PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
A ticket CPU of a game machine counts up how many sheets of payout tickets were paid out and how many times of jackpot occurred during the performance of one game play. Then, the ticket CPU operates a data display to display the maximum number of payout tickets per one game play on that day and the maximum frequency of jackpots per one game play on that day. Thus, there is provided such game machine that a player can refer to the displayed game information as reference material for deciding the rough standard about amount of inserted medium they may bet.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a game machine for performing one game play by receiving a predetermined inserted medium, and in particular, to a game machine that displays information related to one game play. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the conventional game machine such as “pachinko” for playing a game with playing balls, a player first borrows playing balls from a game parlor through paying a predetermined amount of money, and then rotates an operating handle after laying the borrowed balls on a tray of the game machine. Under such a situation, the playing balls are guided toward a launching device by a slope of the tray, thereafter the guided balls of which are launched toward a playfield formed on a game board by the launching device. After the playing balls reached the playfield, they cascade down in the playfield. When a playing ball enters a specified win hole provided on the playfield, a variation display of symbol is started in a symbol display device. After that, when a specified symbol (jackpot symbol) is stopped and displayed in the symbol display device, a control of special game (jackpot) is performed. In such a specified game, a jackpot gate provided on the playfield is controlled to remain opened for a moment, and as a result, some playing balls much more easily enter the jackpot gate than usually. Thereby, the game machine is configured such that a payout of predetermined amount of balls is performed into the tray of game machine upon the reception of playing balls into the jackpot gate (see Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2006-340895). 
         [0003]    Besides, it is well known that pachinko parlors generally are equipped with display devices for displaying game information such as frequency of jackpot controlled by the special game, frequency of starting to variably display the symbol and the like (see Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2001-79257). Such a game-information display device is of assistance for players in order to make a better choice of a game machine based on displayed information. As a result, this achieves improvement of service for game players in pachinko parlors. 
         [0004]    However, the conventional game-information display device displays only game information of one-day unit (for example, today only or several days). Indeed, the players usually select a game machine through using information displayed on such a display device. However, in the case of any game machine, like that of the present invention, performing only one-round-play by receiving a predetermined inserted medium such as predetermined number of coins, the players cannot predict how much prize they can expect from one-round-play. As a result, the players cannot obtain the rough standard (upper limit) of amount of inserted medium (money) that they can bet. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine which displays such game information that the players can refer to so as to decide the rough standard of amount in inserted medium which they will bet. 
         [0006]    The first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a game machine, which comprises: a game board  2  provided with a playfield on which playing balls cascade downward; a launching-operation detector (launching volume  3   a ) configured to detect a launching operation of the playing balls performed by a player; an inserted-medium detector (coin detection switch  201   a ) configured to detect that a predetermined inserted-medium is received into the game machine; a one-game-play execution device (main CPU  101   a ) to perform one game play until predetermined termination conditions are met when the inserted-medium detector detects that the predetermined inserted-medium is received; and a launching device (launching solenoid  4   a  directly connected to hammer  4   b  and launch control circuit board  106 ) configured to launch the playing balls toward the playfield when the launching operation of the player is detected by the launching-operation detector under the condition that the one game play is currently performed by the one-game-play execution device. 
         [0007]    The game machine further comprises: a privilege determination device (regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a , first start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , second start-up-hole detection switch  10   a , jackpot gate detection switch  11   a  and main CPU  101   a ) configured to determine whether a predetermined prize (as privilege) should be given to the player; a privilege giving device (main CPU  101   a  or ticket CPU  200   a ) configured to give the predetermined prize to the player when the privilege determination device determines to grant the predetermined prize; a game-information displaying device (data display  203 ) configured to display information related to game; a privilege-frequency counter (ticket CPU  200   a ) configured to count frequency of privilege given by the privilege giving device during performance of one game play by the one-game-play execution device; and a game-information controller (ticket CPU  200   a ) configured to control the game information indicating frequency of prize counted by the privilege counter in order to display on the game-information displaying device. 
         [0008]    According to the first aspect of the present invention, game information indicating how many times of privilege in one game play was given to players. That is, the game machine of the present invention displays the game information which the player can refer to in order to decide as to how much inserted-medium (for example, a predetermined amount of money) may be consumed for the game. 
         [0009]    In other words, the player can predict how much gain can be expected with the inserted medium consumed in one play through using the game information provided by the data display of game machine as reference. In short, the player can decide a rough standard of inserted medium to be consumed for one play, and then can enjoy well-planned game play. 
         [0010]    The second aspect of the present invention is concerned with a game machine having the features of the above-mentioned first aspect, which further comprises: a privilege-frequency-in-one-play storing device (payout counter and bonus counter in the ticket RAM  200   c ) configured to store frequency of privilege counted by the privilege-frequency counter during performance of one game play by the one-game-play execution device; and a maximum-frequency-of-privilege storing device (max payout counter and max bonus counter in the ticket RAM  200   c ) configured to store maximum frequency of privilege already counted by the privilege-frequency counter. The game machine further comprises a comparison determination device (ticket CPU 200   a ) configured to compare and determine whether the frequency of privilege stored in the privilege-frequency-in-one-play storing device is greater than that of privilege stored in the maximum-frequency-of-privilege storing device; and an update storing device (ticket CPU 200   a ) configured to update and store the frequency of privilege stored in the privilege-frequency-in-one-play storing device to the maximum frequency of privilege to be stored in the maximum-frequency-of-privilege storing device, if the comparison determination device determines that the frequency of privilege stored in the privilege-frequency-in-one-play storing device is greater than the stored maximum frequency of privilege. Thereby, the game-information controller controls the game-information displaying device to display game information indicating the frequency of privilege stored in the maximum-frequency-of-privilege storing device. 
         [0011]    According to the second aspect of the present invention, the game machine can display game-information indicating the maximum value of frequencies of privilege given to players in one game play. 
         [0012]    The third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a game machine having the feature of the above-mentioned first or second aspect, wherein the privilege determination device of the game machine includes a win-hole detector (regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a , first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a , and jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a ) configured to detect that the playing ball enters a predetermined win hole provided on the playfield. Further, the privilege giving device includes a payout device (ticket payout motor  202   a  and ticket control circuit board  200 ) configured to pay out a payout medium different from the playing ball whenever the win-hole detector detects that the playing ball enters the win hole. In addition, the privilege-frequency counter counts up the number of the payout medium paid out by the payout device as the frequency of privilege during performance of one game play by the one-game-play execution device. 
         [0013]    According to the third aspect of the present invention, the game machine can display the game-information indicating how many times the inserted medium was paid out in one game play. 
         [0014]    The fourth aspect of the present invention is concerned with a game machine having the feature of the above-mentioned first or second aspect, which further comprises a special electrically-movable-win-hole device (jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper  11   b ) that is variable between an opened state in which the playing ball readily enters a special win hole provided on the playfield and a closed state for making it difficult for the playing ball to enter the special win hole . Here, the privilege determination device includes a start-up-hole detector (first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  and a second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a ) configured to detect that the playing ball enters a start-up hole provided on the playfield, and a special game determination device (main CPU  10   a ) configured to determine whether or not to control the special game in which the special electrically-movable-win-hole device is driven into the opened state, when the start-up-hole detector detects that the playing ball enters the start-up hole. Further, the privilege giving device includes a special game controller (main CPU  101   a ) configured to control the special game under the condition that the special game determination device determines to control the special game. Under these features, the privilege-frequency counter counts up the number of the special game controlled by the special game controller as the frequency of the privilege during performance of one game play by the one-game-play execution device. 
         [0015]    According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the game machine can display the game-information indicating how many times the special game was performed during one game play. 
         [0016]    Moreover, the term, “a predetermined inserted-medium” mainly means a token such as a medal and coin which are used in a game machine, or metal or paper money, but may be money information or point information as stored in any information storage medium (for example, IC card or IC coin). The term, “one game play” means that the launching operation of playing balls is effectively activated upon reception of a predetermined inserted-medium, the one game play being executed until a predetermined termination condition occurs. Moreover, the term, “one game play” is the same meaning as the term, “one round play”. In the embodiment, the term “a predetermined termination condition” means that a predetermined game time (for example, 30 seconds) has lapsed and that all jackpot lotteries based on random number values for determining special symbol which are stored in a reserve memory are finished, and result in “loss”. However, the “predetermined termination condition” may mean simply that a predetermined time has lapsed, a predetermined number of balls have been launched, and/or a predetermined number of balls enter a discharge hole which will be described in a later embodiment. The term, “predetermined privilege” means that inserted medium is paid out or that jackpot game is performed. 
         [0017]    Further, the term, “a predetermined win hole” means an opening portion where a playing ball can enter, that is, a regular win hole, a start-up hole, and a jackpot gate in the embodiments as mentioned below. Also, the term, “special win hole” mainly means the jackpot gate of the predetermined win holes . In this case , the term, “start-up win hole” mainly means a jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper lib in the embodiments as mentioned below. In addition, the term, “payout medium” mainly means a ticket, card or coin, for example, to exchange for a prize, but may be paper or metal money. 
         [0018]    According to the present invention, the game machine is capable of displaying the game-information which the players can refer to as reference material for deciding the rough standard of amount of inserted medium which they may bet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of pachinko game machines; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a pachinko unit; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the pachinko unit with the glass frame opened; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the back of the pachinko unit; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the entire pachinko unit; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a launching control circuit board; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a graph showing the rotational angle and the launching strength of an operating handle; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) show a jackpot determination table, respectively, and  FIG. 8(   c ) shows a hit determination table; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) show a symbol determination table, respectively; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  shows a post-jackpot set data table; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  shows a performance symbol determination table referred when a jackpot is hit; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing the main processing carried out in a main control circuit board; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing the input control processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing the first-start-up-hole-detection-switch input processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing the one-play start control processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart showing the one-play end control processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart showing a special-symbol and jackpot control processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing the special symbol storage determination processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart showing a normal-symbol-and-prize-winning control processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart showing the normal symbol variation processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart showing a normal electrically-movable-win-hole-device control processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a flowchart showing the data creation processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  is a flowchart showing the output control processing carried out in the main control circuit board; 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  is a flowchart showing the main processing carried out in a ticket control circuit board; 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  is a flowchart showing the ticket input control processing  1  carried out in the ticket control circuit board; 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  is a flowchart showing the ticket input control processing  2  carried out in the ticket control circuit board; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  is a flowchart showing the ticket output control processing carried out in the ticket control circuit board. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       (Structure of Pachinko Game Machine  1 ) 
       [0049]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , the structure of a pachinko game machine is described in detail.  FIG. 1  shows an example of the pachinko game machine according to the present invention, in which two pachinko game machines  1  are arranged. 
         [0050]    Each of the pachinko game machines  1  is equipped with a pachinko unit  100  and a main body frame  300  supporting the pachinko unit  100 . The pachinko unit  100  launches a playing ball  500  in response to launching operation of a player to allow the player to play the game using the playing ball  500  launched. 
         [0051]    Each of the pachinko game machines  1  is equipped with a coin inlet  201  into which a coin of a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) as an inserted medium is inserted, a ticket payout slot  202  from which a ticket is paid out, a coin return slot  204  for returning the coin inserted into the coin inlet  201 , and a coin return lever  205  for causing the pachinko game machine  1  to return the coin inserted into the coin inlet  201  to the coin return slot  204  when the coin is jammed in the coin inlet  201 , all of which are provided below the pachinko unit  100  and operationally connected to each pachinko unit  100 . When a coin of a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) is inserted into the coin inlet  201 , this activates the operation of launching playing balls for at least a predetermined period of play time (for example, 30 seconds) in the pachinko unit  100 . In one game play, a ticket is paid out from the ticket payout slot  202  whenever a playing ball  500  enters any of the win holes such as a regular win hole  7 , a first start-up hole  9 , a second start-up hole  10  and a jackpot gate  11  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0052]    Here, the term “one game play” means that the launching operation of playing balls is effectively activated upon reception of a predetermined inserted-medium, the one game play being executed until a predetermined termination condition occurs. In the embodiment, the term “a predetermined termination condition” means that a predetermined game time (for example, 30 seconds) has lapsed and then all jackpot lotteries based on random number values for determining special symbol which are stored in a reserve memory are finished, and result in “loss”. However, the “predetermined termination condition” may mean simply that a predetermined time has lapsed, a predetermined number of balls have been launched, and/or a predetermined number of balls enter a discharge hole which will be described in a later embodiment. 
         [0053]    Further, a ticket to be paid out from the ticket payout slot  202  is subject to anticounterfeit technology such as an authentication number, a bar code or the like attached thereto, in order to be distinguished from a counterfeit ticket. 
         [0054]    The pachinko game machine  1  is equipped with a ticket payout motor  202   a  and a ticket control circuit board  200  for driving the ticket payout motor  202   a . The ticket payout motor  202   a  is provided with at least two rollers (not shown) between which a payout-ticket is held. Whenever the ticket payout motor  202   a  rotates in the forward direction for one second, the two rollers simultaneously rotate toward the ticket payout slot  202  so as to eject the payout-ticket from between the two rollers to the ticket payout slot  202 . 
         [0055]    In the embodiment, the ticket payout motor  202   a  and the ticket control circuit board  200  form “payout device”. 
         [0056]    Each of the pachinko game machines  1  is equipped with a data display  203  on the front and upper portion of the pachinko unit  100 , which is operationally connected to the pachinko unit  100 . The data display  203  is provided with a data displaying unit  203   a  which includes a dot matrix display having a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, LEDs) and on which game-information for each game play is displayed. The data displaying unit  203   a  displays the maximum number of payout tickets per one game play on that day (“Today&#39;s MAX PAYOUT”) and the maximum frequency of jackpots per one game play on that day (“Today&#39;s MAX BONUS”), which will be described in detail later. 
         [0057]    In the embodiment, the data display  203  forms “game information display device”. 
       (Structure of Pachinko Unit) 
       [0058]    Referring next to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 4 , the structure of a pachinko unit will be described in detail.  FIG. 2  is a front view of a pachinko unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the pachinko unit with the glass frame opened according to the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the back of the pachinko unit. 
         [0059]    The pachinko unit  100  includes a game board  2  on which a playfield  6   a  is provided, and the playing balls  500  cascade down on the playfield  6   a . A glass frame  110  is mounted in the front side of the playfield  6   a  of the game board  2 . An operating handle  3  is rotatably mounted on the glass frame  110  for launching the playing ball toward the playfield  6   a.    
         [0060]    The pachinko unit  100  is provided with a tray  40  guiding a plurality of playing balls  500  stocked therein toward a hammer  4   b  (see  FIG. 3 ) which is provided for striking a playing ball. The tray  40  has a downward slope toward the hammer  4   b , so that the playing ball is fed to a launching rail  42  through a playing ball passing opening  41  provided in the rear side of the glass frame  110 . The launching rail  42  also has a downward slope toward the hammer  4   b  above the lower end of which a stopper  43  is provided for stopping the playing ball. 
         [0061]    For this reason, each one of the playing balls  500  guided from the playing ball passing opening  41  is stopped at the lower end of the launching rail  42  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0062]    The operating handle  3  is directly connected to a launching volume  3   a  comprising a variable resistor. Accordingly, when the player rotates the operating handle  3 , the launching volume  3   a  also rotates. At this stage, the hammer  4   b  is directly connected to a launching solenoid  4   a  comprising a rotary solenoid, so that the hammer  4   b  also rotates upon the rotation of the launching solenoid  4   a.    
         [0063]    The launch control circuit board  106  excites the launching solenoid  4   a . Accordingly, the hammer  4   b  strikes the playing ball  500  stopped at the lower end of the launching rail  42  at a launching strength determined in accordance with the launching volume  3   a  to launch the playing ball toward the playfield  6   a.    
         [0064]    In the embodiment, the launching volume  3   a  forms the launching-operation detector, and the launching solenoid  4   a  directly connected to the hammer  4   b  and the launch control circuit board  106  form the launching device. 
         [0065]    The playing ball  500  thus launched as described above proceeds upward from the launching rail  42  through an range between the rails  5   a ,  5   b  and then beyond a ball-return-preventing piece  5   c . Thereupon, the playing ball  500  reaches the playfield  6   a  and then cascades downward in the playfield  6   a . At this stage, the playing ball is caused to cascade unpredictably downward by a plurality of pins and pinwheels which are provided on the playfield  6   a . In the embodiment, the range where a playing ball proceeds upward from the launching rail  42  through the rails  5   a ,  5   b  to the ball-return-preventing piece  5   c  forms the guidepath for guiding the playing ball to the playfield  6   a , and the range where the playing ball cascades downward beyond the ball-return-preventing piece  5   c  forms the playfield  6   a.    
         [0066]    A plurality of regular win holes  7  are provided in the playfield  6   a . Each of the regular win holes  7  is provided with a regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a . Whenever the regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a  detects the entrance of one playing ball, one sheet of ticket is paid out. 
         [0067]    In addition, a normal-symbol gate  8  is provided above the regular win holes  7  in the playfield  6   a  and allows a playing ball to pass therethrough. The normal-symbol gate  8  is equipped with a gate detection switch  8   a  for detecting the passage of a playing ball. When the gate detection switch  8   a  detects the passage of a playing ball, a “lottery for a normal symbol” described later is carried out. 
         [0068]    Similarly, to the regular win holes  7 , the first start-up hole  9  is provided for receiving a playing ball in the lower portion of the playfield  6   a . The second start-up hole  10  is provided immediately below the first start-up hole  9 . The second start-up hole  10  has a pair of movable pieces  10   b  which are controlled to take the first mode of keeping the pair of movable pieces  10   b  in the closed state or the second mode of bringing the pair of movable pieces  10   b  in the open state. When the second start-up hole  10  is controlled to be in the first mode, the first start-up hole  9  located immediately above the second start-up hole  10  acts as an obstacle that makes the entrance of a playing ball into the second start-up hole  10  difficult or impossible. On the other hand, when the second start-up hole  10  is controlled to be in the second mode, the pair of movable pieces  10   b  functions as a tray, so that a playing ball readily enters the second start-up hole  10 . In other words, when the second start-up hole  10  is in the first mode, there is hardly any chance of a playing ball entering the second start-up hole  10 , but when it is in the second mode, a playing ball has more chance of entering the second start-up hole  10 . 
         [0069]    The first start-up hole  9  and the second start-up hole  10  are respectively equipped with a first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  and a second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  for detecting a playing ball entering there. When each of the detection switches  9   a ,  10   a  detects a playing ball entering the corresponding start-up hole, a “jackpot lottery”, which will be described later, is carried out. When either the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  or the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  detects a playing ball entering the corresponding start-up hole, a ticket is also paid out on each detection of a playing ball entering the start-up hole. 
         [0070]    In the embodiment, the first start-up hole  9  and the second start-up hole  10  form the start-up win hole, while the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  and the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  form the start-up-hole detector. In addition, the pair of movable pieces  10   b  forms the movable win-hole device. 
         [0071]    Further below the second start-up hole  10  a jackpot gate  11  is provided. The jackpot gate  11  is normally kept in the closed state by a jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper  11   b  so as to prevent a playing ball from entering there. However, upon the start of a special game described later, the jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper  11   b  is opened and also functions as a tray for guiding a playing ball into the jackpot gate  11  to allow a playing ball to enter the jackpot gate  11 . The jackpot gate  11  is equipped with a jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a . Accordingly, whenever the jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a  detects a playing ball entering the jackpot gate, a ticket is paid out. 
         [0072]    In the embodiment, the regular win holes  7 , the first start-up hole  9 , the second start-up hole  10  and the jackpot gate  11  form predetermined win holes. The regular-win-hole detection switches  7   a , the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  and the jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a  form the win-hole detector. Also, the jackpot gate  11  forms a special win hole. The jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper  11   b  forms the specially movable win hole device. 
         [0073]    A discharge hole  12  is provided yet further below the jackpot gate  11 , that is, in the lowermost portion of the playfield  6   a  for discharging the playing balls that fail to enter any of the win holes, i.e., regular win holes  7 , the first start-up hole  9 , the second start-up hole  10  and the jackpot gate  11 . 
         [0074]    The pachinko unit  100  is provided with a discharge-hole guidepath  44  for guiding the playing balls entering the discharge hole  12  to the tray  40 . After the playing ball launched from the tray  40  have entered the discharge hole  12 , the discharge-hole guidepath  44  causes the playing balls to return to the tray  40 . 
         [0075]    The pachinko unit  100  is further provided with a win-hole guidepath (not shown) on the back side of the game board  2  for guiding the playing balls entering the win holes to the discharge-hole guidepath  44 . In consequence, each pachinko unit  100  is structured such that all of the playing balls launched from the tray  40  return to the tray  40  so as to circulate in the pachinko unit  100 . 
         [0076]    The top side of the tray  40  is covered with a lid  45  in order to prevent the playing balls in the tray  40  from being taken out. In the embodiment, particularly, even if the launched playing ball returns to the tray  40 , the returning ball cannot be taken out of the tray  40 . 
         [0077]    In addition, a decorative member  14  is provided in the central portion of the game board  2  in such a manner as to affect the downward falling of the ball. The decorative member  14  has a performance display device  13  mounted on approximately the central portion thereof. The performance display device  13  is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like. A performance figure device  15  including a sword-shaped figure is provided on the right hand side of the performance display device  13 . Note that the embodiment employs a liquid crystal display for the performance display device  13 , but instead a reel formed of an annular-shaped structure or a display device such as using the so-called seven-segment LEDs or a dot matrix may be used. 
         [0078]    The performance display device  13  displays images during standby when a game is not played or images in accordance with the progress of the game. The performance display device  13  displays, among others, nine performance symbols  30  arranged in three columns and three rows for notification of a jackpot lottery result which will be described later. When a specified combination of the performance symbols  30  (for example, “7, 7, 7”) appears in any one of a total of 8 vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, the performance display device  13  stops and displays the specified combination of the performance symbols  30 , thereby notifying the player of the occurrence of a jackpot as the jackpot lottery result. More specifically, when a playing ball enters the first start-up hole  9  or the second start-up hole  10 , the performance symbols  30  are scrolled and displayed in the nine windows. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time-period, the performance display device  13  stops the scrolling so as to display the resulting nine performance symbols  30 . In the operation of displaying a variation of the performance symbols  30 , various images, characters and the like are displayed in order to give the player an excited sense of expectation that a jackpot may be won. 
         [0079]    The performance figure device  15  is operated in some modes to give the player a sense of expectation. For example, the performance figure device  15  is operated to pull the sword out of its scabbard. The performance figure device  15  is changed in its operation modes in order to bring out various senses of expectation from the player. 
         [0080]    In addition, performance illumination devices  16  are provided in the upper portion and also the lower portion of the game board  2 . Each of the performance illumination devices  16  is equipped with a plurality of lights  16   a , and varies the direction of and the color of light emitted from each light  16   a  to operate various performances. 
         [0081]    A performance button  17  is provided on the left-hand side of the operating handle  3 . The player can press the performance button  17 . For example, the performance button  17  is made active only when the performance display device  13  displays a message for the player to push the performance button  17 . The performance button  17  is provided with a performance-button detection switch  17   a . When the performance-button detection switch  17   a  detects the pushing by the player, further performances are executed in response to this pushing. 
         [0082]    The pachinko unit  100  is equipped with an audio output unit  18  including a speaker which is not shown in  FIG. 2  (see  FIG. 5 ), so that audio performance is executed in addition to the aforementioned various performances. 
         [0083]    In addition, on the lower right side of the playfield  6   a  are provided a first special-symbol display device  19 , a second special-symbol display device  20 , a normal-symbol display device  21 , a first special-symbol-reserve display light  22 , a second special-symbol-reserve display light  23 , and a normal-symbol-reserve display light  24 . 
         [0084]    The first special-symbol display device  19  is provided for notification of the result of a jackpot lottery carried out in response to the entering of a playing ball into the first start-up hole  9 . 
         [0085]    The first special-symbol display device  19  is equipped with a seven-segment LED display. Specifically, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the results of a jackpot lottery are stored. The first special-symbol display device  19  is controlled to display a special symbol corresponding to the result of jackpot lottery in order to notify the player of the lottery result. For example, the first special-symbol display device  19  displays the numeral “7” when a jackpot is hit, and displays the symbol “-” when a jackpot is missed. Such displayed numeral “7” and symbol “-” correspond to the special symbols. Such symbols are not displayed immediately, but stopped and displayed after a predetermined time-period of variable displaying operation. 
         [0086]    Here, the term “jackpot lottery” means the processing of determining whether or not a random number value for determining a special symbol, which has been acquired at the time when a playing ball enters the first start-up hole  9 , corresponds to a jackpot. The player is not immediately notified of the jackpot lottery result thus obtained. Instead, the first special-symbol display device  19  produces a variable display such as a blinking display of the special symbols. Then, upon the lapse of a predetermined time-period of the variable display, the first special-symbol display device  19  stops and displays the special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery to notify the player of the lottery result. The second special-symbol display device  20  is provided for notification of the result of a jackpot lottery carried out in response to the entering of a playing ball into the second start-up hole  10 . The second special-symbol display device  20  displays special symbols in a similar manner to the first special-symbol display device  10 . 
         [0087]    The normal-symbol display device  21  is provided for notification of the result of a lottery for a normal symbol which is carried out in response to the passage of a playing ball through the normal-symbol gate  8 . The normal-symbol display device  21  lights a lamp when the lottery for the normal symbol results in a win, and then the second start-up hole  10  is controlled to be in the second mode for a predetermined time-period, which will be described in detail later. 
         [0088]    Here, the term “lottery for a normal symbol” means the processing of determining whether or not a random number value for determining a normal symbol, which has been acquired at the time when a playing ball passes through the normal-symbol gate  8 , corresponds to a win. The player is not notified of the normal-symbol lottery result thus obtained immediately after the playing ball has passed through the normal-symbol gate  8  as in the above cases. Instead, the normal-symbol display device  21  produces variable display, such as a blinking display of the normal symbols. Then, upon the lapse of a predetermined time-period of the variable display, the normal-symbol display device  21  stops and displays the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal-symbol lottery to notify the player of the lottery result. 
         [0089]    If a playing ball enters the first start-up hole  9  or the second start-up hole  10  during, for example, the variable displaying operation for the special symbols or a special game described later, a jackpot lottery may not be carried out immediately. In this event, the right of a jackpot lottery is reserved under certain conditions. More specifically, a random number value for determining a special symbol acquired when a playing ball enters the first start-up hole  9  is stored as a first reserve. A random number value for determining a special symbol acquired when a playing ball enters the second start-up hole  10  is stored as a second reserve. 
         [0090]    Regarding the first and second reserves, the upper limit number of reserved balls is set at four. The numbers of reserved balls are respectively displayed on the first special-symbol reserve display light  22  and the second special-symbol reserve display light  23 . When the number of playing balls in the first reserve is one, the left LED of the first special-symbol reserve display light  22  is lit up, and when it is two, the two LEDs of the first special-symbol reserve display light  22  are lit up. When the number of playing balls in the first reserve is three, the left LED of the first special-symbol reserve display light  22  is blinked and the right LED is lit up. When the number of playing balls in the first reserve is four, both the two LEDs of the first special-symbol reserve display light  22  are blinked. The second special-symbol reserve display light  23  shows the number of playing balls in the second reserve in a similar manner to the first special-symbol reserve display light  22 . 
         [0091]    Also, the upper limit number of reserved balls for the normal symbols is set at four. The number of reserved balls is shown by the normal-symbol reserve display light  24  in a similar manner to the first special-symbol reserve display light  22  and the second special-symbol reserve display light  23 . 
         [0092]    The glass frame  110  supports a glass plate  112  that covers the front side (facing the player) of the game board  2  in such a manner as to enable the player to visually recognize the playfield  6   a . The glass plate  112  is detachably fitted into the glass frame  110 . 
         [0093]    The glass frame  110  is coupled to an outer frame  120  through a hinge mechanism  111  on one side of the right and left sides (for example, on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko unit). The glass frame  110  is attached so as to be capable of pivoting about the hinge mechanism  111  in the direction such that the other side of the right and left sides (for example, the right side when viewed from the front of the pachinko unit) is separated from the outer frame  120 . The glass frame  110 , together with the glass plate  111 , covers the game board  2 , and pivots about the hinge mechanism  111  like a door, thereby opening up the inside, including the game board  2 , of the outer frame  120 . On this other side of the glass frame  110  a lock mechanism is mounted for locking the other side of the glass frame  110  to the outer frame  120 . The locking effected by the lock mechanism can be undone by a key designed for the purpose. The glass frame  110  is also provided with a gate opening switch  30  for detecting whether or not the glass frame  110  is separated from the outer frame  120 . 
         [0094]    On the back of the pachinko unit  100  are provided a main control circuit board  101 , a performance control circuit board  102 , a frame control circuit board  103 , a power circuit board  107 , a game-information output terminal board  108  and the like. The power circuit board  107  is provided with a power plug  50  for supplying power to the pachinko unit  100  and a power switch (not shown). 
       (Internal Configuration of Control Means) 
       [0095]    Next, controller configured to control game process will be described using the block diagram of the entire pachinko unit in FIG.  5 . 
         [0096]    The main control circuit board  101  is main controller configured to control the basic operation of the game. The main control circuit board  101  receives a game enabling signal from the ticket control circuit board  200  and various detection signals from the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  and the like. Upon the reception of the signals, the main control circuit board  101  drives the first special-symbol display device  19 , a jackpot-gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c  and the like to control the game. In addition, the main control circuit board  101  determines whether or not a ticket should be paid out as a result of the game. When a ticket should be paid out, the main control circuit board  101  outputs a ticket payout signal instructing the ticket payout to the ticket control circuit board  200  via the game information output terminal board  108 . 
         [0097]    In the embodiment, the main control circuit board  101  forms the game control unit. 
         [0098]    The main control circuit board  101  contains a main CPU  101   a , a main ROM  101   b , a main RAM  101   c , main-control input ports (not shown) and main-control output ports (not shown). 
         [0099]    The main-control input ports are connected to the ticket control circuit board  200 , the frame control circuit board  103 , the regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a  detecting that a playing ball enters the regular win hole  7 , the gate detection switch  8   a  detecting that a playing ball passes through the gate  8 , the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  detecting that a playing ball enters the first start-up hole  9 , the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  detecting that a playing ball enters the second start-up hole  10 , and the jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a  detecting that a playing ball enters the jackpot gate  11 . The main control circuit board  101  receives various signals through the main-control input ports. 
         [0100]    The main-control output ports are connected to a start-up-hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c  for activating the opening/closing operation of a pair of movable pieces  10   b  of the second start-up hole  10 , the jackpot-gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c  for activating the opening/closing operation of the jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper  11   b , the first and second special-symbol display devices  19  and  20  displaying the special symbols, the normal-symbol display device  21  displaying the normal symbols, the first and second special-symbol reserve display lights  22  and  23  showing the number of reserved balls for the special symbols, the normal-symbol reserve display lights  24  showing the number of reserved balls for the normal symbols, and the game information output terminal board  108  outputting an external information signal. The main control circuit board  101  outputs various signals through the main-control output ports. 
         [0101]    The main CPU  101   a  reads a program stored in the main ROM  101   b  to perform arithmetic processing on the basis of an input signal from each detection switch or a timer. Further, the main CPU  101   a  directly controls each device or each display light or transmits a command to another circuit board in accordance with the result of the arithmetic processing. When a coin of a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) is inserted into the coin inlet  201 , the main CPU  101   a  outputs a launch enabling signal to allow the launch control circuit board  106  to launch a playing ball through the frame control circuit board  103  until at least a predetermined game time has lapsed. 
         [0102]    The main ROM  101   b  stores programs for controlling a game, and data and tables required for making determinations in various games. 
         [0103]    The main ROM  101   b  stores, for example, jackpot determination tables referred to for determining whether or not a jackpot should be scored in a jackpot lottery (see  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b )), a win determination table referred to for determining whether or not a win should be scored in a normal-symbol lottery (see  FIG. 8(   c )), symbol determination tables to determine a special symbol which should be stopped as a stop symbol (see  FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b )), a post-jackpot set data table referred to for determining a probability of a game state on the basis of the stop symbol data of special symbols (see  FIG. 10) , and the like. Specific examples of the various tables will be described later with reference to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . 
         [0104]    Moreover, the foregoing tables are just characteristic tables shown by way of example. A large number of other tables and programs (not shown) as well as the foregoing tables are provided for use in the game process. 
         [0105]    The main RAM  101   c  functions as a data work area used in the arithmetic processing by the main CPU  101   a , and includes a plurality of storage areas. 
         [0106]    For example, the main RAM  101   c  includes a one-play timer counter, a ticket counter, an in-one-play-entered-ball counter, a one-play storage area, a launch-enabling-data storage area, a game-start-flag storage area, a normal-symbol-reserve-number (G) storage area, a normal-symbol reserve storage area, a first-special-symbol-reserve-number (U1) storage area, a second-special-symbol-reserve-number (U2) storage area, a determination storage area, a first-special-symbol storage area, a second-special-symbol storage area, a game-round number (R) storage area, an entered-ball-counter (C) storage area for a jackpot win gate, a game-state storage area, a stop-symbol-data storage area, a normal-symbol-data storage area, a performance-transmission-data storage area, a special-symbol time counter, a normal-symbol time counter, a special-game timer counter, and the like. In turn, the game-state storage area contains a high-probability-play-flag storage area, a special-symbol and jackpot processing data storage area, and a normal-symbol and prize-winning processing data storage area. Moreover, the foregoing storage areas are examples, and a large number of other storage areas as well as the foregoing storage areas are provided. 
         [0107]    In the embodiment, the main RAM  101   c  storing the first-special-symbol storage area and the second-special-symbol storage area forms the reserve storing device. 
         [0108]    The game information output terminal board  108  is provided for outputting an external information signal generated by the main control circuit board  101  to a hall computer installed in a pachinko parlor or the like. The game information output terminal board  108  is connected to the main control circuit board  101  with wiring, and has a connector intended for connection to a hall computer of a pachinko parlor or the like for external information. 
         [0109]    The power circuit board  107  includes a backup power source comprising a capacitor, and supplies source voltage to the pachinko unit. The power circuit board  107  also monitors the source voltage to be supplied to the pachinko unit. When the source voltage decreases to a predetermined value or less, the power circuit board  107  outputs a power cut detection signal to the main control circuit board  101 . More specifically, when the power cut detection signal changes to a high level, the main CPU  101   a  comes into the operational state. When the power cut detection signal changes to a low level, the main CPU  101   a  comes into the nonoperational state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be equipped with a battery, for example, or alternatively may be a combination of a capacitor and a battery. 
         [0110]    The performance control circuit board  102  mainly controls each performance operated during a game, standby or the like. The performance control circuit board  102  is equipped with a sub-CPU  102   a , a sub-ROM  102   b  and a sub-RAM  102   c , and is connected to the main control circuit board  101  for one-way communication from the main control circuit board  101  to the performance control circuit board  102 . The sub-CPU  102   a  reads a program stored in the sub-ROM  102   b  to perform arithmetic processing on the basis of a command transmitted from the main control circuit board  101  or an input signal from the aforementioned performance-button detection switch  17   a  or a timer. Then, based on the arithmetic processing, the sub-CPU  102   a  transmits the corresponding data to the lamp control circuit board  104  or the image control circuit board  105 . 
         [0111]    The sub-ROM  102   b  of the performance control circuit board  102  stores programs for the performance control, data and tables required for making determinations in various games. 
         [0112]    Specifically, the sub-ROM  102   b  stores a performance pattern determination table for determining a performance pattern on the basis of a variation-pattern-specifying command received from the main control circuit board  101 , a performance-symbol determination table for determining a combination of the performance symbols  30  which are stopped and displayed (see  FIG. 11 ), and the like. Moreover, the foregoing tables are just characteristic tables shown by way of example. A number of other tables and programs (not shown) as well as the foregoing tables are provided for use in the game process. 
         [0113]    The sub-RAM  102   c  of the performance control circuit board  102  functions as a data work area used in the arithmetic processing performed by the sub-CPU  102   a , and includes a plurality of storage areas. 
         [0114]    Specifically, the sub-RAM  102   c  includes a command reception buffer, a game-state storage area, a performance-pattern storage area, performance-symbol storage area, and the like. Moreover, the foregoing storage areas are examples, and a number of other storage areas as well as the foregoing storage areas are provided. 
         [0115]    The frame control circuit board  103  controls error detection and communications between the main control circuit board  101  and the launch control circuit board  106 . 
         [0116]    The frame control circuit board  103  contains a payout CPU, a payout ROM and a payout RAM which are not shown. The frame control circuit board  103  is connected to the main control circuit board  101  for bidirectional communications with the main control circuit board  101 . The payout CPU reads a program stored in the payout ROM to perform arithmetic processing on the basis of an input signal from the gate opening switch  30  or a timer. Then, based on the arithmetic processing, the payout CPU transmits the corresponding data to the main control circuit board  101 . At this stage, the payout RAM functions as a data work area used in the arithmetic processing performed by the payout CPU. 
         [0117]    Upon reception of the launch enabling signal from the main control circuit board  101 , the frame control circuit board  103  outputs the received launch enabling signal to the launch control circuit board  106 . 
         [0118]    The lamp control circuit board  104  controls the turning-on of the performance illumination devices  16  mounted on the game board  2 , and controls the driving of a motor used for changing the emission direction of light. In addition, the lamp control circuit board  104  controls the passage of electric current through a drive source such as a solenoid, a motor or the like operating the performance figure device  15 . The lamp control circuit board  104  is connected to the performance control circuit board  102  and conducts various types of control based on the data transmitted from the performance control circuit board  102 . 
         [0119]    The image control circuit board  105  contains an image CPU, an image ROM, an image RAM, a VRAM, an audio CPU, an audio ROM, and an audio RAM which are not shown but provided for control on image display of the performance display device  13 . The image control circuit board  105  is connected to the performance control circuit board  102  for bidirectional communications with the performance control circuit board  102 . The output ports of the image control circuit board  105  are connected to the performance display device  13  and the audio output unit  18 . 
         [0120]    The image ROM stores a large number of performance symbols  30  and image data on background images and the like to be displayed on the performance display device  13 . The image CPU reads a predetermined program on the basis of a command transmitted from the performance control circuit board  102 . The image CPU also reads predetermined image data from the image ROM into a VRAM to control the displaying on the performance display device  13 . The image CPU performs various types of image processing, such as background-image display processing, performance-symbol display processing, an animation-image display device and the like, on the performance display device  13 . A background image, a performance-symbol image and an animation image are superimposed and displayed on the display screen of the performance display device  13 . 
         [0121]    In other words, the performance-symbol image and the animation image are displayed in such a manner as to be shown at a less depth than the background image when viewed from the front. In this case, if the background image and the symbol image overlap each other in the same position, a known hidden surface removal technique such as a z-buffer algorism or the like is used to refer to a z value in the z-buffer for each image in the image data in order to give a priority to the symbol image and store it in the VRAM. 
         [0122]    The audio ROM stores enormous amounts of audio data outputted from the audio output unit  18 . The audio CPU reads a predetermined program on the basis of a command transmitted from the performance control circuit board  102  and controls the audio output of the audio output unit  18 . 
         [0123]    The ticket control circuit board  200  receives a coin of a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) which is an inserted medium inserted into the coin inlet  201 . Then, the ticket control circuit board  200  outputs a game enabling signal to the main control circuit board  101  for allowing one game play. Then, the ticket control circuit board  200  drives the ticket payout motor  202   a  to pay out a ticket, and operates the data display  203  to display game information. 
         [0124]    In the embodiment, the ticket control circuit board  200  forms the reception control unit. 
         [0125]    The ticket control circuit board  200  contains a ticket CPU  200   a , a ticket ROM  200   b , a ticket RAM  200   c  and I/O ports for ticket control (not shown). The ticket-control I/O ports are connected to the main control circuit  101 , the game information output terminal board  108 , the coin detection switch  201   a , the ticket payout motor  202   a , and the data display  203 . The ticket control circuit board  200  receives a coin insertion signal from the coin detection switch  201   a , and an in-one-play signal, a ticket payout signal and a jackpot signal from the game information output terminal board  108  through the ticket control I/O ports. The ticket control circuit board  200  outputs a game enabling signal to the main control circuit board  101  through the ticket control I/O ports. 
         [0126]    In the embodiment, a ticket control I/O port through which an in-one-play signal is received forms the in-one-play signal input device. 
         [0127]    Upon the detection of a coin of a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) inserted into the coin inlet  201 , the coin detection switch  201   a  outputs a coin insertion signal to the ticket CPU  200   a  through the ticket control I/O port. 
         [0128]    In the embodiment, the coin detection switch  201   a  forms the inserted-medium detector. 
         [0129]    Upon the reception of driving data from the ticket CPU  200   a  through the ticket control I/O port, the ticket payout motor  202   a  is driven. 
         [0130]    The ticket CPU  200   a  reads a program stored in the ticket ROM  200   b  on the basis of the received various signals for arithmetic processing, and outputs various signals for control. 
         [0131]    The ticket ROM  200   b  stores medal-insertion control program and data and tables which are required for various calculations. 
         [0132]    The ticket RAM  200   c  functions as a data work area used in the arithmetic processing performed by the ticket CPU  200   a , and includes a plurality of storage areas. 
         [0133]    Specifically, the ticket RAM  200   c  includes a game-executing-flag storage area, a credit counter, a payout counter, a max payout counter, a bonus counter, a max bonus counter, payout timer and the like. Moreover, the foregoing storage areas are examples, and a large number of other storage areas are provided. 
         [0134]    In the embodiment, the credit counter forms the reception information storing unit, and the ticket CPU  200   a  operating the credit counter to store data forms the storing instruction device. In addition, the payout counter and the bonus counter in the ticket RAM  200   c  form the privilege-frequency-in-one-play storing device, while the max payout counter and the max bonus counter included in the ticket RAM  200   c  form the maximum-frequency-of-privilege storing device. 
         [0135]    The ticket CPU  200   a  operates the data display  203  to display information based on the max payout counter and the max bonus counter stored in the ticket RAM  200   c . In this way, the data display  203  display the maximum number of payout tickets per one game play on that day and the maximum frequency of jackpots per one game play on that day. 
         [0136]    The launch control circuit board  106  allows playing ball launches upon the reception of a launch enabling signal from the frame control circuit board  103 . Then, the launch control circuit board  106  retrieve a touch signal from a touch sensor  3   b  and a voltage value from the launch volume  3   a , and then controls the passage of electric current through the launching solenoid  4   a  to launch a playing ball. 
         [0137]    At this stage, the rotational speed of the launching solenoid  4   a  is set at 99 (rotation/min.) from the viewpoint of a frequency based on the output period of a quartz oscillator mounted on the launch control circuit board  106 . As a result, the number of playing ball launches per minute is 99 (balls/min.) because one playing ball is launched in each rotation of the launching solenoid  4   a . That is, the playing balls are launched at about 606-ms intervals. 
       (Block Diagram of Launch Control Circuit Board) 
       [0138]    Referring next to  FIG. 6 , the circuit configuration of the launch control circuit board  106  will be described. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the launch control circuit board  106  includes, at least, a launching strength generation circuit  106   a , launching drive circuit  106   b  and a timing circuit  106   c.    
         [0139]    The launching volume  3   a  comprising a variable resistor is applied with a constant voltage (e.g., 5V), so that the launching strength generation circuit  106   a  is supplied with the voltage divided by the variable resistor on the basis of a resistance changed in accordance with a rotational angle of the operating handle  3 . 
         [0140]    The launching strength generation circuit  106   a  is supplied with the voltage from the launching volume  3   a . Then, based on the supplied voltage, the launching strength generation circuit  106   a  generates a current for use in the launching operation in direct proportion to the supplied voltage, and then applies the generated current for the launching operation to the launching drive circuit  106   b.    
         [0141]    The timing circuit  106   c  includes a quartz oscillator, and outputs  99  pulse signals per minute, to the launching drive circuit  106   b.    
         [0142]    The launching drive circuit  106   b  receives an electric-current for use in the launching operation from the launching strength generation circuit  106   a , a pulse signal from the timing circuit  106   c , and a touch signal from the touch sensor  3   b , and a launch enabling signal from the main control circuit board  101  through the frame control circuit board  103 . The launching drive circuit  106   b  is configured to excite the launching solenoid  4   a  only when receiving at least both the touch signal and the launch enabling signal. 
         [0143]    When at least both the touch signal and the launch enabling signal are applied, the launching drive circuit  106   b  excites the launching solenoid  4   a  by instantly passing the launching current outputted from the launching strength generation circuit  106   a  through the launching solenoid  4   a  on each reception of a pulse signal from the timing circuit  106   a . In this way, 99 playing balls are launched for one minute. 
       (Launching Strength of Playing Ball) 
       [0144]    Next, a carry of the launched ball will be described.  FIG. 7  is a graph showing the relationship between the launching strength corresponding to the carry of the launched ball and the rotational angle of the operating handle  3 . 
         [0145]    As described above, the rotation of the operating handle  3  effects a change in the resistance caused by the launching volume  3   a  comprising a variable resistor. Then, a divided voltage is applied to the launching strength generation circuit  106   a.    
         [0146]    At this stage, accurately speaking, a current value based on a voltage value determines a launching strength of a playing ball. However, since the launching current value thus produced is in direct proportion to the voltage value supplied from the launching strength generation circuit  106   a , it eventually results in that a launching strength is determined on the basis of the supplied voltage value. 
         [0147]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the variable resistor of the launching volume  3   a  in the embodiment is set such that the voltage value applied to the launch control circuit board  106  increases with increases in the rotational angle of the operating handle  3 . 
         [0148]    The launching strength S 0  on the launching strength axis shown in  FIG. 7  corresponds to a point at which a launching ball reaches the playfield  6   a . The launched strength S 1  corresponds to a minimum voltage value in the variable resistor of the launching volume  3   a  in the embodiment. 
         [0149]    Here, since the launching strength S 0  is smaller than the launching strength S 1 , when the operating handle  3  is rotated to launch a playing ball, the launched ball certainly reaches the playfield  6   a  unless any trouble occurs. For this reason, the minimum value of the launching strength has already exceeded a value corresponding to the reach point in the playfield. This eliminates the event of returning the playing ball launched during a predetermined game time-period without reaching the playfield (briefly, eliminates occurrence of a foul ball), thus making it possible to eliminate wasting time for launching. 
         [0150]    In the embodiment, the variable resistor of the launching volume  3   a  is set such that the launching strength S 1  is larger than the launching strength S 0 . However, instead of this, the variable resistor of the launching volume  3   a  may be set such that the launching strength S 1  is equal to or lager than the launching strength S 0 . However, when the launching strength S 0  is equal to the launching strength  51 , there may be a rare case in which a playing ball reaches an area close to the playfield  6   a  but cannot enter the playfield  6   a  due to an error caused by structure deterioration of the launching device. For this reason, the launching strength S 1  is preferably larger than the launching strength S 0 . 
         [0151]    The embodiment has described the structure in which, even when the operating handle  3  is slightly rotated from zero degrees, a playing ball is launched. However, a slight amount of play may be provided in the rotation of the operating handle  3  so that a playing ball may be launched when the operating handle  3  is rotated greater than about 5 degrees. In any case, the launching strength corresponding to the minimum voltage value in the variable resistor of the launching volume  3   a  is required to be equal to or more than the launching strength S 0 . 
         [0152]    In the embodiment the launching volume  3   a  and the launching strength generation circuit  106   a  form the launching strength determination device. 
       (Various Tables) 
       [0153]    Referring next to  FIG. 8  to  FIG. 10 , various tables stored in the main ROM  101   b  will be described in detail. After that, various tables stored in the sub-ROM  102   b  will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
       (Jackpot Determination Table) 
       [0154]    Jackpot determination tables in  FIG. 8(   a ) and  FIG. 8(   b ) are referred to for determining whether or not a jackpot should be scored in a “jackpot lottery”. The jackpot determination table in  FIG. 8(   a ) is referred to by the first special-symbol display device  19 , while the jackpot determination table in  FIG. 8(   b ) is referred to by the second special symbol display device  20 . 
         [0155]    The main CPU  101   a  refers to the jackpot determination table to determine whether a “jackpot” or a “loss” should be scored, based on a possibility game state and the acquired random number values for determining special symbols. For example, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device illustrated in  FIG. 8(   a ), in the low probability game state, it is determined that the two numbers “o” and “1” of the random number values for determining special symbols correspond to jackpots and the 126 numbers “2” to “127” of the random number values correspond to “loss”. On the other hand, in the high probability game state, it is determined that all the random number values for determining special symbols correspond to jackpots. 
         [0156]    Accordingly, since the random number values for determining special symbols ranges from 0 to 127, the probability of a jackpot is one-64 th  in the low probability game state, and is one-first, that is, 100% in the high probability game state. 
       (Win Determination Table) 
       [0157]    A win determination table in  FIG. 8(   c ) is referred to for determining whether or not a win should be scored in a “lottery for normal symbols”. 
         [0158]    The main CPU  101   a  refers to the win determination table to determine whether a “win” or a “loss” should be scored, based on the acquired random number values for determining normal symbols. For example, according to the win determination table for the normal-symbol display device shown in  FIG. 8(   c ), it is determined that the number “o” of the random number values for determining normal symbols corresponds to a win and the 7 numbers “1” to “7” correspond to losses. 
         [0159]    Accordingly, since the random number values for determining normal symbols ranges from 0 to 7, the probability of a win is one-eighth, and the probability of a loss is seven-eighth. 
       (Symbol Determination Table) 
       [0160]      FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) show symbol determination tables for determining which special symbol is stopped and displayed. The symbol determination table in  FIG. 9(   a ) is for determining which symbol should be stopped when a jackpot occurs, while the symbol determination table in  FIG. 9(   b ) is for determining which symbol should be stopped when a loss occurs. 
         [0161]    The main CPU  101   a  refers to the symbol determination table when a jackpot occurs, to determine a kind of special symbols (stop symbol data) based on the acquired random number value for determining a symbol of a jackpot. For example, according to the symbol determination table shown in  FIG. 9(   a ), when the random number values for determining a symbol for a jackpot ranges from “0” to “59” in the case of the first-special-symbol display device, “01” (first jackpot of special symbol 1) is assigned as stop symbol data. If the random number values for determining a symbol for a jackpot ranges from “60” to “99”, “02” (first normal win of special symbol 1) is assigned as stop symbol data. On the other hand, when the random number values for determining a symbol for a jackpot ranges from “0” to “59” in the case of the second special symbol display device, “03” (second jackpot of special symbol 1) is assigned as stop symbol data. If the random number values for determining a symbol for a jackpot ranges from “60” to “99”, “04” (second normal win of special symbol 1) is assigned as stop symbol data. 
         [0162]    When a “loss” is determined, the main CPU  101   a  refers to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. (b), and then assigns “00” (special symbol 0) as stop symbol data. 
         [0163]    When the variable display of the special symbols is started, a performance-symbol-specifying command is generated as special-symbol information on the basis of a determined kind of special symbols (stop symbol data). In this connection, each performance-symbol-specifying command contains 2-byte data, in which 1-byte MODE data is for identifying a category of a control command and 1-byte DATA data represents the contents (function) of the executed control command. The same can be said of the variation-pattern-specifying command and the like which will be described later. 
         [0164]    As described later, since a post-jackpot game state (see  FIG. 10 ) is determined by a kind of special symbols (stop symbol data), it can be said that a kind of special symbols determines a post-jackpot game state. 
       (Post-Jackpot Set Data Table) 
       [0165]      FIG. 10  is a post-jackpot set data table for determining the post-jackpot game state. 
         [0166]    The main CPU  101   a  refers to the post-jackpot set data table to determine whether the probability game state is a high probability one or a low probability one, on the basis of the stop symbol data on the special symbols. For example, according to the post-jackpot set data table shown in  FIG. 10 , when the first jackpot of special symbol 1 or the second jackpot of special symbol 1 (stop symbol data 01, 03) is determined, the high probability game state is determined. When the first normal win of special symbol 1 or the second normal win of special symbol 1 (stop symbol data 02, 04) is determined, the low probability game state is set. 
       (Performance-Symbol Determination Table) 
       [0167]      FIG. 11  is a performance-symbol determination table referred to for determining a combination of the performance symbols  30  stopped and displayed when a jackpot is determined. 
         [0168]    The sub-CPU  102   a  refers to the performance-symbol determination table for a jackpot shown in  FIG. 11 , and determines performance symbol data on the basis of the received performance-symbol-specifying command. 
         [0169]    For example, according to the performance-symbol determination table for a jackpot shown in  FIG. 11 , when receiving a performance-symbol-specifying command (“E0H01H”, “E1H01H”) indicative of the first jackpot of special symbol 1, the second jackpot of special symbol 1 by which the high probability game state is determined, a combination of performance symbols is set such that the three numerals “7” of a red color are arranged along any one of the 8 lines. When receiving a performance-symbol-specifying command (“E0H02H”, “E1H02H”) indicative of the first normal win of special symbol 1, the second normal win of special symbol 1 by which the low probability game state is determined, a combination of performance symbols is set such that the three numerals “7” of a blue color are arranged along any one of the 8 lines. 
         [0170]    As a result, the player can know from a combination of performance symbols whether the game state enters the high probability game state or the low probability game state after the jackpot. 
       (Description of Probability Game State) 
       [0171]    Next, the probability game state changed in the game process will be described. The “low probability game state” and the “high probability game state” are provided in the embodiment. Moreover, the initial probability game state of the pachinko unit is set in the “low probability game state” 
         [0172]    In the embodiment, the term “low probability game state” means that a probability of a jackpot is set at, for example, one-64 th  in a jackpot lottery carried out on condition that a playing ball has entered the first start-up hole  9  or the second start-up hole  10 . On the other hand, the term “high probability game state” means that a probability of a jackpot is set at, for example, one-first (100%) in a jackpot lottery. Accordingly, a jackpot is more easily hit in the “high probability game state” than in the “low probability game state”. The low probability game state is changed to the high probability game state after a jackpot game described later has been finished. 
         [0173]    In the embodiment, the probability of a jackpot in the high probability game state is set at one-first (100%), but it is not limited to be set at one-first (100%) as long as the probability of a jackpot in the high probability game state is higher than that in the low probability game state. 
       (Description of Kinds of Jackpots) 
       [0174]    In the embodiment, the term “jackpot” means that the right to execute a jackpot game is given in a jackpot lottery carried out on condition that a playing ball has entered the first start-up hole  9  or the second start-up hole  10 . 
         [0175]    In the “jackpot game”, 8 round games are carried out for opening up the jackpot gate  11 . The total time-period while the jackpot gate  11  is opened up in each round game is set at 29.5 seconds at maximum. During the time-period, if a predetermined number of balls (e.g., 5 balls) enter the jackpot gate  11 , one round game is finished. That is, the “jackpot game” allows the player to win a large number of tickets, because the player wins a ticket whenever a playing ball enters the jackpot gate  11  and also many balls enter the jackpot gate  11  at a time. 
         [0176]    Next, the game process in the pachinko unit  100  will be described using flowcharts. 
       (Main Processing of Main Control Circuit Board) 
       [0177]    Referring first to  FIG. 12 , the main processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0178]    The power circuit board  107  turns the power on, which then triggers a system reset of the main CPU  101   a . The main CPU  101   a  performs the following main processing. 
         [0179]    First, at step S 10 , the main CPU  101   a  performs initialization processing. In this initialization processing the main CPU  101   a  retrieves a start-up program from the main ROM upon the power-on, and performs processing for initializing flags and the like stored in the main RAM. 
         [0180]    At step S 20 , the main CPU  101   a  updates random number value for performance used for determining special symbol variation mode. 
         [0181]    At step S 30 , the main CPU  101   a  updates initial random number values for respectively determining a special symbol, a jackpot symbol and a normal symbol. Subsequently, the processing in step  20  and the processing in step  30  are repeated until predetermined interrupt processing is performed. 
       (Timer Interrupt Processing of Main Control Circuit Board) 
       [0182]    Referring next to  FIG. 13 , the timer interrupt processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0183]    To execute the following timer interrupt processing, a clock pulse generation circuit for resetting which is mounted on the main control circuit board  101  generates a clock pulse at predetermined intervals (every 4 ms). 
         [0184]    First, at step S 50 , the CPU  101   a  retreats the information stored in a register of the main CPU  101   a  into a stack region. 
         [0185]    At step S 60 , the main CPU  101   a  performs time-period control processing for updating a variety of timer counters, such as update processing of a one round play timer/counter, update processing of a special symbol time counter, update processing of a special game timer/counter for measuring the open time of a special electrically-movable-win-hole device, i.e., jackpot gate and the like, update processing of a normal symbol time counter, and update processing of open time counter of a normal electrically-movable-win-hole device. Specifically, the one round play timer/counter, the special symbol time counter, the special game timer/counter, the normal symbol time counter and the open time counter of a normal electrically-movable-win-hole device are each decremented by 1 in the update processing. 
         [0186]    At step S 70 , the CPU  101   a  performs processing of updating a random number value for determining a special symbol, a random number value of a jackpot symbol, and a random number value for determining a normal symbol. 
         [0187]    Specifically, each of the random number values and each of the random number counters are updated by being incremented by +1. When the random number counter incremented by +1 exceeds the maximum value in the random number range (i.e., when going the full circle of the random number counter), the random number counter is reset to zero, and the random number value is newly updated from the initial random number value at that time. 
         [0188]    At step S 80 , similarly to step S 30 , the main CPU  101   a  updates initial random number values for determining a special symbol, a jackpot symbol and a normal symbol. 
         [0189]    At step S 90 , the main CPU  101   a  performs input control processing. In this processing, the CPU  101   a  determines whether or not it has received an input from each of the switches, namely, the regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a , the jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a , the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  and the gate detection switch  8   a.    
         [0190]    Specifically, when receiving each of the various detection switches from the regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a , the jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a , the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  and the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a , the main CPU  101   a  updates the ticket counter for pay out a ticket by adding one to the ticket counter, and also updates the in-one-play-entered-ball counter for managing the number of playing-balls entering a win-hole in one play by adding one to the in-one-play-entered-ball counter. In addition, when receiving a detection signal from the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  or the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a , the main CPU  101  obtains random number values for determining a special symbol, a jackpot symbol and performance, and stores the obtained random number values in the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area. Likewise, when receiving a detection signal from the gate detection switch  8   a , the main CPU  101   a  obtains random number values for determining a normal symbol and stores them in the normal-symbol reserve storage area. Details will be described later using  FIG. 14 . 
         [0191]    At step S 100 , upon the reception of a game enabling signal from the ticket control circuit board  200 , the main CPU  101   a  performs one-round-play-start control processing for setting predetermined data required for starting one game round-play. The one-round-play-start control processing will be concretely described later using  FIG. 16 . 
         [0192]    At step S 200 , the main CPU  101   a  performs one-round-play-quitting control processing for setting predetermined data required for quitting one game round-play. The one-round-play-quitting control processing will be concretely described later using  FIG. 17 . 
         [0193]    At step S 300 , the main CPU  101   a  performs special-symbol-and-jackpot control processing for controlling a jackpot lottery, a jackpot gate and a game state. Details will be described later using  FIG. 18 . 
         [0194]    At step S 400 , the main CPU  101   a  performs normal-symbol-and-prize-winning control processing for controlling a lottery for a normal symbol and a normal electrically-movable-win-hole device. Details will be described later using  FIG. 20 . 
         [0195]    At step S 500 , the main CPU  101   a  performs data creation processing to generate a ticket payout signal causing the ticket control circuit board  200  to pay out a ticket, an in-one-play signal indicative of ongoing round play, a jackpot signal indicative of a jackpot game being controlled, a launch enabling signal for allowing the launch control circuit board  106  to launch a playing ball, data required for driving the start-up-hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c , data required for driving the jackpot-gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c , data required for causing the special-symbol display devices  19 ,  20  to light up and display, data required for causing the normal-symbol display device  21  to light up and display, and data required for causing the reserve display lights  22 ,  23  and  24  to light up. Details will be described later using  FIG. 23 . 
         [0196]    At step S 600 , the main CPU  101   a  performs output control processing, in which port output processing is performed to output the signals generated in step S 500 . The main CPU  101   a  performs display output processing to output the special-symbol display-device data, the normal-symbol display-device data, and the reserve-display data generated in step S 500 . In addition, the main CPU  101   a  transmits a command set in the performance-transmission data storage area in the main RAM  101   c.    
         [0197]    At step S 700 , the main CPU  101   a  returns the information retreated in step S 50  to the register in the main CPU  101   a.    
       (Input Control Processing) 
       [0198]    Referring next to  FIG. 14 , the input control processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0199]    First, at step S 91 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a detection signal is received from the regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a , that is, whether or not a playing ball enters the regular win hole  7 . If determining that a detection signal is received from the regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a , the main CPU  101   a  updates the ticket counter for paying out a ticket by adding one to the ticket counter, and similarly updates the in-one-play-entered-ball counter for managing the number of playing balls entering the win hole during one game round-play by adding one to the in-one-play-entered-ball counter. 
         [0200]    At step S 92 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a detection signal is received from the jackpot-gate detection switch  7   a , that is, whether or not a playing ball enters the jackpot gate  11 . If determining that a detection signal is received from the jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a , the main CPU  101   a  updates the ticket counter and the in-one-play-entered-ball counter by adding one to each of them. The main CPU  101   a  also updates the counter in the entered ball counter (C) storage area for the jackpot gate by adding one thereto. This entered ball counter for the jackpot gate counts the number of playing balls entered the jackpot gate  11 . 
         [0201]    At step S 93 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a detection signal is received from the first start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , that is, whether or not a playing ball enters the first start-up hole  9 . Then, the main CPU  101   a  performs the first start-up-hole detection-switch input processing for setting predetermined data used to make a jackpot determination. The first start-up-hole detection-switch input processing will be described later in detail using  FIG. 15 . 
         [0202]    At step S 94 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a detection signal is received from the second start-up-hole detection switch  10   a , that is, whether or not a playing ball enters the second start-up hole  10 . Then, the main CPU  101   a  performs the second start-up-hole detection-switch input processing for setting predetermined data used to make a jackpot determination. 
         [0203]    The second start-up-hole detection-switch input processing differs in a data storage area from the first start-up-hole detection-switch input processing described later in  FIG. 15 . Specifically, in the second start-up-hole detection-switch input processing the second special-symbol storage area is used instead of the first special-symbol storage area, and the second special-symbol reserve-number (U2) storage area is used instead of the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area. However, the first and the second start-up-hole detection-switch input processing are similar to each other in that a random number value for determining a special symbol, a random number value for determining a jackpot symbol and a random number value for performance are obtained and stored for the control processing. 
         [0204]    At step S 95 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a detection signal is received from the gate detection switch  8   a , that is, whether or not a playing ball passes through the normal symbol gate  8 . If determining that a detection signal is received from the gate detection switch  8   a , the main CPU  101   a  adds “1” to the normal-symbol reserve-number (G) storage area, then obtains a random number value within a preset random-number range (e.g., 0 to 10) for determining a normal symbol, and then stores the obtained random number value in the normal symbol reserve storage area. If value “4” is stored in the normal-symbol reserve-number (G) storage area, the main CPU  101   a  does not perform such operations of adding “1” to the normal-symbol reserve-number (G) storage area, obtaining a random number value for determining a normal symbol and storing the obtained random number value in the normal-symbol reserve storage area. When this processing is terminated, the input control processing is terminated. 
         [0205]    In the embodiment the random number values for determining a special symbol form the determination information. In addition, the main CPU  101   a  performing the first start-up-hole detection switch input processing in step S 93  and the second start-up-hole detection switch input processing in step S 94  forms the determination information obtaining device. 
       (First Start-Up-Hole Detection Switch Input Processing) 
       [0206]    Referring next to  FIG. 15 , the first start-up-hole detection switch input processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0207]    First, at step S 93 - 1 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a detection signal is received from the first start-up-hole detection switch  9   a.    
         [0208]    If the main CPU  101   a  determines that a detection signal is received from the first start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , the flow proceeds to step S 93 - 2 . If the main CPU  101   a  determines that a detection signal is not received from the first start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , the first start-up-hole detection switch input processing is terminated. 
         [0209]    At step S 93 - 2 , the main CPU  101   a  updates the ticket counter for paying out a ticket by adding 1 thereto. 
         [0210]    At step S 93 - 3 , the main CPU  101   a  updates the in-one-play-entered-ball counter for managing the number of playing balls entering a win hole in one play by adding 1 thereto. 
         [0211]    At step S 93 - 4 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the data set in the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area shows less than 4. When the data set in the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area shows less than 4, the flow proceeds to step S 93 - 5 . On the other hand, when the data set in the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area shows not less than 4, the first-start-up-hole detection switch input processing is terminated. 
         [0212]    At step S 93 - 5 , the main CPU  101   a  adds “1” to the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area and stores the result. 
         [0213]    At step S 93 - 6 , the main CPU  101   a  obtains a random number value for determining a special symbol, then searches the first special-symbol storage area in order from a first storage section to find an empty storage section, and then stores the obtained random number value for determining a special symbol in the empty storage section. 
         [0214]    At step S 93 - 7 , the main CPU  101   a  obtains a random number value for determining a jackpot symbol, then searches the first special-symbol storage area in order from the first storage section to find an empty storage section, and then stores the obtained random number value for determining the jackpot symbol in the empty storage section. 
         [0215]    At step S 93 - 8 , the main CPU  101   a  obtains a random number value for performance, then searches the first special-symbol storage area in order from the first storage section to find an empty storage section, and then stores the obtained random number value for performance in the empty storage section. Then, the main CPU  101   a  terminates the first start-up-hole detection-switch input processing. 
         [0216]    In this manner, the random number value for determining a special symbol, the random number value for determining a jackpot symbol and the random number value for performance are respectively stored in predetermined storage sections in the first symbol-special storage area. 
       (One-Round-Play-Start Control Processing) 
       [0217]    Referred next to  FIG. 16 , the one-round-play-start control processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0218]    At step S 101 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a game enabling signal for allowing one game round play is received from the ticket control circuit board  200 . If the reception of a game enabling signal is determined, the flow proceeds to step S 102 , but if it is not determined, the one-round-play-start control processing is terminated. 
         [0219]    At step S 102 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the one round play timer/counter to 750 corresponding to 3000 ms. Since the one round play timer/counter is decremented by 1 every 4 ms in step S 60  as described above, the one round play timer/counter reaches zero after 3000 ms. 
         [0220]    In the embodiment, the length of 3000 ms forms a playing period (playing time), the main CPU  101   a  performing the processing of setting the one round play timer/counter as a timer in step S 102  and the time control processing of decrementing the one round play timer/counter in step S 60  forms the playing period counter or the playing time counter. 
         [0221]    At step S 103 , the main CPU  101   a  sets in-one-play data indicating that one game round play is being executed in the one round play storage area. When the in-one-play data is set, an in-one-play signal is generated and outputted as described later in  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24 . 
         [0222]    At step S 104 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the launch enabling data in the launch enabling data storage area in order to allow the launch control circuit board  106  to launch a playing ball. When the launch enabling data is set, a launch enabling signal is generated and outputted as described later in  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24 . 
         [0223]    At step S 105 , the main CPU  101   a  sets 1 as the value of the storage area for the normal symbol and prize-winning processing data required for bringing the pair of movable pieces  10   b  mounted in the second start-up hole  10  into the open state. 
         [0224]    At the step S 106 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the game starting flag in the starting-up-flag storage area and terminates the one-round-play-start control processing. Details will be described later in  FIG. 22 . The game starting flag allows the pair of movable pieces  10   b  in the second start-up hole  10  to keep the open state until a playing ball enters any win hole. 
       (One Round Play Quitting Control Processing) 
       [0225]    Referring next to  FIG. 17 , the one round play quitting control processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0226]    At step S 201 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the one round play timer/counter=0, that is, whether or not 30 seconds have lapsed since a coin of a predetermined amount was received. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the one round play timer/counter=0, the flow proceeds to step S 202 , and if not, the one round play quitting control processing is terminated 
         [0227]    At step S 202 , the main CPU  101   a  clears the launch enabling data. Specifically, when 30 seconds have lapsed since a coin of a predetermined amount was received, the launching operation is stopped in principle. 
         [0228]    At step S 203 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the ongoing round play is in a jackpot state, that is, whether or not the special symbol and jackpot processing data used in jackpot game processing as described later is set at 3. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the ongoing round play is in a jackpot state, the flow proceeds to step S 204 , and if not, the flow proceeds to step S 206 . 
         [0229]    At step S 204 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the in-one-play data is set in the one round play storage area. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the in-one-play data is set in the one round play storage area, the flow proceeds to step S 205 , and if not, the one round play quitting control processing is terminated. 
         [0230]    At step S 205 , the main CPU  101   a  sets launch enabling data in the launch enabling data storage area again. As a result, as long as one round play is ongoing, if the game is a jackpot game, even after a lapse of 30 seconds, the player can launch a playing ball. 
         [0231]    At step S 206 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not there is a reserve memory, that is, whether or not the first special symbol reserve number (U1)=0 and also the second special symbol reserve number (U2)=0. If the main CPU  101   a  does not determine that there is a reserve memory, the flow proceeds to step S 207 . If the main CPU  101   a  determines that there is a reserve memory, the one round play quitting control processing is terminated. As a result, as long as there is any reserve memory, the in-one-play data is not cleared in step S 208  as described later, thus allowing the continuation of the one round play. 
         [0232]    At step S 207 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the stop symbol data used when a loss occurs (stop symbol data “00” indicating special symbol 0) is set in the stop symbol data storage area. When determining that the stop symbol data used when a loss occurs is set, the main CPU  101   a  performs the processing in step S 208 , and if not, the main CPU  101   a  terminates the one round play quitting control processing. 
         [0233]    At step S 208 , the main CPU  101   a  clears the in-one-play data set in the one round play storage area. As a result, the one round play ends. 
         [0234]    At step S 209 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the in-one-play-entered-ball counter=0, that is, whether or not even one playing ball enters a win hole during one round play. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the in-one-play-entered-ball counter=0, the flow proceeds to step S 210 , and if not, the flow proceeds to step S 211 . 
         [0235]    At step S 210 , the main CPU  101   a  updates the ticket counter by adding 1 thereto. As a result, when no playing ball enters a win hole during the one round play, at the minimum one sheet of ticket is paid out. 
         [0236]    In the embodiment, the payout command device is formed by the main CPU  101   a  that adds 1 to the ticket counter when the in-one-play-entered-ball counter is equal to zero after one round play has ended (step S 209 , step S 210 ) and generates and outputs a ticket payout signal of one pulse to a counter which is set in the ticket counter as described later (the data creation processing shown in  FIG. 23 , the output control processing shown in  FIG. 24 ). 
         [0237]    At step S 211 , the main CPU  101   a  clears the in-one-play-entered-ball counter, that is, sets the in-one-play-entered-ball counter=0, and then terminates the one round play quitting control processing. 
         [0238]    In the embodiment, the main CPU  101   a  performing the one-round-play-start control processing and the one round play quitting control processing for setting and clearing the in-one-play data forms the one-round-play execution device. Further, in the embodiment, the main CPU  101   a  performing the one-round-play-start control processing and the one round play quitting control processing for setting and clearing the launch enabling data forms the launch operation active determination device. 
         [0239]    (Special Symbol and Jackpot Control Processing) 
         [0240]    Referring next to  FIG. 18 , the special symbol and jackpot control processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0241]    At step S 301 , the main CPU  101   a  loads a value in the special symbol and jackpot processing data, and refers to branched addresses from the special symbol and jackpot processing data loaded at step S 302 . Then, when the special symbol and jackpot processing data=0, the flow proceeds to step S 310  to execute the special symbol memory determination processing. When the special symbol and jackpot processing data=1, the flow proceeds to step S 320  to execute the special symbol variation processing. When the special symbol and jackpot processing data=2, the flow proceeds to step S 330  to execute the special symbol stop processing. When the special symbol and jackpot processing data=3, the flow proceeds to step S 340  to execute the jackpot game processing. When the special symbol and jackpot processing data=4, the flow proceeds to step S 350  to execute the jackpot game quitting processing. 
         [0242]    The “special symbol and jackpot processing data” is set as necessary in each subroutine in the special symbol and jackpot control processing as described later, so that a necessary subroutine is executed as appropriate in the game. 
         [0243]    At step S 310 , the main CPU  101   a  performs the special symbol memory determination processing for determining a special symbol representing a jackpot lottery or stop, which will be described in detail later using  FIG. 19 . 
         [0244]    In the special symbol variation processing in step S 320 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the time of varying the special symbol has lapsed. 
         [0245]    Specifically, the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the time of varying the special symbol determined in step S 310  has lapsed (whether or not the special symbol time counter=0). If determining that the time of varying the special symbol has not lapsed, the main CPU  101   a  terminates this special symbol variation processing while reserving the special symbol and jackpot processing data=1, whereupon the next subroutine runs. 
         [0246]    If determining that the time of varying the special symbol has lapsed, the main CPU  101   a  clears the special symbol variation display data, and stops and displays the special symbol determined in step S 310  on the first special-symbol display device  19  or the second special-symbol display device  20 . As a result, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special-symbol display device  19  or the second special symbol display device  20  to notify the player of the result of jackpot determination. 
         [0247]    At the end, the setting is changed from the special symbol and jackpot processing data=1 to the special symbol and jackpot processing data=2 for the purpose of starting the special symbol stop processing, followed by termination of the special symbol variation processing. 
         [0248]    In the special symbol stop processing in step S 330 , the main CPU  101   a  determines the stopped and displayed special symbol. 
         [0249]    Specifically, the main CPU  101   a  first determines whether or not the stopped and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol. If determining it is a jackpot symbol, the main CPU  101   a  resets the probability game state and changes the setting from the special symbol and jackpot processing data=2 to the special symbol and jackpot processing data=3 for the purpose of starting the jackpot game processing, followed by termination of the special symbol stop processing. 
         [0250]    On the other hand, if the CPU  101   a  determines that the stopped and displayed special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the special symbol and jackpot processing data=2 is changed to the special symbol and jackpot processing data=0 for the purpose of starting the special symbol memory determination processing, followed by termination of the special symbol stop processing. 
         [0251]    In the jackpot game processing in step S 340 , the main CPU  101   a  drives the jackpot-gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c  to open the jackpot gate  11 . 
         [0252]    Specifically, the main CPU  101   a  outputs drive data for the jackpot-gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c  in order to open the jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper lib. In addition, the main CPU  101   a  sets the special game timer/counter at 29.5 seconds for the opening time so that the jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper  11   b  can be opened for 29.5 second at a maximum. When a predetermined number of playing balls enter the jackpot gate  11  during this opening time (for example, a jackpot-gate-entered-ball counter=5?) or when the maximum opening time has lapsed (the special game timer/counter=0), the main CPU  101   a  stops the output of the drive data for the jackpot-gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c  to close the jackpot-gate opening-and-closing flapper  11   b . In this manner, one round game ends. The round game control is repeated 15 times. 
         [0253]    After the 15 round games have been operated, the setting is changed from the special symbol and jackpot processing data=3 to the special symbol and jackpot processing data=4 for the purpose of starting the jackpot game quitting processing, followed by termination of the jackpot game processing. 
         [0254]    In the embodiment, the main CPU  101   a  performing the jackpot game processing forms the special game controller. In the embodiment, when the main CPU  101   a  performing the jackpot lottery processing of determining a jackpot is defined as privilege determination device, the main CPU  101   a  performing the jackpot game processing forms the privilege giving device. When the main CPU  101   a  performing the input control processing of determining whether or not a playing ball enters a predetermined win hole is defined as privilege determination device, the ticket CPU  200   a  paying out a ticket forms the privilege giving device. 
         [0255]    In the jackpot game quitting processing in step S 350 , the main CPU  101   a  determines a probability game state. 
         [0256]    Specifically, the main CPU  101   a  refers to the post-jackpot condition data table shown in  FIG. 10 , and determines, based on the kind of the jackpot symbol, whether the probability game state should be the high probability game state or the low probability game state. Then, the main CPU  101   a  sets the data indicating the probability game state thus determined in the high-probability-play-flag storage area. Subsequently, the setting is changed from the special symbol and jackpot processing data=4 to the special symbol and jackpot processing data=0 for the purpose of starting the special symbol memory determination processing, followed by termination of the jackpot game quitting processing. 
         [0257]    In the embodiment, the main CPU  101   a  performing the jackpot game quitting processing of determining the high probability game state forms the probability increase determination device. 
       (Special Symbol Memory Determination Processing) 
       [0258]    Referring next to  FIG. 19 , the special symbol memory determination processing of the main control circuit board  101  will be described. 
         [0259]    At step S 310 - 1 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the special symbols are being variably displayed. At this stage, if the special symbols are being variably displayed (the special symbol time counter≠0), the special symbol memory determination processing is terminated. If the special symbols are not variably displayed (the special symbol time counter=0), the flow proceeds to step S 310 - 2 . 
         [0260]    At step S 310 - 2 , the main CPU  101 , when the special symbols are not variably displayed, determines whether or not the value in the second special-symbol reserve-number (U2) storage area is 1 or more. 
         [0261]    If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the value in the second special-symbol reserve-number (U2) storage area is 1 or more, the flow proceeds to step S 310 - 3 . If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the value in the second special-symbol reserve-number (U2) storage area is not 1 or more, the flow proceeds to step S 310 - 4 . 
         [0262]    At step S 310 - 3 , the main CPU  101   a  subtracts 1 from the value stored in the second special-symbol reserve-number (U2) storage area, and stores the value thus obtained. 
         [0263]    At step S 310 - 4 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the value in the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area is 1 or more. 
         [0264]    If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the value in the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area is 1 or more, the flow proceeds to step S 310 - 5 . If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the value in the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area is not 1 or more, the special symbol memory determination processing is terminated. 
         [0265]    At step S 310 - 5 , the main CPU  101   a  subtracts 1 from the value stored in the first special-symbol reserve-number (U1) storage area, and stores the value thus obtained. 
         [0266]    At step S 310 - 6 , the main CPU  101   a  performs processing for shifting the data stored in the special symbol reserve storage area corresponding to the special-symbol reserve-number (U) storage area after the subtraction in step S 310 - 2  to step S 310 - 5 . Specifically, the data stored in each of the first to fourth storage sections included in the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area is shifted to the immediately preceding storage section. At this stage, the data stored in the first storage section is shifted to the determination storage area (zeroth storage section). In this case, the data stored in the first storage section is written into the determination storage area (zeroth storage section), and the data already written in the determination storage area (zeroth storage section) is erased from the special symbol reserve storage area. In this manner, the random number value for determining a special symbol, the random number value for determining a jackpot symbol, and the random number value for performance, which have been used in the last game, are erased. 
         [0267]    In the embodiment, the shifting is performed in the second special symbol storage area in priority to the first special symbol storage area in step S 310 - 2  to step S 310 - 6 . However, the shifting may be performed in the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area in the order of entrance into the start-up hole. The shifting may be performed in the first special symbol storage area in priority to the second special symbol storage area. 
         [0268]    At step S 310 - 7 , the main CPU  101   a  performs the jackpot lottery processing based on the random number value for determining a special symbol which has been written into the determination storage area (zeroth storage section) in the special symbol reserve storage area in step S 310 - 6 . 
         [0269]    In the Jackpot lottery processing, the main CPU  101   a  refers to the jackpot determination table shown in  FIG. 8 , and determines whether or not the random number value for a special symbol corresponds to a “jackpot”. In this connection, if the high probability game state has been determined, a greater number of random number values for determining a special symbol determined as a “jackpot” are usually set in the a jackpot lottery as compared with the case in the low probability game state. For this reason, a jackpot is more easily hit in the high probability game state than that in the low probability game state. In this embodiment, the probability rate of jackpot in the high probability game state is set at 1/1 (100%) as shown in  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ), but, of course, is not limited to this rate. 
         [0270]    In the embodiment, the privilege determination device is formed by either the first start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  or the second start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  that detects a playing ball entering the first start-up hole  9  or the second start-up hole  10 , and also the main CPU  101   a  that performs the jackpot lottery processing of determining a jackpot upon the entered-ball detection of the first start-up-hole detection switch  9   a  or the second start-up-hole detection switch  10   a . The privilege determination device is also formed by the regular-win-hole detection switch  7   a , the first-start-up-hole detection switch  9   a , the second-start-up-hole detection switch  10   a  and the jackpot-gate detection switch  11   a  all of which detect a playing ball entering a predetermined win hole for ticket payout. 
         [0271]    In addition, the special game determination device is formed by the main CPU  101   a  that performs the jackpot lottery processing. 
         [0272]    At step S 310 - 8 , the main CPU  101   a  performs the special symbol determination processing of determining which special symbol is stopped and displayed. 
         [0273]    In the special symbol determination processing, when determining a jackpot as a result of a jackpot lottery, the main CPU  101   a  refers to the symbol determination table shown in  FIG. 9(   a ) and determines stop symbol data concerning a jackpot symbol on the basis of the random number value for determining a jackpot symbol. When determining a loss, the main CPU  101   a  refers to the symbol determination table shown in  FIG. 9(   b ) to determine stop symbol data concerning a loss symbol. Subsequently, the determined stop symbol data is set in the stop symbol data storage area. 
         [0274]    At step S 310 - 9 , the main CPU  101   a  performs the variation pattern determination processing of determining a special symbol variation mode. 
         [0275]    In the variation pattern determination processing, the main CPU  101   a  refers to a variation pattern determination table (not shown) and determines a variation pattern on the basis of the result of the jackpot lottery, the kind of the special symbol, the special-symbol reserve number (U), and the obtained random number value for performance. Then, the main CPU  101   a  sets a variation-pattern specifying command corresponding to the variation pattern thus determined in the performance transmission data storage area. 
         [0276]    At step S 310 - 10 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the variation time (counter value) based on the variation pattern determined in step S 310 - 9  in the special-symbol time counter. Note that the special-symbol time counter is decremented every 4 ms in step S 60  described earlier. 
         [0277]    At step S 310 - 11 , the main CPU  101   a  performs variation-display start processing for setting the special-symbol variation display data which is used for causing the special-symbol display device  19 , to produce variation display of the special symbols (LED blinking). In this manner, when the special-symbol variation display data is set, special-symbol display-device data required for blinking the LED in step S 500  described earlier is created as appropriate. By output of this created data in step S 600 , the special-symbol display device  19 ,  20  produces the variation display. The variation display of the special symbols is continuously performed only for the variation time set in step S 310 - 10 . 
         [0278]    At step S 310 - 12 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the special symbol and jackpot processing data=1. Then, the flow proceeds to step S 320  to perform the special-symbol variation processing, and the special-symbol memory determination processing is terminated. 
       (Normal Symbol and Prize-Winning Control Processing) 
       [0279]    Referring next to  FIG. 20 , the normal symbol and prize-winning control processing will be described. 
         [0280]    First, at step S 401 , values in the normal symbol and prize-winning processing data are loaded. At step S 402 , branched addresses are referred to from the normal symbol and prize-winning processing data thus loaded. As a result of the reference, if the normal symbol and prize-winning processing data=0, the flow proceeds to normal-symbol variation processing (step S 410 ). If the normal symbol and prize-winning processing data=1, the flow proceeds to normal electrically-movable-win-hole-device control processing (step S 420 ). Details will be described later using  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 22 . 
       (Normal Symbol Variation Processing) 
       [0281]    Referring next to  FIG. 21 , the normal-symbol variation processing will be described. 
         [0282]    At step S 410 - 1 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the variation display of the normal symbols is ongoing. Specifically, the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the variation display data concerning the normal symbols expected to be set at step S 410 - 8  described later is set. If the variation display of the normal symbol is ongoing, the flow proceeds to step S 410 - 9 , and if not, the flow proceeds to step S 410 - 2 . 
         [0283]    At step S 410 - 2 , when the variation display of the normal symbol is not produced, the main CPU  101   a  determines whether the normal-symbol reserve number (G) stored in the normal-symbol reserve-number (G) storage area is equal to or more than 1. If the reserve number (G) is zero, the variation display of the normal symbols is not produced. For the reason, the normal symbol variation processing is terminated. 
         [0284]    At step S 410 - 3 , the main CPU  101   a  updates the normal symbol reserve number (G) stored in the normal-symbol reserve-number (G) storage area by subtracting 1 from the value (G) if the main CPU  101   a  determines at step S 410 - 2  that the normal-symbol reserve number (G) is 1 or more. 
         [0285]    At step S 410 - 4 , the main CPU  101   a  performs processing for shifting the data stored in the normal-symbol reserve storage area. Specifically, the data stored in each of the first to fourth storage sections is shifted to the immediately preceding storage section. At this stage, the data stored in an immediately preceding storage section is written into a predetermined processing area, and erased from the normal-symbol reserve storage area. 
         [0286]    At step S 410 - 5 , the main CPU  101   a  performs the normal-symbol lottery processing. In the normal-symbol lottery processing, the main CPU  101   a  refers to the win determination table shown in  FIG. 8(   c ) and determines whether or not the random number value for determining a normal symbol corresponds to a “win”. For example, with this table, since it is determined that a random number value “0” of the random number values “0” to “7’ for determining a normal symbol corresponds to a win, a win is determined with a probability of one eighth. 
         [0287]    At step S 410 - 6 , the main CPU  101   a  refers to the result of the determination made in the normal-symbol lottery processing in step S 410 - 5 . If determining a win, the main CPU  101   a  sets the data corresponding to the win symbols of the normal symbols in the normal-symbol data storage area. If determining a loss, the main CPU  101   a  sets the data corresponding to the loss symbols of the normal symbols in the normal-symbol data storage area. 
         [0288]    At step S 410 - 7 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the variation time of the normal symbols to 15 seconds. That is, a counter of 3750 corresponding to 15000 ms is set in the normal-symbol time counter. Note that the normal-symbol time counter is decremented every 4 ms in step S 90 , and the normal-symbol time counter reaches zero after 15 seconds have lapsed. 
         [0289]    At step S 410 - 8 , the main CPU  101   a  performs the variation-display start processing of setting the normal-symbol variation display data which is used for causing the normal-symbol display device  21  to produce variation display of the normal symbols (LED blinking). In this manner, when the normal-symbol variation display data is set, normal-symbol display-device data required for blinking the LED in step S 500  described earlier is created as appropriate. By output of this created data in step S 600 , the normal-symbol display device  21  produces the variation display. The variation display of the normal symbols is continuously performed only for the variation time set in step S 410 - 7 . 
         [0290]    When determining at step S 410 - 1  that the variation display of the normal symbols is ongoing, the main CPU  101   a  determines at step S 410 - 9  whether or not the set variation time has lapsed. Specifically, the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the set normal-symbol time counter=0 because a decrement of the normal-symbol time counter takes place every 4 ms. As a result, when it is not determined that the set variation time has lapsed, it is required to continuously produce the variation display. For this reason, the normal-symbol variation processing is terminated and the next subroutine runs. 
         [0291]    When determining that the set variation time has lapsed, the main CPU  101   a , at step S 410 - 10 , clears the normal-symbol variation display data so as to stop the variation in normal symbol on the normal-symbol display device  21 . At this stage, the main CPU  101   a  operates the normal-symbol display device  21  to stop and display the normal symbol set in the normal-symbol data storage area. In this manner, the player is notified of the result of the lottery for the normal symbol. 
         [0292]    At step S 410 - 11 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the normal symbol set in the normal-symbol data storage area is a win symbol. If it is a win symbol, the flow proceeds to step S 410 - 12 . If the set normal-symbol is a loss symbol, the normal-symbol variation processing is terminated. 
         [0293]    At step S 410 - 12 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the normal symbol and prize-winning processing data=1. 
         [0294]    At step S 410 - 13 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the open time counter of the normal electrically-movable-win-hole device to 875 corresponding to 3500 ms in order to set the open time of the second start-up hole  10  to 3.5 seconds, followed by termination of the normal-symbol variation processing. 
       (Normal Electrically-Movable-Win-Hole-Device Control Processing) 
       [0295]    Referring next to  FIG. 22 , the normal electrically-movable-win-hole device control processing will be described. 
         [0296]    At step S 420 - 1 , the main CPU  101   a  starts the passage of current through the start-up-hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c . As a result, the second start-up hole  10  is opened and controlled to enter the second mode. 
         [0297]    At step S 420 - 2 , the main CPU  101   a  refers to the starting-up-flag storage area to determine whether or not the game starting flag is set. If determining that the game starting flag is set, the main CPU  101   a  performs the processing in step S 420 - 3 . If the main CPU  101   a  does not determine that the game starting flag is set, the flow proceeds to step S 420 - 5 . 
         [0298]    At step S 420 - 3 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not a playing ball enters any win hole, that is, whether or not the in-one-play-entered-ball counter=0. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that a playing ball enters any win hole, the flow proceeds to step  420 - 4 . If the main CPU  101   a  does not determine that a playing ball enters any win hole, the normal electrically-movable-win-hole device control processing is terminated and the passage of current through the start-up-hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c  is held. 
         [0299]    At step S 420 - 4 , the main CPU  101   a  clears the game starting flag set in the starting-up-flag storage area. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to step S 420 - 6  to stop the passage of current through the start-up-hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c.    
         [0300]    At step S 420 - 5 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the set open time of normal-electrically-movable-win-hole-device has lapsed, that is, whether or not the normal-electrically-movable-win-hole-device open time counter=0. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the normal-electrically-movable-win-hole-device open time has lapsed, the flow proceeds to step S 420 - 6 . If the main CPU  101   a  does not determine that the normal-electrically-movable-win-hole-device open time has lapsed, the normal electrically-movable-win-hole device control processing is terminated and the passage of current through the start-up-hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c  is held. 
         [0301]    At step S 420 - 6 , the main CPU  101   a  stops the passage of current through the start-up-hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c . Thereby, the second start-up hole  10  is placed back in the first mode, which making the entrance of a playing ball difficult or impossible again. 
         [0302]    At step S 420 - 7 , the main CPU  101   a  sets the normal symbol and prize-winning processing data=0. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to the normal-symbol variation processing shown in  FIG. 21 , and the normal electrically-movable-win-hole-device control processing is terminated. 
         [0303]    In the embodiment, the main CPU  101   a  performing the normal symbol and prize-winning processing forms the electrically-movable-win-hole-device controller. 
       (Data Creation Processing) 
       [0304]    Referring next to  FIG. 23 , the data creation processing will be described. 
         [0305]    At step S 511 , the main CPU  101   a  performs data creation processing to generate data required for driving a start-up hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c  in the opened state or closed state. 
         [0306]    At step S 512 , the main CPU  101   a  performs data creation processing to generate data required for driving a jackpot-gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c  in the opened state or closed state. 
         [0307]    At step S 513 , the main CPU  101   a  performs data creation processing to generate data required for switching on or off the light of first special-symbol display device  19  or second special-symbol display device  20 . 
         [0308]    At step S 514 , the main CPU  101   a  performs data creation processing to generate data required for switching on or off the light of the normal-symbol display device  21 . 
         [0309]    At step S 515 , the main CPU  101   a  refers to data stored in the first special-symbol reserve number (U1) storage area, the second special-symbol reserve number (U2) storage area, and the normal-symbol reserve number (G) storage area. Then, the main CPU  101   a  performs data creation processing to generate data for switching on or off the light of the first special-symbol reserve display  22 , the second special-symbol reserve display  23  and the normal-symbol reserve display  24 . 
         [0310]    At step S 516 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the ticket counter=0. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the ticket counter=0, the flow proceeds to step S 519 . If the main CPU  101   a  does not determine that the ticket counter=0, the flow proceeds to step S 517 . 
         [0311]    At step S 517 , the main CPU  101   a  generates a ticket payout signal causing the ticket control circuit board  200  to pay out a ticket. 
         [0312]    At step S 518 , the main CPU  101   a  updates the ticket counter by decrementing by 1, because one ticket payout signal has been generated. This embodiment is constructed such that one pulse of ticket payout signal is generated and outputted every one counter set in the ticket counter. Therefore, if “10” is set in the ticket counter, ten times of the ticket payout signals are generated, so that the respective ticket payout signals are outputted with each one pulse ten times. 
         [0313]    At step S 519 , the main CPU  101   a  refers to one-play storage area and determines whether or not an in-one-play data is set, that is, whether or not one-round-play is in process. If the main  101   a  determines that the in-one-play data is set, the flow proceeds to step S 520 . If the main CPU  101   a  does not determine that the in-one-play data is set, the flow proceeds to step S 521 . 
         [0314]    At step S 520 , the main CPU  101   a  generates in-one-play signal which indicates that one-round-play is in process. 
         [0315]    At step S 521 , the main CPU  101   a  refers to the launch enabling data storage area and determines whether or not a launch enabling data is set. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that a launch enabling data is set, the flow proceeds to step S 522 . If the main CPU  101   a  does not determine that a launch enabling data is set, the flow proceeds to step S 523 . 
         [0316]    At step S 522 , the main CPU  101   a  generates a launch enabling signal for allowing the launch control circuit board  106  to launch a playing ball. 
         [0317]    At step S 523 , the main CPU  101   a  determines whether or not the ongoing round play is in a jackpot state, that is, whether or not the special-symbol and jackpot processing data is set at 3. If the main CPU  101   a  determines that the ongoing round play is in a jackpot state, the flow proceeds to step S 524 , and if not, the data creation processing is terminated. 
         [0318]    At step S 524 , the main CPU generates an in-jackpot signal indicating that a jackpot game is controlled. Then, the data creation processing is terminated. 
       (Output Control Processing) 
       [0319]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , the output control processing will be described. 
         [0320]    At step S 610 , the main CPU  101   a  performs output port processing. 
         [0321]    In this output port processing, the main CPU  101   a  outputs the start-up hole opening and closing solenoid data generated in step S 511  for the start-up hole opening and closing solenoid  10   c . Likewise, the main CPU  101   a  outputs the jackpot gate opening and closing solenoid data generated in step S 512  for the jackpot gate opening and closing solenoid  11   c.    
         [0322]    Further, the main CPU  101   a  outputs the ticket payout signal, the in-one-play signal and the launch enabling signal generated in the data creation processing for the ticket control circuit board  200  through the game information output terminal board  108 . 
         [0323]    As mentioned above, the embodiment is constructed so that the main control circuit board  101  outputs the ticket payout signal, the in-one-play signal and the launch enabling signal respectively for the ticket control circuit board  200  through the game information output terminal board  108 . However, the game machine of the present invention may be constructed so that the main control circuit board  101  outputs the ticket payout signal, the in-one-play signal and the launch enabling signal directly for the ticket control circuit board  200  by directly connecting the main control circuit board  101  with the ticket control circuit board  200 . 
         [0324]    At step S 620 , the main CPU  101   a  outputs each data generated in the above-mentioned steps S 513  to  515  required for lighting up each LED of the first special-symbol display device  19 , the second special-symbol display device  20 , the normal-symbol display device  21 , the first special-symbol reserve display  22 , the second special-symbol reserve display and the normal-symbol reserve display. 
         [0325]    At step S 630 , the main CPU  101   a  performs command output processing for transmitting a command set in the performance-transmission data storage area of the main RAM  101   c  to the performance control circuit board  102 . 
         [0326]    Next, processing performed by the ticket CPU  200   a  in the ticket control circuit board  200  will be described. In the embodiment, the ticket CPU  200   a  performs at least ticket main processing (see  FIG. 25  to  FIG. 28 ) and ticket timer interrupt processing. The former is caused by turning power-on, and the latter is caused by inputting a clock pulse which is generated at predetermined intervals (every 4 ms) by an oscillator circuit arranged in the ticket control circuit board  200 . 
       (Ticket Main Processing of Ticket Control Circuit Board  200 ) 
       [0327]    Referring to  FIG. 25 , the ticket main processing of the ticket control circuit board  200  will be described. 
         [0328]    The power circuit board  107  turns the power on, which then triggers a system reset of the ticket CPU  200   a . The ticket CPU  200   a  performs the following main processing. 
         [0329]    First, at step S 900 , the ticket CPU  200   a  performs initialization processing. In this initialization processing the ticket CPU  200   a  retrieves a start-up program from the ticket ROM  200   b  upon the power-on, and performs processing for initializing flags and the like stored in the ticket RAM  200   c.    
         [0330]    At step S 910 , the ticket CPU  200   a  performs ticket input control processing. In the processing, the ticket CPU  200   a  receives a coin insertion signal from the coin detection switch  201   a , and the ticket payout signal, the in-one-play signal, and the launch enabling signal from the main control circuit board  101 . Then, the ticket CPU  200   a  sets respectively predetermined data based on each signal. Details of the ticket input control processing will be described later using  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 . 
         [0331]    At step S 920 , the ticket CPU  200   a  outputs driving data for driving the ticket payout motor  202   a  until the payout timer set at step S 910 - 9  described later becomes 0. Besides, as described above, a sheet of the ticket is discharged through the ticket payout slot  202  by every one-second forward rotation of the ticket payout motor  202   a.    
         [0332]    At step S 930 , the ticket CPU  200   a  performs ticket output control processing. In the processing, the ticket CPU  200   a  outputs game enabling signal for allowing a game of one-round-play to be played to the main control circuit board  101 . In addition, the ticket CPU  200   a  outputs data for causing the display section  203   a  of the data display  203  to display the game information of one-round-play. Details of the ticket output control processing will be described later using  FIG. 28 . 
       (Ticket Input Control Processing of Ticket Control Circuit Board  200 ) 
       [0333]    Referring to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , ticket input control processing of the ticket control circuit board  200  is described. Moreover, the ticket input control processing as shown in  FIG. 27  is performed subsequently after the ticket input control processing as shown in  FIG. 26 . 
         [0334]    At step S 910 - 1 , the ticket CPU  200   a  determines whether or not a rising edge (on-edge) of the coin insertion signal is inputted from the coin detection switch  201   a . If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that a rising edge of the coin insertion signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 2 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  does not determine that a rising edge of the coin insertion signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 5 . 
         [0335]    At step S 910 - 2 , the ticket CPU  200   a  refers to a game-executing-flag storage area, and then determines whether or not a game-executing-flag is set□ The game-executing-flag is set during input of in-one-play signal from the main control circuit board  101 . That is, the game-executing-flag is information for discriminating that one-round play is being in process by the main control circuit board  101 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that the game-executing-flag is set, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 4 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  does not determine that the game-executing-flag is set, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 3  in order to generate the game enabling signal. 
         [0336]    At step S 910 - 3 , the ticket CPU  200   a  generates the game enabling signal. The generated game enabling signal is outputted for the main control circuit board  101  at step S 931  as described later. 
         [0337]    At step  910 - 4 , the ticket CPU  200   a  updates a credit counter by incrementing by 1. The credit counter can buffer such condition that the game enabling signal is not generated although the coin insertion signal has been received. 
         [0338]    At step S 910 - 5 , the ticket CPU  200   a  determines whether or not a rising edge (on edge) of in-one play signal is inputted from the main control circuit board  101 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that a rising edge of the in-one-play signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 6  in order to set game-executing-flag. If the ticket CPU  200   a  does not determine that a rising edge of the in-one-play signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 7 . 
         [0339]    At step S 910 - 6 , the ticket CPU  200   a  sets the game-executing flag to the game-executing flag storage area. Herewith, if referring to the game-executing flag, the ticket CPU  200   a  can determine whether one-round-play is in process. 
         [0340]    At step S 910 - 7 , the ticket CPU  200   a  determines whether or not a rising edge (on edge) of the ticket payout signal is inputted from the main control circuit board  101 . 
         [0341]    If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that a rising edge of the ticket payout signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 8 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  does not determine that a rising edge of the ticket payout signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 10 . 
         [0342]    At step S 910 - 8 , the ticket CPU  200   a  updates PAYOUT counter by incrementing by 1 in order to generate information related to the number of sheet of tickets paid out per one-round play. 
         [0343]    At step S 910 - 9 , the ticket CPU  200   a  updates the payout time counter by incrementing by 250 corresponding to 1000 ms, because that one sheet of the ticket is discharged through the ticket payout slot  202  every one-second forward rotation of the ticket payout motor  202   a . Note that the payout time counter is updated by decrementing by 1 every 4 ms in ticket timer interrupt processing (not shown). Therefore, the payout time counter reaches zero after 1000 ms has lapsed. 
         [0344]    At step S 910 - 10 , the ticket CPU  200   a  determines whether or not a rising edge (on edge) of the jackpot signal is inputted from the main control circuit board  101 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that a rising edge of the jackpot signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 11 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  does not determine that a rising edge of the jackpot signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 12  (See  FIG. 27 ). 
         [0345]    At step S 910 - 11 , the ticket CPU  200   a  updates the BONUS counter by incrementing by 1 in order to generate information related to jackpot per one-round-play. 
         [0346]    At step S 910 - 12 , the ticket CPU  200   a  determines whether or not a falling edge (off edge) of in-one-play signal is inputted from the main control circuit board  101 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that a falling edge of in-one-play signal is inputted, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 13  in order to clear the game-executing-flag. If not determining that a falling edge of in-one-play signal is inputted, the ticket input control processing is terminated. 
         [0347]    At step S 910 - 13 , the ticket CPU  200   a  clears the game-executing-flag set in the game-executing-flag storage area. 
         [0348]    At step s 910 - 14 , the ticket CPU 200   a  determines whether or not the counter value set in PAYOUT counter is greater than the counter value set in MAXPAYOUT counter. If the ticket CPU 200   a  determines that the counter set in PAYOUT counter is greater, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 15 . If not determining that the counter value set in PAYOUT counter is greater, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 16 . The MAXPAYOUT counter stores the greatest value of the number of PAYOUT counter. The MAXPAYOUT counter is set 0 at the time of power-on. 
         [0349]    At step S 910 - 15 , the ticket CPU  200   a  sets counter-data set in the PAYOUT counter also in the MAXPAYOUT counter. As a result, the MAXPAYOUT counter is updated. 
         [0350]    At step S 910 - 16 , the ticket CPU  200   a  clears the PAYOUT counter because one-round-play is terminated at this stage, that is the ticket CPU  200   a  sets 0 in the PAYOUT counter. 
         [0351]    At step S 910 - 17 , the ticket CPU  200   a  determines whether or not the counter value set in BONUS counter is greater than the counter value set in MAXBONUS counter. If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that the counter value set in BONUS counter is greater, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 18 . If not determining that the counter value set in BONUS counter is greater, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 19 . The MAXBONUS counter stores the greatest value of the BONUS counter. The MAXBONUS counter is set 0 at the time of power-on. 
         [0352]    In the embodiment, the ticket CPU  200   a  comparing the MAYPAYOUT counter with the PAYOUT counter at step S 910 - 14  or the MAXBONUS counter with the BONUS counter at step S 910 - 17  forms the comparison determination device. 
         [0353]    At step S 910 - 18 , the ticket CPU  200   a  sets counter-data set in the BONUS counter also in the MAXBONUS counter. As a result, the MAXBONUS counter is updated. 
         [0354]    In the embodiment, the ticket CPU  200   a  updating the MAYPAYOUT counter at step S 910 - 15  or the MAXBONUS counter at step S 910 - 18  forms the update storing device. 
         [0355]    At step S 910 - 19 , because one-round-play is terminated at this stage, the ticket CPU  200   a  clears the BONUS counter, that is, the ticket CPU  200   a  sets 0 in the BONUS counter. 
         [0356]    At step S 910 - 20 , because one-round-play is terminated at this stage, the ticket CPU  200   a  determines whether or not the credit counter=0. If the ticket CPU  200   a  does not determine that the credit counter=0, the flow proceeds to step S 910 - 21 . If the ticket CPU  200   a  determines that the credit counter=0, the ticket input control processing is terminated. 
         [0357]    At step S 910 - 21 , the ticket CPU  200   a  updates the credit counter by decrementing by 1 from the credit counter. 
         [0358]    At step S 910 - 22 , the ticket CPU  200   a  generates game enabling signal. Then, the ticket input control processing is terminated. In this way, when information except 0 is stored in the credit counter at the time that one-round-play is terminated, the ticket CPU  200   a  can generate and output automatically game enabling signal. 
         [0359]    In the embodiment, the ticket CPU  200   a  performing the ticket input control processing for updating at least one of the PAYOUT counter, the MAXPAYOUT counter, the BONUS counter and the MAXBONUS counter forms the privilege-frequency counter. Besides, in the embodiment, the ticket CPU  200   a  generating game-enabling-signal in the ticket input control processing forms the game-enabling-signal generation device. 
       (Ticket Output Control Processing of Ticket Control Circuit Board  200 ) 
       [0360]    Referring to  FIG. 28 , the ticket output control processing of the ticket control circuit board  200  will be described. 
         [0361]    At step S 931 , the ticket CPU  200   a  outputs one-pulse of the game-enabling-signal generated at step S 910 - 3  and S 910 - 22  for the main control circuit board  101 . When receiving one-pulse of the game-enabling-signal, the main control circuit board  101  executes one-round-play. 
         [0362]    In the embodiment, the ticket CPU  200   a  outputting game-enabling-signal forms the game enabling signal output device. 
         [0363]    At step S 932 , the ticket CPU  200   a  refers to the MAXPAYOUT counter, and then generates data of MAXPAYOUT based on the number of times (counter value) stored in the MAYPAYOUT counter. Then, the ticket CPU  200   a  outputs the generated data of MAXPAYOUT for the data display  203 . 
         [0364]    At step S 933 , the ticket CPU  200   a  refers to the MAXBONUS counter, and then generates data of MAXBONUS based on the number of times (counter value) stored in the MAXBONUS counter. Then, the ticket CPU  200   a  outputs the generated data of MAXBONUS for the data display  203 . When this processing is terminated, the ticket output control processing is terminated. 
         [0365]    In the embodiment, the ticket CPU  200   a  performing the game information controller configured to generate at least one of data of the MAXPAYOUT counter and the MAXBONUS counter, and outputting the generated data for the data display  203  forms the privilege-frequency counter. 
         [0366]    Next, the outline of the performance control circuit board  102  will be described. 
         [0367]    The performance control circuit board  102  receives the command sent from the main control circuit board  101 , which then triggers the command receive interrupt processing of the performance control circuit board  102 . Then, the performance control circuit board  102  buffers the received command. 
         [0368]    The performance control circuit board  102  performs the timer interrupt processing every 2 ms, in which then the sub CPU  102   a  generates each kind of data corresponding to each command after the sub CPU  102   a  in the performance control circuit board  102  analyses the received command. Next, each generated data is sent to the image control circuit board  105  or the lamp control circuit board  104 . 
         [0369]    Specifically, when receiving the variation-pattern specifying command from the main control circuit board  101 , the sub CPU  102   a  refers to the performance-pattern determination table stored in the sub ROM  102   b . Based on the received variation-pattern specifying command, the sub CPU  102   a  determines the performance pattern for causing the performance display device  13 , the audio output unit  18 , the performance illumination device  16  and the performance figure device  15  to execute a predetermined performance. Then, the sub CPU  102   a  generates the performance data corresponding to the determined performance pattern, and sends the related performance data to the image control circuit board  105  and the lamp control circuit board  104 . 
         [0370]    In addition, when the sub CPU  102   a  receives a performance-symbol specifying command which indicates “jackpot”, the sub CPU  102   a  refers to the in-jackpot-performance-symbol determination table. Then, the sub CPU  102   a  determines the performance-symbol data based on the received performance-symbol specifying command. Then, the sub CPU  102   a  sends the determined performance-symbol data to the image control circuit board  105  or the lamp control circuit board  104 . In this manner, any combination of a specific pattern of the performance-symbol is stopped and displayed on the performance display device  13  statically. 
         [0371]    Furthermore, in the case of the performance-symbol indicating “loss” also, the sub CPU  102   a  stores an in-loss performance-symbol determination table (not shown). The in-loss performance-symbol determination table is formed with combinations except the pattern of special performance symbol  30 . 
         [0372]    Next, the outline of the image control circuit board  105  and the lamp control circuit board  104  will be described. 
         [0373]    When the image control circuit board  105  receives data from the performance control circuit board  102 , the audio CPU reads out the audio-output-unit control program from the audio ROM and controls audio-output in the audio output unit  18 . In the same way, the image CPU reads out the program from the image ROM and control image-display in the performance display device  13  based on the received the performance command. 
         [0374]    Similarly, when the lamp control circuit board  104  receives data from the performance control circuit board  102 , the lamp control circuit board  104  reads out the performance-decorative device program based on the received data. Then, the lamp control circuit board  104  controls operation of the performance figure device  15 . In the same way, the lamp control circuit board  104  read out the performance illumination device control program based on the received performance data. Then, based on the program to be read out, the lamp control circuit board  104  controls the performance illumination device  16 . 
         [0375]    The game machine of the present embodiments is constructed such that one game machine is equipped with one pachinko unit. However, one game machine may be equipped with a plurality of pachinko units. 
         [0376]    Besides, in the case of performing variation-display in the embodiment, after the predetermined variation time of varying the special symbol has lapsed, the special-symbol stop display is performed. However, “a stop switch” can be formed in the main control unit  101 . In this case, the special-symbol stop display may be performed by operating the stop switch. 
         [0377]    In the embodiment, the probability of jackpot in the low probability game state (1/64) is fixed. However, the probability of jackpot may be variable by arranging and operating “condition changing switch” in the main control circuit board  101 . 
         [0378]    Further, in the embodiment one time of game enabling signal is outputted one time with inputting one time of the coin insertion signal (so-called “one-coin-one-play”). However, this invention&#39;s machine may be constructed so that the one time of game-enabling signal is outputted with inputting a plurality of coin insertion signal, by arranging “coin number changing switch” in the ticket control circuit board  200 . 
         [0379]    While there has been described what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.