control table 120 as tables related to the control of the change in normal symbols and the opening and closing of the movable piece 16b.

The normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119 is for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol. The variation pattern of the normal symbol is associated with the variation time of the normal symbol. When the game ball passes through the gate 20 and the lottery of the normal symbol is performed, the variation pattern of the normal symbol (the variation time of the normal symbol) is determined based on the normal symbol variation pattern determination table 119.
As shown in Fig. 20, when the game state is not in the time-saving game state, the normal symbol change time is determined to be 3 seconds, and when the game state is in the time-saving game state, the normal symbol change time is determined to be 0.6 seconds. Then, when the normal symbol change time is determined, the normal symbol display device 32 (see Fig. 3) is displayed flashing during this determined change time. Then, when the normal symbol lottery results in a win and a winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 32 is turned on, and when the lottery results in a loss and a losing symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 32 is turned off.

The second start winning opening opening control table 120 is referenced to control the operation of the movable piece 16b provided in the second start winning opening 16.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the normal symbol display device 32 is turned on, the movable piece 16b of the second start winning hole 16 opens and closes in a manner determined by the second start winning hole opening control table 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, when the game state is not a time-saving game state, the start winning hole solenoid 16c is energized for 0.2 seconds (=0.2 seconds x 1 time), so the movable piece 16b of the second start winning hole 16 is opened for 0.2 seconds. Also, when the game state is a time-saving game state, the start winning hole solenoid 16c is energized for 2.4 seconds (=1.2 seconds x 2 times), so the movable piece 16b of the second start winning hole 16 is opened for a total of 2.4 seconds.

As described above, the conditions for opening and closing the second start winning port 16 are set for both the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state, and the contents of these conditions make it easier for game balls to enter the second start winning port 16 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as game balls pass through the gate 20, regular symbol drawings are performed one after another and the second start winning port 16 is frequently opened, so that players can get a chance to win a jackpot while minimizing the decrease in game balls as the game progresses.

(Outline of processing in the main control board 100 of the pachinko machine P)
Next, an overview of the processing executed by the main control board 100 as the special game, normal game, and special game progress as described above will be explained using a flowchart.
First, the main processing of the main control board 100 will be described.
When power is supplied from the power supply board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 101, and the main CPU 101 executes the main processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In step 100, the main CPU 101 executes an initialization process.
In step 101, the main CPU 101 updates the initial value update random number for the winning pattern random number, which is referenced when updating the winning pattern random number. This initial value update random number for the winning pattern random number is used to determine the initial value of the winning pattern random number. In other words, the winning pattern random number is updated with the initial value update random number for the winning pattern random number at the time when the update is started as the initial value. Then, once this random number range has been completed, the update of the winning pattern random number is continued with the initial value update random number for the winning pattern random number at that time as the initial value. Then, proceed to the next step 102.

In step 102, the main CPU 101 updates the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern random number, which are random numbers for determining the variation pattern. Then, when the processing of step 102 is completed, the processing of steps 101 and 102 is repeatedly executed thereafter until a predetermined interrupt processing is performed.

Next, the initialization process in step 100 mentioned above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 130, the main CPU 101 executes an initial setting process required for executing various processes when power is restored (when the power switch is turned on, or when power is restored from an unexpected power outage), such as reading a startup program from the main ROM 102. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 131.
In step 131, the main CPU 101 sets a power interruption monitoring time, which is a waiting time until the execution of the above-mentioned various processes starts after the power interruption is restored, in a power interruption monitoring time timer. Then, the process proceeds to step 132.

In step 132, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the process returns to step 131. On the other hand, if it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to the next step 133.
In step 133, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the power interruption monitoring time set in the above-mentioned step 131 has elapsed. If it is judged that the time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 132. On the other hand, if it is judged that the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 134. Note that a count-down timer is used as the power interruption monitoring time timer, and the timer counter is decremented by 1 each time the above-mentioned power interruption occurrence signal detection judgment is made, and when the timer counter reaches 0, it is judged that the power interruption monitoring time has elapsed.

In step 134, the main CPU 101 permits access to the main RAM 103. This process enables various data to be stored in the main RAM 103 and various data to be read (loaded) from the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 135.
In step 135, the main CPU 101 judges whether the conditions for the RAM clear process are met. That is, it checks whether the power was turned on (the power switch was turned on) with the reset switch provided on the power supply board being operated, and whether an inconsistency occurred between the data stored in the main RAM 103 at the time of the unexpected power outage and the data stored in the main RAM 103 at the time of recovery from the unexpected power outage. If the power was turned on with the reset switch being operated or an inconsistency occurred in the stored data, it is judged that the conditions for the RAM clear process are met. In contrast, if the power was turned on without the reset switch being operated, or if the system recovered from the unexpected power outage without an inconsistency occurring in the data stored in the main RAM 103, it is judged that the conditions for the RAM clear process are not met.
If it is determined that the conditions for the RAM clearing process are not met, the process proceeds to step 138. On the other hand, if it is determined that the conditions for the RAM clearing process are met, the process proceeds to the next step 136.

In step 136, the main CPU 101 executes a RAM clear process (i.e., clears the data stored in the main RAM 103), and then proceeds to step 137.
In step 137, the main CPU 101 transmits a RAM clear command indicating that the RAM clear process has been executed to the launch/payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to step 140.

In step 138, which is reached if it is determined in step 135 that the conditions for RAM clear processing are not met, the main CPU 101 clears only a portion of the data stored in the main RAM 103 before the power interruption occurred and maintains the other data. Then, the process proceeds to step 139.
In step 139, the main CPU 101 transmits a power failure recovery command, which indicates that power has been restored, to the launch/payout control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 140.

In step 140, the main CPU 101 transmits a command indicating the contents of data necessary for controlling the performance when power is restored to the sub-control board 300. Then, the initialization process ends.
Here, the commands sent to the sub-control board 300 when the power is restored include a first special chart reservation number designation command indicating the number of first special charts reserved, a second special chart reservation number designation command indicating the number of second special charts reserved, and a launch position designation command indicating the direction in which the game ball will be shot (i.e. either right hit or left hit).

Next, the power cut-off and evacuation process of the main control board 100 will be described.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the voltage of the power supply falls below a predetermined value, the main processing of the main control board 100 described above is interrupted and the power cut-off evacuation processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 24 is executed.

In step 150, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step 152. On the other hand, if it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to the next step 151.
In step 151, the main CPU 101 performs processing to permit an interrupt, and then ends the power interruption evacuation processing.

Furthermore, in step 152, which is reached if it is determined in step 150 that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the main CPU 101 prohibits access to the main RAM 103. This process makes it impossible to store various data in the main RAM 103 or read (load) various data from the main RAM 103, and the stored data in the main RAM 103 is maintained. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 153.
In step 153, the main CPU 101 sets the power interruption monitoring time in the power interruption monitoring time timer. Then, the process proceeds to step 154.

In step 154, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has been detected, the process returns to step 153. On the other hand, if it is judged that a power interruption occurrence signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to the next step 155.
In step 155, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the power interruption monitoring time set in the above-mentioned step 153 has elapsed. If it is judged that the time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 154. On the other hand, if it is judged that the time has elapsed, the power interruption evacuation process is terminated and the above-mentioned initialization process is executed. The judgment of the elapse of the power interruption monitoring time is performed in the same manner as the judgment in the above-mentioned initialization process.
In addition, if a power outage occurs, the operation of the pachinko machine P will stop while the above-mentioned steps 153 to 155 are looped.

Next, the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 will be described.
A reset clock pulse generating circuit provided on the main control board 100 generates a clock pulse at a predetermined period (4 milliseconds in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment), thereby executing the timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 25.

In step 200, the main CPU 101 executes a timer update process for updating various timer counters.
In addition, the pachinko machine P in this embodiment employs a countdown timer, and the timer counter is decremented by one each time the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 is executed, and the countdown stops when it reaches 0.
In step 201, the main CPU 101 updates the winning symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is updated by adding "1", and if the result of the addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is reset to "0", and if the random number counter has completed one cycle, the random number is updated from the value of the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.

In step 202, the main CPU 101 determines whether there is an input to the gate detection sensor 20a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, or the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, and executes a sensor detection process to perform a predetermined process based on the result.Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
In step 203, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol-related control process for controlling the special symbol game and the special game. Then, the process proceeds to step 204.

In step 204, the main CPU 101 executes a general map-related control process for controlling the general map game. Then, the process proceeds to step 205.
In step 205, the main CPU 101 executes error-related processing for controlling the occurrence and cancellation of various errors. Specifically, when the main control board 100 receives a door open command based on the opening of the door frame 3a or a tray full command based on the full state of the tray 7, the main CPU 101 generates a corresponding error designation command (for example, a door open designation command, a full state designation command, etc.) and stores (sets) it in the performance transmission data storage area. In addition, when the main control board 100 no longer receives the above-mentioned commands, the main CPU 101 generates a corresponding error release designation command (for example, a door close designation command, a full release designation command, etc.) and stores it in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 206.

In step 206, when the main CPU 101 receives detection signals from the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, and the large winning hole detection sensor 18a, it updates the prize ball counters provided corresponding to the respective detection signals and transmits payout number designation commands corresponding to the respective detection signals to the launch payout control board 200. When the launch payout control board 200 pays out prize balls, a payout command is transmitted to the main control board 100 for each payout, and when the main CPU 101 receives the payout command, it decrements the prize ball counter. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.
In step 207, the main CPU 101 executes the creation of external information data for outputting the game status of the pachinko machine P to the outside of the pachinko machine P, start winning port solenoid data for opening and closing the movable piece 16b of the second start winning port 16, large winning port solenoid data for controlling the opening and closing of the large winning port 18, display data for various display devices (first special symbol display device 30, second special symbol display device 31, normal symbol display device 32, first special symbol reserved display device 38, second special symbol reserved display device 39, and normal symbol reserved display device 33), etc. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 208.

In step 208, the main CPU 101 executes processes such as port output to output signals of each data created in step 207 described above, and command transmission to transmit commands stored in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 is terminated.

Next, the sensor detection process in step 202 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 300, the main CPU 101 executes a gate detection process for performing a lottery for a normal symbol based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed through the gate 20. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 301.
In step 301, the main CPU 101 executes a first start winning hole detection process for conducting a lottery for a big win based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed through the first start winning hole 15. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 302.
In step 302, the main CPU 101 executes a second start winning hole detection process for conducting a lottery for a big win based on the game ball passing through the second start winning hole 16. Then, the sensor detection process is terminated.

Next, the gate detection process in step 300 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 400, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate detection sensor 20a. If it is judged that a detection signal has not been input from the gate detection sensor 20a, the gate detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal has been input from the gate detection sensor 20a, the process proceeds to the next step 401.
In step 401, the main CPU 101 determines whether the value of the normal map reservation counter (i.e., the current normal map reservation number) is less than "4". If it is determined that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), the gate detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is less than 4, the process proceeds to the next step 402.

In step 402, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 403.
In step 403, the main CPU 101 obtains the current winning determination random number and stores it in the general drawing reserve memory area, and ends the input process when the gate is detected.

Next, the processing at the time of detecting the first start winning port in step 301 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 500, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first start winning hole detection switch 15a. If it is judged that a detection signal has not been input from the first start winning hole detection switch 15a, the first start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal has been input from the first start winning hole detection switch 15a, the process proceeds to the next step 501.
In step 501, the main CPU 101 judges whether the value of the first special symbol reserved number counter (i.e., the current number of first special symbols reserved) is less than "4". If it is judged that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), the first start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the value is less than "4", the process proceeds to the next step 502.

In step 502, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the first special symbol reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 503.
In step 503, the main CPU 101 obtains a jackpot determination random number and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to step 504.

In step 504, the main CPU 101 acquires the winning symbol random number updated in the above-mentioned step 201, and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area in which the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 505.
In step 505, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach group determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 102, and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area in which the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 506.

In step 506, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach mode determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 102, and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area in which the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 507.
In step 507, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern random number updated in the above-mentioned step 102, and stores it in the memory section of the first reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 503. As a result, the acquired jackpot determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number are all stored in the memory section of the same first reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 508.

In step 508, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the first special chart random number has been stored, stores it in the performance transmission data storage area, and ends the processing when the first start winning port is detected.

Next, the processing at the time of detecting the second start winning port in step 302 mentioned above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 600, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a detection signal is input from the second start winning hole detection switch 16a. If it is judged that a detection signal is not input from the second start winning hole detection switch 16a, the second start winning hole detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a detection signal is input from the second start winning hole detection switch 16a, the process proceeds to the next step 601.
In step 601, the main CPU 101 judges whether the value of the second special symbol reserved number counter (i.e., the current number of second special symbols reserved) is less than "4". If it is judged that the value is not less than "4" (i.e., "4"), the input process at the time of detection of the second start winning hole is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the value is less than "4", the process proceeds to the next step 602.

In step 602, the main CPU 101 increments the value of the second special symbol reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 603.
In step 603, the main CPU 101 obtains a jackpot determination random number and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to step 604.

In step 604, the main CPU 101 acquires the winning symbol random number updated in the above-mentioned step 201, and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area in which the big win determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 605.
In step 605, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach group determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 102, and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area in which the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 606.

In step 606, the main CPU 101 acquires the reach mode determination random number updated in the above-mentioned step 102, and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area in which the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 607.
In step 607, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern random number updated in the above-mentioned step 102, and stores it in the memory section of the second reserved memory area where the jackpot determination random number was stored in the above-mentioned step 603. As a result, the acquired jackpot determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number are all stored in the memory section of the same second reserved memory area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 608.

In step 608, the main CPU 101 generates a start winning command indicating that the second special chart random number has been stored, stores it in the performance transmission data storage area, and ends the processing when the second start winning port is detected.

Next, the special drawing related control process in step 203 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 700, the main CPU 101 loads the value of the execution phase data. This execution phase data indicates which of the multiple function modules (subroutines) constituting the special symbol-related control process is to be executed. Specifically, this execution phase data has data "00" indicating the execution of a special symbol variation start process described later, data "01" indicating the execution of a special symbol variation stop process described later, data "02" indicating the execution of a post-stop process described later, data "03" indicating the execution of a special game control process described later, and data "04" indicating the execution of a special game end process described later.
Then, the main CPU 101 executes any one of the following processes based on the value of the execution phase data loaded in the above-mentioned step 700: special symbol variation start process (step 701), special symbol variation stop process (step 702), post-stop process (step 703), special game control process (step 704), or special game end process (step 705). Then, the special symbol-related control process is terminated.

Next, the special symbol variation start process in step 701 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 800, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "00" indicating the execution of the special symbol variation start process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "00", the special symbol variation start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "00", the process proceeds to the next step 801.
In step 801, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the second special pattern random number is stored in the memory section of the second reserved memory area, that is, whether or not the second special pattern reserved number counter is "1" or more. If it is judged that the second special pattern random number is stored, the process proceeds to step 804. On the other hand, if it is judged that the second special pattern random number is not stored, the process proceeds to the next step 802.

In step 802, the main CPU 101 judges whether the first special pattern random number is stored in the memory section of the first reserved memory area, that is, whether the first special pattern reserved number counter is "1" or more. If it is judged that the first special pattern random number is not stored, the process proceeds to step 811. On the other hand, if it is judged that the first special pattern random number is stored, the process proceeds to the next step 803.
In step 803, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the first reserved number counter by "1" and executes a shift process of the first reserved memory area. Specifically, the random numbers stored in the first memory section of the first reserved memory area are stored in a predetermined processing area provided in the main RAM 103, and the random numbers stored in the second to fourth memory sections of the first reserved memory area are shifted to the memory section with the next smaller number. As a result, the random numbers stored in the first reserved memory area are used in the jackpot lottery process described below in a so-called first-in, first-out (FIFO) order. Then, the process proceeds to step 805.

In step 804, which is performed when it is determined in step 801 that the second special random number is stored, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the second special reserved number counter by "1" and executes a shift process of the second reserved memory area. Specifically, the random numbers stored in the first memory section of the second reserved memory area are stored in a predetermined processing area provided in the main RAM 103, and the random numbers stored in the second memory section to the fourth memory section of the second reserved memory area are shifted to a memory section with a smaller number by one. As a result, the random numbers stored in the second reserved memory area are used in the jackpot lottery process described later in a so-called first-in first-out (FIFO) manner. Then, the process proceeds to step 805.
In step 805, the main CPU 101 acquires one of the jackpot determination random number judgment tables 110 that corresponds to the current game state, and executes a jackpot lottery process to derive (determine) the result of the jackpot lottery based on the acquired table and the jackpot determination random number stored in the predetermined processing area in step 803 or step 804. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 806.

In step 806, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol determination process for determining the type of special symbol. Specifically, if the result of the lottery in the above step 805 is a jackpot, the main CPU 101 confirms which start winning hole the game ball entered (i.e., the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16) used in the lottery determination, and then obtains the winning symbol random number determination table 111 corresponding to the result, and determines the type of special symbol based on the obtained table and the winning symbol random number stored in the predetermined processing area in the above step 803 or step 804. On the other hand, if the result of the lottery in the above step 805 is a miss, if the jackpot determination random number used in the lottery determination is due to the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15, the special symbol Y1 is determined, and if the jackpot determination random number used in the lottery determination is due to the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16, the special symbol Y2 is determined. Then, data corresponding to the determined special symbol is stored in a predetermined temporary storage area of the main RAM 103. In addition, in this special symbol determination process, the current game state (i.e., the game state at the time when the special symbol is determined) is stored in the game state buffer. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 807.
In addition, in the special pattern variation start processing of the pachinko machine P in this embodiment, when both the first special pattern random number and the second special pattern random number are stored, the second special pattern random number is processed in priority to the first special pattern random number, but this is not limited to this, and they may be processed in the order in which they are stored in the pending memory area.

In step 807, the main CPU 101 stores in the performance transmission data storage area a symbol determination command indicating the type of special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 806. This causes information regarding the determined type of special symbol to be transmitted to the sub-control board 300 at the start of fluctuation. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 808.
In step 808, the main CPU 101 executes a fluctuation pattern determination process for determining a fluctuation mode number and a fluctuation pattern number based on the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number stored in a predetermined processing area in the above-mentioned step 803 or step 804. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 809.

In step 809, the main CPU 101 sets variable display data for starting the variable display of the special pattern on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31. As a result, when the variable display of the special pattern is performed based on the first special pattern random number, the first special pattern display device 30 starts a blinking display, and when the variable display of the special pattern is performed based on the second special pattern random number, the second special pattern display device 31 starts a blinking display. Here, the blinking display means that "-" blinks at a predetermined interval on each display device.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the first special symbol random number is stored in the first reserved memory area, the first special symbol reserved display device 38 is displayed in a manner in which the first special symbol reserved number can be recognized, and when the second special symbol random number is stored in the second reserved memory area, the second special symbol reserved display device 39 is displayed in a manner in which the second special symbol reserved number can be recognized. When the above-mentioned special symbol variable display is performed based on the first special symbol random number, the first special symbol reserved display device 38 is displayed and controlled to indicate that the first special symbol reserved number is reduced by one at the same time as the variable display starts, and when the above-mentioned special symbol variable display is performed based on the second special symbol random number, the second special symbol reserved display device 39 is displayed and controlled to indicate that the second special symbol reserved number is reduced by one at the same time as the variable display starts.
Then proceed to the next step 810.

In step 810, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "01" so that the special pattern change stop processing is executed in the special pattern related control processing, and ends the special pattern change start processing.
In addition, in step 811, which is performed when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 802 that the first special symbol random number is not stored in the first reserved memory area, a standby state start command determination process is performed to transmit a standby state start command indicating the start of a standby state in which the special symbol variation display is not performed to the sub-control board 300. Although not particularly illustrated, the main control board 100 in this embodiment is provided with a storage flag indicating whether or not the standby state start command has been stored in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, when the storage flag is off, the main CPU 101 stores the standby state start command in the performance transmission data storage area, and when the storage flag is on, the main CPU 101 does not store the standby state start command in the performance transmission data storage area. In addition, when the main CPU 101 stores the standby state start command in the performance transmission data storage area, it turns on the storage flag, and when it stores the start winning command in the performance transmission data storage area (i.e., when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16), it turns off the storage flag. In other words, when a standby state start command is stored in the transmission data storage area based on the start of the standby state, the standby state start command is not stored again during the standby state. Also, when a game ball enters any of the start winning holes to start the variable display of the special symbol, and then the standby state starts, the standby state start command is stored in the transmission data storage area for performance.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, if the result of the lottery for the big win is a miss, the next special symbol will not start to be displayed unless reserved memory is made at the time when the stop display time (so-called symbol determination time) described below, which is the time for the special symbol to be stopped to be displayed after the variable display of the special symbol based on the miss has ended (stopped), and the variable display of the next special symbol will not start, so a standby state will start from this time. Also, if the result of the lottery for the big win is a big win, if reserved memory is not made at the time when the special game based on the big win has ended (the time when the ending time described below has passed), the next special symbol will not start to be displayed, so a standby state will start from this time.
Then, proceed to the next step 812.

In step 812, the main CPU 101 executes a demo determination process for performing a demo display on the performance display device 21 based on the fact that the special symbol variable display is not being performed. Specifically, the main CPU 101 measures the time during which the special symbol variable display is not being performed (i.e., the time from the start of the above-mentioned standby state), and if the special symbol variable display is not performed for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), it stores a demo command for displaying a demo image on the performance display device 21 in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the special variable start process is terminated.
Note that instead of main CPU 101 executing the demo determination process, sub-CPU 301 may determine whether to display a demo image based on the elapsed time from receiving the above-mentioned standby state start command.

Next, the fluctuation pattern determination process in step 808 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 900, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol determined in step 806 is a big win symbol. If it is determined that the special symbol is a big win symbol, the process proceeds to step 901. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol is not a big win symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 903.
In step 901, the main CPU 101 checks the type of start winning slot related to the lottery judgment (i.e., which start winning slot the jackpot determination random number used in the lottery judgment was obtained by the ball entering into), and checks the jackpot symbol and the current game status determined in the above-mentioned step 806. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 902.

In step 902, the main CPU 101 acquires the corresponding reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 (jackpot judgment table) based on the type of start winning slot, the jackpot symbol, and the game state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 901. Then, the process proceeds to step 907.
In step 903, which is carried out when it is determined in step 900 that the symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the main CPU 101 checks the type of the start winning slot related to the lottery judgment, the current game state, and the reserved number (the reserved number of the first special symbol, the reserved number of the second special symbol). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 904.

In step 904, the main CPU 101 selects the corresponding reach group determination random number judgment table 112 based on the type of the start winning slot, the game status, and the number of reserved balls confirmed in the above-mentioned step 903. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 905.
In step 905, the main CPU 101 determines the type of group based on the reach group determination random number stored in the processing area in step 803 or step 804 described above and the reach group determination random number judgment table 112 selected in step 904 described above, and stores the group type in a predetermined processing area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 906.

In step 906, the main CPU 101 selects the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 (loss judgment table) based on the type of group determined in the above-mentioned step 905. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 907.
In step 907, the main CPU 101 determines the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern selection table 114 based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 (jackpot judgment table) selected in the above-mentioned step 902 or the reach mode determination random number judgment table 113 (loss judgment table) selected in the above-mentioned step 906 and the reach mode determination random number stored in the processing area in the above-mentioned step 802, and stores this determined fluctuation mode number in a predetermined processing area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 908.

In step 908, the main CPU 101 acquires the variation pattern lottery table 114 determined in the above-mentioned step 907. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 909.
In step 909, the main CPU 101 determines a variation pattern number based on the variation pattern selection table 114 selected in the above step 908 and the variation pattern random number stored in the processing area in the above step 803 or step 804, and stores the determined variation pattern number in a predetermined processing area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 910.

In step 910, the main CPU 101 determines the fluctuation time based on the fluctuation time determination table 115, the fluctuation mode number determined in the above-mentioned step 907, and the fluctuation pattern number determined in the above-mentioned step 909. The main CPU 101 also sets this determined fluctuation time in a predetermined fluctuation time timer counter. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 911.
In step 911, the main CPU 101 generates a fluctuation mode command based on the fluctuation mode number determined in the above-mentioned step 907, and generates a fluctuation pattern command based on the fluctuation pattern number determined in the above-mentioned step 909. Furthermore, the main CPU 101 stores the generated fluctuation mode command and fluctuation pattern command in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the fluctuation pattern determination process is terminated.

Next, the special symbol variation stop process in step 702 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1000, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is data "01" indicating the execution of the special symbol variation stop processing. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "01", the special symbol variation stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "01", the process proceeds to the next step 1001.

In step 1001, the main CPU 101 judges whether the variable time set in the variable time timer counter in step 910 has elapsed. If it is judged that the variable time has not elapsed, the special symbol variation stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variable time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1002.
In step 1002, the main CPU 101 sets the stop display data for stopping and displaying the special symbol determined in the above-mentioned step 806 on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, and executes the stop display of the special symbol. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1003.

In step 1003, the main CPU 101 stores a symbol determination command indicating that the special symbol has been determined in the performance transmission data storage area.
In step 1004, the main CPU 101 sets the stop display time for which the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a stop display time counter.

In step 1005, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "02" so that post-stop processing is executed in the special symbol-related control processing. Then, the special symbol variation stop processing is terminated.

Next, the post-stop processing in step 703 mentioned above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1100, the main CPU 101 determines whether the execution phase data is "02", which indicates execution of post-stop processing. If it is determined that the execution phase data is not "02", the post-stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution phase data is "02", the process proceeds to the next step 1101.
In step 1101, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the stopped display time set in the stopped display time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1004 has elapsed. If it is judged that the stopped display time has not elapsed, the post-stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the stopped display time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1102.

In step 1102, the main CPU 101 stores a stop display command indicating that the stop display time has elapsed in the performance transmission data storage area, and stores the current game state in the game state buffer.
In step 1103, the main CPU 101 executes a time-saving count update process. Specifically, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a time-saving game flag indicating that the current game state is a time-saving game state is on. If it is judged that the time-saving game flag is on, it updates a time-saving count storage area provided in the main RAM 103. In this time-saving count storage area, the remaining number of fluctuations until the time-saving game state ends is stored. Then, this stored remaining number of fluctuations is decremented by "1". Also, if the remaining number of fluctuations becomes "0" as a result of updating the remaining number of fluctuations, it also executes a process to turn off the time-saving game flag. Also, if it is judged that the time-saving game flag is not on, the main CPU 101 does not perform any process. Then, it proceeds to the next step 1104.

In step 1104, the main CPU 101 performs a high probability count update process. Here, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a high probability game flag indicating that the current game state is a high probability game state is on. If it is judged that the high probability game flag is on, it updates a high probability count storage area provided in the main RAM 103. In this high probability count storage area, the remaining number of variations until the high probability game state ends is stored. Then, this stored remaining number of variations is decremented by "1". Also, if the remaining number of variations becomes "0" as a result of updating the remaining number of variations, a process of turning off the high probability game flag is also executed. Also, if it is judged that the high probability game flag is not on, the main CPU 101 does not perform any process. Then, it proceeds to the next step 1105.
In step 1105, the main CPU 101 judges whether the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is a big win symbol. If it is judged that the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is not a big win symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1111. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol displayed in the stopped state is a big win symbol, the process proceeds to the next step 1106.

In step 1106, the main CPU 101 sets a command for transmitting the game state when the jackpot is won and the type of the jackpot symbol (X1, X2 or X3) that is stopped and displayed to the sub-control board 300. Then, the process proceeds to step 1107.
In step 1107, the main CPU 101 resets the current game state. Then, the process proceeds to step 1108.

In step 1108, the main CPU 101 sets the opening time, which is the waiting time set at the start of the special game, in the opening time timer counter, and stores an opening command indicating that the opening process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1109.
In step 1109, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds in the main RAM 103 based on the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. Specifically, the main CPU 101 sets the number of rounds to "10" if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X1, sets the number of rounds to "5" if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X2, and sets the number of rounds to "3" if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is X3. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1110.

In step 1110, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "03" so that the special game control process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.
In step 1111, which is reached when it is determined in step 1105 that the special symbol stopped and displayed is not a big win symbol, the main CPU 101 checks the current game state, and then stores a game state command for transmitting the game state and the type of the losing symbol (Y1 or Y2) stopped and displayed to the sub-control board 300 in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1112.

In step 1112, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the special symbol variation start process is executed in the special symbol related control process. Then, the post-stop process is terminated.

Next, the special game control process in step 704 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 1200, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "03", which indicates the execution of the special game control process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "03", the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "03", the process proceeds to the next step 1201.
In step 1201, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the opening time set in the opening time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1108 has elapsed. If it is judged that the opening time has not elapsed, the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1202.

In step 1202, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the special game control process is in the ending process, which is a waiting process performed after all rounds of play have ended. If it is judged that the ending process is in progress, the process proceeds to step 1210. On the other hand, if it is judged that the ending process is not in progress, the process proceeds to the next step 1203.
In step 1203, the main CPU 101 executes a special winning opening opening/closing control process for opening and closing the special winning opening 18 based on the special electric role operation table 116 corresponding to the type of the big winning symbol stopped and displayed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1204.

In step 1204, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not it is the time when the round game has started based on the large prize opening/closing control in the above-mentioned step 1203. If it is judged that it is not the time when the round game has started, the process proceeds to step 1206. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is the time when the round game has started, the process proceeds to the next step 1205.
In step 1205, the main CPU 101 stores a round game start command indicating the start of a round game in the effect transmission data storage area.
In addition, a round play start command is provided for each number of round plays, which makes it possible to transmit to the sub-control board 300 which number of round plays has started.

In step 1206, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the round game has ended based on the control of opening and closing the special prize opening in the above-mentioned step 1203. If it is judged that the round game has not ended, the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the round game has ended, the process proceeds to the next step 1207.
In step 1207, the main CPU 101 decrements the number of rounds stored in the main RAM 103 by "1". Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1208.

In step 1208, the main CPU 101 judges whether the number of rounds decremented in step 1207 is "0". If it is judged that the number of rounds is not "0", the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the number of rounds is "0", the process proceeds to the next step 1209.
In step 1209, the main CPU 101 sets the ending time, which is the waiting time set at the end of the special game, in the ending time timer counter, and stores an ending command indicating that the ending process is to start in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the special game control process is terminated.

In step 1210, which is reached when it is determined in step 1202 that the ending process is in progress, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the ending time set in the ending time timer counter in step 1209 has elapsed. If it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed, the special game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1211.
In step 1211, the main CPU 101 stores a special game end command, which indicates that the special game has ended, in the effect transmission data storage area.

In step 1212, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "04" so that the special game end process is executed in the special chart related control process. Then, the special game control process is ended.

Next, the special game ending process in step 705 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1300, the main CPU 101 judges whether the execution phase data is "04", which indicates the execution of the special game end process. If it is judged that the execution phase data is not "04", the special game end process is ended. On the other hand, if it is judged that the execution phase data is "04", the process proceeds to the next step 1301.
In step 1301, the main CPU 101 checks the jackpot symbol (stored in the storage area of the main RAM 103) that triggered the execution of the ended special game, and sets the game state after the end of the special game based on the game state setting table 117. Specifically, the main CPU 101 turns on both the high probability game flag and the time-saving game flag, and sets both the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times to "70". Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1302.

In step 1302, the main CPU 101 sets a game state designation command in the performance transmission data storage area according to the game state set in the above-mentioned step 1301. This game state designation command includes information on the high probability game flag set in step 1301, information on the time-saving game flag, information on the number of high probability games, and information on the number of time-saving games. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1303.
In step 1303, the main CPU 101 sets the execution phase data to "00" so that the special symbol variation start process is executed in the special symbol related control process. Then, the special game end process is ended.

Next, the map-related control process in step 204 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1400, the main CPU 101 loads the value of the normal pattern execution phase data. This normal pattern execution phase data indicates which of the multiple function modules (subroutines) constituting the normal pattern related control process is to be executed. Specifically, this normal pattern execution phase data has data "10" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation start process described later, data "11" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation stop process described later, data "12" indicating the execution of the normal pattern stop post-processing described later, and data "13" indicating the execution of the movable piece control process described later.
Then, the main CPU 101 executes either the normal symbol variation start process (step 1401), the normal symbol variation stop process (step 1402), the normal symbol stop post-stop process (step 1403), or the movable piece control end process (step 1404) based on the value of the normal symbol execution phase data loaded in the above-mentioned step 1400. Then, the normal symbol related control process is terminated.

Next, the normal symbol variation start processing in step 1401 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1500, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal pattern execution phase data is "10" which indicates the execution of the normal pattern variation start process. If it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is not "10", the normal pattern variation start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is "10", the process proceeds to the next step 1501.
In step 1501, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a winning random number is stored in the regular reserved memory area (i.e., whether or not the regular reserved number counter is "1" or more). If it is judged that the regular reserved number counter is not "1" or more (i.e., "0"), the regular pattern variation start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the regular reserved number counter is "1" or more, the process proceeds to the next step 1502.

In step 1502, the main CPU 101 decrements the value of the reserved number counter by "1". Then, the process proceeds to step 1503.
In step 1503, the main CPU 101 executes a shift process of the regular symbol reserved memory area. Specifically, the winning determination random numbers stored in the first memory unit are stored in a predetermined processing area provided in the main RAM 103, and the winning determination random numbers stored in the second memory unit to the fourth memory unit are shifted to a memory unit with a smaller number by one. As a result, the winning determination random numbers stored in the regular symbol reserved memory area are used in the regular symbol lottery process described below in a so-called first-in, first-out (FIFO) manner. Then, the process proceeds to step 1504.

In step 1504, the main CPU 101 selects a winning determination random number judgment table 118 (either the non-time-saving judgment table 118a or the time-saving judgment table 118b) corresponding to the current game state, and executes a normal symbol lottery process to derive (determine) the result of the lottery for the normal symbol based on the selected table and the winning determination random number stored in the processing area in the above-mentioned step 1503. Specifically, when the current game state is a non-time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 refers to the non-time-saving judgment table 118a to determine the winning determination random number stored in the processing area. On the other hand, when the current game state is a time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 refers to the time-saving judgment table 118b to determine the winning determination random number stored in the processing area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1505.
In step 1505, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not the result of the normal symbol lottery process in the above-mentioned step 1504 is a win. If it is judged to be a win, the process proceeds to the next step 1506. On the other hand, if it is judged to be a non-win (i.e., a miss), the process proceeds to step 1507.

In step 1506, the main CPU 101 stores the winning symbol data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to step 1508.
In step 1507, which is reached when it is determined in step 1505 that the result of the normal symbol lottery process is not a win, the main CPU 101 stores the losing symbol data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to step 1508.

In step 1508, the main CPU 101 checks whether the current game state is set to a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, and sets the normal symbol fluctuation time timer counter to the normal symbol fluctuation time corresponding to the current game state by referring to the normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table 119. Specifically, if the current game state is a non-time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol fluctuation time counter to "3 seconds", and if the current game state is a time-saving game state, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol fluctuation time counter to "0.6 seconds". Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1509.
In step 1509, the main CPU 101 sets the variable display data for starting the variable display of the normal symbol. As a result, when the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, the normal symbol display device 32 starts blinking. When the winning determination random number is stored in the normal symbol reserved memory area, the normal symbol reserved display device 33 is displayed in a manner that allows the number of reserved normal symbols to be recognized. Then, when the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, the display of the normal symbol reserved display device 33 is controlled to show that the number of reserved normal symbols is reduced by one at the same time as the variable display starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1510.

In step 1510, the main CPU 101 stores the current game state in the game state buffer as the game state at the start of the fluctuation. Then, the process proceeds to step 1511.
In step 1511, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "11" so that the normal symbol variation stop process is executed in the normal symbol related control process. Then, the normal symbol variation start process is terminated.

Next, the normal symbol variation stop processing in step 1402 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1600, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal pattern execution phase data is data "11" indicating the execution of the normal pattern variation stop processing. If it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is not "11", the normal pattern variation stop processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal pattern execution phase data is "11", the process proceeds to the next step 1601.
In step 1601, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal symbol variation time set in the normal symbol variation time timer counter in step 1508 has elapsed. If it is judged that the variation time has not elapsed, the normal symbol variation stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the variation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1602.

In step 1602, the main CPU 101 sets stop display data for stopping and displaying the normal symbols on the normal symbol display device 32, and executes the stop display of the normal symbols. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1603.
In step 1603, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol stop display time for stopping and displaying the normal symbol in the normal symbol stop display time timer counter. Then, the process proceeds to step 1604.

In step 1604, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "12" so that normal symbol post-stop processing is executed in the normal symbol-related control processing. Then, the normal symbol change stop processing is terminated.

Next, the post-stop processing of the normal symbols in step 1403 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1700, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal symbol execution phase data is data "12" indicating the execution of normal symbol stop post-processing. If it is judged that the normal symbol execution phase data is not "12", the normal symbol stop post-processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal symbol execution phase data is "12", the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 1701.
In step 1701, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal symbol stop display time set in the normal symbol stop display time timer counter in the above-mentioned step 1603 has elapsed. If it is judged that the normal symbol stop display time has not elapsed, the normal symbol stop post-processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal symbol stop display time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1702.

In step 1702, the main CPU 101 judges whether the stopped normal symbol is a winning symbol. If it is judged that the stopped normal symbol is a winning symbol, the process proceeds to step 1703. On the other hand, if it is judged that the stopped normal symbol is not a winning symbol (i.e., a losing symbol), the process proceeds to step 1704.
In step 1703, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "13" so that the movable piece control process is executed in the normal symbol related control process. Then, the normal symbol stop post-processing is terminated.

In addition, in step 1704, which is reached when it is determined in step 1702 that the normal symbol displayed as stopped is not a winning symbol, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "10" so that the normal symbol variation start process is executed in the normal symbol related control process. Then, the normal symbol post-stop process is terminated.

Next, the movable piece control process in step 1404 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 1800, the main CPU 101 judges whether the normal map execution phase data is data "13" indicating the execution of the movable piece control process. If it is judged that the normal map execution phase data is not "13", the movable piece control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the normal map execution phase data is "13", the process proceeds to the next step 1801.
In step 1801, the main CPU 101 judges whether the movable piece 16b is under operation control (i.e., whether the start winning port solenoid 16c is energized). If it is judged that the movable piece 16b is under operation control, the process proceeds to step 1804. On the other hand, if it is judged that the movable piece 16b is not under operation control, the process proceeds to the next step 1802.

In step 1802, the main CPU 101 checks whether the game state at the start of the variation of the normal symbols was a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 1803.
In step 1803, the main CPU 101 refers to the second start winning hole opening control table 120, and sets the number of energizations (number of openings) and the energization time (opening time) as the energization control data (opening data) of the start winning hole solenoid 16c according to the game state confirmed in the above-mentioned step 1802. Then, the movable piece control process is terminated.

In step 1804, which is reached if it is determined in step 1801 that the movable piece 16b is under operation control, the main CPU 101 determines whether the current-carrying time (opening time) set in step 1803 has elapsed. If it is determined that the current-carrying time (opening time) has not elapsed, the movable piece control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current-carrying time (opening time) has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 1805.
In step 1805, the main CPU 101 stops the operation of the movable piece 16b (i.e., stops the power supply to the start winning port solenoid 16c). Then, the process proceeds to step 1806.

In step 1806, the main CPU 101 sets the normal symbol execution phase data to "10" so that the normal symbol variation start process is executed in the normal symbol related control process. Then, the movable piece control process is terminated.

(Outline of processing in the sub-control board 300 of the pachinko machine P)
As described above, various processes are executed in the main control board 100, and the special game, normal game, and special game proceed. During the progress of these games, various commands are sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300, and the sub-control board 300 controls the performance associated with the progress of the game based on the reception of the above-mentioned commands. In addition, in the sub-control board 300, control is performed regarding the setting of the initial volume of the speaker 10 based on the operation of the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, control is performed regarding the change of the current volume of the speaker 10 based on the pressing operation of the up key or the down key on the cross key 25, and control is performed regarding the change of the music based on the pressing operation of the left key or the right key on the cross key 25.
Below, we will explain the various effects that are executed as the game progresses, as well as the various processes and controls related to volume and music.

(Summary of the variable effects)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, during the variable display of the special symbols, a variable performance is executed to notify the result of the lottery for the big win by the display mode of the performance symbols 50. In this variable performance, the variable display of the performance symbols 50 (dummy symbols) is performed in the approximate center of the display unit 21a, superimposed on the background image displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the result of the lottery for the big win is notified to the player by the combination (stop display mode) of the performance symbols 50 that are stopped and displayed after the variable display.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44-FIG. 45, the performance symbol 50 is a symbol that displays the numbers "1" to "9" (hereinafter, also referred to as a number symbol). The performance symbol 50 is not limited to a number symbol, and may be a special symbol (for example, a pseudo-sequence symbol that indicates that a pseudo-sequence performance will be performed, a look-ahead symbol that indicates that a look-ahead performance will be performed, etc.) that indicates that a predetermined performance will be performed when the ball is stopped (for example, a pseudo-sequence performance in which a temporary stop is performed a predetermined number of times by a predetermined temporary stop display mode, or a look-ahead performance that is performed for a predetermined reservation and can be performed before a variable performance based on the reservation) when the ball is stopped may be provided. In addition, the performance symbol 50 may be a symbol that is composed of a number display section that displays numbers and a non-number display section that displays other images other than numbers (for example, an image of a character, etc.).

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the variable display of the special symbol starts, the variable display of all the performance symbols 50 starts from the state where all the performance symbols 50 are displayed stationary (see FIG. 44(a)-(b)). Note that the downward arrow in the figure indicates that the performance symbols 50 are displayed scrolling from top to bottom (hereinafter, also referred to as scrolling display).
Thereafter, the scrolling display stops in the order of the performance pattern 50 located on the left side (hereinafter also referred to as the first stop pattern), the performance pattern 50 located on the right side (hereinafter also referred to as the second stop pattern), and the performance pattern 50 located in the center (hereinafter also referred to as the third stop pattern) (see Figures 44 (c)-(d), Figure 45 (b), etc.).

Although not specifically shown, in the period from when the above-mentioned scrolling display stops until the special pattern is displayed stationary on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31, the first, second and third stopped patterns are not completely still even though the scrolling display has stopped, but are displayed in a state in which they are slightly shaking up and down or left and right (hereinafter also referred to as a shaking state). Then, when the special pattern is displayed stationary on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31, the display of the shaking state of the first, second and third stopped patterns is stopped, and they are displayed in a state in which they are completely still (stopped display).

Also, although the scrolling display of the third stop symbol is stopped before the special symbol is stopped, various stop timings are provided according to the mode of the variable performance. For example, there is a normal timing stop pattern in which the scrolling display of the third stop symbol stops at almost the same timing as the stopping display of the special symbol, and a special timing stop pattern in which the scrolling display of the third stop symbol stops a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) earlier than the stopping display of the special symbol.
When the scrolling display of the third stop symbol is stopped by the normal timing stop pattern, the special symbol is stopped almost simultaneously with the stopping of the scrolling display, so that the swaying display stops immediately after the stopping of the scrolling display, and the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are stopped. On the other hand, when the scrolling display of the third stop symbol is stopped by the special timing stop pattern, the special symbol is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stopping of the scrolling display, so that the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are displayed in a swaying state until the predetermined time has elapsed since the stopping of the scrolling display, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the swaying display stops and the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are stopped.
In this way, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the display of the performance pattern 50 is never displayed before the display of the special pattern, so that the special pattern is displayed on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31 before the display of the performance pattern 50, preventing the result of the jackpot lottery from being understood based on the type of special pattern.

If the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, all of the performance symbols 50 are stopped and displayed with the same number pattern (see FIG. 45(b)). In other words, the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot when all of the performance symbols 50 are stopped and displayed with the same number pattern. In contrast, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, at least one performance symbol 50 is stopped and displayed with a number pattern different from the other performance symbols 50, although this is not shown in particular, so that the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss.

In addition, the types of the variation presentation include a normal miss variation pattern (not specifically shown) in which the scrolling display of the first and second stopping patterns stops, causing these patterns to be displayed in different number patterns, and then notifying that the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss; a reach variation pattern with development in which the scrolling display of the first and second stopping patterns stops, causing these patterns to be displayed in the same number pattern, and then a reach development presentation in which a predetermined development presentation image is displayed is executed, and then notifying that the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot or a miss (see Figure 44 (d) and Figures 45 (a) to (b)); and a reach variation pattern without development in which, after a reach display is executed, a reach development presentation is not executed, and then it is notified that the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot or a miss.
The reach-variation pattern with development is set to be more likely to be executed when a big win is won than the reach-variation pattern without development, which increases the player's expectations.

In addition, for each mode, various settings are made for the way in which the changing display of the performance pattern 50 is made, and various images to be displayed during the changing display (for example, a preview image that is a video or still image different from the performance pattern 50 and that heightens the anticipation of winning the jackpot, or the above-mentioned development performance image).
For example, the development performance images displayed in the reach development performance of the development reach variation pattern include low expectation development performance images which can be displayed in both the case of a miss and a win of a jackpot, but have a relatively low probability of being displayed if a jackpot is won; high expectation development performance images which can be displayed in both the case of a miss and a win of a jackpot, but have a relatively high probability of being displayed if a jackpot is won; and confirmed jackpot development performance images which are not displayed in the case of a miss and are displayed only if a jackpot is won.
As a result, in the reach development presentation, when a high expectation development presentation image is displayed, the expectation of winning a jackpot is higher than when a low expectation development presentation image is displayed, and when a jackpot confirmed development presentation image is displayed, the player can recognize that he or she has won a jackpot, thereby enhancing the player's interest.

During the variable display of the special symbol, in addition to the variable display of the performance symbol 50 described above, a variable display of a mini-symbol MD, which is much smaller than the performance symbol 50 and is harder for a player to see than the performance symbol 50, is performed in the upper right corner of the display section 21a. The result of the lottery for a big win is also notified to the player by the combination (stop display mode) of the mini-symbol MD that is stopped and displayed after the variable display.
Like the performance pattern 50, the mini pattern MD is a number pattern of "1" to "9", and three mini pattern MDs are displayed side by side on the display unit 21a as shown in Fig. 44 etc. When the variable display of the special pattern starts, all the mini pattern MDs are displayed statically, and then the variable display (scrolling display from top to bottom) of all the mini pattern MDs starts, and almost simultaneously with the end of the variable display of the special pattern (static display of the special pattern), the mini pattern MD located on the left side, the mini pattern MD located in the center, and the mini pattern MD located on the right side are all displayed statically at the same time. At this time, the mini pattern MD located on the left side is displayed stopped with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 (first stop pattern) located on the left side, the mini pattern MD located in the center is displayed stopped with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 (third stop pattern) located in the center, and the mini pattern MD located on the right side is displayed stopped with the same number pattern as the performance pattern 50 (second stop pattern) located on the right side (see Figures 45 (b) and 47 (b)).
That is, the corresponding performance symbols 50 and mini-patterns MD are all stopped and displayed with the same number pattern, and the corresponding performance symbols 50 and mini-patterns MD display the same number. Similarly, all performance symbols 50 and all mini-patterns MD display the same number.

In addition, when the scrolling display of the third stop symbol is stopped by the special timing stop pattern, as described above, the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are displayed in a swaying state for a predetermined time, and then the swaying display stops with the stop display of the special symbol, and the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are displayed in a stopped state. On the other hand, the mini symbol MD is displayed in a stopped state all at once almost at the same time as the stop display of the special symbol.
Therefore, in this case, while the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern and the third stop pattern are displayed in a fluctuating manner, all of the mini patterns MD are displayed in a varying manner (scrolling display).

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the number of variations ND, which indicates the number of times the special pattern variation display (variation presentation) has been performed since the normal game state or the high probability time-saving game state has been set, is displayed in the upper left corner of the display unit 21a (see Figures 44 (a) to (d), Figures 45 (a) to (b), Figures 47 (a) to (b), and Figure 50 (a)).
This number of fluctuations ND is cleared to zero based on the setting of the normal game state or the high probability time-saving game state, and counts up by one each time a variable display (variable performance) of a special pattern is executed.
In addition, since the number of variations ND indicates the number of times the variable display of the special pattern is executed as described above, a number different from the numbers displayed by the performance pattern 50 and the mini pattern MD will be displayed.
In addition, the number of fluctuations ND in this embodiment is smaller in size than the performance pattern 50, making it more difficult for the player to see than the performance pattern 50.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned performance pattern 50, mini pattern MD, and number of times of change ND are continuously displayed on the display unit 21a during the variable display of the special pattern, during the stop display of the special pattern (during the pattern determination period described later), and from the start of the standby state until the demo image is displayed. Then, when the demo image is displayed or the special game is started, the above-mentioned performance pattern 50, mini pattern MD, and number of times of change ND displayed on the display unit 21a are erased. In other words, while the demo image is displayed or the special game is being played, the above-mentioned performance pattern 50, mini pattern MD, and number of times of change ND are not displayed on the display unit 21a.
In addition, the mini-pattern MD and the number of variations ND may be displayed while the demo image is being displayed or while the special game is being played.

(Outline of changing music output)
In the variable presentation in this embodiment, one of a plurality of types of variable music provided for each game state is output from the speaker 10 in conjunction with the display of the above-mentioned image.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, although not shown, a variable music table is stored in the sub-ROM 302 of the sub-control board 300, which stores data (such as music names and music data) related to variable music that can be output during variable performance during normal game play and variable music that can be output during variable performance during high probability game play. Of the variable music stored in the variable music table, one that corresponds to the game state being set is output from the speaker 10.
Also, as mentioned above, the changing music output during the changing performance can be changed (switched) by pressing the left or right key on the directional pad 25, thereby allowing the player to select the changing music at will.

Next, the control of output of a changing music piece in this embodiment will be described.
When the output of the changing music is not being performed, if a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16 and the changing display (changing performance) of the special pattern is started, the output of the selected changing music is started. At this time, the playback of the changing music starts from the beginning. The output of the started changing music ends when one of the output end conditions is met, that is, a predetermined output end time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the standby state started due to the fact that the changing display of the next special pattern is not started after the stop display of the special pattern, the reach development performance is started, a special game is started, or the selected changing music is changed. Until this output end condition is met, the selected changing music continues to be repeatedly output. In other words, when the changing music is played to the end, the changing music is played again from the beginning.

Specifically, when the output of the selected changing music starts, if the changing display (changing performance) of the special symbol is continuously executed without interruption, the changing music is repeatedly played across the changing display of the continuously executed special symbol. Then, when the changing display of the special symbol is interrupted, a standby state is started, and when the above-mentioned output end time has elapsed, the output of the changing music ends. After that, when the changing display of the special symbol starts anew, the output of the selected changing music is resumed. At this time, the playback of the changing music starts from the beginning.
Also, when the currently selected variable music is being output, if a reach development effect starts, the output of the variable music ends. During the reach development effect, a dedicated music piece corresponding to the effect is output. After that, when the display of the special symbol changes ends and a new display of the special symbol changes starts, the output of the currently selected variable music resumes. At this time, playback of the variable music starts from the beginning.
Also, when the selected variable music is being output and a special game based on a big win is started, the output of the variable music ends. As described above, during the special game, the special game music is output. After that, when the special game ends and a new variable display of the special pattern starts, the output of the selected variable music starts among the variable music corresponding to the game state after the special game ends. At this time, the playback of the variable music starts from the beginning.
In addition, when the currently selected variable music is being output and the currently selected variable music is changed, the output of the currently selected variable music ends and the output of the changed variable music starts. At this time, the playback of the changed variable music starts from the beginning.

In addition, when the changing music is changed, rather than ending the output of the changing music before the change and starting the output of the changing music after the change at the time the change is made, the output of the changing music before the change may continue until another output end condition is met, and after the other output end condition is met and the output of the changing music before the change is ended, the display of the special pattern change may start anew, thereby starting the output of the changing music after the change.

(Summary of the hold display effect)
The hold display performance is a hold display that displays a hold image in a predetermined display mode on the performance display device 21 when the first special chart random number or the second special chart random number is acquired and stored as hold, or when the first special chart random number or the second special chart random number stored as hold is read out.

As shown in Figures 44 (a) to (d), a hold display area 52 for displaying a hold image is provided at the bottom of the display unit 21a in the performance display device 21.
In the normal game state, when the first special random number is reserved based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15, a reserved display is displayed in the reserved display area 52 to indicate that the reserved storage has been performed, and the reserved display suggests to the player the number of reserved first special numbers. On the other hand, in the normal game state, even if the second special random number is reserved based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16, a reserved display based on the reserved storage is not performed, and the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 does not suggest the number of reserved second special numbers.
In addition, in the high probability time-saving game state, when the second special random number is reserved based on the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, a reserved display is displayed in the reserved display area 52 to indicate that the reserved memory has been made, and the reserved display suggests the number of reserved second special numbers to the player. On the other hand, in the high probability time-saving game state, even if the first special random number is reserved based on the game ball entering the first start winning port 15, a reserved display based on the reserved memory is not made, and the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 does not suggest the number of reserved first special numbers.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 44(a) to (d), a read-out hold display section 52a is provided at the leftmost part of the hold display area 52, which displays the hold related to the hold from which the first or second special random number was read out (i.e., the hold that is the target of the variable display of the special pattern at the current time), and a first hold display section 52b, a second hold display section 52c, a third hold display section 52d, and a fourth hold display section 52e are provided at the lower right side of the read-out hold display section 52a, which displays the hold related to the stored hold in the order of storage. The first hold display section 52b, the second hold display section 52c, the third hold display section 52d, and the fourth hold display section 52e are provided as four hold display sections to suggest the first or second special hold number.

For example, in the normal game state, when the variable display and variable performance of the special symbol are not being executed and the first special symbol reserved number is "0", the reserved display is not performed in any of the read-out reserved display section 52a, the first reserved display section 52b, the second reserved display section 52c, the third reserved display section 52d, and the fourth reserved display section 52e. In this case, when the reserved memory of the first special symbol random number is performed, the reserved display is performed in the first reserved display section 52b. After that, when the reserved memory is read out and the variable display and variable performance of the special symbol are started, the reserved display in the first reserved display section 52b is shifted to the read-out reserved display section 52a, the reserved display is performed in the read-out reserved display section 52a, and the reserved display in the first reserved display section 52b is erased.
Also, for example, in the normal game state, when the variable display and variable performance of the special symbol are being executed and the first special symbol reserved number is "3", the reserved display is performed in the read-out reserved display section 52a, and the reserved display is performed in the first reserved display section 52b, the second reserved display section 52c, and the third reserved display section 52d. After that, when the variable display and variable performance of the special symbol being executed ends and the variable display and variable performance of the next special symbol starts, the reserved display in the first reserved display section 52b is shifted to the read-out reserved display section 52a, the reserved display in the second reserved display section 52c is shifted to the first reserved display section 52b, and the reserved display in the third reserved display section 52d is shifted to the second reserved display section 52c, and the reserved display in each reserved display section is updated, and the reserved display in the third reserved display section 52d is erased.

In addition, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is provided with multiple types of reserved images with different display colors and shapes as reserved images displayed in the reserved display, and the likelihood of each image being displayed in the event of a jackpot being won is set separately. This makes it possible to change the expectation of winning a jackpot depending on the display mode of the reserved display.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, in addition to the reserved display in the reserved display area 52, a current reserved number KD indicating the current reserved number of the first special symbol and the current reserved number of the second special symbol is displayed below the mini symbol MD in the upper right corner of the display unit 21a. The display of the current reserved number KD indicates both the reserved number of the first special symbol and the reserved number of the second special symbol to the player.
As shown in Figures 44(a) to (d), the current reserved number KD directly indicates the reserved number of the first special chart and the reserved number of the second special chart by numbers, with the number on the left indicating the reserved number of the first special chart and the number on the right indicating the reserved number of the second special chart. When the first special chart random number is reserved and stored, the number on the left counts up by one, and when the first special chart random number is read out, the number on the left counts down by one. Similarly, when the second special chart random number is reserved and stored, the number on the right counts up by one, and when the second special chart random number is read out, the number on the right counts down by one.

As described above, during the normal game state, the reserved display area 52 displays the reserved number based on the reserved memory of the first special random number, and does not display the reserved number based on the reserved memory of the second special random number. Therefore, even if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b during the normal game state, and the game ball enters the second start winning hole 16 and the second special random number is reserved, the reserved display based on the reserved memory is not performed, and the player cannot recognize the second special reserved number from the reserved display in the reserved display area 52. However, since both the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are suggested by the current reserved number KD, the player can grasp not only the first special reserved number but also the second special reserved number even during the normal game state.
Similarly, during the high probability time-saving game state, the reserved display area 52 displays the reserved number based on the reserved memory of the second special random number, and the reserved display based on the reserved memory of the first special random number is not displayed. Therefore, even if a game ball is shot toward the first game area 12a during the high probability time-saving game state, and the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 and the first special random number is reserved, the reserved display based on the reserved memory is not displayed, and the player cannot recognize the first special reserved number from the reserved display in the reserved display area 52. However, since both the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are suggested by the current reserved number KD, the player can grasp not only the second special reserved number but also the first special reserved number even during the high probability time-saving game state.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during normal game play, the reserved number of the first special chart is suggested by the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 and the number to the left of the current reserved number KD. In other words, the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 and the number to the left of the current reserved number KD display the same number.
In addition, during the high probability time-saving game state, the number of reserved second special figures is suggested by the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 and the number to the right of the current reserved number KD. In other words, the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 and the number to the right of the current reserved number KD will display the same number.
In addition, in this embodiment, the current reserved number KD is smaller in size than the performance pattern 50, making it more difficult for the player to see than the performance pattern 50.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the current reserved number KD continues to be displayed on the display unit 21a during the variable display of the special symbol, during the stationary display of the special symbol (during the symbol determination period), and from the start of the standby state until the demo image is displayed. Then, when the demo image is displayed or the special game is started, the current reserved number KD displayed on the display unit 21a is erased. In other words, the current reserved number KD is not displayed on the display unit 21a while the demo image is displayed or the special game is being played.
In addition, the current reserved number KD may be displayed even while a demo image is being displayed or a special game is being played.
In addition, during the variable display of the special symbols in the normal game state, during the stop display of the special symbols, and while the first special symbol random number is reserved and stored, and during the variable display of the special symbols in the high probability time-saving game state, during the stop display of the special symbols, and while the second special symbol random number is reserved and stored, a reserved display is performed in the reserved display area 52. In contrast, during a special game, even if the first special symbol random number or the second special symbol random number is reserved and stored, a reserved display is not performed in the reserved display area 52.
In addition, even while a special game is being played, a hold display (for example, a hold display showing the number of holds corresponding to the game status before the special game is started (the number of first special game holds or the number of second special game holds)) may be displayed in the hold display area 52.

(Outline of Error Information ED Display)
As described above, various errors may occur in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment while the power is on. For example, when the door frame 3a is open, a door open error occurs, and when the tray 7 is full, a full tank error occurs.
When any error occurs while the power is on, error information ED corresponding to the error that has occurred is displayed in the upper center of the display unit 21a (see Figs. 47(a)-(b) and 50(a)). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the error information ED includes an error number indicating the error that has occurred, the name of the error, and an error message corresponding to the error (a message indicating how to resolve the error), etc.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when any type of error occurs while the power is on, regardless of the state (when the special pattern is being displayed in a varying manner, when the special pattern is being displayed in a stopped state, during special play, or in standby mode), the above-mentioned error information ED is displayed, and when the currently occurring error is cleared, the display of the error information ED is terminated.
In addition, the error number displayed in the error information ED indicates the error that has occurred, and therefore a number different from the number displayed by the performance pattern 50 and the mini pattern MD will be displayed.
In addition, the error information ED in this embodiment is smaller in size than the performance pattern 50, making it more difficult for the player to see than the performance pattern 50.
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the mini-pattern MD, current reserved number KD, number of fluctuations ND and error information ED (error number) are displayed on the display unit 21a so as not to overlap each other.

(Summary of special game effects)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during special play, an opening performance is executed at the start of the special play based on the reception of an opening command, a round play performance is executed during the round play based on the reception of a round play start command, and an ending performance is executed after all round plays have ended (at the end of the special play) based on the reception of an ending command.

In this form of opening performance, an opening image is displayed across almost the entire area of the display unit 21a, congratulating the player on the big win and informing him or her that a special game is about to begin (see FIG. 45(c)). When the opening time has elapsed, the opening performance ends, and the display of the opening image also ends.

Then, when the round game starts, the round game presentation starts. In the round game presentation of this embodiment, a round game image for livening up the round game is displayed in almost the entire area of the display unit 21a, and the number of rounds is displayed in the upper left corner of the display unit 21a (see FIG. 46). In addition, at the start of the first round of the round game, a right hit suggestion image suggesting that the game ball will be shot toward the second game area 12b is displayed in the approximate center of the display unit 21a, superimposed on the round game image (see FIG. 45(d)). The display of this right hit suggestion image ends when a predetermined right hit suggestion end time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed.
Furthermore, even after the display of the right-hit suggestion image has finished, if a game ball is detected entering the first start winning port 15, or if a game ball is not detected entering the large winning port 18 for a specified period of time, etc., the above-mentioned right-hit suggestion image may be displayed again, assuming that the game ball has been shot toward the first game area 12a.

When all the round games are completed, the round game presentation ends, and the display of the round game image also ends. After that, the ending presentation starts.
In the ending performance of this embodiment, although not shown in the figure, ending images are displayed in almost the entire area of the display unit 21a, suggesting the number of winning balls acquired during the special game and suggesting that the card inserted into the game ball lending device R has been left behind. When the ending time has elapsed, the ending performance ends, and the display of the ending images also ends.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the special game, the reserved display in the reserved display area 52, the display of the mini pattern MD, the display of the number of variations ND, and the display of the current reserved number KD are not performed. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, when an error occurs during the special game, the error information ED is displayed.
As mentioned above, even during special play, the pending display in the pending display area 52, the display of the mini pattern MD, and the current pending number KD may be displayed.

(Outline of music output during special play)
In the special game performance in this embodiment, one of a plurality of types of special game music is output from the speaker 10 in conjunction with the display of the various images described above.
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, although not shown, a special game music table that stores data related to special game music that can be output (such as music names and music data) is stored in the sub-ROM 302 of the sub-control board 300. Then, one of the special game music stored in the special game music table is output from the speaker 10.
Also, as mentioned above, the varying music output during the special game performance can be changed (switched) by pressing the left or right key on the directional pad 25, thereby allowing the player to select the special game music at his/her discretion.

Next, the control of the output of music during special games in this embodiment will be described.
When a special game is started, the output of the selected special game music starts. At this time, playback of the special game music starts from the beginning. The output of the started special game music ends when one of the output end conditions is met, that is, when the special game ends or the selected special game music is changed. Until this output end condition is met, the selected special game music continues to be output repeatedly. In other words, when the special game music is played to the end, the special game music is played again from the beginning.

Specifically, when a special game is started, the output of the selected special game music starts, and the special game music is repeatedly played during the special game. Then, when the special game ends, the output of the special game music ends.
In addition, when the selected special game music is being output during a special game, if the special game music is changed, the output of the special game music ends and the output of the changed special game music starts. At this time, playback of the changed special game music starts from the beginning.

In addition, when a change is made to the music during a special game, rather than ending the output of the special game music before the change and starting the output of the changed special game music at the time the change is made, the output of the special game music before the change may continue until the currently active special game ends, and after the currently active special game ends, the output of the changed special game music may start when the next special game based on a big win starts.

(Overview of controls for setting initial volume)
As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the volume setting changeover switch 10a provided on the sub-control board 300 can set the volume setting value of the speaker 10 to any of "0" to "9" which is a predetermined number of levels of volume that can be set as the volume of the speaker 10. In addition, the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b provided on the sub-control board 300 can set the initial volume setting value for determining the volume to be set as the initial volume to either "A" or "B". Then, based on the operation of the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the operation of the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, the initial volume according to the set volume setting value and the initial volume setting value is set as the current volume.
The contents of the multiple volume levels corresponding to each volume setting value, and the contents of the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value are stored in the sub-ROM 302, and the volume setting value set by the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting value set by the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are temporarily stored in the sub-RAM 303. The sub-CPU 301 obtains the initial volume based on these stored contents, and sets the obtained initial volume as the current volume.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 42, for the volume setting values "0", "1" and "2", ten volume levels are defined: the first level is volume "0", the second level is volume "1", the third level is volume "2", the fourth level is volume "8", the fifth level is volume "16", the sixth level is volume "20", the seventh level is volume "24", the eighth level is volume "32", the ninth level is volume "40" and the tenth level is volume "46".
As shown in Fig. 43, when the volume setting value "0" is set, the first volume level "0" is set as the initial volume level regardless of whether the initial volume setting value "A" or "B" is set. When the volume setting value "1" is set, the second volume level "1" is set as the initial volume level regardless of whether the initial volume setting value "A" or "B" is set. When the volume setting value "2" is set, the third volume level "2" is set as the initial volume level regardless of whether the initial volume setting value "A" or "B" is set.

The volume setting value "3" has seven volume levels: the first level is "36", the second level is "41", the third level is "46", the fourth level is "64", the fifth level is "90", the sixth level is "108", and the seventh level is "128".
When the volume setting value "3" is set, the seventh volume level "128" is set as the initial volume level when the initial volume setting value "A" is set, and the third volume level "46" is set as the initial volume level when the initial volume setting value "B" is set.

For the volume setting value "4", seven volume levels are defined: the first level is "46", the second level is "48", the third level is "68", the fourth level is "96", the fifth level is "128", the sixth level is "136", and the seventh level is "144".
When the volume setting value is set to "4", the seventh volume level "144" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "A" is set, and the first volume level "46" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "B" is set.

The volume setting value "5" has seven volume levels: the first level is "46", the second level is "51", the third level is "72", the fourth level is "102", the fifth level is "136", the sixth level is "152", and the seventh level is "161".
When the volume setting value is set to "5", when the initial volume setting value of "A" is set, the seventh volume level "161" is set as the initial volume, and when the initial volume setting value of "B" is set, the first volume level "46" is set as the initial volume.

The volume setting value "6" has seven volume levels: the first level is "46", the second level is "54", the third level is "76", the fourth level is "108", the fifth level is "144", the sixth level is "171", and the seventh level is "181".
When the volume setting value is set to "6", the seventh volume level "181" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "A" is set, and the first volume level "46" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "B" is set.

The volume setting value "7" has seven volume levels: the first level is "46", the second level is "57", the third level is "81", the fourth level is "114", the fifth level is "152", the sixth level is "181", and the seventh level is "203".
When the volume setting value is set to "7", the seventh volume level "203" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "A" is set, and the first volume level "46" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "B" is set.

For the volume setting value "8", seven volume levels are defined: the first level is volume "46", the second level is volume "61", the third level is volume "85", the fourth level is volume "121", the fifth level is volume "161", the sixth level is volume "192", and the seventh level is volume "228".
When the volume setting value is set to "8", the seventh volume level "228" is set as the initial volume level when the initial volume setting value "A" is set, and the first volume level "46" is set as the initial volume level when the initial volume setting value "B" is set.

For the volume setting value "9", seven volume levels are defined: the first level is "46", the second level is "64", the third level is "90", the fourth level is "128", the fifth level is "181", the sixth level is "215", and the seventh level is "255".
When the volume setting value is set to "9", the seventh volume level "255" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "A" is set, and the first volume level "46" is set as the initial volume when the initial volume setting value "B" is set.

The number in parentheses indicates the volume level, and the larger the number, the louder the volume, and the smaller the number, the quieter the volume. Volume "0" is silent, and no sound is output when the current volume is "0".
In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the volumes "0", "1", and "2" are defined only for the volume setting values "0", "1", and "2", and are not defined for the volume setting values "3" to "9".
The volume setting values "0", "1" and "2" are used only in the test state where the operation of the pachinko machine P is checked and debugged, and the volumes "0", "1" and "2" set only for the volume setting values "0", "1" and "2" are used only for checking the operation of the pachinko machine P and debugging, etc. Also, in the normal state where the player can play special and normal games, any of the volume setting values "3" to "9" is used.

In addition, when a power outage occurs, the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume to an initial volume according to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value set at the time of recovery from the power outage. For example, if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated while the power is cut off (i.e., while a power outage occurs), the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume to an initial volume according to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value after the operation when the power is turned on (i.e., when the power is restored from the power outage).
In addition, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b can be operated even while the power is on (i.e., while the power switch is on). When the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated while the power is on, the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume to an initial volume according to the volume setting value after the operation or the initial volume setting value.

(Overview of volume change controls)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, while the power is on, the current volume can be changed within a range of multiple stages by pressing the up key or down key of the cross key 25, except for the period from when the special pattern is displayed stopped to when the stopped display time has elapsed (hereinafter also referred to as the pattern determination period).
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the current volume can be changed during the period from when the changing display of the special pattern starts to when it ends (the special pattern is displayed stationary by stopping the changing display), during the period from when the standby state starts to when it ends, and during the period from when the special game starts to when it ends, but the current volume cannot be changed during the above-mentioned pattern determination period (the period from when the special pattern is displayed stationary to when the stationary display time has elapsed).
In the following, the period during which the current volume can be changed by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25 may be referred to as the volume changeable period, and the period during which the current volume cannot be changed may be referred to as the volume unchangeable period.

Specifically, if a press of the up key is detected during a volume changeable period when the current volume is other than the highest volume level (i.e., maximum volume) of the multiple volume levels, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume level to the volume level one step higher. If a press of the down key is detected during a volume changeable period when the current volume is other than the lowest volume level (i.e., minimum volume) of the multiple volume levels, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume level to the volume level one step lower.
For example, when the volume setting value is set to "3", if the current volume is the third volume level "46", each time the up key is pressed, the current volume level is changed to the next higher volume level, such as the fourth volume level "64" → the fifth volume level "90" → .... In other words, each time the up key is pressed, the current volume level increases by one level. On the other hand, even if the up key is pressed when the current volume level is the seventh volume level (the highest level) of "128", the current volume level remains at "128" because the volume levels higher than this level have not been defined.
Furthermore, each time the down key is pressed, the current volume is changed to the volume one level lower, such as from the second level volume "41" to the first level volume "36". In other words, the current volume decreases by one level each time the down key is pressed. On the other hand, even if the down key is pressed when the current volume is the first level (lowest level) volume "36", the current volume remains at "36" without being changed, since the volume levels lower than this have not been determined.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed from a specified trigger, if the current volume differs from the volume setting value and the initial volume according to the initial volume setting value, the current volume is changed to the initial volume.
Specifically, after the standby state begins or after the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, if no game ball enters any of the start winning slots, no new pressing of the up or down key of the cross key 25 is performed, and the predetermined first reset time (five minutes in this embodiment) has elapsed, and if the current volume is lower than the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value.
In addition, after the standby state begins or after the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, if no game ball enters any of the start winning slots, no new pressing of the up or down key of the cross key 25 is performed, and a predetermined second reset time (9 hours in this embodiment) has elapsed, and the current volume is greater than the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value.
The first reset time and the second reset time are not limited to the above values, and may be longer or shorter.

(Overview of volume setting notifications)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, at a predetermined timing, a volume change suggestion image AG is displayed to indicate to the player that the volume can be changed, a volume meter image BG is displayed showing which level of the multiple levels the current volume is at, and specific sound effects determined according to the volume level are output, thereby informing the player about the volume setting.

(Volume change suggestion image AG)
The volume change suggestion image AG is an image that suggests to the player that the volume can be changed, and as shown in Figures 47 (b) and (c), it is composed of a volume meter image BG, which will be described later, and an operation suggestion image CG, which suggests the operation mode for changing the volume (pressing the up key, pressing the down key).
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when a predetermined display start time (20 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the standby state without the end of the standby state, or when the operation button 9b is pressed before the display start time has elapsed, a volume change suggestion image AG is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. This allows the player to recognize that the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is equipped with a volume change function and that the volume can be changed.
As shown in Figure 47 (b), the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed slightly to the left of the center of the display unit 21a, and specifically, it overlaps and covers the entire first stop pattern (performance pattern 50 located on the left side), approximately the left half of the third stop pattern (performance pattern 50 located in the center), and approximately 1/4 of the upper right corner of the reserved image displayed on the read-out reserved display unit 52a, but does not overlap or cover the mini pattern MD, number of changes ND, and current reserved number KD.

When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, the current volume is changed within a range of multiple stages, the displayed volume change suggestion image AG is erased, and an enlarged volume meter image BG (see Figs. 47(a) and (c), 50(a) and (b)) is displayed instead. In this enlarged volume meter image BG, the current volume stage after the above-mentioned cross key 25 is operated is shown.
This enlarged volume meter image BG is also displayed in the same position as the volume change suggestion image AG described above, and specifically, it overlaps and covers the entire first stop pattern (performance pattern 50 located on the left side), approximately the left half of the third stop pattern (performance pattern 50 located in the center), and approximately 1/4 of the upper right corner of the reserved image displayed in the read-out reserved display section 52a, but is displayed so as not to overlap or cover the mini pattern MD, number of changes ND, and current reserved number KD.

If the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, when a predetermined display restart time (3 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the last time the up or down key of the cross key 25 was pressed without the up or down key of the cross key 25 being pressed, the displayed volume meter image BG is erased and the volume change suggestion image AG is redisplayed. On the other hand, if a game ball enters any of the start winning holes before the display restart time has elapsed, the displayed volume meter image BG is erased and the volume change suggestion image AG is not redisplayed and the change performance begins.

In addition, when a demo image (not shown) starts to be displayed while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed, the volume change suggestion image AG being displayed is erased, and when the display of the demo image ends, the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed again. Note that even when the display of the demo image starts, the volume change suggestion image AG may remain displayed.
In addition, when a game ball enters any one of the start winning holes while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed and a variable performance accompanied by the variable display of the special pattern is started, the volume change suggestion image AG being displayed is erased.

The display, erasure, redisplay, etc. of the volume change suggestion image AG described above is controlled by the sub-CPU 301. The display start time and display restart time are not limited to the above values, and longer or shorter times may be set.

(Volume meter image BG)
As shown in Figures 47 and 50, the volume meter image BG is composed of a total of seven volume bars lined up vertically, and each volume bar can be either lit, indicating that it is lit, or off, indicating that it is off, thereby indicating which level of volume out of multiple levels the current volume is at.
As shown in FIG. 48, the display modes of the volume meter image BG include a mode MP0 in which all volume bars are in an off mode, a mode MP1 in which the bottommost volume bar is in a lit mode and the other volume bars are in an off mode, a mode MP2 in which the two volume bars from the bottom are in a lit mode and the other volume bars are in an off mode, a mode MP3 in which the three volume bars from the bottom are in a lit mode and the other volume bars are in an off mode, a mode MP4 in which the four volume bars from the bottom are in a lit mode and the other volume bars are in an off mode, a mode MP5 in which the five volume bars from the bottom are in a lit mode and the other volume bars are in an off mode, a mode MP6 in which the six volume bars from the bottom are in a lit mode and the other volume bars are in an off mode, and a mode MP7 in which all volume bars are in a lit mode.

Each display mode of the volume meter image BG corresponds to each of a plurality of volume levels defined for each volume setting value.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 49, for volume setting values "0,""1," and "2," the first, second, and third volume levels are all associated with mode MP0, the fourth volume level is associated with mode MP1, the fifth volume level is associated with mode MP2, the sixth volume level is associated with mode MP3, the seventh volume level is associated with mode MP4, the eighth volume level is associated with mode MP5, the ninth volume level is associated with mode MP6, and the tenth volume level is associated with mode MP7.
In contrast, as shown in FIG. 49, for volume setting values "3" to "9," the first volume level is associated with mode MP1, the second volume level is associated with mode MP2, the third volume level is associated with mode MP3, the fourth volume level is associated with mode MP4, the fifth volume level is associated with mode MP5, the sixth volume level is associated with mode MP6, and the seventh volume level is associated with mode MP7.

In addition, image data related to the volume meter image BG and the contents of the display mode of the volume meter image BG corresponding to each stage of the volume setting value are stored in the sub-ROM 302. When displaying the volume meter image BG, the sub-CPU 301 acquires image data of the display mode corresponding to the current volume stage at the time of displaying the volume meter image BG from the sub-ROM 302, and then displays the image data on the display unit of the performance display device 21.
For example, when the volume setting value "3" is set and the current volume is the initial volume, the third volume level "46", and the volume meter image BG is to be displayed, the volume meter image BG of the aspect MP3 is displayed. Also, when the volume setting value "4" is set and the current volume is the initial volume, the first volume level "46", and the volume meter image BG is to be displayed, the volume meter image BG of the aspect MP1 is displayed.
Also, when the volume setting value "0", "1" or "2" is set and the current volume is the first volume level "0", the second volume level "1" or the third volume level "2", the volume meter image BG of mode MP0 is displayed when the volume meter image BG is to be displayed. In other words, when the volume setting value is set to "0", "1" or "2", the volume meter image BG of mode MP0 is displayed when the current volume level is the first volume level, the second volume level or the third volume level. Therefore, in this case, it is not possible to determine from the volume meter image BG whether the current volume level is set to the first volume level, the second volume level or the third volume level.

(Specific sound effects)
There are nine types of specific sound effects, SE1 to SE9, each set to a different scale, and each specific sound effect is associated with a different volume level among a plurality of volume levels determined for each volume setting value.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 49, for volume setting values "0", "1" and "2", a specific sound effect SE1 is associated with the second volume level, a specific sound effect SE2 is associated with the third volume level, a specific sound effect SE3 is associated with the fourth volume level, a specific sound effect SE4 is associated with the fifth volume level, a specific sound effect SE5 is associated with the sixth volume level, a specific sound effect SE6 is associated with the seventh volume level, a specific sound effect SE7 is associated with the eighth volume level, a specific sound effect SE8 is associated with the ninth volume level, and a specific sound effect SE9 is associated with the tenth volume level. No specific sound effect is associated with the first volume level.
In contrast, as shown in FIG. 49, for volume setting values "3" to "9," the first volume level is associated with specific sound effect SE3, the second volume level is associated with specific sound effect SE4, the third volume level is associated with specific sound effect SE5, the fourth volume level is associated with specific sound effect SE6, the fifth volume level is associated with specific sound effect SE7, the sixth volume level is associated with specific sound effect SE8, and the seventh volume level is associated with specific sound effect SE9.

The sound data relating to the specific sound effect and the contents of the specific sound effect associated with each level of the volume setting value are stored in the sub ROM 302. When outputting a specific sound effect, the sub CPU 301 acquires the sound data of the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume (level) at the time of output from the sub ROM 302, and outputs the specific sound effect from the speaker 10 based on the sound data.
For example, when the volume setting value is set to "3" and the current volume is the initial volume of the third volume level "46", the specific sound effect SE5 is output. Also, when the volume setting value is set to "4" and the current volume is the initial volume of the first volume level "46", the specific sound effect SE3 is output.
Furthermore, when the volume setting value is set to "0", "1" or "2", and the current volume is the second volume level "1", a specific sound effect SE1 is output when a specific sound effect is to be output, and when the current volume is the third volume level "2", a specific sound effect SE2 is output when a specific sound effect is to be output. Note that, since no specific sound effect is associated with the first volume level in the volume setting values "0", "1" or "2", when the volume setting value "0", "1" or "2" is set and the current volume level is the first volume level, no specific sound effect is output.

(Display of volume meter image BG while power is on, control of output of specific sound effects)
Next, the control regarding the display of the volume meter image BG and the output of the specific sound effect while the power is on will be described for different cases.
(1) During the changing display of special symbols (the period from when the changing display of special symbols starts to when the changing display ends and the special symbols are displayed stationary), during special play (the period from when the special play starts to when it ends)
(When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed)
The above-mentioned volume change suggestion image AG is not displayed during either the varying display of the special symbols or during the special game.
At this time, when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the volume change suggestion image AG is not displayed, and an enlarged volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 (see Figures 47 (a) and (c)), and a specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is output in conjunction with the display of this volume meter image BG.
Furthermore, during both the varying display of the special symbols and during the special game, if the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed again while the volume meter image BG is displayed as described above, the volume meter image BG is updated to a display mode corresponding to the current volume after the pressing operation, and along with this updated display of the volume meter image BG, a specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is output.
The volume meter image BG being displayed is erased when a predetermined display end time (3 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the last time the up or down key of the cross key 25 was pressed without the up or down key of the cross key 25 being pressed again, or, if a changing display of a special pattern was in progress, when the changing display ends and the special pattern is displayed as still (i.e., when the pattern determination period begins).
Here, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, as described above, at a timing earlier than the special symbol is stopped (a predetermined timing during the variable display of the special symbol), the scroll display of the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol ends and a swaying display is performed while the mini symbol MD is still displayed variably, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the display of the swaying state ends and the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are displayed swaying, and the mini symbol MD is displayed swaying. In this case, when the mini symbol MD is being displayed variably and the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are displayed swaying, the volume meter image BG can be displayed because the special symbol is being displayed variably, but when the first stop symbol, the second stop symbol, and the third stop symbol are displayed swaying and the mini symbol MD is displayed swaying, the volume meter image BG cannot be displayed because the special symbol is displayed swaying. Therefore, if the mini pattern MD is being displayed in a varying manner and the volume meter image BG is being displayed while the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern and the third stop pattern are being displayed in a swaying state, when the mini pattern MD is subsequently displayed in a stopped state (when the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern and the third stop pattern are displayed in a stopped state), the volume meter image BG will be erased.

When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed during the variable display of the special symbols or during a special game, the current volume is changed within the range of the multiple stages described above at the time of the pressing. Therefore, the sound or music being output at the time the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed is output at the changed current volume immediately after the pressing. On the other hand, if no sound is being output at the time the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the changed current volume is applied from the sound output that starts afterwards.

(When the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are operated)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, whether during the varying display of special symbols or during special play, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated to change the volume setting value or when the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated to change the initial volume setting value, the current volume is set (changed) to the volume setting value and the initial volume corresponding to the initial volume setting value.
However, at this time, unlike when the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed to change the current volume, the volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the current volume level is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level is not output.

Specifically, when the volume meter image BG is not displayed during either the variable display of the special symbol or the special game, even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume meter image BG is not displayed and the specific sound effect is not output based on this operation. In other words, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not output.
In addition, during both the variable display of the special symbols and the special game, when the volume meter image BG is displayed, even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume meter image BG being displayed based on the operation is not updated, and the volume meter image BG continues to be displayed in the display mode at that time. And, no specific sound effect is output. In other words, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not output.

When the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is operated during either the variable display of the special symbol or during a special game, the current volume at the time of the operation is set to an initial volume according to the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume setting value. Therefore, the sound or music that was being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is output at the above-mentioned initial volume immediately after the operation. On the other hand, if no sound was being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b, the above-mentioned initial volume is applied from the sound output that starts thereafter.

(Specific examples of control during variable display of special symbols and during special games)
For example, it is assumed that the volume setting value is "4", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is the fourth level of volume "96".
In this case, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated to change the volume setting value to "3" during the variable display of the special symbol or during a special game, the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume to the third volume level "46", which is the initial volume according to the volume setting value "3" and the initial volume setting value "B" at the time of the operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 301 does not display the volume meter image BG according to the set current volume level, or output a specific sound effect according to the set current volume level.
Then, the sound or music being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation starts to be output at a volume of "46" immediately after the above-mentioned operation. On the other hand, if no sound is being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation, the volume of "46" is applied to the sound output that starts thereafter.

Also, for example, if the volume setting value is "3", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is the third volume level "46", when the up key of the cross key 25 is pressed during the variable display of the special symbol or during a special game, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume level to the fourth volume level "64" at the time of the pressing operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 301 displays an enlarged volume meter image BG according to the aspect MP4 associated with the fourth volume level of the volume setting value "3", and outputs a specific sound effect SE6 associated with the fourth volume level of the volume setting value "3".
Then, the sound or music being output at the time of the above-mentioned pressing operation starts to be output at a volume of "64" immediately after the above-mentioned pressing operation. On the other hand, if no sound is being output at the time of the above-mentioned pressing operation, the volume of "64" is applied to the sound output that starts thereafter.

(2) During the pattern determination period (the period from when the variable display of the special pattern ends and the special pattern is displayed stationary until the stationary display time has elapsed).
(When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed)
During the pattern determination period, even if the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the current volume does not change. Also, during the pattern determination period, the volume change suggestion image AG is not displayed, and even if the volume meter image BG is displayed before the pattern determination period starts, the volume meter image BG is erased when the pattern determination period starts. Therefore, even if the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed during the pattern determination period, the volume meter image BG is not displayed at all, and no specific sound effect is output.

(When the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are operated)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even during the pattern determination period, if the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated to change the volume setting value or if the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated to change the initial volume setting value, the current volume is set (changed) to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value.
However, in this case, similarly to (1), the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level is not output.
Specifically, the volume meter image BG is not displayed during the pattern determination period, and even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume meter image BG is not displayed and the specific sound effect is not output based on this operation. That is, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not output.

When the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is operated during the pattern determination period, the current volume at the time of the operation is set to an initial volume according to the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume setting value, as in (1). Therefore, the sound or music that was being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is output at the above-mentioned initial volume immediately after the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b. On the other hand, if no sound was being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b, the above-mentioned initial volume is applied from the sound output that starts thereafter.

(Specific example of control during the symbol determination period)
For example, it is assumed that the volume setting value is "3", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is the fourth level of volume "64".
In this case, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated during the pattern determination period to switch the volume setting value to "7", the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume to the first volume level of "46", which is the initial volume level according to the volume setting value "7" and the initial volume setting value "B" at the time of the operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 301 does not display the volume meter image BG according to the set current volume level, nor does it output a specific sound effect according to the set current volume level.
Then, for the sound or music that was being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation, output at volume "46" is started immediately after the above-mentioned operation. On the other hand, if no sound was being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation, the volume "46" is applied to the sound output that starts thereafter.

For example, if the volume setting value is set to "7", the initial volume setting value is set to "B", and the current volume is the first volume level of "46", even if the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed during the pattern determination period, the sub-CPU 301 will not change the current volume. Therefore, the current volume will remain at "46". At this time, the sub-CPU 301 will not display the volume meter image BG or output the specific sound effect.

(3) After the standby state starts and before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed (i.e., before the display start time has elapsed or before the operation button 9b is pressed).
(When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed)
At this time, since the volume change suggestion image AG is not displayed, similarly to (1), when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the volume change suggestion image AG is not displayed, and an enlarged volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. However, unlike (1), the specific sound effect based on the pressing operation is not output. In other words, the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is not output.
Furthermore, after the standby state has started and before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, if the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the volume meter image BG is displayed as described above, the volume meter image BG is updated to a display mode corresponding to the current volume after the pressing operation. However, as described above, the specific sound effect based on the pressing operation is not output, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is not output.
In addition, the volume meter image BG being displayed is erased when the above-mentioned display end time has elapsed without the up or down key of the cross key 25 being pressed since the last time the up or down key of the cross key 25 was pressed.

Note that even if the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed after the standby state has started but before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, the current volume is changed within the range of the multiple stages described above at the time of the pressing operation, as in (1). Therefore, the sound or music being output at the time the cross key 25 is pressed is output at the changed current volume immediately after the pressing operation. On the other hand, if no sound or music is being output at the time the cross key 25 is pressed, the changed current volume is applied to the sound or music output that starts thereafter.

(When the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are operated)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even after the standby state has begun and before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, if the volume setting change switch 10a is operated to change the volume setting value or if the initial volume setting change switch 10b is operated to change the initial volume setting value, the current volume is set (changed) to an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial volume setting value.
However, in this case, similarly to (1), the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level is not output.

Specifically, when the volume meter image BG is not displayed after the start of the standby state and before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume meter image BG is not displayed and the specific sound effect is not output based on this operation. That is, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not output.
In addition, when the volume meter image BG is displayed after the start of the standby state and before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume meter image BG being displayed based on the operation is not updated, and the volume meter image BG continues to be displayed in the display mode at that time. And, no specific sound effect is output. In other words, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not output.

If the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is operated during the period after the standby state begins and before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, the current volume at the time of the operation is set to an initial volume according to the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume setting value, as in (1). Therefore, the sound or music that was being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is output at the above-mentioned initial volume immediately after the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b. On the other hand, if no sound or music is being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b, the above-mentioned initial volume is applied from the output of the sound or music that starts thereafter.

(Specific example of control after start of standby state and before display of volume change suggestion image AG)
For example, it is assumed that the volume setting value is "7", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is the first volume level "46".
In this case, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated to change the volume setting value to "5" after the standby state starts but before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume to the first volume level "46", which is the initial volume level according to the volume setting value "5" and the initial volume setting value "B" at the time of the operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 301 does not display the volume meter image BG according to the set current volume level, nor does it output a specific sound effect according to the set current volume level.
Then, for the sound or music that was being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation, output begins immediately after the above-mentioned operation at a volume of "46." On the other hand, if no sound or music was being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation, the volume of "46" will be applied to the sound or music that is output thereafter.

Also, for example, if the volume setting value is set to "5", the initial volume setting value is set to "B", and the current volume is the first volume level "46", when the up key of the cross key 25 is pressed after the start of the standby state and before the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume level to the second volume level "51" at the time of the pressing operation. At this time, the sub-CPU 301 displays the enlarged volume meter image BG according to the aspect MP2 associated with the second volume level of the volume setting value "5", but does not output any specific sound effects. In other words, the specific sound effect SE4 associated with the second volume level of the volume setting value "5" is not output.
Then, for the sound or music that was being output at the time of the above-mentioned pressing operation, output at volume "51" is started immediately after the above-mentioned pressing operation. On the other hand, if sound or music was not being output at the time of the above-mentioned pressing operation, the volume "51" is applied from the sound or music output that starts thereafter.

(4) After the standby state starts and while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed (i.e., after the display start time has elapsed or after the operation button 9b has been pressed)
(When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed)
At this time, a volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the current volume stage, and when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the volume change suggestion image AG being displayed is erased, and instead an enlarged volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the current volume stage after the pressing operation is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, and together with the display of this volume meter image BG, a specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume stage after the pressing operation is output.
In addition, the volume meter image BG being displayed is erased when the above-mentioned display restart time elapses without the up key or down key of the cross key 25 being pressed since the last time the up key or down key of the cross key 25 was pressed, or when a game ball enters any of the start winning holes before the display restart time has elapsed.

When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed after the standby state has started and while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed, the current volume is changed within the range of the multiple steps described above at the time of the pressing, as in (1). Therefore, the sound or music being output at the time the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed is output at the changed current volume immediately after the pressing. On the other hand, if no sound or music is being output at the time the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the changed current volume is applied to the sound or music that is output thereafter.

(When the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are operated)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even after the standby state has begun and while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed, if the volume setting change switch 10a is operated to change the volume setting value or if the initial volume setting change switch 10b is operated to change the initial volume setting value, the current volume is set (changed) to the volume setting value and the initial volume corresponding to the initial volume setting value.
However, in this case, similarly to (1), the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level is not output.
Specifically, even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated after the standby state has started and while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed, the volume meter image BG is not displayed and the specific sound effect is not output based on this operation. That is, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not output.

When the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is operated after the standby state has started and while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed, the current volume at the time of the operation is set to an initial volume according to the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume setting value, as in (1). Therefore, the sound or music being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is output at the above-mentioned initial volume immediately after the operation. On the other hand, if no sound or music is being output at the time of the operation of the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b, the above-mentioned initial volume is applied from the output of the sound or music that starts thereafter.

(Specific example of control during display of volume change suggestion image AG after start of standby state)
For example, it is assumed that the volume setting value is "5", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is the first volume level "46".
In this case, when the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed after the standby state has started, the volume meter image BG included in the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the current volume level. That is, the volume meter image BG included in the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in mode MP1 corresponding to the first volume level at the volume setting value "5".
Then, when the volume setting switch 10a is operated to switch the volume setting value to "3" while the above-mentioned volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume at the time of the operation to the third level of volume "46", which is the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "3" and the initial volume setting value "B".
At this time, although the volume meter image BG included in the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in the manner MP1 corresponding to the first volume level at the volume setting value "5", the sub-CPU 301 does not perform the process of erasing the volume change suggestion image AG and instead displaying the enlarged volume meter image BG in the manner MP3 corresponding to the third volume level "46" at the volume setting value "3" after the operation. In other words, since the volume change suggestion image AG continues to be displayed as it is, the volume meter image BG in the manner MP3 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned operation is not displayed. In addition, since the sub-CPU 301 does not output a specific sound effect, the specific sound effect SE5 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned operation is not output.
Then, for the sound or music that was being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation, output begins immediately after the above-mentioned operation at a volume of "46." On the other hand, if no sound or music was being output at the time of the above-mentioned operation, the volume of "46" will be applied to the sound or music that is output thereafter.

Also, for example, if the volume setting value is "3", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is the third volume level "46", when the up key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed after the standby state has begun, the sub-CPU 301 will change the current volume level to the fourth volume level "64" at the time of the pressing operation.
At this time, the sub-CPU 301 erases the volume change suggestion image AG being displayed, and instead displays an enlarged volume meter image BG of aspect MP4 corresponding to the fourth volume level of the volume setting value "3", and outputs a specific sound effect SE6 corresponding to the fourth volume level of the volume setting value "3".
Then, for the sound or music that was being output at the time of the above-mentioned pressing operation, output at volume "64" is started immediately after the above-mentioned pressing operation. On the other hand, if sound or music was not being output at the time of the above-mentioned pressing operation, the volume "64" is applied from the sound or music output that starts thereafter.

(5) During display of demo image: In this case, the same control as in (1) is carried out, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

(6) RAM clear notification In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when a RAM clear process is executed in the main control board 100, the sub-CPU 301 executes a RAM clear notification by receiving a RAM clear command sent from the main control board 100 in response to the execution.
During this RAM clear notification, a specific sound (for example, a sound saying "Memory has been cleared") notifying the execution of the RAM clear process is output from the speaker 10 until a predetermined notification time (31 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. This specific sound is always output at the maximum volume of the speaker 10 regardless of the current volume. Furthermore, during the RAM clear notification, only the specific sound is output and no other sounds are output. Note that on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, no image indicating the execution of the RAM clear process is displayed, and the image displayed before the start of the RAM clear notification continues to be displayed.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, while the power is on, it is possible to change the current volume by pressing the up or down key of the cross-25, and to set the initial volume by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, so that processing related to the current volume is executed even during a RAM clear notification.
(When the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed)
When the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed during a RAM clear notification, pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25 erases the displayed volume change suggestion image AG, and instead displays an enlarged volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the current volume stage after the pressing operation on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Also, when the volume change suggestion image AG is not displayed during a RAM clear notification, pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25 displays an enlarged volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the current volume stage after the pressing operation on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, without displaying the volume change suggestion image AG.
However, in either case, the specific sound effect based on the pressing operation is not output, i.e., the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is not output.
Then, when the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed after the above-mentioned RAM clear notification has ended, both a volume meter image BG corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is displayed, and a specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the pressing operation is output.

Note that even if the up or down key on the cross key 25 is pressed during a RAM clear notification, the current volume is changed within the range of the multiple stages described above at the time of the pressing operation, as in (1). However, as described above, the specific sound during a RAM clear notification is always output at the maximum volume of the speaker 10, so the changed current volume is not applied to the output of the specific sound, and the changed current volume is applied to the output of the sound or music (sound output associated with variable effects, etc.) that begins after the RAM clear notification ends.

(When the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b are operated)
As described above, even during a RAM clear notification, if the volume setting change switch 10a is operated to change the volume setting value or if the initial volume setting change switch 10b is operated to change the initial volume setting value, the current volume is set (changed) to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value and the initial setting value.
However, in this case, similarly to (1), the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level is not output.

Specifically, when the volume meter image BG is not displayed during the RAM clear notification, even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume meter image BG is not displayed and the specific sound effect is not output based on this operation. That is, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not output.
In addition, when the volume change suggestion image AG or the volume meter image BG is displayed during the RAM clear notification, even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, the volume change suggestion image AG or the volume meter image BG being displayed based on the operation is not updated, and the volume change suggestion image AG or the volume meter image BG continues to be displayed in the display mode at that time. And, no specific sound effect is output. In other words, the volume meter image BG in the display mode corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after the operation is not output.

When the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b is operated during the RAM clear notification, the current volume at the time of the operation is set to the initial volume according to the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume setting value, as in (1). However, as in the case where the cross key 25 is pressed, the above-mentioned current volume is not applied to the output of a specific sound during the RAM clear notification, and the above-mentioned initial volume is applied from the output of the sound or music that starts after the RAM clear notification ends.

(Specific example of control during RAM clear notification)
For example, it is assumed that the volume setting value is "6", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is "76", which is the third volume level.
In this case, if the volume change suggestion image AG or the enlarged volume meter image BG is displayed at the start of the RAM clear notification, the volume meter image BG or the enlarged volume meter image BG included in the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the current volume level. That is, the volume meter image BG or the enlarged volume meter image BG included in the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in the mode MP3 corresponding to the third volume level at the volume setting value "6".
Then, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated during the RAM clear notification to switch the volume setting value to "4", the sub-CPU 301 sets the current volume at the time of the operation to the first volume level "46", which is the initial volume according to the volume setting value "4" and the initial volume setting value "B".
At this time, if the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed and the volume meter image BG included in the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in the manner MP3 corresponding to the third volume level at the volume setting value "6", the sub-CPU 301 does not perform the process of erasing the volume change suggestion image AG and instead displaying the enlarged volume meter image BG of the manner MP1 corresponding to the first volume level "46" at the volume setting value "4" after the above-mentioned operation. In other words, since the volume change suggestion image AG of the manner MP3 continues to be displayed as it is, the volume meter image BG of the manner MP1 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned operation is not displayed. In addition, since the sub-CPU 301 does not output the specific sound effect, the specific sound effect SE3 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned operation is not output.
Furthermore, if the enlarged volume meter image BG is displayed in mode MP3 corresponding to the third volume level at the volume setting value "6", the sub-CPU 301 does not perform processing to update the volume meter image BG to mode MP1 corresponding to the first volume level "46" at the volume setting value "4" after the above-mentioned operation. In other words, the volume meter image BG in mode MP3 continues to be displayed as is, and the volume meter image BG in mode MP1 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned operation is not displayed. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 301 does not output a specific sound effect, and therefore the specific sound effect SE3 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned operation is not output.
In addition, similarly to the above, if the volume change suggestion image AG or the enlarged volume meter image BG is not displayed when the RAM clear notification begins, the sub-CPU 301 will not display the volume meter image BG of aspect MP1 corresponding to the current volume stage after the above-mentioned operation, and will not output the specific sound effect SE3 corresponding to the current volume stage after the above-mentioned operation.
And, although the specific sound is being output during the RAM clear notification at the time of the above-mentioned operation, the volume "46" set as the current volume is not applied to the specific sound, but is applied to the output of the sound and music that starts after the RAM clear notification. In other words, the specific sound during the RAM clear notification is not output at the current volume "46", and the sound and music that are output after the RAM clear notification are output at the current volume "46".

Also, for example, if the volume setting value is "4", the initial volume setting value is "B", and the current volume is the first volume level "46", when the up key of the cross key 25 is pressed during a RAM clear notification, the sub-CPU 301 will change the current volume level to the second volume level "48" at the time of the pressing operation.
At this time, if a volume change suggestion image AG is displayed and a volume meter image BG included in the volume change suggestion image AG is displayed in mode MP1 corresponding to the first volume level of the volume setting value "4", the sub-CPU 301 erases the displayed volume change suggestion image AG and displays an enlarged volume meter image BG in mode MP2 corresponding to the second volume level of "48" of the volume setting value "4". However, the sub-CPU 301 does not output a specific sound effect, and the specific sound effect SE4 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned pressing operation is not output.
Furthermore, if the enlarged volume meter image BG is displayed in the manner MP1 corresponding to the first volume level at the volume setting value "4", the sub-CPU 301 updates the volume meter image BG to the manner MP2 corresponding to the second volume level "48" at the volume setting value "4" after the above-mentioned operation. However, the sub-CPU 301 does not output a specific sound effect, and the specific sound effect SE4 corresponding to the current volume level after the above-mentioned pressing operation is not output.
In addition, in the same manner as described above, if the volume change suggestion image AG or the enlarged volume meter image BG is not displayed at the start of the RAM clear notification, the sub-CPU 301 will display the volume meter image BG of aspect MP2 corresponding to the current volume stage after the above-mentioned pressing operation, but will not output the specific sound effect SE4 corresponding to the current volume stage after the above-mentioned operation.
And, although the specific sound is being output during the RAM clear notification at the time of the above-mentioned operation, the volume "48" set as the current volume is not applied to the specific sound, but is applied to the output of the sound and music that starts after the RAM clear notification. In other words, the specific sound during the RAM clear notification is not output at the current volume "48", and the sound and music that are output after the RAM clear notification are output at the current volume "48".

(Overview of control over changing music during variable or special game play)
In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the period from when the display of the special symbols starts to change until the display of the special symbols stops and the special symbols are displayed still, the currently selected changing music can be changed by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25. Also, during the period from when the special game starts to when it ends, the currently selected special game music can be changed by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25.
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the period from when the changing display of the special pattern begins to when it ends, the selected changing music can be changed but the selected special game music cannot be changed; and during the period from when the special game begins to when it ends, the selected special game music can be changed but the selected changing music cannot be changed; and during the pattern determination period (the period from when the special pattern is displayed stopped to when the stopped display time has elapsed) and in the standby state, neither the selected changing music nor the selected special game music can be changed.
In other words, while a game is in progress (while the special symbol is changing and being displayed, or during a special game), the music to be output while the game is in progress can be changed by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25, but outside of the state where a game is in progress (while the symbol is being determined, during a standby state), the music to be output while the game is in progress cannot be changed by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25.

In the following, the period during which the variable music can be changed by pressing the left or right key on the cross key 25 may be referred to as the variable music changeable period, the period during which the special game music can be changed may be referred to as the special game music changeable period, and the period during which neither the variable music nor the special game music can be changed may be referred to as the music non-changeable period.

In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 50 (a), when the left key or right key of the directional pad 25 is pressed during the period in which the changing music can be changed (the period from when the display of the special pattern changes begins to when it ends), a changing music selection image DG is displayed slightly below and to the right of the center of the display section 21a, allowing the player to select one of the available changing music songs.
This changing music selection image DG overlaps and covers almost the lower half of the second stop pattern (the performance pattern 50 located on the right side) and a portion of the upper right corner of the reserved image displayed in the fourth reserved display section 52e, but is displayed so as not to overlap or cover the mini pattern MD, the number of changes ND, and the current reserved number KD.
This changing music selection image DG includes selectable changing music (e.g., music A1, music A2, music A3, etc.), a selected changing music (e.g., music A2, etc.), and an image that prompts the selection of a changing music (e.g., an image imitating the left and right keys of the cross key 25). By displaying this changing music selection image DG, the player can be made aware of the selected changing music and that the changing music can be changed.
Furthermore, if the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the changing music selection image DG is displayed, the selected changing music is changed, and, although not specifically shown, the displayed changing music selection image DG is updated to indicate that the changed changing music is now selected.

Similarly, as shown in Figure 50 (b), when the left or right key of the directional pad 25 is pressed during the period in which music can be changed during special play (the period from when special play begins to when it ends), a special play music selection image EG is displayed slightly to the lower right of the center of the display unit 21a, allowing the player to select from among the available special play music.
This special game play music selection image EG has a configuration similar to the above-mentioned changing music selection image DG, and overlaps and covers almost the lower half of the second stop pattern (the performance pattern 50 located on the right side) and a portion of the upper right corner of the reserved image displayed in the fourth reserved display section 52e, but is displayed so as not to overlap or cover the mini pattern MD, the number of changes ND and the current reserved number KD.
The special game music selection image EG includes selectable special game music (e.g., music C1, music C2, music C3, etc.), a selected special game music (e.g., music C2, etc.), and an image that prompts the selection of a special game music (e.g., an image imitating the left and right keys of the cross key 25). The display of this special game music selection image EG allows the player to recognize the selected special game music and that the special game music can be changed.
Furthermore, if the left or right key of the directional pad 25 is pressed while the special game music selection image EG is displayed, the selected special game music is changed, and, although not specifically shown, the displayed special game music selection image EG is updated to indicate that the changed special game music is now selected.

In addition, the changing music selection image DG being displayed is erased when a predetermined music selection image display end time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the last time the left or right key of the cross key 25 was pressed without a new pressing of the left or right key of the cross key 25, or when the special pattern is displayed as stopped (when the pattern determination period begins).
In addition, the special game music selection image EG being displayed is erased when the above-mentioned music selection image display end time has elapsed without the left or right key of the cross key 25 being newly pressed since the last time the left or right key of the cross key 25 was pressed, or when the special game ends.

In addition, during the period when music cannot be changed (the pattern determination period, during standby), neither the selected variable music nor the selected special game music can be changed. Therefore, even if the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed during this period, neither the selected variable music nor the selected special game music will be changed, and neither the variable music selection image DG nor the special game music selection image EG will be displayed.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when it is a volume changeable period in which the current volume can be changed by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25 and it is also in the above-mentioned period in which the variable music can be changed or the special game music can be changed, it is possible to change the current volume and change the selected variable music or the selected special game music simultaneously in parallel.
Specifically, for example, when the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the special symbol is being displayed, the current volume is changed, and an enlarged volume meter image BG is displayed on the display unit 21a in a display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the pressing operation. When the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the volume meter image BG is displayed, the changing music selection image DG is also displayed on the display unit 21a, and when the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the selected changing music is changed. Also, as shown in FIG. 50(a), the volume meter image BG and the changing music selection image DG are displayed on the display unit 21a at the same time without overlapping each other.
Similarly, for example, when the up or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed during a special game, the current volume is changed, and an enlarged volume meter image BG is displayed on the display unit 21a in a display mode corresponding to the level of the current volume after the pressing operation. When the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed while this volume meter image BG is displayed, a special game music selection image EG is also displayed on the display unit 21a, and when the left or right key of the cross key 25 is further pressed, the selected special game music is changed. Also, as shown in FIG. 50(b), the volume meter image BG and the special game music selection image EG are displayed on the display unit 21a at the same time without overlapping each other.

Furthermore, even when it is a period in which the volume can be changed and also the above-mentioned period in which the variable music can be changed or the special game music can be changed, rather than allowing the change of the current volume and the change of the selected variable music or the selected special game music to be executed simultaneously in parallel, it may be possible to prevent the change of the selected variable music or the selected special game music from being executed while the current volume is being changed, or to prevent the change of the current volume from being executed while the selected variable music or the selected special game music is being changed.
In this case, the volume meter image BG and the varying music selection image DG or the special game music selection image are not displayed simultaneously on the display section 21a.

As described above, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the period from when the display of the changing special pattern begins to when the special pattern is stopped and during the period from when the special game begins to when it ends (a specified period when the game is in progress), the current volume can be changed by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25, and the selected changing music or the selected special game music can be changed by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25, whereas during the standby state (a specified period when the game is not in progress), although the current volume can be changed by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25, the selected changing music or the selected special game music cannot be changed by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25.
Therefore, if a player wants to enjoy playing with the volume and music he or she desires, since only the current volume can be changed during standby, in order to change the changing music to the desired music, it is necessary to execute the changing display of the special pattern, and in order to change the music during a special game to the desired music, it is also necessary to execute the changing display of the special pattern in order to execute a special game based on winning a jackpot, which can encourage players to play the game and ultimately improve the operating rate of the pachinko machine P.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the pattern determination period, it is not possible to change the current volume by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25, nor to change the selected variable music or the selected special game music by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25.
Here, when the pattern determination period starts, the display of the performance pattern 50 in a shaking state ends and the performance pattern 50 is displayed stationary, thereby determining the suggestion of the result of the lottery for the big win by the performance pattern 50. In other words, the pattern determination period is an important period for making the player recognize the result of the lottery for the big win suggested by the performance pattern 50. Therefore, by doing as described above, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player is distracted by the operation for changing the current volume or music and misses the suggestion of the result of the lottery for the big win by the performance pattern 50.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, during the period from when the varying display of the special pattern begins to when the special pattern is displayed stationary, and during the period from when the special game begins to when it ends, the display unit 21a can display the volume meter image BG, and the varying song selection image DG or the special game song selection image EG, whereas during the standby state, the display unit 21a can display the volume change suggestion image AG (volume meter image BG), but the varying song selection image DG and the special game song selection image EG cannot be displayed.
As a result, in order to check the selectable changing music or the music during special play, it is necessary to execute the changing display of the special pattern, which encourages the player to play the game, and ultimately improves the operating rate of the pachinko machine P.

In addition, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, for example, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated while the special pattern is being displayed while the power is on or after the standby state has begun (i.e., when it is possible to set the initial volume by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, or to change the current volume by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25), the current volume is set to the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume corresponding to the initial volume setting value, but the volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not displayed regardless of whether the volume meter image BG is displayed or not.
When the current volume is set to the above-mentioned initial volume, and further when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the special pattern is being displayed while the power is on or after the standby state has started, the current volume is changed within a range of multiple stages, and a volume meter image BG is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the pressing operation.
When the current volume is set to an initial value by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a, etc., the volume is not necessarily changed in a gradual manner. Therefore, for example, if the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated while the volume meter image BG is displayed, and the displayed volume meter image BG is updated to a volume meter image BG corresponding to the current volume after the operation, the volume meter image BG may not change in a gradual manner, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable.
According to the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, as described above, when the volume setting switch 10a or the like is operated, the volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the current volume stage after the operation is not displayed regardless of whether the volume meter image BG is displayed or not, so that it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the volume meter image BG does not change in stages, giving the player a sense of discomfort.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated during a RAM clear notification in which a specific sound is output, the current volume is set to an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value after the operation and the initial volume setting value, but the volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the operation is not displayed. On the other hand, when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed during a RAM clear notification in which a specific sound is output, the current volume is changed within a range of multiple stages, and the volume meter image BG in a display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the pressing operation is displayed.
This makes it possible to reliably notify a player of a change in the volume even during a RAM clear notification, and also makes it possible to prevent the control of the display of the volume meter image BG during a RAM clear notification from becoming too complicated.

In addition, during a RAM clear notification during which a specific sound is output, if the volume setting changeover switch 10a or the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b is operated, or if the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed, the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level after these operations is not output.
This prevents a specific sound effect from being outputted overlapping with a specific voice during a RAM clear notification, thereby making it possible to reliably notify the execution of a RAM clear notification, and also prevents the control of the voice output during the RAM clear notification from becoming too complicated.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, when the volume setting value is set to "3" by the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting value is set to "B" by the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, the initial volume is the third level "46", and the display mode when the volume meter image BG is displayed based on this initial volume is mode MP3. Also, when the volume setting value is set to any one of "4" to "9" by the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting value is set to "B" by the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, the initial volume is the first level "46", and the display mode when the volume meter image BG is displayed based on this initial volume is mode MP1.
In other words, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, the initial volume when the volume setting value is set to "3" and the initial volume when the volume setting value is set to any of "4" to "9" are both the same, at "46."
This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which, for example, when the volume setting value is switched from "3" to any of "4" to "9" by the volume setting changeover switch 10a, the volume of the sound being output suddenly increases, surprising the player.

(Outline of prevention of misunderstanding regarding numerical indications)
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, while the special patterns are being displayed in a varying manner and while the special patterns are being displayed in a stopped state, three performance patterns 50 consisting of number patterns that display numbers are displayed in the center of the display section 21a, thereby displaying numbers (see Figure 47 (a)).
Here, while the special symbols are being displayed, an enlarged volume meter image BG can be displayed, and as described above, this volume meter image BG is displayed slightly to the left of the center of the display unit 21a, overlapping and covering the entire first stop symbol (the performance symbol 50 located on the left), almost the left half of the third stop symbol (the performance symbol 50 located in the center), and about 1/4 of the reserved image displayed in the read-out reserved display unit 52a (see FIG. 47(a)). In this way, when the enlarged volume meter image BG is displayed, the entire first stop symbol and the left half of the third stop symbol are hidden by this volume meter image BG, making it difficult for the player to accurately grasp the first stop symbol and the third stop symbol.
In addition, while the special symbols are being displayed, the changing music selection image DG can also be displayed, but as described above, this changing music selection image DG is displayed slightly below and to the right of the center of the display unit 21a so as to overlap and cover almost the lower half of the second stopping symbol (the performance symbol 50 located on the right side) (see FIG. 50(a)). In this case, when the changing music selection image DG is displayed, the lower half of the third stopping symbol is hidden by this changing music selection image DG, making it difficult for the player to accurately grasp the third stopping symbol.
In the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, when the special symbol is displayed as stopped and the symbol determination period begins, the volume meter image BG is erased. However, if such erasure is not performed due to the occurrence of some kind of malfunction, the player will not be able to see the stopped display state of the performance symbol 50, which may lead to a misunderstanding of the result of the jackpot lottery.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the display of the changing special pattern and the display of the stopped special pattern, three mini pattern MDs consisting of number patterns displaying numbers are displayed in the upper right corner of the display unit 21a together with the display of the performance pattern 50, and the performance patterns 50 and mini pattern MDs in corresponding positions are all displayed stopped with the same number pattern (see Fig. 47(a) and Fig. 50(a)). As a result, all the performance patterns 50 and all the mini pattern MDs display the same number. Also, the enlarged volume meter image BG and the changing music selection image DG are displayed so as not to overlap with the mini pattern MD and not to cover it (see Fig. 47(a) and Fig. 50(a)).
As a result, even if the entire first stop pattern and the left half of the third stop pattern are hidden by the display of the enlarged volume meter image BG and cannot be seen, and even if the lower half of the third stop pattern is hidden by the display of the varying music selection image DG and cannot be seen, the mini pattern MD can be seen in its entirety. And since the mini pattern MD displays the same number as the performance pattern 50, the stopped display mode of the performance pattern 50 can be grasped by the stopped mini pattern MD, and misconception of the result of the lottery for a big win can be prevented.

Similarly, while the special patterns are being displayed in a varying manner and while they are being displayed as stopped special patterns, a reserve display is shown at the bottom of the display unit 21a, thereby displaying a number (i.e., displaying the number of reserved first special patterns or the number of reserved second special patterns). However, as described above, when an enlarged volume meter image BG or a varying song selection image DG is displayed, at least a part of the reserve display in the reserve display area 52 is hidden (see Figures 47(a) and 50(a)), which may result in the player being unable to accurately grasp the number of reserved first special patterns or the number of reserved second special patterns and making a mistake.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, during the display of the changing special symbols and the display of the stopped special symbols, the first special symbol reserved number and the second special symbol reserved number are displayed in the upper right corner of the display unit 21a by displaying the current reserved number KD together with the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 (see Fig. 47(a) and Fig. 50(a)). As a result, the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 and the current reserved number KD display the same number. Also, the enlarged volume meter image BG and the changing music selection image DG are displayed so as not to overlap with the current reserved number KD and not to cover it (see Fig. 47(a) and Fig. 50(a)).
As a result, even if a part of the reserved display in the reserved display area 52 cannot be seen due to the display of the enlarged volume meter image BG or the changing song selection image DG, the current reserved number KD can be seen. And, since the current reserved number KD displays the same number as the reserved display in the reserved display area 52, the current reserved number KD allows the first special reserved number or the second special reserved number to be accurately grasped, and misconception can be prevented.

On the other hand, while the special pattern is being displayed changing or stopped, the number of changes ND is displayed in the upper left corner of the display unit 21a, and when an error occurs, the error number of the error information ED is displayed in the upper center of the display unit 21a (see Figures 47(a) and 50(a)), and these also display numbers.
Here, in the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, even if an enlarged volume meter image BG or a changing song selection image DG is displayed, it does not overlap or cover the number of changes ND or the error number (see Figures 47(a) and 50(a)), so that the number of changes ND and the error number can be accurately grasped and there is no risk of misunderstanding them.
Therefore, along with the number of fluctuations ND and the error number, no separate display relating to the same number is made.

By displaying as described above, the pachinko machine P of this embodiment ensures sufficient visibility of the volume meter image BG and the changing music selection image DG used by the player for changing operations, while preventing misinterpretation of the display relating to numbers such as the jackpot lottery results, the number of reserved first special charts, and the number of reserved second special charts, which are of great interest to players, and prevents the display on the display unit 21a from becoming too cluttered due to an excessive number of displays relating to numbers.

Next, the control in the sub-control board 300 for setting the initial volume, changing the current volume, displaying the volume meter image BG, outputting specific sound effects, and changing the music during variable music and special game music will be described.
First, the initial volume setting process when power is restored, which sets the initial volume when power is restored, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 51.
In step 2000, the sub-CPU 301 acquires from the sub-ROM 302 an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value set by the volume setting changeover switch 10a and the initial volume setting value set by the initial volume setting changeover switch 10b, and stores the initial volume as a current volume in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2001.
In step 2001, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not a RAM clear notification is being issued. If it is judged that a RAM clear notification is not being issued, the sub-CPU 301 ends the initial volume setting process at the time of power recovery. On the other hand, if it is judged that a RAM clear notification is being issued, the process proceeds to the next step 2002.

In step 2002, the sub-CPU 301 temporarily disables the application of the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303, and applies maximum volume to the output of specific sounds during the RAM clear notification, without applying the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303 in step 2000 above. As a result, specific sounds during the RAM clear notification are output at maximum volume. When the RAM clear notification ends, the sub-CPU 301 enables the application of the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303. As a result, the output of sounds and music that begins after the RAM clear notification ends is performed at the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the initial volume setting process when power is restored ends.

Next, a power-on initial volume setting process for setting an initial volume while the power is on will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step 2100, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b has been operated. If it is judged that neither the volume setting switch 10a nor the initial volume setting switch 10b has been operated, the sub-CPU 301 ends the power-on initial volume setting process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the volume setting switch 10a or the initial volume setting switch 10b has been operated, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2101.
In step 2101, the sub-CPU 301 acquires from the sub-ROM 302 an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value after the operation in step 2100 and the initial volume setting value, and stores the initial volume as a current volume in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2102.

In step 2102, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not a RAM clear notification is being issued. If it is judged that a RAM clear notification is not being issued, the sub-CPU 301 ends the power-on initial volume setting process. On the other hand, if it is judged that a RAM clear notification is being issued, the process proceeds to the next step 2103.
In step 2103, the sub-CPU 301 temporarily disables the application of the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303, and applies maximum volume to the output of the specific sound during the RAM clear notification, without applying the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303 in step 2101 above. As a result, the specific sound during the RAM clear notification is output at maximum volume. When the RAM clear notification ends, the sub-CPU 301 enables the application of the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303. As a result, the output of the sound or music that begins after the RAM clear notification ends is performed at the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the initial volume setting process while the power is on ends.

Next, a current volume change process for changing the current volume will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step 2200, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the up key or the down key of the cross key 25 has been pressed, i.e., whether the cross key detection sensor 25a has detected the pressing of the up key or the down key of the cross key 25. If it is judged that neither the up key nor the down key of the cross key 25 has been pressed, the current volume change process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the up key or the down key of the cross key 25 has been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step 2201.
In step 2201, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not it is in the pattern determination period. Specifically, it judges whether or not it is in a state after receiving a pattern determination command from the main control board 100 and before receiving a stop display command from the main control board 100. If it is judged that it is in the pattern determination period, it ends the current volume change process. On the other hand, if it is judged that it is not in the pattern determination period, it proceeds to the next step 2202.

In step 2202, if the up key is pressed, the sub-CPU 301 determines whether the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303 is the maximum volume of the multiple levels corresponding to the volume setting value being set. On the other hand, if the down key is pressed, the sub-CPU 301 determines whether the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303 is the minimum volume of the multiple levels corresponding to the volume setting value being set. If it is determined that the current volume is the maximum volume (or minimum volume) of the multiple levels, the process proceeds to step 2206. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current volume is not the maximum volume (or minimum volume) of the multiple levels, the process proceeds to the next step 2203.
In step 2203, if the up key is pressed, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303 to a volume one level higher, and if the down key is pressed, the sub-CPU 301 changes the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303 to a volume one level lower. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2204.

In step 2204, the sub CPU 301 judges whether or not a RAM clear notification is being issued. If it is judged that a RAM clear notification is not being issued, the process proceeds to step 2206. On the other hand, if it is judged that a RAM clear notification is being issued, the process proceeds to the next step 2205.
In step 2205, the sub-CPU 301 temporarily disables the application of the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303, and applies maximum volume to the output of the specific sound during the RAM clear notification, without applying the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303 in step 2203 above. As a result, the specific sound during the RAM clear notification is output at maximum volume. When the RAM clear notification ends, the sub-CPU 301 enables the application of the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303. As a result, the output of the sound or music that begins after the RAM clear notification ends is performed at the current volume stored in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2206.

In step 2206, the sub-CPU 301 executes notification control processing to display the volume meter image BG and output a specific sound effect. Then, the current volume change processing ends.

Next, the notification control process in step 2206 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step 2300, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether the special symbol is being displayed, the special game is being played, or the demo image is being displayed. Specifically, it judges whether the state is after the start winning command is received from the main control board 100 and before the symbol determination command is received, after the opening command is received from the main control board 100 and before the special game end command is received, or after the demo command is received from the main control board 100 and until the demo image display time has elapsed. Then, if it is judged that the special symbol is not being displayed, the special game is being played, or the demo image is not being displayed, it proceeds to step 2305. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol is being displayed, the special game is being played, or the demo image is being displayed, it proceeds to the next step 2301.
In step 2301, the sub-CPU 301 determines whether or not the volume meter image BG is being displayed. If it is determined that the volume meter image BG is being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to step 2303. On the other hand, if it is determined that the volume meter image BG is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2302.

In step 2302, the sub-CPU 301 displays an enlarged volume meter image BG corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303 on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the process proceeds to step 2304.
In step 2303, which is reached when it is determined in step 2301 that the volume meter image BG is being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 updates the volume meter image BG being displayed to an aspect corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2304.

In step 2304, the sub CPU 301 outputs a specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub RAM 303. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2305.
In step 2305, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the standby state has started and the volume change suggestion image AG is not being displayed. If it is judged that the standby state has not started, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to step 2309. On the other hand, if it is judged that the standby state has started, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2306.

In step 2306, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the volume meter image BG is being displayed. If it is judged that the volume meter image BG is being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to step 2308. On the other hand, if it is judged that the volume meter image BG is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2307.
In step 2307, the sub-CPU 301 displays an enlarged volume meter image BG corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303 on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the process proceeds to step 2309.

In step 2308, which is reached when it is determined in step 2306 that the volume meter image BG is being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 updates the volume meter image BG being displayed to an aspect corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2309.
In step 2309, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the standby state has started and the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed. If it is judged that the standby state has not started, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to step 2312. On the other hand, if it is judged that the standby state has started, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2310.

In step 2310, the sub-CPU 301 clears the volume change suggestion image AG being displayed, and instead displays an enlarged volume meter image BG of a type corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303 on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2311.
In step 2311, the sub-CPU 301 outputs a specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2312.

In step 2312, the sub CPU 301 judges whether or not a RAM clear notification is being issued. If it is judged that a RAM clear notification is not being issued, the notification control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a RAM clear notification is being issued, the process proceeds to the next step 2313.
In step 2313, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed. If it is judged that the volume change suggestion image AG is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2315. On the other hand, if it is judged that the volume change suggestion image AG is being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2314.

In step 2314, the sub-CPU 301 clears the volume change suggestion image AG being displayed, and instead displays an enlarged volume meter image BG of a form corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303 on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the notification control process is terminated.
In step 2315, which is reached when it is determined in step 2313 that the volume change suggestion image AG is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 determines whether or not the volume meter image BG is being displayed. If it is determined that the volume meter image BG is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to step 2317. On the other hand, if it is determined that the volume meter image BG is being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2316.

In step 2316, the sub-CPU 301 updates the volume meter image BG being displayed to an aspect corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303. Then, the notification control process ends.
In step 2317, which is reached when it is determined in step 2315 that the volume meter image BG is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 displays an enlarged volume meter image BG in a form corresponding to the current volume level stored in the sub-RAM 303 on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21. Then, the notification control process is terminated.

Next, the music change process for changing the currently selected variable music or the currently selected special game music will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step 2400, the sub-CPU 301 determines whether the left or right key of the cross key 25 has been pressed, i.e., whether the cross key detection sensor 25a has detected the pressing of the left or right key of the cross key 25. If it is determined that neither the left nor the right key of the cross key 25 has been pressed, the music change process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left or right key of the cross key 25 has been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step 2401.
In step 2401, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the sub-CPU 301 is in a pattern determination period or a standby state. If the sub-CPU 301 judges that the sub-CPU 301 is in a pattern determination period or a standby state, the sub-CPU 301 ends the music change process. On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 301 judges that the sub-CPU 301 is not in a pattern determination period or a standby state, the sub-CPU 301 proceeds to the next step 2402.

In step 2402, the sub-CPU 301 judges whether or not the changing music selection image DG is displayed if the special symbol is being changed, and whether or not the special game music selection image EG is displayed if the special game is being played. If it is judged that the changing music selection image DG (or the special game music selection image EG) is not displayed, the process proceeds to step 2404. On the other hand, if it is judged that the changing music selection image DG (or the special game music selection image EG) is displayed, the process proceeds to the next step 2403.
In step 2403, the sub-CPU 301 changes the selected changing music to the changing music corresponding to the left or right key press operation if the special symbol is being changed, and changes the selected special game music to the special game music corresponding to the left or right key press operation if the special game is being played. This ends the output of the changing music (or special game music) before the change, and the changing music (or special game music) after the change is played from the beginning. Then, the music change process ends.

In addition, in step 2404, which is reached when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 2402 that the changing music selection image DG (or the special game music selection image EG) is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 301 performs control to display the changing music selection image DG on the display unit 21a if the special pattern is being displayed changing, and performs control to display the special game music selection image EG on the display unit 21a if the special game is being played. Then, the music change process ends.

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.
In the above embodiment, the volume setting values "0", "1" and "2" are provided for use only in the test state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of providing the volume setting values "0", "1" and "2" for use only in the test state, only the volume setting values "3" to "9" for use in the normal state may be provided.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, the initial volume was determined according to the volume setting value set by operating the volume setting switch 10a and the initial volume setting value set by operating the initial volume setting switch 10b, but this is not limited to this.
For example, an initial volume setting value (initial volume setting changeover switch 10b) may not be provided, and only a volume setting value (volume setting changeover switch 10a) may be provided, and the initial volume may be determined only according to the volume setting value set based on the operation of volume setting changeover switch 10a. Specifically, the operation of volume setting changeover switch 10a may set any one of volume setting values "3" to "9" used in the normal state, and when volume setting value "3" is set, the third volume level "46" may always be set as the initial volume, and when volume setting value "4" to "9" is set, the first volume level "46" may always be set as the initial volume.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, while the power is on, the current volume cannot be changed by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25 during the symbol determination period, but the period during which the current volume cannot be changed is not limited to this. For example, even during the execution of a performance that is intended to draw the player's attention, the current volume may not be changed by pressing the up or down key of the cross key 25.
Specifically, during the execution of an effect in which the expectation of winning a jackpot is relatively high (for example, during the display of a high expectation development effect image that is set to be displayed relatively highly when a jackpot is won, during the display of a jackpot confirmed development effect image that is not displayed in the case of a miss and can be displayed only when a jackpot is won, during the display of a preview image that is set to be displayed highly when a jackpot is won, etc.), it may be possible to make it impossible to change the current volume based on the pressing of the up or down key of the cross key 25. On the other hand, during the execution of an effect in which the expectation of winning a jackpot is relatively low (for example, during the period from when a reach display is made in a no-development reach variation pattern until the result of the jackpot lottery is announced, during the display of a low expectation development effect image that is set to be displayed relatively low when a jackpot is won, etc.), it may be possible to make it possible to change the current volume based on the pressing of the up or down key of the cross key 25.
In addition, it may be possible to prevent the current volume from being changed based on pressing the up or down key on the cross key 25 during the execution of the opening performance performed at the start of a special game (while an opening image is being displayed to congratulate the player on the jackpot win and indicate to the player that a special game is about to begin) or while a right-hit suggestion image is being displayed to indicate that the game ball will be shot toward the second game area 12b.
Even in this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which a presentation that should draw the player's attention is overlooked.

In the above embodiment, while the power is on, the selected variable music or the selected special game music cannot be changed based on the pressing of the left or right key of the cross key 25 during the pattern determination period or the standby state, but the period during which the change is not possible is not limited to this. For example, similar to the above-mentioned change of the current volume, it may be possible to prevent the selected variable music or the selected special game music from being changed based on the pressing of the left or right key of the cross key 25 even during the execution of a performance that is intended to draw the player's attention.
Specifically, during the execution of an effect in which the expectation of a jackpot is relatively high (while the above-mentioned high expectation development effect image is being displayed, while a jackpot confirmed development effect image is being displayed, while a preview image which is set to be more likely to be displayed in the event of a jackpot is being displayed, etc.), during the execution of an opening effect (while an opening image is being displayed), while a right-hit suggestion image is being displayed, etc., it may be possible to prevent the changing of the selected variable music or the selected special play music based on the operation of pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25.
As with the change of the current volume, during the execution of an effect in which the expectation of winning a jackpot is relatively low (the period from when the reach display is made in a no-development reach variation pattern to when the result of the jackpot lottery is announced, while a low expectation development effect image is being displayed, etc.), it may be possible to change the selected varying music or the selected special play music by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25.
Even in this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which a presentation that should draw the player's attention is overlooked.

Also, for example, if the pachinko machine P is provided with a power saving mode that reduces power consumption below normal levels, it may be possible to make it impossible to change the current volume, change the selected variable music, or change the selected special game music even during the power saving mode.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, while the special symbols are being changed, only the selected changing music can be changed by pressing the left or right key of the cross key 25, but this is not limited to this, and the selected special game music may be changed. Also, if the selected special game music is changed while the special symbols are being changed, the changed special game music may be output from the first special game executed after the change.
Also, during a special game, only the special game music selected can be changed based on the pressing of the left or right key of the cross key 25, but this is not limited to this, and the selected variable music may also be changed. Also, when the selected variable music is changed during a special game, the changed variable music may be output from the variable display of the special symbol that is executed first after the special game ends.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed when the volume meter image BG is not displayed during a volume change period, the current volume is changed within a range of multiple stages based on the pressing operation, and the volume meter image BG is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the current volume stage after the pressing operation, but the processing of changing the current volume and displaying the volume meter image BG is not limited to this.
For example, if the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed for the first time when the volume meter image BG is not displayed, the current volume is not changed and only the volume meter image BG is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the current volume, and if the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed for a second time while the volume meter image BG is displayed, the current volume is changed within a range of multiple stages based on the pressing operation, and the volume meter image BG is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the stage of the current volume after the pressing operation.
That is, as in the above-described embodiment, when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the volume meter image BG is not displayed, the current volume may be changed and the volume meter image BG may be displayed based on the pressing operation, or when the up key or down key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the volume meter image BG is displayed, the current volume may be changed and the volume meter image BG may be displayed based on the pressing operation.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.
The specific sound output during the RAM clear notification may be not only a voice with a specific tone of voice (such as a human voice), but also a specific melody, mechanical sound, warning sound, etc. The RAM clear notification may be executed for a specific period of time from the start of the RAM clear process, or may be executed for a specific period of time during the RAM clear process, or may be executed for a specific period of time from the end of the RAM clear process. The RAM clear notification may be terminated during the RAM clear process, or may be terminated after the RAM clear process.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, when the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the variable music selection image DG is displayed during a period in which the variable music can be changed, the selected variable music is changed based on the pressing operation, and when the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed while the special play music selection image EG is displayed during a period in which the special play music can be changed, the selected special play music is changed based on the pressing operation, but the processing of the change is not limited to this.
For example, when the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed when the variable music selection image DG is not displayed during a period when the variable music can be changed, the selected variable music can be changed based on the pressing operation, and the variable music selection image DG can be displayed. Similarly, when the left or right key of the cross key 25 is pressed when the special game music selection image EG is not displayed during a period when the special game music can be changed, the selected special game music can be changed based on the pressing operation, and the special game music selection image EG can be displayed.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, the volume meter image BG and the varying music selection image DG or special game selection image EG are displayed by performing different operations, but this is not limited to this.
For example, when any of the up, down, left or right keys of the cross key 25 is pressed, both the volume meter image BG and the varying music selection image DG or the special game selection image EG may be displayed.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, the volume change suggestion image AG and the enlarged volume meter image BG are displayed overlapping the entire first stop pattern, approximately the left half of the third stop pattern, and approximately the upper right quarter of the pending image displayed in the read pending display section 52a, but this is not limited to this.
For example, the volume change suggestion image AG and the enlarged volume meter image BG may be displayed so as to overlap at least a portion of the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern, but not overlap with the mini pattern MD.
In addition, the volume change suggestion image AG and the enlarged volume meter image BG may be displayed so as to overlap at least a portion of the pending image displayed in the pending display area 52, but not overlap with the current pending number KD.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, the varying music selection image DG and the special game music selection image EG are displayed overlapping with approximately the lower half of the second stop pattern and a portion of the upper right corner of the reserved image displayed in the fourth reserved display section 52e, but this is not limited to this.
For example, the music selection image DG during variation and the music selection image EG during special play may be displayed so as to overlap at least a portion of the first stopping pattern, the second stopping pattern, and the third stopping pattern, but not overlap with the mini pattern MD.
In addition, the changing music selection image DG and the special game music selection image EG may be displayed so as to overlap at least a portion of the pending images displayed in the pending display area 52, but not overlap with the current pending number KD.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In addition, for example, if a performance prop device that can move during a specified performance is provided and the movable range of the performance prop device overlaps with a specified area of the display unit 21a, a volume change suggestion image AG, a volume meter image BG, a changing music selection image DG, and a special game music selection image EG may be displayed outside the specified area of the display unit 21a.
In this case, the display of the volume change suggestion image AG, the enlarged volume meter image BG, the varying music selection image DG, and the special game music selection image EG can be prevented from being obstructed by the special play device, and these images can be reliably viewed.

In the above-described embodiment, the mini pattern MD, number of changes ND, current pending number KD and error number were provided as display objects that display numbers without overlapping with the volume change suggestion image AG, volume meter image BG, changing song selection image DG and special game song selection image EG, but the display objects that display the numbers are not limited to these.
For example, the remaining number of time-saving plays or the remaining number of high probability plays may be displayed so as not to overlap with the volume change suggestion image AG, the volume meter image BG, the changing song selection image DG, and the special game song selection image EG.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, the player can change the current volume, the selected variable music, and the selected special game music by any operation of his/her choice, but the items that can be changed by the player's operation are not limited to these.
For example, the light intensity of the lamp 23 or the like may be changed by an arbitrary operation of the player. In the case where the light intensity is changeable, the light intensity may be changeable during periods other than the pattern change period while the power is on, similar to the change in the current volume, and a light intensity meter image may be displayed on the display unit 21a. The light intensity meter image may be displayed so as to overlap at least a part of the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern, and at least a part of the reserved images displayed in the reserved display area 52, but not overlap the mini pattern MD, the current reserved number KD, the number of executions ND, and the error number.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the third volume level, which is the initial volume level corresponding to the volume setting value "3" and the initial volume setting value "B", and the first volume level, which is the initial volume level corresponding to the volume setting values "4" to "9" and the initial volume setting value "B", were both set to the same volume level of "46", but they may be approximately the same volume level rather than being the same volume level.
Here, "substantially the same volume" refers to a range of volumes that can be judged to be the same when heard, and volumes with a numerical difference of about 1 to 2 are considered to be substantially the same volume. Specifically, for example, the volume of the third step, which is the initial volume according to the volume setting value "3" and the initial volume setting value "B", may be "46", and the volume of the first step, which is the initial volume according to the volume setting value "4" to "9" and the initial volume setting value "B", may be "45", etc.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, a volume meter image is used as an image showing the current volume level, but the image showing the current volume level is not limited to this. For example, an image showing a numerical value directly showing the current volume level or an image of musical notes that becomes larger as the current volume level increases may be used.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

The specific sound output during the RAM clear notification may be not only a voice with a specific tone of voice (such as a human voice), but also a specific melody, mechanical sound, warning sound, etc. The RAM clear notification may be executed for a specific period of time from the start of the RAM clear process, or may be executed for a specific period of time during the RAM clear process, or may be executed for a specific period of time from the end of the RAM clear process. The RAM clear notification may be terminated during the RAM clear process, or may be terminated after the RAM clear process.
Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

Furthermore, the control contents relating to the setting of the initial sound volume, the change of the current sound volume, the display of the sound volume meter image BG, and the output of the specific sound effect may be as follows.
(1) The pachinko machine P is configured so that, by operating the volume setting switch 10a, one of a number of volume setting values including at least the volume setting value “small” can be set, and an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value can be set as the current volume, and by pressing the cross key 25, the current volume can be changed within a range of multiple stages corresponding to the volume setting value.
Then, when at least one of the initial volume setting and the current volume changing is possible and the volume meter image BG is not displayed, if the volume setting value "small" is set by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a, the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "small" is set as the current volume, but the volume meter image BG corresponding to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "small" is not displayed. On the other hand, when at least one of the initial volume setting and the current volume changing is possible and the volume meter image BG is displayed, if the volume setting value "small" is set by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a, the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "small" is set as the current volume, and the volume meter image BG corresponding to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "small" is displayed.
In this case, when the volume meter image BG is not displayed, the volume meter image BG will not continue to be displayed even if the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated, and when the volume meter image BG is displayed, the volume meter image BG will continue to be displayed if the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated, thereby preventing the control related to the display of the volume meter image BG from becoming complicated.

The above results in the following technical features:
(1-A) A gaming machine (pachinko machine P) comprising a sound output means (speaker 10) capable of outputting sound at a predetermined volume, a first operation means (volume setting switch 10a) operable by an administrator, a second operation means (cross key 25) operable by a player, and a display means (sub-CPU 301, performance display device 21) capable of displaying a specific image related to volume (volume meter image BG), wherein operation of the first operation means performs a first setting which sets an initial volume among a plurality of volumes, and operation of the second operation means performs a second setting which sets one of the plurality of volumes, and wherein, in a state in which the first setting and the second setting are possible, if the first setting is performed while the specific image is not displayed, the specific image based on the first setting is not displayed, and if the first setting is performed while the specific image is displayed, the specific image based on the first setting is displayed.
(1-B) A gaming machine (pachinko machine P) comprising a sound output means (speaker 10) capable of outputting sound at a predetermined volume, an operation means (volume setting switch 10a) operable by an administrator, and a display means (sub-CPU 301, performance display device 21) capable of displaying a specific image related to the volume (volume meter image BG), wherein the operation of the operation means performs a first setting which sets an initial volume among a plurality of volumes, and when the first setting is available, if the first setting is performed while the specific image is not displayed, the specific image based on the first setting is not displayed, and if the first setting is performed while the specific image is displayed, the specific image based on the first setting is displayed.

(2) The pachinko machine P is set so that, by operating the volume setting switch 10a, one of a number of volume setting values including at least the volume setting value “medium” can be set, and an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value can be set as the current volume. By pressing the cross key 25, the current volume can be changed within a range of multiple stages corresponding to the volume setting value.
Then, when at least one of the initial volume setting and the current volume changing is possible and the volume meter image BG is not displayed, if the volume setting value "Medium" is set by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a, the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "Medium" is set as the current volume, and the volume meter image BG corresponding to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "Medium" is displayed. Also, when at least one of the initial volume setting and the current volume changing is possible and the volume meter image BG is displayed, if the volume setting value "Medium" is set by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a, the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "Medium" is set as the current volume, and the volume meter image BG corresponding to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "Medium" is displayed.
In this case, regardless of whether the volume meter image BG is displayed or not, the volume meter image BG is always displayed when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated, thereby preventing the control related to the display of the volume meter image BG from becoming complicated.

The above results in the following technical features:
(2-A) A gaming machine (pachinko machine P) comprising a sound output means (speaker 10) capable of outputting sound at a predetermined volume, a first operation means (volume setting switch 10a) operable by an administrator, a second operation means (cross key 25) operable by a player, and a display means (sub-CPU 301, performance display device 21) capable of displaying a specific image related to volume (volume meter image BG), wherein operation of the first operation means performs a first setting which sets an initial volume among a plurality of volumes, and operation of the second operation means performs a second setting which sets one of the plurality of volumes, and wherein, in a state in which the first setting and the second setting are possible, if the first setting is performed while the specific image is not displayed, a specific image based on the first setting is displayed, and even if the first setting is performed while the specific image is displayed, a specific image based on the first setting is displayed.
(2-B) A gaming machine (pachinko machine P) comprising a sound output means (speaker 10) capable of outputting sound at a predetermined volume, an operation means (volume setting switch 10a) that can be operated by an administrator, and a display means (sub-CPU 301, performance display device 21) capable of displaying a specific image related to the volume (volume meter image BG), wherein the operation of the operation means performs a first setting that sets an initial volume among a plurality of volumes, and when the first setting is possible and the first setting is performed while the specific image is not displayed, the specific image based on the first setting is displayed, and also when the first setting is performed while the specific image is displayed, the specific image based on the first setting is displayed.

(3) The pachinko machine P is configured so that one of a number of volume setting values can be set by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a, and an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value can be set as the current volume, and the current volume can be changed within a range of a number of stages corresponding to the volume setting value by pressing the cross key 25. Also, a specific sound can be output during a RAM clear notification.
When the cross key 25 is pressed during RAM clear notification (when the specific sound is being output), the current volume is changed within a range of multiple stages. In addition, while the volume meter image BG is displayed in a manner corresponding to the current volume after the pressing operation, the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume is not output.
On the other hand, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated during RAM clear notification (output of a specific sound), the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value after the operation is set as the current volume. In addition, while the volume meter image BG is displayed in a manner corresponding to the current volume after the operation, the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume is not output.
In this case, the volume meter image BG is displayed both when the volume setting switch 10a is operated and when the cross key 25 is pressed, thereby preventing the control related to the display of the volume meter image BG from becoming complicated.

The above results in the following technical features:
(3-A) A gaming machine (pachinko machine P) comprising a sound output means (speaker 10) capable of outputting sound at a predetermined volume, a first operation means (volume setting switch 10a) operable by an administrator, a second operation means (cross key 25) operable by a player, and a display means (sub-CPU 301, performance display device 21) capable of displaying a specific image related to volume (volume meter image BG), wherein operation of the first operation means performs a first setting which sets an initial volume among a plurality of volumes, and operation of the second operation means performs a second setting which sets one of the plurality of volumes, and wherein the gaming machine is capable of outputting a specific sound based on execution of a RAM clear process, and wherein, when the first operation means is operated while the specific sound is being output, the first setting and a specific image based on the first setting are displayed, but a specific sound effect based on the first setting is not output, and, when the second operation means is operated while the specific sound is being output, the second setting and a specific image based on the second setting are displayed, but a specific sound effect based on the second setting is not output.

(4) The pachinko machine P is configured so that one of a number of volume setting values can be set by operating the volume setting changeover switch 10a, and an initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value can be set as the current volume, and the current volume can be changed within a range of a number of stages corresponding to the volume setting value by pressing the cross key 25. Also, a specific sound can be output during a RAM clear notification.
Even if the cross key 25 is pressed during the RAM clear notification (the specific sound is being output), the current volume does not change. Furthermore, the volume meter image BG in the mode corresponding to the current volume is not displayed, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume is not output.
On the other hand, when the volume setting changeover switch 10a is operated during a RAM clear notification (while a specific sound is being output), the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value after the operation is set as the current volume, but the volume meter image BG is not displayed in a manner corresponding to the current volume after the operation, and the specific sound effect corresponding to the current volume is not output.
In this case, various controls can be prevented from becoming complicated during the RAM clear notification.

The above results in the following technical features:
(4-A) A gaming machine (pachinko machine P) that is equipped with a sound output means (speaker 10) capable of outputting sound at a predetermined volume, a first operation means (volume setting switch 10a) that can be operated by an administrator, a second operation means (cross key 25) that can be operated by a player, and a display means (sub-CPU 301, performance display device 21) that can display a specific image related to volume (volume meter image BG), wherein operation of the first operation means performs a first setting that sets the volume to an initial volume among a plurality of volumes, and operation of the second operation means performs a second setting that sets the volume to one of the plurality of volumes, and is capable of outputting a specific sound based on execution of a RAM clear process, wherein when the first operation means is operated while the specific sound is being output, the first setting is performed, but the specific image based on the first setting and the specific sound effect based on the first setting are not displayed, and when the second operation means is operated while the specific sound is being output, none of the second setting, the specific image based on the second setting, and the specific sound effect based on the second setting are performed.

(5) The pachinko machine P can be set to one of the volume settings of “large,” “medium,” or “small” by operating the volume setting switch 10a, and the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value can be set as the current volume.
When the volume setting switch 10a is operated to set the volume setting value "large" in a state in which the initial volume can be set, the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "large" is set as the current volume, and the volume meter image BG of the mode MP5 corresponding to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "large" is displayed. When the volume setting switch 10a is operated to set the volume setting value "medium", the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "medium" is set as the current volume, and the volume meter image BG of the mode MP1 corresponding to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "medium" is displayed. When the volume setting switch 10a is operated to set the volume setting value "small", the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "small" is set as the current volume, and the volume meter image BG of the mode MP4 corresponding to the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "small" is displayed.
The initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "large" is larger than the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "medium", and the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "medium" is substantially the same as the initial volume corresponding to the volume setting value "small".
In this case, when the volume setting value is switched between "medium" and "low" by the volume setting changeover switch 10a, a situation in which the volume of the sound being output suddenly increases and surprises the player can be prevented.

Furthermore, the structure of the door frame 3a and rails 13a and 13b in the above-mentioned embodiment may be as follows.

The door frame 3a is provided with two transparent plates 4a, 4b arranged at the front and rear to cover the opening (see FIG. 56). The door frame 3a is also provided with the same components as in the above-mentioned embodiment (upper tray 6, receiving tray 7, operating handle 5, speaker, etc.), and the upper part of the door frame 3a (upper part of the front door 3) is provided with a decorative part 610 that constitutes a design of a predetermined shape, such as a three-dimensional object that imitates the title logo or motif of the pachinko machine P (see FIG. 56).

The decorative part 610 is a eave-shaped member that is approximately trapezoidal in side cross section and protrudes toward the front from the upper part of the door frame 3a, and is broadly composed of a front panel 611 that forms the front of the decorative part 610, a top panel 612 that forms the upper surface of the decorative part 610, and a bottom panel 613 that forms the lower surface of the decorative part 610 (see Figure 56).
The bottom plate 613 is composed of a curved surface 613a located at the rearmost side and curved so as to be convex downward near the front end, an erected surface 613b erected downward from the front end of the curved surface 613a, an inclined surface 613c inclined so as to gradually decrease in height from the lower end of the erected surface 613b toward the front, and a horizontal surface 613d connected to the front plate 611 at the front end of the inclined surface 613c (see FIG. 51). The bottom plate 613 is formed so that the height position gradually decreases toward the front in the order of the curved surface 613a, the erected surface 613b, the inclined surface 613c, and the horizontal surface 613d (see FIG. 56).

The game board 11 is a plate-like member that is generally rectangular when viewed from the front (see Figs. 57 and 50), and as described above, a pair of rails 13a, 13b are provided on the surface of the game board 11. The area partitioned into a generally circular shape by the rails 13a, 13b becomes the game area 12.
In the following, of rails 13a and 13b, rail 13a located on the outside (the rail closer to the outer periphery of the game board 11) will also be referred to as outer rail 13a, and rail 13b located on the inside (the rail farthest from the outer periphery of the game board 11) will also be referred to as inner rail 13b.

The outer rail 13a is a long, thin metal plate-like member having a width greater than the diameter of the game ball, and is adapted to be attached (supported) along the base surface 621 of a rail base 620 which is installed on the surface of the game board 11 (see Figure 57).
Here, the rail base 620 is a plate-like member that is roughly C-shaped when viewed from the front, and is cut out so that it opens toward the lower right when placed on the surface of the game board 11, and forms an arc shape (i.e., an arc shape that is convex toward the left) centered on the approximate center of the play area 12 (game board 11). The cutout surface formed by this cutout becomes the base surface 621 (see FIG. 57).
Furthermore, when the rail base 620 is installed on the surface of the game board 11, the above-mentioned base surface 621 extends from a starting position P1 located at the lower left of the game area 12 (the lower left of the first game area 12a) and away to the left of the outlet 19, through the left end P2 and upper end P3 of the game board 11, to a terminal position P4 located at the upper right of the game area 12 (the upper right of the second game area 12b) (see Figures 57 and 60).

Although not specifically shown, a terminal guide fitting hole 622 in the shape of a horizontally elongated rectangular slit is provided at approximately the center position in the short direction near terminal position P4 of the base surface 621 (approximately half the length from the arc-shaped long side L1 (hereinafter also referred to as the rear long side L1) located on the gaming board 11 side of the base surface 621 to the arc-shaped long side L2 (hereinafter also referred to as the front long side L2) located on the front side when the rail base 620 is installed on the surface of the gaming board 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the central position)).

Furthermore, a plurality of guide projections 623 protruding from the base surface 621 are provided along the rear long side L1 between the start position P1 and the end position P4 on the base surface 621 (see FIG. 57).
Although not particularly shown, the number of guide protrusions 623 provided on the above-mentioned base surface 621 in a range H1 (hereinafter also referred to as a first range H1) from the starting end position P1 to the left end P2 is equal to or greater than the range H2 (hereinafter also referred to as a second range H2) from the left end P2 to the upper end P3, and is equal to or greater than the range H3 (hereinafter also referred to as a third range H3) from the upper end P3 to the terminal position P4. Specifically, for example, three guide protrusions 623 can be provided in the first range H1, for example, two guide protrusions 623 can be provided in the second range H2, and for example, one guide protrusion 623 can be provided in the third range H3.
Also, although not specifically shown, no guide protrusions 623 are provided on the left end P2 and upper end P3 of the above-mentioned base surface 621, and the arrangement intervals of each guide protrusion 623 provided on the base surface 621 are uneven.

The outer rail 13a attached to the base surface 621 is approximately the same size as the base surface 621. Specifically, the length of the outer rail 13a in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the length from the starting position P1 to the terminal position P4 of the base surface 621, and the length of the outer rail 13a in the lateral direction (the width of the outer rail 13a) is approximately the same as the length from the front long side L2 to the rear long side L1 of the base surface 621 (the width in the depth direction of the base surface 621) (see FIG. 57). Therefore, when the outer rail 13a is attached to the base surface 621, the outer rail 13a also extends from the starting position P1 through the left end P2 and the upper end P3 to the terminal position P4 (see FIG. 57 and FIG. 60).

In addition, the outer rail 13a has an end guide protrusion 632 that can fit into the end guide fitting hole 622 at a position corresponding to the end guide fitting hole 622 when the outer rail 13a is attached along the base surface 621, and also has a guide fitting hole 633 that can fit into the guide protrusion 623 at a position corresponding to the guide protrusion 623 (see Figures 57 and 58).
That is, the number of guide fitting holes 633 provided in this outer rail 13a, similar to the above-mentioned guide protrusions 623, is greater than or equal to the second range H2 in the first range H1 and greater than or equal to the third range H3.
Also, similar to the above-mentioned guide protrusion 623, no guide engagement holes 633 are provided at the left end P2 and upper end P3 of the outer rail 13a, and the arrangement spacing of each guide engagement hole 633 provided in the outer rail 13a is uneven.

Then, by fitting the end guide projection 632 into the end guide fitting hole 622 and fitting each guide projection 623 into the corresponding guide fitting hole 633 (see FIG. 59), the outer rail 13a can be attached to the base surface 621. That is, the end guide fitting hole 622 and guide projection 623 on the base surface 621, and the end guide projection 632 and guide fitting hole 633 on the outer rail 13a are for guiding the mounting position when mounting the outer rail 13a to the base surface 621, and this configuration allows the outer rail 13a to be easily mounted in an appropriate position on the base surface 621.

The inner rail 13b is a long, thin, synthetic resin member having approximately the same width as the outer rail 13a, and is erected on the surface of the game board 11 so as to face the outer rail 13a across a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball (see Figure 60). It is arranged in an arc shape that convexly extends to the left, from a position slightly to the left of the outlet 19 (to the right of the starting position P1) to a position in the upper left corner of the game area 12 (the upper left corner of the first game area 12a) and lower and to the left of the upper end P3 (see Figure 60).

Furthermore, the front of the space between the outer rail 13a and the inner rail 13b faces the back of the transparent plate 4b, forming a left guide passage 640 through which the game ball launched by the launching device can pass (see Figure 60).
This left guide passage 640 has a passage entrance 641 located at the bottom of the game area 12 and a passage exit 642 located at the top of the game area 12, and the game ball launched by the launching device can reach the game area 12 through the passage entrance 641, the left guide passage 640, and the passage exit 642.
As described above, the outer rail 13a and the inner rail 13b forming the left guide passage 640 are arc-shaped and convex toward the left, so that the game ball can move easily in the left guide passage 640 while in contact with the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a (the surface facing the inner rail 13b) due to the centrifugal force generated in the game ball (see FIG. 59). In particular, the game ball launched with a launch strength capable of reaching at least the game area 12 moves in the left guide passage 640 while maintaining contact with the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a.

Here, when a game ball passes through the left guide passage 640, the game ball does not come into contact with the outer rail 13a in the range from the contact point of the game ball to the end edge R1 facing the rear long side L1 of the base surface 621. And, all of the above-mentioned guide fitting holes 633 are provided along the rear long side L1 within this range (see Figure 59). In other words, the above-mentioned guide fitting holes 633 are provided in a range of the outer rail 13a that the game ball does not come into contact with.

Although not specifically shown, the outer rail 13a is adjusted to an inclination (an inclination that makes it easier for the game ball to move toward the game board 11) so that the game ball passing through the left guide passage 640 is less likely to move toward the front side (toward the transparent plates 4a and 4b). In other words, the outer rail 13a is configured so that the game ball can easily move inside the left guide passage 640 while in contact with the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a and the surface of the game board 11.

In addition, at the top of the game area 12, a decorative member 650 having a top surface 651 facing the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a across a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball is erected from the surface of the game board 11 (see FIG. 60). The front surface of the space between the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a and the top surface 651 of the decorative member 650 faces the back surface of the transparent plate 4b, forming an upper guide passage 660 through which the game ball can pass (see FIG. 60).
This upper guide passage 660 has a passage entrance 661 located at the top of the first game area 12a and a passage exit 662 located at the top of the second game area 12b, and a game ball launched with a predetermined launch strength or more can reach the second game area 12b through the left guide passage 640, the passage entrance 661, the upper guide passage 660, and the passage exit 662. In other words, the upper guide passage 660 guides a game ball launched with a predetermined launch strength or more to the second game area 12b.
In addition, the game ball is easily moved in the upper guide passage 660 while in contact with the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a due to the centrifugal force generated by the game ball itself. In particular, the game ball launched with a launch strength capable of reaching at least the second game area 12b moves in the upper guide passage 660 while maintaining a state of contact with the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a.

The positional relationship between the decorative part 610 and the upper guide passage 660 (surface 643 of the outer rail 13a, top surface 651 of the decorative member 650) is set as follows:

Specifically, a virtual line that passes through the top end of the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a that constitutes the upper guide passage 660 and is perpendicular to the surface of the game board 11 is defined as the first reference line SL1, the position where any of the virtual vertical lines IL that extend in the vertical direction perpendicular to this first reference line SL1 intersect with the rearmost end of the bottom plate 613 (lower surface) of the decorative part 610 is defined as the first reference position SP1, and the position where any of the above-mentioned virtual vertical lines IL intersect with the lowest end of the bottom plate 613 (lower surface) of the decorative part 610 is defined as the second reference position SP2.
The first reference position SP1 is located below the first reference line SL1, and the distance D1 from the first reference line SL1 to the first reference position SP1 is less than the diameter of the game ball, and the second reference position SP2 is located below the first reference line SL1, and the distance D2 from the first reference line SL1 is greater than the diameter of the game ball (see Figure 56).
Since the diameter of the game ball is 11 mm, for example, the distance D1 from the first reference line SL1 to the first reference position SP1 can be 4 mm, and the distance D2 from the first reference line SL1 to the second reference position SP2 can be 40 mm. Note that these distances D1 and D2 are not limited to the above values, and can be set arbitrarily as long as the above relationship is satisfied.

Also, a virtual line passing through a position on the top surface 651 of the decorative member 650 corresponding to a position directly below the uppermost end of the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a and perpendicular to the surface of the game board 11 is defined as a second reference line SL2, a position where any of the virtual vertical lines extending vertically perpendicular to the second reference line SL2 intersects with the rearmost end of the bottom plate 613 (lower surface) of the decorative part 610 is defined as a third reference position SP3, and a position where any of the virtual vertical lines intersects with the lowermost end of the bottom plate 613 (lower surface) of the decorative part 610 is defined as a fourth reference position SP4. Note that here, the first reference position SP1 and the third reference position SP3 are the same position, and the second reference position SP2 and the fourth reference position SP4 are the same position.
The third reference position SP3 (first reference position SP1) is located above the second reference line SL2, and the distance D3 from the second reference line SL2 to the third reference position SP3 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, and the fourth reference position SP4 (second reference position SP2) is located below the second reference line SL2, and the distance D4 from the second reference line SL2 to the fourth reference position SP4 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball (see Figure 56).
Since the diameter of the game ball is 11 mm, for example, the distance D3 from the second reference line SL2 to the third reference position SP3 (first reference position SP1) can be 14 mm, and the distance D4 from the second reference line SL2 to the fourth reference position SP4 (second reference position SP2) can be 22 mm. Note that these distances D3 and D4 are not limited to the above values, and can be set arbitrarily as long as the above relationship is satisfied.

As described above, the second reference position SP2 is below the first reference line SL1, and the distance D2 from the first reference line SL1 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, thereby making it possible to enlarge the decorative part 610 provided on the front door 3. Furthermore, the first reference position SP1 is below the first reference line SL1, and the distance D1 from the first reference line SL1 is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball, thereby making it possible to ensure the visibility of the moving game ball when the game ball moves in the upper guide passage 660 along the surface 643 of the outer rail 13a, for example, when the game ball is shot out with maximum launch strength.
Moreover, the fourth reference position SP4 (second reference position SP2) is below the second reference line SL2, and the distance D4 from the second reference line SL2 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, thereby making it possible to enlarge the decorative part 610 provided on the front door 3. Furthermore, the third reference position SP3 (first reference position SP1) is above the second reference line SL2, and the distance D3 from the second reference line SL2 is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, thereby making it possible to ensure the visibility of the moving game ball in the upper guide passage 660 along the top surface 651 of the decorative member 650, for example, when the game ball is shot out with a strength weaker than the maximum shot strength.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment and other embodiments may transition to the time-saving game state without going through the execution of a jackpot or special game (such as when the time-saving activation counter reaches the time-saving activation count or when a special symbol (miss symbol, small win symbol, time-saving symbol, etc.) that is set to set the time-saving game state is determined). In a pachinko machine that thus has more opportunities to transition to the time-saving game state than in the past, there are more opportunities to shoot game balls toward the second game area 12b. This increases the opportunities for game balls to pass through the upper guide passage 660, so the above-mentioned configuration is extremely effective.

It should be noted that the positional relationship with the first reference line SL1 and the positional relationship with the second reference line SL described above may be set to satisfy both conditions, or only one of them may be set to satisfy.
Furthermore, among the inner surfaces of the upper guide passage 660, the inner surface located on the lower side (inner side) was formed by the top surface 651 of the decorative member 650, but this is not limited to this and may also be formed by the top surface of a partition member that stands upright from the game board 11, etc.

Furthermore, as described above, by setting the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) to be equal to or greater than the second range H2 in the first range H1 and equal to or greater than the third range H3, the starting position P1 side of the outer rail 13a which receives a greater impact from the launched game ball (i.e., closer to the launching device) can be securely attached to the base surface 621 of the rail base 620, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the outer rail 13a deviates from the attachment position or vibrates, making it impossible to guide the game ball to a position according to the launch strength and to generate balls according to the design value.
In particular, in a pachinko machine with more opportunities to transition to the time-saving game state than in the past, there are more opportunities to shoot game balls toward the second game area 12b. This lengthens the period during which game balls are shot with a shooting strength (for example, the strongest shooting strength) that allows the game balls to reach the second game area 12b, and the impact from the game balls on the side of the starting position P1 described above is also greater, so that the above-mentioned configuration is extremely effective.
Furthermore, on the terminal position P4 side of the outer rail 13a, which receives less impact from the launched game ball (i.e., farther from the launching device), the number of guide engagement holes 633 is relatively small, making it easier to attach the rail base 620 to the base surface 621 and to process the outer rail 13a.
Furthermore, the leftward impact force caused by the launched game ball is greatest at the left end P2 of the outer rail 13a (base surface 621), and the upward impact force caused by the launched game ball is greatest at the upper end P3 of the outer rail 13a (base surface 621). However, since the guide engagement hole 633 (guide protrusion 623) is not provided at these positions, the above-mentioned shifting and vibration of the outer rail 13a can be more efficiently prevented.
Furthermore, in pachinko machines that are provided with more opportunities to transition to a time-saving play state than conventional machines as described above, the pachinko machines inevitably operate for long periods of time, making the outer rail 13a more susceptible to malfunctions and deterioration, and increasing the opportunities for repairing or replacing the outer rail 13a. However, by configuring as described above, when repairing or replacing the outer rail 13a, it becomes easy to install an appropriate outer rail 13a that does not affect the guidance of the game ball, regardless of the worker's level of skill.

The above-mentioned guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) are provided over the range from the starting position P1 to the end position P4 of the outer rail 13a (base surface 621), but since the range of the outer rail 13a that is susceptible to impacts from the launched game ball and is susceptible to load varies depending on the game specifications, it is not desirable to evenly arrange the guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) from the starting position P1 to the end position P4, and it is desirable to arrange them according to the game specifications. Therefore, the number and arrangement of the guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) may be variously configured as described below.
For example, the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2, and greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3.
In addition, the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) may be greater than or equal to the second range H2 in the first range H1, and greater than or equal to the third range H3 in the second range H2.
In addition, the number of guide engagement holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) may be greater than or equal to the third range H3 in the first range H1, and greater than or equal to the third range H3 in the second range H2.
Further, the third range H3 may not have the guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623). That is, the number of the guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) in the third range H3 may be zero.

In addition, in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621), the range from the starting position P1 to the left end P2 may be defined as a fourth range H4, and the range from the left end P2 to the end position P4 may be defined as a fifth range H5, and the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) may be greater in the fourth range H4 than in the fifth range H5. For example, the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) in the fourth range H4 may be three, and the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) in the fifth range H4 may be two.

In addition, in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621), the range from the starting position P1 to the upper end P3 may be defined as a sixth range H6, and the range from the upper end P3 to the terminal position P4 may be defined as a seventh range H7, and the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided in the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) may be greater in the sixth range H6 than in the seventh range H7. For example, the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) in the sixth range H6 may be 5, and the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) in the fifth range H4 may be 0.

In addition, on the outer rail 13a (base surface 621), a position intermediate between the start position P1 and the end position P4 may be defined as an intermediate position PC, a range from the start position P1 to the intermediate position PC may be defined as an eighth range H8, and a range from the intermediate position PC to the end position P4 may be defined as a ninth range H9, and the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) provided on the outer rail 13a (base surface 621) may be greater in the eighth range H8 than in the ninth range H9. For example, the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) in the eighth range H8 may be four, and the number of guide fitting holes 633 (guide protrusions 623) in the ninth range H9 may be one.
Even in the above case, the same effects as those described above can be achieved.

In addition, the outer rail 13a is provided with a guide fitting hole 633, and the base surface 621 of the rail base 620 is provided with a guide protrusion 623, but this is not limited to the above, and the outer rail 13a may be provided with a guide protrusion 623, and the base surface 621 of the rail base 620 may be provided with a guide fitting hole 633. Similarly, the outer rail 13a may be provided with a terminal guide fitting hole 622, and the base surface 621 of the rail base 620 may be provided with a terminal guide protrusion 632.

In addition, the configuration for guiding and attaching the outer rail 13a to the base surface 621 of the rail base 620 is not limited to the guide protrusion 623 and the guide fitting hole 633, but may be an attachment pin and an insertion hole into which the attachment pin can be inserted, or a guide protrusion and a notch into which the guide protrusion can be engaged.

In addition, the rail base 620 was separate from the game board 11, but this is not limited to this. It may be molded integrally with the game board 11 and stand upright on the surface of the game board 11.

The above-described modified examples may be combined with each other to the extent possible.
The above-described embodiment can also be applied to gaming machines other than the pachinko machine P. For example, it may be applied to a slot machine that uses gaming medals as gaming media, or a Parrot (registered trademark) gaming machine that uses gaming balls to play a game similar to a slot machine.
Moreover, the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the display means of the present invention. Moreover, the display of the performance pattern 50 in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the first specific display of the present invention. Moreover, the display of the mini pattern MD in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the second specific display of the present invention. Moreover, the display of the number of executions ND and the error number in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the third specific display of the present invention. Moreover, the display of the volume meter image BG, the display of the varying music selection image DG, and the display of the special game music selection image EG in the above-mentioned embodiment correspond to the display related to the change operation that can be performed by the player in the present invention. Moreover, the pachinko machine P in the above-mentioned embodiment corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention.

P Pachinko machine 10 Speaker 21 Performance display device 25 Cross key 100 Main control board 101 Main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
300 Sub-control board 301 Sub-CPU
302 Sub ROM
303 Sub RAM

Claims (1)

A first frame portion on which a game board having a game area through which game balls flow down is provided;
A second frame portion located on a front side of the first frame portion;
A decorative portion provided on an upper portion of the second frame portion;
A guide passage provided at the upper part of the game area and capable of guiding a game ball to a specific game area corresponding to the right side of the game area;
An outer passage surface that constitutes the guide passage and is located on the outer periphery side of the game area;
A display means capable of executing various displays;
a sound output means capable of outputting a sound at a predetermined volume;
a first operation means operable by an administrator;
A second operating means operable by a player,
the display means is capable of executing a first specific display, a second specific display, and a third specific display as specific displays including a display relating to a number, and is also capable of executing a display relating to a change operation which can be performed by a player;
The first specific display and the second specific display each display the same number,
In the third specific display, a display relating to a number different from the first specific display and the second specific display is performed,
The display relating to the change operation overlaps with the first specific display but does not overlap with the second specific display and the third specific display,
Among imaginary lines extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the game board, an imaginary line passing through the uppermost end of the outer passage surface is defined as a first reference line;
A first reference position is a position where a virtual vertical line perpendicular to the first reference line and extending in the vertical direction intersects with the rearmost side on the lower surface of the decorative part,
If the position where the virtual vertical line intersects with the lowest end of the lower surface of the decorative portion is defined as a second reference position,
the first reference position is located below the first reference line, and the distance from the first reference line to the first reference position is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball;
the second reference position is located below the first reference line, and the distance from the first reference line to the second reference position is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball;
the display means is capable of displaying a specific image relating to a volume;
A first setting is executed to set an initial volume among a plurality of volumes based on an operation of the first operating means,
A second setting is executed to set one of a plurality of volume levels based on an operation of the second operation means,
A specific sound can be output based on the execution of a RAM clear process.
When the first operation means is operated during output of the specific sound, the first setting is executed, but the display of the specific image based on the first setting and the output of the specific sound effect based on the first setting are not executed,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second operating means is operated while the specific sound is being output, none of the second setting, the display of the specific image based on the second setting, and the output of the specific sound effect based on the second setting are executed.

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