JP7846898B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko machine, which uses game balls to play, is well known. In this pachinko machine, a game area is formed on the front side of the game board located inside the machine, and the machine is configured so that the game area can be seen from the front. The game area is provided with multiple types of ball entry openings into which game balls can be entered. Therefore, game balls launched into the game area by the player's handle operation, etc., either enter one of the ball entry openings as they flow down the game area, or they flow down to the bottom of the game area without entering and are discharged from the out opening. When a game ball enters an entry opening, the game ball is detected by a ball entry detection sensor (proximity sensor), and the detection signal from the sensor is input to the control means (CPU). When a game ball enters the ball entry slot, the control means performs control based on the input of the detection signal, such as awarding prize balls to the player according to the type of detection signal (type of ball entry slot), or conducting a lottery (win/loss determination) to determine whether or not to create a favorable state for the player. In other words, when playing a pachinko game machine, a player can gain an advantage depending on when game balls enter the ball entry slot (for example, Patent Document 1).

Game boards generally feature a variable ball entry mechanism with a ball entry opening (variable ball entry opening) that allows for changes in the ease with which game balls can enter. The variable ball entry mechanism forms the ball entry opening and includes a ball entry detection sensor. Furthermore, a movable member, which can be displaced by the control means, is positioned correspondingly near the ball entry opening. This variable ball entry mechanism is normally in a state where the movable member prevents game balls from entering the ball entry opening. Then, upon the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, the control means controls the drive source, changing the position of the movable member, thereby allowing game balls to enter the ball entry opening.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-13042

In recent years, the gameplay of pachinko machines has become more diverse, but in all of these gameplay features, variable ball entry mechanisms (entry points where ball entry is possible or not) play a crucial role. Various structures have been proposed for these variable ball entry mechanisms, but they are still not perfect and there is room for improvement.
For example, a configuration that can handle game balls appropriately is desired, such as being able to quickly and reliably switch whether or not a ball can enter the ball entry point (or how easily a ball can enter).

This invention was made to solve the problems of the conventional methods, and its objective is to provide a gaming machine that can properly handle game balls.

To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a game area formed on the front side of a game board through which game balls can flow down; an entry port provided in the game area through which game balls can enter; an operating member that can change between an auxiliary position that assists in the entry of game balls into the entry port and a normal position that does not assist; and a front plate that is spaced apart in front of the front of the game board and faces the front of the game board, wherein the operating member has a rolling surface that is tilted laterally to cause game balls to roll, which is exposed between the front of the game board and the rear of the front plate in the auxiliary position, and the rolling surface is retracted toward the game board in the normal position. The member is movable in the rearward direction, and an inlet for balls is provided downstream of a ball rolling path formed on its rolling surface, opening toward the ball rolling path. The front end surface, which is the leading edge surface when the operating member changes from the normal position to the auxiliary position, has an inclined surface that moves away from the front plate as it approaches the side end surface of the operating member and connects to the side end surface, while the rear surface of the front plate has a deceleration projection that protrudes toward the rear, and the deceleration projection is provided above the gap that occurs between the inclined surface and the front plate when the operating member is in the auxiliary position .

According to this design, by having an inclined surface on the front end of the movable actuation member, when the actuation member changes from its normal position to an auxiliary position, the game ball located in front of it is guided laterally by the inclined surface. This prevents the ball from getting stuck between the actuation member and the front plate.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention having the above configuration, gaming balls can be handled appropriately.

This is a front view of a pachinko game machine according to the first embodiment. This is a front view of the game board. Note that the front panel of the game ball handling mechanism has been removed. This is an enlarged view of region X in Figure 2A. This is a front view of the front panel. This is a rear view of the front panel. This is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board and peripheral equipment in block form. This is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board and peripheral equipment in block form. This is an explanatory diagram of the success/failure determination table. (a) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table for the first special feature, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table for the second special feature. This is an explanatory diagram of the minor win type determination table. This is an explanatory diagram of the table for determining whether a symbol wins or loses. This is an explanatory diagram of the general type determination table. This is an explanatory diagram of the general pattern selection table. This is a flowchart of the main control processing on the main side. This is a flowchart for the main timer interrupt processing. This is a flowchart of the sensor detection process for the pattern. This is a flowchart of the normal operation process. This is a flowchart for the process of verifying the general drawing conditions. This is a flowchart for the special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart for the special feature jackpot determination process. This is a flowchart for processing related to special symbols. This is a flowchart for managing the game state. This is a flowchart for special electric bonus mechanism processing (Type 1 jackpot, V-win). This is a flowchart for the special electric bonus mechanism processing (minor win). This is a flowchart of the sub-side main control processing. This is a flowchart for handling a 1ms timer interrupt. This is a flowchart for handling a 10ms timer interrupt. This is a flowchart of the received command parsing process. (a) is a front view of the standard electric ball entry unit in the first embodiment (with the standard operating member in an auxiliary position and the intrusion prevention member in an intrusion-permitting position), and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the standard operating member cut along the line A-A in (a). (a) is a left side view of the standard electric prize winning unit (with the normal operating member in an auxiliary position) in the first embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the mounting state of the standard electric prize winning unit to the game board in the same direction as (a). (a) is a plan view of the standard electric prize winning unit in the first embodiment (with the standard operating member in an auxiliary position and the intrusion prevention member in a position where ball entry is permitted), and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the mounting state of the standard electric prize winning unit to the game board in the same direction as (a). (a) is a perspective view of the standard electric prize-winning unit in the first embodiment (normal operating member in the normal position, intrusion prevention member in the ball entry prevention position) viewed from the upper left front, and (b) is a perspective view of the standard electric prize-winning unit (normal operating member in the auxiliary position, intrusion prevention member in the ball entry permitting position) viewed from the upper left front. (a) is a right side view of the normal operating member (normal position) and the intrusion prevention member (ball entry prevention position), (b) is a right side view of the normal operating member (auxiliary position) and the intrusion prevention member (ball entry permitted position), and (c) is an explanatory diagram relating to the shape of the opening and closing part of the intrusion prevention member in the ball entry prevention position. This is an exploded front view of the standard electric vehicle award unit in the first embodiment, with the upper cover separated upwards. The middle cover and the intrusion prevention member are cut at the front-to-rear position where the arm of the intrusion prevention member is received by the arm receiving surface of the middle cover, and the cross-sectional shape is shown in an enlarged view. This is a front view of the regular train prize winning unit in the second embodiment. (a) is a perspective view of the standard electric prize winning unit in the second embodiment (with the intrusion prevention part in the position where the ball is prevented from entering) as seen from the upper left front, and (b) shows the standard electric prize winning unit of (a) with the upper cover removed. (a) is a perspective view of the standard electric prize winning unit (with the intrusion prevention section at the ball entry permitted position) in the second embodiment, viewed from the upper left front, and (b) shows the standard electric prize winning unit of (a) with the upper cover removed.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. In the following description, a pachinko gaming machine that uses game balls of a fixed size (approximately 11 millimeters in diameter) will be used as an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. When describing the direction and positional relationships of the various parts of the pachinko gaming machine, the "left," "right," "up," and "down" will be used as reference points from the perspective of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine. Furthermore, the side closer to the player (the near side) will be referred to as "front," and the side further away (the far side) will be referred to as "back."

<First Embodiment>
[Main components of Pachinko game machine 1]
The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 1) includes a game machine frame. The game machine frame is configured to include at least an inner frame 16 that holds the game board 2 (see Figure 2), which will be described later, and a door-shaped front frame 18 that covers the front of the inner frame 16, and is installed on an installation island (not shown) in a game parlor via a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame W. The front frame 18 includes a left side lamp 23a, a right side lamp 23b, and a top lamp 23c, and a window 18a is formed inside the area surrounded by these. This window 18a is an opening that makes the game area 3 formed on the board surface (front) of the game board 2 visible, and a transparent window plate 18b is provided to cover this window 18a. In addition, speakers 8 are provided at the left and right upper ends of the front frame 18 (on both the left and right sides flanking the top lamp 23c) as sound output means that output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the performance content.

The front frame 18 has translucent sections on both sides that constitute the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b, and multiple LEDs are arranged inside these translucent sections. Each LED is capable of emitting multiple colors and lights up or flashes, and further changes the color of the emitted light, depending on the effect being displayed.
Furthermore, the top lamp 23c constitutes a rotating light having an LED and a rotating reflector inside (not shown). The LED is capable of emitting multiple colors and lights up or flashes, and further changes the emitted color, depending on the content of the display or notification. The rotating reflector rotates around the LED in response to the drive of the movable motor 23d (see Figure 4), changing the direction of reflection of the LED's light.

Furthermore, the lower part of the front frame 18 is equipped with a handle 4, a ball supply tray (also called the upper tray) 24, and a surplus ball receiving tray (also called the lower tray) 25. The ball supply tray 24 is for storing game balls dispensed from the ball dispensing device 80 (see Figure 3) and the prize ball dispensing device 400 (see Figure 3), or for storing game balls to be supplied to the launching device 90 (see Figure 3). The surplus ball receiving tray (also called the lower tray) 25 is located below the ball supply tray 24 within the front frame 18. The surplus ball receiving tray 25 stores game balls exceeding the storage capacity of the ball supply tray 24.

The handle 4 is located in the lower right corner of the front frame 18, in a position where a player facing the pachinko machine 1 can grip it with their right hand. The handle 4 is equipped with a touch switch 92 (see Figure 3), a launch lever 4a, and a launch stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is positioned where the player's right hand touches the handle 4. The launch lever 4a is for adjusting the launching strength of the game balls by the launching device 90 (striking hammer), and is rotatably mounted on the handle 4. The launch stop button 4b is for stopping the launch of game balls when they are being launched, and is positioned so that it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand gripping the handle 4.

An effect button 5 is provided on the upper surface of the ball supply tray 24 within the front frame 18. This effect button 5 can be pressed with one hand by a player facing the pachinko game machine 1, but it is positioned so that the player cannot operate it simultaneously with the handle 4 using only one hand. Furthermore, the effect button 5 is positioned so that the player cannot operate it simultaneously with the effect lever 6, which will be described later, using only one hand. An elastic member (not shown) such as a spring is built into the effect button 5, and when the pressed state of the effect button 5 is released, the restoring force of this elastic member returns the effect button 5 to its state before the press operation. This effect button 5 incorporates an effect button detection switch 5a that detects the press operation of the effect button 5, an effect button vibration motor 5b that vibrates the effect button 5, and an effect button lamp 5c that illuminates the effect button 5 (see Figure 4). The effect button vibration motor 5b vibrates at a predetermined timing, for example, during the period when the press operation of the effect button 5 is effective. In this embodiment, the performance button 5 is vibrated by the operation of the performance button vibration motor 5b, or the surface of the performance button 5, which is made of a translucent material, is lit or flashed by the illumination of the performance button lamp 5c (LED in this embodiment), thereby performing effects such as notifying that it is a period in which the operation of the performance button 5 is valid, or increasing the expectation of a big win.
When a player presses the performance button 5 during the period when pressing the performance button 5 is valid, the operation is detected by the performance button detection switch 5a, and a specific performance is triggered. Hereinafter, the specific performance triggered by pressing the performance button 5 will be referred to as the button performance.

A performance lever 6 is provided on the left side (near the lower left end) of the excess ball receiving tray 25 within the front frame 18. This performance lever 6 can be operated by a player facing the pachinko machine 1 with one hand, but it is positioned so that the player cannot operate the handle 4 and performance buttons 5 simultaneously with only one hand. Specifically, the performance lever 6 can be operated by pushing it inward with the hand that is holding it (pushing operation), and it can also be operated by rotating it left and right (rotation operation). The performance lever 6 is also equipped with a performance lever push detection switch 6a to detect the pushing operation of the performance lever 6, a performance lever rotation detection switch 6b to detect the right rotation operation or left rotation operation of the performance lever 6, and a performance lever vibration motor 6c to vibrate the performance lever 6 (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, by vibrating the performance lever 6 through the operation of the performance lever vibration motor 6c, performances are performed, for example, to indicate that the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid, or to increase the expectation of a jackpot. When the player pushes or rotates the performance lever 6 during the period when its operation is valid, this operation is detected by the performance lever push detection switch 6a and the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, triggering a specific performance. Hereinafter, the specific performance triggered by the operation of the performance lever 6 will be referred to as the "lever performance."

[Game board 2 configuration]
As shown in Figure 2A, the game board 2 is held in the inner frame 16 such that its surface (front) is positioned almost directly facing the player's face. The game board 2 is covered from the front by the aforementioned glass plate of the front frame 18, but its surface is visible from the player's side (front) through the transparent window plate 18b (window 18a). On the outer periphery of the game board 2, an annular game area forming means (rail member 17, etc.) is arranged to demarcate the game area 3, which is the area where the game balls flow (roll), on the inner periphery. On the left side of the game board 2, the rail member 17 is arranged in two rows, left and right, and the balls launched by the launching device 90 move upward along the inside of these rail members to reach the game area 3. In this case, the balls are guided by the left (outer) rail member 17 to reach the upper area of the game area 3.

Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, multiple game pins are driven into the game area 3 of the game board 2. Therefore, the game balls flowing down the game area 3 come into contact with the game pins, changing their behavior. As the game balls flow down the game area 3, they either enter the ball entry points 10a, 11a, 12a, 14a, and 15a (described later), or they flow down the game area 3 to the bottom and are discharged from the out-out

Here, a large center ornament 20 is positioned on the central side of the game board 2's surface, spaced inward from the game area forming means such as the rail member 17. This center ornament 20 is annular or frame-shaped and is attached along the edge of a large opening (not shown) formed approximately in the center of the game board 2. The screen (front, for example, liquid crystal panel) of the performance display device 7 (performance display means) located behind the game board 2 is exposed to the front of the board through the inner opening of the center ornament 20, and in a front view of the pachinko game machine 1, the center ornament 20 is positioned to decorate the area around the screen of the performance display device 7. The center ornament 20 is translucent, and multiple LEDs that light up and flash according to the performance content are provided inside it.
Furthermore, the game board 2 is equipped with multiple light-emitting means (LEDs), including within the aforementioned center decorative element 20, and is configured to decorate the game board 2 with the light emitted from these LEDs. These decorative light-emitting means provided on the game board 2 will be referred to as "board lamps 2a" below (see Figure 4). Each LED constituting the board lamps 2a is capable of emitting multiple colors, and lights up or flashes, and further changes the color of the emitted light, depending on the content of the performance.

The center ornament 20 protrudes in an annular (frame-like) shape in front of the surface of the game board 2, preventing game balls flowing down the game area 3 from moving to the inner circumference side of the center ornament 20 (the space in front of the screen). The game area 3 is divided into left and right sections at its upper part by this center ornament 20. That is, the game area 3 includes the left game area (first ball flow area) 3L, which is the path for game balls flowing down to the left of the center ornament 20, and the right game area (second ball flow area) 3R, which is the path for game balls flowing down to the right of the center ornament 20. When the handle 4 is operated to launch a game ball with relatively strong force, the game ball flies along the upper edge of the game area 3 and comes into contact with (collides with) the buffer section 21 provided at the top of the right game area 3R. Since the cushioning portion 21 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, it functions to mitigate the impact of the game ball without being damaged upon contact (collision) with the game ball, and quickly causes the game ball to flow downstream to the right game area 3R.

As shown in Figure 2A, the game board 2 is equipped with a first starting prize-winning device 10, a general prize-winning member 11, a second starting prize-winning device 12, a gate 13, a first major prize-winning device 14, and a second major prize-winning device 15. These components have ball entry openings 10a, 11a, 12a, 13, 14a, and 15a into which game balls flowing down the game area 3 can enter. Furthermore, the second starting prize-winning device 12, the first major prize-winning device 14, and the second major prize-winning device 15 function as variable ball entry means that can change the ease with which game balls can enter their ball entry openings 12a, 14a, and 15a.
In the following explanation, the entry points designated as those where prize balls can be awarded for game balls entering are sometimes referred to as "prize entry points." The act of a game ball entering a prize entry point may also be expressed as "winning a prize." Furthermore, a type of entry point (prize entry point) called a "start entry point" (or "trigger entry point") is a prize entry point where the entry of a game ball triggers the display of a special symbol variation, as described later. The act of a ball entering this start entry point can be expressed as a "start entry (start prize)."

The first starting prize-winning device 10 is installed in the center of the lower region of the center decorative body 20, projecting forward (towards the glass plate side) from the surface of the game board 2. This first starting prize-winning device 10 is a prize-winning device (prize-winning section) having a first starting opening 10a and a first starting opening sensor 10b. The first starting opening 10a opens upward within the game area 3. The first starting opening sensor 10b (see Figure 3) is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the first starting opening 10a (starting ball entry), and is positioned in the middle of a prize-winning path (not shown) that guides the game ball that has entered the first starting opening 10a to the rear side of the game board 2. The first starting prize-winning device 10 is configured to always maintain the first starting opening 10a in a state where balls can enter, and does not include any components that change the ease of ball entry into the first starting opening 10a or the opening dimensions.

The general prize entry member 11 is positioned slightly to the left of the lower area of the center decorative body 20, projecting forward (towards the glass plate side) from the surface of the game board 2. This general prize entry member 11 is a prize entry device (prize entry section) having a general prize entry opening 11a and a general prize entry opening sensor 11b. The general prize entry opening 11a opens upward within the game area 3. The general prize entry opening sensor 11b (see Figure 3) is a sensor (detection means) that detects game balls that have entered the general prize entry opening 11a, and is positioned in the middle of a prize entry path (not shown) that guides game balls that have entered the general prize entry opening 11a to the rear side of the game board 2. The general prize entry member 11 is configured to always maintain the general prize entry opening 11a in a state where balls can enter, and does not include any components that change the ease of ball entry into the general prize entry opening 11a or the opening dimensions.

The gate 13 (operating opening) is located in the right-hand region of the center decorative element 20, protruding forward (towards the glass plate) from the surface of the game board 2. A gate sensor 13a (see Figure 3) is positioned within this gate 13 to detect passing game balls. The gate 13 is configured to allow game balls to pass through (enter) in the vertical direction (from top to bottom) within the game area 3.

The second starting prize device 12 is located to the right of the center decorative body 20 and slightly below the gate 13. This second starting prize device 12 is a prize device (prize entry section) having a second starting port 12a, a normal operating member (operating member) 12b, a second starting port sensor 12c (described later, see Figure 3), and a normal electric solenoid 12d (see Figure 3), and is provided so as to protrude forward (towards the glass plate side) from the surface of the game board 2. The second starting port 12a opens towards the upper left within the game area 3. The second starting port sensor 12c is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 12a (starting ball entry), and is located in the middle of the prize entry path 38 (described later, see Figure 2A) that follows the second starting port 12a. The normal operating member 12b is a plate-shaped member having an inclined upper surface, and is configured to slide back and forth between a rear normal position (first position, ball entry blocking position) and a front auxiliary position (second position, ball entry allowing position). The normal electric solenoid 12d is connected to the normal operating member 12b and maintains the normal operating member 12b in the normal position when demagnetized (non-operating state), and maintains the normal operating member 12b in the auxiliary state when energized (operating state). In the normal position, the normal operating member 12b is located behind the surface of the game board 2 and allows game balls to pass downward without being received from above (gate 13 side). On the other hand, in the auxiliary position, the normal operating member 12b is located in front of the surface of the game board 2 and receives game balls from above (gate 13 side), and assists in the entry of balls into the second start opening 12a (start entry) by causing its upper surface to roll along the inclination. In other words, the second starting port 12a provided in the second starting prize device 12 is a ball entry port (variable ball entry port, variable starting port) in which the ease with which game balls enter varies according to the posture of the normal operating member 12b.
Regarding this second starting opening 12a, although the opening dimensions do not actually change with the normal operating member 12b, the state in which the normal operating member 12b is in its normal position and no game balls can enter is described as the "closed state," and the change to this closed state is described as "closing." On the other hand, the state in which the normal operating member 12b is in an auxiliary position and no game balls can enter is described as the "open state," and the change to this open state is described as "opening."

The first major prize device 14 is located at the lower part of the right game area 3R (below the second starting prize device 12) and is positioned to protrude forward (towards the glass plate) from the surface of the game board 2. This first major prize device 14 is a prize device (prize section) having a first major prize opening 14a (special prize opening, special ball entry opening), a first special operating member 14b, a first major prize opening sensor 14c (see Figure 3), and a first special electric solenoid 14d (see Figure 3). The first major prize opening 14a opens upward within the game area 3. The first major prize opening sensor 14c is a sensor (detection means) that detects game balls that have entered the first major prize opening 14a and is positioned in the middle of a prize path (not shown) that guides game balls that have entered the first major prize opening 14a to the rear side of the game board 2. The first special operating member 14b is a plate-shaped member having an inclined upper surface, and is configured to slide back and forth between a front ball entry blocking position (first position) and a rear ball entry allowing position (second position). The first special electric solenoid 14d is connected to the first special operating member 14b and maintains the first special operating member 14b in the ball entry blocking position when demagnetized (non-operating state), and maintains the first special operating member 14b in the ball entry allowing position when energized (operating state). The first special operating member 14b in the ball entry blocking position is located in front of the surface of the game board 2 and closes the first large prize opening 14a, thereby preventing game balls from entering the first large prize opening 14a, and causing the game balls to flow downstream (down and to the left) by its inclined upper surface. On the other hand, the first special operating member 14b for the ball entry permitting position is located behind the surface of the game board 2 and opens the first large prize entry opening 14a, permitting game balls to enter the first large prize entry opening 14a. In other words, the first large prize entry opening 14a provided in the first large prize device 14 is a prize entry opening (variable ball entry opening) whose opening dimensions vary (the ease with which game balls can enter varies depending on the position).
In the following explanation, with respect to the first large prize slot 14a, the state in which the first special operating member 14b is in a position that prevents game balls from entering and is therefore unable to enter will be described as a "closed state," and the change to this closed state will be described as "closing." Conversely, the state in which the first special operating member 14b is in a position that allows game balls to enter and is therefore able to enter will be described as an "open state," and the change to this open state will be described as "opening."

The second major prize device 15 is located above the right game area 3R (above the second starting prize device 12) and is positioned to protrude forward (towards the glass plate) from the surface of the game board 2. This second major prize device 15 is a prize device (prize section) having a second major prize opening 15a (special prize opening, special ball entry opening), a second special operating member 15b, a second major prize opening sensor 15c (see Figure 3), and a second special electric solenoid 15d (see Figure 3). The second major prize opening 15a opens upward within the game area 3. The second major prize opening sensor 15c is a sensor (detection means) that detects game balls that have entered the second major prize opening 15a and is positioned in the middle of a prize path (not shown) that guides game balls that have entered the second major prize opening 15a to the rear side of the game board 2. The second special operating member 15b is a plate-shaped member having an inclined upper surface, and is configured to slide back and forth between a front ball entry blocking position (first position) and a rear ball entry allowing position (second position). The second special electric solenoid 15d is connected to the second special operating member 15b and maintains the second special operating member 15b in the ball entry blocking position when demagnetized (non-operating state), and maintains the second special operating member 15b in the ball entry allowing position when energized (operating state). The second special operating member 15b in the ball entry blocking position is located in front of the surface of the game board 2 and closes the second large prize opening 15a, thereby preventing game balls from entering the second large prize opening 15a, and causing the game balls to flow downstream (down and to the left) by its inclined upper surface. On the other hand, the second special operating member 15b for the ball entry permitting position is located behind the surface of the game board 2 and opens the second large prize entry opening 15a, permitting game balls to enter the second large prize entry opening 15a. In other words, the second large prize entry opening 15a provided in the second large prize device 15 is a prize entry opening (variable ball entry opening) whose opening dimensions vary (the ease with which game balls can enter varies depending on the position).
In the following explanation, with respect to the second large prize slot 15a, the state in which the second special operating member 15b is in a position that prevents game balls from entering and is therefore unable to enter will be described as a "closed state," and the change to this closed state will be described as "closing." Conversely, the state in which the second special operating member 15b is in a position that allows game balls to enter and is therefore able to enter will be described as an "open state," and the change to this open state will be described as "opening."

Furthermore, within the prize-winning passage of the second large prize-winning device 15, a specific area is formed that allows game balls that have entered the second large prize-winning opening 15a to pass through (enter). Game balls that enter the second large prize-winning opening 15a are discharged to the rear side of the game board 2 via this specific area. In addition to the large prize-winning opening sensor 15c mentioned above, a specific area sensor 55a (Figures 2 and 3) is provided in the prize-winning passage to detect game balls passing through (entering) this specific area. In this embodiment, the passage of a game ball through the specific area during the minor prize state described later triggers the transition to the V-prize state described later (development to the two types of major prize states described later).

Incidentally, the pachinko game machine 1 can adjust the launch strength of the game balls in accordance with the operation of the handle 4 described above. Therefore, by adjusting the launch strength, the game balls can be directed to either the left game area 3L or the right game area 3R. In this embodiment, due to the aforementioned board configuration, game balls launched towards the left game area 3L (hereinafter referred to as "left-hand shots") have the potential to enter the entry points (first starting point 10a, general prize entry point 11a) provided in the left game area 3L. On the other hand, game balls launched towards the right game area 3R (hereinafter referred to as "right-hand shots") have the potential to enter the entry points (gate 13, second starting point 12a, first large prize entry point 14a, second large prize entry point 15a) provided in the right game area 3R.

[Game ball processing mechanism 30]
Here, the game balls guided into the right game area 3R flow down the upstream passage 22 (see Figure 2A) which extends downward from the buffer section 21. This upstream passage 22 has a width less than twice the diameter of the game ball and is formed in a meandering shape. In other words, the upstream passage 22 causes the game balls guided from the buffer section 21 to flow down in a single line, reducing their momentum and straightening their flow. Below the upstream passage 22, a game ball processing mechanism 30, which constitutes the right side of the game board 2, is provided. The game ball processing mechanism 30 receives the game balls from the upstream passage 22 and guides them to the ball inlets 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a and the ball outlet 19, etc., or allows them to flow downstream of the mechanism 30.

The game ball processing mechanism 30 includes a mounting plate (mounting target) 31 that forms the front surface of most of the right game area 3R, a plurality of prize-winning units (such as the standard prize-winning unit U described later) that are attached to the rear surface of the mounting plate 31 and constitute a prize-winning device (variable ball-winning means), and a plurality of transparent covers (one of which is the front plate 32 described later) that are positioned to cover the front surface of the mounting plate 31 and form a ball passage between them and the mounting plate 31. Specifically, three prize-winning units are attached to the rear surface of the mounting plate 31 so as to be spaced apart vertically. The prize-winning unit at the upper end constitutes the second major prize-winning device 15 described above, the prize-winning unit at the lower end constitutes the first major prize-winning device 14 described above, and the prize-winning unit in the middle (standard prize-winning unit U) constitutes the second starting prize-winning device 12 described above.
Here, the game ball processing mechanism 30 is configured such that the second large prize device 15 is close to the upper end, so when the player starts shooting to the right in conjunction with the opening of the second large prize opening 15a (the start of the minor win state described later), the game balls can be quickly guided to the second large prize opening 15a. In addition, the game ball processing mechanism 30 is configured such that the first large prize device 14 is positioned far below and separated from the second large prize device 15, and the ball passages between them (gate passages 34, detours 35, merging passages 37, etc., described later) are curved, so when the first large prize opening 14a is opened after the second large prize opening 15a is closed (the start of the V-win state described later), the game balls that were aiming for the second large prize opening 15a until just before will flow down and reach the first large prize opening 14a at the right time, thereby increasing the efficiency of playing the big win state (the two types of big win states described later).

The following description will primarily focus on the configuration of the portion of the game ball processing mechanism 30 located below the second large prize device 15 and above the first large prize device 14 (the intermediate portion of the game ball processing mechanism 30), with reference to Figures 2B, 2C, and 2D. Figure 2B is a front view of the mounting plate 31 (the intermediate portion) exposed when the front plate 32 is removed from the intermediate portion of the game ball processing mechanism 30; Figure 2C is a front view of the front plate 32; and Figure 2D is a rear view of the front plate 32.

As shown in Figure 2B, the mounting plate 31 (in its middle section) has a mounting opening 31a that exposes a part of the electric entry unit U (see Figures 26 to 29) mounted on its rear surface to the game area 3 (right game area 3R). The electric entry unit U constitutes the second start entry device 12 and has a holder 133 that forms the second start opening 12a and the aforementioned normal operating member 12b. The mounting opening 31a exposes the holder 133 (second start opening 12a) and the normal operating member 12b to the right game area 3R.
Furthermore, the front surface of the mounting plate 31 has wall sections projecting forward to form multiple spherical passages (described later) around the mounting opening 31a. Each spherical passage is formed by combining the mounting plate 31 and the front plate 32 (the front plate 32 has the front wall of each spherical passage), but for convenience, each spherical passage will be explained with reference to Figure 2B.
The ordinary train prize unit U is the main characteristic structure of this embodiment, and its specific structure will be described in detail later. On the other hand, the specific structures of the prize units that make up the second major prize device 15 and the first major prize device 14 mentioned above will not be explained.

On the front surface of the mounting plate 31, at the upper end of the area shown in Figure 2B (the middle section), a branching passage 33 is provided to divide the game balls flowing in from the upstream side (the second large prize device 15 side) into multiple ball passages. The branching passage 33 branches into three ball passages: a gate passage 34 for passing game balls through the gate 13, a detour passage 35 for guiding game balls to bypass the gate passage 34, and an discharge passage 36 for discharging game balls from the game area 3.

The gate passage 34 is located below the branching passage 33. The upstream portion of the gate passage 34 extends linearly downwards, and a gate 13 and a gate sensor 13a are installed in this section. On the other hand, the downstream portion of the gate passage 34, as is clear from Figures 2B, 2D, and 27(b), is a curved passage that bends in a C-shape towards the rear. That is, the downstream portion of the gate passage 34 is formed using the concave curved surface formed on the front surface of the mounting plate 31 and the convex curved surface formed on the rear surface of the front plate 32 (the lower part of the second wall portion 42, described later). The gate passage 34, thus configured, receives the game balls flowing downwards from the branching passage 33, allows them to pass through the gate 13, reduces their momentum in the curved passage portion downstream, and then reaches the front of the aforementioned mounting opening 31a.

Here, the normal operating member 12b of the second starting prize-winning device 12, as described above, is located inside the regular prize-winning unit U in the normal position, and protrudes forward from the front of the regular prize-winning unit U in the auxiliary position (see Figures 26 to 29). The regular prize-winning unit U is attached to the rear surface of the mounting plate 31 so as to cover the mounting opening 31a of the mounting plate 31 from the rear. The normal operating member 12b maintains a position retracted from the mounting opening 31a of the mounting plate 31 in the normal position, and protrudes forward from the mounting opening 31a in the auxiliary position (see Figures 27(b) and 28(b)), so that its upper surface, the rolling surface 154, faces the right game area 3R. Therefore, when the normal operating member 12b is in its normal position, the game balls that pass through the gate passage 34 are not caught by the normal operating member 12b but fall through the space in front of the mounting opening 31a, reach the confluence passage 37, and flow downstream (towards the first large prize device 14) along this confluence passage 37. On the other hand, when the normal operating member 12b is in its auxiliary position, the game balls that pass through the gate passage 34 are caught by the rolling surface 154 in the space in front of the mounting opening 31a, roll downward and to the right along the inclination of this rolling surface 154, and enter the second start opening 12a formed on the left side of the holder 133 (ball entry opening forming surface 148). The ball passage formed on the rolling surface 154 when the normal operating member 12b is in its auxiliary position is referred to as the "ball rolling path R".

A light-transmitting cover, the front plate 32, is positioned forward and spaced apart from the mounting plate 31 (between the mounting plate 31 and the transparent window plate 18b of the front frame 18). As shown in Figure 2C, the front plate 32 has a concave recess 32a that opens forward. This recess 32a is concave on the front side of the front plate 32, and protrudes on the rear side, narrowing the front-to-back dimensions of the right game area 3R (see Figures 2D and 27(b)). More specifically, the recess 32a is provided in the right game area 3R, with the exit of the gate passage 34 at its upper end and a position slightly above the normal operating member 12b at its lower end (i.e., the area where the ball rolling path R is formed when the normal operating member 12b is in an auxiliary position), and functions to narrow the front-to-back dimensions of the area where the ball rolling path R is formed. A deceleration projection 39 is provided at the lower edge of the recessed portion 32a, projecting toward the rear (see Figures 2D, 27(b), and 28(b)). This deceleration projection 39 will be described later in relation to the normal operating member 12b.
Furthermore, with the gate passage 34 configured as described above, the game ball is designed to reach the height position of the normal operating member 12b approximately 1.2 seconds (1200 ms) after passing through the gate 13.

The game balls that roll along the ball rolling path R on the rolling surface 154 and enter the second starting opening 12a flow down the prize entry path 38, which extends downward from the right side of the holder 133, and are discharged to the rear side of the game board 2 from the prize ball discharge opening 38a at its lower end.

Game balls that deviate to the left from branching path 33, instead of heading downwards (to gate passage 34), are guided to detour path 35. Detour path 35 extends downwards to the left of gate passage 34 and connects to the upstream end of the aforementioned confluence path 37. That is, in confluence path 37, game balls that have passed through gate passage 34 (through gate 13) and game balls that have passed through detour path 35 merge. Furthermore, by providing a predetermined prize entry point that allows game balls that have flowed downstream of confluence path 37 (downstream of the first large prize entry point 14a) to enter with a high probability, and configuring the system so that a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 1) are awarded for each ball that enters this predetermined prize entry point, players can play right-handed without significantly reducing their number of balls.

Game balls that deviate to the right from the branching path 33, instead of going downwards (to the gate passage 34), are guided to the discharge path 36. The discharge path 36 is designed to slope downwards to the right and then hang straight down, with an out opening 19 formed at its lower end (see Figure 2A). In other words, game balls guided to the discharge path 36 are discharged to the rear side of the game board 2 through the out opening 19 at the lower end of the discharge path 36 without entering any of the ball entry openings.
Furthermore, the discharge passage 36 and the aforementioned prize entry passage 38 are located towards the right end of the game ball processing mechanism 30 (see Figure 2A), and are hidden behind the right side lamp 23b of the front frame 18 when the pachinko game machine 1 is viewed from the front.

As shown in Figure 2D, in addition to the aforementioned recessed portion 32a and energy-reducing projection 39, the rear surface of the front plate 32 is provided with a first wall portion 41 which forms the front wall of the branching passage 33, a second wall portion 42 which forms the front wall of the gate passage 34 (including the gate 13), a third wall portion 43 which forms the front wall of the detour 35, a fourth wall portion 44 which forms the front wall of the discharge passage 36, a fifth wall portion 45 which forms the front wall of the merging passage 37, and a sixth wall portion 46 which forms the front wall of the prize-winning passage 38.

[Configuration of the display units 50]
As shown in Figure 2A, a set of display units 50, which are game information display means for displaying various game information, is provided at the lower right end of the game board 2 (lower right of the game area 3). As shown in Figure 3, these display units 50 include a first special symbol display unit 51 (special symbol display means) that displays a first special symbol (also called the first special symbol or special symbol 1) in a variable manner, a second special symbol display unit 52 (special symbol display means) that displays a second special symbol (also called the second special symbol or special symbol 2) in a variable manner, and a normal symbol display unit 53 (normal symbol display means) that displays a normal symbol (also called a normal symbol) in a variable manner. Furthermore, the display units 50 include a first special symbol hold indicator 51a that displays the number of reserved functions for the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 51, a second special symbol hold indicator 52a that displays the number of reserved functions for the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 52, and a regular symbol hold indicator 53a that displays the number of reserved functions for the regular symbol display unit 53. Hereafter, when describing matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, they will simply be referred to as special symbols or special symbols. Also, when describing matters common to the first special symbol display unit 51 and the second special symbol display unit 52, they will simply be referred to as special symbol display units.

The regular symbol display unit 53 is composed of, for example, two LEDs. The lit LEDs and the unlit LEDs represent regular symbols, and the alternating lighting of each LED represents a changing regular symbol display. When a game ball passes through the gate 13 (gate sensor 13a), a determination is made (regular symbol win determination) to determine whether or not to open a predetermined ball entry opening (second start opening 12a in this embodiment), and the regular symbol display unit 53 displays a changing regular symbol. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the changing regular symbol display, the regular symbol display unit 53 displays a stopped regular symbol (confirmed display) corresponding to the result of the regular symbol win determination (operation ball entry determination). If the regular symbol displayed by the regular symbol display unit 53 is a regular symbol indicating a win, the regular operating member 12b of the second start prize entry device 12 enters a ball entry-allowing position, the second start opening 12a opens, and a regular symbol win state (auxiliary game described later) occurs. In this embodiment, two types of normal symbols (advantageous winning symbols and disadvantageous winning symbols) are provided for when the normal symbol hit detection is successful. A different time is associated with each type of winning normal symbol for the time during which the normal operating member 12b assumes a ball-entry-allowing position.

Each special symbol indicator 51 and 52 is composed of multiple LEDs. Each LED in each special symbol indicator 51 and 52 lights up in a predetermined pattern. The combination of lit and unlit LEDs represents a special symbol, and a change in the combination of lit and unlit LEDs indicates a variation in the special symbol. Hereinafter, the variation pattern of the special symbol from the start of the variation display until the special symbol stops (confirmation display) is referred to as the special symbol variation pattern. Special symbols include jackpot symbols indicating a jackpot result in the special symbol win judgment (also called internal judgment, big win judgment, hit/fail judgment, start ball entry judgment, etc.), small win symbols indicating a small win result in the special symbol win judgment (also called internal judgment, small win judgment, hit/fail judgment, start ball entry judgment, etc.), and losing symbols indicating a miss result in the special symbol win judgment. Small wins will be explained later.

When a game ball enters the first start opening 10a, a special symbol win determination is performed, and the first special symbol indicator 51 displays the first special symbol in a variable state. Then, after a predetermined variation time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, the first special symbol indicator 51 displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol win determination as stopped (confirmed display). When the start of a new variable display of the first special symbol is prohibited on the first special symbol indicator 51 (when the first special symbol indicator 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variable state, or when a jackpot game state has occurred), if a game ball enters the first start opening 10a, the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol indicator 51 triggered by that ball entry is put on hold (operation hold), and the number of operation hold indicators is displayed by the first special symbol hold indicator 51a. Hereinafter, the number of operation hold indicators on the first special symbol indicator 51 will be referred to as the first special symbol hold number.

Furthermore, when a game ball enters the second start port 12a, a special symbol win determination is performed, and the second special symbol indicator 52 displays the second special symbol in a variable state. Then, after a predetermined variable time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the second special symbol, the second special symbol indicator 52 displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol win determination as stopped (confirmed display). When the start of a new variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol indicator 52 is prohibited (when the second special symbol indicator 52 is displaying the second special symbol in a variable state, or when a jackpot game state has occurred), if a game ball enters the second start port 12a, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol indicator 52 triggered by that entry is put on hold (operation put on hold), and the number of operation put on hold is displayed by the second special symbol put on hold indicator 52a. Hereinafter, the number of operation put on hold on the second special symbol indicator 52 will be referred to as the second special symbol put on hold number. Furthermore, when explaining matters common to both the first and second special symbol reserve numbers, the term "special symbol reserve number" is used simply.

Hereinafter, one special symbol variation (or one variation of a special symbol) refers to the period from when the special symbol display unit begins to show the variation of a special symbol until the special symbol is stopped (confirmed). Furthermore, the decrease in the number of reserved special symbols by one with each variation is called the consumption of reserved special symbols. In pachinko machine 1, the reserved special symbol display units are used for the variation of special symbols in the chronological order of their occurrence, and the reserved special symbol units are consumed. However, the consumption of the second reserved special symbol unit takes precedence over the consumption of the first reserved special symbol unit (the variation display of the second special symbol takes precedence over the variation display of the first special symbol). A predetermined variation interval (the stopping time of the special symbol) is provided between the end of the variation display of a special symbol on the special symbol display unit and the start of the next variation display due to the consumption of reserved special symbol units.

[Display area of the display device 7]
Next, the performance display device 7 will be described. The performance display device 7 can display moving images and still images such as performance images, message images, and demonstration images. The performance display device 7 displays performance (decorative) patterns in a variable manner as performance images. This variable display of performance patterns may be referred to as "variable performance" in the following description. Performance patterns are patterns that represent Arabic numerals (for example, 1 to 10). Performance patterns may also include patterns that represent things other than numbers, such as alphabets or special characters, or may be combined with patterns that represent things other than numbers. The areas in which the performance display device 7 displays the performance patterns in a variable manner are set from left to right as follows: the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area. In the left performance pattern display area, the left performance pattern 7L is displayed in a variable manner; in the middle performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern 7C is displayed in a variable manner; and in the right performance pattern display area, the right performance pattern 7R is displayed in a variable manner. Hereafter, when explaining matters common to the left, middle, and right performance symbol display areas, we will simply refer to them as the performance symbol display areas.

The variation modes for each display symbol include, for example, a mode where the symbols move from top to bottom of the screen in ascending order, i.e., a vertical scrolling mode. Other variation modes include a horizontal scrolling mode where the symbols move from one side of the screen to the other, and a switching mode where the symbols are displayed sequentially in ascending order at the same display position. The display device 7 also displays a background image as the background for each display symbol. For example, the background image could be a video from a TV drama or movie, an animated version of that video, animation, or an original video from the pachinko machine manufacturer. The display device 7 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) display. However, other displays such as an organic EL display or a dot matrix LED display can also be used as the display device 7.

Generally, the variation in the display symbols is synchronized with the variation of the special symbols on the special symbol display unit. In contrast, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, during normal gameplay (the non-time-saving gameplay state described later), the variation is synchronized with the variation of the special symbols on the special symbol display unit, while during a gameplay state advantageous to the player (the time-saving gameplay state described later), it is synchronized with the variation of the ordinary symbols on the ordinary symbol display unit.

In this embodiment, a performance hold display area 7B is provided at the lower edge of the display screen of the performance display device 7. In the normal game state (non-time-saving game state), this performance hold display area 7B displays the number of reserved actions corresponding to the number of reserved actions for the first special symbol, and in the advantageous game state (time-saving game state), it displays the number of reserved actions corresponding to the number of reserved actions for the regular symbols.

Furthermore, in addition to notifying the result of the special symbol win determination based on the result of the variation performance (display of the stopped symbols), the pachinko game machine 1 also performs performances that suggest the result of the variation performance or enhance the excitement leading up to the display of that result. Such performances are performed using a combination of images displayed on the performance display device 7, sounds output from the speaker 8, and the illumination of lamps on the game board 2 and front frame 18 (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, top lamp 23c). In other words, the performance display device 7, speaker 8, and lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, and 23c provided in the pachinko game machine 1 function as performance execution means for executing performances.
Furthermore, the display device 7, speaker 8, and lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, and 23c also function as abnormality notification means for notifying abnormal conditions that occur in the pachinko game machine 1.

[Main electrical configuration of Pachinko game machine 1]
Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be explained.
The pachinko game machine 1 includes a main control board 60, a power supply board 70, a payout control board 73, a launch control circuit 75, a sound control board 78, a lamp control board 79, a ball dispensing device 80, a launch device 90, a sub-control board 100, and an image control board 200.

As shown in Figure 3, a one-chip microcontroller for game control (hereinafter referred to as the game control microcontroller) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. The game control microcontroller 61 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input/output circuit 65. The game control microcontroller 61 generates random numbers used in various judgments (draws), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, minor jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, regular symbol jackpot random numbers, regular symbol jackpot type random numbers, and regular symbol variation pattern random numbers. The CPU 62 performs ball entry detection, special symbol jackpot determination (including jackpot determination, minor jackpot determination, jackpot type determination, minor jackpot type determination, etc.), regular symbol jackpot determination (including symbol type determination), and updating of various random numbers (it functions as a determination means that makes a determination triggered by the entry of a game ball into the ball entry slot). ROM 63 stores various tables, including the computer program executed by the CPU 62, the win/loss determination table T1, the jackpot type determination tables T2 and T3, the minor win type determination table T4, and the regular win type determination table T10. RAM 64 is used as work memory when the CPU 62 executes the computer program.

Furthermore, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special feature data storage unit 64a (first data storage means), a second special feature data storage unit 64b (second data storage means), and a general feature data storage unit 64c.
The first special symbol hold memory unit 64a is equipped with first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of first special symbol holds that can be stored is four. Each memory area stores values such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, minor prize type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers (referred to as start ball entry information or start prize entry information) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 (information acquisition means) as a result of a game ball entering the first start opening 10a. For example, when the first special symbol display unit 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variation, and a game ball enters the first start opening 10a, the execution of the variation display of the first special symbol based on that entry is put into a standby state at that time. In this case, the start ball entry information acquired as a result of the entry is stored in the first special symbol hold memory unit 64a, and when it becomes possible to start the variation thereafter, the variation display of the first special symbol based on that start ball entry information is started. In other words, if the special feature variation display cannot be started at the time the start ball entry information is acquired triggered by the entry of a ball into the first start opening 10a, the execution of the variation display of the first special feature based on that start ball entry information will be suspended (operation suspended) until the variation start condition (start condition) is met.

The second special symbol hold memory unit 64b is equipped with first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of second special symbols that can be stored is four. Each memory area stores values such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, minor win type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers (start ball entry information) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of a game ball entering the second start opening 12a. For example, when a game ball enters the second start opening 12a while the second special symbol display unit 52 is displaying the second special symbol in a variation, the execution of the variation display of the second special symbol based on that entry is put into a standby state at that time. In this case, the start ball entry information acquired as a result of the ball entry is stored in the second special symbol hold memory unit 64b, and when it becomes possible to start the variation thereafter, the variation display of the second special symbol based on that start ball entry information is started. In other words, if the special symbol variation display cannot be started at the time the starting ball entry information is acquired triggered by the entry of a ball into the second starting port 12a, the execution of the variation display of the second special symbol based on that starting ball entry information will be suspended (operation suspended) until the variation start condition (starting condition) is met.

The starting ball entry information, such as the jackpot random number, is stored sequentially in the first memory areas of the first special symbol hold storage unit 64a and the second special symbol hold storage unit 64b, in the order in which the activation hold occurs, that is, in the order in which it is acquired by the game control microcomputer 61. For example, if the first special symbol hold storage unit 64a stores starting ball entry information up to the first to fourth memory areas, the starting ball entry information stored in the fourth memory area is the most recent information in terms of time, and the starting ball entry information stored in the first memory area is the oldest information in terms of time. Similarly, if the second special symbol hold storage unit 64b stores starting ball entry information up to the first to fourth memory areas, the starting ball entry information stored in the fourth memory area is the most recent information in terms of time, and the starting ball entry information stored in the first memory area is the oldest information in terms of time. The starting ball entry information stored in each memory area shifts one by one to the memory area with the oldest storage order each time the special symbol variation display is completed. For example, random numbers for big wins stored in the second memory area are shifted to the first memory area. Furthermore, the determination (lottery) for special symbol wins, etc., based on the starting ball entry information stored in the first memory area, is executed when the current display of the special symbol on the special symbol indicator ends and the timing for the start of the next display arrives (when the conditions for starting the display are met).

In the pachinko game machine 1, as mentioned above, the consumption of the second special symbol reserve takes precedence over the consumption of the first special symbol reserve. In other words, if there are multiple first and second special symbol reserves, the second special symbol reserves are consumed first, followed by the first special symbol reserves. For example, when the start time for the special symbol variation display arrives while the first memory area of the first special symbol reserve storage unit 64a and the first memory area of the second special symbol reserve storage unit 64b are storing starting ball entry information, the starting ball entry information stored in the first memory area of the second special symbol reserve storage unit 64b shifts to the execution area (execution target area), and a special symbol hit determination or other determination based on this starting ball entry information is performed. On the other hand, at this time, the initial ball entry information in the first special symbol hold memory unit 64a is not shifted. Later, when the timing for the start of the special symbol variation display arrives with the second special symbol hold count at 0, it shifts to the execution area (execution target area), and a determination such as special symbol hit detection based on this initial ball entry information is performed.

The regular symbol hold memory unit 64c stores operational ball entry information, such as the regular winning random number (a random number used to determine whether a regular symbol is a win or not) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when a game ball passes through the gate 13. When a game ball passes through the gate 13 while the regular symbol display unit 53 is displaying a regular symbol in a variable manner, the operation of the regular symbol display unit 53 caused by that passage is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the regular winning random number acquired as a result of that passage is stored in the regular symbol hold memory unit 64c. The suspended variable display of the regular symbol is performed after the currently running variable display of the regular symbol finishes. In the pachinko game machine 1, the regular symbol hold memory unit 64c has a total of four memory areas for holding, and the maximum number of stored operational suspensions for the regular symbol display unit 53 is four. Activation ball entry information, such as normal winning random numbers, is stored sequentially in the first memory area of the normal symbol entry storage unit 64c, in the order of activation hold occurrence, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61. Therefore, if activation ball entry information is stored in the first to fourth memory areas, the activation ball entry information stored in the fourth memory area is the most recent information in terms of time, and the activation ball entry information stored in the first memory area is the oldest information in terms of time. Hereinafter, the number of activation hold information stored in the normal symbol display unit 53 will be referred to as the normal symbol entry hold number.

Furthermore, the main control board 60 is equipped with a RAM clear switch 66. That is, the RAM clear switch 66 can be pressed from the rear of the pachinko machine 1. When the pachinko machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, it initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 of the sub-control board 100.

Furthermore, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the display units 50. In addition, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the first start-up sensor 10b, the general prize-winning slot sensor 11b, the second start-up slot sensor 12c, the first major prize-winning slot sensor 14c, the second major prize-winning slot sensor 15c, the gate sensor 13a, and the specific area sensor 55a via the relay board 74.

The first start port sensor 10b detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 10a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The general prize port sensor 11b detects a game ball that has entered the general prize port 11a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The second start port sensor 12c detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 12a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The first large prize port sensor 14c detects a game ball that has entered the first large prize port 14a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The second large prize port sensor 15c detects a game ball that has entered the second large prize port 15a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 13a detects a game ball that has entered (passed through) the gate 13 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. When a game ball is detected by any of the aforementioned sensors 10b, 11b, 12c, 14c, 15c, and 13a, except for the gate sensor 13a, the predetermined payout conditions for each sensor are met.

In this embodiment, the prize balls awarded for one detection by the first start port sensor 10b (one ball entering the first start port 10a) are set to "3 balls," the prize balls awarded for one detection by the second start port sensor 12c (one ball entering the second start port 12a) are set to "1 ball," the prize balls awarded for one detection by the first large prize port sensor 14c (one ball entering the first large prize port 14a) are set to "10 balls," the prize balls awarded for one detection by the second large prize port sensor 15c (one ball entering the second large prize port 15a) are set to "1 ball," and the prize balls awarded for one detection by the general prize port sensor 11b (one ball entering the general prize port 11a) are set to "10 balls."

Furthermore, the specific area sensor 55a detects game balls passing through a specific area inside the second major prize device 15 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60.

Furthermore, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the general-purpose solenoid 12d, the first special-purpose solenoid 14d, and the second special-purpose solenoid 15d via the relay board 74. The general-purpose solenoid 12d is energized based on the control of the main control board 60, changing the normal operating member 12b from a ball entry prevention position to a ball entry permitting position. The first special-purpose solenoid 14d is energized based on the control of the main control board 60, changing the first special operating member 14b from a ball entry prevention position to a ball entry permitting position. The second special-purpose solenoid 15d is energized based on the control of the main control board 60, changing the second special operating member 15b from a ball entry prevention position to a ball entry permitting position.

The main control board 60 is electrically connected to the card unit 76, the ball dispensing device 80, and the prize ball dispensing device 400 (prize ball awarding means) via the payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1 and performs functions such as reading and writing balances to prepaid cards. The ball dispensing device 80 includes a ball dispensing motor 81 and a ball dispensing sensor 82. The ball dispensing motor 81 drives a component that dispenses game balls as dispensing balls, and the ball dispensing sensor 82 outputs a signal to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73 indicating that game balls have been dispensed by that component. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of dispensing balls dispensed by the ball dispensing device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When the ball dispensing button (not shown) is operated while the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 76 has a balance equal to or greater than the minimum dispensable balance, the ball dispensing device 80 activates, and the minimum number of balls is dispensed into the ball supply tray 24.

The prize ball dispensing device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402. The prize ball motor 401 drives a component that dispenses game balls as prize balls, and the prize ball sensor 402 outputs a signal indicating that game balls have been dispensed by that component to the main control board 60 via the dispensing control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls dispensed by the prize ball dispensing device 400 based on the signal output from the dispensing control board 73.

Furthermore, the launching device 90 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a launching control circuit 75. The launching device 90 comprises a launching motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launching volume 93. The launching motor 91 drives a striking hammer (not shown) that strikes and launches the game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The launching volume 93 adjusts the intensity with which the striking hammer strikes the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the launching lever 4a.

Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 via the payout control board 73. Additionally, the power supply board 70 supplies power from the main control board 60 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 via the relay board 74. Finally, the power supply board 70 supplies power to the display devices 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the main control board 60.

The power supply board 70 is equipped with a backup power supply circuit 71. The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies the necessary power to maintain information to the RAM 64 and other components of the main control board 60 when the pachinko machine 1 is not receiving external power. The power supply board 70 is electrically connected to a power switch 72 for turning the main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 on and off.

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100 (see Figure 4). While the main control board 60 can transmit commands to the sub-control board 100, the sub-control board 100 cannot transmit commands to the main control board 60. In other words, communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is unidirectional, meaning that commands can only be transmitted from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100.

As shown in Figure 4, a one-chip microcontroller for performance control (hereinafter referred to as the performance control microcontroller) 101 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcontroller 101 (performance control means) comprises a CPU 102, a ROM 110, a RAM 120, and an input/output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls the performances in conjunction with the game. The ROM 110 stores various tables in addition to the computer program for the CPU 102 to control the performances. The RAM 120 is used as work memory when the CPU 102 executes the computer program. Furthermore, the RAM 120 includes a first special symbol hold performance storage unit 121, a second special symbol hold performance storage unit 122, a variation performance storage unit 123, and a normal symbol hold performance storage unit 125.

The first special symbol hold effect memory unit 121 has four memory areas consisting of the first to fourth memory areas. Each memory area stores the start ball entry information (random values, etc.) indicated by the first start entry command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The first start entry command is a command that includes start ball entry information (values such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, and reach random numbers) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when a game ball enters the first start opening 10a.

On the other hand, the second special symbol hold effect memory unit 122 has four memory areas consisting of the first to fourth memory areas, and each memory area stores the start ball entry information (random values, etc.) indicated by the second start entry command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The second start entry command is a command that includes start ball entry information (values such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, minor win type random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, and reach random numbers) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when a game ball enters the second start opening 12a.

The variable animation memory unit 123 stores the starting ball entry information (random value, etc.) indicated by the first starting entry command or the second starting entry command used for the variation in the variable animation pattern. The input/output circuit 103 transmits or receives data to and from each board connected to the sub-control board 100.

The regular ball hold display memory unit 125 has four memory areas consisting of the first to fourth memory areas. Each memory area stores the ball entry information (random values, etc.) indicated by the ball entry command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The ball entry command is a command that includes ball entry information (values such as regular ball winning random numbers, regular ball winning type random numbers, and regular ball variation pattern random numbers) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when a game ball passes through (enters) the gate 13.

Furthermore, a real-time clock (RTC) 124 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The RTC 124 measures the current date and time. For example, when power is supplied to the pachinko machine 1 from an external power supply, the RTC 124 operates using that power. When power is not supplied from the external power supply, it operates using power supplied from the backup power supply circuit 71 on the power supply board 70. Therefore, the RTC 124 can measure the current date and time even when the pachinko machine 1 is not powered on or when the contents of the RAM 120 have been cleared. A backup power supply circuit for supplying power to the RTC 124 may also be provided on the sub-control board 100. The pachinko machine 1 can execute special effects based on the timing results from the RTC 124.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the image control board 200. The image control board 200 is equipped with a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), an image control CPU 202, a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. The image control CPU 202 controls the performance display device 7 to display performance images such as variable performance patterns, button performance images, and予告 images. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the performance display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes the computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the performance display device 7 to display performance images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202, and expands the read image data into the expansion area in the VRAM 206. The VDP 201 then synthesizes the image data expanded in the VRAM 206 and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer within the VRAM 206. Finally, the VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into RGB signals and outputs them to the display device 7. As a result, the display device 7 displays the animation image.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the panel lamp 2a, the performance button lamp 5c, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the top lamp 23c, and the movable motor 23d via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission pattern of each lamp, and transmits this light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create rotational motion pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c, and transmits this rotational motion pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the drive of the movable motor 23d according to the received rotational motion pattern data.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the audio control board 78. The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control CPU (not shown), an audio data ROM (not shown), an audio synthesis circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). The audio data ROM stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output music, sound effects, and other sounds. The audio control CPU reads audio data from the audio data ROM based on commands received from the sub-control board 100 and outputs the read audio data to the audio synthesis circuit. The audio synthesis circuit synthesizes the input audio data and converts the synthesized audio data into an analog audio signal, which is then output to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Each speaker 8 then outputs the sound indicated by the input audio signal.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the following: the performance button detection switch 5a, the performance lever press detection switch 6a, the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, the performance button vibration motor 5b, and the performance lever vibration motor 6c.

The performance button detection switch 5a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 100 indicating that the performance button 5 has been pressed. The performance lever press detection switch 6a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 100 indicating that the performance lever 6 has been pressed. Furthermore, the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b outputs a signal to the sub-control board 100 indicating that the performance lever 6 has been rotated. In response, the performance control microcomputer 101 modifies the performance content of the button performance (a type of performance) based on the signals input from the performance button detection switch 5a during the button performance. Also, during the lever performance (a type of performance that prompts the player to press or rotate a lever), the performance control microcomputer 101 modifies the performance content of the lever performance based on the signals input from the performance lever press detection switch 6a and the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b.

The effect button vibration motor 5b is a component that vibrates the effect button 5 and is housed inside the effect button 5. The effect lever vibration motor 6c is a component that vibrates the effect lever 6 and is located at the part that contacts the effect lever 6 or inside the effect lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the effect button vibration motor 5b and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the effect lever vibration motor 6c. The effect control microcontroller 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time for the effect button 5 to vibrate and drives the effect button vibration motor 5b based on the read operation pattern data. Similarly, the effect control microcontroller 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time for the effect lever 6 to vibrate and drives the effect lever vibration motor 6c based on the read operation pattern data.

[Explanation of game status]
Next, we will explain the game state of pachinko machine 1.

(Big win state, small win state)
The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called Type 1/Type 2 mixed machine, which combines the gameplay features of the game machines that were conventionally called Type 1 pachinko machines and Type 2 pachinko machines. Here, the gameplay of a Type 1 pachinko machine is that when a ball enters the starting hole, a big win is determined in the special symbol win determination (big win lottery), which is triggered by the ball entering the starting hole, and a big win game state is created. The gameplay of a Type 2 pachinko machine is that when a ball enters the starting hole, a small win is determined in the special symbol win determination (small win lottery), which is triggered by the ball entering the starting hole, and the game develops into a big win game state when a game ball that enters during the opening passes through a specific area inside the big win opening. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, which is a Type 1/Type 2 mixed machine, a big win game state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Type 1 big win state") is created when a big win is determined in the special symbol win determination triggered by the ball entering the starting hole. Furthermore, in the special symbol win determination triggered by a ball entering the starting slot, if the big win determination is a miss and the small win determination is a win (i.e., a small win is achieved), a small win state is created, opening the big prize slot. Only if a game ball that enters the big prize slot during this small win state enters a specific area will the game progress to a big win game state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Type 2 Big Win State"). Generally, the Type 2 Big Win State is a big win game state composed of the small win state and the subsequent V-win state. Alternatively, it is also possible to consider only the V-win state as a big win game state.

In this embodiment, in addition to the jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state) based on the jackpot determination result by the special symbol hit detection, there is a possibility of minor hit states and V-hit states (from the second round onwards in the Type 2 jackpot state). In the Type 1 jackpot state and V-hit state, the aim is to enter the first large prize opening 14a, while in the minor hit state, the aim is to enter either of the second large prize openings 15a. Furthermore, if a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15a during the minor hit state passes through a specific area, a V-hit state is generated, opening the first large prize opening 14a (leading to a Type 2 jackpot state).

The jackpot game state changes in the following order: opening period, continuous operation period with multiple rounds (periods during which game balls can be entered), and ending period. During a round, the first special electric solenoid 14d is driven to activate the first special operating member 14b, opening the first large prize opening 14a. Here, each round of the jackpot game state, excluding one round of the two types of jackpot states (minor jackpot state), ends when the number of game balls entered into the first large prize opening 14a reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, 10 balls), or when a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, whichever comes first. In the jackpot game state, an interval time (round interval) is set between rounds, and the first large prize opening 14a is set to remain closed (the first special electric solenoid 14d is controlled to be inactive) at least during this interval time. Since the prize for each ball entering the first large prize slot 14a is set at 10 balls, during a jackpot state (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state), the player's ball count increases significantly due to the prize for balls entering the first large prize slot 14a.

On the other hand, the minor win state ends when either the second large prize slot 15a is open for a shorter time than other rounds (for example, 1.8 seconds) (this is the period during which balls can be entered), or the number of game balls that have entered the second large prize slot 15a reaches a predetermined upper limit (a predetermined number of 10 balls or less), whichever comes first (basically, the expiration of the opening time). Since the prize for each ball that enters the second large prize slot 15a is set at 1 ball, the number of balls a player has will not increase during the minor win state due to prizes for balls that enter the second large prize slot 15a.
In this embodiment, all minor win states occur as minor win states (advantageous minor win states) in which the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 15a can pass through a specific area. Alternatively, it may be possible to generate both an advantageous minor win state in which the game ball passes through a specific area and an disadvantageous minor win state in which the game ball passes through a non-specific area (does not pass through a specific area).

(Shortened play mode, Non-shortened play mode)
The following describes the various functions of the general time-saving game state (function to shorten the variation time of special symbols, function to shorten the variation time of regular symbols, function to extend the opening time of the second start port 12a, and function to increase the number of times the second start port 12a opens).
Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has, among the functions described below, a function to shorten the variation time of special symbols, a function to shorten the variation time of ordinary symbols, and a function to extend the opening time of the second start port 12a. By activating these functions, a time-saving game state (easy ball entry state) different from a non-time-saving game state (normal game state, difficult ball entry state) is created. However, as will be described later, in this embodiment, if the number of times the time-saving game state occurs (referred to as the "number of consecutive occurrences") between transitioning from the non-time-saving game state to the jackpot game state and returning to the non-time-saving game state reaches a predetermined upper limit, the transition from the jackpot game state to the time-saving game state is prohibited and the machine is forcibly returned to the non-time-saving game state (has a time-saving limiter function).

A game state in which the probability variation function for the display (normal symbols) on the normal symbol display unit 53 is activated can be designated as a time-saving game state, and a game state in which this function is not activated can be designated as a non-time-saving game state. When this probability variation function for normal symbols is activated, the probability of hitting a normal symbol is increased compared to when it is not activated. As a result, when the probability variation function for normal symbols is activated, it is possible to increase the frequency in which the normal operating member 12b is activated and the second start opening 12a is opened.
However, the pachinko game machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) of this embodiment does not have a function to change the probability of ordinary symbols. Alternatively, it may be provided with such a function.
Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment does not have a probability variation function (a function that improves the probability of winning a special symbol win) for each display (special symbol) on the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52, and there is no game state (so-called "probability variation game state") in which the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than normal (low probability state). However, it may be possible to create a probability variation game state in which the probability variation function of the special symbols is activated. In this case, the probability variation game state may be created at the same time as the time-saving game state.

A game state in which the special symbol variation time reduction function is activated can be called a time-saving game state, and a game state in which this function is not activated can be called a non-time-saving game state. When the special symbol variation time reduction function is activated, a shorter variation time is more likely to be selected as the variation time for the special symbols compared to when it is not activated. As a result, when the special symbol variation time reduction function is activated, for example, the frequency in which the result of the special symbol variation display is derived can be increased, and the game time until a jackpot game state occurs can be shortened. In addition, because the special symbol reserve is consumed at a faster pace, effective ball entry into the starting gate (special symbol reserve) is more likely to occur, so smooth game progression can be achieved.
Furthermore, a game state in which the function to shorten the variation time of normal symbols is activated can be designated as a time-saving game state, and a game state in which this function is not activated can be designated as a non-time-saving game state. When the function to shorten the variation time of normal symbols is activated, the variation time of normal symbols becomes shorter compared to when it is not activated. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has this function. Alternatively, the machine may be designed without the function to shorten the variation time of normal symbols.
Furthermore, a game state in which at least one of the functions for extending the opening time and increasing the number of openings of the second starting port 12a is activated can be designated as a time-saving game state, and a game state in which neither function is activated can be designated as a non-time-saving game state. When a normal symbol stops and is displayed as a predetermined normal symbol (confirmation display), an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting port 12a is opened and closed according to an operating pattern corresponding to the current game state. In this auxiliary game, the opening time of the second starting port 12a is longer than in the non-time-saving game state due to the opening time extension function. Also, the number of times the second starting port 12a is opened in this auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving game state due to the opening count increase function. Therefore, when the opening time extension function or the opening count increase function is activated, the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 12a is increased. As a result, the ratio of prize balls to the number of balls launched becomes higher, so the player can aim for a big win (or small win) without significantly reducing the number of game balls they have.

Thus, the functions for shortening the variation time for special and regular symbols, and the functions for extending the opening time and increasing the number of openings for the second start port 12a, are support functions to increase the frequency of game balls entering the second start port 12a. In particular, the control that activates at least one of the functions related to the operation of the regular operating member 12b (driving the regular electric solenoid 12d) is sometimes called "electric support control."

The pachinko game machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) of this embodiment is capable of operating the following functions: a function to shorten the variation time of special symbols, a function to shorten the variation time of normal symbols, and a function to extend the opening time of the second start opening 12a. The game state can be divided into a non-time-saving game state where none of these three functions are activated, and a time-saving game state where all three functions are activated (it functions as a means for generating multiple types of states). However, the time-saving game state only requires that at least one function is activated. For example, in addition to the three functions mentioned above, or in place of at least one of the functions, the game state may be one in which the probability variation function of normal symbols is activated.

In this embodiment, the "time-saving game state" is a state in which electric support control (through the opening time extension function) is performed, and since the ratio of prize balls to the number of balls launched is high, it can be rephrased as the "high base state (advantageous game state)." On the other hand, the "non-time-saving game state" can be rephrased as the "low base state (normal game state)" in contrast to the aforementioned high base state.

Here, the conditions for granting a time-saving game state in the pachinko game machine 1 can be set as follows: the end of a jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state) based on the determination of a predetermined jackpot symbol (special symbol); the end of a jackpot game state (Type 2 jackpot state) based on the game ball passing through a specific area in a minor win state when a predetermined minor win symbol (special symbol) is determined; the end of a special symbol variation display based on the result of a special symbol win judgment when a predetermined time-saving symbol (special symbol) is determined. In this embodiment, a time-saving game state may be granted after the end of a jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state, Type 2 jackpot state) based on the determination of a jackpot symbol or minor win state; in addition, a time-saving game state may be granted based on the determination of a time-saving symbol.
Furthermore, the termination conditions for the time-saving game state in the pachinko game machine 1 can be set as follows: for example, when a predetermined number of special symbol variation displays are executed; when a predetermined number of normal symbol variation displays are executed; when a jackpot is determined and the corresponding special symbol variation display ends (jackpot game state begins) before a predetermined number of special symbol variation displays (or predetermined number of normal symbol variation displays) are executed; when a predetermined number of minor wins are determined and the corresponding special symbol variation display ends (minor win state begins) before a predetermined number of special symbol variation displays (or predetermined number of normal symbol variation displays) are executed; when a predetermined number of minor win symbols (special symbols) are determined and the corresponding special symbol variation display ends (minor win state begins) before a predetermined number of special symbol variation displays (normal symbol variation displays) are executed.In this embodiment, the time-saving game state may end in response to a predetermined number of special symbol variation displays being executed, as well as when a predetermined number of normal symbol variation displays are executed.

[Main Judgment Table]
Next, we will explain the main judgment tables referenced by the game control microcomputer 61 of the pachinko game machine 1.

(True/False Judgment Table T1)
The win/loss determination table T1 shown in Figure 5 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when performing special symbol win determination (big win determination, small win determination). The win/loss determination table T1 is configured to associate the type of special symbol win determination (whether it corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol) with the big win random value. The big win random value is a value generated by the big win random number counter. The computer program for operating the big win random number counter is stored in ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes this computer program, the big win random number counter operates and a big win random value is generated. The big win random number counter may also utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. The big win random number counter of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 65,536 values from 0 to 65,535. In other words, it can generate a total of 65,536 big win random values from 0 to 65,535.

The win/loss determination table T1 has the jackpot random number values (0 to 65535) for determining the special symbol win of the first special symbol assigned to the respective jackpot and loss determination results. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a jackpot if the jackpot random number value obtained from the jackpot random number counter is within the range of 0 to 327, and if it is outside the range of 0 to 327 (328 to 65535), it determines that it is not a jackpot, i.e., a loss.
Furthermore, the win/loss judgment table T1 assigns the jackpot random value (0 to 65535) for the jackpot judgment of the second special symbol to the respective jackpot and minor win judgment results. The game control microcomputer 61 determines it is a jackpot if the acquired jackpot random value is within the range of 0 to 327, and determines it is a minor win if it is outside the range of 0 to 327 (328 to 65535). In other words, all values that are not jackpots (misses) are assigned to minor wins. That is, the probability of being judged as a jackpot is the same for the jackpot judgment of the first special symbol and the jackpot judgment of the second special symbol, but if it is determined not to be a jackpot, it may be judged as a minor win in the judgment of the second special symbol, and the probability of winning in that case is higher than that of a jackpot. Also, in this embodiment, since it is not judged as a minor win in the jackpot judgment of the first special symbol, the probability of being judged as a minor win in the judgment of the second special symbol is much higher than in the jackpot judgment of the first special symbol.

(Big win type determination table T2, T3)
The jackpot type determination tables T2 and T3 shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are tables that are referenced in the special symbol jackpot determination when a jackpot is determined and the game control microcomputer 61 performs the jackpot type determination. The jackpot type determination tables are configured by associating a predetermined number of jackpot type random values for each jackpot type (jackpot symbol type). The jackpot type random values are values generated by a jackpot type random number counter. The computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes this computer program, the jackpot type random number counter operates and generates jackpot type random values. The jackpot type random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot type random number counter counts a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it can generate a total of 100 jackpot type random values from 0 to 99.

Here, among the special symbols, the first special symbol is set to include two types of jackpot symbols 1-1 and 1-2 that indicate a jackpot (the occurrence of a jackpot game state), and at least one type of losing symbol that indicates neither a jackpot nor a minor win. Note that the first special symbol does not have a minor win symbol (indicating the occurrence of a minor win state). If the special symbol hit detection for the first special symbol determines a jackpot, the jackpot symbol (jackpot type) is determined based on the jackpot type determination table T2 shown in Figure 6(a). This determination of the jackpot symbol then determines the type of jackpot game state and the type of subsequent game states. Note that in each jackpot game state, the maximum opening time of the first large prize entry point 14a in each round is set to 30 seconds.

If the special symbol hit determination for the first special symbol is a jackpot, and the jackpot type determination for the first special symbol is made, and the random value for the jackpot type is within the range of 0 to 49 (50 percent), then "jackpot symbol 1-1" is determined as the jackpot symbol, a 3-round jackpot is determined as the type of jackpot game state (number of rounds), and it is determined that the game state after the jackpot game state will be shortened time 1. In this case, the shortened time game state (shortened time 1) ends when the occurrence of the jackpot game state is determined, the special symbol variation display is executed 10 times, or the normal symbol variation display is executed 50 times.
On the other hand, if the special symbol hit judgment for the first special symbol is a jackpot, and the jackpot type random value for the first special symbol is within the range of 50 to 99 (50 percent), then "jackpot symbols 1-2" are determined as the jackpot symbols, a 3-round jackpot is determined as the type of jackpot game state (number of rounds), and the game state after the jackpot game state is set to time-saving mode 2. In this case, the time-saving game state (time-saving mode 2) ends when the occurrence of the jackpot game state is determined, when the special symbol variation display is executed 10 times, or when the normal symbol variation display is executed 100 times.

Furthermore, the second special symbol set includes one type of jackpot symbol 2-1, which indicates a jackpot (the occurrence of a jackpot game state), and two types of minor win symbols a and b, which indicate a minor win (the occurrence of a minor win state). Note that the second special symbol does not include a losing symbol that indicates a loss (neither a jackpot nor a minor win). In other words, unlike the first special symbol, the second special symbol includes a minor win symbol but no losing symbols.

If the special symbol hit judgment of the second special symbol determines a jackpot, the jackpot symbol (jackpot type) is determined based on the jackpot type determination table T2 shown in Figure 6(b). This determination of the jackpot symbol determines the type of jackpot game state and the type of subsequent game state. In the jackpot game state, the upper limit of the opening time of the first jackpot entry point 14a in each round is set to 30 seconds. In this embodiment, if the special symbol hit judgment of the second special symbol is a jackpot, regardless of the value of the jackpot type random number within the range of 0 to 99 (100 percent), "jackpot symbol 2-1" is determined as the jackpot symbol, the type of jackpot game state (number of rounds) is determined to be a 10-round jackpot, and the game state after the jackpot game state is determined to be time-saving 2. In this case, the shortened play state (Shortened Play 2) ends when, as mentioned above, the occurrence of the jackpot play state is determined, or when the special symbol variation display is executed 10 times, or when the normal symbol variation display is executed 100 times.

(Table for determining the type of minor win)
The minor win type determination table T4 shown in Figure 7 is a table that is referenced when a minor win is determined to be a minor win in the special symbol win determination for the second special symbol, and the game control microcomputer 61 performs the determination of the type of minor win. The minor win type determination table T4 is configured by associating a predetermined number of minor win type random values for each minor win type (minor win symbol type). The minor win type random values are values generated by the minor win type random number counter. The computer program for operating the minor win type random number counter is stored in ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes this computer program, the minor win type random number counter operates and generates minor win type random values. The minor win type random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the minor win type random number counter counts a total of 100 values from 0 to 99. That is, it can generate a total of 100 minor win type random values from 0 to 99. In this embodiment, as described above, two types of minor winning symbols are set: "minor winning symbol a" and "minor winning symbol b".
In this embodiment, the number of rounds in the jackpot game state (Type 2 jackpot state) that occurs when a game ball passes through a specific area in the jackpot state is determined by the type of jackpot (jackpot symbol) determined by the game control microcomputer 61. Specifically, if the special symbol hit determination (jackpot determination) during the time-saving game state results in a jackpot and the special symbol is determined to be jackpot symbol a, a 3-round jackpot is set as the jackpot game state (Type 2 jackpot state). On the other hand, if the special symbol hit determination (jackpot determination) during the time-saving game state results in a jackpot and the special symbol is determined to be jackpot symbol b, a 10-round jackpot is set as the jackpot game state (Type 2 jackpot state).
In the minor win state, regardless of the type of minor win symbol, the second large prize slot 15a is opened for a predetermined time (1.8 seconds), and the game ball that enters the second large prize slot 15a is guided to a specific area. When the game ball passes through the specific area, this triggers a transition from the minor win state to the type 2 jackpot state (jackpot game state) (transition to the V-win state). In each round of this type 2 jackpot state (V-win state from the second round onwards), the first large prize slot 14a is opened. The upper limit of this opening time is set to 30 seconds, the same as in the type 1 jackpot state.

Regardless of whether the game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, if a minor win is determined in the special symbol win determination of the second special symbol, the microcomputer 61 for game control determines minor win symbol a as the minor win symbol if the random value of the minor win type is within the range of 0 to 49 (50 percent). Also, if the random value of the minor win type is within the range of 50 to 99 (50 percent), minor win symbol b is determined as the minor win symbol.
When the game progresses from a minor win state to a major win state (V-win state), a time-saving mode 2 occurs after the major win state (V-win state) ends. The conditions for ending this time-saving mode 2 are as described above. Specifically, it ends when the occurrence of a major win state is determined, when the special symbol variation display is executed 10 times, or when the normal symbol variation display is executed 100 times.

(Normal symbol win/loss determination table)
The normal symbol win/loss determination table T9 shown in Figure 8 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when performing normal symbol win/loss determination. The normal symbol win/loss determination table T9 is configured to associate normal symbol win random values with the determination results of normal symbol win determination. Normal symbol win random values are values generated by a normal symbol win random number counter. The computer program for operating the normal symbol win random number counter is stored in ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes this computer program, the normal symbol win random number counter operates and normal symbol win random values are generated. The normal symbol win random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. The normal symbol win random number counter of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 65,536 values from 0 to 65,535. In other words, it can generate a total of 65,536 normal symbol win random values from 0 to 65,535.

The regular symbol win/loss determination table T9 has values between 0 and 891 set as the random value for determining whether a regular symbol win occurs. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that a regular symbol win occurs if the random value obtained from the regular symbol win random number counter is within the range of 0 to 891, and if it is within the range of 892 to 65535, it determines that it is not a regular symbol win, i.e., a loss.

(Table for determining the type of drawing)
The regular symbol win type determination table T10 shown in Figure 9 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the operation pattern of the regular operating member 12b. The regular symbol win type determination table T10 assigns a regular symbol win type random value to each regular symbol win, and each win symbol is associated with the operation pattern of the regular operating member 12b (regular symbol operation pattern) in relation to the game state at the time of determination (non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, time-saving 2). The operation pattern of the regular operating member 12b includes information on the opening time of the second start port 12a (operation time of the regular operating member 12b).

The random number per unit is the value generated by the random number counter. The computer program for operating the random number counter is stored in ROM 63. The CPU 62 executes this program, causing the random number counter to operate and generate the random number per unit. The random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the random number counter counts a total of 233 values from 0 to 232. That is, it can generate a total of 233 random number per unit from 0 to 232.

In this embodiment of the pachinko game machine 1, two types of operating patterns are set for the normal operating member 12b: a first operating pattern FS1 and a second operating pattern FS2. The first operating pattern FS1 is an operating pattern that energizes the normal electric solenoid 12d for only 0.07 seconds (70 ms) (activating the normal operating member 12b to open the second starting opening 12a). In this case, even if a game ball lands on the normal operating member 12b in the ball-entry-allowing position, it immediately returns to the ball-entry-blocking position and does not reach the second starting opening 12a. In contrast, the second operating pattern FS2 is an operating pattern that energizes the normal electric solenoid 12d for 2.7 seconds (2700 ms). Therefore, a game ball that lands on the normal operating member 12b in the ball-entry-allowing position may roll to the second starting opening 12a and enter the game.

As shown in Figure 9, when the normal symbol win determination is successful, if the normal symbol win type random value is within the range of 0 to 154, symbol hz1 is determined as the normal symbol win, and if the normal symbol win type random value is within the range of 155 to 232, symbol hz2 is determined as the normal symbol win. If the game state at the time the normal symbol win determination is made is a non-time-saving game state, regardless of whether the normal symbol win is symbol hz1 or symbol hz2, the first operation pattern FS1 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b. On the other hand, if the game state at the time the normal symbol win determination is made is time-saving 1, if the normal symbol win is symbol hz1, the first operation pattern FS1 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b, and if it is symbol hz2, the second operation pattern FS2 is determined as the operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b. On the other hand, if the game state at the time of the regular symbol win determination is time-saving mode 2, then regardless of whether the winning symbol among the regular symbols is symbol Hz1 or symbol Hz2, the second operating pattern FS2 is determined as the operating pattern of the regular operating member 12b.

As described above, the game control microcomputer 61 determines multiple types of operation patterns for the normal operating member 12b based on different determination probabilities for the non-time-saving game state and time-saving 1 and time-saving 2. Here, controlling the game control microcomputer 61 to determine an operation pattern (second operation pattern FS2) with a longer opening time for the second start port 12a with a higher probability in the time-saving game state (time-saving 1 and time-saving 2) than in the non-time-saving game state corresponds to the electric support control (by the opening time extension function) described above.
Furthermore, the microcomputer 61 for game control determines an operating pattern (second operating pattern FS2) in the time-saving mode 2 in which the opening time of the second start port 12a is longer with a higher probability than in time-saving mode 1.

(Normal diagram variation pattern selection table T11)
The regular symbol variation pattern selection table T11 shown in Figure 10 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the variation pattern (variation time of the regular symbol) related to the variation display of the regular symbols.

The random number values of the universal pattern are the values generated by the universal pattern random number counter. The computer program for operating the universal pattern random number counter is stored in ROM 63. The CPU 62 executes this computer program, causing the universal pattern random number counter to operate and generate the universal pattern random numbers. The universal pattern random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the universal pattern random number counter counts a total of 100 values from 0 to 99. That is, it can generate a total of 100 universal pattern random numbers from 0 to 99.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines a normal figure variation pattern FP1 with a variation time of 111 seconds (111,000 ms) if the normal figure hit judgment during a non-time-saving game state is a hit and the normal figure variation pattern random value is within the range of 0 to 49, and determines a normal figure variation pattern FP2 with a variation time of 92 seconds (92,000 ms) if it is within the range of 50 to 99. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 determines a normal figure variation pattern FP3 with a variation time of 111 seconds (111,000 ms) if the normal figure hit judgment during a non-time-saving game state is a miss and the normal figure variation pattern random value is within the range of 0 to 49, and determines a normal figure variation pattern FP4 with a variation time of 92 seconds (92,000 ms) if it is within the range of 50 to 99.
In response, the microcomputer 61 for game control determines the normal pattern variation pattern FP5 with a variation time of 3 seconds (3000ms) if the normal pattern hit judgment during the time-saving game state is a hit and the normal pattern variation pattern random value is within the range of 0 to 49, and determines the normal pattern variation pattern FP6 with a variation time of 1 second (1000ms) if it is within the range of 50 to 99. Also, the microcomputer 61 for game control determines the normal pattern variation pattern FP7 with a variation time of 3 seconds (3000ms) if the normal pattern hit judgment during the time-saving game state is a miss and the normal pattern variation pattern random value is within the range of 0 to 49, and determines the normal pattern variation pattern FP8 with a variation time of 1 second (1000ms) if it is within the range of 50 to 99.
In other words, the normal ball movement pattern that can be selected during non-time-saving gameplay is long duration, and the normal ball movement pattern that can be selected during time-saving gameplay is short duration. Here, as normal ball movement patterns per normal ball that can be selected during time-saving gameplay, there are two normal ball movement patterns provided: FP6, which changes the normal operating member 12b from the normal position to the auxiliary position just before the game ball that has passed through gate 13 reaches the height position of the normal operating member 12b (the region where the ball rolling path R is formed when it is in the auxiliary position); and FP5, which changes the normal operating member 12b from the normal position to the auxiliary position just after the game ball that has passed through gate 13 has passed the height position of the normal operating member 12b (the region where the ball rolling path R is formed when it is in the auxiliary position).

[Main processing of the microcontroller 61 for game control]
Next, the main processes performed by the game control microcontroller 61 will be explained with reference to the diagram.

(Main control processing)
First, please refer to Figure 11 and explain the contents of the main control processing.
When the power to the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the microcontroller 61 for game control reads the computer program for the main control processing from the ROM 63 and executes it. The microcontroller 61 for game control first performs initial settings (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, the stack is set, constants are set, interrupt times are set, the CPU 62 is set, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interrupt times) is set, various flags, counters and timers are reset, etc. Subsequently, the microcontroller 61 for game control performs interrupt disabling (S2) and executes the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S3). In this normal and special symbol main random number update process, the initial values of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, minor win type random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number, normal symbol jackpot random number, normal symbol jackpot type random number, and normal symbol variation pattern random number are each updated by adding "1". When the count value of each random number counter reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and "1" is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Alternatively, the count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a value of "2" or more. Furthermore, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC, etc. When using this hardware random number, the software random number update process (S3) is not necessary.

Next, the game control microcontroller 61 executes interrupt enablement (S4). While interrupts are enabled, the main timer interrupt processing (S5) can be executed. The main timer interrupt processing (S5) is executed based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62, for example, at a 4ms cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4ms cycle. Then, between the completion of the main timer interrupt processing (S5) and the start of the next main timer interrupt processing (S5), the initial value update processing for various counters by the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S3) is executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 while interrupts are disabled, the main timer interrupt processing (S5) will not start immediately, but will start only after interrupt enablement (S4) is executed.

(Main timer interrupt processing)
Next, referring to Figure 12, the main-side timer interrupt processing (S5) will be explained.
The microcontroller 61 for game control performs output processing (S10). In this output processing, commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 are output to the sub-control board 100, the payout control board 73, etc., for each of the processes described below. Next, the microcontroller 61 for game control performs input processing (S11). In this input processing, it mainly reads the detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the pachinko game machine 1 (first start gate sensor 10b, second start gate sensor 12c, gate sensor 13a, first large prize gate sensor 14c, second large prize gate sensor 15c, specific area sensor 55a, general prize gate sensor 11b, etc.). Next, the microcontroller 61 for game control performs timer update processing (S12). In this timer update processing, the subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (subtracted). Next, the microcontroller 61 for game control performs prize ball control processing (S13). In this prize ball control process, based on the detection signals from various sensors read in the input process (S11), a payout command for dispensing prize balls according to the type of prize slot is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64. The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process in Figure 11. In other words, the initial value update process for each random number counter is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) until the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S5)).

Next, the microcomputer 61 for game control sequentially executes the sensor detection process (S15), normal operation process (S16), special symbol standby process (S17), and special symbol-related process (S18), which will be described later, and then executes other processes (S19) to terminate the main-side timer interrupt process. Other processes (S19) include abnormality determination processes that determine whether an abnormal state has occurred in the pachinko game machine 1. For example, abnormality determination processes include illegal ball entry detection processes that detect illegal ball entry, magnetic detection processes that detect illegal magnetism, door opening processes that detect the opening of the front frame 18 or inner frame, radio wave detection processes that detect illegal radio waves, and shock detection processes that detect shocks (vibrations). In addition, other processes control the first special symbol hold indicator 51a to display the number based on the number of first special symbols held, or control the second special symbol hold indicator 52a to display the number based on the number of second special symbols held. Then, until an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, the main control process S2 to S4 is repeatedly executed. When an interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4ms later), the main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the newly executed main timer interrupt process, the commands and other information set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 during the previous main timer interrupt process (S5) are output to the designated board.

(Pattern sensor detection process)
Next, referring to Figure 13, the pattern sensor detection process (S15) will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not a game ball has passed through gate 13 (S30). The gate sensor 13a detects whether or not a game ball has passed through gate 13. If it is determined that a game ball has passed through gate 13 (S30: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes gate passage processing (S31). In this gate passage processing, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved regular symbols is 4 or more. If the number of reserved regular symbols is not 4 or more, "1" is added to the number of reserved regular symbols, and a random number for drawing regular symbols is obtained and stored.

After the completion of S31, or if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through gate 13 (S30: No), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the second start opening 12a (S32). The entry of the game ball into the second start opening 12a is detected by the second start opening sensor 12c. If the game ball has not entered the second start opening 12a (S32: No), the process proceeds to S38. However, if it is determined that the game ball has entered the second start opening 12a (S32: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the second special symbol reserve count U2 has reached the upper limit of "4" (S33). If the number of reserved symbols in the second special symbol, U2, has reached its upper limit of "4" (S33: Yes), the process proceeds to S38. However, if the number of reserved symbols in the second special symbol, U2, has not reached "4" (S33: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the number of reserved symbols in the second special symbol, U2 (S34). This fulfills the condition for the variable reserved symbols in the second special symbol.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol-related random number acquisition process (S35). This process acquires the jackpot random number, the jackpot type random number, the minor win type random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number. Each of these acquired random numbers is then stored in the memory area of the second special symbol reserve storage unit 64b, corresponding to the current number of second special symbol reserves. For example, if the current number of second special symbol reserves is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth memory area.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the process of creating the second start-up prize command (S36). In this process, the second start-up prize command is created based on the random number group acquired in S35. This second start-up prize command consists of data indicating that a game ball has entered the second start-up opening 12a, data indicating the random numbers acquired in S35, and so on. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start-up prize command created in S36 into the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S37). This set second start-up prize command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the performance based on the random numbers included in the second start-up prize command.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the first start opening 10a (S38). The entry of a game ball into the first start opening 10a is detected by the first start opening sensor 10b. If the game ball has not entered the first start opening 10a (S38: No), the sensor detection process ends. However, if it is determined that the game ball has entered the first start opening 10a (S38: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the number of reserved first special symbols U1 has reached the upper limit of "4" (S39). If the number of reserved first special symbols U1 has reached "4" (S39: Yes), the sensor detection process ends. However, if the number of reserved first special symbols U1 has not reached "4" (S39: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the number of reserved first special symbols U1 (S40). This fulfills the condition for the variable reserved first special symbol.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special symbol-related random number acquisition process (S41). This process acquires the jackpot random number, the jackpot type random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number. Each of these acquired random numbers is then stored in the memory area of the first special symbol reserve storage unit 64a, corresponding to the current number of first special symbol reserves. For example, if the current number of first special symbol reserves is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth memory area.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first start-winning command creation process (S42). In this first start-winning command creation process, the first start-winning command is created based on the random number groups stored in the first special symbol hold memory unit 64a in S41. This first start-winning command consists of data indicating that a game ball has entered the first start-up opening 10a, data indicating the random numbers stored in the first special symbol hold memory unit 64a in S41, and so on. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start-winning command created in S42 into the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S43). This set first start-winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the performance based on the random numbers included in the first start-winning command.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the normal operation process (S16) will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not auxiliary gameplay is in progress (operation of the normal operating member 12b) (S50). If it determines that auxiliary gameplay is not in progress (S50: No), it determines whether or not the normal symbols are in stop display (confirmation display) (S51). If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the normal symbols are not in stop display (S51: No), it determines whether or not the normal symbols are in fluctuation display (S52). If it determines that the normal symbols are not in fluctuation display (S52: No), it determines whether or not the number of normal symbols held V is "0" (S53). If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the number of normal symbols held V is "0" (S53: Yes), it finishes the normal operation process.

Furthermore, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S53 that the number of reserved regular symbols V is not "0" (S53: No), it performs a regular symbol win determination process (S54-1). In this regular symbol win determination process (S54-1), a regular symbol win determination is performed based on the relationship between the acquired regular symbol win random value and the regular symbol win/failure determination table T9, and it is determined whether or not it is a regular symbol win. If this regular symbol win determination is a win, a regular symbol determination process (including the regular symbol win type determination process) is performed based on the relationship between the regular symbol win type random value and the regular symbol win type determination table T10, and the regular symbol stop symbol data corresponding to the result of the regular symbol win determination (determined regular symbol) is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 64 (S54-2). In other words, in the regular symbol determination process (S54-2), if the result is a "miss," data corresponding to the "regular losing symbol" is set. If the result is a "win," the winning regular winning symbol (regular symbol Hz1 or regular symbol Hz2) is determined, and data corresponding to that determined regular symbol is set.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a normal symbol variation time (normal symbol variation pattern) determination process based on the relationship between the acquired normal symbol variation pattern random value and the normal symbol variation pattern selection table T11 (S54-3). In the normal symbol variation time determination process (S54-3), the normal symbol variation time (normal symbol variation pattern) is selected based on the relationship between whether the game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, whether the normal symbol win judgment resulted in a win, and the value of the normal symbol variation pattern random value.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved regular symbols V (S54-4), shifts the storage location (storage area) of each reserved regular symbol in the regular symbol reserved memory unit 64c by one position from its current position towards the reading side, and clears the storage area corresponding to the fourth reserved symbol in the regular symbol reserved memory unit 64c (the storage area furthest from the reading side) (S54-5). In this way, the reserved regular symbols are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 starts displaying the regular symbols according to the regular symbol variation pattern selected in S54-3 (S54-6). Accordingly, a regular symbol variation start command is set on the sub-control board 100 to inform it of the start of the regular symbol variation and the result of the variation display (the type of regular symbol to stop and display). This regular symbol variation start command includes the success or failure of the regular symbol hit judgment, the stopped symbol, and the regular symbol variation time determined in S54-1, S54-2, and S54-3.

Furthermore, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S52 that the display of the regular symbols is in progress (S52: Yes), it determines whether the display time for the regular symbols has ended (S55-1). If it determines that it has not ended (S55-1: No), it terminates the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it determines that it has ended (S55-1: Yes), it stops the display of the regular symbols with the display result (regular winning symbol or regular losing symbol) corresponding to the result of the regular symbol win determination or regular symbol win type determination (S55-2). Then, it sets a regular symbol change stop command (regular symbol change stop command) to the sub-control board 100 to inform it that the regular symbol change has stopped (S55-3), sets the stop time for the regular symbols (S55-4), and terminates the normal operation process.

Furthermore, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S51 that the normal symbols are currently stopped (S51: Yes), it determines in S56 whether the normal symbol stop time has ended. If it determines that it has not ended (S56: No), it terminates the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it determines that it has ended (S56: Yes), it executes the normal symbol condition confirmation process (S57). This normal symbol condition confirmation process is executed at the end of the normal symbol variation display during the time-saving game state. It counts the number of times the normal symbol variation display has been executed during the time-saving game state and confirms whether the termination condition for the time-saving game state based on the number of normal symbol variations has been met.

Let's refer to Figure 15 here and explain the normal diagram condition confirmation process (S57 in Figure 14). First, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the time-saving flag is ON or OFF (S57-1). If the time-saving flag is OFF, i.e., the game is not in a time-saving state (S57-1: No), the normal condition confirmation process ends. On the other hand, if the time-saving flag is ON, i.e., the game is in a time-saving state (S57-1: Yes), the value of the normal diagram variation counter set in the game state management process at the end of the jackpot game state (Figure 19, described later) is deducted by 1 (S57-2). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the value of the normal diagram variation counter has become 0, i.e., whether the termination condition for the time-saving game state based on the number of normal diagram variations has been met (S57-3). If the value of the regular graph fluctuation counter is determined to be 0 (S57-3: Yes), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S57-4), and the process proceeds to S57-5. Conversely, if the value of the regular graph fluctuation counter is determined to be 1 or greater (S57-3: No), the process proceeds to S57-5 while keeping the time-saving flag ON.
Then, in S57-5, the microcomputer 61 for game control sets a game state specification command containing information about the current game state (non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, or time-saving 2) into the output buffer of the RAM 64, and terminates the general condition confirmation process.
In this embodiment, the game state specification command includes, as information about the game state, one of the following: non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state, jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state), or minor jackpot state. The game state specification command that can be set in S57-5 (when a predetermined stop time has elapsed from the end of the display of the normal symbols) is basically a command that includes information about one of the game states: non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, or time-saving 2. The game state specification command set in the output buffer of RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output processing of the main-side timer interrupt processing (S10).

Returning to Figure 14, after the completion of the normal symbol condition confirmation process (S57), the microcomputer 61 for game control determines whether or not the normal symbol stop symbol data for a normal winning symbol is set, that is, whether or not it is a win (S58-1). If it is determined that it is not a win (S58-1: No), it terminates the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a win (S58-1: Yes), it determines whether or not it is in a time-saving game state (S58-2). If it is determined that it is in a time-saving game state (S58-2: Yes), it executes the normal operation pattern determination process (time-saving) (S58-3). Conversely, if it is determined that it is a win (S58-1: Yes) and that it is not in a time-saving game state (S58-2: No), it executes the normal operation pattern determination process (non-time-saving) (S58-4).

In the normal operation pattern determination process (time-saving) in S58-3, the game control microcomputer 61 determines the normal operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b based on the item corresponding to the current time-saving game state among "Time-Saving 1" and "Time-Saving 2" in the normal drawing win type determination table T10 (Figure 9) mentioned above. Then, in the following S58-5, the operation pattern is set and auxiliary game (operation of the normal operating member 12b) is started. As a result, if the normal drawing win determination result is a win, the second start opening 12a is opened for 0.07 seconds (70ms) or 2.7 seconds (2700ms) if time-saving 1 is active, and the second start opening 12a is opened for 2.7 seconds (2700ms) if time-saving 2 is active. Then, the normal operation process ends.
In contrast, in the normal operation pattern determination process (non-time-saving) of S58-4, the normal operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b is determined based on the "non-time-saving" item in the normal drawing win type determination table T10 (Figure 9) mentioned above. Then, in the following S58-5, the operation pattern is set and auxiliary gameplay (operation of the normal operating member 12b) is started. As a result, if the normal drawing win determination result is a win during the non-time-saving gameplay state, the second start opening 12a is opened for 0.07 seconds (70 ms). Then, the normal operation process ends.

Furthermore, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S50 above that auxiliary gameplay is in progress (normal operating member 12b is operating) (S50: Yes), it determines whether the termination condition for auxiliary gameplay (termination condition for normal operating member 12b) has been satisfied (S59-1). Here, the termination condition refers to the operation time termination condition, which is the completion of the operation time for each operation pattern set in S58-3 or S58-4, or the specified number of balls entered, which is the specified number of balls entered into the second start port 12a.
If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the operation termination condition is not met (S59-1: No), it terminates the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it determines that the condition is met (S59-1: Yes), it terminates the auxiliary game (operation of the normal operating member 12b) (S59-2) and terminates the normal operation process.

(Special symbol waiting process)
Next, with reference to Figure 16, the special symbol waiting process (S17) will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether it is measuring either the variation time or the stop time of the special symbol (S60). If it is measuring (S60: Yes), it terminates the special symbol waiting process. On the other hand, if it is not measuring either the variation time or the stop time of the special symbol (S60: No), it proceeds to S61. In S61, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the number of reserved second special symbols U2 is "0". If it determines that it is not "0" (S61: No), that is, if the start condition for the variation display of the second special symbol is met, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol hit determination process (S62) described later, and then executes the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (S63) to determine the special symbol variation pattern for the variation display of the second special symbol. In the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (S63), the special symbol variation pattern is determined by referring to the special symbol variation pattern selection table (not shown) based on whether the time-saving flag (described later) is ON or OFF (whether or not the time-saving game state is active), whether or not the jackpot flag is ON or OFF (whether or not a jackpot has been won), and whether or not the minor jackpot flag is ON or OFF (whether or not a minor jackpot has been won). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special symbol reserve number U2 (S64), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reserve storage unit 64b one by one to the memory area with the older storage order, that is, the side that will be read (S65). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation start process (S66). In this second special symbol variation start process, the special symbol variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the second special symbol display 52 starts displaying the variation of the second special symbol. The special symbol variation start command set in the output buffer of RAM 64 includes the data of the special symbol stop symbols set in the second special symbol hit determination process (Figure 17) described later, and the data of the second special symbol variation pattern set in the second special symbol variation pattern selection process. After the execution of S66, the game control microcomputer 61 terminates the special symbol waiting process.

Furthermore, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S61 above that the number of reserved symbols for the second special symbol U2 is "0" (S61: Yes), it determines whether the number of reserved symbols for the first special symbol U1 is "0" (S67). If it determines that it is not "0" (S67: No), that is, if the starting condition for the display of the variation of the first special symbol is met, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special symbol hit determination process (S68) described later, and then executes the first special symbol variation pattern selection process (S69) to determine the special symbol variation pattern for the display of the variation of the first special symbol. In the first special symbol variation pattern selection process (S69), the special symbol variation pattern is determined by referring to a special symbol variation pattern selection table (not shown) based on whether the time-saving flag described later is ON or OFF (whether or not it is in a time-saving game state), whether or not the jackpot flag is ON or OFF (whether or not a jackpot has been won), and whether or not the minor jackpot flag is ON or OFF (whether or not a minor jackpot has been won). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the number of reserved special symbols U2 (S70), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the first special symbol reserved memory unit 64a one by one to the memory area with the oldest storage order, i.e., the side to be read (S71). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special symbol variation start process (S72). In this first special symbol variation start process, the special symbol variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the first special symbol display 51 starts displaying the variation of the first special symbol. The special symbol variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special symbol stop symbol set in the first special symbol hit determination process (Figure 17), which will be described later, and the data of the first special symbol variation pattern set in the first special symbol variation pattern selection process. After the execution of S72, the game control microcomputer 61 terminates the special symbol waiting process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved special symbols U1 is "0" (S67: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the system is in a standby state (S73). The standby state refers to a state in which the system is not in a jackpot game state, the special symbols are not changing, and the number of reserved special symbols is zero. More specifically, in addition to the above conditions, the standby state occurs when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the special symbols (or performance symbols) stopped (confirmed display). If it is determined that the system is in a standby state (S73: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 terminates the special symbol standby process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the system is not in a standby state (S73: No), the game control microcomputer 61 executes the standby screen setting process (S74). In this standby screen setting process, a predetermined waiting time is measured, and after this waiting time has elapsed, a customer waiting command to display the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64. After that, the microcomputer 61 for game control terminates the special symbol standby process.
Thus, in this embodiment, the display of the first special symbol variation is performed only when the number of reserved second special symbols U2 is "0" (S61: Yes). In other words, the consumption of reserved second special symbols is performed in priority to the consumption of reserved first special symbols.

(Special hit detection process)
Next, with reference to Figure 17, the second special symbol hit detection process (S61) and the first special symbol hit detection process (S67) will be explained. Note that the second special symbol hit detection process and the first special symbol hit detection process have the same processing flow, so they will be explained together.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first memory area of the special symbol hold memory section of the RAM 64 (S80) and refers to the win/failure judgment table (win/failure judgment table T1 in this example) (S81). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the range of random values (judgment values) corresponding to jackpots in the win/failure judgment table T1 and determines whether a random value identical to the jackpot random number read in S80 exists, that is, whether it is a jackpot or not (S82).

If a jackpot is determined (S82: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag to indicate that a jackpot has been determined (S83). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot type random number stored in the first memory area of the special symbol hold memory unit, refers to the jackpot type determination table (in this example, jackpot type determination tables T2 and T3) which contains multiple jackpot types, and determines the type of jackpot (S84). Depending on the type of jackpot, the jackpot symbol in the special symbol display, the stopping symbol in the special symbol display, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, and the jackpot animation symbols differ. Furthermore, the type of jackpot also determines the maximum number of times the special symbol variation display will occur during the time-saving game state. Afterward, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special symbol stop symbol data for stopping and displaying (confirming) the jackpot symbol in the special symbol display according to the type of jackpot determined in S84 into the special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S88), and terminates this process.

On the other hand, if it is not determined to be a big win (S82: No), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the range of random numbers corresponding to small wins in the win/failure determination table T1 and determines whether there is a random number that is the same as the big win random number read in S80, that is, whether it is a small win or not (S85). As mentioned above, it is possible to not win a small win in the first special symbol lottery but to win a small win in the second special symbol lottery. If it is determined to be a small win (S85: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns ON the small win flag to indicate that it has been determined to be a small win (S86). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 reads the small win type random number stored in the first memory area of the special symbol hold memory unit, refers to the small win type determination table T4 which has multiple small win types set, and determines the type of small win (S87). Depending on the type of small win, the small win symbols of the special symbols, the stopping symbols of the special symbols, the distribution rate, the small win effect symbols, etc. will differ. Furthermore, depending on the type of minor win, the presence or absence of a jackpot game state upon passing through a specific area, the continuation of the time-saving game state, and the termination of the time-saving game state are also determined. Afterward, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special symbol stop symbol data, which is used to stop and display (confirm display) the minor win symbol of the special symbol according to the type of minor win determined in S87, into the special symbol buffer provided in RAM 64 (S88), and terminates this process.

On the other hand, if a minor win is not determined (S85: No), i.e., if a loss is determined, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special symbol stop symbol data for displaying the losing symbol in the special symbol buffer (S88), and terminates this process.

(Special design related processing)
Next, with reference to Figure 18, the special pattern-related processing (S18) will be explained.
First, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether it is the end of the measurement of the variation time of the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) (the time corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern set in S98) (S110). If it determines that it is the end of the variation time (S110: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 displays the stopped special symbol corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol data set in S88 (confirming the display of the variation of the special symbol) (S111-1), and sets a special symbol variation stop command (a variation stop command for special symbols) in the output buffer provided in RAM 64 (S111-2). It also starts measuring the stop time of the special symbols (S111-3). After the completion of S111-3, the game control microcomputer 61 terminates the special symbol-related processing.

On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S110 that it is not the end of the special symbol variation time (S110: No), it determines whether it is the end of the measurement of the special symbol stop time that was started in S111-3 (S112). If it determines that it is the end of the stop time (S112: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes the game state management process described later (S113). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON or OFF (S114-1), and if it determines that it is ON (S114-1: Yes), it executes the game state reset process (S114-2). In this game state reset process, it determines whether the time-saving flag is ON or OFF, and if it determines that it is ON, it turns the time-saving flag OFF.

The game control microcomputer 61, if it determines in S112 that the special symbol's stop time has not ended (S112: No), determines whether the game state is a jackpot state (Type 1 jackpot state or V jackpot state) (S115-1). The game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game state is a jackpot state, for example, if the jackpot flag is ON and neither the special symbol's variation time nor stop time has been measured. If it determines in S115-1 that the game state is a jackpot state (S115-1: Yes), it executes the special electric mechanism processing (described later) related to the Type 1 jackpot state or V jackpot state (from the second round onwards in the Type 2 jackpot state) (S115-2). After the completion of S115-2, the special symbol-related processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S115-1 that the game is not in a jackpot state (S115-1: No), it proceeds to S116-1 without going through S115-2, and determines whether the game state is a minor win state. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game is in a minor win state, for example, if the minor win flag is ON and neither the special symbol variation time nor the stop time has been measured. If it determines in S116-1 that the game is in a minor win state (S116-1: Yes), it executes the special electric mechanism processing related to the minor win state (described later) (S116-2). After the completion of S116-2, the special symbol-related processing is terminated.

(Game state management processing)
Next, with reference to Figure 19, the contents of the game state management process (S113) will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the time-saving game state is active or not by checking whether the time-saving flag is ON or OFF (S113-1). If it is determined that the time-saving flag is OFF (S113-1: No), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S113-7, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON (S113-1: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 deducts 1 from the value of the special symbol variation counter, which counts the number of variations of the special symbol variation display (first special symbol, second special symbol) during the time-saving game state (S113-2). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the value of the special symbol variation counter after the deduction has become "0" (S113-3). Then, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the value of the special symbol variation counter after subtracting 1 has become "0" (S113-3: Yes), it turns off the time-saving flag (S113-4), sets a game state specification command containing information about the current game state (non-time-saving game state) in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S113-5), and terminates the game state management process. On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S113-3 above that the value of the special symbol variation counter after subtracting 1 is not "0" (S113-3: No), it does not turn off the time-saving flag, sets a game state specification command containing information about the current game state (time-saving 1 or time-saving 2) in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S113-5), and terminates the game state management process.

In this embodiment, the game state specification command includes, as information about the game state, one of the following: non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state, jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state), or minor jackpot state. The game state specification command that can be set in S113-5 (when a predetermined stop time has elapsed from the end of the special symbol variation display) is one of the following: non-time-saving game state, time-saving 1, time-saving 2, jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state), or minor jackpot state. The game state specification command set in the output buffer of RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output processing of the main-side timer interrupt processing (S10). The value of the special symbol variation counter is decremented by 1 each time a special symbol variation is consumed, and when the value of the special symbol variation counter becomes "0", the time-saving game state ends with the end of the current symbol variation. In this embodiment, in addition to the termination condition based on the number of special symbol variations, there is also a termination condition based on the number of normal symbol variations. Specifically, during the time-saving game state, the game ends when the number of special symbol variations reaches the termination condition (10 times), or when the number of normal symbol variations reaches the termination condition (50 or 100 times).

(Special electric mechanism processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V-win state))
Next, referring to Figure 20, the contents of the special electric mechanism processing (S115-2) related to the Type 1 jackpot state or V jackpot state will be explained. The game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric mechanism processing shown in Figure 20 during the period when the special symbols are neither being displayed in a variable state nor stopped, and when the jackpot flag is ON.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes the following during special electric mechanism processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state): jackpot opening setting (S117-1), jackpot round setting (S117-2), jackpot ending setting (S117-3), etc. In the jackpot opening setting (S117-1), the game control microcomputer 61 sets commands (opening command (jackpot start command), opening end command) indicating the start and end timings of the opening period (jackpot opening) of the jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state) in the output buffer of the RAM 64. Furthermore, in the jackpot round setting (S117-2), the game control microcomputer 61 sets commands (round start command (open command), round end command (close command)) indicating the start and end timings of the round period (round performance) of the jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state) in the output buffer of the RAM 64. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 performs processes such as setting commands (ending command, ending end command (jackpot end command)) indicating the start and end timings of the ending period (jackpot ending) for the jackpot game state (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state) in the output buffer of RAM 64 during the jackpot ending setting (S117-3).

Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the execution time of the jackpot opening and jackpot ending in a predetermined timer and measures it in the aforementioned jackpot opening and jackpot ending settings. Also, in the aforementioned jackpot round settings, the game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the first large prize slot 14a in an operation pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot game state. Then, during the round game, when the maximum number of game balls enter the first large prize slot 14a, or when a predetermined time has elapsed, the game control microcomputer 61 closes the first large prize slot 14a and ends the round game. The game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the first large prize slot 14a for a number of rounds determined for each type of jackpot game state. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 decrements the value of the special electric power activation counter by 1 each time a round of gameplay is started. When the value of the special electric power activation counter reaches "0", after the round of gameplay ends, it sets the ending command in the output buffer of the RAM 64 for the jackpot ending setting and outputs it.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not it is the end of the jackpot game state (the end of the jackpot ending) (S117-4). If it determines that it is not the end of the jackpot game state (S117-4: No), it terminates the special electric mechanism processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state). On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S117-4 that it is the end of the jackpot game state (S117-4: Yes), it executes the processes in S117-5 to S117-8. Here, the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the jackpot flag in S117-5, turns on the time-saving flag in the following S117-6, and then in S117-7 sets the value of the special symbol variation counter for counting the number of special symbol variations during the time-saving game state to 10, and sets the value of the normal symbol variation counter for counting the number of normal symbol variations during the time-saving game state to 50 (in the case of time-saving 1) or 100 (in the case of time-saving 2). Then, in S117-8, it sets the game state specification command in the output buffer of RAM 64 and terminates the special electric mechanism processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V-win state).

Then, the microcomputer 61 for game control terminates the special symbol-related processing upon completion of the special electric mechanism processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V-win state).

(Special electric mechanism processing (minor win state))
Next, with reference to Figure 21, the special electric mechanism processing (S116-2) related to the minor win state will be explained. The game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric mechanism processing (minor win) shown in Figure 21 in order to open the second large prize opening 15a based on the minor win. Note that the special electric mechanism processing (minor win state) in this embodiment is executed in relation to the second special symbol, so the explanation will be based on the second special symbol.

The microcomputer 61 for game control executes the following during special electric bonus processing (minor bonus state): minor bonus opening setting (S119-1), minor bonus release setting (S119-2), etc.
The microcomputer 61 for game control performs the following processes in the mini-win opening setting (S119-1): setting commands (opening command (mini-win start command), opening end command) that indicate the start and end timings of the opening period of the mini-win state (mini-win opening) in the output buffer of the RAM 64. The mini-win opening is a performance that celebrates the occurrence of a mini-win by displaying a performance image on the performance display device 7 or playing a song celebrating the occurrence of a mini-win from each speaker 8. In the mini-win opening setting, the execution time of the mini-win opening is set in a predetermined timer and measured.

Furthermore, in the minor win opening setting (S119-2), the microcomputer 61 for game control drives and controls the second special electric solenoid 15d in accordance with the already determined start timing of the second special operating member 15b (or the start timing of the minor win state) and the end timing of the second special operating member 15b (or the end timing of the minor win state). It also performs processing such as setting commands (open command, close command) indicating the determined start and end timings into the output buffer of the RAM 64.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through a specific area (S119-4). The passage of the game ball through the specific area is detected by the specific area sensor 55a. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the specific area (S119-3: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag (S119-4). Next, it sets a game state specification command containing information indicating that the game state is set to V-win state in the output buffer of the RAM 64 as a game state specification command containing information about the game state (S119-5). This game state specification command is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output processing of the main-side timer interrupt processing (S10). As a result, in the pachinko machine 1, even if a game ball passes through a specific area while the second large prize entry opening 15a is open, control can be executed to develop the minor prize game state into a two-type jackpot state (start the V-win state), just as if a jackpot had been determined in the special symbol win judgment.

If S119-3 is determined to be negative (S119-3: No) or after the completion of S119-5, the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S119-6. In S119-6, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the closing condition for the second large prize opening 15a based on the winning of a minor prize has been met. The closing condition for the second large prize opening 15a based on the winning of a minor prize is that the maximum number of game balls have entered the second large prize opening 15a since it opened, or that the opening time specified in the opening pattern corresponding to the winning minor prize has elapsed. If it is determined that the closing condition for the second large prize opening 15a has been met (S119-6: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns OFF the minor prize flag (S119-7) and terminates the special electric mechanism processing (minor prize game state). On the other hand, if it is determined that the closing condition for the second large prize opening 15a is not met (S119-6: No), the special electric prize mechanism processing (minor win game state) is terminated without going through S119-7.

As described above, the game control microcomputer 61 functions as a "determination means (start determination means)" that performs a special symbol win determination (start ball entry determination, win/fail determination) that can determine whether or not to generate a big win state or a small win state (the period during which balls can enter the first big prize entry point 14a and the second big prize entry point 15a) when a game ball enters the first start entry point 10a or the second start entry point 12a. The game control microcomputer 61 also functions as a "drive control means" that controls the first special electric solenoid 14d and the second special electric solenoid 15d to change the first special operating member 14b and the second special operating member 15b from a ball entry blocking position to a ball entry allowing position based on the result of the special symbol win determination (start ball entry determination, win/fail determination) (by the start determination means). Furthermore, the microcomputer 61 for game control (start determination means) is set so that the special symbol win determination, which is performed when a game ball enters the second start opening 12a (variable start opening) during the time-saving game state (easy ball entry state), always results in the occurrence of a big win game state or a small win state (ball entry period).
Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 functions as a "determination means (operation determination means)" that, triggered by the passage (entry) of a game ball into the gate 13 (operation opening), executes a general hit determination (operation entry determination, hit/fail determination) that determines whether or not to open the second start opening 12a (variable start opening), which is a type of start opening whose form changes whether or not a game ball can enter, for a long period of time (2.7 seconds) (specific state) in which a game ball can enter.The game control microcomputer 61 also functions as a "drive control means" that controls the general electric solenoid 12d (drive source) to change the general operating member 12b (operating member) from the normal position to the auxiliary position based on the result of the general hit determination (operation entry determination, hit/fail determination) (by the operation determination means).
Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 functions as a "generating means" that generates a time-saving game state (easy ball entry state) in which a long-duration (2.7-second) open state (specific state) at the second start opening 12a is more likely to occur than a non-time-saving game state (normal game state). The game control microcomputer 61 (generating means) can generate multiple types of easy ball entry states (time-saving 1 and time-saving 2) in which the number of times the normal symbols are displayed as a condition for ending the time-saving game state differs. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 (generating means) can generate multiple types of easy ball entry states (time-saving 1 and time-saving 2) in which the probability of operating the normal operating member 12b so that a long-duration (2.7-second) open state (specific state) at the second start opening 12a occurs (winning a favorable win with the normal symbols) differs.

[Main processing of the microcontroller 101 for performance control]
Next, the main processes performed by the microcontroller 101 for performance control (Figure 4) will be explained with reference to the figure.

(Sub-side main control processing)
First, please refer to Figure 22 and we will explain the sub-side main control process.
First, the microcontroller 101 for performance control performs initial setup (S160). This initial setup includes, for example, setting the stack, setting constants, setting interrupt times, setting the CPU 102, setting SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interrupt times), resetting various flags, counters and timers, etc. Next, the microcontroller 101 for performance control determines whether the power-off signal is ON and whether the contents of RAM 120 are normal (S161). If the determination is negative (S161: No), it initializes RAM 120 (S162) and proceeds to S163. If the determination in S161 is positive (S161: Yes), the microcontroller 101 for performance control proceeds to S163 without initializing RAM 120. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S161: No), the microcontroller 101 for performance control initializes RAM 120. However, if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like, but the contents of RAM 120 remain normal (S161: Yes), RAM 120 is not initialized. Note that initializing RAM 120 resets the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. Also, S160 to S162 are executed only once after power-on and are not executed thereafter.

Next, the performance control microcontroller 101 disables interrupts (S163) and executes a random number update process (S164). In this random number update process, the initial values of various random number counters for determining performances are updated. The random numbers for determining performances include a variable performance pattern random number for determining a variable performance pattern, and a preview performance random number for determining various preview performances. The method for updating the random numbers can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control microcontroller 61 described above. Next, the performance control microcontroller 101 executes a command transmission process (S165). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the performance control microcontroller 101 are sent to the image control board 200, the sound control board 78, and the lamp control board 79, etc. Next, the performance control microcontroller 101 enables interrupts (S166). From here on, steps S163 to S166 are repeatedly executed. Furthermore, while interrupts are enabled, the following can be executed: received interrupt processing (S167), 1ms timer interrupt processing (S168), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S169).

(Receive interrupt handling)
Next, we will explain the receive interrupt processing (S167).
The performance control microcontroller 101 determines whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) supplied from the main control board 60 to the external INT (interrupt) input of the performance control microcontroller 101 has changed, that is, whether it is time to receive a command. For example, it determines whether the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from a high level to a low level. If it determines that it is not time to receive a command, the performance control microcontroller 101 terminates this process. On the other hand, if it determines that it is time to receive a command, the performance control microcontroller 101 receives the various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 and stores these received commands in the receive buffer of the RAM 120. This receive interrupt processing is executed in priority over other interrupt processing (S168, S169).

(1ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, referring to Figure 23, the 1ms timer interrupt processing (S168) will be explained.
The performance control microcontroller 101 executes this 1ms timer interrupt processing each time a 1ms interrupt pulse is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcontroller 101 then executes input processing (S170). In this input processing, the performance control microcontroller 101 creates switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that a switch has been turned ON, based on detection signals from the performance lever push detection switch 6a, the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b, and the performance button detection switch 5a.

Next, the microcontroller 101 for performance control performs output processing (S171). In this output processing, it outputs a variable performance start command, which will be set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 in the variable performance control processing described later, to the image control board 200. In addition, in order to make the panel lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b light up in accordance with the display on the performance display device 7, it outputs lamp data created in the lamp processing (S183) in the 10ms timer interrupt processing described later to the lamp control board 79. In other words, the panel lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b light up in a predetermined light emission pattern according to the lamp data. Furthermore, in order to drive the movable motor 23d in accordance with the display on the performance display device 7, it creates drive data (data for driving the movable motor 23d) and outputs the created drive data. In other words, it drives the movable motor 23d in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data. Furthermore, in order to output sound from the speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the visual display device 7, the sound data created in the sound control processing (S184) in the 10ms timer interrupt processing described later is output to the sound control board 78. In other words, sound is output from the speaker 8 according to the sound data.

Next, the microcontroller 101 for performance control determines in S171 whether or not it has output a variation performance start command (special symbol variation start command or normal symbol variation start command) (S172). The variation performance start command is a command that is output to the image control board 200 when a variation start command is input from the game control microcontroller 61. Note that during non-time-saving game states, the special symbol variation performance start command is output to the image control board 200 in conjunction with the input of the special symbol variation start command, and during time-saving game states, the normal symbol variation performance start command is output to the image control board 200 in conjunction with the input of the normal symbol variation start command. If the microcontroller 101 for performance control determines that it has output a variation performance start command (S172: Yes), it starts measuring the variation time of the variation performance pattern (S173). Next, the microcontroller 101 for performance control performs watchdog timer processing to reset the watchdog timer (S174). After the completion of S174, or if it is determined that no command to start the variation effect has been output (S172: No), the microcontroller 101 for effect control terminates this process.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, referring to Figure 24, the 10ms timer interrupt processing (S169) will be explained.
The performance control microcontroller 101 executes this 10ms timer interrupt processing whenever a 10ms period interrupt pulse is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcontroller 101 executes the received command analysis processing (Figure 25), which will be described later (S180), and then executes the switch state acquisition processing (S181). In this switch state acquisition processing, the switch data created in the input processing of the 1ms timer interrupt processing (S170) is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10ms timer interrupt processing. Subsequently, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition processing, a switch processing is executed to set the display content such as button effects to be displayed by the performance display device 7 (S182). Next, the performance control microcontroller 101 executes lamp processing (S183). In this lamp processing, lamp data is created to control the illumination of each lamp (panel lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a and right side lamp 23b, etc.) in accordance with the display of the performance display device 7, and the timing of the illumination effects is managed. As a result, each lamp performs a lighting effect that matches the display on the performance display device 7.

Next, the microcontroller 101 for performance control executes audio control processing (S184). This audio control processing involves creating audio data (data for controlling the output of audio from each speaker 8), outputting the created audio data to the audio control board 78, and managing the timing of the audio performance. As a result, audio is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the performance display device 7. Next, the microcontroller 101 for performance control executes other processing (S185) and then terminates this process. Other processing (S185) includes updating the variable performance pattern random number, the preview performance random number for determining the preview performance, etc. Furthermore, other processing (S185) also executes right-hand play performance processing to prompt the player to play to the right, and performance mode setting processing to set the performance mode (described later) according to the game situation identified in response to the reception of various commands from the game control microcontroller 61 (S180).

(Received command parsing process)
Next, with reference to Figure 25, the received command analysis process (S330) will be explained.
The microcontroller 101 for performance control determines whether or not it has received a game state specification command from the main control board 60 (S190-1). If it determines that it has received the command (S190-1: Yes), it executes the sub-side game state setting process (S190-2). The game state specification command contains information indicating the game state (whether it is a non-time-saving game state, a time-saving game state, a type 1 jackpot state, a minor jackpot state, or a V-jackpot state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the microcontroller 101 analyzes the received game state specification command, identifies the currently set game state based on the information contained in the game state specification command, sets the game state flag indicating that game state to "1", and sets the other game state flags to "0". The microcontroller 101 for performance control also terminates the measurement of the stop time (of the left, center, and right performance symbols 7L, 7C, and 7R) that was started during the variable performance termination process described later (S196-2, when the special symbol variable stop command is received).
If the microcontroller 101 for performance control has finished processing S190-2, or if it has determined in S190-1 that it has not received a game state specification command (S190-1: No), it proceeds to S191-1.

The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not it has received a start-up prize command (first start-up prize command or second start-up prize command) from the main control board 60 (S191-1). If it determines that it has received the command (S191-1: Yes), it proceeds to S191-2, where it stores the start-up ball information included in the start-up prize command received in S191-1 in the first special symbol hold performance memory unit 121 or the second special symbol hold performance memory unit 122 (updating the memory).
The microcontroller 101 for performance control proceeds to S192-1 after the completion of processing in S191-2, or if it determines in S191-1 that it has not received a start prize command (S191-1: No).

The microcomputer 101 for controlling the performance determines whether or not it has received an activation ball entry command (information on the result of the normal drawing hit determination) from the main control board 60 (S192-1). If it determines that it has received the command (S192-1: Yes), it proceeds to S192-2 and stores the activation ball entry information included in the activation ball entry command received in S192-1 in the normal drawing hold performance memory unit 125 (updating the memory).
If the microcontroller 101 for performance control completes the processing in S192-2, or if it determines in S192-1 that it has not received an activation ball entry command (S192-1: No), it proceeds to S193-1.

The microcontroller 101 for performance control determines whether or not it has received an opening command from the main control board 60 (S193-1). If it determines that it has received the command (S193-1: Yes), it executes an opening performance selection process (S193-2). In this opening performance selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, the pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed at the start of a jackpot game state is selected. Specifically, an opening performance pattern selection table (not shown) is referred to, in which an opening performance pattern is associated with each opening command, and the opening performance pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening performance start command to start the opening performance with the selected opening performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
If the microcontroller 101 for performance control completes the processing in S193-2, or if it determines in S193-1 that it has not received an opening command (S193-1: No), it proceeds to S194-1.

The microcontroller 101 for controlling the game's presentation determines whether or not it has received a round specification command from the main control board 60 (S194-1). If it determines in this process that it has received a round specification command (S194-1: Yes), it executes the round presentation selection process (S194-2). In the round presentation selection process, it selects the type of round presentation to be executed in each round of the jackpot game state, and sets a round presentation start command to start the selected round presentation in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
If the microcontroller 101 for performance control has finished processing S194-2, or if it has determined in S194-1 that it has not received a round specification command (S194-1: No), it proceeds to S195-1.

The microcontroller 101 for performance control determines whether or not it has received an ending command from the main control board 60 (S195-1). If it determines that it has received the command (S195-1: Yes), it executes an ending performance selection process (S195-2). In this ending performance selection process, the ending command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, an ending performance pattern (content) to be executed at the end of a jackpot game state is selected. Specifically, an ending performance pattern selection table (not shown) is referenced, in which an ending performance pattern is associated with each ending command, and the ending performance pattern associated with the received ending command is selected. Then, an ending performance start command to start the ending performance with the selected ending performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
If the microcontroller 101 for performance control has finished processing S195-2, or if it has determined in S195-1 that it has not received an ending command (S195-1: No), it proceeds to S196-1.

The microcontroller 101 for performance control determines whether or not it has received a (special feature) variation start command from the main control board 60 (S196-1). If it determines that it has received the command (S196-1: Yes), it proceeds to S196-2 and performs processing such as shifting the contents stored in the first special feature hold performance storage unit 121 or the second special feature hold performance storage unit 122 to the variation performance storage unit 123.
If the microcontroller 101 for performance control has finished processing S196-2, or if it has determined in S196-1 that it has not received a command to start variation (S196-1: No), it proceeds to S197-1.

The microcontroller 101 for performance control determines whether or not it has received a normal diagram change start command from the main control board 60 (S197-1). If it determines that it has received the command (S197-1: Yes), it proceeds to S197-2 and performs processing such as shifting the contents stored in the normal diagram hold performance memory unit 125.
If the microcontroller 101 for performance control has finished processing in S197-2, or if it has determined in S197-1 that it has not received a command to start the regular display change (S197-1: No), it proceeds to S198.

Here, in S198, the microcontroller 101 for performance control executes the variable performance control processing related to the variable performance executed on the display screen of the performance display device 7. Then, the microcontroller 101 performs processing related to the reception of commands other than those mentioned above (such as the special symbol variation stop command) (S199), and completes the received command analysis processing.

[Composition of the winning unit U for regular trains]
Here, the specific configuration of the general-purpose electric train award-winning unit U, which has the features of the present invention, will be explained, mainly with reference to Figures 26 to 34, etc.

As shown in Figures 26(a), 27(a), 29(a), and 29(b), the standard electric power award-winning unit U is constructed by housing a unit base 130, an inner cover 131 (first member), and an upper cover 132 (second member) inside a housing (encompassing body) that contains the aforementioned standard electric power solenoid 12d and standard operating member 12b, as well as the intrusion prevention member 180 (intrusion prevention means) which will be described later.
The unit base 130, which constitutes the lower part of the general-purpose prize winning unit U, is a rectangular box shape with an open top surface, and the general-purpose solenoid 12d is arranged inside it. The specific structure of this general-purpose solenoid 12d is not shown in the figure, but generally, it is configured to move a plunger biased by a compression coil spring back and forth by energizing (exciting) and deenerging (demagnetizing) the coil on its outer circumference, thereby generating linear power. The middle cover 131, which constitutes the middle part of the general-purpose prize winning unit U, is arranged to cover the opening on the top surface of the unit base 130 where the general-purpose solenoid 12d is located, and the general-purpose operating member 12b is placed on the upper surface of the middle cover 131 (see Figure 31). Link means 136 are arranged on the unit base 130 and the middle cover 131 to transmit the left-right power from the plunger of the general-purpose solenoid 12d as front-rear power to the general-purpose operating member 12b. A portion of the link mechanism 136 is located on the left side of the middle cover 131 (see Figure 31) and is connected to the normal operating member 12b. The upper cover 132, which constitutes the upper part of the normal operating member 12b, is positioned to cover the upper surface of the middle cover 131 on which the normal operating member 12b is mounted.

In other words, as shown in Figure 31, the middle cover 131 of the ordinary electric prize unit U is a member having a mounting portion 138 on its upper surface on which the ordinary operating member 12b can be placed, and the upper cover 132 is a member having a covering portion 145 that covers the ordinary operating member 12b placed on the mounting portion 138 from above. By assembling the upper cover 132 to the middle cover 131 from above, the ordinary operating member 12b is held movably between the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132.
The standard electric prize winning unit U is configured such that, through the coordination of the standard electric solenoid 12d, link means 136, and standard operating member 12b, when the standard electric solenoid 12d is demagnetized (non-driven), the standard operating member 12b, which is slidable in the front-to-back direction, is positioned at the rear end of its range of motion (normal position), and when the standard electric solenoid 12d is energized (driven), the standard operating member 12b is positioned at the front end of its range of motion (auxiliary position). The standard electric prize winning unit U is driven and controlled by the game control microcomputer 61 (drive control means) (switching from one of the demagnetized state and the energized state to the other), thereby changing the standard operating member 12b from the normal position and the auxiliary position to the other.

In this embodiment, the normal operating member 12b is configured to be displaceable between a position and orientation that assists the entry of game balls into the second start opening 12a (assistant position and assistive orientation) and a position and orientation that does not assist (normal position and normal orientation), but it is not structured to directly open and close the second start opening 12a. Therefore, the normal entry prize unit U is equipped with an intrusion prevention member 180 as a member that directly opens and closes the second start opening 12a (see Figures 29(a) and 29(b), etc.). This intrusion prevention member 180 is positioned between the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132, similar to the normal operating member 12b, and is configured to be displaceable between an entry blocking position that prevents game balls from entering the second start opening 12a (a closed position that blocks a part of the second start opening 12a) and an entry allowing position that allows game balls to enter the second start opening 12a (an open position shifted relative to the second start opening 12a). The specific shape and other details of this intrusion prevention member 180 will be described later.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 26(a), 27(a), 28(a), 29(a), and 29(b), the standard entry unit U has a holder 133 that protrudes forward from the front right side. This holder 133 is the part that holds the second start port sensor 12c inside, and is provided so as to protrude forward from the front of the mounting plate 31 (the front of the game board 2) when the standard entry unit U is mounted on the rear surface of the mounting plate 31. Of this holder 133, the ball entry port forming surface 148, which is the side surface (left side) on the side of the standard operating member 12b, has a second start port 12a (ball entry port) formed therein. In contrast, the second start port sensor 12c housed in the holder 133 is a thin rectangular parallelepiped, and a detection hole KH for detecting game balls is formed through its front in the thin-wall direction. Furthermore, the detection hole KH of the second start port sensor 12c faces the second start port 12a from the inside of the holder 133 and is exposed in the space to the left of the holder 133 (the region where the ball rolling path R is formed).

(Regarding the assembly of the standard train prize-winning unit U)
Here, we will explain the configuration for attaching the electric prize winning unit U to the game board 2 (mounting plate 31) and the configuration for assembling the housing that accommodates each component of the electric prize winning unit U (in particular, the assembly of the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132 together).

As shown in Figures 27(b) and 28(b), the standard electric prize unit U is attached from the rear to the rear surface (mounting opening 31a) of the mounting plate 31 (mounting target) that constitutes the game board 2. In this standard electric prize unit U, the unit base 130 and the middle cover 131 are assembled vertically to each other, and the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132 are similarly assembled vertically to each other. The standard electric solenoid 12d and linkage means 136 are housed between the unit base 130 and the middle cover 131, and the standard operating member 12b, linkage means 136, the second start port sensor 12c, and intrusion prevention member 180 are housed between the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132. By assembling the unit base 130, middle cover 131, and upper cover 132 vertically, the assembly efficiency of each housed component is increased compared to when they are assembled in the front-to-back or left-to-right directions. In other words, since the standard electric solenoid 12d and part of the link mechanism 136 can be placed on the unit base 130 and the middle cover 131 can be placed over them, the work of housing and holding the standard electric solenoid 12d and the link mechanism 136 is made easier. Furthermore, since the standard operating member 12b, part of the link mechanism 136, the second start port sensor 12c, and the intrusion prevention member 180 can be placed on the middle cover 131 (the aforementioned mounting portion 138) and the upper cover 132 can be placed over them, the work of clamping the standard operating member 12b, the link mechanism 136, the second start port sensor 12c, and the intrusion prevention member 180 is made easier.

In this embodiment, the holder 133 is constructed by assembling the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132 together, allowing the second start port sensor 12c to be inserted and removed through an insertion/removal opening (not shown) formed on the rear surface. However, since the upper cover 132 can be removed, allowing the second start port sensor 12c to be detached upwards from the middle cover 131, inserting and removing the second start port sensor 12c simultaneously with attaching and detaching the upper cover 132 to the middle cover 131 makes it easier to insert and remove the second start port sensor 12c than by using the insertion/removal opening. The holder 133 may also consist of only one of the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132.

As shown in Figures 26, 29(a), and 29(b), when assembling the upper cover 132 to the middle cover 131, the concave portion formed on the upper front edge of the middle cover 131 and the concave portion formed on the lower front edge of the upper cover 132 are aligned vertically, so that the forward/backward opening 134 through which the normal operating member 12b moves opens to the front of the normal electric prize winning unit U. This forward/backward opening 134 is positioned in front of the normal operating member 12b in its normal position and is positioned to allow the normal operating member 12b in its auxiliary position to pass through. As a result, when the normal operating member 12b changes from its normal position to its auxiliary position, it moves forward through the forward/backward opening 134 to expose its rolling surface 154 to the right game area 3R, and when it changes from its auxiliary position to its normal position, it moves backward through the forward/backward opening 134 to the inside of the normal electric prize winning unit U, retracting the rolling surface 154 to the outside of the right game area 3R.
A peripheral wall portion 135 that protrudes forward is formed at the opening edge of the advance/retraction opening 134. This peripheral wall portion 135 is configured to fit into the mounting opening 31a of the aforementioned mounting plate 31 from the rear side.

As shown in Figures 26(a) and 31, the unit base 130 is provided with lower screw insertion portions 137 on its front left and right sides, respectively. The lower screw insertion portion 137 has a screw hole (not shown) that penetrates vertically through its center, and is configured to allow a screw to be inserted into this screw hole. As shown in Figure 31, a concave fitting recess KO is formed on the upper surface of the lower screw insertion portion 137. In contrast, the middle cover 131 is provided with a lower screw receiving portion 139 that fits into the aforementioned fitting recess KO (upper surface of the lower screw insertion portion 137). The lower screw receiving portion 139 has a screw threading hole (not shown) recessed upward from the center of its lower surface, and is configured to allow a screw to be screwed into this screw threading hole. When assembling the unit base 130 and the middle cover 131, the lower screw receiving portion 139 is fitted into the fitting recess KO of the lower screw insertion portion 137 (the lower screw insertion portion 137 and the lower screw receiving portion 139 are facing each other vertically). The screw is then inserted into the lower screw insertion portion 137 from the bottom and screwed into the lower screw receiving portion 139. This connects the lower screw insertion portion 137 and the lower screw receiving portion 139 by the screw, fixing the unit base 130 and the middle cover 131 to each other.

As shown in Figures 26(a), 27(a), 29(a), and 31, the upper cover 132 is provided with upper screw insertion portions 147 on the right (not shown) and left (not shown) rear surfaces, respectively. The upper screw insertion portion 147 has a screw hole (not shown) that penetrates vertically through its center, and is configured to allow a screw to be inserted through this screw hole. A concave fitting recess KO is formed on the lower surface of the upper screw insertion portion 147. In contrast, the middle cover 131 is provided with an upper screw receiving portion 142 that fits into the aforementioned fitting recess KO (the lower surface of the upper screw insertion portion 147). The upper screw receiving portion 142 has a screw threading hole (not shown) recessed downward from the center of its upper surface, and is configured to allow a screw to be screwed into this screw threading hole. When assembling the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132, the upper screw receiving portion 142 is fitted into the fitting recess KO of the upper screw insertion portion 147 (the upper screw insertion portion 147 and the upper screw receiving portion 142 are facing each other vertically). The screw is then inserted into the upper screw insertion portion 147 from the top side and screwed into the upper screw receiving portion 142. This connects the upper screw insertion portion 147 and the upper screw receiving portion 142 by the screw, fixing the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132 to each other.

Furthermore, the standard electric train prize unit U is equipped with a boss receiving portion 141 (see Figures 26(a), 27(a), 27(b), 28(a), 29(a), 29(b), and 31) that receives a boss 31b (see Figure 27(b)) protruding from the rear surface of the mounting plate 31. Specifically, the boss receiving portion 141 is provided on the left side of the middle cover 131. On the left side (one side) of the middle cover 131, a rectangular parallelepiped projection 140 is formed that protrudes to the left (in the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 29), and the boss receiving portion 141 is formed so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of this projection 140 (in the direction of arrow Y2 in Figure 29, i.e., the assembly direction of the middle cover 131 to the upper cover 132). This boss receiving portion 141 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape that extends in the front-rear direction, and its front surface is concave. The mounting plate 31 is configured to accept the boss 31b of the mounting plate 31 into this opening (see Figure 27(b)), allowing the ordinary electric prize unit U to be attached to the mounting plate 31. Furthermore, the boss receiving portion 141 has a screw hole that penetrates its center in the front-to-back direction. By inserting a screw through this screw hole and screwing it into the screw threading hole (not shown) of the boss 31b, the boss receiving portion 141 and the boss 31b are securely connected, stabilizing the attachment of the ordinary electric prize unit U to the mounting plate 31.

Here, as mentioned above, the direction in which the entire electric prize winning unit U is attached to the game board 2 (mounting plate 31) (front-to-back direction) and the direction in which the unit base 130, middle cover 131, and upper cover 132 constituting the housing are assembled to each other (up-down direction) intersect. The middle cover 131 includes a boss receiving portion 141 that receives a boss 31b protruding rearward from the mounting plate 31, and an upper screw receiving portion 142 that is connected to the upper screw insertion portion 147 of the upper cover 132 by screws in the up-down direction (intersecting the front-to-back direction). As shown in Figure 27(b), the boss receiving portion 141 is provided so that it can receive the boss 31b when the boss 31b crosses a position that overlaps with the upper screw insertion portion 147 and the upper screw receiving portion 142 in the up-down direction (intersecting the front-to-back direction).

As shown in Figures 29(a), 29(b), and 31, the upper cover 132 has an extension portion 146 that extends downward (in the direction of assembly with the first member) from the side wall forming its left side (one side surface), and the aforementioned upper screw insertion portion 147 is provided on the left side of this extension portion 146. As a result, the upper screw insertion portion 147 is positioned offset downward, avoiding the adjacent position to the left side surface of the upper cover 132. The boss 31b from the mounting plate 31 is positioned so as to cross the space created by offsetting the upper screw insertion portion 147 downward (adjacent to the left side surface of the upper cover 132) and is connected to the boss receiving portion 141.
Furthermore, as is clear from Figures 29(a) and 29(b), the extension portion 146 of the upper cover 132 is provided to connect with and reinforce the peripheral wall portion 135 surrounding the entrance/exit opening 134.

(Regarding the shape of the normal operating member 12b and its relationship with the front plate 32)
Next, we will explain the specific shape and positional relationship of the ordinary operating member 12b provided in the ordinary electric prize winning unit U with the front plate 32 (energy-reducing projection 39).

The standard operating member 12b is basically a plate-shaped member extending horizontally, with bent portions, openings, and protruding portions formed at various points, each shape performing an appropriate function. Regarding the external shape of this standard operating member 12b, Figure 26(b) shows the cross-sectional shape of the standard operating member 12b along the line A-A shown in Figure 26(a). Figure 28(a) shows the shape in plan view using solid and dashed lines. Furthermore, Figure 31 shows the standard operating member 12b, placed on the mounting portion 138 of the inner cover 131 with its upper surface exposed, viewed from the front.

The normal operating member 12b has various shapes on its rear portion to ensure stable operation in the front-rear direction, while its front portion forms the rolling surface 154 for the game ball. The rear portion of the normal operating member 12b is provided with a linkage hole 151 for receiving power from the link mechanism 136. Furthermore, the upper surface of the rear portion of the normal operating member 12b is provided with a guided projection 152 that engages with a front-rear guide groove (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the upper cover 132. Additionally, the lower surface of the rear portion of the normal operating member 12b is provided with sliding legs 153 to stabilize the position of the normal operating member 12b on the middle cover 131 (mounting portion 138).

The front portion forming the rolling surface 154 of the normal operating member 12b is provided such that its upper surface (rolling surface 154) slopes downward to the right when viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 26(a). The angle of inclination is not constant; the angle of inclination in the downward direction to the right is greater at the left and right ends than at the central portion. That is, as shown in Figure 28(a), the rolling surface 154 is composed of a central rolling surface portion 162 that slopes downward to the right at a predetermined angle, a left rolling surface portion 161 that slopes downward to the right at a larger angle than the central rolling surface portion 162 and connects to the upstream end (left end) of the central rolling surface portion 162, and a right rolling surface portion 163 that slopes downward to the right at a larger angle than the central rolling surface portion 162, extending from the downstream end (right end) of the central rolling surface portion 162.

As is clear from Figure 26(a), the inclination angle of the central rolling surface portion 162 of the normal operating member 12b is set such that the extension of its inclination direction reaches a position above the lower edge of the second start opening 12a (a position above the lower end of the detection hole KH of the second start opening sensor 12c). The right rolling surface portion 163 is provided to connect the downstream end of the central rolling surface portion 162 and the lower edge of the second start opening 12a (its inclination angle is set). In other words, when a game ball rolls vigorously on the central rolling surface portion 162 and flies out in the direction of its inclination, the game ball will come into contact with the upper edge of the ball entry opening forming surface 148 of the holder 133, reducing its movement speed before entering the second start opening 12a (passing through the detection hole KH), thus preventing it from entering the second start opening 12a (passing through the detection hole KH) at high speed. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of false detections by the second start port sensor 12c.

Furthermore, as is clear from the relationship in Figures 2B and 28(b), the boundary between the left rolling surface portion 161 and the middle rolling surface portion 162 on the upper surface of the normal operating member 12b is configured to be located on the side where the game ball will be discharged from the exit of the gate passage 34. That is, when the normal operating member 12b is in the auxiliary position and the game ball passes through the gate 13 and is discharged from the gate passage 34, the game ball will be caught by the downstream end of the left rolling surface portion 161 and the upstream end of the middle rolling surface portion 162 on the rolling surface 154. In this case, the large inclination angle of the left rolling surface portion 161 ensures that the caught game ball does not flow to the left.

Furthermore, as is clear from the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the normal operating member 12b shown in Figure 26(b), the front portion of the normal operating member 12b is formed such that the plate thickness gradually decreases towards the front end, and the vertical dimension of the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b (the moving end surface when changing from the normal position to the auxiliary position) is reduced. In other words, a potential problem with the normal operating member 12b has been the risk of the game ball getting caught between the front plate 32 and the rear surface when changing from the normal position to the auxiliary position (so-called "ball jamming"). By reducing the area of the front end surface 155 (the surface facing the rear surface of the front plate 32), the possibility of such ball jamming is reduced.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 28(a), the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b is such that, with reference to the front position of the boundary between the left rolling surface portion 161 and the middle rolling surface portion 162, the left side becomes a left-sloping surface 171 that moves away from the front plate 32 and connects to the left end surface 157 (the side end surface on the upstream end side) of the normal operating member 12b as it approaches (moves to the left), and the right side becomes a right-sloping surface 172 that moves away from the front plate 32 and connects to the right end surface 158 (the side end surface on the downstream end side) of the normal operating member 12b as it approaches (moves to the right). Specifically, the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b is configured to prevent ball jamming when, at the timing of the normal operating member 12b changing from its normal position to an auxiliary position, the game ball is about to pass in front of the left inclined surface 171. This is achieved by the left inclined surface 171 pressing the game ball against the rear surface of the front plate 32 and moving it to the left. Furthermore, the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b is configured to prevent ball jamming when, at the timing of the normal operating member 12b changing from its normal position to an auxiliary position, the game ball is about to pass in front of the right inclined surface 172. This is achieved by the right inclined surface 172 pressing the game ball against the rear surface of the front plate 32 and moving it to the right.

Here, as shown in Figures 2D, 27(b), and 28(b), a pyramidal energy-reducing projection 39 is provided on the rear surface of the front plate 32, projecting toward the rear. Note that on the front side of the front plate 32 shown in Figure 2C, the front position of the energy-reducing projection 39 is concave. As is clear from the positional relationship between the concave portion (energy-reducing projection 39) and the normal operating member 12b (shown by the dashed line) in Figure 2C, and from Figure 27(b), etc., the energy-reducing projection 39 is located slightly above the normal operating member 12b (a close position where the vertical separation dimension is less than or equal to the diameter of the game ball). As shown in Figure 28(b), the energy-reducing projection 39 is provided in a position above the gap between the left inclined surface 171 of the normal operating member 12b and the front plate 32, avoiding a position above the normal operating member 12b when it is in the auxiliary position. In other words, by providing the deceleration projection 39, it is possible to decelerate the game ball flowing down the right game area 3R, and at the same time, the possibility of the game ball reaching the area between the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b and the rear surface of the front plate 32 is reduced, thereby preventing ball jamming.

Furthermore, as is clear from Figure 28(b), the energy-reducing projection 39 is located slightly above and in front of the boundary between the left rolling surface 161 and the middle rolling surface 162. As mentioned above, since the energy-reducing projection 39 is located in close proximity to the normal operating member 12b, the game balls that pass through the gate 13 and are released slightly downward and forward from the exit of the gate passage 34 come into contact with the energy-reducing projection 39 at approximately the same time (or immediately afterward) that they are received by the boundary between the left rolling surface 161 and the middle rolling surface 162 on the upper surface (rolling surface 154) of the normal operating member 12b. Here, the top portion 39T of the energy-reducing projection 39, which protrudes most from the rear surface of the front plate 32, is located slightly to the left of the boundary between the left rolling surface portion 161 and the middle rolling surface portion 162, and the center position of the gate passage 34, in a plan view (see Figure 28(b)). Specifically, it is located approximately at the same left-right position as the left end of the gate passage 34. In this case, the game ball released from the exit of the gate passage 34 changes direction of travel when it comes into contact with the inclined portion of the energy-reducing projection 39 to the right of the top portion 39T, and moves downstream of the middle rolling surface portion 162. That is, the energy-reducing projection 39 is located on the destination side of the game ball after it has passed through the gate 13, and has an inclined shape that guides the game ball from the gate 13 onto the auxiliary operating member 12b (middle rolling surface portion 162).

(Regarding the intrusion prevention member 180)
Next, we will describe the intrusion prevention member 180 provided in the regular train prize winning unit U.

The standard entry prize unit U is equipped with an intrusion prevention member 180 (intrusion prevention means) that is displaceable between an entry prevention position that prevents game balls from entering the second start opening 12a (see Figure 29(a)) and an entry allowance position that allows entry (see Figures 27(a) and 29(b)). In this embodiment, the intrusion prevention member 180 is separate from the standard operating member 12b and is pivotally supported on the upper surface of the aforementioned middle cover 131 of the standard entry prize unit U, as shown in Figure 31. The intrusion prevention member 180 is configured to swing up and down in conjunction with the movement of the standard operating member 12b in the front-rear direction.
The ball entry blocking position of the intrusion prevention member 180 is located between the region where the ball rolling path R is formed when the normal operating member 12b is in the auxiliary position (the upper region of the rolling surface 154) and the ball entry opening forming surface 148 (second starting opening 12a) of the holder 133. The ball entry permitting position is located above the ball entry blocking position. The intrusion prevention member 180 is configured to be located at the ball entry blocking position when the normal operating member 12b is at least in the normal position. More specifically, the intrusion prevention member 180 is located at the ball entry blocking position when the normal operating member 12b is in the normal position, and at the ball entry permitting position when the normal operating member 12b is in the auxiliary position. That is, the intrusion prevention member 180 is displaced from one to the ball entry blocking position and the ball entry permitting position in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the normal operating member 12b (change between the normal position and the auxiliary position).

Figures 30(a) and 30(b) show the positional relationship between the normal operating member 12b and the intrusion prevention member 180 inside the normal operation unit U, viewed from the right side. The housing is generally omitted from the illustration, with only its front surface HF, the second start port 12a, and the detection hole KH indicated by dashed lines. The intrusion prevention member 180 includes an arm 182 that swings vertically with respect to a shaft 181 at its rear end. The tip of this arm 182 is connected to an opening/closing section 185 that opens and closes the second start port 12a. Furthermore, an arm projection 183 for preventing tampering is provided at the rear end of the arm 182 (behind the shaft 181).

When the normal electric solenoid 12d is demagnetized (non-driven), as shown in Figure 30(a), the normal operating member 12b is positioned behind the front surface HF of the normal electric prize winning unit U (housing) (normal position). In this case, the intrusion prevention member 180 is separated from the extrusion surface 156, which is a downward-sloping surface provided on the normal operating member 12b. Due to its own weight, the tip side (opening/closing part 185 side) is positioned lower than the height of the shaft 181 (located at the lower end of the swing), and as a result, the opening/closing part 185 is positioned to cover the second starting opening 12a (detection hole KH) from the left side, preventing the ball from entering. In other words, the lower end of the swing of the intrusion prevention member 180 is the position that prevents the ball from entering. On the other hand, when the normal electric solenoid 12d is energized (driven), as shown in Figure 30(b), the normal operating member 12b moves to the front of the front surface HF of the normal electric prize winning unit U, and assumes an auxiliary position. In this case, the extrusion surface 156 of the normal operating member 12b pushes the arm 182 of the intrusion prevention member 180 forward, causing the intrusion prevention member 180 to move to its upper swing end. As a result, most of the opening/closing section 185 retracts above the second starting opening 12a (detection hole KH), allowing the ball to enter. In other words, the upper swing end of the intrusion prevention member 180 is the position where the ball can enter.
Thus, the intrusion prevention member 180 is configured so that its front end can swing up and down with its rear end as an axis 181. At the upper end of its swing, which is the ball entry permitting position, it is located above the second start opening 12a, while at the lower end of its swing, which is the ball entry prevention position, it is located opposite the second start opening 12a.

In the ball entry prevention position shown in Figure 30(a), the lower surface of the arm projection 183 of the intrusion prevention member 180 faces the upper surface of the right end of the normal operating member 12b in its normal position. In this state, if an external force is used to forcibly move the intrusion prevention member 180 from the lower swing end to the upper swing end, the arm projection 183 moves downward and contacts the normal operating member 12b. As a result, the normal operating member 12b does not move downward or forward (does not change to the auxiliary position) and remains stationary, and the intrusion prevention member 180 does not swing to the ball entry permitting position. In other words, even if a cheater illegally accesses the right game area 3R and tries to forcibly move the intrusion prevention member 180, they cannot create a state where a ball can enter the second start opening 12a, thus deterring cheating.

As shown in Figures 30(a) and 30(b), the opening/closing portion 185 of the intrusion prevention member 180 is formed in a tapered shape (wedge shape) in a side view, where the width dimension in the vertical direction (swinging direction) narrows towards the tip. The shape of this opening/closing portion 185 is determined in relation to the swinging range of the intrusion prevention member 180. When the intrusion prevention member 180 is at the lower end of the swing (ball entry prevention position), its lower surface is approximately horizontal (see Figure 30(a)), and when the intrusion prevention member 180 is at the upper end of the swing (ball entry permitted position), its upper surface is approximately horizontal (see Figure 30(b)). In other words, by making the opening/closing portion 185, located at the swing end where the movement distance is greatest among the intrusion prevention member 180 that swings at a predetermined swing angle in the vertical direction, a tapered shape (wedge shape) is achieved, the vertical dimension of the movement range of the intrusion prevention member 180 is suppressed.

Furthermore, the intrusion prevention member 180 (specifically the opening/closing portion 185) has a tapered shape towards the downward direction (towards the destination when moving from the ball-allowing position to the ball-blocking position), as is clear from the external shape of the opening/closing portion 185 in a front view shown in Figure 30(c). More specifically, the intrusion prevention member 180 (specifically the opening/closing portion 185) has an inclined contact surface portion 186 on its left side (the side on the side where the ball rolling path R is formed) that approaches the holder 133 side (approaching the second starting opening 12a) as it moves downward (towards the destination when moving from the ball-allowing position to the ball-blocking position). In other words, by making the lower end of the opening/closing portion 185 of the intrusion prevention member 180 tapered in a front view (a contact surface portion 186 is provided on the left side of the lower end of the opening/closing portion 185), the opening/closing portion 185 of the intrusion prevention member 180 can be inserted between multiple game balls that are continuously rolling on the rolling surface 154 (ball rolling path R), thereby preventing subsequent game balls from entering the second starting opening 12a.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 31, the middle cover 131 is provided with an arm receiving surface 143 against which the lower surface 184 of the arm 182 abuts when the intrusion prevention member 180 moves from the ball entry permitted position (upper end of oscillation) to the ball entry prevention position (lower end of oscillation). The arm receiving surface 143 is provided on the front edge of the middle cover 131 and is designed to receive the lower surface 184 of the tip of the arm 182. The lower surface 184 of the arm 182 and the arm receiving surface 143 are substantially parallel planes that are inclined downward to the right. That is, the lower surface 184 of the arm 182 and the arm receiving surface 143 are inclined in a direction intersecting the oscillation direction (up and down direction) of the intrusion prevention member 180 (downward to the right direction), so when the intrusion prevention member 180 rotates vigorously from the upper end of oscillation to the lower end of oscillation and contacts the arm receiving surface 143, it will rebound slightly upward to the right. In other words, the opening/closing section 185 is configured to prevent the second starting opening 12a from opening by suppressing rebound in the return direction (upward, towards the ball entry allowance position). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 31, a support wall 144 is provided on the middle cover 131 adjacent to the right side of the swing range of the intrusion prevention member 180. Therefore, vibrations of the arm 182 (intrusion prevention member 180) in the left-right direction due to contact with the arm receiving surface 143 are suppressed by the support wall 144.

[Effects of the First Embodiment]
The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment described above provides the following effects (1-1) to (1-5), the effects (2-1) to (2-5), and the effects (3-1) to (3-5).

(1-1) The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a right game area 3R (game area 3) formed on the front side of the game board 2 through which game balls can flow down, a second start opening 12a (ball entry opening) provided in the right game area 3R through which game balls can enter, a normal operating member 12b (operating member) that can change between an auxiliary position that assists in the entry of game balls into the second start opening 12a and a normal position that does not assist, and a normal electric solenoid 12d (drive source) that displaces the normal operating member 12b between the auxiliary position and the normal position, and a normal electric prize entry unit U consisting of a plurality of members including the normal operating member 12b and the normal electric solenoid 12d is attached from the rear to the rear surface of the mounting plate 31 (mounting target) that constitutes the game board 2. The regular train prize unit U comprises a middle cover 131 (first member) and an upper cover 132 (second member) that are assembled to each other in the vertical direction (assembly direction intersecting the front-rear direction). The middle cover 131 comprises a boss receiving portion 141 that receives a boss 31b protruding rearward from the mounting plate 31, and an upper screw receiving portion 142 (screw receiving portion) that is vertically connected to the upper screw insertion portion 147 (screw insertion portion) of the upper cover 132 by screws. The boss receiving portion 141 is provided so that it can receive the boss 31b when the boss 31b crosses in the front-rear direction on the extension of the connection direction of the upper screw insertion portion 147 and the upper screw receiving portion 142 (directly above). Therefore, compared to the case where, for example, the boss receiving portion 141 receives the boss 31b outside of the upper screw receiving portion 142 (upper screw insertion portion 147) of the regular train prize unit U, the mounting state to the mounting plate 31 can be made more stable. Furthermore, the standard train prize-winning unit U can be configured in a compact size.
(1-2) In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment has a projection 140 on the left side (one side) of the middle cover 131, and the boss receiving portion 141 protrudes upward from the projection 140 (towards the second member in the assembly direction) and receives the boss 31b from the front at a position adjacent to the left side (one side) of the upper cover 132. That is, by configuring the boss receiving portion 141 to receive the boss 31b of the mounting plate 31 at a position adjacent to the left side of the upper cover 132, the mounting state of the electric prize winning unit U to the mounting plate 31 can be stabilized. Furthermore, the electric prize winning unit U can be made compact.
(1-3) Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment has an extension portion 146 that extends downward (towards the first member in the assembly direction) from the side wall forming the left side surface of the upper cover 132, and an upper screw insertion portion 147 is provided in this extension portion, so that the upper screw insertion portion 147 can be positioned closer to the middle cover 131 by this extension portion 146, and the space necessary to receive the boss 31b with the boss receiving portion 141 can be secured.
(1-4) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, an opening 134 is formed between the front walls of the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132, through which the normal operating member 12b moves, and a peripheral wall portion 135 is formed along the opening edge of this opening 134, and an extension portion 146 is provided so as to connect with this peripheral wall portion 135. That is, since the extension portion 146 of the upper cover 132 is reinforced by the peripheral wall portion 135, the assembled state of the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132 can be stabilized by the connection between the upper screw insertion portion 147 provided on the extension portion 146 and the upper screw receiving portion 142 of the middle cover 131.
(1-5) Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the middle cover 131 is a member having a mounting portion 138 on its upper surface on which the normal operating member 12b can be placed, and the upper cover 132 has a covering portion 145 that covers the normal operating member 12b placed on the mounting portion 138 from above, and the upper cover 132 is assembled to the middle cover 131 from above, so that the normal operating member 12b is held movable between the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132. That is, the middle cover 131 and the upper cover 132 are assembled in the vertical direction and the normal operating member 12b is held in between, so if the upper cover 132 is removed from the normal electric prize unit U, the operation of the normal operating member 12b can be checked while the normal operating member 12b is still placed on the mounting portion 138 of the middle cover 131.

(2-1) The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a right game area 3R (game area 3) formed on the front side of the game board 2 through which game balls can flow down, a second start opening 12a (ball entry opening) provided in the right game area 3R through which game balls can enter, a normal operating member 12b (operating member) that can change between an auxiliary position that assists in the entry of game balls into the second start opening 12a and a normal position that does not assist, and a front plate 32 that is spaced forward and opposite to the front surface of the mounting plate 31 (i.e., the front surface of the game board 2). When the normal operating member 12b is in the auxiliary position, it exposes a rolling surface 154 that tilts laterally to cause game balls to roll between the front surface of the mounting plate 31 and the rear surface of the front plate 32, and when it is in the normal position, it moves in the front-rear direction so as to retract the rolling surface 154 toward the mounting plate 31 side (game board 2 side). The second starting opening 12a is provided downstream of the ball rolling path R formed on the rolling surface 154 when the normal operating member 12b is in an auxiliary position, and opens facing the ball rolling path R, so that the game balls that roll along the ball rolling path R enter the second starting opening 12a. On the other hand, when the normal operating member 12b is in its normal position, the rolling surface 154 of the normal operating member 12b is not exposed between the front surface of the mounting plate 31 and the rear surface of the front plate 32, so the game balls fall between the mounting plate 31 and the front plate 32 so as to traverse the ball rolling path R, and do not enter the second starting opening 12a. Here, the normal operating member 12b has inclined surfaces 171 and 172 on its front end surface 155, which is the leading edge surface when it moves from the normal position to the auxiliary position, and which move away from the front plate 32 as it approaches the side end surfaces 157 and 158 of the normal operating member 12b and connect to the side end surfaces 157 and 158. Therefore, when the normal operating member 12b moves from the normal position to the auxiliary position, if a game ball is located on the moving destination side (front side), the game ball is guided laterally by the inclined surfaces 171 and 172. This prevents the ball from getting stuck between the normal operating member 12b and the front plate 32.
(2-2) Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the left inclined surface 171 provided on the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b moves away from the front plate 32 as it approaches the left end surface 157 of the normal operating member 12b (the side end surface on the upstream end side of the rolling surface 154) and connects to the left end surface 157. As the game ball located in front of the normal operating member 12b changes from a normal position to an auxiliary position, the left inclined surface 171 guides the ball to the left (towards the side moving away from the normal operating member 12b), thereby more reliably preventing the ball from getting stuck.
(2-3) Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the right-inclined surface 172 provided on the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b moves away from the front plate 32 as it approaches the right end surface 158 of the normal operating member 12b (the side end surface on the downstream end side of the rolling surface 154) and connects to the right end surface 158. As the game ball located in front of the normal operating member 12b changes from a normal position to an auxiliary position, the right-inclined surface 172 guides the ball to the right (towards the side moving away from the normal operating member 12b), thereby more reliably preventing the ball from getting stuck.
(2-4) Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment has a de-escalating projection 39 on the rear surface of the front plate 32 that protrudes toward the rear, and since this de-escalating projection 39 is provided above the gap that occurs between the left inclined surface 171 and the front plate 32 when the normal operating member 12b is in an auxiliary position, the possibility of a game ball being on the front side of the left inclined surface 171 at the timing when the normal operating member 12b approaches the front plate 32 can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of ball jamming.
(2-5) The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment also includes a normal operating member 12b, a normal electric solenoid 12d (drive source) that changes the normal operating member 12b between a normal position and an auxiliary position, and a gate 13 provided in the right game area 3R through which game balls can pass. A game control microcomputer 61 that controls the game performs a normal hit determination (win/loss determination) triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 13 (determination means), and controls the normal electric solenoid 12d to change the normal operating member 12b from the normal position to the auxiliary position based on the determination result of the normal hit determination (drive control means). In contrast, the energy-reducing projection 39 is located on the destination side of the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 (gate passage 34), and has an inclined shape that guides the game ball from the gate 13 onto the operating member in the auxiliary position. In this embodiment, the time it takes for a game ball that has passed through the gate 13 to reach the height position of the normal operating member 12b is approximately 1.2 seconds, while the normal fluctuation pattern FP6, which is the normal fluctuation pattern per normal figure, corresponds to a fluctuation time of 1 second for the normal fluctuation display. Therefore, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 can be guided to the second start opening 12a by the rolling surface 154. Here, by guiding the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 to the normal operating member 12b (rolling surface 154) by contact with the energy-reducing projection 39, it is possible to prevent the game ball from making forceful contact (colliding) with the normal operating member 12b and to prevent damage to the normal operating member 12b.

(3-1) The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a right game area 3R (game area 3) formed on the front side of the game board 2 through which game balls can flow down, a second start opening 12a (ball entry opening) provided in the right game area 3R through which game balls can be entered, and a normal operating member 12b (operating member) that can change between an auxiliary position that assists in the entry of game balls into the second start opening 12a and a normal position that does not assist, and the normal operating member 12b has a rolling surface 154 that is tilted laterally to make the game balls roll, which is exposed to the right game area 3R in the auxiliary position. Downstream of the ball rolling path R formed on the rolling surface when the normal operating member 12b is in the auxiliary position, the second start opening 12a is provided so as to open toward the ball rolling path R side. Here, the regular entry unit U is equipped with an intrusion prevention member 180 (intrusion prevention means) that is displaceable between an entry prevention position that prevents game balls from entering the second start opening 12a and an entry permit position that allows entry. When the normal operating member 12b is at least in its normal position, this intrusion prevention member 180 is located in the entry prevention position between the region where the ball rolling path R is formed and the second start opening 12a. The moving tip (i.e., the lower end) when displaced from the entry permit position to the entry prevention position is tapered toward the destination side (downward). In this way, the moving tip of the intrusion prevention member 180 toward the entry prevention position is tapered toward the destination side, so that when displaced from the entry permit position to the entry prevention position, the intrusion prevention member 180 can get in between the continuous balls rolling in the ball rolling path R, preventing subsequent game balls from entering the second start opening 12a.
(3-2) Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the intrusion prevention member 180 has an inclined contact surface portion 186 on its left side (the side on the side where the ball rolling path R is formed) that approaches the second start opening 12a as it moves downward (towards the destination when it moves from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry prevented position). Therefore, when the intrusion prevention member 180 moves from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry prevented position, the intrusion prevention member 180 can move between the game ball that is about to enter the second start opening 12a and the second start opening 12a, thereby preventing the game ball from entering the second start opening 12a.
(3-3) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the intrusion prevention member 180 is configured so that its front end can swing up and down with its rear end as an axis 181. At the upper end of the swing, which is the ball entry permitted position, it is located above the second start opening 12a, while at the lower end of the swing, which is the ball entry blocked position, it is located opposite the second start opening 12a. That is, when the intrusion prevention member 180 is displaced from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry blocked position, it moves from the upper end of the swing to the lower end of the swing. Therefore, even if there are game balls in the vicinity of the second start opening 12a at that time, the contact surface portion 186 of the intrusion prevention member 180 can prevent the game balls from entering the second start opening 12a and quickly guide them downward.
(3-4) The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment is equipped with a second start port sensor 12c (ball entry detection sensor) for detecting game balls passing through the detection hole KH, and a holder 133 for holding the second start port sensor 12c. The holder 133 is provided so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the mounting plate 31 (the front surface of the game board 2), and has a second start port 12a on the ball entry port forming surface 148, which is the left side (the side on the normal operating member 12b side), and is configured to expose the detection hole KH from this second start port 12a. The intrusion prevention member 180 has an opening/closing part 185 at the tip of an arm 182 that swings with its rear end as an axis 181, and the width dimension in the swinging direction narrows towards the tip, and this opening/closing part 185 has a contact surface 186. In this way, by making the opening and closing portion 185 provided on the tip side of the arm 182 of the intrusion prevention member 180 tapered in a way that the width dimension in the swinging direction narrows towards the tip, the vertical dimension of the movement range of the intrusion prevention member 180 can be reduced, and the structure can be configured so as not to unnecessarily obstruct the movement of the game ball in the right game area 3R.
(3-5) Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the standard entry unit U (housing, specifically the middle cover 131) is equipped with an arm receiving surface 143 against which the lower surface 184 of the arm 182 abuts when the intrusion prevention member 180 moves from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry blocked position. The lower surface 184 of the arm 182 and the arm receiving surface 143 are inclined downward to the right, which is a direction intersecting the vertical direction (the direction in which the intrusion prevention member 180 swings). By inclining the lower surface 184 of the arm 182 and the arm receiving surface 143 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent the intrusion prevention member 180, which moves from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry blocked position, from bouncing back (rebounding) to the ball entry permitted position side due to contact with the arm receiving surface 143. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent balls from entering the second starting opening 12a.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, the pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 32 to 34. Note that components identical to or corresponding to those in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

The pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, has a game ball processing mechanism 30 arranged on the game board 2, and this game ball processing mechanism 30 is equipped with a mounting plate 31, a front plate 32, and a regular power prize winning unit U. However, in the first embodiment described above, the intrusion prevention member 180 (intrusion prevention means) was provided on the regular power prize winning unit U as a separate member from the regular operating member 12b, whereas in this embodiment (second embodiment), the intrusion prevention part 192, which functions as an intrusion prevention means, is provided on the regular power prize winning unit U as part of the regular operating member 12b.
In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the mounting plate 31 does not have a force-reducing projection 39 on its rear surface (not shown), and the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b is a plane parallel to the front plate 32. Otherwise, it is generally the same or substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment described above. Note that the rear surface of the front plate 32 (force-reducing projection 39) and the front end surface 155 of the normal operating member 12b (inclined surfaces 171, 172) may be the same shape as in the first embodiment described above.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 33(b) and 34(b), the normal operating member 12b in the second embodiment includes a connecting wall portion 191 rising from its right edge and an intrusion prevention portion 192 (intrusion prevention means) extending forward from the front edge of the connecting wall portion 191. That is, the connecting wall portion 191 connects the normal operating member 12b and the intrusion prevention portion 192. Thus, the intrusion prevention portion 192 is provided on the normal operating member 12b and is configured to operate integrally with the normal operating member 12b in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when the normal operating member 12b is in its normal position and retracted towards the game board 2, the intrusion prevention portion 192 is positioned in the ball entry prevention position. When the normal operating member 12b is in its auxiliary position and protrudes forward beyond the front surface of the game board 2, the intrusion prevention portion 192 is positioned in the ball entry permission position. The ball entry permission position of the intrusion prevention portion 192 is located further forward than the ball entry prevention position.

As shown in Figure 32, the intrusion prevention section 192 is configured to be movable parallel to the ball entry opening surface 148 at a position close to the holder 133 (ball entry opening forming surface 148) (specifically, at a position where the distance from the ball entry opening forming surface 148 is less than the radius of the game ball). That is, the intrusion prevention section 192 is provided to be movable in the front-rear direction along the ball entry opening forming surface 148.

As shown in Figures 33(b) and 34(b), the intrusion prevention portion 192 has an upper edge 193 extending in the front-rear direction, which is its direction of movement, a front edge 194 extending downward from the front end of the upper edge 193, and a lower edge 195 connecting the lower end of the front edge 194 and the connecting wall portion 191. The lower edge 195 is formed in an arc shape that is concave upward. Both ends of the lower edge 195, which is the lowest part of the intrusion prevention portion 192, are located slightly above the center of the detection hole KH of the second start port sensor 12c held by the holder 133. As shown in Figure 33(a), when the intrusion prevention portion 192 is in the ball entry prevention position, the connection portion (front lower end) of the front edge 194 and the lower edge 195 of the intrusion prevention portion 192 is positioned to face approximately the center of the detection hole KH of the second start port sensor 12c. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 34(a), when the intrusion prevention section 192 is in the ball entry permitted position, the lower edge 195 of the intrusion prevention section 192 is positioned slightly outside the opening edge of the detection hole KH. That is, the ball entry blocking position of the intrusion prevention section 192 is above the lower end of the second start opening 12a, and is set to a position where it can contact the upper half of the game ball attempting to move from the ball rolling path R towards the second start opening 12a, thereby preventing entry.

[Effects of the second embodiment]
The pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment described above provides the following effects and advantages.
(4-1) The pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment includes a right game area 3R (game area 3) formed on the front side of the game board 2 through which game balls can flow down, a second start opening 12a (ball entry opening) provided in the right game area 3R through which game balls can be entered, and a normal operating member 12b (operating member) that can change between an auxiliary position that assists in the entry of game balls into the second start opening 12a and a normal position that does not assist, and the normal operating member 12b has a rolling surface 154 that is tilted laterally to roll the game balls and exposes to the right game area 3R in the auxiliary position. Downstream of the ball rolling path R formed on the rolling surface when the normal operating member 12b is in the auxiliary position, the second start opening 12a is provided so as to open toward the ball rolling path R side. Here, the normal entry unit U (normal operating member 12b) of the second embodiment is equipped with an intrusion prevention part 192 (intrusion prevention means) that is displaceable between an entry prevention position that prevents game balls from entering the second start opening 12a and an entry permit position that allows entry. When the normal operating member 12b is at least in its normal position, the intrusion prevention part 192 is located in the entry prevention position between the region where the ball rolling path R is formed and the second start opening 12a. This entry prevention position is above the lower end of the second start opening 12a and is a position that can contact the upper half of a game ball that is trying to move from the ball rolling path R toward the second start opening 12a and prevent it from entering. As a result, a game ball that comes into contact with the intrusion prevention part 192 displaced from the entry permit position to the entry prevention position can easily escape downward, and ball jamming between the holder 133 (entry opening forming surface 148) and the intrusion prevention part 192 can be suppressed.
(4-2) In addition, in the second embodiment of the pachinko game machine 1, the intrusion prevention unit 192 is provided on the normal operating member 12b and is configured to operate integrally with the normal operating member 12b. This stabilizes the relative position and operating timing relationship between the normal operating member 12b and the intrusion prevention unit 192, allowing the normal operating member 12b and the intrusion prevention unit 192 to function properly.
(4-3) The pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment is equipped with a second start port sensor 12c (ball entry detection sensor) for detecting game balls passing through the detection hole KH, and a holder 133 for holding the second start port sensor 12c. The holder 133 is provided so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the mounting plate 31 (front surface of the game board 2), and has a second start port 12a on the ball entry port forming surface 148, which is the left side surface (side surface on the normal operating member 12b side), and is configured to expose the detection hole KH from this second start port 12a. The normal operating member 12b is movable in the front-rear direction, and in the auxiliary position it protrudes forward from the front surface of the mounting plate 31 (front surface of the game board 2), while in the normal position it is retracted towards the mounting plate 31 side (game board 2 side) than in the auxiliary position. Furthermore, the intrusion prevention part 192 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction along the ball entry opening forming surface 148 of the holder 133, and when the intrusion prevention part 192 moves to a position close to the second start opening sensor 12c, the displacement of the intrusion prevention part 192 to the ball entry blocking position can immediately prevent the ball from entering the second start opening 12a.
(4-4) Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the pachinko game machine 1, the intrusion prevention part 192 is positioned such that its lower edge 195 aligns with the opening edge of the detection hole KH at the ball entry permitted position. Therefore, the amount of movement required when the intrusion prevention part 192 is displaced from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry prevention position is small, and ball entry into the second start port 12a can be immediately prevented.

<Other Embodiments>
In the first embodiment described above, the intrusion prevention means (intrusion prevention member) is linked to the operating member (normal operating member) by a linking means, so that the intrusion prevention means is displaced to the ball entry prevention position and the ball entry permitting position in conjunction with the change in the posture of the operating member based on the drive of the drive source (normal electric solenoid). In the second embodiment, the intrusion prevention means (intrusion prevention part) is provided integrally with the operating member (normal operating member), so that the intrusion prevention means is displaced to the ball entry prevention position and the ball entry permitting position in conjunction with the change in the posture of the operating member based on the drive of the drive source (normal electric solenoid). Alternatively, the operating member and the intrusion prevention means may be operated based on the drive of separate drive sources. In this case, the intrusion prevention means only needs to be positioned at the ball entry prevention position when the operating member is at least in the normal posture, and for example, the intrusion prevention means may be displaced to the ball entry permitting position only during a portion of the period when the operating member is in the auxiliary posture.
In the second embodiment described above, the intrusion prevention means (intrusion prevention part) is configured to be positioned above the center of the detection hole of the ball entry detection means (second start port sensor) at the ball entry prevention position. In contrast, the ball entry prevention position of the intrusion prevention means may be set so that the lower end of the intrusion prevention means is positioned below the center of the detection hole of the ball entry detection means, within a range that is above the lower end of the ball entry port.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the operating member (ordinary operating member) was configured to be movable (slidable) in the front-to-back direction. In contrast, the operating member may be configured to be movable in the left-to-right direction or in the up-and-down direction.
In the first embodiment described above, the intrusion prevention means (intrusion prevention member) was configured to be movable (swinging) in the vertical direction. In contrast, the intrusion prevention means may be configured to be movable (swinging or sliding) in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction.
In the second embodiment described above, the intrusion prevention means (intrusion prevention part) is configured to move (slide) in the same direction as the operating member (ordinary operating member). In contrast, the intrusion prevention means may be configured to move (oscillate or slide) in a direction different from that of the operating member.
In the first embodiment described above, the front end surface of the operating member (normal operating member), which is the moving tip surface when changing from a normal position to an auxiliary position, is provided with a left-sloping surface that moves away from the front plate as it approaches the left end surface of the operating member and connects to the left end surface, and a right-sloping surface that moves away from the front plate as it approaches the right end surface of the operating member and connects to the right end surface. In contrast, the front end surface of the operating member may be provided with only one of the left-sloping surface and the right-sloping surface, or, as in the operating member of the second embodiment, the front end surface may not be provided with any inclined surfaces.
In the first embodiment described above, a force-reducing projection is provided on the rear surface of the front plate, which is provided in the game ball handling mechanism that constitutes the right side of the game board and covers the front surface of the mounting plate (the front surface of the game board) from the front. In contrast, as in the second embodiment, a force-reducing projection may not be provided on the rear surface of the front plate.
In the first embodiment described above, the deceleration projection provided on the rear surface of the front plate was positioned close to the operating member (normal operating member) when in the auxiliary position. Alternatively, the deceleration projection may be positioned at a location greater than the diameter of the game ball and further upward relative to the operating member. In this case, it is possible to prevent the game ball from getting caught between the operating member and the deceleration projection, thus preventing ball jamming.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the game ball that has passed through the gate is configured to reach the region where the rolling surface forms a ball rolling path when the operating member (normal operating member) is in an auxiliary position. In contrast, the operating member may be configured to operate at a position that the game ball that has passed through the gate does not reach or is difficult to reach.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the housing of the ball entry unit (ordinary electric prize entry unit) is configured to consist of a first member (middle cover) and a second member (upper cover) that are assembled to each other in the vertical direction (assembly direction intersecting the front-rear direction), with the first member having a boss receiving portion and a screw receiving portion (upper screw receiving portion), and the second member having a screw insertion portion (upper screw insertion portion). Alternatively, the first member and the second member may be configured to be assembled to each other in the left-right direction (assembly direction intersecting the front-rear direction), etc.
In the first embodiment described above, the intrusion prevention means (intrusion prevention member) is provided with an inclined contact surface on the side of the intrusion prevention means (intrusion prevention member) on the side of the region where the ball rolling path is formed by the operating member (ordinary operating member), which approaches the ball entry opening (second starting opening) as it moves toward the destination when it is displaced from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry prevented position, thereby tapering the moving tip of the intrusion prevention means. Alternatively, the intrusion prevention means may be provided with an inclined contact surface on the side of the intrusion prevention means on the side of the intrusion prevention means on the ball entry opening side, which moves away from the ball entry opening (second starting opening) as it moves toward the destination when it is displaced from the ball entry permitted position to the ball entry prevented position, thereby tapering the moving tip of the intrusion prevention means.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the large prize slot that allows balls to enter during a jackpot (first large prize slot) and the large prize slot that allows balls to enter during a minor win (second large prize slot) were made different. However, the same special prize slot may be made accessible in both the jackpot and minor win states.
- In the first and second embodiments described above, the special symbol hit determination of the first special symbol was designed so that a minor hit result could not be derived. However, it is also possible to make it possible to derive a minor hit result in the special symbol hit determination of the first special symbol. In this case, the probability of a minor hit result in the special symbol hit determination of the first special symbol can be made lower than the probability in the special symbol hit determination of the second special symbol, or the probability of the game ball passing through a specific area during the minor hit state based on the special symbol hit determination of the first special symbol can be made lower than the probability during the minor hit state based on the special symbol hit determination of the second special symbol, thereby making the game based on the special symbol hit determination of the second special symbol more advantageous than the game based on the special symbol hit determination of the first special symbol. Conversely, the probability of a minor win being determined in the special symbol win determination of the second special symbol may be made lower than the probability in the special symbol win determination of the first special symbol, or the probability of a game ball passing through a specific area during a minor win state based on the special symbol win determination of the second special symbol may be made lower than during a minor win state based on the special symbol win determination of the first special symbol. In this case, the game based on the special symbol win determination of the first special symbol can be made to have a more advantageous gameplay than the game based on the special symbol win determination of the second special symbol.
In the first and second embodiments described above, a regular symbol hold storage unit is provided that can store up to a predetermined upper limit of operational ball entry information acquired when a game ball passes through the operational opening (enters) while a regular symbol variation display or auxiliary game is being performed. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that only when a game ball passes through the operational opening (gate) while a regular symbol variation display or auxiliary game is not being performed, the control means (microcomputer for game control) performs a regular symbol hit determination triggered by the passage of the game ball through the operational opening (without providing a storage unit for storing operational hold of regular symbols).

1...Pachinko game machine, 3...Game area, 12a...Second start port (ball entry port), 12b...Normal operating member (operating member), 12c...Second start port sensor (ball entry detection sensor), 12d...Standard electric solenoid, 13...Gate, 31b...Boss, 32...Front plate, 39...Increasing force projection, 61...Microcomputer for game control (determination means, drive control means), 131...Middle cover (first member), 132...Upper cover (second member), 133...Holder, 134...Advance/retraction port, 135...Peripheral wall portion, 137...Lower screw insertion portion, 138...Mounting portion, 139...Lower screw receiving part, 141...Boss receiving part, 143...Arm receiving surface, 146...Extension part, 148...Ball entry opening forming surface, 154...Rolling surface, 155...Front end surface, 171...Left inclined surface, 172...Right inclined surface, 180...Intrusion prevention member (intrusion prevention means), 181...Shaft, 182...Arm, 184...Lower surface of the arm, 185...Opening/closing part, 186...Contact surface part, 192...Intrusion prevention part (intrusion prevention means), 195...Lower edge of intrusion prevention part, KH...Detection hole, R...Ball rolling path, U...Standard entry prize unit (ball entry unit).

Claims (1)

A gaming machine comprising: a game area formed on the front side of the game board through which game balls can flow down; an entry port provided in the game area through which game balls can enter; an operating member that can change between an auxiliary position that assists in the entry of game balls into the entry port and a normal position that does not assist; and a front plate that is spaced forward and opposite to the front of the game board,
The operating member is a member that can move in the front-rear direction such that, in the auxiliary position, it exposes a rolling surface that tilts laterally to roll the game balls between the front surface of the game board and the rear surface of the front plate, and in the normal position, it retracts the rolling surface toward the game board, and the ball entry opening is provided downstream of the ball rolling path formed on the rolling surface, opening toward the ball rolling path.
The front end surface of the operating member, which becomes the moving tip surface when changing from the normal position to the auxiliary position, has an inclined surface that moves away from the front plate as it approaches the side end surface of the operating member and is connected to the side end surface,
The rear surface of the front plate has a deceleration projection that protrudes toward the rear,
The energy-reducing projection is positioned above the gap that forms between the inclined surface and the front plate when the operating member is in the auxiliary position.
A gaming machine characterized by the following features.