Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of heightening expectations of a player sufficiently about having a chance that a game state advantageous to the player is set, by the player himself or herself in what follows.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 1 executes notification performance based on a variation pattern of "winning variation" when a time-shortening symbol is determined by a determination result of jackpot or small winning derived by a special symbol 2 jackpot determination. On the other hand, the Pachinko machine 1 executes notification performance related to time chance performance when a non-time-shortening symbol is determined. An execution time of the time chance performance is longer than an execution time of notification performance based on the variation pattern of "winning variation". Thus, when the Pachinko machine 1 executes time chance performance, it is likely to give a player a chance for a normal winning symbol of a second normal winning to be determined as a result of normal winning determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines with a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine having an opening pattern of the ball entrance opening / closing member of the second ball entrance when the result of the normal symbol hit judgment is a hit, in which the ball can enter the second ball entrance and an opening pattern of the non-ball entrance that makes it difficult for the ball to enter the second ball entrance. In Patent Document 1, the second ball entrance is configured as a starting hole for a normal electric device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6172824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when the above-mentioned opening pattern for winning and the opening pattern for not winning are provided during the time-saving state, the condition for the subsequent execution of the jackpot game is that the starting hole for the normal electric device opens during the time-saving state in the opening pattern for winning. Also, when the jackpot game is executed, the time-saving state may be set again after that. The conventional gaming machines have a problem in that they are not able to sufficiently improve the player's expectation that the player himself will win the game state that is advantageous to the player after that.

[0005] To provide a gaming machine capable of sufficiently increasing a player's expectation that the player will win a chance to set a game state advantageous to the player thereafter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a variable start port which is a start port configured to be mutually operable between a first state and a second state in which it is easier for a gaming ball to win a prize than in the first state, a special prize port configured to be mutually operable between a third state and a fourth state in which it is easier for a gaming ball to win a prize than in the third state, normal judgment means for making a normal judgment to judge whether to execute a normal prize game in which the variable start port is operated to the second state in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, normal prize game execution means for executing the normal prize game in response to the result of the normal judgment, and a state in which the variable start port is in the second state being more likely than usual. a time-saving setting means for setting a time-saving state in which the special winning port is operated in the fourth state according to the establishment of a predetermined setting condition; a normal winning game including a first normal winning game in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the variable start port and a second normal winning game in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the variable start port than the first normal winning game, a normal winning game determination means for determining which mode the normal winning game to be executed by the normal winning game execution means; and a special winning game for operating the special winning port to the fourth state based on numerical information acquired upon the entry of a game ball into the start port. the execution pattern of the notification effect for notifying the result of the determination by the special determination includes a first execution pattern and a second execution pattern having a longer execution time than the first execution pattern, and an execution pattern determination means for determining the execution pattern of the notification effect, and an announcement effect execution means for executing the notification effect in accordance with the determination by the execution pattern determination means, the special winning game includes a first special winning game in which the time-shortening state is set by the time-shortening setting means after the execution of the special winning game is completed, and a second special winning game in which the time-shortening state is not set by the time-shortening setting means after the execution of the special winning game is completed, and when a determination result that the special winning game is to be executed is derived by the special judgment, a special winning game determination means for determining which type of the special winning game is to be, and a special winning game execution means for executing the special winning game in accordance with the determination by the special winning game determination means, and the execution pattern determination meansWhen the first special win game is determined by the special win game determination means, the first execution pattern is determined, and when the second special win game is determined by the special win game determination means, the second execution pattern is determined.

[0007] In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the time-saving state is not set after the execution of the second special winning game is completed. However, if the player can store the reserved information in the reserved means by placing a game ball in the variable start port while the notification effect is being executed, the player can make the special judgment means execute the special judgment based on the reserved information after the execution of the second special winning game is completed. If the judgment result that the special winning game is executed is derived by the special judgment, the special winning will be executed consecutively, which is advantageous for the player. When the notification effect is executed in the second execution pattern, the execution time of the notification effect is longer than when it is executed in the first execution pattern, so the player is more likely to have a chance to execute the second normal winning game during the execution of the notification effect. The gaming machine according to the present invention provides an opportunity for the notification effect of such a second execution pattern to be executed when the second special winning game is determined by the special winning game determination means. Even if it is determined that the second special big winning game is executed, the player can make the normal judgment means repeatedly execute the normal judgment while the notification effect of the second execution pattern is executed. If the player succeeds in generating the second normal winning game, the player can have a chance to have the special winning game executed consecutively. Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention can sufficiently increase the player's expectation that he or she will win the chance to set a game state advantageous to the player thereafter.

[0008] The gaming machine may be provided with a time-saving ending means for ending the time-saving state when the time-saving setting means sets the time-saving state in response to the number of normal judgments being executed, which is the number of times the normal judgment has been executed in the time-saving state, reaching a specified number.

[0009] The gaming machine can end the time-saving state according to the number of times the normal judgment is executed. The greater the number of times the normal judgment is executed, the easier it becomes to execute the second normal winning game in the time-saving state according to the result of the normal judgment. Therefore, the gaming machine can adjust the ease of executing the second normal winning game in the time-saving state according to the setting of the number of times the normal judgment is executed.

[0010] When the special judgment derives a judgment result that the special winning game will be executed, the execution pattern determination means determines the execution pattern of the notification effect from among either the first execution pattern or the second execution pattern, and the notification effect executed based on the second execution pattern may be executed with a content that indicates, during the execution of the notification effect, that the time-saving state will not be set after the execution of the special winning game is completed, and prompts the holding means to store the hold information by having a game ball enter the variable start port while the notification effect is being executed in the second execution pattern.

[0011] The gaming machine indicates that the time-saving state will not be set after the special winning game is completed in a notification effect based on the second execution pattern that notifies the player of the result of the determination that the special winning game will be executed. Furthermore, in this notification effect, the gaming machine prompts the player to store the reserved information in the reserve means. In response to this, the player can store the reserved information in the reserve means by placing a game ball in the variable start port, and can ensure an opportunity for a special determination to be executed based on the reserved information after the special winning game is completed. In other words, the gaming machine can ensure that the player has an opportunity for a special determination to be executed based on the reserved information after the special winning game is completed based on the player's own game results. Therefore, the gaming machine allows the player to draw a chance for a game state advantageous to the player to be set thereafter.

[0012] The execution time of the notification display based on the second execution pattern may be a time during which the normal judgment can be executed a number of times corresponding to the number of denominators when the numerator of a determination probability, which is the probability that the execution mode of the normal win game is determined to be the second normal win game, is set to 1 as a result of the determination result that the normal win game is to be executed by the normal judgment.

[0013] In this case, the gaming machine can attract a great deal of the player's attention as to whether or not the normal winning game is executed as the second normal winning game during the execution of the notification presentation based on the second execution pattern.

[0014] If a judgment result indicating that the special winning game should be executed is derived by the special judgment based on the holding information stored by the holding means in response to a game ball entering the variable start port while the notification presentation is being executed in the second execution pattern, the special winning game determination means may determine the special winning game to be the first special winning game.

[0015] In this case, when the gaming machine derives a judgment result of executing a special winning game by a special judgment based on the reserved information, it can set the time-saving state again after the end of the first special winning game by determining the corresponding special winning game as the first special winning game. In other words, the gaming machine can give the player a chance to execute a special winning game advantageous to the player, and can also give the player a chance to grant a time-saving state advantageous to the player after the end of the special winning game. Therefore, the gaming machine can greatly increase the player's expectation that he or she will win the chance to set a game state advantageous to the player later by himself or herself.

[0016] The execution pattern determination means may be capable of determining the second execution pattern when the second special win game is determined by the special win game determination means in a non-time-shortened state in which the time-shortened state is not set by the time-shortened setting means.

[0017] In this case, even if it is determined that the second special jackpot game will be executed in the non-time-saving state, the player can have the normal determination means repeatedly execute normal determination while the notification effect of the second execution pattern is being executed. If the player succeeds in generating the second normal jackpot game, he or she can get a chance to execute the special jackpot games consecutively. In this way, the gaming machine can diversify the content of the game by expanding the opportunities for the notification effect of the second execution pattern to be executed.

[0018] The execution pattern determination means, in the time-saving state, When the first special win game is determined by the special win game determination means, the second execution pattern may be determined.

[0019] In this case, even if it is determined that the first special jackpot game will be executed in the time-saving state, the player can have the normal determination means repeatedly execute normal determination while the notification effect of the second execution pattern is being executed. If the player succeeds in generating the second normal jackpot game, he or she can get a chance to execute the special jackpot games consecutively. In this way, the gaming machine can diversify the content of the game by expanding the opportunities for the notification effect of the second execution pattern to be executed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] A conceptual diagram showing the special chart 1 jackpot related information storage area of ​​RAM52. [Figure 4] 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a normal symbol determination table stored in ROM 53. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a normal pattern change time determination table stored in ROM53. [Figure 6]13 is a conceptual diagram showing a big win determination table stored in ROM 53. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a special symbol determination table stored in ROM 53. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a variation pattern determination table stored in ROM 53. FIG. [Figure 9] A conceptual diagram showing a special variation pattern determination table for special chart 2 stored in ROM 53. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart of a main process performed in a main control board 41. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart of normal symbol processing performed in the main processing. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of the normal symbol game state transition process performed in the normal symbol processing. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the normal electric accessory processing performed in the main processing. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of special symbol processing performed in the main processing. [Figure 15] 15 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 16 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a game state transition process performed in special pattern processing. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart of the special electric device processing performed in the main processing. [Figure 19] 19 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 18. [Figure 20] 20 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 19 . [Figure 21] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game and transition of a game state in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart of sub-control board processing carried out in the sub-control board 58. [Figure 23] 23 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 22. [Figure 24]13 is a flowchart of the notification performance execution processing performed in the sub-control board processing. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart of the notification performance end processing performed in the sub-control board processing. [Figure 26] This is an explanatory diagram that explains examples of effects executed by the pachinko machine 1, in particular, examples of notification effects based on the fluctuation pattern of the "win fluctuation," time chance effects, and remaining reserved effects. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] A conceptual diagram showing an ordinary pattern determination table and an ordinary pattern change time determination table of the second embodiment. [Diagram 31] A conceptual diagram showing the special variation pattern determination table for special chart 2 of the second embodiment. [Diagram 32] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game and the transition of a game state in the second embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a special symbol determination table according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 34] A conceptual diagram showing the special variation pattern determination table for special chart 2 of the third embodiment. [Diagram 35] An explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game and the transition of a game state in the third embodiment. [Diagram 36] A conceptual diagram showing a fluctuation pattern determination table of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 37] An explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a game and the transition of a game state in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a second notification performance based on the second fluctuation pattern of ``Time Chance SP'' in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A pachinko machine 1, which is a first embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, the front side, back side, upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of FIG. 1 will be the front side, rear side, upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the pachinko machine 1, respectively. The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called type 1 / type 2 mixed type gaming machine equipped with special symbols. The technology disclosed in this application can be applied to gaming machines of gaming specifications such as the old type 2 type, so long as the gaming machine executes judgments regarding normal symbols and judgments regarding special symbols.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 comprises a gaming machine frame 30 and a gaming board 2. The gaming machine frame 30 comprises a front frame 31, and a main frame and an outer frame, which are not shown. The outer frame is a frame member for fixing the pachinko machine 1 to the island equipment of a hall. The main frame is a frame body for attaching the gaming board 2 and the like. The main frame is attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 31 is attached to the main frame so as to be openable and closable. A transparent plate, which is not shown, is detachably fixed to the front frame 31. The transparent plate is, for example, a glass plate. The front frame 31, together with the transparent plate, covers the gaming board 2 from the front.

[0023] The front frame 31 includes a launch handle 32, an upper tray 33, a lower tray 34, a performance button 35, a performance lever 36, a frame lamp 38, and a speaker 39. The launch handle 32 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 31. The launch handle 32 is configured so that a player can rotate it. When a player rotates the launch handle 32 to perform a launch operation, a game ball is launched by a game ball launching device 37 shown in FIG. 2 with a strength according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 32. The upper tray 33 is provided at the lower center of the front frame 31. The upper tray 33 supplies metallic game balls to the game ball launching device 37 and receives prize balls. The lower tray 34 is provided below the upper tray 33. The lower tray 34 receives prize balls. The performance button 35 is provided on the upper surface of the upper tray 33. The performance button 35 is configured so that a player can press it. The effect lever 36 is provided at the lower left of the front frame 31. The effect lever 36 is configured so that the player can rotate it left and right and push it backwards. The frame lamp 38 is a decorative part provided at the upper, left and right parts of the front frame 31. The frame lamp 38 has a built-in light source such as an LED and performs various effects using light. The speakers 39 are provided at the left and right corners of the upper part of the front frame 31. The speakers 39 output various sounds such as music, voice and sound effects.

[0024] The game board 2 is a plate-like shape that is approximately square when viewed from the front. On the front of the game board 2, a game area 4 that is approximately circular and surrounded by a guide rail 3 is formed. The guide rail 3 is formed on the left side of the game area 4. A center ornament 21 is provided in approximately the center of the game area 4. Game balls launched by the game ball launching device 37 are guided to the game area 4 by the guide rail 3 and flow down within the game area 4. Game balls launched with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength flow down the left side of the center ornament 21, and game balls launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength flow down the right side of the center ornament 21. Hereinafter, launching a game ball so that the game ball flows down the left side of the center ornament 21 is referred to as a "left hit", and launching a game ball so that the game ball flows down the right side of the center ornament 21 is referred to as a "right hit".

[0025] The center decoration 21 mainly includes a display screen 28. The display screen 28 is disposed in the approximate center of the center decoration 21. The display screen 28 is, for example, configured with an LCD or the like, and can display numbers, letters, various videos, and the like. The display screen 28 can execute a notification performance. The notification performance is a performance that notifies the player of the result of the jackpot determination by performing a pattern change that displays a combination of the performance patterns 100 indicating the result of the jackpot determination described later after varying the performance patterns 100, which are the patterns for the performance shown in FIG. 20. In addition, the center decoration 21 has a built-in board lamp 27 shown in FIG. 2, which is configured with a light source such as an LED. The center decoration 21 executes various performances using light by the board lamp 27.

[0026] A first start opening 14 is provided at the approximate center below the center ornament 21. The first start opening 14 functions as a start opening for a first special pattern, which will be described later. A first large winning opening 16 is provided to the right of the first start opening 14. The first large winning opening 16 is configured as a winning opening related to a so-called special electric device (a device that changes the size of the winning opening based on the result of a big win determination). The first large winning opening 16 has an opening / closing member 161 that extends with a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction and is configured to be able to open and close the entrance of the first large winning opening 16. A game ball can win in the first large winning opening 16 only when the opening / closing member 161 is opened. The opening / closing member 161 of the first large winning opening 16 is electrically opened and closed by the first large winning opening solenoid 70 shown in FIG. 2. The opening / closing member 161 of the first large winning opening 16 opens in a big win game, which will be described later.

[0027] A second large prize opening 17 is provided to the upper right of the first large prize opening 16. The second large prize opening 17 is also configured as a prize opening related to a so-called special electric device. The second large prize opening 17 has an opening / closing member 171 that extends longitudinally in the left-right direction and is configured to open and close the entrance of the second large prize opening 17. A game ball can win in the second large prize opening 17 only when the opening / closing member 171 is opened. The opening / closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 is electrically opened and closed by the second large prize opening solenoid 71 shown in FIG. 2. The opening / closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 is opened in a small prize game described later.

[0028] The second large prize opening 17 is provided with a specific area, a non-specific area, and a distribution member (not shown). The specific area and the non-specific area are areas through which only the game balls that have won the second large prize opening 17 can pass. The distribution member is a member that distributes the game balls that have won the second large prize opening 17 to a specific area or a non-specific area. The distribution member is electrically operated by a distribution member solenoid 72 shown in FIG. 2. The distribution member solenoid 72 is driven in a specific drive pattern in a small prize game described later. In this embodiment, when right-hand hits are continuously performed in a small prize game state, about 10 game balls win the second large prize opening 17. The specific drive pattern of the distribution member solenoid 72 is configured so that at least one of about 10 game balls that have won the second large prize opening 17 passes through the specific area, and the remaining about 9 game balls pass through the non-specific area. The specific drive pattern may include, for example, a first pattern in which the game ball is easy to pass through to the specific area, and a second pattern in which the game ball is more difficult to pass through to the specific area than the first pattern. Hereinafter, when the first large prize opening 16 and the second large prize opening 17 are collectively referred to, they will simply be referred to as the large prize openings.

[0029] A gate 12 through which the game ball can pass is provided to the right of the center ornament 21. The gate 12 is an operating gate for a normal pattern. A second start port 15 is provided below the gate 12. The second start port 15 functions as a start port for a second special pattern, which will be described later. The second start port 15 is configured as a winning port related to a so-called normal electric device (a device that changes the size of the entrance of the winning port based on the result of a normal winning judgment). The second start port 15 is one-wing shaped and includes an opening / closing member 151 configured to open and close the entrance of the second start port 15. The game ball can win in the second start port 15 only when the opening / closing member 151 is opened. The opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 is electrically opened and closed by the second start port solenoid 69 shown in FIG. 2. The opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 is opened in a normal winning game, which will be described later.

[0030] A symbol display section 29 is provided at the lower right of the game board 2. The symbol display section 29 includes a first special symbol display section, a second special symbol display section, a normal symbol display section, a first special symbol memory number display LED, a second special symbol memory number display LED, and a normal symbol memory number display LED. The first special symbol display section and the second special symbol display section each include a plurality of LEDs including a 7-segment LED. The first special symbol display section notifies the result of the jackpot determination executed in response to the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 14 by displaying a variable display such as blinking the LEDs, and then displaying the LEDs as a predetermined combination by confirming the lighting and extinguishing. Each of the combinations confirmed and displayed on the first special symbol display section is referred to as a first special symbol. Hereinafter, the jackpot determination executed in response to the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 14 is referred to as a "special symbol 1 jackpot determination." The second special symbol display unit notifies the result of the jackpot determination executed when the gaming ball enters the second starting hole 15 by displaying the same variable display as the first special symbol display unit, and then displaying the LEDs turning on and off as a predetermined combination. Each of the combinations displayed on the second special symbol display unit is referred to as a second special symbol. Hereinafter, the jackpot determination executed when the gaming ball enters the second starting hole 15 is referred to as a "special symbol 2 jackpot determination." Hereinafter, when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as special symbols.

[0031] The normal symbol display unit notifies the result of the normal win determination that is executed when the game ball passes through the gate 12 by displaying a variable display similar to that of the special symbol, and then displaying the LEDs turning on and off as a predetermined combination. Each of the combinations that are displayed on the normal symbol display unit is called a normal symbol. The first hold number display LED displays the first hold number, which is the number of times that the execution of the special symbol 1 jackpot determination is pending. The second hold number display LED displays the second hold number, which is the number of times that the execution of the special symbol 2 jackpot determination is pending. The normal hold number display LED displays the normal hold number, which is the number of times that the execution of the normal win determination is pending.

[0032] In addition to the above, the game area 4 is provided with an outlet 19, various decorative members, other winning ports, and game nails (not shown). The outlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the game board 2. Of the game balls that flow down the game area 4, those that do not win through the first start port 14, the second start port 15, the first large winning port 16, the second large winning port 17, or any of the other winning ports and flow down to the bottom of the game area 4 pass through the outlet 19 and are discharged outside the game area 4.

[0033] In addition, since each game member is arranged as described above in the game area 4, a game ball hit from the left is more likely to enter the first start hole 14 than a game ball hit from the right. It is difficult for a game ball hit from the right to enter the first start hole 14. In addition, a game ball hit from the right is more likely to pass through or enter the gate 12, the second start hole 15, the first large prize hole 16, and the second large prize hole 17 than a game ball hit from the left. It is difficult for a game ball hit from the left to pass through or enter the gate 12, the second start hole 15, the first large prize hole 16, and the second large prize hole 17. Therefore, the player advances the game by hitting from the right during the time-saving state, during the big win game, and during the small win game, which will be described later, and advances the game by hitting from the left in other cases.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the game in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a jackpot game, a small jackpot game, and a normal jackpot game. The jackpot game will be described. The jackpot game is executed by the operation of a condition device to operate a continuous accessory operation device. The condition device is a device that is a condition for the continuous accessory operation device to operate. The continuous accessory operation device is a device for generating a jackpot game state in which the large prize opening operates continuously. The condition device operates when a special pattern indicating a jackpot is displayed as a confirmed pattern, or when a game ball passes through a specific area inside the large prize opening while the continuous accessory operation device is not operating. In this embodiment, the specific area inside the second large prize opening 17 corresponds to the specific area inside this large prize opening. In this embodiment, the continuous accessory operation device operates when the condition device operates. The jackpot game state corresponds to a state in which the condition device and the continuous accessory operation device are operating.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the game ball enters the first starting hole 14, a special jackpot 1 determination is performed, and a first special symbol indicating the result of the determination is displayed in the first special symbol display section of the symbol display section 29. In the special jackpot 1 determination, either a jackpot or a miss is determined based on a jackpot random number. When the special jackpot 1 determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot, a first special symbol indicating that the determination result is a jackpot is displayed in the first special symbol display section of the symbol display section 29, and a condition device is activated. Accordingly, a role-playing device is activated to generate a jackpot game state, and a jackpot game is executed in which the opening / closing member 161 of the first jackpot 16 is repeatedly opened for a predetermined time a predetermined number of times. In this embodiment, the first jackpot 16 is a jackpot that is activated when the role-playing device is activated by the activation of the condition device. In addition, the jackpot game that is executed when a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot by the special chart 1 jackpot determination, which is performed when the game ball enters the first starting hole 14 under normal conditions, is also called the "first jackpot game."

[0036] Hereinafter, a unit of repetition in which the opening / closing member 161 of the first major winning opening 16 or the opening / closing member 171 of the second major winning opening 17 are successively opened in a jackpot game is referred to as a "jackpot round." In each jackpot round, the first major winning opening 16 or the second major winning opening 17 is opened once or multiple times in a predetermined time. The total number of jackpot rounds constituting one jackpot game is referred to as the "number of rounds." Hereinafter, the number of rounds may be indicated as "R." Hereinafter, a special symbol indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is referred to as a jackpot symbol. A special symbol indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a miss is referred to as a miss symbol.

[0037] In addition, when the game ball enters the second starting hole 15, a special jackpot 2 judgment is performed, and a second special pattern indicating the result of the judgment is displayed on the second special pattern display section of the pattern display section 29. In the special jackpot 2 judgment, a jackpot, a small jackpot, or a miss is judged based on a jackpot random number. When the special jackpot 2 judgment judges that the game is a jackpot, a second special pattern indicating that the judgment result is a jackpot is displayed on the second special pattern display section of the pattern display section 29, and the condition device is activated. Accordingly, the device for continuously operating the role is activated, a jackpot game state is generated, and a jackpot game is executed. In this embodiment, the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the special jackpot 1 judgment and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the special jackpot 2 judgment are about 1 / 300 regardless of the game state. The probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is hereinafter referred to as the "jackpot probability."

[0038] When the special jackpot 2 judgement determines that the prize is a small prize, the second special symbol indicating that the result of the judgement is a small prize is displayed on the second special symbol display section of the symbol display section 29. After that, a small prize game is played in which the opening and closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 is opened only once for a predetermined time. In this embodiment, the second large prize opening 17 is a large prize opening that operates when the special symbol indicating a small prize is displayed. The opening time of the large prize opening is limited to be shorter than that of the large prize game, and the small prize game is generally a game in which the player has a smaller advantage than the large prize game. At the stage where the special jackpot 2 judgement determines that the prize is a small prize, the condition device does not operate, and the role continuous operation device does not operate either. It is not prevented that the opening of the opening and closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 in the small prize game is composed of multiple openings.

[0039] In this embodiment, there is no case where the special chart 2 big win judgment determines that the result is a miss. In other words, when the special chart 2 big win judgment is performed, a result of the judgment of a big win or a small win is derived. Therefore, the probability of a small win being determined in the special chart 2 big win judgment is substantially 1 / 1 regardless of the game state. Hereinafter, the probability of a small win being determined in the big win judgment is referred to as the "small win probability." The state in which a small win game is being executed is referred to as the small win game state. The special pattern indicating that the result of the big win judgment is a small win is referred to as the small win pattern. The small win probability in this embodiment is an example. Therefore, there is a case where the special chart 2 big win judgment determines that the result is a miss, and the small win probability may be set to less than 1 / 1.

[0040] When the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 17 with the opening and closing member 171 in the open state during the small winning game passes through a specific area inside the second large winning opening 17, the condition device is activated. When the consecutive operation device of the accessory is activated with the activation of the condition device, a big winning game state is generated, and the big winning game is executed following the small winning game. In this way, when the small winning game is executed due to the determination that it is a small winning in the big winning determination, and the big winning game is executed by the game ball passing through the specific area, the small winning game executed earlier is included as part of the big winning game. In this case, the small winning game is retroactively treated as the first big winning round, and is converted into the number of rounds as the big winning round for one round.

[0041] In this way, the jackpot game executed by the first big winning port 16 in response to the jackpot determination is also referred to as a type 1 game below. The type 1 game is a jackpot game similar to the jackpot game in the so-called old type 1 gaming machine, and is executed when a combination of special symbols that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is displayed as a confirmed event.

[0042] In addition, a jackpot game that is executed due to a small jackpot game being executed in response to a small jackpot being determined in the jackpot determination is also referred to as a type 2 game below. The type 2 game is a jackpot game similar to a jackpot game in a so-called old type 2 game machine such as a pinball machine, and is executed on the condition that a game ball that entered the second large winning opening 17 during a small jackpot game passes through a specific area inside the second large winning opening 17. In this embodiment, after the small jackpot game using the second large winning opening 17 ends, the opening of the first large winning opening 16 is linked to execute a type 2 jackpot game. In other words, the type 2 game is a jackpot game that involves the opening operation of the second large winning opening 17 that has a specific area. The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called type 1 / 2 mixed type game machine that has both a type 1 game and a type 2 game. Hereinafter, when the jackpot game and the small jackpot game are collectively referred to, or when neither is specified, they are referred to as "win games."

[0043] A normal winning game will be described. A normal winning game is executed when a normal symbol indicating that the result of the normal winning judgment is a winning is confirmed and displayed on the symbol display unit 29. A normal winning judgment is triggered by a game ball passing through the gate 12. A normal winning game is executed when the opening / closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 related to the normal electric role device is opened in a predetermined opening pattern. Note that the trigger for executing a normal winning judgment is not limited to passing through the gate 12, but may be a game ball winning a predetermined winning hole.

[0044] The pachinko machine 1 sets either a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state. The non-time-saving state is a game state in which the opening / closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 is opened at a normal frequency. The time-saving state is a game state in which the opening / closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 is opened more frequently than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the opening pattern of the opening / closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 by a normal winning game performed in the non-time-saving state is 0.060 seconds x 1 time. The probability of being determined to be a winning in the normal winning judgment is hereinafter referred to as the "normal winning probability". The normal winning probability in the non-time-saving state is 1 / 1. In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern in the non-time-saving state is 10 seconds. The opening pattern of the opening / closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 by a normal winning game performed in the time-saving state is two patterns, 0.060 seconds x 1 time and 5.8 seconds x 1 time. In addition, the time it takes for normal symbols to change during the time-saving mode is 0.6 seconds.

[0045] In the following, the 0.060 seconds × 1 opening pattern is also referred to as a short opening pattern. Also, the 5.8 seconds × 1 opening pattern is also referred to as a long opening pattern. When a normal winning game is played in a short opening pattern, the opening time of the second starting hole 15 is very short, so it is practically difficult for a game ball launched toward the second starting hole 15 to enter the second starting hole 15. On the other hand, when a normal winning game is played in a long opening pattern, a game ball launched toward the second starting hole 15 can easily enter the second starting hole 15. Therefore, in the time-saving state, a player can easily make a game ball enter the second starting hole 15 than in the non-time-saving state.

[0046] In this embodiment, the time-saving state is set after the end of the jackpot game. The set time-saving state ends when the number of normal hit judgments made in the time-saving state reaches a predetermined number of time-saving times. In this embodiment, the number of time-saving times is 3000 times. The number of normal hit judgments made in the time-saving state is also referred to as the number of normal judgments below. The time-saving state also ends when the condition device is activated in the time-saving state, that is, when the jackpot game starts. The pachinko machine 1 can set two types of game states, the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. Hereinafter, the non-time-saving state is also referred to as the "normal state".

[0047] The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 mainly includes a main control board 41, a sub-control board 58, a lamp control board 46, a performance control board 43, a payout control board 45, a relay terminal board 47, and a power supply board 42.

[0048] The main control board 41 is responsible for the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The CPU unit 50 of the main control board 41 is provided with a CPU 51 that performs various arithmetic processing, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data, and a ROM 53 that stores control programs and the like. A random number generating circuit 56 and an interrupt signal generating circuit 57 are connected to the CPU unit 50. The random number generating circuit 56 generates random numbers within a predetermined range. The interrupt signal generating circuit 57 generates an interrupt signal every time a clock signal is input from a clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a clock signal of a constant frequency. The main control board 41 executes the main processing of the main control program described later every time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generating circuit 57.

[0049] The main control board 41 is connected to the sub-control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay terminal board 47, the symbol display unit 29, the external terminal board 55, the first start hole switch 61, and the second start hole switch 62 via the I / O interface 54. The main control board 41 also includes a RAM clear switch 412. The RAM clear switch 412 is a switch that is operated when initializing the RAM 52, which is called RAM clear. The display control of the symbol display unit 29 is performed by the CPU 51. The external terminal board 55 contact-outputs information about the pachinko machine 1 to a gaming hall management computer (a so-called hall computer, not shown) that collectively manages the gaming machines installed in the pachinko hall. The first start hole switch 61 is provided in the first start hole 14, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 41 when it detects the entry of a gaming ball into the first start hole 14. The second start hole switch 62 is provided in the second start hole 15, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 41 when it detects that a gaming ball has entered the second start hole 15.

[0050] The sub-control board 58 includes a CPU 581 that performs various arithmetic processing, a RAM 582 that temporarily stores data, a ROM 583 that stores control programs and the like, and a sound control circuit 585 that controls sound output in the pachinko machine 1. The sub-control board 58 is connected to the lamp control board 46, the performance control board 43, and the speaker 39. The sub-control board 58 performs overall control of the performance and the like in accordance with commands transmitted from the main control board 41.

[0051] The lamp control board 46 is connected to the performance button 35, the performance lever 36, the frame lamp 38, and the board lamp 27. The lamp control board 46 includes an LED driver (not shown) and the like. The lamp control board 46 controls the light emission operation of the frame lamp 38 and the board lamp 27 according to a command received from the sub-control board 58. The performance button 35 incorporates a button switch (not shown). The button switch is a general-purpose switch member. The button switch transmits a button input read signal, which is a signal indicating the operation status of the performance button 35, to the sub-control board 58 at intervals of 1 millisecond. In this embodiment, when the button switch detects that the performance button 35 is pressed, it transmits a button input read signal of "ON" to the sub-control board 58. When the button switch does not detect that the performance button 35 is pressed, it transmits a button input read signal of "OFF" to the sub-control board 58. When the performance lever 36 is rotated and pushed, it outputs a signal indicating that it is rotated and pushed. The lamp control board 46 relays the signal received from the performance button 35 and the signal received from the performance lever 36 to the sub-control board 58.

[0052] The performance control board 43 includes a CPU 431 that performs various arithmetic processing, an image control circuit 435 that controls image output to the display screen 28, and a CGROM (not shown) that stores image data. The performance control board 43 controls the display of the display screen 28 in accordance with commands transmitted from the sub-control board 58.

[0053] The payout control board 45 includes a CPU 45a, etc. The payout control board 45 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in response to a command transmitted from the main control board 41, and causes the prize ball payout device 49 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls.

[0054] The relay terminal board 47 is connected to the second start port solenoid 69, the first large prize port solenoid 70, the second large prize port solenoid 71, the distribution member solenoid 72, the gate switch 74, the first large prize port switch 76, the second large prize port switch 77, the specific area switch 78, and the non-specific area switch 79. The second start port solenoid 69 opens and closes the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 during a normal winning game. The first large prize port solenoid 70 opens and closes the opening / closing member 161 of the first large prize port 16 during a big prize game. The second large prize port solenoid 71 opens and closes the opening / closing member 171 of the second large prize port 17 during a small prize game. The distribution member solenoid 72 is provided in the distribution member inside the second large prize port 17, and drives the distribution member in a specific driving pattern. The gate switch 74 is provided in the gate 12, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 41 when it detects the passage of a game ball into the gate 12. The first large prize opening switch 76 is provided in the first large prize opening 16, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 41 when it detects the entry of a game ball into the first large prize opening 16. The second large prize opening switch 77 is provided in the second large prize opening 17, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 41 when it detects the entry of a game ball into the second large prize opening 17. The specific area switch 78 is provided in a specific area inside the second large prize opening 17, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 41 when it detects the passage of a game ball into the specific area. The non-specific area switch 79 is provided in a non-specific area inside the second large prize opening 17, and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 41 when it detects the passage of a game ball into the non-specific area.

[0055] The power supply board 42 is connected to the main control board 41 and the game ball launcher 37, and supplies each board and the game ball launcher 37 with stabilized DC power. The game ball launcher 37 launches one game ball at a time into the game area 4 at regular intervals (approximately 0.6 seconds in this embodiment). The power supply board 42 is provided with a power switch 423. The power switch 423 is a switch that is operated to turn the power of the pachinko machine 1 on and off.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 3, the special chart 1 big win related information storage area of ​​the RAM 52 will be described. The special chart 1 big win related information storage area is used in the special pattern processing of the main processing described later in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16. The special chart 1 big win related information storage area is provided with a plurality of storage areas corresponding to the maximum first reserved number. In this embodiment, the maximum first reserved number, which is the upper limit of the first reserved number that can be stored, is "4". For this reason, the special chart 1 big win related information storage area is provided with four storage areas No. 1 to No. 4. If the first reserved number is less than 4, i.e., 0 to 3, when the game ball enters the first starting hole 14, the random number is stored in order from the smallest numbered storage area.

[0057] The first reserved number is the number of first reserved random numbers stored in the special 1 jackpot related information storage area in a state where the execution of the special 1 jackpot judgment, the determination of the first variation pattern indicating the variation time of the first special pattern, etc. are reserved among the random numbers corresponding to the game ball that entered the first starting hole 14. The CPU 51 shifts the first reserved random number stored in the smallest numbered storage area among the random numbers in the storage areas that have not yet been processed to a judgment area (not shown). The judgment area is a storage area provided in the RAM 52 to store the random numbers for the jackpot judgment, and is used in common for the special 1 jackpot judgment and the special 2 jackpot judgment. The CPU 51 performs various processes such as the special 1 jackpot judgment on the random numbers shifted to the judgment area. When the first reserved random number stored in the smallest numbered storage area is shifted to the judgment area, the random numbers stored in the storage areas after the next number are shifted to the storage area with the next smaller number. After that, the first reserved random number stored in the smallest numbered memory area is shifted sequentially to the judgment area, and the process of the special chart 1 big win judgment and the like is repeated. The various processes for the random numbers stored in the judgment area include, for example, the determination of the notification performance that notifies the result of the special chart 1 big win judgment, and the process of the number of rounds of the big win game that is executed according to the judgment result. The random numbers in the judgment area are erased after the process of the big win judgment and the like is completed.

[0058] Each memory area is provided with a special 1 jackpot random number column in which the value of the jackpot random number is stored, a first special pattern determination random number column in which the value of the special pattern determination random number is stored, and a first variation pattern determination random number column in which the value of the variation pattern determination random number is stored. When the game ball enters the first starting hole 14, the random numbers generated by the random number generating circuit 56 for each type of random number at that time are latched by a hardware circuit and stored in each column. The jackpot random number stored in the special 1 jackpot random number column is used for determining the special 1 jackpot. The special pattern determination random number stored in the first special pattern determination random number column is used to determine the first special pattern. The variation pattern determination random number stored in the first variation pattern determination random number column is used to determine the first variation pattern indicating the variation time of the first special pattern displayed in the first special pattern display section of the pattern display section 29. The various random numbers acquired together with the special 1 jackpot random number and stored in the special 1 jackpot related information memory area are also referred to as the first random number. In addition, the time for the special symbol 1 to change is also referred to as the first time for changing. In addition, a random number other than the above, such as a reach random number for determining whether or not the notification performance is performed as a reach performance described later, may be obtained as the first random number when the game ball enters the first starting hole 14.

[0059] Although not shown, the RAM 52 is provided with a special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area. The special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area is also used in the special pattern processing of the main processing. In this embodiment, the maximum second reserved number is "1". Therefore, the special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area is provided with one storage area corresponding to the maximum second reserved number. The maximum second reserved number may be "2" or more. In this case, the special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area is provided with two or more storage areas corresponding to the maximum second reserved number. The second reserved number is the number of second reserved random numbers stored in a state in which the execution of the special chart 2 jackpot judgment, the determination of the second variation pattern indicating the variation time of the second special pattern, etc. are reserved among the random numbers corresponding to the game ball that entered the second starting port 15. When the game ball enters the second starting port 15, the random numbers generated by the random number generating circuit 56 for each type of random number at that time are latched by a hardware circuit and stored in each column of the special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area. The special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area, like the special chart 1 jackpot related information storage area, is provided with a special chart 2 jackpot random number column in which the value of the jackpot random number is stored, a second special pattern determination random number column in which the value of the special pattern determination random number is stored, and a second fluctuation pattern determination random number column in which the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number is stored.

[0060] The CPU 51 shifts the random numbers stored in the random numbers of the storage area that have not yet been processed to the aforementioned judgment area. The CPU 51 performs various processes such as special chart 2 jackpot judgment on the random numbers shifted to the judgment area. The various random numbers acquired together with the special chart 2 jackpot random numbers and stored in the special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area are collectively referred to as second random numbers. The variation time of the second special pattern is also referred to as second variation time.

[0061] In the following explanation, the jackpot random numbers used to determine the special 1 jackpot are also referred to as the special 1 jackpot random numbers. The jackpot random numbers used to determine the special 2 jackpot are also referred to as the special 2 jackpot random numbers. The fluctuation pattern determining random numbers used to determine the first fluctuation pattern are also referred to as the first fluctuation pattern determining random numbers. The fluctuation pattern determining random numbers used to determine the second fluctuation pattern are also referred to as the second fluctuation pattern determining random numbers. The special pattern determining random numbers used to determine the first special pattern are also referred to as the first special pattern determining random numbers. The special pattern determining random numbers used to determine the second special pattern are also referred to as the second special pattern determining random numbers.

[0062] In the pachinko machine 1, the first and second variation times are equal to the presentation time of the notification presentation that notifies the player of the results of the special chart 1 jackpot determination and the special chart 2 jackpot determination. The sub-control board 58 controls the notification presentation according to the variation pattern determined by the main control board 41. Specifically, the main control board 41 starts the variation of the first special symbol according to the first variation pattern based on the first variation pattern determination random number. The main control board 41 starts the variation of the second special symbol according to the second variation pattern based on the second variation pattern determination random number. The sub-control board 58 controls the start of the variation display of the performance symbol 100 in synchronization with the start of the variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When the first variation time ends, the main control board 41 displays the first special symbol that has been varied for a predetermined special symbol determination display time. In this embodiment, the special symbol determination display time is 0.8 seconds. Furthermore, when the variation time of the second special symbol ends, the main control board 41 displays the second special symbol that has been varied for a predetermined special symbol determined display time. The sub-control board 58 displays the performance symbol 100 in synchronization with the special symbol determined display time. The sub-control board 58 also controls the execution of the notification effect synchronized with the variation time of the special symbol by the display screen 28, the board lamp 27, the frame lamp 38, the speaker 39, etc., in addition to the performance symbol 100. Hereinafter, the notification effect synchronized with the variation time of the first special symbol is referred to as the first notification effect. The notification effect synchronized with the variation time of the second special symbol is referred to as the second notification effect.

[0063] Although not shown, the RAM 52 is provided with a normal win related information storage area for storing a normal win random number obtained when the game ball passes through the gate 12. The normal win related information storage area is also configured in the same manner as the special chart 1 jackpot related information storage area. In this embodiment, the normal win related information storage area is provided with four storage areas corresponding to the maximum normal reserve number "4", which is the upper limit of the normal reserve number that can be stored. The storage areas are provided with a normal win random number column in which the value of the normal win random number is stored, and a normal symbol determination random number column in which the value of the normal symbol determination random number is stored. The normal win random number is used for normal win judgment. The normal symbol determination random number is used to determine the normal win symbol.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 4, the normal symbol determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described. The CPU 51 determines the normal symbol for notifying the result of the normal win determination by referring to the normal symbol determination table. In this embodiment, the symbols of "first normal win" and "second normal win" are provided as normal win symbols indicating that the result of the normal win determination is a win. The "first normal win" and "second normal win" are each associated with a value (0 to 99) of the normal symbol determination random number. The percentage of the "first normal win" is 98% (49 / 50). The percentage of the "second normal win" is 2% (1 / 50).

[0065] The normal symbol determination table defines which of the second start hole opening patterns, which is the opening pattern of the second start hole 15 in a normal winning game, should be used depending on the normal winning symbol and the game state. In the normal state, the short opening pattern of 0.060 seconds x 1 is associated with both the normal winning symbols of the "first normal winning" and the "second normal winning". Therefore, when a winning is determined by the normal winning determination in the normal state, the normal winning game is executed in the short opening pattern even if either the normal winning symbol of the "first normal winning" or the "second normal winning" is determined. When a normal winning game is played in the short opening pattern, the possibility that the game ball will enter the second start hole 15 is extremely low. In other words, even if either the normal winning symbol of the "first normal winning" or the "second normal winning" is determined in the normal state, the game ball will almost never enter the second start hole 15. As a result, the pachinko machine 1 in the first embodiment prevents the game from progressing by hitting to the right in the normal state.

[0066] On the other hand, in the time-saving state, the normal winning symbol of the "first normal winning" is associated with a short opening pattern of 0.060 seconds x 1, and the normal winning symbol of the "second normal winning" is associated with a long opening pattern of 5.8 seconds x 1. Therefore, when a winning is determined by the normal winning determination in the time-saving state, the normal winning game is executed in the short opening pattern when the normal winning symbol of the "first normal winning" is determined. Also, when a winning is determined by the normal winning determination in the time-saving state, the normal winning game is executed in the long opening pattern when the normal winning symbol of the "second normal winning" is determined. That is, when a normal winning determination is performed in the time-saving state, as a result, a normal winning game in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 15 is performed with a probability of 1 / 50. Also, a normal winning game in which the game ball hardly enters the second starting hole 15 is performed with the remaining probability of 49 / 50.

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, the normal winning probability is 1 / 1. Therefore, as a result of the normal winning judgment being performed in the time-saving state, the determination probability, which is the probability that the opening pattern of the second start hole 15 in the normal winning game is determined to be a long opening pattern in which the game ball can enter the second start hole 15, is 1 / 50. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, when the time-saving state is set, the time-saving state ends in response to the execution of 3000 normal winning judgments, which is the number of time-saving times. Since the determination probability is 1 / 50, the opening pattern of the second start hole 15 in the normal winning game is almost certainly determined to be a long opening pattern in which the game ball can enter the second start hole 15 by the time the number of executions of the normal winning judgment in the time-saving state reaches 3000 times.

[0068] When the game ball enters the second starting port 15, the special chart 2 big win determination is performed. In this embodiment, when the special chart 2 big win determination is performed, the result of the determination of a big win or a small win is derived, and the result of the determination of a miss is not derived. Since the probability of a big win is about 1 / 300, when the special chart 2 big win determination is performed in the time-saving state, the result of the determination of a small win is derived in most cases. In this embodiment, when the right hit is continuously performed in the small win game state, the second big winning port 17 is configured so that about 10 game balls enter the second big winning port 17, and at least one of them passes through the specific area. Therefore, when a small win game is performed, if the right hit is continuously performed, the condition device is activated in response to the game ball passing through the specific area, and a big win game is performed. In other words, when a normal win game is performed in a long opening pattern in the time-saving state, if the right hit is continuously performed during the normal win game and the small win game, it is almost certain that the big win game will be played after the small win game. In this way, the pachinko machine 1 sets the end condition of the time-saving state as the number of executions of the normal hit determination reaching a predetermined number of times of time-saving. Also, the pachinko machine 1 realizes a so-called loop-type gameplay in which the time-saving state continues until the next big win game starts by setting the number of times of time-saving to a number significantly larger than the determination probability.

[0069] The normal symbol fluctuation time determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The normal symbol fluctuation time determination table defines the fluctuation time of the normal symbol according to the game state at the time when the normal win determination is executed. The CPU 51 determines the fluctuation time of the normal symbol by referring to the normal symbol fluctuation time determination table. When the game state is in the normal state, the normal symbol fluctuation time determination table defines the fluctuation time of the normal symbol that notifies the determination result of the normal win as 10 seconds. On the other hand, when the game state is in the time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation time determination table defines the fluctuation time of the normal symbol that notifies the determination result of the normal win as 0.6 seconds.

[0070] In this embodiment, the result of the normal hit determination is only a normal hit, and no loss result is derived. Therefore, the normal symbol change time determination table defines the change time of the normal symbol only for the normal hit determination. The pachinko machine 1 may be provided with a case in which a loss determination result is derived by the normal hit determination. In this case, the normal symbol change time determination table may define the change time of the normal symbol corresponding to the normal hit determination result and the change time of the normal symbol corresponding to the loss determination result as the same time or different times.

[0071] After starting the normal pattern variation display, when the normal pattern variation time determined by referring to the normal pattern variation time determination table has elapsed, the CPU 51 displays the normal pattern that has been varied for a predetermined normal pattern determination time. In this embodiment, the normal pattern determination display time is 0.3 seconds. As described above, when a normal win determination is performed in the time-saving state, as a result, the normal win game is executed in the short opening pattern with a probability of 49 / 50, and the normal win game is executed in the long opening pattern with a probability of 1 / 50. That is, in the time-saving state, the normal win game is mainly executed in the short opening pattern. Since the normal pattern variation time and the normal pattern determination display time in the time-saving state are as described above, the time for the normal pattern variation display and determination display, and the normal win game in the short opening in the time-saving state is about 0.96 seconds. Note that the normal pattern variation time and the normal pattern determination display time are examples. The pachinko machine 1 may arbitrarily change the normal pattern variation time and the normal pattern determination display time.

[0072] The jackpot determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The jackpot determination table defines jackpot random number values ​​corresponding to the determination results of jackpot, small win, and miss, among jackpot random numbers that range from 0 to 65535. In this way, the determination table defines the jackpot probability that a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot by the jackpot determination, and the small win probability that a small win is determined to be a small win by the jackpot determination. The pachinko machine 1 determines whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, small win, or miss by referring to the jackpot determination table.

[0073] The jackpot determination table includes a special 1 jackpot determination table and a special 2 jackpot determination table. The special 1 jackpot determination table defines the jackpot random number corresponding to the jackpot determination result, thereby defining the jackpot probability as approximately 1 / 299.251. The special 1 jackpot determination table corresponds jackpot random numbers other than the jackpot random number corresponding to the jackpot determination result to the miss determination result. The special 1 jackpot determination table does not define a jackpot random number corresponding to the small jackpot determination result. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small jackpot determination result is not derived by the special 1 jackpot determination. Since the game specifications of this embodiment are an example, a case may be provided in which the special 1 jackpot determination table defines a jackpot random number corresponding to the small jackpot determination result, and the small jackpot determination result is derived by the special 1 jackpot determination.

[0074] The special chart 2 jackpot determination table defines the jackpot random number value corresponding to the jackpot determination result, and defines the jackpot probability as approximately 1 / 299.251, similar to the special chart 1 jackpot determination table. In addition, the special chart 2 jackpot determination table makes the jackpot random number value other than the jackpot random number value corresponding to the jackpot determination result correspond to the small jackpot determination result. Therefore, the small jackpot probability that the small jackpot determination result is derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination is approximately 1 / 1.003. Note that the special chart 2 jackpot determination table does not define a jackpot random number value corresponding to the miss determination result. Therefore, when the special chart 2 jackpot determination is performed, the jackpot or small jackpot determination result is derived, but the miss determination result is not derived. Note that the game specifications of this embodiment are an example, so the special chart 2 jackpot determination table defines a jackpot random number value corresponding to the miss determination result, and a miss determination result may be derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination.

[0075] The special symbol determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The pachinko machine 1 determines the first special symbol indicating the result of the special symbol 1 jackpot determination and the second special symbol indicating the result of the special symbol 2 jackpot determination by referring to the special symbol determination table. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are classified into one of a plurality of special winning types. The plurality of special winning types include a jackpot type indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot and a small winning type indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a small winning. In this embodiment, the first special symbol is composed of a jackpot type, and the second special symbol is composed of a jackpot type and a small winning type. The special symbol determination table associates the value (0 to 99) of the special symbol determination random number with each of the plurality of special winning types. In addition, if the result of the special symbol 1 jackpot determination is a miss, a predetermined miss type is determined. In addition, the miss determination result is not derived by the special symbol 2 jackpot determination. Therefore, when a special pattern 2 jackpot determination is performed, the determination result of a jackpot or small jackpot is derived, and the second special pattern of the special jackpot type, either the jackpot type or the small jackpot type, is determined.

[0076] The first special symbol includes two types of jackpot types, "3R jackpot A" and "3R jackpot B". The ratio of the jackpot types of the first special symbol is "3R jackpot A" 50% and "3R jackpot B" 50%. The second special symbol includes two types of jackpot types, "10R jackpot A" and "10R jackpot B", and two types of small jackpot types, "10R small jackpot A" and "10R small jackpot B". The ratio of the jackpot types of the second special symbol is "10R jackpot A" 75% and "10R jackpot B" 25%. The ratio of the small jackpot types of the second special symbol is "10R small jackpot A" 75% and "10R small jackpot B" 25%. "3R" and "10R" indicate the number of rounds associated with each jackpot type. The jackpot games based on the jackpot types "3R jackpot A", "3R jackpot B", "10R jackpot A" and "10R jackpot B" are type 1 games. The jackpot games executed due to the small jackpot games based on the small jackpot types "10R small jackpot A" and "10R small jackpot B" are type 2 games.

[0077] The number of rounds associated with the small win type is the number of rounds of the jackpot game to be executed when the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 17 during the execution of the small win game passes through a specific area inside the second large winning opening 17, and a jackpot game state is generated. In other words, the number of rounds associated with the small win type is the number of rounds when a jackpot game of a type 2 game is executed. Note that, if a small win game corresponding to the small win type is executed, but the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 17 passes only through a non-specific area and does not pass through a specific area, and a jackpot game state is not generated, the jackpot game is not executed after the end of the small win game.

[0078] The special symbol determination table defines the opening patterns of the first and second large prize openings 16 and 17 in small prize games and big prize rounds. In big prize games with the big prize types of "3R big prize A", "3R big prize B", "10R big prize A" and "10R big prize B", the first big prize opening 16 opens once for a maximum of 28.0 seconds in all big prize rounds. In small prize games with the small prize types of "10R small prize A" and "10R small prize B", the second big prize opening 17 opens once for a maximum of 1.5 seconds.

[0079] In a jackpot game that is caused by a game ball passing through a specific area inside the second large prize opening 17 during the execution of a small prize game, the first large prize opening 16 opens once for a maximum of 28.0 seconds in each round from the second round onward. This maximum opening time of the first large prize opening 16 is also referred to as the first opening time below. As described above, in a jackpot game that is caused by the execution of a small prize game, the small prize game is treated retroactively as the jackpot round of the first round. For this reason, in the special symbol determination table, the opening time of the second large prize opening 17 related to the small prize game is defined as the opening time of the jackpot round of the first round for convenience. This maximum opening time of the second large prize opening 17 is also referred to as the second opening time below. The second opening time is the aforementioned 1.5 seconds.

[0080] Each special winning type is associated with a game state that is set after the jackpot game for that winning type ends. For the first special symbol, the time-saving state is associated with "3R jackpot A," and the normal state is associated with "3R jackpot B." For the second special symbol, the time-saving state is associated with "10R jackpot A" and "10R small jackpot A," and the normal state is associated with "10R jackpot B" and "10R small jackpot B."

[0081] Therefore, when the result of the jackpot determination is derived by the special chart 1 jackpot determination, after the end of the jackpot game related to the first type of game, the normal state is set at a rate of 50% and the time-saving state is set at a rate of 50%. When the result of the jackpot determination is derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination, after the end of the jackpot game related to the first type of game, the time-saving state is set at a rate of 75% and the normal state is set at a rate of 25%. When the result of the small jackpot determination is derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination, after the end of the small jackpot game and the jackpot game related to the second type of game, the time-saving state is set at a rate of 75% and the normal state is set at a rate of 25%. Hereinafter, the special pattern of the special jackpot type associated with the setting of the time-saving state after the end of the jackpot game is also referred to as the "time-saving pattern". In the first embodiment, each of the "3R jackpot A", "10R jackpot A" and "10R small jackpot A" corresponds to the time-saving pattern. In addition, in the first embodiment, each of the "3R big win B", "10R big win B" and "10R small win B", which are not time-saving symbols, is also referred to as a non-time-saving symbol.

[0082] The special symbol determination table defines the time-saving end condition, which is the end condition of the set time-saving state, according to the special winning type. As described above, the time-saving end condition in this embodiment is that the number of times that the normal winning judgment is performed in the time-saving state reaches 3000 times, which is the number of times of time-saving.

[0083] The variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The variation pattern determination table has a plurality of tables according to the result of the big win determination and the game state at the time when the variation pattern is determined. Each of the plurality of tables is assigned one or a plurality of types of variation patterns, and each variation pattern is associated with a value (0 to 511) of the variation pattern determination random number and a variation time of the special symbol.

[0084] When the special chart 1 big win determination is performed, the table division according to the game state at that time and the determination result of the special chart 1 big win determination is referenced, and one first variation pattern corresponding to the value of the first variation pattern determination random number obtained together with the special chart 1 big win random number is determined. When the result of the special chart 1 big win determination in the normal state is a big win, the rate at which the variation pattern is determined increases in the order of "reach performance A" to "reach performance E". "Reach performance" is a notification performance that executes a performance indicating the possibility of a big win after a reach state is formed in which, for example, two of the three performance patterns 100 stop with the same pattern. On the other hand, when the determination result is a miss, the rate at which the variation pattern is determined decreases in the order of "reach performance A" to "reach performance E". Therefore, the expectation that the result of the special chart 1 big win determination will be a big win increases in the order of "reach performance A" to "reach performance E".

[0085] In this embodiment, the variation pattern of the "non-reach" such as "non-reach performance A" is a notification performance that ends without reaching a reach state. In this embodiment, the variation pattern of the "non-reach" is determined only when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. In the first variation pattern of the "non-reach", the first variation time varies depending on the first reserved number at the start of the variation of the first special symbol. In FIG. 4, the reserved number "0" indicates a case where the first special symbol starts to vary when the game ball enters the first starting hole 14 with the first reserved number being "0". The reserved number "1", "2" or "3" indicates a case where the first special symbol starts to vary based on the first random number with the first reserved number being "1", "2" or "3".

[0086] Even when the game state is in the time-saving state, as in the normal state, one first variation pattern corresponding to the value of the first variation pattern determination random number acquired together with the special chart 1 jackpot random number is determined according to the judgment result of the jackpot judgment. In this embodiment, when the first variation pattern is determined according to the judgment result of the special chart 1 jackpot judgment in the time-saving state, the first variation pattern is determined taking into consideration which special win type is. Specifically, the first variation pattern of "win variation" is associated with the jackpot type of "3R jackpot A", which is a time-saving pattern. The first variation pattern of "time chance" is associated with the jackpot type of "3R jackpot B", which is a non-time-saving pattern. Although details will be described later, the notification effect based on the variation pattern of "win variation" has a relatively short variation time. In this embodiment, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern of "win variation" is 5 seconds. On the other hand, the notification effect based on the variation pattern of "time chance" has a longer variation time than the notification effect based on the variation pattern of "win variation". In this embodiment, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern of "time chance" is 50 seconds. In addition, when the result of the judgment of the miss is derived by the special chart 2 big hit judgment in the time-saving state, the first fluctuation pattern of the "miss fluctuation" is determined. In the following, the notification performance based on the fluctuation pattern of the "time chance" is also called "time chance performance".

[0087] As with the first variation pattern, the second variation pattern is assigned to each of the tables according to the game state. The value (0 to 511) of the second variation pattern determination random number and the second variation time are associated with each variation pattern. The table division according to the game state at the time of the special chart 2 jackpot determination and the determination result of the special chart 2 jackpot determination is referenced, and one second variation pattern corresponding to the value of the second variation pattern determination random number acquired together with the special chart 2 jackpot random number is determined. In addition, when the second variation pattern is determined according to the determination result of the special chart 2 jackpot determination in the time-saving state, the second variation pattern is determined taking into consideration which special win type was. Specifically, the first variation pattern of "win variation" is associated with the jackpot type of "10R jackpot A" which is a time-saving pattern. The first variation pattern of "time chance" is associated with the jackpot type of "10R jackpot B" which is a non-time-saving pattern. Similarly, when the result of the special chart 2 big win judgment is a small win, the second variation pattern of "win variation" is associated with "10R small win A" whose small win type is a time-saving pattern. The second variation pattern of "time chance" is associated with "10R small win B" whose small win type is a non-time-saving pattern. In this embodiment, since the result of the special chart 2 big win judgment is not derived as a miss judgment, the second variation pattern corresponding to the miss judgment result is not defined.

[0088] The main control board 41 changes the first special symbol or the second special symbol for a change time determined according to the determined change pattern. When the change pattern is determined, the main control board 41 transmits a change pattern designation command, which is a command that designates the change pattern, to the sub-control board 58. The sub-control board 58 controls the notification effect according to the change pattern designated by the change pattern designation command.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 9, the special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described. The special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table is provided to determine the second variation pattern for the second notification performance corresponding to the second reserved random number stored in the time-saving state in the normal state set after the time-saving state ends. The second reserved random number stored in the time-saving state and for which the special chart 2 jackpot determination, etc. is executed after the time-saving state ends is referred to as the "remaining reservation" below. In this embodiment, the maximum second reserved number is "1", and when the second reserved random number is stored in the time-saving state, the special chart 2 jackpot determination is executed for the second reserved random number after the time-saving state and the jackpot game state end. Therefore, when the normal state is set after the jackpot game state ends, the special chart 2 jackpot determination, etc. is executed for the remaining reservation in the normal state.

[0090] The special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table defines the second variation pattern by taking into consideration the judgment result of the special chart 2 big win judgment on the remaining reserve, as well as which special win type it is. Specifically, the second variation pattern of "RUSH continuation effect" is associated with "10R big win A" whose big win type is a time-saving pattern. The second variation pattern of "RUSH end effect" is associated with "10R big win B" whose big win type is a non-time-saving pattern. Similarly, when the judgment result of the special chart 2 big win judgment is a small win, the second variation pattern of "RUSH continuation effect" is associated with "10R small win A" whose small win type is a time-saving pattern. The second variation pattern of "RUSH end effect" is associated with "10R small win B" whose small win type is a non-time-saving pattern. The second variation pattern of RUSH continuation effect and RUSH end effect are associated with a variation time of 15 seconds. The variation time of RUSH continuation effect and RUSH end effect may be the same or different. Details of the second notification effect corresponding to the RUSH continuation effect and the RUSH end effect will be described later.

[0091] The operation of the main control board 41 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 20. The main control of the pachinko machine 1 is performed by a control program stored in the ROM 53. The main processing of the control program shown in Figure 7 is executed by the CPU 51 when the CPU 51 detects an interrupt signal generated every 4 ms by the interrupt signal generating circuit 57 shown in Figure 2. Each step in the flowchart will be abbreviated as "S" below.

[0092] When the power supply of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 51 of the main control board 41 executes a predetermined initialization process and then starts executing the main process. As shown in FIG. 7, when the main process starts, the CPU 51 executes a switch reading process (S11). In the switch reading process, a process is performed to detect the passage or winning of a game ball from the detection results of each switch provided in the gate switch 74, the first start port switch 61, the second start port switch 62, the first large prize port switch 76, the second large prize port switch 77, the specific area switch 78, the non-specific area switch 79, and other prize ports shown in FIG. 2. The RAM 52 stores a flag corresponding to each switch. When each switch detects the passage of a game ball, the flag corresponding to each switch stored in the RAM 52 becomes "ON".

[0093] Next, the CPU 51 executes a counter update process (S12). In the counter update process, the values ​​of a special symbol fluctuation time counter, which is a timer counter for measuring the fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol stored in the RAM 52, and a special symbol determination display time counter for measuring the special symbol determination display time are subtracted.

[0094] Next, the CPU 51 executes special electric accessory processing (S13). Details will be described later with reference to Figs. 18 to 20, but in the special electric accessory processing, processing for controlling the operation of the big win game and the small win game, processing related to the game state set after the end of the big win game, etc. are performed. The operation of the big win game is mainly the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 161 of the first big win opening 16 in the big win game. The operation of the small win game is mainly the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 171 of the second big win opening 17 in the small win game.

[0095] Next, the special symbol process is performed (S15). Details will be described later with reference to Figs. 14 to 16, but in the special symbol process, a big win determination, a change pattern determination, a special symbol determination, a game state transition process, and the like are performed.

[0096] Next, the CPU 51 executes normal electric accessory processing (S16). Details will be described later with reference to Fig. 13, but in the normal electric accessory processing, when the result of the normal winning judgment is a win, processing is performed to control the operation of the normal winning game (mainly the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15).

[0097] Next, the CPU 51 executes normal symbol processing (S17). Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, but in the normal symbol processing, a normal win random number is acquired when the gate switch 74 detects the passage of a gaming ball. Based on the acquired random number, processing such as normal win determination and generation of a command for controlling the fluctuation of the normal symbol is performed.

[0098] Next, the CPU 51 executes a payout process (S18), an error check (S19), and an information output process (S20), and ends the main process. In the payout process, when a flag corresponding to each switch is set to "ON" by the switch reading process, a command indicating that a game ball has entered a winning hole corresponding to each switch is transmitted to the payout control board 45. The CPU 45a of the payout control board 45 that receives this command causes the prize ball payout device 49 to pay out a number of prize balls that are predetermined for the winning hole corresponding to the command, according to the number of winning balls entered into the winning hole. In the error check, when an error occurs, a command for notifying the error using the display screen 28, the speaker 39, etc. is transmitted to the sub-control board 58. In the information output process, various information is output to the above-mentioned game center management computer via the external terminal board 55.

[0099] With reference to FIG. 11, the details of the normal symbol processing shown in S17 of FIG. 10 will be described. The flags used in the normal symbol processing will be described. In the normal symbol processing, a normal symbol change flag, a normal winning game flag, a time-saving flag, and the like are used. These flags are stored in the RAM 52. The normal symbol change flag is a flag indicating whether the normal symbol is changing, and when the normal symbol is changing, "1" is stored and it becomes "ON", and when the normal symbol is not changing, "0" is stored and it becomes "OFF". The normal winning game flag is a flag indicating whether the normal winning game is being played, and when the normal winning game is being played, "1" is stored and it becomes "ON", and when the normal winning game is not being played, "0" is stored and it becomes "OFF". The time-saving flag is a flag indicating whether the time-saving state is being played, and when "1" is stored and it becomes "ON", and when the time-saving state is being played, "0" is stored and it becomes "OFF".

[0100] When the normal symbol process is started, the CPU 51 judges whether the gaming ball has passed through the gate 12 (S21). When the gate switch 74 detects the passage of the gaming ball, the flag corresponding to the gate switch 74 is set to "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process shown in S11 of Fig. 10. If this flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that the gaming ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S21: NO), and the process proceeds to the judgment of S26.

[0101] When this flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (S21: YES) and judges whether the normal reserved number is "4" (S22). The RAM 52 has a normal reserved number storage area for storing the normal reserved number. When the normal reserved number stored in the normal reserved number storage area is "4" (S22: YES), the normal reserved number has reached the maximum normal reserved number, so the CPU 51 moves the process to the judgment of S26. When the normal reserved number stored in the normal reserved number storage area is not "4" (S22: NO), the CPU 51 adds "1" to the normal reserved number stored in the normal reserved number storage area (S23). The CPU 51 acquires the normal winning random number, etc., and stores each random number value of the acquired normal winning random number, etc. in the smallest-numbered storage area of ​​the normal winning related information storage areas of the RAM 52 (S25).

[0102] The CPU 51 judges whether a normal win is being played (S26). If the normal win playing flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that a normal win is being played (S26: YES) and returns the process to the main process. If the normal win playing flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that a normal win is not being played (S26: NO) and judges whether the normal symbol is changing (S28). If the normal symbol changing flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that the normal symbol is not changing (S28: NO) and judges whether the normal reserved number is "1" or more (S29). If the normal reserved number stored in the normal reserved number storage area of ​​the RAM 52 is "0" (S29: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to the main process.

[0103] If the normal reserved number is "1" or more (S29: YES), the CPU 51 subtracts "1" from the normal reserved number stored in the normal reserved number storage area (S31). The CPU 51 shifts each random number such as the normal win random number stored in the storage area with the smallest number in the normal win related information storage area to a normal judgment area provided in the RAM 52 for storing random numbers for normal win judgment (S32). The CPU 51 also shifts each random number such as the normal win random number stored in the normal win related information storage area to a storage area with a number one smaller.

[0104] The CPU 51 executes a normal win determination process (S33). Although not shown, the ROM 53 stores a normal win determination table for performing a normal win determination. In the normal win determination table, random numbers of the normal win random numbers corresponding to "normal win" and "miss" are defined. The CPU 51 refers to the normal win determination table and determines whether the normal win random number shifted to the normal determination area in S32 corresponds to "normal win" or "miss". In this embodiment, the random number value corresponding to the normal win is defined so that the normal win probability is 1 / 1. That is, when a normal win determination is performed, a determination result of a normal win is derived, and a determination result of a miss is not derived. As a result, a normal win determination based on the undetermined normal win random numbers stored in the RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the normal win random numbers are stored.

[0105] The CPU 51 determines a normal symbol according to the result of the normal win determination derived in S33 (S35). In the process of S35, the CPU 51 determines a normal symbol indicating the determination result of the normal win determination by referring to the normal symbol determination table shown in FIG. 4 according to the value of the normal symbol determination random number shifted to the determination area in S32. In this embodiment, either the first normal win or the second normal win normal symbol is determined. Information indicating the content of the determined normal symbol is stored in the RAM 52.

[0106] The CPU 51 refers to the normal symbol fluctuation time determination table shown in FIG. 5, and determines the fluctuation time of the normal symbol according to whether the normal state or the time-saving state is currently set and the normal winning judgment result. The CPU 51 refers to the state of the time-saving flag to grasp whether the time-saving state is currently set. The CPU 51 generates a fluctuation time designation command for designating the fluctuation time of the determined normal symbol, and sets it in the command buffer (S36). The commands set in the command buffer of the RAM 52 are transmitted to the sub-control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay terminal board 47, etc. in the order in which they were set in the command buffer. Note that the main processing may be provided with a command transmission process for transmitting the commands set in the command buffer in the main processing performed last time to the sub-control board 58, etc. In this case, the commands set in the command buffer may be transmitted to the sub-control board 58, etc., in the order in which they were set in the command buffer, at each interruption of the main processing, by the command transmission process.

[0107] The CPU 51 stores the normal symbol fluctuation time determined in S36 in the normal symbol fluctuation time counter (S38). The normal symbol determination table defines the normal symbol fluctuation time in the time-saving state to be shorter than the normal symbol fluctuation time in the normal state. Therefore, the CPU 51 makes the normal symbol fluctuation time in the time-saving state shorter than the normal symbol fluctuation time in the non-time-saving state. The CPU 51 sets the normal symbol fluctuation flag to "ON" (S39) and returns the process to the main process.

[0108] In addition, when the CPU 51 judges in S28 that the normal symbol is changing (S28: YES), it judges whether the normal symbol change time has elapsed (S41). This judgment is made according to the value of the normal symbol change time counter stored in S38. When the value of the normal symbol change time counter is not "0", the CPU 51 judges that the normal symbol change time has not yet elapsed (S41: NO) and returns the processing to the main processing.

[0109] When the value of the normal symbol variation time counter is "0", the CPU 51 determines that the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (S41: YES), generates a normal symbol stop command, and sets it in the command buffer (S42). The normal symbol stop command is a command for notifying the symbol display unit 29 and the sub-control board 58 that the variation of the normal symbol is to be stopped. The normal symbol stop command set in the command buffer is transmitted to the relay terminal board 47 and the sub-control board 58, instructing the symbol display unit 29 to stop varying the normal symbol, and also notifying the CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 of the stop of the variation of the normal symbol. The CPU 51 sets the normal symbol variation flag to "OFF" (S43).

[0110] The CPU 51 judges whether the result of the normal win judgment made in S33 is a normal win (S45). This judgment is made by referring to information indicating the contents of the normal symbols stored in the RAM 52 in S35. If the result of the normal win judgment is a normal win (S45: YES), the CPU 51 sets the normal win game flag to "ON" (S46) and shifts the process to S48. If the result of the normal win judgment is a miss (S45: NO), the CPU 51 shifts the process to S48. The CPU 51 executes a normal symbol game state transition process (S48) and returns the process to the main process.

[0111] With reference to Fig. 12, the details of the normal game state transition process shown in S48 of Fig. 11 will be described. In the normal game state transition process, when the number of times that a normal winning judgment is executed in the time-saving state, that is, the number of normal judgments, reaches a predetermined number of time-saving times, a process for terminating the time-saving state is performed. In this embodiment, the number of time-saving times is 3000 times as described above.

[0112] When the normal game state transition process is started, the CPU 51 judges whether the time-saving state is set (S51). When the time-saving flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that the normal state, not the time-saving state, is set (S51: NO), and returns the process to the normal pattern process. When the time-saving flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that the time-saving state is set (S51: YES), and subtracts "1" from the value of the normal judgment number counter (S52). Details will be described later, but when the process for ending the jackpot game state is performed in the special electric role processing, the normal judgment number counter is set to "3000", which is the number of time-saving times.

[0113] The CPU 51 judges whether the value of the normal judgment counter is "0" (S53). If the value of the normal judgment counter is not "0" (S53: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to the normal symbol processing. If the value of the normal judgment counter is "0" (S53: YES), the CPU 51 generates a game state command corresponding to the time-saving state end notification and sets it in the command buffer (S55). The game state command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the game state. The time-saving state end notification is a game state command that notifies the sub-control board 58 that the time-saving state is ending. The game state command set in the command buffer is sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58. The CPU 51 sets the time-saving flag to "OFF" (S56). The process returns to the normal symbol processing.

[0114] With reference to FIG. 13, the details of the normal electric accessory processing shown in S16 of FIG. 10 will be described. The flags used in the normal electric accessory processing will be described. In the normal electric accessory processing, in addition to the various flags described above, a second start port opening flag and the like are used. The second start port opening flag is a flag indicating whether the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 is opened according to the second start port opening pattern, and is stored in the RAM 52. The second start port opening flag is "ON" by storing "1" while the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 is opened according to the second start port opening pattern, and is "OFF" by storing "0" when the opening of the second start port 15 according to the second start port opening pattern is completed.

[0115] When the normal electric device processing is started, the CPU 51 judges whether or not a normal win is being played (S61). When the normal win playing flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that a normal win is not being played (S61: NO), and returns the processing to the main processing. When the normal win playing flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that a normal win is being played (S61: YES), and judges whether or not the opening and closing member 151 of the second start hole 15 is opened according to the second start hole opening pattern (S62). When the second start hole opening flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that the opening and closing member 151 of the second start hole 15 is not opened according to the second start hole opening pattern (S62: NO). In this case, the CPU 51 judges whether or not a time-saving state is set (S63).

[0116] When the time-saving flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that the time-saving state is set (S63: YES), and judges whether the normal symbol determined in S35 of FIG. 11 is the second normal win (S64). The CPU 51 makes this judgment by referring to information indicating the contents of the normal symbol stored in the RAM 52 in S35. When the normal symbol determined in S35 is the second normal win (S64: YES), the CPU 51 generates a long opening command and sets it in the command buffer (S65). The long opening command is a command for instructing the opening and closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 to open and close in a long opening pattern of 5.8 seconds x 1 time. The long opening command set in the command buffer is sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The second starting hole solenoid 69, which has received the long opening pattern command via the relay terminal board 47, opens and closes the opening and closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 in the long opening pattern.

[0117] The CPU 51 sets a value indicating the opening time of the second start port 15 by the long opening pattern in the second start port opening time counter of the RAM 52 (S66). In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start port 15 by the long opening pattern is 5.8 seconds. The CPU 51 shifts the process to S69.

[0118] On the other hand, when the time-saving state is not set (S63: NO) or the normal symbol determined in S35 is the first normal win (S64: NO), the CPU 51 generates a short opening command and sets it in the command buffer (S67). The short opening command is a command for instructing the opening and closing member 151 of the second starting port 15 to open and close in a short opening pattern of 0.060 seconds x 1 time. The short opening commands set in the command buffer are sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47. The second starting port solenoid 69, which has received the short opening pattern command via the relay terminal board 47, opens and closes the opening and closing member 151 of the second starting port 15 in a short opening pattern.

[0119] The CPU 51 sets a value indicating the opening time of the second start port 15 by the short opening pattern in the second start port opening time counter of the RAM 52 (S68). In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start port 15 by the long opening pattern is 0.060 seconds. The CPU 51 sets the second start port opening flag to "ON" (S69) and proceeds to the judgment of S71.

[0120] The CPU 51 judges whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 15 (S71). When the second start hole switch 62 detects the entry of a game ball, a flag corresponding to the second start hole switch 62 becomes "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process. If this flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that a game ball has entered the second start hole 15 (S71: YES) and adds "1" to the second start hole entry ball number counter of the RAM 52, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the second start hole 15 (S72). The process proceeds to the judgment of S73. The number of game balls that have entered the second start hole 15, counted by the second start hole entry ball number counter, is called the second start hole entry ball number. On the other hand, if the flag corresponding to the second start hole switch 62 is "OFF", the CPU 51 determines that the game ball has not entered the second start hole 15 (S71: NO), and shifts the process to the judgment of S73.

[0121] The CPU 51 judges whether the number of winning balls in the second start port is "1" or more (S73). If the number of winning balls in the second start port is "0" (S73: NO), the CPU 51 judges whether the opening time of the second start port 15 has elapsed based on the value of the second start port opening time counter (S75). If the opening time of the second start port 15 has not elapsed (S75: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to the main process. In the special electric device process performed thereafter, if the game is in a normal winning state (S61: YES), the judgments of S73 and S75 are repeatedly executed until one or more game balls enter the second start port 15 or the opening time of the second start port 15 has elapsed.

[0122] When one or more game balls enter the second start hole 15 (S73: YES) or the opening time of the second start hole 15 has elapsed (S75: YES), a second start hole closing command is generated and set in the command buffer (S76). The second start hole closing command is a command for inspecting the opening / closing member 151 of the open second start hole 15. The set second start hole closing command is sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47. The second start hole solenoid 69, which has received the second start hole closing command via the relay terminal board 47, closes the opening / closing member 151 of the second start hole 15. The CPU 51 stores "0" in the second start hole opening flag (S78). The CPU 51 sets the normal winning game state flag to "OFF" (S79). The CPU 51 returns the process to the main process.

[0123] The details of the special symbol processing shown in S15 of Fig. 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 14 to Fig. 16. The flags used in the special symbol processing will be described. In the special symbol processing, a big win game state flag, a small win game state flag, a special symbol display state flag, etc. are used. These flags are stored in the RAM 52.

[0124] The big win game state flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game is in a big win game state, and when the game is in a big win game state, "1" is stored and the flag is "ON", and when the game is not in a big win game state, "0" is stored and the flag is "OFF". The small win game state flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game is in a small win game state, and when the game is in a small win game state, "1" is stored and the flag is "ON", and when the game is not in a small win game state, "0" is stored and the flag is "OFF". The special symbol display state flag is stored as "1" when either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (changing), as "2" when either one is displayed as a fixed symbol (displaying as a fixed symbol), and as "0" when neither is changing nor displayed as a fixed symbol.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 14, when the special symbol process is started, the CPU 51 judges whether a gaming ball has entered the first start hole 14 (S81). When the first start hole switch 61 detects the entry of a gaming ball, a flag corresponding to the first start hole switch 61 is set to "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process shown in S11 of Fig. 10. If this flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that a gaming ball has not entered the first start hole 14 (S81: NO), and the process proceeds to the judgment of S51.

[0126] When this flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that the game ball has entered the first start hole 14 (S81: YES) and judges whether the first reserved number is "4" (S83). The RAM 52 has a first reserved number storage area for storing the first reserved number. When the first reserved number stored in the first reserved number storage area is "4" (S83: YES), the first reserved number has reached the maximum first reserved number, so the CPU 51 shifts the process to the judgment of S51. When the first reserved number stored in the first reserved number storage area is not "4" (S83: NO), the CPU 51 adds "1" to the first reserved number stored in the first reserved number storage area (S85). The CPU 51 acquires the first random number, and stores each random number value of the acquired first random number in the smallest numbered empty storage area in the special chart 1 big win related information storage area shown in FIG. 3 (S86). Specifically, the random number value of the jackpot random number is stored in the special chart 1 jackpot random number column, the random number value of the first pattern determination random number is stored in the first special pattern determination random number column, and the random number value of the first variation pattern determination random number is stored in the first variation pattern determination random number column.

[0127] Next, the CPU 51 refers to the first reserved information, which is information related to the first random number acquired in S46 (S88). The CPU 51 generates a first reserved information command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the referred information, and sets it in the command buffer (S89). The first reserved information is information obtained by referring to the first random number acquired and stored in S86 before processing such as jackpot determination is performed on the first random number, and is so-called pre-reading information. In this embodiment, the first reserved information is information based on the special jackpot random number 1, the first special pattern determination random number, and the first variation pattern determination random number included in the first reserved random number. When the first random number includes the above-mentioned reach random number, the first reserved information also includes information obtained by referring to those random numbers. The first reserved information command is generated including information indicating the first reserved number in addition to the pre-reading information related to the first random number. The information indicating the first reserved number is based on the first reserved number stored in the first reserved number storage area.

[0128] The CPU 51 judges whether a gaming ball has entered the second start hole 15 (S91). When the second start hole switch 62 detects the entry of a gaming ball, a flag corresponding to the second start hole switch 62 becomes "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process shown in S11 of Fig. 10. If this flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that a gaming ball has not entered the second start hole 15 (S91: NO), and the process proceeds to the judgment of S101 shown in Fig. 15.

[0129] When this flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that a game ball has entered the second start hole 15 (S91: YES) and judges whether the second reserved number is "4" (S92). The RAM 52 has a second reserved number storage area for storing the second reserved number. When the second reserved number stored in the second reserved number storage area is "1" (S92: YES), the second reserved number has reached the maximum second reserved number, so the CPU 51 shifts the process to the judgment of S101. When the second reserved number stored in the second reserved number storage area is not "1" (S92: NO), the CPU 51 adds "1" to the second reserved number stored in the second reserved number storage area (S95). The CPU 51 acquires the second random number, and stores each random number value of the acquired second random number in the smallest numbered storage area among the empty storage areas in the second jackpot related information storage area (S96). Specifically, the random number value of the special chart 2 jackpot random number is stored in the special chart 2 jackpot random number column, the random number value of the second special pattern determination random number is stored in the second special pattern determination random number column, and the random number value of the second variation pattern determination random number is stored in the second variation pattern determination random number column.

[0130] Next, the CPU 51 refers to the second reserved information, which is information related to the second random number acquired in S56 (S98). The CPU 51 generates a second reserved information command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the referred information, and sets it in a command buffer provided in the RAM 52 (S99). The second reserved information command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the second reserved information (so-called pre-reading information), which is information related to the second reserved random number acquired and stored in S56. The second reserved information command is generated including information indicating the second reserved number in addition to information regarding the second random number (special chart 2 big win random number, second special pattern determination random number, and second variation pattern determination random number). The information indicating the second reserved number is based on the first reserved number stored in the second reserved number storage area. The second reserved information command set in the command buffer is sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58. The CPU 51 shifts the process to the judgment of S101.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 51 judges whether the game is in a big win game state or a small win game state, that is, whether the game is in a winning game state (S101). If the big win game state flag or the small win game state flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that the game is in a winning game state (S101: YES) and returns the process to the main process. If the big win game state flag or the small win game state flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that the game is not in a winning game state (S101: NO) and judges whether the first special symbol and the second special symbol are changing (S102). If the special symbol display state flag is not "1", the CPU 51 judges that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is changing (S102: NO) and judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is in a stopped state (S103). If the special symbol display state flag is not "2", the CPU 51 determines that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is being displayed as confirmed (S103: NO), and transitions to S111 shown in FIG. 16, where it executes processing such as determining whether or not there is a jackpot.

[0132] In this embodiment, in the jackpot determination, the special 2 jackpot determination is performed with priority over the special 1 jackpot determination. As shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 51 judges whether the second reserved number is "1" (S111). If the second reserved number stored in the second reserved number storage area of ​​the RAM 52 is "1" (S111: YES), the special 2 jackpot determination is performed, but details will be described later. If the second reserved number is "0" (S111: NO), the CPU 51 judges whether the first reserved number is "1" or more (S112). If the first reserved number stored in the first reserved number storage area of ​​the RAM 52 is "0" (S112: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to the main process.

[0133] If the first reserved number is "1" or more (S112: YES), the CPU 51 subtracts "1" from the first reserved number stored in the first reserved number storage area (S113). The CPU 51 shifts each random value of the first reserved random number stored in the smallest numbered storage area in the special chart 1 jackpot related information storage area shown in Fig. 3 to the judgment area (S115). The CPU 51 also shifts each random value of the first reserved random number stored in the special chart 1 jackpot related information area to the storage area with the next smaller number.

[0134] The CPU 51 executes a special chart 1 big win determination process (S116). The CPU 51 refers to the big win determination table shown in Fig. 6 and determines whether the special chart 1 big win random number shifted to the determination area in S115 corresponds to a "big win" or a "miss". As a result, the special chart 1 big win determination based on the undetermined special chart 1 big win random numbers stored in the RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the special chart 1 big win random numbers are stored.

[0135] The CPU 51 determines the type of the first special symbol according to the result of the special symbol 1 jackpot determination derived in S116 (S118). When the CPU 51 determines a jackpot in the process of S116, it refers to the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 7 and determines the first special symbol of the jackpot type indicating the jackpot determination result according to the value of the first special symbol determination random number shifted to the determination area in S115. When the CPU 51 determines a miss in the process of S116, it determines the first special symbol of a predetermined miss type indicating the miss determination result. Information indicating the content of the determined first special symbol is stored in the RAM 52. The CPU 51 shifts the process to S131.

[0136] On the other hand, if the second reserved number is "1" (S111: YES), the CPU 51 subtracts "1" from the second reserved number stored in the second reserved number storage area (S121). The CPU 51 shifts each random number value of the second reserved random number stored in the special chart 2 big win related information storage area to the judgment area (S122).

[0137] The CPU 51 executes a special jackpot determination process (S123). The CPU 51 refers to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 6 and determines whether the special jackpot random number shifted to the determination area in S122 corresponds to a "jackpot" or a "small jackpot". As a result, the second jackpot determination based on the undetermined second jackpot random numbers stored in the RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the second jackpot random numbers are stored.

[0138] The CPU 51 determines the type of the second special symbol according to the result of the special symbol 2 big win determination derived in S123 (S125). When the CPU 51 determines a big win in the process of S123, it refers to the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 7 and determines the second special symbol of the big win type indicating the determination result of the big win according to the value of the second special symbol determination random number shifted to the determination area in S122. When the CPU 51 determines a small win in the process of S123, it refers to the special symbol determination table and determines the second special symbol of the small win type indicating the determination result of the small win according to the value of the second special symbol determination random number shifted to the determination area in S122. Information indicating the content of the determined second special symbol is stored in the RAM 52. The CPU 51 shifts the process to S131.

[0139] The CPU 51 generates a stop symbol designation command and sets it in the command buffer (S131). The stop symbol designation command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the contents of the big win symbol, small win symbol, or loss symbol determined as the special symbol in the process of S118 or S125. Hereinafter, a command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the contents of the big win symbol or loss symbol determined as the first special symbol is referred to as a first stop symbol designation command. A command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the contents of the big win symbol or small win symbol determined as the second special symbol is referred to as a second stop symbol designation command. The first stop symbol designation command and the second stop symbol designation command set in the command buffer are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58.

[0140] The CPU 51 determines a variation pattern (S132). In S132, the CPU 51 refers to the state of the time-saving flag and specifies whether the current game state is set to the normal state or the time-saving state. The CPU 51 refers to the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 8 or the special variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9. Then, the CPU 51 determines a variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern determination random number according to the specified game state and the determination result of the big win determination.

[0141] The CPU 51 generates a variation pattern designation command for designating the variation pattern determined in S102, and sets it in the command buffer (S133). Hereinafter, when the variation pattern determined in S132 is the first variation pattern, the command designating the first variation pattern is referred to as the first variation pattern designation command. When the variation pattern determined in S131 is the second variation pattern, the command designating the second variation pattern is referred to as the second variation pattern designation command. When the first variation pattern designation command and the second variation pattern designation command are collectively referred to as the variation pattern designation command, they are simply referred to as the variation pattern designation command. The variation pattern designation command includes information on the type of the determined variation pattern and the variation time of the special pattern corresponding to the variation pattern. The variation pattern designation command set in the command buffer is transmitted to the relay terminal board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The pattern display unit 29 that has received the first variation pattern designation command via the relay terminal board 47 starts the variation of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit. The pattern display unit 29 that has received the second variation pattern designation command starts the variation of the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit. The sub-control board 58, which receives the first variation pattern designation command and the second variation pattern designation command, instructs the start of variation of the performance pattern 100 on the display screen 28.

[0142] The CPU 51 stores the special symbol fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined in S102 in the special symbol fluctuation time counter (S135). The CPU 51 stores "1" indicating that the special symbol is fluctuating in the special symbol display state flag (S136), and returns the process to the main process.

[0143] In addition, in the judgment of S102 shown in Fig. 15, if "1" is stored in the special symbol display flag, the CPU 51 judges that the special symbol is changing (S102: YES), and judges whether the first change time or the second change time has elapsed (S141). This judgment is made according to the value of the special symbol change time counter stored in S135. If the value of the special symbol change time counter is not "0", the CPU 51 judges that the first change time or the second change time has not yet elapsed (S141: NO), and returns the processing to the main processing.

[0144] When the value of the special symbol variation time counter is "0", the CPU 51 judges that the first variation time or the second variation time has elapsed (S141: YES), generates a special symbol stop command, and sets it in the command buffer (S142). The special symbol stop command is a command for notifying the symbol display unit 29 and the sub-control board 58 that the variation of the special symbol is to be stopped. The special symbol stop command set in the command buffer is transmitted to the relay terminal board 47 and the sub-control board 58, and instructs the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the symbol display unit 29 to be stopped and the variation of the performance symbol 100 on the display screen 28 to be stopped. Hereinafter, the command that designates the variation of the first special symbol is referred to as the first special symbol stop command. The command that designates the variation of the second special symbol is referred to as the second special symbol stop command. When the first special symbol stop command and the second special symbol stop command are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as the special symbol stop command.

[0145] The CPU 51 stores the special symbol confirmation display time in the special symbol confirmation display time counter of the RAM 52 (S143). The CPU 51 stores "2" indicating that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being confirmed and displayed in the special symbol display state flag (S144). The CPU 51 returns the process to the main process.

[0146] Also, in the judgment of S103, if "2" is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S103: YES), the CPU 51 judges whether the special symbol fixed display time has elapsed according to the value of the special symbol fixed display time counter stored in S143 (S146). If the value of the special symbol fixed display time counter is not "0", the CPU 51 judges that the special symbol fixed display time has not elapsed (S146: NO), and returns the process to the main process. If the value of the special symbol fixed display time counter is "0", the CPU 51 judges that the special symbol fixed display time has elapsed (S146: YES), and stores "0", which indicates that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is being changed or fixed, in the special symbol display state flag (S147). After that, the CPU 51 executes a game state transition process (S148), and returns the process to the main process.

[0147] The game state transition process shown in S148 of Fig. 15 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 17. In the game state transition process, when a jackpot is determined by the jackpot determination, a process for transitioning the game to a jackpot game state is performed. In addition, in the game state transition process, the time-saving flag is also appropriately controlled.

[0148] When the game state transition process is started, the CPU 51 judges whether the special symbol is displayed as a jackpot symbol (S151). If the special symbol is displayed as a jackpot symbol (S151: YES), the value of the normal judgment count counter is cleared to "0" (S153). The CPU 51 generates a game state command notifying that the time-saving state will end, and sets it in the command buffer (S156). The transmission of a game state command notifying that the time-saving state will end to the sub-control board 58 is called a time-saving state end notification. The CPU 51 sets the time-saving flag to "OFF" (S158). In other words, during a jackpot game, the game state is set to the normal state.

[0149] The CPU 51 sets the number of rounds corresponding to the jackpot type in the R counter (S161). The R counter is provided in the RAM 52 as a counter for storing the number of rounds. As described above, in this embodiment, the number of rounds is "4" when the jackpot type is "3R jackpot A" and "3R jackpot B", and is "10" when the jackpot type is "10R jackpot A" and "10R jackpot B".

[0150] The CPU 51 generates a game state command notifying the start of the jackpot game state and sets it in the command buffer (S162). The transmission of a game state command notifying the start of the jackpot game state to the sub-control board 58 is called a jackpot game state start notification. In this embodiment, the game state command corresponding to the jackpot game state start notification is generated including information indicating the number of rounds set in the R counter. The game state commands set in the command buffer are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58. The CPU 51 sets the jackpot game state flag to "ON" (S163). The CPU 51 returns the process to the special symbol process.

[0151] On the other hand, when the special symbol is not displayed as a big win symbol (S151: NO), the CPU 51 judges whether the special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (S171). When the special symbol is displayed as a losing symbol (S171: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to the special symbol process. When the special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (S171: YES), the CPU 51 sets the number of rounds corresponding to the small win type in the R counter (S172). In this embodiment, the number of rounds set in the R counter is "10".

[0152] The CPU 51 generates a game state command notifying the start of a small win game state and sets it in the command buffer (S173). The game state command notifying the start of a small win game state is transmitted to the sub-control board 58, which is called a small win game state start notification. The game state commands set in the command buffer are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58. The CPU 51 sets the small win game state flag to "ON" (S175). The CPU 51 returns the process to the special symbol process.

[0153] With reference to FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, the details of the special electric role processing shown in S13 of FIG. 10 will be described. The flags used in the special electric role processing will be described. In addition to the various flags described above, the special electric role processing uses an open flag, a specific area passing flag, and the like. The open flag is a flag indicating whether the first large prize opening 16 and the second large prize opening 17 are in an open state or not, and is stored in the RAM 52. The open flag is stored as "1" when the opening / closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16 is in an open state, as "2" when the opening / closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 is in an open state, and as "0" when neither is in an open state, and is "OFF". In this embodiment, the first large prize opening 16 and the second large prize opening 17 are not opened at the same time. The specific area passing flag is a flag indicating whether the game ball that entered the second large prize opening 17 in a small win game state has passed through a specific area. The specific area passing flag stores "1" and becomes "ON" when the game ball passes through a specific area during a small win game state, and stores "0" and becomes "OFF" otherwise.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 18, when the special electric device processing is started, the CPU 51 judges whether or not the game is in a big win game state (S181). This judgment is made based on the state of the big win game state flag. If the big win game state flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that the game is not in a big win game state (S181: NO), and as shown in FIG. 19, judges whether or not the game is in a small win game state (S211). This judgment is made based on the state of the small win game state flag. If the small win game state flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that the game is not in a small win game state (S211: NO), and returns the processing to the main processing.

[0155] When the small win game state flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that the game is in a small win game state (S211: YES), and judges whether the second large prize opening 17 is open (S212). This judgment is made based on the state of the open flag. When the open flag indicates "2", the CPU 51 judges that the second large prize opening 17 is open (S212: YES), and moves the process to the judgment of S221. When the open flag indicates "0", the CPU 51 judges that the second large prize opening 17 is not open (S212: NO), generates a second opening command for opening the second large prize opening 17, and sets it in the command buffer (S213). The set second opening command is sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47. The second large prize opening solenoid 71 that receives the second opening command via the relay terminal board 47 opens the opening / closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17. The CPU 51 stores the second opening time, which is the opening time of the second large prize opening 17 in the small win game, in the second opening time counter of the RAM 52 (S215). In this embodiment, the second opening time is 1.5 seconds. The CPU 51 stores "2" in the opening flag (S216).

[0156] The CPU 51 generates a distribution member operation command for operating the distribution member provided inside the second large winning opening 17 in a specific drive pattern, and sets the command buffer (S218). The set distribution member operation commands are sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47. The distribution member solenoid 72, which receives the distribution member operation command via the relay terminal board 47, operates the distribution member. The CPU 51 transitions the process to the judgment of S221.

[0157] The CPU 51 judges whether a game ball has entered the second large prize opening 17 (S221). When the second large prize opening switch 77 detects the entry of a game ball, a flag corresponding to the second large prize opening switch 77 is set to "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process shown in S11 of FIG. 10. If this flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that a game ball has not entered the second large prize opening 17 (S221: NO), and the process proceeds to the judgment of S223. If this flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that a game ball has entered the second large prize opening 17 (S221: YES), and adds "1" to the second prize ball counter of the RAM 52 that counts the number of game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 17 (S222). The CPU 51 proceeds to the judgment of S223. The number of game balls that have entered the second large winning port 17 and is counted by the second winning ball counter is referred to as the second winning ball count.

[0158] The CPU 51 judges whether the specific area passing flag is "ON" (S223). If the specific area passing flag is "ON" (S223: YES), the CPU 51 shifts the process to S231 shown in FIG. 20. If the specific area passing flag is "OFF" (S223: NO), the CPU 51 judges whether the game ball has passed through the specific area inside the second large winning opening 17 (S225). When the specific area switch 78 detects the winning of the game ball, the flag corresponding to the specific area switch 78 is set to "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process shown in S11 of FIG. 10. If this flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that the game ball has passed through the specific area (S225: YES), generates a specific area passing command, and sets it in the command buffer (S226). The specific area passing command is a command for notifying that the game ball has passed through the specific area. The set specific area passage commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58. The CPU 51 sets the specific area passage flag to "ON" (S228). The CPU 51 shifts the process to S231.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 51 judges whether the second winning ball number is "10" or more (S231). If the second winning ball number is less than "10" (S231: NO), the CPU 51 judges whether the second opening time has elapsed based on the value of the second opening time counter (S232). If the second opening time has not elapsed (S232: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to the main process. In the special electric device process performed thereafter, if the game is in a small winning state (S211: YES), the judgments of S231 and S232 are repeatedly executed until 10 or more game balls enter the second large winning port 17 or the second opening time has elapsed.

[0160] When 10 or more game balls enter the second large prize opening 17 (S231: YES) or the second open time has elapsed (S232: YES), a second close command is generated and set in the command buffer (S233). The second close command is a command for closing the opening / closing member 171 of the open second large prize opening 17. The set second close command is sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47. The second large prize opening solenoid 71, which has received the second close command via the relay terminal board 47, closes the opening / closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17. The CPU 51 stores "0" in the open flag (S235). The CPU 51 sets the small win game state flag to "OFF" (S236).

[0161] The CPU 51 judges whether the specific area passing flag is "ON" (S241). If the specific area passing flag is "ON" (S241: YES), the CPU 51 judges whether the time-saving state is reached by referring to the time-saving flag (S242). If the time-saving state is reached (S242: NO), the CPU 51 shifts the process to S245. If the time-saving state is reached (S242: YES), the CPU 51 sets the time-saving flag to "OFF" (S243) and shifts the process to S245.

[0162] The CPU 51 generates a game state command corresponding to the big win game state start notification and sets it in the command buffer (S245). The CPU 51 sets the big win game state flag to "ON" (S246). The CPU 51 subtracts "1" from the value of the R counter (S248). That is, when the game ball passes through a specific area in a small win game, the condition device is activated and a big win game is executed. The CPU 51 sets the specific area passing flag to "OFF" (S249). The CPU 51 returns the process to the main process.

[0163] On the other hand, when the specific area passing flag is "OFF" (S241: NO), the CPU 51 clears the R counter to "0" (S251). The CPU 51 returns the process to the main process. That is, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area in the small win game, the condition device is not operated and the big win game is not executed.

[0164] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 18, the CPU 51 determines that the jackpot game state is in progress when the jackpot game state flag is "ON" (S181: YES), and determines whether all jackpot rounds have ended, i.e., whether the value of the R counter is "0" (S182). The value of the R counter is decremented by "1" each time a jackpot round ends in the process of S199 described later. In other words, if the value of the R counter is "0", the final round, which is the jackpot round executed in the final round of the jackpot game, has ended.

[0165] If the value of the R counter is not "0" (S182: NO), the CPU 51 judges whether the first large prize opening 16 is open (S183). This judgment is made based on the state of the open flag. If the open flag indicates "1", the CPU 51 judges that the first large prize opening 16 is open (S183: YES), and moves the process to the judgment of S191. If the open flag indicates "0", the CPU 51 judges that the first large prize opening 16 is not open (S183: NO), generates a first opening command for opening the first large prize opening 16, and sets it in the command buffer (S185). The first opening command is generated including information indicating that a big prize round will start and information indicating which round the big prize round to start is. The information on which round the big prize round to start is is derived corresponding to the value of the R counter. The set first opening command is sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The first large prize opening solenoid 70, which has received the first opening command via the relay terminal board 47, opens the opening / closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16. The CPU 51 stores the first opening time, which is the opening time of the first large prize opening 16 during a big win game, in the first opening time counter of the RAM 52 (S186). In this embodiment, the first opening time is 28.0. The CPU 51 stores "1" in the open flag (S188). The CPU 51 transitions the process to the judgment of S191.

[0166] The CPU 51 judges whether a game ball has entered the first large prize opening 16 (S191). When the first large prize opening switch 76 detects the entry of a game ball, a flag corresponding to the first large prize opening switch 76 is set to "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process shown in S11 of FIG. 10. If this flag is "OFF", the CPU 51 judges that a game ball has not entered the first large prize opening 16 (S191: NO), and shifts the process to the judgment of S193. If this flag is "ON", the CPU 51 judges that a game ball has entered the first large prize opening 16 (S191: YES), and adds "1" to the first prize ball number counter of the RAM 52 that counts the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 16 (S192). The CPU 51 shifts the process to the judgment of S193. The number of game balls that have won in the first large winning port 16, which is counted by the first winning ball number counter, is referred to as the first winning ball number.

[0167] The CPU 51 judges whether the first winning ball number is "10" or more (S193). If the first winning ball number is less than "10" (S193: NO), the CPU 51 judges whether the first opening time has elapsed based on the value of the first opening time counter (S195). If the first opening time has not elapsed (S195: NO), the CPU 51 returns the process to the main process. In the special electric device process performed thereafter, if the game is in a big win game state (S181: YES) and the value of the R counter is not "0" (S182: NO), the judgments of S193 and S195 are repeatedly executed until 10 or more game balls enter the first big winning opening 16 or the first opening time has elapsed.

[0168] When 10 or more game balls enter the first large prize opening 16 (S193: YES) or the first opening time has elapsed (S195: YES), a first closing command is generated and set in the command buffer (S196). The first closing command is a command for closing the opening / closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16 that is open. The first closing command is generated including information indicating that the big win round is over. The set first closing command is sequentially transmitted to the relay terminal board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The first large prize opening solenoid 70 that receives the first closing command via the relay terminal board 47 closes the opening / closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16. The CPU 51 stores "0" in the open flag (S198). The CPU 51 subtracts "1" from the value of the R counter (S199) and returns the process to the main process.

[0169] On the other hand, if the value of the R counter is "0" (S182: YES), the big win game ends, so the CPU 51 generates a game state command corresponding to the big win game state end notification and sets it in the command buffer (S201). The game state command set in the command buffer is sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58. The CPU 51 sets the big win game state flag to "OFF" (S202).

[0170] The CPU 51 judges whether to set the time-saving state after the execution of the big win game is completed (S203). The CPU 51 makes this judgment by referring to information indicating the contents of the winning symbols stored in the RAM 52, and by checking whether the referred information indicates the time-saving symbols of "3R big win A", "10R big win A" and "10R small win A". If the referred information indicates a non-time-saving symbol, the CPU 51 judges not to set the time-saving state (S203: NO) and returns the process to the main process.

[0171] If the referenced information indicates a time-saving pattern, the CPU 51 determines that the time-saving state is to be set (S203: YES), generates a game state command notifying the start of the time-saving state, and sets the command in the command buffer (S205). The game state command notifying the start of the time-saving state is transmitted to the sub-control board 58, which is called a time-saving state start notification. The game state command set in the command buffer is transmitted sequentially to the sub-control board 58. The CPU 51 sets the normal judgment count counter to "3000", which corresponds to the number of time-saving times (S206). The CPU 51 sets the time-saving flag to "ON" (S208), and returns the process to the main process.

[0172] With reference to FIG. 21, the flow of the game and the transition of the game state in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the normal state is a non-time-saving state, and is a game state in which it is recommended to play the game by hitting from the left. When the game is started from the normal state, the game progresses by hitting from the left, and the special chart 1 jackpot is determined with a predetermined jackpot probability when the game ball enters the first starting hole 14. When the jackpot determination result is derived by the special chart 1 jackpot determination, the 3R certain jackpot A, which is a time-saving pattern, is determined at a rate of 50%, and the 3R jackpot A, which is a non-time-saving pattern, is determined at a rate of 50%. A jackpot game in which a time-saving state is set after the execution of a jackpot game is called a jackpot with time-saving. A jackpot game in which a time-saving state is not set after the execution of a jackpot game and a normal state is set is called a jackpot without time-saving. When the first jackpot game is executed as a jackpot without time-saving as shown by the arrow (a), the game returns to the normal state as shown by the arrow (b). When the first win game is executed as a time-saving jackpot as shown by the arrow (c), the game transitions to the time-saving state as shown by the arrow (d). That is, after the first win game ends, the pachinko machine 1 sets the normal state at a rate of 50% and sets the time-saving state at a rate of 50%. The rate at which the normal state and the time-saving state are set may be changed arbitrarily.

[0173] As described above, the time-saving state is a game state in which it is recommended to play the game by hitting the right hand. In the time-saving state, a normal win determination is made with a predetermined normal win probability when the game ball passes through the gate 12. When a normal win determination result is derived by the normal win determination, the normal win pattern for the first normal win is determined at a rate of 49 / 50 (98%), and the normal win pattern for the second normal win is determined at a rate of 1 / 50 (2%). In this embodiment, since the normal win probability is 1 / 1, when a normal win determination is made in the time-saving state, the second start hole 15 opens in a short opening pattern at a rate of 49 / 50, and the second start hole 15 opens in a long opening pattern at a rate of 1 / 50. In other words, the probability that the opening pattern of the second start hole 15 in a normal win game is determined to be a long opening pattern as a result of a normal win determination made in the time-saving state is 1 / 50.

[0174] As described above, when the normal winning game is played in the short opening pattern, the opening time of the second starting hole 15 is very short, so that it is practically difficult for the game ball launched toward the second starting hole 15 to enter the second starting hole 15. On the other hand, when the normal winning game is played in the long opening pattern, the game ball launched toward the second starting hole 15 can easily enter the second starting hole 15. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the player continues the right-hand shot game with the aim of the normal winning game being played in the long opening pattern, and repeatedly passes the game ball through the gate 12. In this embodiment, the number of time-saving times is 3000 times, which is a number significantly larger than the determination probability. Therefore, when the right-hand shot game is continued in the time-saving state, the normal winning game of the short opening pattern is mainly repeatedly executed, but the normal winning game of the long opening pattern can also be played with a predetermined determination probability by continuing the game.

[0175] When a normal win is made in a long opening pattern, the game ball enters the second starting hole 15, and the special chart 2 big win judgment is made, and the judgment result of a big win or a small win is derived, and the judgment result of a miss is not derived. In addition, since the probability of a big win is about 1 / 299.251 and the probability of a small win is about 1 / 1.003, when the special chart 2 big win judgment is made in the time-saving state, the judgment result of a small win is derived in most cases. When the time-saving pattern "10R big win A" or "10R small win A" is determined as a result of the judgment result of a big win or a small win being derived, the second notification performance that notifies the judgment result of a big win or a small win is executed based on the fluctuation pattern of "win fluctuation" as shown by the arrow (f). When the execution of the notification performance based on the fluctuation pattern of "win fluctuation" is completed, as shown by the arrow (g), if the judgment result of a big win is announced, a big win game is executed. When the result of the small win is announced, a small win game is executed, and a big win game is executed when the game ball that entered the second big win port 17 in the small win game passes through a specific area. Since this big win game is a time-saving big win, after the execution of the big win game is completed, the game shifts again to the time-saving state as shown by the arrow (h).

[0176] When the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B" is determined as a result of the jackpot or small jackpot determination, the second notification effect for notifying the jackpot or small jackpot determination is executed based on the variation pattern of "time chance" as shown by the arrow (i). The execution time of the time chance effect, which is the notification effect based on the variation pattern of "time chance", is 50 seconds. As described above, in this embodiment, the time for the variation display and confirmation display of the normal pattern and the normal jackpot game in the short opening pattern in the time-saving state is about 0.96 seconds. Therefore, if the right hit is continued during the execution of the time chance effect, the variation display and confirmation display of the normal pattern and the normal jackpot game in the short opening pattern can be repeated about 52 times. In other words, the execution time of the time chance effect is set to the time during which the normal jackpot determination can be executed the number of times corresponding to "50", which is the denominator of the probability of 1 / 50, which is the determination probability.

[0177] When the second notification performance based on the variation pattern of the "time chance" is executed, the second reserved number is "0". Therefore, when a normal winning game is played in a long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance, the player can store the second reserved random number in the pachinko machine 1 by winning a game ball in the second starting hole 15. Therefore, the player continues playing the right hand to acquire the second reserved random number during the execution of the time chance performance. Even if the normal pattern variation display and the determination display and the normal winning game in the short opening pattern are performed 49 times during the execution of the time chance performance, and the 50th normal winning game is played in the long opening pattern, the game ball can win in the second starting hole 15 during the execution of the time chance performance. In other words, the execution time of the time chance performance is set to the time during which the normal winning game is performed the number of times corresponding to "50", which is the number of the probability denominator of the determination probability, and the game ball can win in the second starting hole 15 when the normal winning game in the long opening pattern is executed.

[0178] In addition, even when the second notification performance based on the variation pattern of the "win variation" is executed, the second reserved number is "0". However, since the execution time of the notification performance based on the variation pattern of the "win variation" is relatively short, the number of times that the normal win judgment is repeatedly executed during the execution of the notification performance is also relatively small. Therefore, it is more difficult for the player to acquire the second reserved random number by making the pachinko machine 1 play a normal winning game of the long opening pattern during the execution of the notification performance based on the variation pattern of the "win variation" than when the time chance performance is executed. Therefore, the execution of the time chance performance corresponds to the player having a chance to acquire the second reserved random number by continuing the right hit and successfully making the pachinko machine 1 play a normal winning game of the long opening pattern. In addition, when the normal winning game of the long opening pattern is executed during the execution of the notification performance based on the variation pattern of the "win variation" and the game ball enters the second starting hole 15, the second reserved random number is stored. In this case, as shown by the arrow (h), after the execution of the jackpot game with time-saving jackpot is completed, the game transitions to the time-saving state, and immediately after the transition, the special chart 2 jackpot judgment is performed on the second reserved random number. In other words, after the execution of the jackpot game is completed, the game transitions to the time-saving state, and the execution of the notification effect or time chance effect based on the fluctuation pattern of the "win fluctuation" is started without waiting for the execution of the normal win game of the long opening pattern.

[0179] If the player succeeds in executing a normal winning game of the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance, as shown by the arrow (j), the player can enter the game ball into the second start port 15 and store the second reserved random number in the pachinko machine 1. After that, when the execution of the time chance performance ends, as shown by the arrow (k), if the result of the judgment of a big win is announced, the big win game is executed. If the result of the judgment of a small win is announced, the small win game is executed, and the big win game is executed in response to the game ball that entered the second big winning port 17 in the small win game passing through a specific area. Since this big win game is a big win without time reduction, after the execution of the big win game ends, the game transitions to the normal state.

[0180] When the second reserved random number is stored after the end of this time-saving non-jackpot, as shown by the arrow (l), a special chart 2 jackpot determination is performed in the normal state for the second reserved random number, which is the remaining reserved, and a second notification effect is performed to notify the result of the determination. This second notification effect is hereinafter referred to as the "remaining reserved effect." The CPU 51 determines the second variation pattern of the remaining reserved effect by referring to the special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table shown in FIG.

[0181] When the time-saving pattern "10R jackpot A" or "10R small jackpot A" is determined as a result of the jackpot or small jackpot determination by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserve, the remaining reserve performance is executed based on the variation pattern of the "RUSH continuation performance". When the execution of the notification performance based on the variation pattern of the "RUSH continuation performance" is completed, as shown by the arrow (m), if the jackpot determination result is notified, the jackpot game is executed. When the small jackpot determination result is notified, the small jackpot game is executed, and the jackpot game is executed in response to the game ball that entered the second large winning port 17 in the small jackpot game passing through the specific area. Since this jackpot game is a time-saving jackpot, after the execution of the jackpot game is completed, the game moves to the time-saving state as shown by the arrow (n). In other words, if the player succeeds in executing the normal winning game of the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance and acquires the second reserved random number, the player can get a chance to return to the time-saving state game after the remaining reserve performance is executed.

[0182] On the other hand, when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B" is determined as a result of the jackpot or small jackpot determination by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserve, the remaining reserve performance is executed based on the variation pattern of the "RUSH end performance". When the execution of the notification performance based on the variation pattern of the "RUSH end performance" is completed, as shown by the arrow (o), if the jackpot determination result is notified, the jackpot game is executed. When the small jackpot determination result is notified, the small jackpot game is executed, and the jackpot game is executed in response to the game ball that entered the second large winning port 17 in the small jackpot game passing through the specific area. Since this jackpot game is a jackpot without time-saving, after the execution of the jackpot game is completed, as shown by the arrow (p), the game returns to the normal state game aiming for the first jackpot game. In other words, if the player acquires the second reserved random number during the execution of the time chance performance, even if he / she cannot return to the time-saving state game, he / she can get the jackpot game after the end of the "time chance".

[0183] In addition, since the normal winning game of the long opening pattern is not executed during the execution of the time chance performance, it may be impossible to enter the game ball into the second starting hole 15, and the second reserved random number may not be stored. If the normal winning game of the long opening pattern is not executed during the execution of the time chance performance, the pachinko machine 1 executes a jackpot game of a type 1 game or type 2 game without time reduction as shown by the arrow (p), and then returns to the normal state aiming for the first winning game as shown by the arrow (r).

[0184] In this way, when the time chance performance is executed, it is expected that a jackpot game without time reduction will be executed afterwards. Even in this case, if the player can acquire the second reserved random number during the execution of the time chance performance, another jackpot game will be executed. If the jackpot game is a jackpot with time reduction, the player can return to a time reduction state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, if the player cannot acquire the second reserved random number during the execution of the time chance performance, the time reduction state is not set after the end of the jackpot game, and the game returns to a normal state aiming for the first win game. Therefore, the execution of the time chance performance by the pachinko machine 1 gives the player a chance to bring back a game situation advantageous to himself through his own game. If the player can bring back a game situation advantageous to himself through his own game, the player's interest will be further increased. The pachinko machine 1 can enhance the interest of the game by giving the player an opportunity to draw such an advantageous situation by himself.

[0185] With reference to Figs. 22 and 23, the sub-control board processing executed by the sub-control board 58 will be described. In the sub-control board processing, processing for controlling various presentations is performed according to commands transmitted from the main control board 41. In particular, in the sub-control board processing, control of the notification presentation, the time chance presentation, and the remaining reserved presentation based on the variation pattern of the above-mentioned "win variation" is performed. The sub-control board 58 includes a clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a clock signal at a predetermined cycle, and an interrupt signal generating circuit (not shown). The interrupt signal generating circuit generates an interrupt signal every time a clock signal is input from the clock circuit. When the power supply of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 executes a predetermined initialization process, and then executes the sub-control board processing every time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generating circuit according to a program stored in the ROM 583.

[0186] In the sub control board processing, a sub time-saving flag, a sub small win game in progress flag, a reserved flag, a second notification performance execution flag, etc. are used. These flags are stored in the RAM 582. The sub time-saving flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game is in a time-saving state, and is set to "ON" when "1" is stored in the time-saving state, and is set to "OFF" when "0" is stored in the non-time-saving state. The sub small win game state flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game is in a small win game state, and is set to "ON" when "1" is stored in the small win game state, and is set to "OFF" when "0" is stored in the non-small win game state. The reserved flag is a flag indicating that the second reserved random number has been stored during the execution of the second notification performance, and is set to "ON" when the second reserved random number has been stored during the execution of the second notification performance, and is set to "OFF" otherwise. The second notification performance in progress flag is a flag indicating whether the second notification performance is being executed, and while the second notification performance is being executed, "1" is stored and the flag is "ON", and while the second notification performance is not being executed, "0" is stored and the flag is "OFF".

[0187] When the sub-control board process is started, the CPU 581 judges whether or not a game state command has been received from the main control board 41 (S401). When the CPU 581 has not received a game state command from the main control board 41 (S401: NO), the process proceeds to the judgment of S403. When the CPU 581 has received a game state command from the main control board 41 (S401: YES), the CPU 581 executes processes according to various states notified by the game state command (S402). Specifically, when a time-shortening state start notification is performed by the game state command, the CPU 581 sets the sub-time-shortening flag to "ON". When a time-shortening state end notification is performed by the game state command, the CPU 581 sets the sub-time-shortening flag to "OFF". When a small win game state start notification is performed by the game state command, the CPU 581 sets the sub-small win game state flag to "ON" and controls the start of execution of a small win game performance for a small win game. When a small win game state end notification is issued by the game state command, the CPU 581 sets the sub small win game state flag to "OFF" and controls the end of the small win game presentation. When a big win game state start notification is issued by the game state command, the CPU 581 sets the sub big win game state flag to "ON" and controls the start of the big win game presentation for the big win game. When a big win game state end notification is issued by the game state command, the CPU 581 sets the sub big win game state flag to "OFF" and controls the end of the big win game presentation. The CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S403.

[0188] The CPU 581 judges whether or not a variable time designation command has been received from the main control board 41 (S403). If the CPU 581 has not received a variable time designation command from the main control board 41 (S403: NO), the process proceeds to the judgment of S408. If the CPU 581 receives a variable time designation command from the main control board 41 (S403: YES), the CPU 581 starts the variable display of the sub-normal pattern 150 displayed on the display screen 28 (S405). In this process, the CPU 581 generates a command to start the variable display of the sub-normal pattern 150 and sets it in the command buffer. This command is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that has received the notification performance start command starts the variable display of the sub-normal pattern 150.

[0189] The CPU 581 analyzes the variable time designation command and obtains the type of normal symbol indicated by the command (first normal win or second normal win). The CPU 581 determines the confirmed symbol of the sub-normal symbol 150 according to the type of normal symbol obtained (S406). If the normal symbol is the first normal win, the CPU 581 determines the symbol indicating "- (hyphen)" as the confirmed symbol. If the normal symbol is the second normal win, the CPU 581 determines the symbol indicating "o (circle)" as the confirmed symbol. The above-mentioned variable display of the sub-normal symbol 150 is performed by alternately displaying the symbol indicating "-" and the symbol indicating "o". The determined confirmed symbol is stored in the RAM 582. The process proceeds to the judgment of S408.

[0190] The CPU 581 judges whether or not a normal symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 41 (S408). If the CPU 581 has not received the normal symbol stop command (S408: NO), the process proceeds to the judgment of S411. If the CPU 581 receives the normal symbol stop command (S408: YES), the CPU 581 stops the variable display of the sub-normal symbol 150 and displays the sub-normal symbol 150 as a fixed display (S409). In this process, the CPU 581 generates a command to instruct the end of the variable display of the sub-normal symbol 150 and sets it in the command buffer. This command is generated including information on the fixed symbol determined in the process of S406, and is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that has received the notification performance start command ends the variable display of the sub-normal symbol 150 and displays the fixed symbol indicated by the command, thereby displaying the sub-normal symbol 150 as a fixed display. The CPU 581 shifts the process to the determination step of S411.

[0191] The CPU 581 judges whether or not a long opening command has been received from the main control board 41 (S411). If the CPU 581 has not received the long opening command (S411: NO), the process proceeds to the judgment of S413. If the CPU 581 has received the long opening command (S411: YES), the CPU 581 executes the opening performance described below (S412). In this process, the CPU 581 generates a command to instruct the execution of the opening performance and sets it in the command buffer. The set command is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that has received this command reads out image data corresponding to the opening performance from the CGROM. Then, the CPU 431 controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to display the read image data on the display screen 28, thereby starting the display of the performance image of the opening performance. The CPU 581 also controls the illumination performance of the frame lamp 38 and the board lamp 27 via the lamp control board 46. The CPU 581 also controls sound processing by the sound control circuit 585. As a result, the opening effect is executed. The CPU 581 shifts the process to the determination of S413.

[0192] The CPU 581 judges whether or not a hold information command has been received from the main control board 41 (S413). If the CPU 581 has not received a hold information command from the main control board 41 (S413: NO), the process proceeds to the judgment of S421 shown in Fig. 23. If the CPU 581 has received a hold information command from the main control board 41 (S413: YES), the CPU 581 executes hold display processing (S415).

[0193] As shown in FIG. 26, the pachinko machine 1 performs a variable display of the performance pattern 100 in synchronization with the variable display of the special pattern, and performs a final display of the performance pattern 100 in synchronization with the final display of the special pattern, thereby executing a notification performance. The performance pattern 100 includes a left pattern 101, a middle pattern 102, and a right pattern 103. The left pattern 101 is mainly displayed on a variable line on the left part of the display screen 28. The middle pattern 102 is mainly displayed on a variable line on the center part of the display screen 28. The right pattern 103 is mainly displayed on a variable line on the right part of the display screen 28. The left pattern 101, the middle pattern 102, and the right pattern 103 are scrolled from the top to the bottom in order from the "1" pattern to the "8" pattern on each variable line, thereby performing a pattern change of the performance pattern 100. In FIG. 26, an arrow Y1 shows that each of the performance patterns 100 continues to scroll. The left pattern 101, the middle pattern 102, and the right pattern 103 are stopped and displayed at the center of each of the moving lines, thereby displaying the final display of the performance pattern 100. In this embodiment, the final display of the performance pattern 100 with a combination of random numbers notifies the player that the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. The final display of the performance pattern 100 with a combination of repeated numbers notifies the player that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. The final display of the performance pattern 100 with a combination of numbers starting from an odd number notifies the player that the result of the jackpot determination is a small win.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 26, the pachinko machine 1 displays the first reserved display NH1 indicating the first reserved random number on the display screen 28. As shown in FIG. 26(A), the first reserved display NH1 is composed of a circular symbol. The first reserved display NH1 may have various shapes other than a circle. The first reserved display NH1 may indicate the degree of expectation of the first reserved random number by a difference in its display color, a difference in shape, or the like. The expectation of the first reserved random number is based on the first reserved information. Specifically, the expectation of the first reserved random number is determined based on information indicating whether the special chart 1 jackpot random number related to the first reserved random number is a jackpot or not, information indicating which variation pattern the first variation pattern determination random number corresponds to, and the like. Positions H1 to H4 indicating the positions at which the first reserved display NH1 is displayed are provided in the lower left of the display screen 28. At each of positions H1, H2, H3, and H4, the first reserved display NH1 corresponding to the first reserved random number stored in each of No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the special chart 1 jackpot related information storage area shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. In Figure 26 (A), the first notification performance is being executed in synchronization with the change time of the first special pattern, the first hold number is "1", and one first hold display NH1 is displayed at position H1.

[0195] The pachinko machine 1 displays the second reserved display NH2, which indicates the second reserved random number, on the display screen 28. As shown in FIG. 29(R) and the like, the second reserved display NH2 is composed of a triangular symbol. The second reserved display NH2 may have various shapes other than a triangle. The second reserved display NH2 may indicate the degree of expectation of the second reserved random number by a difference in its display color, a difference in shape, and the like. The expectation of the second reserved random number is based on the second reserved information, similar to the expectation of the first reserved random number. A position H5 is provided in the lower right of the display screen 28, which indicates the position where the second reserved display NH2 is displayed. The second reserved display NH2 corresponding to the second reserved random number stored in No. 1 of the special pattern 2 jackpot related information storage area is displayed in the position H5. In FIG. 29(R), the second notification performance is being executed in synchronization with the change time of the second special pattern, the second reserved number is "1", and one second reserved display NH2 is displayed in the position H5.

[0196] The CPU 581 executes processing for display control of the first hold display NH1 and the second hold display NH2 in the hold display processing of S415. Specifically, when the received hold information command is the first hold information command, the CPU 581 analyzes the first hold information command and acquires the first hold information. The CPU 581 stores the acquired first hold information in the RAM 582. The CPU 581 determines the display mode of the first hold display NH1 based on the first variation pattern pre-reading information, which is information on the first variation pattern determination random number included in the first hold information, and the like. The CPU 581 generates a command to instruct the performance control board 43 to display the first hold display NH1 in the determined mode, left-justified, in an empty position among positions H1 to H4, and sets the generated command in a command buffer provided in the RAM 582.

[0197] Moreover, when the received hold information command is a second hold information command, the CPU 581 analyzes the second hold information command and acquires the second hold information. The CPU 581 stores the acquired second hold information in the RAM 582. In this embodiment, the CPU 581 acquires and stores at least the special jackpot 2 jackpot random number related to the special jackpot 2 random number and the second special pattern pre-reading information related to the second special pattern determination random number among the information contained in the second hold information. The CPU 581 determines the display mode of the second hold display NH2 based on the second variation pattern pre-reading information, which is information related to the second variation pattern determination random number contained in the second hold information. The CPU 581 generates a command to instruct the performance control board 43 to display the second hold display NH2 in the determined mode at the position H5, and sets the generated command in the command buffer. The commands set in the command buffer are sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that receives this command additionally displays the first hold display NH1 or the second hold display NH2 on the display screen 28. In addition, the first hold information and the second hold information stored in the RAM 582 are erased when the notification performance corresponding to the first hold information and the second hold information is executed. In the following, when the first hold information and the second hold information are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as hold information.

[0198] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 22, the CPU 581 judges whether the current gaming state is in the time-saving state (S416). The CPU 581 makes this judgment by referring to the sub-time-saving flag. If the gaming state is not in the time-saving state (S416: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S421. If the gaming state is in the time-saving state (S416: YES), the CPU 581 judges whether the second notification effect is being executed (S418). The CPU 581 makes this judgment by referring to the second notification effect execution flag. If the second notification effect is not being executed (S418: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S421.

[0199] When the second notification performance is being executed (S418: YES), the CPU 581 executes the reserved winning performance described later (S419). In this process, the CPU 581 generates a command to instruct the execution of the reserved winning performance and sets it in the command buffer. The set command is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that receives this command reads image data corresponding to the reserved winning performance from the CGROM. Then, the CPU 431 controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to display the read image data on the display screen 28, thereby starting the display of the performance image of the reserved winning performance. The CPU 581 also controls the illumination performance of the frame lamp 38 and the board lamp 27 via the lamp control board 46. The CPU 581 also controls sound processing by the sound control circuit 585. This executes the reserved winning performance. The CPU 581 sets the reserved winning flag to "ON" (S420). The CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S421.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 581 judges whether or not a stop symbol designation command has been received from the main control board 41 (S421). If the stop symbol designation command has not been received (S421: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S423. If the stop symbol designation command has been received (S421: YES), the CPU 581 analyzes the stop symbol designation command and acquires the type of special symbol (big win symbol, small win symbol, or miss symbol) indicated by the command. The CPU 581 determines the combination of the performance symbols 100 according to the acquired type of special symbol (S422). When the special symbol is a big win symbol, the CPU 581 determines a combination of the left symbol 101, the middle symbol 102, and the right symbol 103 with the same numbers as a combination when the left symbol 101, the middle symbol 102, and the right symbol 103 end the variable display and are displayed as a final display. The combination when the left pattern 101, the middle pattern 102, and the right pattern 103 finish the variable display and display the finalized display is hereinafter referred to as the "finalized pattern". When the special pattern is a small winning pattern, the CPU 581 determines a combination of the performance patterns 100 consisting of odd numbers or even numbers as the finalized pattern. In this embodiment, when a time-saving state is set after the corresponding two-type game is ended, a combination of the performance patterns 100 consisting of odd numbers such as "1·3·5" is determined. When a normal state is set after the corresponding two-type game is ended, a combination of the performance patterns 100 consisting of even numbers such as "2·4·6" is determined. When the special pattern is a losing pattern, the CPU 581 determines a combination other than a double number or a sequential number in which the left pattern 101, the middle pattern 102, and the right pattern 103 include different numbers as the finalized pattern. The determined finalized pattern is stored in the RAM 582. The process proceeds to the decision step S423.

[0201] The CPU 581 judges whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main control board 41 (S423). If the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S423: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S431. If the variation pattern designation command has been received (S423: YES), the CPU 581 executes the notification performance execution process (S425) and shifts the process to the judgment of S431.

[0202] The notification performance execution process shown in S425 of Fig. 23 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 24. In the notification performance execution process, the notification performance is controlled based on a variation pattern designated by a variation pattern designation command.

[0203] When the notification performance execution process is started, the CPU 581 analyzes the variation pattern designation command, specifies the variation pattern indicated by the command, and acquires the specified variation pattern (S501). The CPU 581 stores information indicating the acquired variation pattern in the RAM 582. The CPU 581 generates a hold display shift command and sets the generated hold display shift command in the command buffer (S502). The hold display shift command includes information instructing that, if the variation pattern acquired in S501 is the first variation pattern, the first hold display NH1 displayed in position H1 is erased and the first hold displays NH1 displayed in positions H2 to H4 are moved one position to the left. The hold display shift command includes information instructing that, if the variation pattern acquired in S501 is the second variation pattern, the second hold display NH2 displayed in position H5 is erased. The hold display shift commands set in the command buffer are sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 which receives the hold display shift command controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to erase the first hold display NH1 displayed at position H1 and move the first hold displays NH1 displayed at positions H2 to H4 one position to the left or erase the second hold display NH2 displayed at position H5.

[0204] The CPU 581 judges whether the fluctuation pattern acquired in S501 is the second fluctuation pattern (S505). If the acquired fluctuation pattern is the first fluctuation pattern (S505: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to S508. If the acquired fluctuation pattern is the second fluctuation pattern (S505: YES), the CPU 581 sets the second notification performance execution flag to "ON" (S506). The CPU 581 shifts the process to S508.

[0205] The CPU 581 generates an annunciation performance start command and sets the generated annunciation performance start command in the command buffer (S508). The annunciation performance start command is a command for instructing the start of execution of an annunciation performance. The annunciation performance start command includes information indicating the performance pattern of the annunciation performance based on the variation pattern. The annunciation performance start command set in the command buffer is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that received the annunciation performance start command reads out image data corresponding to the information indicating the performance pattern of the annunciation performance included in the annunciation performance start command from the CGROM. Then, the CPU 431 controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to display the read image data on the display screen 28, thereby starting the display of the performance image of the annunciation performance. In addition, the CPU 581 controls the illumination performance of the frame lamp 38 and the board lamp 27 via the lamp control board 46. In addition, the CPU 581 controls sound processing by the sound control circuit 585. In this way, the annunciation performance is executed. The CPU 581 returns the process to the sub-control board processing.

[0206] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 23, the CPU 581 judges whether or not a special symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 41 (S431). If the special symbol stop command has not been received (S431: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S435. If the special symbol stop command has been received (S431: YES), the CPU 581 executes the notification performance end process (S432). The CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S435.

[0207] With reference to Fig. 25, the details of the notification performance end process shown in S432 of Fig. 23 will be described. In the notification performance end process, processing is carried out to end the execution of the notification performance. When the notification performance end process is started, the CPU 581 generates an notification performance end command and sets it in the command buffer (S511). The notification performance end command is a command for instructing the end of the execution of the notification performance. The notification performance end command includes information on the confirmed pattern determined in S422. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 which receives the notification performance end command controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to end the varying display of the performance pattern 100 and confirm and display the performance pattern 100 as the confirmed pattern.

[0208] The CPU 581 judges whether the notification performance to be ended this time is the second notification performance (S512). The CPU 581 makes this judgment by referring to the information indicating the change pattern obtained in S501 and stored in the RAM 582. If the information indicating the change pattern stored in the RAM 582 indicates the first change pattern, the CPU 581 judges that the notification performance that has ended is not the second notification performance (S512: NO), and moves the process to the judgment of S514. If the information indicating the change pattern stored in the RAM 582 indicates the second change pattern, the CPU 581 judges that the notification performance that has ended is the second notification performance (S512: YES), and sets the second notification performance execution flag to "OFF" (S513).

[0209] The CPU 581 judges whether the currently ending notification performance is a time chance performance (S514). The CPU 581 makes this judgment by referring to the information indicating the variation pattern stored in the RAM 582. If the information indicating the variation pattern stored in the RAM 582 indicates the variation pattern of "time chance", the CPU 581 judges that the ended notification performance is not a time chance performance (S514: NO). The CPU 581 returns the process to the sub-control board process.

[0210] When the information indicating the variation pattern stored in the RAM 582 indicates the variation pattern of "time chance", the CPU 581 judges that the ended notification performance is a time chance performance (S514: YES). The CPU 581 judges whether the reserved flag is "ON" (S515). When the reserved flag is "ON" (S515: YES), the CPU 581 displays a time chance success message M5 (described later) on the display screen 28 (S516). In this process, the CPU 581 generates a command instructing the display of the time chance success message M5 and sets it in the command buffer. The set command is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that receives this command reads out image data corresponding to the time chance success message M5 from the CGROM. Then, the CPU 431 controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to display the read image data on the display screen 28, thereby displaying the time chance success message M5 on the display screen 28. The CPU 581 sets the reserved secure flag to "OFF" (S518), and returns the process to the sub-control board process.

[0211] On the other hand, if the reserved securing flag is "OFF" (S515: NO), the CPU 581 displays a time chance failure message M4 (described later) on the display screen 28 (S519). In this process, the CPU 581 generates a command instructing the display of the time chance failure message M9 and sets it in the command buffer. The set command is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that receives this command reads out image data corresponding to the time chance failure message M9 from the CGROM. Then, the CPU 431 controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to display the read image data on the display screen 28, thereby displaying the time chance failure message M4 on the display screen 28. The CPU 581 returns the process to the sub-control board processing.

[0212] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 23, the CPU 581 judges whether or not a specific area passing command has been received from the main control board 41 (S435). If the CPU 581 has not received the specific area passing command (S435: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S451. If the CPU 581 has received the specific area passing command (S435: YES), the CPU 581 judges whether or not the game is in a small win game state (S436). The CPU 581 makes this judgment by referring to the sub small win game state flag. If the game is not in a small win game state (S436: NO), the CPU 581 shifts the process to the judgment of S451. If the game is in a small win game state (S436: YES), the CPU 581 generates a V display command and sets it in the command buffer (S438). The V display command is a command for instructing to display the V display 111 shown in FIG. 27 (K) on the display screen 28. The V display command is sequentially transmitted to the performance control board 43. The CPU 431 of the performance control board 43 that has received the V display command reads out image data corresponding to the V display 111 from the CGROM. Then, the CPU 431 controls image processing by the image control circuit 435 to display the read out image data on the display screen 28. The CPU 581 shifts the process to the determination of S451.

[0213] The CPU 581 determines whether other commands have been received from the main control board 41 (S451). If other commands have not been received (S451: NO), the CPU 581 ends the sub-control board processing. If other commands have been received (S451: YES), the CPU 581 executes various processes according to the commands (S452) and ends the sub-control board processing.

[0214] With reference to FIG. 26 to FIG. 29, examples of presentations executed by the pachinko machine 1, particularly examples of notification presentations based on the variation pattern of the "win variation", time chance presentations, and remaining reserved presentations will be described. FIG. 26(A) shows a state in which the execution of the first notification presentation has started in a normal state. In a normal state, the pachinko machine 1 allows a player to play a game by hitting from the left. In a normal state, the pachinko machine 1 mainly repeatedly executes the special chart 1 big win judgment triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 14, and allows a player who aims to play a first win game to play the game. The display screen 28 is also provided with a sub-normal pattern 150 that performs a variation display in synchronization with the variation display of the normal pattern and performs a determination display in synchronization with the determination display of the normal pattern. When the game progresses by hitting from the left, the game ball does not pass through the gate 12, and the variation display of the normal pattern is not performed. For this reason, in a normal state, the sub-normal pattern 150 is mainly in a stopped display state. A mode display section 110 for displaying the game status to the player is also provided on the display screen 28. In the normal status, the mode display section 110 displays the words "normal mode" indicating the normal status.

[0215] After that, as shown in Fig. 26(B), the performance pattern 100 is displayed as a combination of random numbers, and the first notification performance that was being performed ends. With the end of the first notification performance, the variable display TH is erased from the position H0.

[0216] Figure 26(C) shows the state in which the first notification performance starts as the performance pattern 100 starts to change following the first notification performance shown in Figures 26(A) and (B). This first notification performance is executed to notify the result of a special chart 1 big win judgment performed on the first reserved random number corresponding to the first reserved display NH1 displayed at position H1 in Figure 26(B).

[0217] After that, as shown in FIG. 26(D), it is assumed that the result of the special chart 1 jackpot judgment is a jackpot by displaying the performance symbols 100 as a combination of repeated numbers. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 generates a jackpot game state and executes a jackpot game of the first-hit game. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 26(E), the pachinko machine 1 executes a predetermined jackpot game performance. In the jackpot game performance, the performance symbols 100 are displayed in the lower left corner of the display screen 28 in a reduced combination that indicates a jackpot, and the determined display continues. In addition, a right-hit display 119 for encouraging the player to hit the right is displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen 28.

[0218] In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 sets the time-saving state at a rate of 50% after the end of the first win game. If the time-saving state is not set after the end of the first win game, the game returns to the normal state game shown in FIG. 26(A). If the time-saving state is set after the end of the first win game, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to proceed with the game in the time-saving state as shown in FIG. 26(F). The pachinko machine 1 displays a display including the characters "time-saving mode" indicating that it is in the time-saving state on the mode display unit 110. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 displays the right-hit display 119 on the display screen 28 even in the time-saving state. In the time-saving state, the pachinko machine 1 repeatedly executes the normal win determination when the game ball passes through the gate 12. FIG. 26(F) shows the state in which the sub-normal pattern 150 performs a variable display. The symbol Y2 shows that the sub-normal pattern 150 is performing a variable display.

[0219] 26(G) shows an example in which the sub-normal symbol 150 is displayed as "-" corresponding to the first normal win. In this case, the second start hole 15 is opened in a short opening pattern to play a normal win, but the opening time of the second start hole 15 is short, and the game ball rarely enters the second start hole 15.

[0220] FIG. 26(H) shows an example in which the sub-normal pattern 150 is displayed as a "circle" corresponding to the second normal win. In this case, the second starting hole 15 opens in a long opening pattern to play a normal win. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 executes an opening performance. The opening performance is a performance that encourages the player to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 15 that opens in the long opening pattern. As shown in FIG. 26(H), the pachinko machine 1 executes the opening performance by displaying the character CH on the display screen 28 together with a dialogue image T1 saying "Long opening of the electric chute! Let me win!"

[0221] When the game ball enters the second starting hole 15, the second notification performance is started as shown in Fig. 27(I). In Fig. 27(I), the result of the small win is derived by the special chart 2 big win determination, and the special pattern of "10R small win A" is determined, and the second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of "win variation" is started.

[0222] After that, as shown in FIG. 27(J), it is assumed that the result of the special chart 2 big win judgment is a small win by displaying the performance pattern 100 in a combination of odd numbers. Since the special pattern of "10R small win A" has been determined, the time-saving state is set after the end of the two-type game that is executed in response to the announcement of the small win judgment result. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 also displays a message image M1 using the characters "RUSH Continue!" on the display screen 28, which suggests that the time-saving state will be set after the end of the subsequent two-type game. Note that, since the execution time of the notification performance based on the second variation pattern of the "win variation" is relatively short, the second start hole 15 is not opened again in the long opening pattern during the execution, and the second reserved random number is not stored.

[0223] After that, the pachinko machine 1 generates a small win game state and executes a small win game. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 27(K), the pachinko machine 1 executes a predetermined small win game presentation. In the small win game presentation, the presentation pattern 100 is displayed in a reduced size in the lower left of the display screen 28 in a combination in which the presentation pattern 100 indicates a small win, as in the big win game presentation. Also, when the game ball that entered the second big winning hole 17 in the small win game passes through a specific area inside it, as shown in FIG. 27(K), a V display 111 is displayed on the display screen 28 to inform the player that the game ball has passed through the specific area. Also, as the game ball has passed through the specific area, the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated, and a big win game state is generated. This starts a two-type big win game, and as shown in FIG. 27(L), the execution of the big win game presentation starts. In addition, in the case of two-type play, the small win game is treated retroactively as the jackpot round of the first round, so the jackpot game performance starts from the jackpot round of the second round.

[0224] In addition, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area inside the second big winning hole 17 during the small win game, the condition device does not operate, so the big win game is not executed and the game returns to the time-saving state game shown in Figure 26 (F). In addition, when the time-saving pattern "10R big win A" is determined as a result of the big win judgment of the special chart 2, the result of the special chart 2 big win judgment is notified that it is a big win by displaying the performance pattern 100 as a combination of repeated numbers in the scene shown in Figure 27 (J). After that, the big win game performance shown in Figure 27 (L) is performed from the 1R big win game.

[0225] After that, when the big win game ends, the game state is set to the time-saving state again as shown in Figure 27 (M). After that, the player progresses the game in the time-saving state, aiming for the second start hole 15 to be opened in the long opening pattern.

[0226] On the other hand, in the case where the second starting hole 15 is opened in a long opening pattern as shown in FIG. 26(H) to execute a normal winning game, the result of the small winning judgment is derived by the special chart 2 big winning judgment triggered by the game ball entering the second starting hole 15, and the special pattern of "10R small winning B" is determined. In this case, as shown in FIG. 28(N), the second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of "time chance" is started. As described above, the execution of the time chance performance corresponds to the arrival of a chance for the player to acquire the second reserved random number by continuing the right hit and successfully making the pachinko machine 1 execute a normal winning game of the long opening pattern. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 displays the display 181 using the characters "time chance" on the display screen 28 during the execution of the time chance performance to inform the player that a special chance has arrived.

[0227] As described above, the execution time of the time chance effect is 50 seconds. When the execution of the time chance effect starts, the pachinko machine 1 displays a time display 182 indicating the remaining execution time of the time chance effect on the display screen 28. The time display 182 in Fig. 27(N) displays "49:57", indicating that the remaining execution time of the time chance effect is 49 seconds 57.

[0228] In the time chance presentation, if a jackpot game is played after the end of the notification presentation, the pachinko machine 1 displays a message image M2 on the display screen 28, which indicates that the time-saving state will not be set after the jackpot game ends. As shown in FIG. 28(N), the message image M2 in this embodiment is configured using the text "If this continues, RUSH will end. In trouble!". The content of the message image M2 is an example. Therefore, the content of the message image M2 can be changed as desired, such as "There will be no time-saving after the jackpot", "Warning! Time-saving will end!", etc., as long as it indicates to the player that the time-saving state will not be set after the jackpot game ends.

[0229] Next, as shown in FIG. 28(O), the message image M3 is displayed on the display screen 28. The message image M3 is configured using the text "Open the electric chute long within the time limit to secure the reserved number!" The message image M3 is provided to inform the player that the execution time of the time chance performance is 50 seconds, and that the time chance performance is a time-limited performance in which the second reserved random number can be acquired by opening the second start hole 15 in a long opening pattern. Therefore, the message image M3 is configured with content that urges the player to open the second start hole 15 in a long opening pattern while the notification performance is being executed, and to store the second reserved random number by entering a game ball into the second start hole 15. Within the scope of such content, the wording and the like indicated by the message image M3 may be changed arbitrarily. The player who is urged by the message images M2 and M3 continues hitting to the right, aiming to determine the opening pattern of the second start hole 15 to be the long opening pattern with a determination probability of 1 / 50, and causes the pachinko machine 1 to repeatedly execute normal hit determination.

[0230] FIG. 28(P) shows an example of a state in which a normal winning game is not executed in a long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance, and the time chance performance ends without the second reserved random number being stored. The time display 182 displays "00:00", indicating that the remaining execution time of the notification performance is 0 seconds and the time chance performance has ended. In addition, the performance pattern 100 indicates a sequence consisting of even numbers corresponding to the special pattern of the "10R small win B", which is a non-time-saving pattern, and displays it as a confirmation. This indicates that when a big win game is executed after a small win game, the time-saving state is not set after the end of the big win game. In FIG. 28(P), since the second reserved random number is not stored, the second reserved display NH2 is not displayed at the position H5. In other words, since the second reserved random number could not be stored during the execution of the time chance performance, the time chance failure message M4 is also displayed on the display screen 28. The time chance failure message M4 is an image configured using the words "time chance failure...". The display content of the time chance failure message M4 is an example. Therefore, the content of the time chance failure message M4 can be changed as desired as long as it indicates that the second reserved random number could not be stored during the execution of the time chance performance. Also, it is not essential to display the time chance failure message M4 when the time chance performance ends. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 does not have to display the time chance failure message M4 on the display screen 28 when the second reserved random number could not be stored during the execution of the time chance performance.

[0231] After that, a small win game is executed, and if the game ball that entered the second big win port 17 during the small win game passes through a specific area, a big win game is executed. Since the time-saving state is not set after the end of this big win game, the game returns to the normal state shown in FIG. 26(A).

[0232] In addition, when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" is determined as a result of the jackpot determination by the special chart 2 jackpot determination, the special chart 2 jackpot determination result is notified that the result is a jackpot by displaying the performance pattern 100 in a combination of repeated numbers in the scene shown in Figure 28 (P). After that, the game returns to the normal state shown in Figure 26 (A) after the jackpot game is played from the 1st round.

[0233] On the other hand, FIG. 29(Q) shows an example in which the result of the normal win is derived by the normal win determination during the execution of the time chance performance, and the normal win symbol of the "second normal win" is determined. In this case, the sub-normal symbol 150 is displayed as a "circle" corresponding to the second normal win. In addition, as a result of the normal win symbol of the "second normal win" being determined, the opening performance is executed. The opening performance is executed by displaying the character CH on the display screen 28 together with the dialogue image T1 of "Long electric chute opening! Let me win", similar to the contents shown in FIG. 26(H). By executing the opening performance, the pachinko machine 1 encourages the player to win the game ball in the second starting hole 15 that opens in the long opening pattern.

[0234] When a game ball enters the second start hole 15 that opens in a long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance, the pachinko machine 1 executes a reserved ball securing performance, as shown in FIG. 29(R). The reserved ball securing performance is executed by displaying the character CH on the display screen 28 together with the dialogue image T2 of "reservation secured successfully." By executing the reserved ball securing performance, the pachinko machine 1 can open the second start hole 15 long in the time chance performance, and can show the player that the game ball has entered the opened second start hole 15 and the second reserved random number has been successfully stored. The player who sees the reserved ball securing performance can recognize that the remaining reserved ball performance will be performed after the big win game that is executed after the end of the time chance performance, since the game ball has been secured in the second start hole 15 and the second reserved random number has been stored. Also, as shown in FIG. 29(R), the second reserved ball display NH2 is displayed at the position H5 as the game ball enters the second start hole 15 and the second reserved random number is stored.

[0235] FIG. 29(S) shows an example of a state where the time chance performance has ended with the second reserved random number stored during the execution of the time chance performance. The time display 182 shows "00:00", indicating that the remaining execution time of the notification performance is 0 seconds and the time chance performance has ended. In addition, the performance pattern 100 shows a sequence consisting of even numbers corresponding to the special pattern of the "10R small win B" which is a non-time-saving pattern, and displays it as a confirmation. This indicates that when a big win game is executed after a small win game, the time-saving state is not set after the end of the big win game. In FIG. 28(S), since the second reserved random number is stored, the second reserved display NH2 is displayed at the position H5. That is, since the second reserved random number can be stored during the execution of the time chance performance, a time chance success message M5 is displayed on the display screen 28. The time chance success message M5 is an image configured using the words "Time chance success!". The display content of the time chance success message M5 is an example. Therefore, the content of the time chance success message M5 can be changed as desired as long as it indicates that the second reserved random number has been stored during the execution of the time chance performance. Also, it is not essential to display the time chance success message M5 when the time chance performance ends. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 does not have to display the time chance success message M5 on the display screen 28 when the second reserved random number can be stored during the execution of the time chance performance.

[0236] After that, a small win game is executed, and if the game ball that entered the second big winning port 17 in the small win game passes through a specific area, a big win game and a big win game presentation are executed as shown in Fig. 29(T). If a big win determination result is derived by the special chart 2 big win determination, the result of the special chart 2 big win determination is notified that it is a big win by displaying the performance pattern 100 as a combination of repeated numbers in the scene shown in Fig. 29(S). After that, the big win game presentation shown in Fig. 29(T) is performed from the first round of the big win game.

[0237] When this jackpot game ends, the normal state is set. Therefore, a special chart 2 jackpot determination is performed in the normal state for the second reserved random number, which is the remaining reservation. Then, the remaining reservation performance, which is the second notification performance that notifies the result of this determination, is executed. As shown in FIG. 29(U), when the remaining reservation performance is executed, the pachinko machine 1 displays on the mode display unit 110 a display including the characters "continuation chance mode", which indicates that the game state is not in the time-saving state and the remaining reservation performance is being executed.

[0238] When the time-saving pattern "10R jackpot A" or "10R small jackpot A" is determined as a result of the determination of a jackpot or small jackpot by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserve, the remaining reserve performance is executed based on the variation pattern of the "RUSH continuation performance". In this case, the time-saving state is set after the jackpot game by the 1st type game or the 2nd type game is played after the remaining reserve performance ends. Therefore, the player can re-enter the game in the time-saving state. On the other hand, when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B" is determined as a result of the determination of a jackpot or small jackpot by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserve, the remaining reserve performance is executed based on the variation pattern of the "RUSH end performance". In this case, the time-saving state is not set after the jackpot game by the 1st type game or the 2nd type game is played after the remaining reserve performance ends. Therefore, the player will return to the normal state of play. That is, the remaining reserved effect is an opportunity to give the player a chance to re-enter the game in the time-saving state. By executing the remaining reserved effect, the pachinko machine 1 can attract the player's attention as to whether or not the game can be re-entered in the time-saving state.

[0239] FIG. 29(V) shows an example of the end of the remaining reserved performance based on the variation pattern of the RUSH continuation performance when the time-saving pattern "10R small win A" is determined as a result of the small win determination result being derived by the special chart 2 big win determination for the remaining reserved. In this case, by displaying the performance pattern 100 in a combination of odd numbers, it is notified that the time-saving state will be set after the end of the two-type game that is executed as a result of the small win determination result being notified. The pachinko machine 1 also displays a message image M6 using the characters "RUSH continuation successful!" on the display screen 28, which suggests that the time-saving state will be re-entered after the end of the subsequent two-type game. After that, the game in the time-saving state proceeds. In addition, when the result of the jackpot determination is derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserved balls, and the time-saving pattern "10R jackpot A" is determined, the result of the special chart 2 jackpot determination is notified that it is a jackpot by displaying the performance pattern 100 as a combination of repeated numbers in the scene shown in Figure 29 (V). After that, the jackpot game performance is performed from the 1R jackpot game, and the time-saving state is set after the jackpot game ends.

[0240] On the other hand, FIG. 29(W) shows an example of the end of the remaining reserved performance based on the variation pattern of the RUSH end performance when the non-time-saving pattern "10R small win B" is determined as a result of the small win determination result being derived by the special chart 2 big win determination for the remaining reserved. In this case, by displaying the performance pattern 100 in a combination of even numbers, it is notified that the time-saving state will not be set after the end of the two-type game that is executed as a result of the small win determination result being notified. The pachinko machine 1 also displays a message image M7 using the characters "RUSH continuation failed!" on the display screen 28, which suggests that the time-saving state will not be set after the end of the subsequent two-type game and that the game will return to the normal state. After that, the game in the normal state proceeds. In addition, when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" is determined as a result of the jackpot determination result derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserved, the result of the special chart 2 jackpot determination is notified that it is a jackpot by displaying the performance pattern 100 as a combination of repeated numbers in the scene shown in Figure 29 (W). After that, the jackpot game performance is performed from the 1R jackpot game, and after the jackpot game ends, the game returns to the normal state where the first jackpot is aimed for.

[0241] As described above, when the time-saving pattern "10R jackpot A" or "10R small jackpot A" is determined as a result of the determination of a jackpot or small jackpot by the special chart 2 jackpot determination, the pachinko machine 1 sets the time-saving state after the corresponding jackpot game by the type 1 game or type 2 game is completed. On the other hand, when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B" is determined as a result of the determination of a jackpot or small jackpot by the special chart 2 jackpot determination, the pachinko machine 1 does not set the time-saving state after the corresponding jackpot game by the type 1 game or type 2 game is completed. However, the player can obtain the second reserved random number by having the game ball enter the second starting hole 15 during the execution of the time chance performance executed when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B" is determined. In this case, after the end of the jackpot game related to the non-time-saving jackpot corresponding to "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B", the special jackpot 2 determination is performed in the normal state for the remaining reserved second reserved random number. If the determination result of the jackpot or small jackpot is derived by the special jackpot 2 determination performed for this remaining reservation, the jackpot game will be played continuously, which is advantageous for the player. The execution time of the time chance performance is longer than the execution time when the notification performance is performed based on the variation pattern of the "win variation". For this reason, when the pachinko machine 1 determines the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B", it can repeatedly execute the normal win determination during the execution by executing the time chance performance. And, the pachinko machine 1 is likely to give the player a chance to determine the normal win pattern of the second normal win as a result of the normal win determination. When the normal win pattern of the second normal win is determined, the pachinko machine 1 performs the normal win game in the long opening pattern. If the player succeeds in generating a normal winning game of the long opening pattern, the player can get a chance to play a jackpot game continuously. Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention can sufficiently increase the player's expectation that he or she will get a chance to set a game state advantageous to the player thereafter.

[0242] The pachinko machine 1 ends the time-saving state when the number of normal win judgments made in the time-saving state reaches a predetermined number of time-saving times. The larger the number of time-saving times, the easier it becomes to play a normal win game of the long opening pattern in the time-saving state when a normal win judgment result is derived by the normal win judgment. That is, the pachinko machine 1 can adjust the ease of playing a normal win game of the long opening pattern in the time-saving state depending on which number of time-saving times is set. Note that the number of time-saving times in the pachinko machine 1 is set to 3000 times. In the pachinko machine 1, the normal win probability is 1 / 1. Also, when a normal win judgment result is derived in the time-saving state, as a result, the normal win game of the long opening pattern is played with a probability of 1 / 50, and the normal win game of the short opening pattern is played with the remaining probability of 49 / 50. In other words, the probability that the opening pattern of the second start hole 15 in a normal winning game is determined to be a long opening pattern in which the game ball can enter the second start hole 15 as a result of a normal winning determination in the time-saving state is 1 / 50. In this case, the opening pattern of the second start hole 15 in a normal winning game is almost certainly determined to be a long opening pattern in which the game ball can enter the second start hole 15 by the time that the number of times of normal winning determination in the time-saving state reaches 3000. The pachinko machine 1 realizes a so-called loop-type playability in which the time-saving state continues until the next big winning game starts by setting the number of times of time-saving significantly larger than the determination probability.

[0243] The pachinko machine 1 executes the special chart 2 big win determination triggered by the entry of the game ball into the second starting hole 15 in the time-saving state. When the time-saving pattern "10R big win A" or "10R small win A" is determined as a result of the determination of a big win or a small win being derived by this special chart 2 big win determination, the pachinko machine 1 determines the variation pattern of the "win variation". Also, when the non-time-saving pattern "10R big win B" or "10R small win B" is determined as a result of the determination of a big win or a small win being derived by this special chart 2 big win determination, the pachinko machine 1 determines the variation pattern of the "time chance". In the time chance performance, which is a notification performance based on the variation pattern of the time chance, the remaining execution time of the time chance performance is displayed on the time display 182. Also, when a big win game is played after the end of this notification performance, a message image M2 is displayed on the display screen 28, suggesting that the time-saving state will not be set after the end of the big win game. A message image M3 is also displayed on the display screen 28, which encourages the player to store the second reserved random number by placing a game ball in the second start port 15 during the execution of the time chance performance. In response to this, the player repeatedly passes the game ball through the gate 12 during the execution of the time chance performance, and the player aims to have the normal winning game executed in the long opening pattern by repeatedly executing the normal winning judgment in the pachinko machine 1. When the normal winning game is executed in the long opening pattern, the player can acquire the second reserved random number by placing a game ball in the opened second start port 15. The pachinko machine 1 can give the player who has acquired the second reserved random number a chance to play another jackpot game in addition to the jackpot game executed after the time chance performance ends. By configuring the time chance performance in this way, the pachinko machine 1 can easily ensure that the player has a chance to repeatedly play the jackpot game. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 can make a player who is able to execute a normal winning game in a long opening pattern during the execution of a time chance performance feel as if he or she has won an opportunity to repeatedly execute a jackpot game through his or her own play.In this case, the pachinko machine 1 can give the player a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

[0244] In the pachinko machine 1, the execution time of the time chance performance is 50 seconds. In addition, in the pachinko machine 1, the time for which the normal symbol variation display and confirmation display, and the normal winning game with short opening are performed in the time-saving state is about 0.96 seconds. Therefore, if right hitting is continued during the execution of the time chance performance, the normal symbol variation display and confirmation display, and the normal winning game with short opening can be repeated about 52 times. Also, if the normal symbol variation display and confirmation display, and the normal winning game with the short opening pattern are performed 49 times during the execution of the time chance performance, and then the 50th normal winning game is performed with the long opening pattern, the game ball can enter the opened second starting hole 15 during the execution of the time chance performance. In other words, the execution time of the time chance performance is set to a time during which the normal winning judgment can be performed the number of times equivalent to "50", which is the number in the denominator of the probability of 1 / 50, which is the determination probability. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can greatly attract the attention of the player as to whether or not the normal winning game is performed with the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance.

[0245] In the first embodiment, the second starting hole 15 is an example of a "variable starting hole". The state in which the opening and closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 is closed is an example of a "first state". The state in which the opening and closing member 151 of the second starting hole 15 is open is an example of a "second state". The first large prize opening 16 and the second large prize opening 17 are examples of "large prize openings". The state in which the opening and closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16 and the opening and closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 are open is an example of a "third state". The state in which the opening and closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16 and the opening and closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 are closed is an example of a "fourth state". The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 that executes the process of S33 in FIG. 11 is an example of a "normal determination means". The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 that executes the process of S208 in FIG. 18 is an example of a "time-shortening setting means". A normal winning game of a short opening pattern is an example of a "first normal winning game". A normal winning game of a long opening pattern is an example of a "second normal winning game". The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 that executes the judgment processing of S63 and S64 in FIG. 13 is an example of a "normal winning game determination means". The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 that executes each processing of S65 and S67 in FIG. 13 is an example of a "normal winning game execution means". The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 that executes each processing of S116 and S123 in FIG. 16 is an example of a "special judgment means". A jackpot judgment is an example of a "special judgment". A jackpot game of a type 1 game and a type 2 game is an example of a "special game". A jackpot random number is an example of "numerical information". The RAM 52 of the main control board 41 that has a special chart 1 jackpot related information storage area and a special chart 2 jackpot related information storage area is an example of a "holding means". The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 that executes the process of S132 in Fig. 16 is an example of an "execution pattern determination means." The fluctuation pattern of the winning fluctuation is an example of a "first execution pattern." The fluctuation pattern of the time chance is an example of a "second execution pattern." The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 that executes the process of S56 in Fig. 12 is an example of a "time-saving ending means."

[0246] Next, a second embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 30 to 32. Note that the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment, other than the configuration described below, is common to the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the second embodiment common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0247] With reference to FIG. 30, the normal symbol determination table and the normal symbol change time determination table of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 30(A), the normal symbol determination table of the second embodiment associates a 0.060 second × 1 short opening pattern with the normal winning symbol of the "first normal winning" in both the normal state and the time-saving state, and a 5.8 second × 1 long opening pattern with the normal winning symbol of the "second normal winning". Also, as shown in FIG. 30(B), the normal symbol change time determination table of the second embodiment defines the change time of the normal symbol that notifies the judgment result of the normal winning as 0.6 seconds in both the normal state and the time-saving state. In the second embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 allows the player to hit the right in the time chance performance executed in the normal state as the remaining reserved performance described later, so the normal symbol determination table and the normal symbol change time determination table are configured as shown in FIG. 30(A) and (B). On the other hand, the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment recommends playing the game by hitting to the left as in the first embodiment in normal states other than during the execution of the remaining reserved performance, the execution of the small win game, and the big win game. The pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment may prevent the player from hitting to the right by, for example, issuing a predetermined error notification when it detects a right hit of the game ball during the execution of the remaining reserved performance, and in normal states other than during the execution of the small win game and the big win game.

[0248] With reference to FIG. 31, the special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table of the second embodiment will be described. The special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table of the second embodiment is provided to determine the second variation pattern for the remaining reserved performance corresponding to the second reserved random number stored in the time-saving state, as in the first embodiment. The special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table defines the second variation pattern by taking into consideration which special winning type was in addition to the judgment result of the special chart 2 big win judgment on the remaining reserve. Specifically, the second variation pattern of "win variation" is associated with "10R big win A" whose big win type is a time-saving pattern. The second variation pattern of "time chance" is associated with "10R big win B" whose big win type is a non-time-saving pattern. Similarly, when the judgment result of the special chart 2 big win judgment is a small win, the second variation pattern of "win variation" is associated with "10R small win A" whose small win type is a time-saving pattern. The variation pattern of "time chance" is associated with "10R small win B" whose small win type is a non-time-saving pattern. The fluctuation patterns of the "winning fluctuation" and the "time chance" correspond to the fluctuation patterns of the "winning fluctuation" and the "time chance" defined in the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in Fig. 8. That is, in the second embodiment, as the remaining reserved performance, the notification performance and the time chance performance based on the fluctuation pattern of the winning fluctuation are executed.

[0249] With reference to FIG. 32, the flow of the game and the transition of the game state in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a time chance performance is executed in the time-saving state, if a normal winning game of the long opening pattern is successfully executed during the execution of the time chance performance, as shown by the arrow (j), a game ball can be entered into the second starting hole 15 and the second reserved random number can be stored in the pachinko machine 1. In this case, as shown by the arrow (k), a jackpot game by a type 1 game or a type 2 game is executed according to the judgment result of the jackpot. This jackpot game is a jackpot without time-saving, and after the end of the jackpot without time-saving, a special chart 2 jackpot judgment is performed in the normal state for the remaining reserve, and as shown by the arrow (l), a remaining reserve performance that notifies the judgment result is executed. Note that, when a normal winning game of the long opening pattern cannot be executed during the execution of the time chance performance and the remaining reserve cannot be acquired, the game returns to the normal state as shown by the arrow (r).

[0250] The pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment executes a notification effect or a time chance effect based on the variation pattern of the winning variation as a remaining reserved effect. That is, when the time-saving pattern "10R jackpot A" or "10R small win A" is determined as a result of the determination result of a jackpot or a small win being derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserved, the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment executes the remaining reserved effect based on the variation pattern of the "winning variation". In this case, after the remaining reserved effect based on the variation pattern of the "winning variation" is completed, as shown by the arrow (m), if the determination result of a jackpot is notified, a jackpot game is executed. If the determination result of a small win is notified, a small win game is executed, and in the small win game, a jackpot game is executed in response to the game ball that entered the second large winning port 17 passing through a specific area. Since this jackpot game is a jackpot with time-saving, after the execution of the jackpot game is completed, as shown by the arrow (n), the game shifts to a time-saving state game.

[0251] On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B" is determined as a result of the jackpot or small jackpot determination of the remaining reserve by the special chart 2 jackpot determination, the remaining reserve performance is set to a time chance performance. That is, the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment can execute a time chance performance even when the non-time-saving pattern "10R jackpot B" or "10R small jackpot B" is determined as a result of the special chart 2 jackpot determination in the non-time-saving state. Then, when the player succeeds in executing a normal winning game of the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance, the player can enter the game ball into the second starting hole 15 to store the second reserved random number in the pachinko machine 1. In this case, as shown by the arrow (o), a jackpot game by a type 1 game or a type 2 game is executed according to the jackpot determination result. This jackpot game is a jackpot without time saving, and after the jackpot without time saving ends, the remaining reserve is stored. In this case, as shown by the arrow (s), the game transitions again to the remaining reserved performance. Note that, if the normal winning game of the long opening pattern cannot be executed during the execution of the time chance performance executed as the remaining reserved performance, and the remaining reserved cannot be acquired, the game returns to the normal state as shown by the arrow (p).

[0252] In this way, the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment can set the second notification effect, which is the remaining reserved effect executed in the non-time-saving state, as a time chance effect. The pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment can repeatedly execute the normal winning judgment by making the game ball pass through the gate 12 repeatedly by having the player continue hitting the right hand during the execution of the time chance effect executed as the remaining reserved effect. Then, if the player succeeds in executing the normal winning game in the long opening pattern, the player can acquire the second reserved random number by making the game ball enter the opened second starting port 15. Accordingly, the player can get a chance to further execute the remaining reserved effect, and as a result, can get a chance to execute the jackpot game one more time. In this way, the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment can increase the opportunities to give the player a chance to pull back the game situation that is advantageous to him / her by his / her own game by expanding the execution opportunities of the time chance effect more than the first embodiment. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment can diversify the content of the game and enhance the interest of the game.

[0253] Next, a third embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 33 to 35. Note that the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment, other than the configuration described below, is common to the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the third embodiment common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0254] The special symbol determination table of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 33. The special winning type defined in the special symbol determination table of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the special symbol determination table of the third embodiment defines the time-saving end condition according to the special winning type of the second special symbol differently from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, for the second special symbols "10R big win A" and "10R small win A", the time-saving state is associated as the game state after the end of the big win game, whether they are determined in the normal state or the time-saving state. On the other hand, for the second special symbols "10R big win B" and "10R small win B", when they are determined in the normal state, the time-saving state is associated as the game state after the end of the big win game, and when they are determined in the time-saving state, the normal state is associated as the game state after the end of the big win game. The number of time-saving times when the time-saving state is associated as the game state after the end of the big win game is 3000 times, the same as in the first embodiment. In other words, in the third embodiment, even if a second special pattern of any jackpot type or small jackpot type is determined in the normal state, which is a non-time-saving state, the time-saving state is set after the end of the jackpot game corresponding to the determined second special pattern.

[0255] The special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 34. The special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table of the third embodiment is provided to determine the second variation pattern for the remaining reserved performance corresponding to the second reserved random number stored in the time-saving state, as in the first embodiment. The special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table of the third embodiment defines the second variation pattern according to the judgment result of the special chart 2 big win judgment on the remaining reserve. Specifically, the special chart 2 special variation pattern determination table of the third embodiment defines the second variation pattern of the "RUSH continuation performance" in both cases where the judgment result of the special chart 2 big win judgment is a big win and a small win.

[0256] With reference to FIG. 35, the flow of the game and the transition of the game state in the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a time chance performance is executed in the time-saving state, if a normal winning game of the long opening pattern is successfully executed during the execution of the time chance performance, as shown by the arrow (j), a game ball can be entered into the second starting hole 15 and the second reserved random number can be stored in the pachinko machine 1. In this case, as shown by the arrow (k), a jackpot game by a type 1 game or a type 2 game is executed according to the judgment result of the jackpot. This jackpot game is a jackpot without time-saving, and after the end of the jackpot without time-saving, a special chart 2 jackpot judgment is performed in the normal state for the remaining reserve, and as shown by the arrow (l), a remaining reserve performance that notifies the judgment result is executed. Note that, when a normal winning game of the long opening pattern cannot be executed during the execution of the time chance performance and the remaining reserve cannot be acquired, the game returns to the normal state as shown by the arrow (r).

[0257] As described above, in the third embodiment, when any special winning type is determined in accordance with the result of the judgment of a big win or a small win by the special winning judgment of the remaining reserve, the time-saving state is set after the end of the big win game corresponding to the determined second special pattern. Therefore, when any special winning type is determined, the remaining reserve performance is executed based on the fluctuation pattern of the "RUSH continuation performance". When the execution of the notification performance based on the fluctuation pattern of the "RUSH continuation performance" is completed, as shown by the arrow (m), if the judgment result of a big win is notified, the big win game is executed. When the judgment result of a small win is notified, the small win game is executed, and the big win game is executed in response to the game ball that entered the second big winning port 17 in the small win game passing through the specific area. Since this big win game is a big win with time-saving, after the execution of the big win game is completed, as shown by the arrow (n), the game transitions to a time-saving state. In other words, if the player succeeds in executing a normal winning game with a long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance presentation and obtains a second reserved random number, the player will always have a chance to return to the time-saving state of play after the remaining reserved presentation is executed.

[0258] In this way, when the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment derives a jackpot or small jackpot determination result by the special chart 2 jackpot determination for the remaining reserved balls, it determines the jackpot game corresponding to the determination result to be a jackpot with time reduction. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment can open the second start port 15 in a long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance in the time-saving state, and give a player who succeeds in storing the second reserved random number a chance to play jackpot games consecutively. And, the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment can also give a player who succeeds in storing the second reserved random number a chance to re-enter the time-saving state after the end of the jackpot game. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment can greatly increase the player's expectation that the player will win the chance to play jackpot games consecutively and the chance to re-enter the time-saving state after the end of the jackpot game by executing the time chance performance.

[0259] In the third embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may change the second notification effect executed as the remaining reserved effect to the variation pattern of the "RUSH continuation effect" and execute it based on the variation pattern of the "win variation" as in the second embodiment. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 can make the player more easily aware that the jackpot games are being played continuously and that the time-saving state is being continuously stayed.

[0260] Next, a fourth embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 36 to 38. Note that the configuration of the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment, other than the configuration described below, is common to the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the fourth embodiment common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0261] The variation pattern determination table of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 36. In the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment, when the result of the jackpot determination is derived by the special chart 2 jackpot determination, the pachinko machine 1 determines the jackpot type as "10R jackpot A" at a rate of 75% and "10R jackpot B" at a rate of 25%, as in the first embodiment. The variation pattern determination table of the fourth embodiment defines that in the table defining the second variation pattern in the time-saving state, when the special jackpot type is "10R jackpot A", the second variation pattern of "time chance SP" is determined at a predetermined rate in addition to "win variation". The variation pattern determination table of the fourth embodiment defines that in the table defining the second variation pattern in the time-saving state, when the special jackpot type is "10R small jackpot A", the second variation pattern of "time chance SP" is determined at a predetermined rate in addition to "win variation". That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment, when the second variation pattern is determined according to the judgment result of the special chart 2 big win judgment in the time-saving state, when the special win type is determined to be "10R big win A" or "10R small win A", the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment determines the second variation pattern of "Time Chance SP" at a predetermined rate. As a result, when the judgment result of a big win or a small win is derived by the special chart 2 big win judgment in the time-saving state, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment determines each of the second variation patterns of "Time Chance" at a rate of 25%, "Win Variation" at a rate of about 65%, and "Time Chance SP" at a rate of about 10%. Note that these determination rates may be changed arbitrarily.

[0262] The execution time of the second notification effect based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" is 50 seconds, the same as the time chance effect. The execution time of the second notification effect based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" does not need to be exactly the same as the execution time of the time chance effect, but only needs to be equal to the execution time of the time chance effect. On the other hand, it is preferable that the execution time of the second notification effect based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" is set to a time longer than the execution time of the notification effect based on the variation pattern of the "win variation", similar to the execution time of the time chance effect. This is to give the player an opportunity to store the second reserved random number during the execution of the second notification effect based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP", similar to the execution of the time chance effect.

[0263] In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment may have a jackpot type of "10R jackpot C" in addition to "10R jackpot A" and "10R jackpot B" as the second special symbol, and "10R jackpot C" may be a time-saving symbol like "10R jackpot A". The ratio of these jackpot types may be 65% for "10R jackpot A", 10% for "10R jackpot C", and 25% for "10R jackpot B". And, the fluctuation pattern determination table of the fourth embodiment may correspond to the second fluctuation pattern of "win fluctuation" to "10R jackpot A", the second fluctuation pattern of "time chance SP" to "10R jackpot C", and the second fluctuation pattern of "time chance" to "10R jackpot B" in the table defining the second fluctuation pattern in the time-saving state. Similarly, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment has a small win type of "10R small win C" in addition to "10R small win A" and "10R small win B" as the second special symbol, and "10R small win C" may be a time-saving symbol like "10R small win A". The ratio of these small win types may be "10R small win A" 65%, "10R small win C" 10%, and "10R small win B" 25%. And, the fluctuation pattern determination table of the fourth embodiment may correspond to the second fluctuation pattern of "win fluctuation" to "10R small win A", the second fluctuation pattern of "time chance SP" to "10R small win C", and the second fluctuation pattern of "time chance" to "10R small win B" in the table defining the second fluctuation pattern in the time-saving state.

[0264] With reference to FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, the flow of the game and the transition of the game state in the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a time chance performance is executed in the time-saving state, if a normal winning game of the long opening pattern is successfully executed during the execution of the time chance performance, the game ball can be entered into the second starting hole 15 and the second reserved random number can be stored in the pachinko machine 1 as shown by the arrow (j). After the execution of the time chance performance is completed, as in the first embodiment, as shown by the arrow (k), a jackpot game is executed by a jackpot game with no time-saving jackpot by a type 1 game or a type 2 game depending on the judgment result of the jackpot. After the end of this jackpot without time-saving jackpot, a special chart 2 jackpot judgment is performed in the normal state for the remaining reserve, and as shown by the arrow (l), a remaining reserve performance that notifies the judgment result is executed. Note that, when a normal winning game of the long opening pattern cannot be executed during the execution of the time chance performance and the remaining reserve cannot be acquired, the game returns to the normal state as shown by the arrow (r).

[0265] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the time-saving pattern is determined as a result of the execution of the special chart 2 big win determination in the time-saving state, the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" is determined at a predetermined rate as shown by the arrow (e). The second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" proceeds in the same manner as the time chance performance. Therefore, when the second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" starts, the remaining execution time of the time chance performance is displayed on the time display 182 of the display screen 28, similar to the time chance performance of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 28(N). In addition, if a big win game is played after the end of this notification performance, a message image M2 suggesting that the time-saving state will not be set after the end of the big win game is displayed on the display screen 28. Then, similar to the time chance performance of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 28(O), a message image M3 is also displayed on the display screen 28, which encourages the player to store the second reserved random number by winning a game ball in the second start hole 15 during the execution of the time chance performance. In response to this, the player repeatedly passes the game ball through the gate 12 during the execution of the time chance performance, aiming to have the normal winning game be executed in the long opening pattern by having the pachinko machine 1 repeatedly execute the normal winning judgment. In the case shown by the arrow (e), the time-saving pattern is actually determined as a result of the execution of the special chart 2 big winning judgment. Therefore, after the end of the second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP", a big winning game with time-saving jackpot by one type of game or two types of game is executed according to the result of the big winning judgment.

[0266] When the normal winning game is executed in the long opening pattern, the player can acquire the second reserved random number by winning the game ball into the opened second starting hole 15. The second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" is determined when the time-saving pattern is the "10R big win A" or "10R small win A". When the time-saving pattern "10R small win A" is determined as a result of the small win determination, the performance pattern 100 is displayed as a combination of odd numbers when the second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of the "Time Chance SP" ends, as shown in FIG. 38(X). This notifies the player that the result of the special chart 2 big win determination is a small win, and that the big win game by the two-type game to be executed after this is a big win with time-saving. In addition, in order to indicate that the second reserved random number has been successfully acquired, a message image M1 using the characters "RUSH Continue!" is also displayed on the display screen 28, just as in the case where the second reserved random number can be stored in the time chance performance. In addition, when the time-saving pattern "10R jackpot A" is determined as a result of the jackpot determination, in the scene shown in Figure 38 (X), the performance pattern 100 is displayed as a combination of repeated numbers, thereby announcing that the result of the special chart 2 jackpot determination is a jackpot.

[0267] After that, as shown by the arrow (u) in Fig. 37, a jackpot game with two types of play is executed. Then, after the jackpot game with time-saving jackpot ends, the pachinko machine 1 transitions the game to the time-saving state again as shown by the arrow (h). In this case, in response to the start of the time-saving state, a special chart 2 jackpot determination is immediately performed on the second reserved random number, and the execution of the second notification performance that notifies the result of the determination is also immediately started.

[0268] On the other hand, it may not be possible to execute a normal winning game of the long opening pattern during the execution of the second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of "Time Chance SP", and the player may not be able to store the second reserved random number in the pachinko machine 1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 38 (Y), the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment displays a time chance failure message M4 on the display screen 28 just before the end of the second notification performance based on the second variation pattern of "Time Chance SP". This allows the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment to make the player who sees the time chance failure message M4 think for a moment that he or she has missed the chance to play consecutive jackpot games.

[0269] After that, in the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment, when the time-saving pattern "10R small win A" is determined as a result of the small win determination, as shown in FIG. 38(Z), when the second notification effect based on the second variation pattern of "Time Chance SP" ends, the effect pattern 100 is displayed as a combination of odd numbers. Then, in the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment, since the game re-enters the time-saving state after the end of the big win game, a message image M1 using the characters "RUSH Continue!" is displayed on the display screen 28. Note that, in the case where the time-saving pattern "10R big win A" is determined as a result of the big win determination, in the scene shown in FIG. 38(Z), the effect pattern 100 is displayed as a combination of double numbers to notify that the result of the special chart 2 big win determination is a big win. After that, the big win game effect shown in FIG. 27(L) is performed from the 1R big win game. This allows the player to recognize that the normal winning game was not executed in the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance, and the second reserved random number was not stored, but the game will transition to the time-saving state after the big win game ends. The pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment can lift the spirits of a player who is disappointed that the time-saving state will end and the game will return to the normal state by configuring the second notification performance based on the fluctuation pattern of the "time chance SP" in this way. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment can make the player realize that the game will transition to the time-saving state in the subsequent game, and can reassure the player. After that, as shown by the arrow (v) in FIG. 37, the big win game by the two-type game is executed. Then, after the big win game by the time-saving big win ends, the pachinko machine 1 transitions the game to the time-saving state again as shown by the arrow (h).

[0270] In this way, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment executes the second notification effect similar to the time chance effect based on the second variation pattern of "Time Chance SP" even when a non-time-saving symbol is determined in the time-saving state. As a result, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment can give the player a chance to execute a normal winning game of the long opening pattern by playing the game, not only when a non-time-saving symbol is determined in the time-saving state, but also when a time-saving symbol is determined. The pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment can give the player who succeeds in executing the normal winning game of the long opening pattern an opportunity to play a jackpot game consecutively by storing the second reserved random number, which can make the player happy. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment can notify the player who was unable to execute the normal winning game of the long opening pattern during the execution of the second notification effect based on the second variation pattern of "Time Chance SP" that the time-saving state will be re-entered after the jackpot game ends in a surprise manner. In this way, the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth embodiment can diversify the content of the game by expanding the opportunities for the execution of the time chance performance. In the fourth embodiment, the second variation pattern of the "time chance SP" is an example of the "second execution pattern" of the present invention.

[0271] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the performance time of the time chance performance may be changed arbitrarily. The longer the execution time of the time chance performance, the higher the possibility that the normal winning game is executed in the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance. On the other hand, the shorter the execution time of the time chance performance, the lower the possibility that the normal winning game is executed in the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance. In addition, the possibility that the normal winning game is executed in the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance may vary depending on the normal pattern fluctuation time during the execution of the time chance performance, the execution time of the normal winning game executed in the short opening pattern and the long opening pattern, the normal winning probability, etc. Therefore, the designer of the pachinko machine 1 may arbitrarily change the execution time of the time chance performance, the normal pattern fluctuation time, the execution time of the normal winning game, the normal winning probability, etc., taking into account the ease of execution of the normal winning game in the long opening pattern during the execution of the time chance performance.

[0272] In the above embodiment, the normal winning probability is 1 / 1, and the probability that the opening pattern of the second starting hole 15 in a normal winning game is determined to be a long opening pattern is 1 / 50. Therefore, as a result of a normal winning determination being performed in the time-saving state, the determination probability, which is the probability that the opening pattern of the second starting hole 15 in a normal winning game is determined to be a long opening pattern, is 1 / 50. On the other hand, when a normal winning determination is performed, a miss determination result may be derived. In addition, the probability that the opening pattern of the second starting hole 15 in a normal winning game is determined to be a long opening pattern may be arbitrarily changed. In this case, the determination probability may be derived as a value obtained by multiplying the normal winning probability by the probability that the opening pattern of the second starting hole 15 in a normal winning game is determined to be a long opening pattern. The designer of the pachinko machine 1 may design the number of time-saving times and the execution time of the time chance performance using the determination probability derived in this way as a guide.

[0273] The pachinko machine 1 may be configured not to derive the result of the jackpot determination by the special symbol 2 jackpot determination, but to derive at least the result of the small jackpot determination. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 may not provide a jackpot type pattern in the second special symbol, but may provide only a small jackpot type pattern. Even in this case, the pachinko machine 1 can realize the present invention.

[0274] The pachinko machine 1 may have a plurality of normal winning games of the short opening pattern. For example, the pachinko machine 1 may have a normal winning game of the opening pattern of 0.060 seconds x 1, a normal winning game of the opening pattern of 0.064 seconds x 1, and a normal winning game of 0.056 seconds x 1 as normal winning games of the short opening pattern. The pachinko machine 1 may have a plurality of normal winning games of the long opening pattern. For example, the pachinko machine 1 may have a normal winning game of the opening pattern of 5.80 seconds x 1, a normal winning game of the opening pattern of 5.84 seconds x 1, and a normal winning game of the opening pattern of 5.76 seconds x 1 as normal winning games of the long opening pattern. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 may be provided with a normal winning game of an opening pattern in which the ease of a game ball entering the second starting hole 15 is between that of the short opening pattern and the long opening pattern, in addition to the normal winning games of the short opening pattern and the long opening pattern. [Explanation of symbols]

[0275] 1. Pachinko Machines 12 Gates 15 Second starting hole 16 First Grand Prize Winner 17 Second Grand Prize Winner 41 Main control board 51,431,581 CPU 52,582 RAM 53,583 ROM 58 Sub-control board

Claims

1. A variable start opening which is a start opening configured to be mutually operable between a first state and a second state in which the game ball is more likely to enter than the first state; A big prize opening configured to be mutually operable between a third state and a fourth state in which the game ball is more likely to win than the third state; A normal determination means for performing a normal determination to determine whether or not to execute a normal winning game in which the variable start port is operated to the second state in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition; a normal winning game execution means for executing the normal winning game in accordance with a result of the normal determination; A time-saving setting means for setting a time-saving state in which the variable start port is in the second state more frequently than usual in response to the establishment of a predetermined setting condition; The normal winning game includes a first normal winning game in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the variable start opening, and a second normal winning game in which it is easier for the game ball to enter the variable start opening than the first normal winning game, and a normal winning game determination means for determining which mode the normal winning game to be executed by the normal winning game execution means; A special determination means for performing a special determination as to whether or not to execute a special winning game in which the big winning port is operated to the fourth state based on numerical information acquired upon the winning of a game ball into the starting port; a reservation means for storing the numerical information for which execution of the special determination is reserved as reservation information; An execution pattern of the notification performance for notifying the result of the special determination includes a first execution pattern and a second execution pattern having an execution time longer than that of the first execution pattern, and an execution pattern determination means for determining the execution pattern of the notification performance; a notification performance execution means for executing the notification performance in response to the determination by the execution pattern determination means; The special winning game includes a plurality of types, namely, a first special winning game in which the time-shortening state is set by the time-shortening setting means after the execution of the special winning game is completed, and a second special winning game in which the time-shortening state is not set by the time-shortening setting means after the execution of the special winning game is completed, and when a determination result indicating that the special winning game is to be executed is derived by the special determination, a special winning game determination means determines which type of the special winning game is to be set; a special win game execution means for executing the special win game in response to the determination by the special win game determination means; Equipped with The execution pattern determination means, at least in the time-saving state, When the first special winning game is determined by the special winning game determination means, the first execution pattern is determined; When the second special winning game is determined by the special winning game determining means, the second execution pattern is determined. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that when the time-shortening state is set by the time-shortening setting means, it is provided with a time-shortening ending means for ending the time-shortening state in response to the number of normal judgments being executed, which is the number of times that the normal judgment is executed in the time-shortening state, reaching a specified number.

3. The execution pattern determination means, when a determination result indicating that the special winning game is to be executed is derived by the special determination, determines the execution pattern of the notification performance from among any of the first execution pattern and the second execution pattern; The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that the notification effect executed based on the second execution pattern indicates during execution of the notification effect that the time-saving state will not be set after the special winning game is completed, and is executed with content that prompts the player to store the hold information in the hold means by having a game ball enter the variable start port while the notification effect is being executed in the second execution pattern.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the execution time of the notification effect based on the second execution pattern is a time during which the normal judgment can be executed a number of times corresponding to the number of denominators when the numerator of a determination probability, which is the probability that the execution mode of the normal win game is determined to be the second normal win game, is set to 1 as a result of the determination result that the normal win game is to be executed by the normal judgment.

5. The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that when a judgment result indicating that the special winning game should be executed is derived by the special judgment based on the reserved information stored by the reserved means in response to a gaming ball entering the variable start port while the notification performance is being executed in the second execution pattern, the special winning game determination means determines the special winning game to be the first special winning game.

6. The execution pattern determination means, in a non-time-saving state in which the time-saving state is not set by the time-saving setting means, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second execution pattern can be determined when the second special win game is determined by the special win game determination means.

7. The execution pattern determination means, in the time-saving state, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second execution pattern can be determined when the first special win game is determined by the special win game determination means.

Images