Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving game property.SOLUTION: Based on derivation of a special display result in a normal state, it is possible to shift to a first advantageous state. Based on derivation of a special display result in the first advantageous state, it is possible to shift to a second advantageous state in which a shift ratio is higher than that in the first advantageous state, or to a specific state. Based on derivation of a special display result in the second advantageous state, it is possible to shift to a third advantageous state in which the shift ratio is higher than that in the second advantageous state, or to the specific state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine, a jackpot determination is made to determine whether it is a jackpot on the condition that a game ball enters the start port (the ball entry port). When the jackpot determination is made, a variable display of a special symbol that notifies the result of the jackpot determination is performed. When a stop display indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is derived from the variable display of the special symbol, a jackpot game advantageous to the player is executed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] And in the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, a preview effect suggesting that there is a possibility that a jackpot game is executed during the variable display of the special symbol is executed, or after the jackpot game is executed, the game ball is made more likely to enter the start port than in the normal gaming state to be in a short-time state, thereby enhancing the player's expectation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, it has been desired to further improve the gaming performance of the gaming machine.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of further improving the gaming performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine capable of controlling the gaming state to a normal state (a very short time state), a favorable state (the first to fifth short time states) more advantageous than the normal state, and a specific state (the sixth short time state) more advantageous than the favorable state. The favorable states include a first favorable state (the first short time state), a second favorable state (the second short time state) in which the rate of transitioning to the specific state is set higher than that of the first favorable state, and a third favorable state (the third short time state) in which the rate of transitioning to the specific state is set higher than that of the second favorable state. Based on the derivation of a special display result in the normal state (the very short time state), it is possible to transition to the first favorable state (the first short time state). Based on the derivation of a special display result in the first favorable state (the first short time state), it is possible to transition to the second favorable state (the second short time state) or the specific state (the sixth short time state). Based on the derivation of a special display result in the second favorable state (the second short time state), it is possible to transition to the third favorable state (the third short time state) or the specific state (the sixth short time state).

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of further improving the gaming performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, as a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine 1 in which the game medium used in the game is a game ball and the game can be played by firing the game ball toward the game board surface will be exemplified and described. However, detailed descriptions more than necessary, for example, detailed descriptions of technical matters already well known to those skilled in the art or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. In addition, terms commonly used by those skilled in the art may be used without omitting the definition description or the like of the terms. Note that the drawings described and referred to below are provided for those skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

[0011] <First Embodiment> [Outline of the basic game progress of the pachinko gaming machine 1] In the pachinko gaming machine 1 exemplified below, in response to a predetermined operation (rotation operation of the handle 60a) performed by the player, the game balls enclosed in the machine are fired so as to be able to flow down toward the game board surface (game area 3 where pins are implanted), based on which it is possible to repeatedly perform a process of "firing → flowing down → recovering → elevating → polishing → standby → firing", and a ball circulation mechanism is provided that enables the player to play the game without touching the game balls.

[0012] Note that in the execution of the game related to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described below, the ball circulation mechanism is not necessarily essential, and it may be applied to a non-enclosed pachinko machine that allows the recovery and supply of game balls and the payout of prize balls with the support of a predetermined island facility provided in a game parlor or the like.

[0013] When the fired game ball enters a predetermined ball entry port provided on the game board surface (progress of the game), the implementation conditions (acquisition of determination information) of a predetermined lottery are satisfied.

[0014] Based on a predetermined trigger (the start timing of the lottery determination based on the First-In-First-Out method) resulting from satisfying the implementation conditions of this predetermined lottery, the variable display of the identification symbol (a special symbol related to the ball entry into the start port or a normal symbol related to the ball entry into gate 28) will be started on the display device for the gaming machine (the symbol display / segment display unit).

[0015] After a predetermined variable time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the identification symbol, the identification symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined stop display mode corresponding to the result of the predetermined lottery, enabling the game progress to derive the game result (notification of win or loss).

[0016] Also, during the variable display of the identification symbol, the variable display of one or more effect symbols is enabled by the effect display device (liquid crystal) for the gaming machine, and an effect notification (video display by a predetermined pattern) related to the game progress (during variable display) is made along a predetermined effect scenario (effect variable pattern) considering the result of the predetermined lottery, enabling the pre-game player to be notified of a pre-suggestion (advance notice) regarding the winning expectation before the result of the predetermined lottery is derived (before the stop display of the identification symbol), and enhancing the player's sense of expectation regarding the game benefits (bonus balls, special status, useful information) that can be obtained thereafter as the game characteristics.

[0017] And when a winning result (special display result, stop display of the identification symbol for winning) is derived in which the type of the stopped display mode of the identification symbol can shift to a special game (big win or small win) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, it is possible to operate a predetermined movable part (opening / closing device) provided corresponding to a predetermined specific ball entry port (winning port or big winning port) that is in a state of being difficult to enter the ball (closed) during normal games on the game board surface to a state of being easy to enter the ball (open), and enabling the player to obtain a predetermined game benefit based on entering a game ball into the specific ball entry port as the game characteristics.

[0018] Regarding the execution conditions (start) of a predetermined movable part, it may be due to the notification of the winning result, or it may be due to the entry of a game ball into a specific ball - entry area defined in advance after the notification of the winning result (satisfying a predetermined operating requirement).

[0019] [Structure of the gaming machine] The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the present pachinko gaming machine 1) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left - right direction of each part of the present pachinko gaming machine 1 is described in accordance with the left - right direction for the player facing the present pachinko gaming machine 1. Also, the front direction of each part of the present pachinko gaming machine 1 is described as the direction approaching the player facing the present pachinko gaming machine 1, and the rear direction of each part of the present pachinko gaming machine 1 is described as the direction away from the player facing the present pachinko gaming machine 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the present pachinko gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes a gaming machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes an outer frame 50a, an inner frame 50b, and a front door 51 (front frame). The outer frame 50a is a vertically rectangular frame body that forms the outer - shell part of the present pachinko gaming machine 1. The inner frame 50b is arranged inside the outer frame 50a and is a vertically rectangular frame body for attaching the game board 2. The front door 51 is arranged on the front - side of the outer frame 50a and the inner frame 50b and is a vertically rectangular one for protecting the game board 2. The front door 51 is the part facing the player and is decorated in various ways.

[0021] The gaming machine frame 50 is configured to include a hinge part 1a on the left - end side. Due to this hinge part 1a, the front door 51 is rotatable with respect to the outer frame 50a and the inner frame 50b respectively, and the inner frame 50b is rotatable with respect to the outer frame 50a and the front door 51 respectively.

[0022] An opening is formed in the center of the front door 51, and a transparent glass plate 51a is attached to the opening so that the player can visually recognize the game area 3 (see FIG. 7) described later. The glass plate 51a is a glass plate in this embodiment, but it may be a transparent synthetic resin plate. That is, the glass plate 51a only needs to be able to visually recognize the game area 3 from the front.

[0023] In addition, the front door 51 is provided with a handle 60a for firing a game ball toward the game area 3 with a firing intensity corresponding to the rotation angle.

[0024] A storage device 25 (see FIG. 3) described later is provided at the lower part of the inner frame 50b. A predetermined number of game balls are stored in the storage device 25. After the stored game balls are fired toward the game area 3, they flow down the game area 3 and return to the storage device 25 again. In this way, the game balls stored in the storage device 25 are enclosed inside the pachinko machine 1 and circulate without being discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 1.

[0025] That is, the pachinko machine 1 is a machine (so-called "enclosed pachinko machine") in which the game balls enclosed inside can circulate and enter the game area 3 again after flowing down the game area 3. Therefore, unlike a machine (so-called "non-enclosed pachinko machine") in which the game balls stored inside are discharged to the outside after flowing down the game area 3, a mechanism (such as a prize ball payout device, a prize ball motor, an upper tray, a lower tray, etc.) for paying out game balls to the player becomes unnecessary.

[0026] As a result, the configuration of the lower part of the pachinko machine 1 can be made more compact compared to a conventional non-enclosed pachinko machine. In the pachinko machine 1, since an upper tray or a lower tray for storing game balls is not provided on the front door 51, the player cannot touch the game balls.

[0027] At the lower part of the front door 51, there are provided an effect button (input unit) 63 and a select button 64 (refer to the plan view within the dashed line in FIG. 1) that can be operated by the player during effects executed as the game progresses. The select button (cross key) 64 is composed of an upward button, a downward button, a leftward button, and a rightward button. The effect button 63 incorporates an internal light emitter (not shown) and a vibration device 63b inside. The front door 51 is also provided with a decorative frame lamp 66 and a speaker 67 that outputs sound.

[0028] In this pachinko gaming machine 1, a held ball indicator 61 is provided at the center of the lower part of the front door 51. The held ball indicator 61 displays the number of game balls that can be launched by the player's operation of the handle 60a at the current time as the number of held balls. The held ball indicator 61 is composed of six 7-segment indicators arranged horizontally so that six-digit numbers can be displayed.

[0029] In FIG. 1, "2500" is shown on the held ball indicator 61, which means that the number of balls held by the player is 2500. The display control of the held ball indicator 61 is executed by the payout control microcomputer 171.

[0030] In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when the internal light emitter emits light, the effect button 63 emits light. Also, when the vibration device 63b vibrates, the effect button 63 vibrates. There are multiple types of light emission modes of the internal light emitter. Specifically, the light emission modes of the internal light emitter include a white light emission mode in which the internal light emitter emits white light, a yellow light emission mode in which the internal light emitter emits yellow light, a red light emission mode in which the internal light emitter emits red light, and so on.

[0031] In this embodiment, during the variation of the special symbol or at the trigger time of a predetermined effect during a predetermined winning state, or at the trigger time of selecting and executing any one of a plurality of effects, etc., the input of the effect button 63 is enabled, and at this time, the internal light emitter may be in a light emission mode of a predetermined color and / or the vibration device 63b may be in a vibration mode of a predetermined pattern.

[0032] At this time, by inputting (such as pressing once, pressing and holding, or rapid-fire pressing) the effect button 63, it is possible to activate a predetermined effect or select and determine any one of a plurality of effects.

[0033] On the game board 2, a game area 3 through which the game balls launched by operating the handle 60a flow down is formed and surrounded by a rail member 4. The game board 2 is also provided with a decorative board lamp 5 (see FIG. 6). A plurality of game pins (not shown) for guiding the game balls are protruding in the game area 3.

[0034] The handle 60a shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be able to discharge the air (air) blown from a blower device (pump actuator) 60b built in the handle 60a from a discharge hole 60c during the game (during the variable display of the special symbol).

[0035] Specifically, the blower device 60b is configured as a pump actuator capable of continuously generating instantaneous wind. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the pump actuator, and other blower devices (for example, a fan such as a blower fan) that can arbitrarily generate wind may be used instead of the pump actuator.

[0036] In addition, in the present embodiment, a drive control configuration is adopted in which the pump actuator is driven to generate wind in conjunction with the variable display of the effect symbol or the effect display by a predetermined symbol (such as the operation instruction image 63c) performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the pump actuator (including other blower devices) is driven and controlled in accordance with other timings in the game process of the pachinko game machine 1.

[0037] Therefore, a blowing effect based on the discharge of the wind generated by the blower device 60b (body sensation information perceptible by touch) can be imparted to a player who holds and rotates the handle 60e (turns on the touch switch 114 (see FIG. 5)) near the front side of the pachinko game machine 1.

[0038] Also, in the vicinity of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (around the ball-holding display 61), a vibration effect based on the vibration generated by the vibration device 63b (body sensation information perceptible by touch) can be imparted to a player who presses the effect button 63 (turns on the effect button detection switch 63a (see FIG. 6) / performs a predetermined input process).

[0039] Note that the position where the blower device 60b or the vibration device 63b is provided may be appropriately set as long as it is on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and can impart body sensation information (wind / vibration) perceptible by touch to a player sitting in front of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

[0040] In this case, for example, a vibration device 63b may be provided inside the handle 60a, and the vibration generated by the vibration device 63b (body sensation information perceptible by touch) may be transmitted to the vicinity of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (around the palm where the player grips the handle 60a). Also, a blower device 60b may be provided inside the speaker 67, and the wind may be sent out from the discharge hole provided on the front side of the speaker 67 to the vicinity of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (around the face of the player who views the image display device 7).

[0041] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, an image display device 7 which is a liquid crystal display device is provided near the center of the gaming area 3. On the display screen (display unit, display) 7a of the image display device 7, there is an effect symbol display area for performing a variable display of an effect symbol 8 (8L, 8C, 8R, also referred to as a decorative symbol) synchronized with the variable display (variable display) of a first special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as special figure 1) and a second special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as special figure 2) which will be described later.

[0042] The effect symbol display area is composed of, for example, three display areas of "left", "center", and "right". The left effect symbol 8L is displayed in the left display area, the center effect symbol 8C is displayed in the center display area, and the right effect symbol 8R is displayed in the right display area. Each of the effect symbols is composed of a plurality of symbols representing numbers from, for example, "1" to "9".

[0043] The image display device 7 clearly displays the results of the variable displays of Special Figure 1 and Special Figure 2 (i.e., the results of the jackpot lottery) that are displayed on the Special Figure 1 display 41a and Special Figure 2 display 41b (see FIG. 4) described later, by means of the combination of the left, middle, and right effect symbols.

[0044] For example, when winning the jackpot, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed as a triple, such as "777 (special display result)". Also, when losing, which is a non-winning result, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed as a scattered combination, such as "263". Further, when winning a minor prize, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed with pre-determined minor prize winning outcomes (special display results, which can be arbitrarily set and can be a triple or a scattered combination).

[0045] This makes it easy for the player to grasp the progress of the game. That is, generally, the player grasps the result of the jackpot lottery not through the Special Figure 1 display 41a or Special Figure 2 display 41b, but through the image display device 7. Note that the positions of the display areas of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R do not have to be fixed.

[0046] Also, as a mode of the variable display of the effect symbols, for example, there is a mode of scrolling in the vertical direction. Also, it is arbitrarily changeable which combination of effect symbols is stopped and displayed according to each lottery result, and it may be such that when winning the jackpot or a minor prize, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed with special outcomes including predetermined special symbols.

[0047] In addition to the effect symbol variable effect (also referred to as "decoration symbol variable effect" or simply "variable effect") using the above-described effect symbols, the image display device 7 displays on the display screen 7a a jackpot effect that is carried out in parallel with the jackpot game, a demo effect for waiting customers, and the like. Note that in the effect symbol variable effect, in addition to effect symbols such as numbers, effect images other than the effect symbols, such as background images and character images, are also displayed.

[0048] In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a function that allows a player to arbitrarily change and set the trigger for outputting predetermined game notifications regarding effects during the variation of special symbols or in a predetermined winning state, and the occurrence frequency of reach effects (notifications), etc., by operating the effect button detection switch 63a and the select button detection switch 64a (see FIG. 6).

[0049] Specifically, when a demo effect for customer waiting is being displayed, a menu image can be displayed on the image display device 7, and based on displaying the menu image, it is configured to enable changing and setting the effect according to the player's preference.

[0050] Regarding the change and setting of the effect according to the player's preference, the player can use the select button 64 to change the effect mode of the effect during the variation of the special symbol, or change and set the occurrence frequency (including not generating the effect) of effects (reach effects, prediction effects, etc.), or change and set the occurrence frequency (including not generating the effect) of the blowing effect generated based on the blower device 60b or the vibration effect generated based on the vibration device 63b, or so-called, change and set regarding the auto button function (a function that enables executing a button effect as if the button has been pressed without actually pressing the button).

[0051] Also, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, one or a plurality (in this embodiment, a maximum of 4) of hold icons 9 corresponding to the number of holds (storage of determination information that can be stored in the special symbol 1 hold storage unit 85a or the special symbol 2 hold storage unit 85b in the hold storage unit 85 described later) can be displayed, and a hold icon display area 7a1 is provided for moving each hold icon 9 in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the left direction).

[0052] Furthermore, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, adjacent to the left side of the hold icon display area 7a1, there is provided a hold icon display area 7a2 that can display the hold icon 9D based on the final movement (left shift / display disappearance) of a predetermined (the leftmost one) hold icon 9 displayed in the hold icon display area 7a1.

[0053] Also, the pedestal icon 9E can be displayed in the hold icon display area 7a2. The pedestal icon 9E can be displayed as a tray-like notification (suggestion of the display position of the hold icon 9D) indicating the destination of movement corresponding to the disappearance of the display of a predetermined hold icon 9 that will finally be shifted to the left from the hold icon display area 7a1.

[0054] The hold icon 9 that can be displayed in the hold icon display area 7a1 can be displayed in the hold icon display area 7a1 based on the opportunity of a special figure winning (a ball entering the start port described later) that allows the determination information (such as a random number per special figure) to be stored in the special figure hold memory unit 85a (or the special figure 2 hold memory unit 85b). Also, the hold icon 9 can be displayed in a number corresponding to the number of memories stored based on each special figure winning (corresponding to 1 memory, 2 memories, 3 memories, and 4 memories respectively in this embodiment).

[0055] Also, the hold icon 9 can be made to have a display mode (so-called hold change) corresponding to a predetermined reliability (preliminary determination before the right / wrong determination, so-called prediction determination) based on the display color and / or display form shown according to each displayed hold icon 9. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, based on the predetermined reliability, it is possible to change from the white (low reliability) hold icon 9A for normal times to the green (medium reliability) hold icon 9B or the red (high reliability) hold icon 9C.

[0056] Also, the hold icon 9 of FIG. 1 corresponding to the hold of FIG. 1 (storage in the FIG. 1 hold memory section 85a) or the hold icon 9 of FIG. 2 corresponding to the hold of FIG. 2 (storage in the FIG. 2 hold memory section 85b) is made to be a distinguishable display. Thereby, when one or a plurality of hold icons 9 are displayed in the hold icon display area 7a1, the number of holds of FIG. 1 (or FIG. 2) displayed by the FIG. 1 hold display 43a (or the FIG. 2 hold display 43b) described later can be easily shown to the player.

[0057] Furthermore, one or a plurality of hold icons 9 that can be displayed in the hold icon display area 7a1 read out one piece of determination information stored in the hold memory section 85 corresponding to the hold of the figure and make a determination as to whether it is valid for the lottery (figure lottery described later). Each time the result notification of the determination is made, a moving display that shifts one by one to the left is enabled.

[0058] And at the time of the final (final left shift) movement, the hold icon 9D corresponding to a predetermined (leftmost one) hold icon 9 (display color / display form) that is the target of reading the memory (determination information) related to the hold of the figure that was the oldest hold standby is made to be displayable as a result of shifting to the left toward the hold icon display area 7a2.

[0059] The hold icon 9D can be continuously displayed until it becomes a predetermined timing related to the variable display of the figure executed based on the left shift movement of the final hold icon 9 to the hold icon display area 7a2 or a predetermined timing related to the end of the variable display of the figure. When it becomes that predetermined timing, the display of the hold icon 9D from the hold icon display area 7a2 or the display disappearance of both the hold icon 9D and the pedestal icon 9E is made possible.

[0060] Therefore, the held icon 9D is made to clearly show the player that the next held icon 9D will become displayable by disappearing at a predetermined timing until the variable display of the special drawing (judgment of the lottery of the special symbol) based on the special drawing 1 hold (special drawing 2 hold) stops and ends.

[0061] Also, the held icon 9D provides a suggestive notification regarding the reliability of winning or losing (granting of a special prize) based on the display mode (display color / display form) shown until a predetermined timing as a prior notice corresponding to the variable display of the special drawing (before notification of the winning or losing judgment) corresponding to zero stored items (judgment of whether or not when the storage area for reading becomes empty) based on the clearing of the storage in the special drawing 1 held storage unit 85a (or the special drawing 2 held storage unit 85b) (judgment information read out for judgment from the held storage unit 85).

[0062] Note that the display mode of the held icon 9D displayed in the held icon display area 7a2 may be made equivalent to that of the held icon 9 which will ultimately be shifted to the left (disappear from the held icon display area 7a1), or may be made to have a different reliability (an increase in reliability in this embodiment) from the held icon 9 which will ultimately be shifted to the left.

[0063] Near the center of the game area 3 and around the image display device 7, a center decorative body 10 is arranged so as to cover a part of the image display device 7 (display area 7a). Below the center decorative body 10, a stage portion 11 is formed that can guide a game ball rolling on the upper surface to the first starting port 20 described later. Also, on the left part of the center decorative body 10, a warp portion 12 is provided that allows a game ball to flow in from an entrance and flow out to the stage portion 11 from an exit. Further, on the upper part of the center decorative body 10, a decorative member 13 representing characters, figures, etc. is arranged.

[0064] Below the image display device 7 in the gaming area 3, a fixed prize device 19 having a first starting port 20 with a constant ease of entry of game balls is provided. The winning of game balls at the first starting port 20 triggers the lottery of the first special symbol (Special Figure 1) (big win lottery, that is, the acquisition of random numbers etc. (judgment information) per special figure related to the lottery information).

[0065] Also, above the right of the first starting port 20, a normal variable prize device (ball entry assistance means / so-called electric tulip, normal electric accessory, hereinafter referred to as electric tulip) 22 having a second starting port 21 is provided. The winning of game balls at the second starting port 21 triggers the lottery of the second special symbol (Special Figure 2) (big win lottery, that is, the acquisition of random numbers etc. (judgment information) per special figure related to the lottery information).

[0066] The electric tulip 22 includes a slide-type movable member (ball entry port opening and closing member, movable part) 23 based on a plate material that can move back and forth, and opens and closes the second starting port 21 by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by an electric tulip solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5).

[0067] The second starting port 21 can capture game balls only when the movable member 23 is open (that is, when the movable member 23 protrudes forward from the game board in the open state), and the captured game balls can enter through the movable member 23. That is, when the movable member 23 is closed (that is, when the movable member 23 is in the closed state and immersed behind the game board), game balls cannot be captured, so it is impossible to enter.

[0068] Note that it may be configured as an electric tulip (well-known) composed of a movable member in the form of a wing that opens and closes in the left-right direction along the game board.

[0069] Also, below the first starting port 20 in the gaming area 3, a first big winning device 31 having a first big winning port 30 is provided.

[0070] The first major winning device 31 includes an opening / closing member 32 that takes an open state and a closed state, and opens and closes the first major winning opening 30 by the operation of the opening / closing member 32. The opening / closing member 32 is driven by a first major winning opening solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5). The first major winning opening 30 allows the capture of game balls only when the door-shaped opening / closing member 32 is open (i.e., in the open state), and the captured game balls can be guided through the opening / closing member 32 to the opening, making it possible for the balls to enter.

[0071] Also, to the right of the first major winning opening 30 in the game area 3, a second major winning device 36 having a second major winning opening 35 is provided. The second major winning device 36 includes an opening / closing member 37 that takes an open state and a closed state, and opens and closes the second major winning opening 35 by the operation of the opening / closing member 37.

[0072] The opening / closing member 37 is of a slide type in which a plate material moves forward and backward, and is driven by a second major winning opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 5). The second major winning opening 35 allows the game balls to fall from the opening only when the slide type opening / closing member 37 is open (i.e., in the open state and immersed behind the game board surface), and the balls can enter when the fall occurs. When the slide type opening / closing member 37 is closed (i.e., in the closed state and protruding forward from the game board surface), it is impossible to drop the game balls, so it is impossible for the balls to enter.

[0073] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, inside the second major winning device 36, a specific area (V area) 39 and a non-specific area 70 through which the game balls passing through the second major winning opening 35 can pass are formed. In the second major winning device 36, a second major winning opening sensor 35a for detecting the winning of game balls into the second major winning opening 35 is arranged upstream of the specific area 39 and the non-specific area 70.

[0074] In addition, in the specific area 39, a specific area sensor 39a for detecting the passage of a game ball into the specific area 39 is arranged. Also, in the non-specific area 70, a non-specific area sensor 70a for detecting the passage of a game ball into the non-specific area 70 is arranged. Further, the second major winning device 36 includes a distribution member 71 that distributes the game balls passing through the second major winning opening 35 to either the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 70, and a distribution member solenoid 73 that drives the distribution member 71.

[0075] Note that when the distribution member solenoid 73 is energized, the distribution member 71 takes a first state (passage-permitted state) in which game balls are distributed to the specific area 39, and when the distribution member solenoid 73 is de-energized, the distribution member 71 takes a second state (passage-blocking state) in which game balls are distributed to the non-specific area 70.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 2, when the distribution member solenoid 73 is energized, the distribution member 71 is in a passage-permitted state that allows the passage of game balls into the specific area 39. When the distribution member 71 is in the passage-permitted state, the game balls that have won at the second major winning opening 35 pass through the second major winning opening sensor 35a and then pass through the specific area 39. This route of the game balls is referred to as the first route.

[0077] Also, as represented by the broken line portion (the distribution member 71 located on the left side) indicated by the double-headed arrow (bidirectional arrow) in FIG. 2, when the distribution member solenoid 73 is de-energized, the distribution member 71 is in a passage-blocking state that obstructs the passage of game balls into the specific area 39. When the distribution member 71 is in the passage-blocking state, the game balls that have won at the second major winning opening 35 roll on the distribution member 71 after passing through the second major winning opening sensor 35a and then pass through the non-specific area 70. This route of the game balls is referred to as the second route.

[0078] In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the passage of a game ball into the specific area 39 serves as a trigger for executing a jackpot game, which will be described later. That is, in this embodiment, a jackpot lottery is also conducted based on whether a game ball passes into the specific area 39.

[0079] The jackpot won by the lottery of the above-mentioned special figure 1 or the lottery of special figure 2 is called a first-class jackpot, and the jackpot won by the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39 (so-called V-win) is called a second-class jackpot.

[0080] Also, the jackpot game executed when winning the first-class jackpot is called a first-class jackpot game, and the jackpot game executed when winning the second-class jackpot is called a second-class jackpot game. Also, the first-class jackpot is also called a direct hit jackpot. Note that in this way, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a so-called one-two mixed machine. Hereinafter, in some cases, the games related to the first-class jackpot and the games related to the second-class jackpot are collectively referred to as "jackpot games".

[0081] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, above the second start port 21 in the game area 3, a gate 28 through which the game ball can pass is provided. The passage of the game ball through the gate 28 serves as an opportunity to execute a normal symbol lottery (hereinafter also referred to as a normal symbol or "pu-zu") for determining whether to open the electric chute 22 (condition is satisfied) (that is, to obtain a normal symbol-related random number (judgment information) related to the lottery information).

[0082] Furthermore, a general winning port 27 is provided in the lower left part of the game area 3. Also, at the bottommost part of the game area 3, an out port 6 is provided for discharging the game balls that have been launched into the game area 3 but have not won in any of the winning ports.

[0083] In the game area 3 where various ball entry ports (such as start ports) are arranged in this way, there are a left game area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction and a right game area 3B on the right side.

[0084] In the game area 3 where various ball entry ports (such as start ports) are arranged in this way, there are a left game area (first game area) 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction and a right game area 3B on the right side. The way of shooting the game ball so that the game ball flows down in the left game area 3A is called left shooting. On the other hand, the way of shooting the game ball so that the game ball flows down in the right game area 3B is called right shooting.

[0085] In this pachinko gaming machine 1, the flow path through which the gaming balls flow when playing with a left shot is referred to as the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the gaming balls flow when playing with a right shot is referred to as the second flow path R2.

[0086] On the first flow path R1, a first starting port 20, a first big winning device 31, and an out port 6 are provided. The player aims to win a prize at the first starting port 20 by shooting the gaming balls so that they flow down the first flow path R1.

[0087] On the other hand, on the second flow path R2, a gate 28, an electric chute 22, a second big winning device 36, the first big winning device 31, and an out port 6 are provided. The player aims to pass through the gate 28, win a prize at the second starting port 21 related to the electric chute 22, the first big winning port 30, or the second big winning port 35 by shooting the gaming balls so that they flow down the second flow path R2.

[0088] In this pachinko gaming machine 1, one discharge path (not shown) is provided on the back side of the gaming area 3. This discharge path communicates with any of the general winning port 27, the first starting port 20, the electric chute 22 (the second starting port 21), the first big winning port 30, the second big winning port 35, and the out port 6. Therefore, the gaming balls that enter the general winning port 27, the first starting port 20, the electric chute 22 (the second starting port 21), the first big winning port 30, the second big winning port 35, and the out port 6 will surely pass through the discharge path on the back side of the gaming area 3.

[0089] A discharge port sensor 15a (see FIG. 5) capable of detecting the gaming balls is provided in the discharge path, and the gaming balls that have passed through the discharge path head towards a storage device 25 described later. In this way, the gaming balls launched towards the gaming area 3 are detected by the discharge port sensor 15a after entering any of the general winning port 27, the first starting port 20, the electric chute 22 (the second starting port 21), the first big winning port 30, the second big winning port 35, and the out port 6 and then passing through the discharge path. After that, the gaming balls that have passed through the discharge path will be stored in the storage device 25.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, the gate 28, the electric tube 22, and the second major winning device 36 are unitized and are detachable from the game board 2 as one structure. Further, the fixed winning device 19 and the first major winning device 31 are unitized and are detachable from the game board 2 as one structure.

[0091] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, at the lower right portion of the game board 2, there are arranged display devices 40 for displaying a predetermined identification symbol (identification information) capable of starting variation corresponding to each of the ball entry ports (start port, gate 28).

[0092] The display devices 40 include a special figure 1 display 41a for variably displaying the first special figure (special figure 1), a special figure 2 display 41b for variably displaying the second special figure (special figure 2), and a normal figure display 42 for variably displaying the normal figure (normal figure).

[0093] Also, the display devices 40 include a special figure 1 hold display 43a for displaying the number of stored operations on hold (hereinafter also referred to as special figure 1 hold) of the special figure 1 display 41a, a special figure 2 hold display 43b for displaying the number of stored operations on hold (hereinafter also referred to as special figure 2 hold) of the special figure 2 display 41b, and a normal figure hold display 42a for displaying the number of stored operations on hold (hereinafter also referred to as normal figure hold) of the normal figure display 42.

[0094] The variable display of the special figure 1 is triggered by the winning of a game ball into the first start port 20. The variable display of the special figure 2 is triggered by the winning of a game ball into the second start port 21. In the following description, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 may be collectively referred to as a special figure (special figure). Also, the special figure 1 display 41a and the special figure 2 display 41b may be collectively referred to as a special figure display 41.

[0095] In the special symbol display 41, after variably displaying (fluctuating display) a special symbol (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) and then stopping the display (ending the fluctuating display), the determination result of the lottery (special symbol lottery, jackpot lottery, determination information regarding winning or losing, random numbers for special symbols) based on winning in the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 is notified (confirmed display) until the elapse of a predetermined time.

[0096] The special symbol to be stopped and displayed (display of the mode of the stopped symbol, display of the mode of the special symbol derived as a result of the variable display) is one special symbol selected from among a plurality of types of special symbols (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) by a special symbol lottery (hereinafter also referred to as a special symbol lottery).

[0097] When the stopped symbol is a special symbol (jackpot symbol) in a predetermined jackpot stop mode ((the first) special display result is derived), a jackpot game is performed in which the first big winning port 30 is opened in an opening pattern of the big winning port corresponding to the type of the stopped jackpot symbol (that is, the type of the winning jackpot).

[0098] Also, when the stopped symbol is a special symbol (small winning symbol) in a predetermined small winning stop mode ((the second) special display result is derived), a small winning game is performed in which the second big winning port 35 is opened in an opening pattern of the big winning port corresponding to the type of the stopped small winning symbol (that is, the type of the winning small winning).

[0099] The opening patterns of the big winning ports (the first big winning port 30 and the second big winning port 35) in the jackpot game and the small winning game will be described later.

[0100] As a specific example, the special symbol display 4141 (41a, 41b) is composed of 8 LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery according to its lighting mode.

[0101] For example, when winning a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described later), a jackpot symbol (a special symbol for notifying a jackpot) is displayed in which the LEDs at the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th positions from the left light up, such as "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: extinguished). Also, when winning a minor prize (one of the multiple types of minor prizes described later), a minor prize symbol (a special symbol for notifying a minor prize) is displayed in which the LEDs at the 5th and 6th positions from the left light up, such as "●●●●○○●●".

[0102] Also, when it is a loss (one of the losses of the multiple types of special symbols described later), a special loss symbol (a special symbol for notifying a loss) is displayed in which only the LED at the far right lights up, such as "●●●●●●●○".

[0103] Also, before the special symbol stops being displayed, the special symbol is variably displayed (variable display) for a predetermined variable time. The mode of the variable display is, for example, a mode in which each LED lights up so that light repeatedly flows from left to right. Note that the mode of the variable display can be appropriately changed, such as all the LEDs flashing simultaneously as long as each LED is not in a stopped display (lit display in a specific mode).

[0104] In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 (sensor detection), the values of various random numbers (determination information) related to the special figure lottery information (special figure winning random numbers, etc.) obtained as a special figure winning (hereinafter also referred to as a start winning) resulting from the ball entry are temporarily stored in the special figure 1 hold memory section 85a or the special figure 2 hold memory section 85b (see FIG. 5) until the determination process related to the corresponding special figure lottery is completed (so-called the variation of the symbol is executed and the main determination of each random number (each determination information) is executed).

[0105] Specifically, when there is a ball entry (sensor detection) into the first start port 20, the values of various random numbers (determination information) related to the special figure 1 lottery information (special figure 1 winning random numbers, etc.) obtained based on the special figure 1 winning (start winning) resulting from the ball entry are stored in the special figure 1 hold memory section 85a (see FIG. 4) as special figure 1 hold (determination information to be held).

[0106] Also, when there is a ball entry (sensor detection) into the second start port 21, various random number values (determination information) related to the special drawing 2 lottery information (such as a random number per special drawing 2) obtained based on the special drawing 2 winning (start winning) resulting from the ball entry are stored in the special drawing 2 hold memory unit 85b (see FIG. 4) as special drawing 2 hold (hold determination information).

[0107] There are upper limits to the number of special drawing 1 holds that can be stored in the special drawing 1 hold memory unit 85a and the number of special drawing 2 holds that can be stored in the special drawing 2 hold memory unit 85b. In this embodiment, the upper limit value (upper limit storage number, upper limit hold number) is "4".

[0108] The special drawing 1 hold stored in the special drawing 1 hold memory unit 85a is consumed when the variable display of the special symbol (determination of the special symbol lottery) based on the special drawing 1 hold becomes possible (when the start condition (start of the lottery determination) is satisfied). The consumption of the special drawing 1 hold means determining the special drawing lottery information (determination information) such as a random number per special drawing corresponding to the special drawing 1 hold and executing the variable display of the special symbol indicating the determination result (winning mode or losing mode).

[0109] Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of the game ball in the first start port 20 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, when there is a winning in the first start port 20 during the execution of the variable display of the special symbol or during the execution of the big win game, the right to conduct the big win lottery for the winning (determination of the special drawing lottery information (determination information) related to the special drawing-related random number) can be held until it reaches the predetermined upper limit value.

[0110] And the number of such special drawing 1 holds is displayed on the special drawing 1 hold indicator 43a. Specifically, the special drawing 1 hold indicator 43a is composed of 4 LEDs. The special drawing 1 hold indicator 43a displays the number of special drawing 1 holds by lighting the LEDs by the number of special drawing 1 holds.

[0111] In addition, the special symbol 2 reservation stored in the special symbol 2 reservation memory unit 85b is consumed when the variable display of the special symbol based on the special symbol 2 reservation (determination of the lottery for the special symbol) becomes possible (when the start condition (start of lottery determination) is satisfied). The consumption of the special symbol 2 reservation means determining the special symbol lottery information (determination information) such as the special symbol winning random number corresponding to the special symbol 2 reservation, and executing the variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result (winning state or losing state).

[0112] Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, if the variable display of the special pattern based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the entry, that is, if a prize is awarded into the second starting port 21 while the variable display of the special pattern is being executed or while a jackpot game is being executed, the right to the jackpot lottery for that entry (determination of the special pattern lottery information (determination information) related to the special pattern related random number) can be reserved until it reaches a predetermined upper limit value.

[0113] The number of such reserved special drawings 2 is displayed on the reserved special drawing 2 display 43b. Specifically, the reserved special drawing 2 display 43b is composed of four LEDs. The reserved special drawing 2 display 43b displays the number of reserved special drawings 2 by lighting up the LEDs as many as the number of reserved special drawings 2.

[0114] In addition, if a prize is won at the second starting port 21 during the execution of the variable display of the special drawing 2, the value of various random numbers (judgment information) based on the prize may not be acquired. In other words, the special drawing 2 may not be reserved beyond the upper limit value "1".

[0115] The variable display of the normal map is triggered by the passage of the gaming ball through the gate 28. The normal map display 42 displays the normal map variably (variably) and then stops (display ends), thereby announcing (confirming) the result of the lottery (normal map lottery, judgment information regarding the success or failure of the normal map lottery, random number information for the normal map) based on the passage of the gaming ball through the gate 28 until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0116] The general pattern (mode display of the general pattern derived as the stop result after variable display) to be stopped and displayed is one general pattern selected from among a plurality of types of general patterns based on general pattern lottery. When the stopped and displayed general pattern is a predetermined type of general pattern (general pattern displayed in a winning stop mode / ordinary winning symbol), auxiliary gaming (so-called, easy winning) in which displacement control for opening the second start port 21 is performed based on the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 according to the current gaming state becomes executable.

[0117] Incidentally, hereinafter, auxiliary gaming that can be executed based on an opening pattern of the electric chute 22 that is more advantageous than the non-time-limited gaming state (opening pattern of the electric chute 22 during non-time-limited) may also be referred to as "electric support (electric chute support)".

[0118] The general pattern display 42 as a specific example is composed of a total of four LEDs with two LEDs arranged in the upper and lower stages (see Fig. 4), and displays a general pattern according to the result of general pattern lottery by its lighting mode.

[0119] For example, when the lottery result is a general pattern win (ordinary symbol for notifying a win), an ordinary win symbol in which all LEDs except the rightmost LED in the lower stage are lit, such as "○○" in the upper stage and "○●" in the lower stage (○: lit, ●: extinguished), is displayed. When the lottery result is a general pattern loss, an ordinary loss symbol (ordinary symbol for notifying a loss) in which all LEDs except the rightmost LED in the lower stage are extinguished, such as "●●" in the upper stage and "●○" in the lower stage, is displayed. Note that an aspect of extinguishing all LEDs may be used as one of the ordinary loss symbols.

[0120] Before the general pattern is stopped and displayed, variable display (variable display) of the general pattern is performed over a predetermined variable time, and the mode of the variable display is, for example, a mode in which each LED repeatedly lights and extinguishes one by one in a predetermined order. Note that the mode of variable display can be appropriately changed, such as all LEDs flashing simultaneously as long as each LED is not stopped and displayed (lit display in a specific mode).

[0121] When there is a passage (sensor detection) of a game ball to gate 28 in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the values (judgment information) of various random numbers such as the general pattern winning random number obtained as a general pattern winning due to the passage are stored as general pattern retention (judgment information related to the general pattern) in the general pattern retention storage unit 85c in the RAM 84. This general pattern retention serves as a temporary storage until the judgment process based on the general pattern lottery is completed (i.e., the change of the said symbol is executed and the judgment of each random number (each judgment information) is executed).

[0122] And in this embodiment, when the variable display of the general pattern based on the passage of the game ball to gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, when there is a passage to gate 28 during the execution of the variable display of the general pattern, or when there is a passage to gate 28 during the release process of the electric chute 22, the judgment right of the general pattern lottery for the passage (judgment of the judgment information (general pattern lottery information) based on the general pattern related random number) can be retained and stored until the upper limit value. Specifically, the upper limit value (upper limit storage number, upper limit retention number) is set to "4".

[0123] The general pattern retention stored in the general pattern retention storage unit 85c can be digested when the variable display of the general pattern (judgment of the normal symbol lottery) becomes possible based on the digestion of other stored general pattern retentions (when the start condition (start of the lottery judgment) is satisfied). Here, the digestion of the general pattern retention means performing the judgment of the judgment information (general pattern lottery information) based on the general pattern related random number (general pattern winning random number, etc.) corresponding to the general pattern retention, and executing the variable display of the general pattern to show the judgment result (winning mode or losing mode).

[0124] And the number of such general pattern retentions is displayed on the general pattern retention display 42a. Specifically, the general pattern retention display 42a is composed of 4 LEDs. The general pattern retention display 42a displays the number of general pattern retentions by lighting the LEDs corresponding to the number of general pattern retentions.

[0125] In addition, when the variable display of the general pattern based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, when there is a passage through the gate 28 during the execution of the variable display of the general pattern or during the opening process of the electric chute 22, it may be configured not to acquire the general pattern-related random number based on the passage. That is, when the suspension of operation of the general pattern display (general pattern suspension) exceeds the upper limit value "1", it may be configured not to store it.

[0126] [Configuration of the storage device 25] Next, based on FIG. 3, the configuration of the storage device 25 will be described, and the case where the game balls stored in the storage device 25 are launched toward the game area 3 will be described. The storage device 25 stores the game balls that have finished flowing down the game area 3 at the lower part of the inner frame 50b, and launches the stored game balls toward the game area 3 based on the rotation operation of the handle 60a.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the storage device 25 includes a storage unit 25a that can store a predetermined number of game balls, and a hitting hammer 25b that can launch (strike, eject) the game balls stored in the storage unit 25a one by one with a launch intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 60a.

[0128] The game balls launched by the hitting hammer 25b pass through a launch path HR that extends upward from the storage unit 25a and head toward the game area 3. The launch path HR communicates with the storage unit 25a of the storage device 25 at the lower end and communicates with the game area 3 at the upper end.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper end of the inner rail 62 forms the boundary between the upper end of the launch path HR and the game area 3, and a first backflow prevention member 4a is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 62. The first backflow prevention member 4a allows the entry of game balls from the launch path HR into the game area 3 while preventing the entry (backflow) of game balls from the game area 3 into the launch path HR, and is rotatably assembled to the upper end of the inner rail 62 with the lower end as a fulcrum.

[0130] Specifically, when the game ball moves from the launch path HR toward the game area 3, the first backflow prevention member 4a rotates to the right from the state shown in FIG. 1, allowing the game ball to enter the game area 3. On the other hand, when the game ball moves from the game area 3 toward the launch path HR, the first backflow prevention member 4a cannot rotate to the left from the state shown in FIG. 1, preventing the game ball from entering (flowing back) into the launch path HR.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 3(A) here, a return flow path MR (passage flow path) that branches downward and extends is provided in the launch path HR. The upper end of the return flow path MR communicates with the launch path HR, and the lower end of the return flow path MR communicates with the storage portion 25a of the storage device 25. A second backflow prevention member 26 is provided at the portion where the upper end of the return flow path MR merges with the launch path HR.

[0132] Here, the side of the storage device 25 with the second backflow prevention member 26 as the boundary in the launch path HR is referred to as the "upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR", and the upper side (the upper end side of the inner rail 62) with the second backflow prevention member 26 as the boundary in the launch path HR is referred to as the "downstream side HR2 of the launch path HR".

[0133] The second backflow prevention member 26 allows the game ball to enter from the upstream side HR1 to the downstream side HR2 of the launch path HR, while preventing the game ball from entering (flowing back) from the downstream side HR2 to the upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR. Further, when the game ball flows downward through the downstream side HR2 of the launch path HR, the second backflow prevention member 26 guides the game ball to the return flow path MR while preventing it from entering the upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the second backflow prevention member 26 is rotatably assembled to the lower wall portion of the launch path HR with the lower end as the fulcrum. Also, the second backflow prevention member 26 is maintained in a vertically extending posture (the state shown in FIG. 3(A)) by the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown).

[0135] Therefore, when the game balls stored in the storage unit 25a are launched by the hitting mallet 25b, as shown in Fig. 3(B), they are launched upward toward the launch path HR. At this time, after passing through the upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR, the game balls rotate leftward as shown in Fig. 3(B) from the posture where the second backflow prevention member 26 extends in the vertical direction. As a result, the game balls can enter the downstream side HR2 of the launch path HR. Then, while maintaining the launched momentum, the game balls will enter the game area 3 from the upper end of the launch path HR.

[0136] Note that after rotating leftward as shown in Fig. 3(B), the second backflow prevention member 26 immediately returns to the posture extending in the vertical direction (the state shown in Fig. 3(A)) by the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown).

[0137] On the other hand, in an irregular situation, although the game balls enter from the upstream side HR1 to the downstream side HR2 of the launch path HR, the game balls may not be able to enter the game area 3 because the momentum of the game balls at the time of launch is weak. In this case, the game balls flow downward on the downstream side HR2 of the launch path HR and try to enter the upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR.

[0138] However, as shown in Fig. 3(C), the second backflow prevention member 26 cannot rotate rightward from the posture extending in the vertical direction, and the game balls cannot enter the upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR. Therefore, the game balls are guided by the second backflow prevention member 26 toward the return flow path MR and return to the storage unit 25a through the return flow path MR.

[0139] In this way, the game balls (so-called "far balls") that have been launched from the storage device 25 but cannot enter the game area 3 can always return to the storage device 25 by passing through the return flow path MR.

[0140] Next, the increase and decrease of the number of held balls (the number of game balls that the player can use at the current time) displayed on the ball-holding display 61 (see Fig. 1) will be described.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 3(A), a launched ball detection sensor 16a is disposed at the upper end of the upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR. The launched ball detection sensor 16a detects a game ball passing through the upper end of the upstream side HR1 of the launch path HR.

[0142] Therefore, every time a game ball is launched from the storage device 25, the game ball is detected by the launched ball detection sensor 16a. In this case, the number of held balls displayed on the held ball display 61 (point data related to the electronic profit information stored in the payout RAM 174 described later) decreases by one ball (point data for 1P) each time a game ball is launched.

[0143] By the way, as described above, a foul ball may occur because the momentum of the game ball at the time of launch is weak. In this case, since the foul ball has not entered the game area 3, it is not involved in the game. However, even for a foul ball, since the game ball is detected by the launched ball detection sensor 16a, the number of held balls decreases by only "1". For this reason, there is a possibility that the foul ball may cause disadvantage to the player.

[0144] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(A), a returned ball detection sensor 17a is disposed in the return flow path MR. The returned ball detection sensor 17a (detection means) detects a game ball (returned ball, foul ball) passing through the return flow path MR. Therefore, when a foul ball occurs, as described above, the foul ball will always pass through the return flow path MR, so it is possible to detect the foul ball by the returned ball detection sensor 17a.

[0145] When the game ball is detected by the returned ball detection sensor 17a, the number of held balls is increased by "1". In this way, when a foul ball occurs, after the number of held balls is decreased by "1", the number of held balls is increased by "1" (point data for 1P), so that it is possible to prevent disadvantage to the player.

[0146] The return ball detection sensor 17a is composed of a photosensor, but the configuration of the sensor can be appropriately changed as long as it can detect the game balls passing through the return flow path MR.

[0147] Also, in this embodiment, the game balls that enter the general winning opening 27 are detected by the general winning opening sensor 27a (see FIG. 5). In this case, assuming that the player has obtained prize balls, the number of balls in hand increases by "5" (point data of 5P).

[0148] Also, the game balls that enter the first start opening 20 are detected by the first start opening sensor 20a (see FIG. 5). In this case, assuming that the player has obtained prize balls, the number of balls in hand increases by "3" (point data of 3P). Also, the game balls that enter the second start opening 21 are detected by the second start opening sensor 21a (see FIG. 5). In this case, assuming that the player has obtained prize balls, the number of balls in hand increases by "2" (point data of 2P).

[0149] Also, the game balls that enter the first major winning opening 30 or the second major winning opening 35 are detected by the first major winning opening sensor 30a or the second major winning opening sensor 35a (see FIG. 5). In this case, assuming that the player has obtained prize balls, the number of balls in hand increases by "15" (point data of 15P).

[0150] Note that the increase in the number of balls in hand (point data corresponding to the value in lieu of prize balls) based on the entry of game balls into each of the above-mentioned winning openings (general winning opening 27, first start opening 20, second start opening 21, first major winning opening 30, second major winning opening 35) is merely an example and can be appropriately changed.

[0151] [Electrical Configuration of the Pachinko Machine] Next, based on FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrical configuration of this pachinko machine 1 will be described.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can perform game progress (entry of a game ball into the scoring hole) based on game progress that can be performed by consuming electronic benefit information (subtraction of point data) instead of using a game ball (game medium) that enables the game, and can function as game control means capable of game control regarding the granting of game benefits such as jackpot lottery and transition to an advantageous game state. It includes a main control board (game control board) 80, a payout control board 170 that functions as payout control means capable of generation control regarding the granting of electronic benefit information (addition of point data) instead of paying out a game ball (game benefit, prize ball, out ball) that enables the game, an IF (interface) board 88b for connecting the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the card unit 135, a power supply board 150, and the like.

[0153] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a sub-control board (production control board) 90 that functions as production control means for performing production control regarding game productions that can be executed in accordance with the game control of the main control board 80, an image control board 100 that functions as image control means capable of various image controls, a lamp control board 107 that functions as lamp control means capable of lighting control of various lamps and LEDs, an audio control board 106 that functions as audio control means capable of various audio controls, a drive control board 60d that functions as drive control means capable of drive control of various drive units, a power supply board 150, and the like.

[0154] The power supply board 150 supplies power to the main control board 80, the sub-control board 90, and the payout control board 170. And through these boards to which power is supplied, power is supplied as needed to other control boards and other devices (predetermined devices such as production means).

[0155] As shown in FIG. 5, the main control board 80 and the payout control board 170 in the present embodiment are configured to include a main control unit 89. This main control unit 89 enables control regarding the circulation control (launch, lifting, polishing, control of each device) of the enclosed game balls and the storage process of electronic benefit information.

[0156] The main control board 80 in the main control unit 89 is a board for controlling pachinko games. It is equipped with a game control microcomputer 81 (CPU 82, ROM 83, RAM 84), circuits necessary for communication with other boards, circuits necessary for input from electronic components such as predetermined sensors, circuits necessary for output to electronic components such as predetermined solenoids, and an I / O port section 87 such as a connector.

[0157] Then, the main control board 80 transmits a signal related to a prize ball command or the like that instructs the addition of electronic profit information (for example, 3 points) corresponding to the value in place of a prize ball (points related to ball payout) according to the detection of a predetermined sensor provided at each winning port to the payout control board 170. When the detection of the predetermined sensor is caused by the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, it performs a special figure lottery that extracts a random number and makes a winning determination, and includes control to transmit a command signal for instructing the execution of an effect such as a variation pattern (reach, notice) of the symbols for notifying the result of the lottery to the sub-control board 90, enabling predetermined control.

[0158] Also, the payout control board 170 in the main control unit 89 is a board equipped with a payout control microcomputer 171 (payout CPU 172, payout ROM 173, payout RAM 174), circuits necessary for communication with other boards, circuits necessary for input from predetermined electronic components, circuits necessary for output to predetermined electronic components, a payout I / O port 175 such as a connector, and a release switch 176.

[0159] Then, based on signals from the game control microcomputer 81 (prize ball command, detection signal by the launch ball detection sensor 16a, detection signal by the return ball detection sensor 17a or the magnet detection sensor 18a, etc.) and signals from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko game machine 1, the payout control microcomputer 171 in the payout control board 170 enables predetermined control including storage update control to make it possible to store or clear the storage of electronic profit information in the payout RAM 174, and display update control of the numerical value related to the number of balls held that can be displayed on the ball holding display 61 (electronic profit information stored in the payout RAM 174).

[0160] In addition, the payout control microcomputer 171 on the payout control board 170 can also control the external output of command signals related to various game information such as the occurrence of a big win and a start jackpot transmitted from the main control board 80, and error information generated when various abnormalities occur in this pachinko game machine 1 to the adjacent (externally installed) card unit 135.

[0161] Regarding the various game information and error information that will be externally output, they are output via the card unit 135 to the in-store management control device (external equipment device, hall computer) 88c and the security center server (external equipment device) outside the store, enabling error information management.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 5, the communication between the payout control board 170 and the card unit 135 (output of signals related to various game information and error information) is performed via the IF board (second control device) 88b. This IF board 88b is arranged to be connectable between the payout control board 170 and the card unit 135 in the main control unit 89, and is a board equipped with electronic components such as photocouplers and connectors necessary to safely relay signals from both sides.

[0163] Note that the main control board 80 and the payout control board 170 are each housed and installed in separate board storage boxes (not shown) on the back side of this pachinko game machine 1. This board storage box is made of transparent resin and has a sealing structure (so-called caulking structure) that cannot be opened unless a part is destroyed. And once opened, a trace remains, making it possible to detect unauthorized opening.

[0164] On the IF board 88b, it is installed in such a way that it is only covered by a transparent cover (not shown) without a sealing structure on the back side of the pachinko game machine 1. However, the IF board 88b may also be housed in a board housing box having a sealing structure (so-called caulking structure) that cannot be opened unless a part of it is destroyed, similar to the main control board 80 and the payout control board 170.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 6, the sub-control board 90 and the image control board 100 in the present embodiment are configured to be included as the sub-control unit 99. This sub-control unit 99 enables predetermined control including execution control related to various effects realized using predetermined effect means (such as the image display device 7, the panel lamp 5, the frame lamp 66, the speaker 67, the panel movable body 15, the blower 60b, the vibration device 63b, etc.).

[0166] The sub-control board 90 in the sub-control unit 99 is a board that controls effect components, and is a board on which an effect control microcomputer 91 (CPU 92, ROM 93, RAM 94), a circuit necessary for communication with other boards, a circuit necessary for input from predetermined electronic components, a circuit necessary for output to predetermined electronic components, and an I / O port unit 97 such as a connector are mounted. Based on the command signal transmitted from the main control board 80, it executes control of the image display device 7 and each effect component (movable gimmick, decorative LED, speaker), and enables execution of various effect notifications and abnormality notifications.

[0167] Also, as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, the power supply board 150 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 151. The backup power supply circuit 151 supplies power to the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 and the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90, which will be described later, when power is not supplied (power-on) to the pachinko game machine 1. Therefore, the information stored in the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 and the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 is retained even when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is cut off.

[0168] In addition, a power switch 155 is connected to the power supply board 150. By operating the power switch 155 to turn it ON / OFF, the power supply can be switched between on and off. Note that a backup power supply circuit for the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 may be provided on the main control board 80, or a backup power supply circuit for the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 may be provided on the sub-control board 90.

[0169] Also, the power supply board 150 is provided with a RAM clear switch 152 for clearing the information stored in the RAM 84 of the game control microcomputer 81, which will be described later, by the CPU 82.

[0170] Note that the RAM clear switch 152 is provided on the power supply board 150 disposed on the back side of the pachinko game machine 1. Therefore, only employees of the game parlor who can open the game machine frame 50 can operate the RAM clear switch 152. That is, the RAM clear switch 152 can be said to be an operation means that cannot be substantially operated by the player.

[0171] The RAM clear switch 152 is a tactile switch. When the RAM clear switch 152 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 152 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 81. The state in which the RAM clear switch 152 is pressed is referred to as the ON state of the RAM clear switch 152, and the state in which the RAM clear switch 152 is not pressed is referred to as the OFF state of the RAM clear switch 152.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 5, in detail, the main control board 80 is mounted with a game control microcomputer 81 for controlling the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM 83 that stores a program for controlling the progress of the game and the like, a RAM 84 used as a work memory, a CPU 82 that executes the program stored in the ROM 83, and an I / O port section (input / output circuit) 87 for inputting and outputting data and signals.

[0173] In the RAM 84 shown in FIG. 5, the above-described Special Drawing 1 retention memory section 85a, Special Drawing 2 retention memory section 85b, and General Drawing retention memory section 85c are provided as the retention memory section 85. Note that the ROM 83 may be external.

[0174] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via the relay board 88a. Therefore, signals are input to the main control board 80 from each sensor, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid.

[0175] Specific sensors include the first start port sensor 20a, second start port sensor 21a, gate sensor 28a, first large winning port sensor 30a, second large winning port sensor 35a, specific area sensor 39a, non-specific area sensor 70a, and general winning port sensor 27a, discharge port sensor 15a, launched ball detection sensor 16a, and return ball detection sensor 17a, magnet detection sensor 18a, radio wave detection sensor 18b are connected.

[0176] Note that sensors such as the first start port sensor 20a have a device configuration in which a detection coil is mounted, and utilize the fact that the impedance (electrical resistance) changes when a game ball passes through this detection coil. Based on this utilization, the state of the output transistor is changed to enable detection of the passing game ball, and the signal generated by this ball detection is output to the main control board 80 via the relay board 88a.

[0177] The first start port sensor 20a is provided inside the first start port 20 and detects the game balls that have won in the first start port 20. The second start port sensor 21a is provided inside the second start port 21 and detects the game balls that have won in the second start port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects the game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first big winning port sensor 30a is provided inside the first big winning port 30 and detects the game balls that have won in the first big winning port 30. The second big winning port sensor 35a is provided inside the second big winning port 35 and detects the game balls that have won in the second big winning port 35. The specific area sensor 39a is provided in the specific area 39 inside the second big winning port 35 and detects the game balls that have passed through the specific area 39. The non-specific area sensor 70a is provided in the non-specific area 70 inside the second big winning port 35 and detects the game balls that have passed through the non-specific area 70. The general winning port sensors 27a are respectively provided inside the general winning ports 27 and detect the game balls that have won in the general winning ports 27.

[0178] The discharge port sensor 15a is provided on the back side of the game area 3 and inside a discharge path (not shown), and detects the game balls passing through the discharge path. By means of this discharge port sensor 15a, all the game balls flowing down the game area 3 will be detected.

[0179] The number of out balls means the number of all the game balls that have flowed down the game area 3, and is the number of game balls detected by the discharge port sensor 15a. Therefore, the number of out balls is the same as the number of all the game balls that have entered the game area 3, obtained by subtracting the number of foul balls from the number of game balls launched towards the game area 3.

[0180] The launched ball detection sensor 16a is provided upstream of the launch path HR (see Fig. 3) and detects the game balls passing through the upstream side of the launch path HR. By this launched ball detection sensor 16a, all the game balls launched from the storage device 25 toward the game area 3 will be detected (see Fig. 3(B)). The returned ball detection sensor 17a is provided in the return flow path MR (see Fig. 3(A)) and detects the game balls passing through the return flow path MR. By this returned ball detection sensor 17a, the game balls that have become foul balls among the game balls launched toward the game area 3 will be detected (see Fig. 3(C)).

[0181] In the present embodiment, by using the information on the number of balls in play related to the detection of the game balls launched toward the game area 3 by the launched ball detection sensor 16a and the information on the number of balls out related to the detection of the game balls by the discharge port sensor 15a, the number of balls launched toward the game board surface or the number of balls discharged outside the game board surface after the launch (so-called, the number of balls out), and the number of prize balls given based on the entry of the game balls into a predetermined ball entry port are counted, and a predetermined value (game base) regarding the achievements of the player's game can be calculated based on the counting result, and the predetermined value can be displayed on a management display device for the gaming machine (so-called, a performance display monitor, not shown), so that the confirmation management of the game base can be performed.

[0182] Also, in the present embodiment, when the difference number of balls (so-called, MY) that can be calculated from the minus profit based on the number of balls launched until the result of a predetermined lottery becomes a predetermined winning and the plus profit based on the number of prize balls obtained in response to the entry of the game balls into a predetermined ball entry port after the winning reaches a specified number, a game specification (so-called, complete function) that makes it difficult or impossible to continue the game progress is provided, making it possible to suppress the stimulation of the player's gambling mentality.

[0183] In addition, in the present embodiment, before the complete function is activated in a state where the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of balls launched (prize ball payout rate), is high (for example, a right-handed hit), a change in the mode of the launch instruction notification (right-handed hit) (for example, a strong right-handed hit instruction, a weak right-handed hit instruction) is made possible, and based on the launch of the game ball according to the instruction of the mode change, a "game end control process" is implemented that reduces the base below the design value in a high base such as a big win, time shortening, or certain probability variation. Details of the game end control process will be described later.

[0184] The magnet detection sensor 18a (abnormal detection means) is provided on the game board 2 (back side or game board surface) and the game machine frame 50, respectively (see FIG. 7). Note that it may be provided at one or a plurality of appropriate locations as appropriate. For example, a central magnetic sensor unit (not shown) installed above the first start port 20 when viewing the game board 2 from the front, a left magnetic sensor unit (not shown) installed above the general winning port 27, and a right magnetic sensor unit (not shown) installed above the second big winning port 35. The magnet detection sensor 18a may be provided individually.

[0185] Thereby, when an act of illegally entering a game ball into various winning ports such as the first start port 20 (so-called illegal got) is performed by bringing a strong magnet close to the transparent plate 51a covering the front surface of the game area 3 and attracting the game ball to the magnet through the transparent plate 51a, the magnet detection sensor 18a detects an abnormal magnetic field in which the magnetic field acting on the magnet detection sensor 18a changes as a got act (so-called magnet got), and the detected information (magnet detection information) can be output to the main control board 80 via the relay board 88a.

[0186] The radio wave detection sensor 18b (abnormal detection means) is provided on the game board 2 (back side or game board surface) and the game machine frame 50, respectively (see FIG. 7) to detect the following radio waves when an act of generating radio waves of a predetermined frequency or a predetermined frequency band with a strong electric field strength or radio waves suspected of being the same (hereinafter also referred to as illegal radio waves) that can cause misdetection (malfunction) of the first start port sensor 20a or the like (so-called radio wave got) is performed.

[0187] As a result, when the radio wave detection sensor 18b receives (detects) a strong unauthorized radio wave from a position away from the game board 2, it can output the information (radio wave detection information) to the main control board 80 via the relay board 88a. Note that the radio wave detection sensor 18b may be provided at one or a plurality of appropriate locations as appropriate. Further, when a plurality of radio wave detection sensors 18b are provided at separate locations, they may be configured to have different detectable frequencies or frequency bands respectively.

[0188] Also, solenoids such as the electric tuning solenoid 24, the first big winning opening solenoid 33, the second big winning opening solenoid 38, and the distribution member solenoid 73 are connected. The electric tuning solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric tuning 22. The first big winning opening solenoid 33 drives the opening and closing member 32 of the first big winning device 31. The second big winning opening solenoid 38 drives the opening and closing member 37 of the second big winning device 36. The distribution member solenoid 73 drives the distribution member 71 of the second big winning device 36.

[0189] Furthermore, a special figure 1 display 41a, a special figure 2 display 41b, a normal figure display 42, a special figure 1 hold display 43a, a special figure 2 hold display 43b, and a normal figure hold display 42a are connected to the main control board 80. That is, the display control of these displays 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

[0190] Unlike a non-enclosed pachinko machine that does not have a ball circulation mechanism, this pachinko gaming machine 1 does not drive the prize ball motor of the prize ball payout device to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls. Instead, as shown in FIG. 5, the payout control board 170 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer 171 that can execute display control of the number of balls in hand according to a program.

[0191] As for the details of this payout control microcomputer (payout control means) 171, there are a payout ROM 173 that stores a program for controlling the display of the number of balls in hand, etc., a payout RAM 174 used as a work memory, a payout CPU 172 that executes the program stored in the payout ROM 173, and the payout ROM 173 may be external.

[0192] In addition, a payout I / O port (input / output circuit) 175 for inputting and outputting data and signals and a release switch 176 may be included.

[0193] From here, when the launch ball detection sensor 16a detects one game ball launched toward the game area 3, the game control microcomputer 81 is made to generate a command (for example, a command for instructing subtraction of 1P) for instructing subtraction of electronic profit information corresponding to a predetermined loan ball value (subtraction point) in place of the loan ball, the command is acquired by the payout control microcomputer 171, and control of the storage process for clearing (subtracting) the storage of the electronic profit information from the payout RAM 174 so as to perform subtraction according to the command is enabled.

[0194] Also, when the sensors provided at each winning port are detected by the launched game ball, the game control microcomputer 81 is made to generate a command (for example, when the ball enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, a command for instructing addition of 3P / when the ball enters the first big winning port 30 or the second big winning port 35, a command for instructing addition of 15P) for instructing addition of electronic profit information corresponding to a predetermined bonus ball value (addition point) in place of the bonus ball, the command is acquired by the payout control microcomputer 171, and control of the storage process for storing (adding) new electronic profit information in the payout RAM 174 so as to perform addition according to the command is enabled.

[0195] More specifically, based on the acquisition of a detection signal for detecting the launch of a game ball by the launch ball detection sensor 16a (which may also be a sensor for detecting that a game ball has been sent to the launch position), the payout control board 170 enables control to perform a predetermined subtraction process of clearing the electronic profit information (subtraction point data) corresponding to the detection signal (lending ball value) from the storage in the payout RAM 174.

[0196] In addition, based on the acquisition of a detection signal by sensors provided at each winning port, the payout control board 170 performs a predetermined addition process of storing the electronic profit information (addition point data) corresponding to the detection signal (bonus ball value) in the payout RAM 174, and based on the acquisition of a detection signal by the return ball detection sensor 17a that detects a foul ball that has been launched but has returned without reaching the game area 3, enables control to perform a predetermined addition process of storing the electronic profit information (addition point data) corresponding to the detection signal in the payout RAM 174.

[0197] Also, based on the reception of a command (credit) signal indicating that an operation (lending instruction) of the unit-side lending button 135e in the card unit 135 has been performed, the payout control board 170 performs a predetermined addition process of storing the electronic profit information (plus point data related to lending balls) corresponding to the command in the payout RAM 174, and based on the acquisition of a detection signal by a sensor (not shown) that detects an operation (settlement instruction) of the counting button 61b, enables control to perform a predetermined subtraction process of clearing the electronic profit information (minus point data related to settlement) corresponding to the detection signal from the storage in the payout RAM 174.

[0198] Furthermore, when the storage state of the electronic profit information in the payout RAM 174 changes (is updated), the payout control board 170 enables control to give an instruction to update the number of balls held (numerical display) indicated by the ball-holding display 61 according to the change in the storage state, and also enables control to output signals related to various game information such as the occurrence of a big win or a start winning sent from the main control board 80 and various error information to the card unit 135.

[0199] In addition, the payout control board 170 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to the launch device 112 via the launch control circuit 111. The launch device 112 includes a handle 60a (see FIG. 1).

[0200] When the player operates the handle 60a (see FIG. 1) of the launch device 112, the touch switch 114 detects contact with the handle 60a, and the launch volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60a. Then, the launch motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the launch volume 115, and the game ball is launched toward the launch path HR by the hitting hammer 25b (see FIG. 3(B)). In this pachinko machine 1, a game ball is launched about once every 0.6 seconds.

[0201] When the player operates the handle 60a (see FIG. 1) of the launch device 112, the touch switch 114 detects that the player has touched the handle 60a (hereinafter also referred to as human detection), and the launch volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60a (lever portion 60e).

[0202] Then, on the condition that the touch switch 114 is performing human detection, the launch motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the launch volume 115. In this pachinko machine 1, a game ball is launched about once every 0.6 seconds (about 100 times per minute).

[0203] In addition, the main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. Note that a detection signal (command) regarding the fact that the touch switch 114 is performing human detection can also be transmitted. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a one-way communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, as a communication direction restricting means is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 6, as details of the sub-control board 90, an effect control microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is implemented. The effect control microcomputer 91 includes a ROM 93 that stores a program and the like for controlling effects based on the progress of the game (judgment of lottery information (judgment information) caused by the ball entry into the ball entry port), a RAM 94 used as a work memory, a CPU 92 that executes the program stored in the ROM 93, and an I / O port section (input / output circuit) 97 for inputting and outputting data and signals. Note that the ROM 93 may be external.

[0205] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, an image control board 100, an audio control board 106, a lamp control board 107, and a drive control board 60d are connected to the sub-control board 90.

[0206] The effect control microcomputer 91 (effect control means 91A) of the sub-control board 90 causes the CPU 102 (image control microcomputer) of the image control board 100 to perform display control of the image display device 7 based on the command received from the main control board 80.

[0207] The ROM 103 of the image control board 100 stores still image data and moving image data to be displayed on the image display device 7, specifically, image data such as characters, items, figures, characters, numbers, and symbols (including effect symbols), background images, etc., an expected value suggestion image corresponding to an expected value (game information regarding the degree of expectation) that can be calculated based on the effect implementation design, a time shortening number suggestion image corresponding to the number of times of time shortening, a menu image, a custom setting image, a game notification image related to the time shortening state, an operation instruction image, and the like.

[0208] The RAM 104 of the image control board 100 is a memory for developing image data. The CPU 102 of the image control board 100 develops the image data read from the ROM 103 in the RAM 104 based on a command from the effect control microcomputer 91. Then, display control is executed based on the read and developed image data.

[0209] Also, the effect control microcomputer 91 outputs voices, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the voice control board 106 based on the commands received from the main control board 80. The acoustic data such as voices output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90.

[0210] Note that a CPU may be mounted on the voice control board 106. In that case, the CPU may execute voice control. Further, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the voice control board 106, and the acoustic data may be stored in the ROM. Also, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100, and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may execute voice control. Further, in this case, the acoustic data may be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

[0211] Also, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs lighting control of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on the commands received from the main control board 80. Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 91 creates emission data (data that determines the emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, also referred to as lamp data), which determines the lighting / extinguishing and emission color, etc., and controls the emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 according to the emission data. Note that the data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the emission data.

[0212] Furthermore, the effect control microcomputer 91 operates the panel movable body 15 connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the commands received from the main control board 80. Although the panel movable body 15 is not shown in FIG. 1, it is a so-called gimmick (a driving device for a movable prop) provided in the center decoration 10.

[0213] Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (also referred to as drive data) that determines the operation mode of the panel movable body 15, and controls the operation of the panel movable body 15 according to the operation pattern data. The data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the operation pattern data.

[0214] Note that a CPU or a motor driver may be mounted on the lamp control board 107 or the relay board 108. In this case, the CPU may execute lighting control of the lamp, or the CPU or the motor driver may execute operation control of the board movable body 15. Further, a ROM may be mounted on the lamp control board 107 or the relay board 108, and data related to the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

[0215] Furthermore, the effect control microcomputer 91 operates the blower 60b connected via the drive control board 60d based on the command received from the main control board 80. Note that the blower 60b is provided in the handle 60a and can blow air toward the player from the discharge hole 60c.

[0216] Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 91 creates blower pattern data (also referred to as blower data) that determines the blower timing, the blower force, and the blower mode of the blower 60b, and controls the operation of the blower 60b according to the blower pattern data. Data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the blower pattern data. Note that a CPU, a ROM, etc. may be mounted on the above-described drive control board 60d. In this case, the CPU may execute operation control of the blower 60b. Further, data related to the blower pattern may be stored in the ROM.

[0217] Furthermore, the effect control microcomputer 91 operates the vibration device 63b connected via the drive control board 60d based on the command received from the main control board 80. Note that the vibration device 63b is provided in the effect button 63, and the effect button 63 can be vibrated by the vibration device 63b to notify the player.

[0218] Specifically, the production control microcomputer 91 creates vibration pattern data (also referred to as vibration data) that determines the vibration timing, vibration force, and vibration mode of the vibration device 63b, and controls the operation of the vibration device 63b according to the vibration pattern data. The data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the vibration pattern data. Note that a CPU, ROM, etc. may be mounted on the above-described drive control board 60d. In that case, the CPU may execute the operation control of the vibration device 63b. Further, data related to the vibration pattern may be stored in the ROM.

[0219] In addition, an effect button detection switch 63a and a select button detection switch 64a are connected to the sub-control board 90. The effect button detection switch 63a detects that the effect button 63 (see FIG. 1) has been pressed.

[0220] When the effect button 63 that has been activated based on a predetermined production control is pressed, a detection signal is output from the effect button detection switch 63a to the sub-control board 90. Note that when the effect button 63 is long-pressed or double-tapped (continuously pressed multiple times), the effect button detection switch 63a can output a detection signal to that effect to the sub-control board 90.

[0221] The select button detection switch 64a detects that the cursor keys (up, down, center, left, right) of the select button 64 (see FIG. 1) have been pressed. When the cursor key of the select button 64 that has been activated based on a predetermined production control is pressed, a detection signal is output from the select button detection switch 64a to the sub-control board 90.

[0222] In addition, in this embodiment, when the center of the cursor key of the select button 64 is pressed while the demo effect for waiting for customers is being displayed, the menu image can be displayed on the image display device 7. When the menu image is being displayed, a custom setting image is displayed that enables changing the setting to an effect according to the player's preference by pressing the upper, lower, left, or right part other than the center of the cursor key of the select button 64.

[0223] Note that FIGS. 5 and 6 are functional block diagrams for explaining the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and it is not the case that only the boards shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are provided. Excluding the main control board 80, any plurality of the boards shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be configured as one board, or one board shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be configured as a plurality of boards.

[0224] [Outline of the basic way to play the pachinko gaming machine 1] Next, an outline description of the way to play the pachinko gaming machine 1 (an example of an enclosed pachinko machine) will be given, in which the game balls enclosed in the machine can be launched toward the game area 3, and after the game balls launched into the game area 3 flow down, they are circulated and can be launched into the game area 3 again.

[0225] First, as a preparation for starting the game, the player inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot 135b provided on the card unit 135 side shown in FIG. 7. As a result, it is exchanged for electronic profit information (point data) corresponding to a value according to the amount of the inserted bill, and the exchange amount (prepaid information) 135h corresponding to the electronic profit information related to this exchange is displayed on the unit side display 135d.

[0226] Regarding the electronic profit information in this embodiment, it is set as settlement information (digitized tokens) that is point data corresponding to the value (credit) related to the loan balls equal to the number of game balls that can be launched toward the game area 3.

[0227] After that, when the player operates the unit-side lending button 135e (such as pressing it once or holding it down), a lending information signal can be generated to subtract the electronic profit information corresponding to the lending balls of a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) from the exchange amount displayed on the unit-side display 135d. The electronic profit information corresponding to this lending information signal is output from the card unit 135 side to the pachinko gaming machine 1 side (for example, the transfer of point data corresponding to 500 yen is performed).

[0228] Then, when the lending information signal is output (data transfer related to electronic profit information) to the pachinko gaming machine 1 side, the electronic profit information corresponding to the lending information signal is subtracted from the exchange amount displayed on the unit-side display 135d, and the electronic profit information corresponding to the lending information signal is stored (added) in a predetermined storage unit (hereinafter, as an example, the payout RAM 174 mounted on the payout control board 170) in the main control unit 89 (see FIG. 5) configured to include at least the main control board 80 and the payout control board 170 provided on the back side of the machine body.

[0229] Furthermore, when a numerical value corresponding to the electronic profit information (for example, point data corresponding to 500 yen) stored in the payout RAM 174 is displayed so as to increase on the ball-holding display 61, the preparation for the game start enabling the launch of the game balls enclosed inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is completed. That is, based on the operation of the handle 60a, the launch motor 113 of the launcher 112 can be driven, and about 50 to 100 game balls enclosed in the machine can be launched one by one toward the game area 3.

[0230] For example, when the electronic profit information corresponding to the ball loan of "500 yen" is subtracted from the exchange amount displayed on the unit-side display 135d and output (data transfer) to the payout RAM 174, based on the conversion that sets one game ball corresponding to a value of 4 yen to 1 point (hereinafter also abbreviated as "P"), the electronic profit information related to 125P (= 500 yen ÷ 4 yen point data) can be stored in the payout RAM 174, and the numerical value related to 125P is displayed so as to increase on the held ball display 61, and it is made possible to launch 125 game balls enclosed in the machine.

[0231] Next, each time a game ball enclosed in the machine can be launched toward the game area 3 based on the operation of the handle 60a, the electronic profit information corresponding to 1P is successively subtracted (cleared) from the storage in the payout RAM 174.

[0232] Then, when the game ball flowing down the game area 3 enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 (meets the winning condition), the special figure lottery becomes possible, and it is possible to generate electronic profit information in place of the payout (ball payout) of the winning balls (game benefits) based on the ball entry (start winning), and the electronic profit information generated at this time can be stored in the payout RAM 174.

[0233] Note that the electronic profit information generated in place of the payout of the winning balls and the electronic profit information corresponding to the ball loan exchanged based on the insertion of banknotes can be stored in the payout RAM 174 as point data of a common value.

[0234] The result of the special drawing is made notifiable according to the symbol display mode when the effect symbol 8 that is variably displayed on the image display device 7 stops. When this drawing result is a winning notification related to a big win, either the first major winning opening 30 or the second major winning opening 35 is made to be in an open state that allows game balls to be easily entered from the closed state, and by causing a large number of game balls to enter the first major winning opening 30 or the second major winning opening 35 that is in the open state (satisfying the winning conditions), it becomes possible to generate electronic profit information in place of the payout of prize balls (a large amount of game benefits) based on the entry (major win), and the electronic profit information generated at this time can be stored in the payout RAM 174.

[0235] Therefore, for the electronic profit information stored in the payout RAM 174, a storage process of performing a predetermined subtraction is carried out every time a game ball is launched one by one into the game area 3, but every time electronic profit information corresponding to the prize ball value (game benefit) can be generated based on the entry of a game ball into each winning opening provided in the game area 3, a storage process of performing a predetermined addition is carried out.

[0236] Also, the ball-holding display 61 on the side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 receives a signal (command) from the main control unit 89 for performing a status display of the update status regarding the electronic profit information that will be stored in the payout RAM 174, and based on this, a notification indicating a numerical value (hereinafter also referred to as the number of held balls) corresponding to the acquired profit (the electronic profit information stored in the payout RAM 174, the remaining balance of the point data) is carried out.

[0237] Next, when the player wants to end the game, a state transition for ending the game is carried out by operating (pressing once or holding down, etc.) the counting button 61b arranged to the immediate right of the ball-holding display 61. Specifically, based on the operation of the counting button 61b, a part or all of the electronic profit information stored in the payout RAM 174 is output to the card unit 135 side (transfer of point data), and the electronic profit information output at this time can be recorded on the IC card 135i which is a record medium that can be inserted and removed and is set inside the card unit 135.

[0238] And when all the outputs (transfer of point data) of the electronic benefit information stored in the payout RAM 174 are completed by the operation of the count button 61b, the numerical value displayed on the holding display 61 is set to "0", and on the unit-side display 135d, a numerical value corresponding to the electronic benefit information (point data) that can be recorded on the IC card 135i is fixedly displayed.

[0239] Thereafter, based on the operation (pressing) of the unit-side return button 135f by the player, the IC card 135i in which the electronic benefit information stored in the payout RAM 174 is output and recorded is sent out (returned / settled) from the card insertion slot 135c provided on the card unit 135 side.

[0240] Next, when it is desired to start the game again using the sent IC card 135i, insert the IC card 135i into the card insertion slot 135c and set it inside the card unit 135, and by operating (pressing) the unit-side replay button 135g, the electronic benefit information recorded on the IC card 135i can be output to the pachinko gaming machine 1 side (transfer of point data), and the preparation for starting the game again is completed.

[0241] Even when subtraction is performed to consume all the electronic benefit information stored in the payout RAM 174 based on game execution (launch of game balls), if the recording of the electronic benefit information remains on the IC card 135i set inside the card unit 135, the IC card 135i is sent out from the card insertion slot 135c based on the operation of the unit-side return button 135f.

[0242] Also, in the above-described embodiment, electronic profit information is stored (added) in the payout RAM 174 mounted on the payout control board 170. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electronic profit information may be stored in the payout ROM 173, or may be stored in either the ROM 83 or the RAM 84 (predetermined storage device) mounted on the main control board 80.

[0243] [Regarding the game state in the pachinko machine of the first embodiment] Here, the game state in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment controls the game state in a non-time-saving state, a micro-time-saving state, and a normal time-saving state, where the settings related to the ease of ball entry into the second start port 21 are different from those in the non-time-saving state. When the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on for the first time after factory shipment (when the power switch 155 is turned on), the game state is the non-time-saving state. Thereafter, when the RAM clear switch 152 is not pressed at the time of power-on (that is, when the RAM clear operation is not performed), the information in the RAM 84 is not cleared, so the game state when the power is turned off (when the power switch 155 is turned off) becomes the game state after power-on. On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 152 is pressed at the time of power-on (that is, when the RAM clear operation is performed), the information in the RAM 84 is cleared (initialized), so the game state after power-on is set to the non-time-saving state (special state). Note that when setting to the non-time-saving state, or when transitioning from the normal time-saving state to the non-time-saving state, which will be described later, the game state status is set to "0" by the game control microcomputer 81. Also, when setting to the non-time-saving state by initializing the RAM 84, the non-time-saving flag is set to "0", and when transitioning from the normal time-saving state to the non-time-saving state, the non-time-saving flag is set to "1".

[0244] When a game ball enters the first start port 20 in the non-time-short state, the lottery of Special Figure 1 in the accompanying drawings is conducted, and according to the lottery result of Special Figure 1 in the accompanying drawings, the game state other than the non-time-short state is shifted. Specifically, when the lottery result of Special Figure 1 in the non-time-short state is a big win (when it is any one of the big win symbols A to C in Special Figure 1), according to the fact that the big win symbol has stopped displaying, the game shifts to the big win game state. Note that the lottery of Special Figure 1 in the non-time-short state is only conducted once, and since the big win winning probability is 1 / 348.6, it is extremely rare to win a big win in the lottery of Special Figure 1 in the non-time-short state.

[0245] Also, when the lottery result of Special Figure 1 in the non-time-short state is a loss and the type of the losing symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A", according to the fact that the losing symbol A has stopped displaying, the game shifts to the C time-short state described later. Note that when the type of the losing symbol in the non-time-short state is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A", it is also said to win "A in C Time-Short Hit". The selection ratio of the losing symbol A (in other words, the ratio of shifting from the non-time-short state to the normal time-short state) is 20% when losing. When shifting to the C time-short state, the game progresses with a right hit, and aims for a small win based on the lottery of Special Figure 2 according to winning in the second start port 21 related to the electric chute 22. In this embodiment, in the small win game when winning a small win in the lottery of Special Figure 2, it is always possible to pass the game ball through the specific area 39. In this embodiment, in the small win game when winning a small win in the lottery of Special Figure 2, it is always possible to pass the game ball through the specific area 39. Therefore, when controlled to the C time-short state, it is possible to execute a big win game based on the lottery of Special Figure 2.

[0246] On the other hand, when the result of the lottery in Special Figure 1 in the non-time-saving state is a loss and the type of the losing symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol B", upon the stop display of Losing Symbol B, a transition is made to the micro-time-saving state described later. Incidentally, when the type of the losing symbol in the non-time-saving state is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol B", it is also called a win in "B per C-time-saving". The selection ratio of Losing Symbol B (in other words, the ratio of transitioning from the non-time-saving state to the micro-time-saving state) is 80% when losing. When transitioning to the micro-time-saving state, the game progresses with a left hit, aiming for a jackpot win based on the lottery of Special Figure 1 in response to winning in the first start port 11. Therefore, for the player, the micro-time-saving state is a game state more disadvantageous than the C-time-saving state.

[0247] The time-saving state is a game state with a setting where it is easier for game balls to win in the electric jackpot 22 compared to the non-time-saving state. There are two types of time-saving states: the normal time-saving state and the micro-time-saving state. The normal time-saving state is a time-saving state that transitions after the end of a jackpot game based on any one of "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbols A to C" described later, after the end of a jackpot game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Jackpot Symbols a to e", or in response to the stop display of "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A". And in this normal time-saving state, a total of eight normal time-saving states, namely the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, the sixth time-saving state, the A-time-saving state, and the C-time-saving state, are provided.

[0248] The first to fifth time-saving states (the first to the most advantageous states) are normal time-saving states with 80 time-saving counts set. Since the small jackpot winning probability is 1 / 69, it is easy to win the small jackpot in the lottery of Special Figure 2 in the first to fifth time-saving states. Also, in the first to fifth time-saving states, if the small jackpot is not won until the time-saving count reaches 80 (80 variable displays are executed), a transition is made to the non-time-saving state.

[0249] In addition, the sixth short-time state (specific state) is a normal short-time state in which the number of short-time occurrences is set to 100 times. Therefore, the sixth short-time state is more likely to win a small prize than the first to fifth short-time states. If a small prize is not won before the number of short-time occurrences reaches 100 in the sixth short-time state, the non-short-time state is entered.

[0250] In addition, the A short-time state is a normal short-time state in which the number of short-time occurrences is set to 10,000 times. Therefore, in the A short-time state, it is almost certain to win a small prize. If a small prize is not won before the number of short-time occurrences reaches 10,000 in the A short-time state, the non-short-time state is entered.

[0251] In addition, the C short-time state is a normal short-time state in which the number of short-time occurrences is set to 100 times. Therefore, the C short-time state is more likely to win a small prize than the first to fifth short-time states. If a small prize is not won before the number of short-time occurrences reaches 100 in the C short-time state, the non-short-time state is entered.

[0252] Note that the non-short-time state is also referred to as the "special state (special game state)" or "C time", the first to fifth short-time states are also referred to as the "advantageous state (advantageous game state)" or "lower rush", and the sixth short-time state, C short-time state, and A short-time state are also referred to as the "specific state (specific game state)" or "upper rush". The details of these short-time states will be described later.

[0253] In the normal short-time state (specific state), compared with the non-short-time state and the very short-time state, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of launched balls, is higher. Therefore, the normal short-time state is also referred to as the "high base state". In the high base state, it is possible to aim for a big win without significantly reducing the number of game balls in hand. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports winning at the second start port 21 by the electric tune 22) is being executed. Therefore, the high base state is also referred to as the electric support control state.

[0254] In the short-time state (normal gaming state), various parameters related to the ease of winning in the electric reel 22 (such as the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the variation time and stop time of the normal symbols, the opening pattern of the electric reel 22, etc.) are set to make it easier to win in the electric reel 22 than in the non-short-time state. However, since the variation time of the normal symbols is long and the opening of the electric reel 22 in the auxiliary game is short, even if the game is played by hitting the right side, it is almost impossible to win in the electric reel 22. Therefore, the player advances the game by hitting the left side and aims for a jackpot win based on the special figure 1 lottery corresponding to the winning in the first start port 11. Thus, since the short-time state is disadvantageous and a low-base state for the player compared to the normal short-time state, the short-time state is referred to as the "normal state (normal gaming state)".

[0255] [Regarding the special figure-related random number and the normal figure-related random number] Next, the special figure-related random number and the normal figure-related random number used by this pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0256] This pachinko gaming machine 1 acquires a special figure-related random number (judgment information related to the special symbol), which is special figure lottery information, based on the winning in the first start port 20 or the second start port 21. As shown in FIG. 8(A), the special figure-related random numbers include a special figure hit random number, a special figure type random number, a reach random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number (hereinafter also referred to as a special figure variation PT random number).

[0257] The special figure hit random number is used for the determination of whether a jackpot is won, whether a minor win is won, and whether a C short-time hit (miss A, B) is won, and is also used as the determination of a miss in cases other than a jackpot, a minor win, and a C short-time hit. The special figure hit random number takes values in the range of 0 to 65535.

[0258] The special figure type random number is used for the determination of the type of the jackpot symbol, the determination of the type of the minor win symbol, and the determination of the type of the short-time symbol (the symbol corresponding to a C short-time hit). The special figure type random number takes values in the range of 0 to 199.

[0259] A reach random number is a random number that determines whether to generate a reach in a variation effect indicating the result when the result of a win / loss determination is a loss. Here, a reach means, for example, a state where among a plurality of effect symbols, the effect symbol being variably displayed remains one (or there may be two, three, etc.), and depending on which symbol the variably displayed effect symbol stops and is displayed as, it becomes a combination of effect symbols indicating a big win (for example, the state of "7↓7").

[0260] Note that the effect symbol stopped and displayed in the reach state may be displayed as slightly shaking within the display screen 7a, or may be displayed in a predetermined temporary stop display mode of repeating expansion and contraction. The reach random number takes values in the range of 0 to 255.

[0261] A special figure variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern including a variation time related to the variable display of a special figure. The special figure variation pattern random number takes values in the range of 0 to 99.

[0262] In addition, based on the passage of a game ball through the gate 28, the pachinko gaming machine 1 acquires a general figure related random number (judgment information related to the general figure) that becomes general figure lottery information. As shown in FIG. 8(B), the general figure related random number includes a general figure win random number, a general figure type random number, and a general figure variation pattern random number (hereinafter, also referred to as a general figure variation PT random number).

[0263] The general figure win random number is used for a win / loss determination for the general figure to determine whether to release the electric chute 22. The general figure win random number takes values in the range of 0 to 65535.

[0264] The general figure type random number is used for a type determination of the general figure to determine an opening pattern for releasing the electric chute 22. The general figure type random number takes values in the range of 0 to 199.

[0265] The general figure variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern including a variation time related to the variable display of the general figure. The general figure variation pattern random number takes values in the range of 0 to 99.

[0266] [Regarding the Random Number Judgment Table per Special Figure] Based on the winning in the first start port 20 (special figure 1 winning) or the winning in the second start port 21 (special figure 2 winning), the pachinko gaming machine 1 determines whether it is a big win or not, and whether it is a small win or not by judging (lottery) the random number per special figure according to the "Random Number Judgment Table per Special Figure" shown in FIG. 9(A).

[0267] In this embodiment, it is set as a judgment table in which it is not judged as a small win based on the entry of the game ball into the first start port 20 (winning of special figure 1). However, it is not limited to this, and a judgment table that can judge as a small win based on the entry of the game ball into the first start port 20 may be used. Also, in this embodiment, it is set as a judgment table in which it is not judged as a big win based on the entry of the game ball into the second start port 21 (winning of special figure 2). However, it is not limited to this, and a judgment table that can judge as a big win based on the entry of the game ball into the second start port 21 may be used.

[0268] [Regarding the Big Win Symbol Type Judgment Table] When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is judged as a big win, it determines the type of the big win symbol by judging the special figure type random number according to the "Big Win Symbol Type Judgment Table" shown in FIG. 9(B).

[0269] When winning a big win in the judgment related to the winning in the first start port 20 (lottery of special figure 1), it is determined as "Special Figure 1_Big Win Symbol A (10R (round) big win)" at a rate of 1%. Also, it is determined as "Special Figure 1_Big Win Symbol B (10R big win)" at a rate of 24%. Also, it is determined as "Special Figure 1_Big Win Symbol C (4R big win)" at a rate of 75%. Note that on the special figure 1 display 41a, a "big win symbol" indicating the LED display mode (blinking pattern) corresponding to each of "Special Figure 1_Big Win Symbols A to C" will be stopped and displayed.

[0270] [Regarding the Small Win Symbol Type Judgment Table] When the pachinko gaming machine 1 determines a small win, it determines the type of the small win symbol by determining the special figure type random number according to the "Small Win Symbol Type Determination Table" shown in FIG. 9(C).

[0271] When winning a small win in the determination related to the winning of the second start port 21 (the lottery of special figure 2), it is determined as "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbol a" at a rate of 20%. Also, when winning a small win in the determination related to the winning of the second start port 21 (the lottery of special figure 2), it is determined as "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbol b" at a rate of 20%. Also, when winning a small win in the determination related to the winning of the second start port 21 (the lottery of special figure 2), it is determined as "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbol c" at a rate of 20%. Also, when winning a small win in the determination related to the winning of the second start port 21 (the lottery of special figure 2), it is determined as "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbol d" at a rate of 20%. Also, when winning a small win in the determination related to the winning of the second start port 21 (the lottery of special figure 2), it is determined as "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbol e" at a rate of 20%. Note that on the special figure 2 display 41b, the "small win symbol" indicating the LED display mode (blinking pattern) corresponding to each of "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbols a to e" will be stopped and displayed.

[0272] As will be described later, when winning a small win in the first to sixth short time states, the short time state to shift to after the big win game based on the small win is determined according to which type among "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbols a to e". On the other hand, when winning a small win in the C short time state, regardless of which type among "Special Figure 2_Small Win Symbols a to e", the short time state to shift to after the big win game based on the small win is determined as the A short time state. Also, when winning a small win in the A short time state, regardless of which type among "Special Figure 2_Big Win Symbols A to E", the short time state to shift to after the big win game based on the small win is determined as the sixth short time state.

[0273] Note that the types (numbers) of the big win symbols of special figure 1, the types (numbers) of the small win symbols of special figure 2, and the determination ratios (distribution rates) of each big win symbol and small win symbol are appropriately determined according to the specifications of each pachinko gaming machine 1.

[0274] In addition, in this embodiment, when it comes to the determination related to winning at the first start port 20 (the lottery in the special figure 1), since it is designed such that the derivation of the determination for a small hit winning is not performed, there is no determination process regarding the determination of the small hit symbol. Incidentally, by making the types of small hit symbols different when a small hit winning occurs, the setting mode regarding the opening pattern of the big winning port related to the execution content of the two types of big winning games after the small hit game (one round) may be made different. Also, by making the types of small hit symbols different, the setting mode regarding the game state (time shortening state, number of time shortening times) after the two types of big winning games may be made different.

[0275] [Regarding the losing symbol type determination table] When the pachinko gaming machine 1 determines a loss, it determines the type of the losing symbol by determining the special figure type random number according to the "losing symbol type determination table" shown in FIG. 9(D).

[0276] When it is determined as a loss by the lottery of the special figure 1, it is determined as "special figure 1 - losing symbol A" at a rate of 20% and as "special figure 1 - losing symbol B" at a rate of 80%. Incidentally, on the special figure 1 display 41a, a "losing symbol" indicating the LED display mode (flashing pattern) corresponding to "special figure 1 - losing symbol A" or "special figure 1 - losing symbol B" will be stopped and displayed. Incidentally, when it is determined as "special figure 1 - losing symbol A" in the non - time - shortening state, it is determined as A for every C time shortening, and when it is determined as "special figure 1 - losing symbol B", it is determined as B for every C time shortening. In a game state other than the non - time - shortening state, when it is determined as "special figure 1 - losing symbol A" or "special figure 1 - losing symbol B", it is simply determined as a loss. Also, when it is determined as a loss by the lottery of the special figure 2, it is determined as "special figure 2 - losing symbol" at a rate of 100%.

[0277] [Regarding the reach determination table] When the determination result of a losing outcome is derived, the reach random number is determined according to the "reach determination table" shown in FIG. 9(E), and it is determined whether or not to set the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R in the variable effect to the reach display mode.

[0278] In this embodiment, the probability of the reach display mode is made different depending on whether it is in the normal short state, the non-short state, or the slightly short state.

[0279] [Regarding the short state transition destination determination table] As described above, when winning by the symbols that transition to the short state in the lottery of Special Figure 1 and the lottery of Special Figure 2 in this embodiment (Special Figure 1 - jackpot symbols A to C, C short jackpot A or B, Special Figure 2 - small jackpot symbols a to e), by determining according to the "short state transition destination determination table" shown in FIG. 10, the short state to transition to after the end of the jackpot game (or after winning C short jackpot A or B) is determined.

[0280] The short states determined here are a total of 9 types: the first short state, the second short state, the third short state, the fourth short state, the fifth short state, the sixth short state, the A short state, the C short state, and the slightly short state. As described above, in the first to fifth short states, the number of short times is 80 times, in the sixth short state and the C short state, the number of short times is 100 times. Also, in the A short state and the slightly short state pictures, the number of short times is 10,000 times.

[0281] In the first short state, when it is determined that the type of the small jackpot symbol is "Special Figure 2 - small jackpot symbol a", it is determined to transition to the sixth short state after the end of the jackpot game. On the other hand, in the first short state, when it is determined that the type of the small jackpot symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - small jackpot symbols b to e", it is determined to transition to the second short state after the end of the jackpot game. Therefore, in the first short state, the ratio of transitioning to the sixth short state after the end of the jackpot game is 20%.

[0282] When it is determined that the type of the minor winning symbol is "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbol a" or "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbol b" in the second short time state, it is decided to shift to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game. On the other hand, when it is determined that the type of the minor winning symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbols c to e" in the second short time state, it is decided to shift to the third short time state after the end of the big winning game. Therefore, in the second short time state, the ratio of shifting to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game is 40%.

[0283] When it is determined that the type of the minor winning symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbols a to c" in the third short time state, it is decided to shift to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game. On the other hand, when it is determined that the type of the minor winning symbol is "Special Figure - Minor Winning Symbol d" or "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbol e" in the third short time state, it is decided to shift to the fourth short time state after the end of the big winning game. Therefore, in the third short time state, the ratio of shifting to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game is 60%.

[0284] When it is determined that the type of the minor winning symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbols a to d" in the fourth short time state, it is decided to shift to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game. On the other hand, when it is determined that the type of the minor winning symbol is "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbol e" in the fourth short time state, it is decided to shift to the fifth short time state after the end of the big winning game. Therefore, in the fourth short time state, the ratio of shifting to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game is 80%.

[0285] When it is determined that the type of the minor winning symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbols a to e" in the fifth short time state, it is decided to shift to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game. Therefore, in the fifth short time state, the ratio of shifting to the sixth short time state after the end of the big winning game is 100%.

[0286] When it is determined that the type of the small winning symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small winning symbols a - e" in the 6th short state, it is decided to shift to the 6th short state after the end of the big winning game. Therefore, in the 6th short state, the ratio of shifting to the 6th short state after the end of the big winning game is 100%.

[0287] Therefore, in the 1st - 6th short states, the 6th short state with 100 short times set is the most advantageous short state for the player. Also, in the 1st - 5th short states with 80 short times set, the ratio of shifting to the 6th short state is set to increase in the order of the 1st short state (20%) < the 2nd short state (40%) < the 3rd short state (60%) < the 4th short state (80%) < the 5th short state (100%). Therefore, in the 1st - 5th short states, the most disadvantageous short state for the player is the 1st short state, and the most advantageous short state is the 5th short state.

[0288] Also, in the A short state, when it is determined that the type of the special symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small winning symbols a - e", it is decided to shift to the 6th short state after the end of the big winning game.

[0289] Also, in the C short state, when it is determined that the type of the special symbol is any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small winning symbols a - e", it is decided to shift to the A short state after the end of the big winning game (the shifting ratio to the 6th short state = 0%).

[0290] Also, in the non-time-limit state, when it is determined that the type of the special symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol A", it is decided to shift to the A time-limit state after the end of the jackpot game. When it is determined that the type of the special symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol B", it is decided to shift to the 6th time-limit state after the end of the jackpot game. When it is determined that the type of the special symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol C", it is decided to shift to the 1st time-limit state after the end of the jackpot game (the transition rate of the 6th time-limit state = 24%). In the non-time-limit state, when it is determined that the type of the special symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A (A for C time-limit win)", it is decided to shift to the C time-limit state. When it is determined that the type of the special symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol B (B for C time-limit win)", it is decided to shift to the micro time-limit state.

[0291] Note that in this embodiment, the destination of the transition of the game state after the end of the jackpot game based on the small win is determined according to the type of the selected small win symbol. However, it is not limited to this, and the destination of the transition of the game state after the end of the jackpot game may be determined according to the passage of the game ball to the specific area 39 based on the selection of the small win (for example, lottery using a random number for transition destination determination, etc.).

[0292] [Regarding the types of jackpot, small win, and loss] Next, the types of jackpot, small win, and loss will be described with reference to FIG. 11. As described above, the results of the special symbol lottery (lottery of Special Figure 1 or lottery of Special Figure 2) include "jackpot", "small win", and "loss". The lottery result of Special Figure 1 is stopped and displayed on the Special Figure 1 display 41a, and the lottery result of Special Figure 2 is stopped and displayed on the Special Figure 2 display 41b. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the types of jackpot symbols include "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol A", "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol B", and "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol C". Also, the types of small win symbols include "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol a", "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol b", "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol c", "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol d", and "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol e".

[0293] When winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery, a "jackpot game" is executed to open the first major winning port 30 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot symbol that has stopped and is displayed. When winning a minor jackpot, a "minor jackpot game" is executed to open the second major winning port 35 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of minor jackpot symbol that has stopped and is displayed. Then, when a game ball enters the specific area 39 inside the second major winning port 35 during the execution of the minor jackpot game, a "jackpot game" is executed to open the first major winning port 30 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of minor jackpot symbol for which the player has won. The jackpot game executed based on the result of the special symbol lottery being a jackpot win is referred to as a type 1 jackpot game, and the jackpot game executed based on passing through the specific area 39 is referred to as a type 2 jackpot game.

[0294] In this embodiment, the jackpot game includes a plurality of rounds of round games (unit opening games), an opening (OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (ED) after the last round game ends. Each round game starts at the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game and ends at the start of the next round game or the start of the ending. The closing time (interval time) of the major winning port between round games is included in the opening round game before the closing.

[0295] Also in this embodiment, the minor jackpot game includes a minor jackpot opening game that opens the second major winning port 35, a 7-second opening (pre-opening interval) before the minor jackpot opening game starts, and an ending (post-closing interval) after the minor jackpot opening game ends.

[0296] As a result of the special symbol lottery, when winning a jackpot (that is, winning a type 1 jackpot), a jackpot game (type 1 jackpot game) that opens the first major winning port 30 is executed. In this embodiment, by the lottery of Special Figure 1, the player wins "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol A", "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol B", or "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol C".

[0297] "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol A" and "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol B" are big wins with 10 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the first big winning opening 30 per round is 29.5 seconds. Also, "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol C" is a big win with 4 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the first big winning opening 30 per round is 29.5 seconds. In the big win game based on the 10R big win or 4R big win, when a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls win in one round, or when the maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds is reached, one round ends (the first big winning opening 30 is changed from the open state to the closed state).

[0298] When winning a big win in the non-time-shortened state or the slightly time-shortened state and the type of the special figure is "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol A", the type of win is the 10R big win game A (10R win game A). And after the end of the 10R big win game A, the game state transitions to the A time-shortened state where the number of time-shortened times is set to 10,000 times. Note that when transitioning to the A time-shortened state, the game control microcomputer 81 sets "7" in the game state status.

[0299] Also, when winning a big win in the non-time-shortened state or the slightly time-shortened state and the type of the special figure is "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol B", the type of win is the 10R big win game B (10R win game B). And after the end of the 10R big win game B, the game state transitions to the 6th time-shortened state where the number of time-shortened times is set to 100 times. Note that when transitioning to the 6th time-shortened state, the game control microcomputer 81 sets "6" in the game state status.

[0300] Also, when winning a big win in the non-time-shortened state or the slightly time-shortened state and the type of the special figure is "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol C", the type of win is the 4R big win game (4R win game). And after the end of the 10R big win game B, the game state transitions to the 1st time-shortened state where the number of time-shortened times is set to 80 times. Note that when transitioning to the 1st time-shortened state, the game control microcomputer 81 sets "1" in the game state status.

[0301] Also, as a result of the special symbol lottery, when winning a small hit, a small hit game is executed in which the second largest winning opening 35 is opened once. In this embodiment, there is a possibility of winning on "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbol a" by the lottery of Special Figure 2. When a game ball wins in the second largest winning opening 35 opened by the small hit game and the game ball passes through a specific area 39 in the second largest winning device 36 (also referred to as V winning or V passing), it is a jackpot win, and subsequently, a jackpot game (two types of jackpot games) in which the first largest winning opening 30 is opened is executed. Note that if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39 in the small hit game, the jackpot game is not executed. For the small hit by "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbol a", if the player plays the game as usual, it is always possible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39. Therefore, the small hit win based on the lottery of Special Figure 2 substantially has the same meaning as the jackpot win. Note that when this jackpot game (jackpot game triggered by passing through the specific area 39) is executed, the opening of the second largest winning opening 35 as a small hit game corresponds to the first round in the jackpot game.

[0302] In the small hit game when winning on any of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a to e", after a 0.008 - second opening, the game of the first round starts. In the first round, first, the second largest winning opening 35 is opened for 1.6 seconds once, and when 1.6 seconds have elapsed, the second largest winning opening 35 is closed for 6.0 seconds. If the game ball passes through the specific area 39 in the second largest winning device 36 during this 1.6 - second opening, it is a jackpot win. And when winning the jackpot, subsequently, the second largest winning opening 35 is opened for 0.5 seconds. This 0.5 - second opening of the second largest winning opening 35 is repeated up to 10 times at most. When a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls win during this period, the first round ends at that time (the first largest winning opening 30 is changed from the open state to the closed state). Therefore, the game of the first round when winning the jackpot by the small hit game is substantially equivalent to the first round in a one - type jackpot game. Note that if not winning the jackpot, after the 1.6 - second opening of the second largest winning opening 35, the first round ends, and the small hit game ends accordingly in response to the end of this first round.

[0303] Also, in the jackpot game (two types of jackpot games) executed based on the passage of the game balls through the specific area 39, the first big winning opening 30 is opened with a maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds per round from the second round to the tenth round. In the jackpot game from the second round to the tenth round, when a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls win in one round, or when the maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds is reached, one round ends (the first big winning opening 30 is changed from the open state to the closed state).

[0304] When winning the jackpot by a minor winning game based on "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbol a" in the first time - shortening state, the game state after the jackpot game shifts to the sixth time - shortening state where the number of time - shortening times is set to 100. When winning the jackpot by a minor winning game based on "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbols b - e", the game state after the jackpot game shifts to the second time - shortening state where the number of time - shortening times is set to 80. The game - control microcomputer 81 sets "2" in the game - state status when shifting to the second time - shortening state.

[0305] Also, when winning the jackpot by a minor winning game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbols a, b" in the second time - shortening state, the game state after the jackpot game shifts to the sixth time - shortening state where the number of time - shortening times is set to 100. When winning the jackpot by a minor winning game based on "Special Figure 2 - Minor Winning Symbols c - e", the game state after the jackpot game shifts to the third time - shortening state where the number of time - shortening times is set to 80. The game - control microcomputer 81 sets "3" in the game - state status when shifting to the third time - shortening state.

[0306] Also, when winning the jackpot through a small win game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbols a to c" in the third short time state, the game state after the jackpot game transitions to the sixth short time state where the short time count is set to 100 times. When winning the jackpot through a small win game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbols d, e", the game state after the jackpot game transitions to the fourth short time state where the short time count is set to 80 times. Note that when the game control microcomputer 81 transitions to the fourth short time state, it sets "4" in the game state status.

[0307] Also, when winning the jackpot through a small win game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbols a to d" in the fourth short time state, the game state after the jackpot game transitions to the sixth short time state where the short time count is set to 100 times. When winning the jackpot through a small win game based on "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol e", the game state after the jackpot game transitions to the fifth short time state where the short time count is set to 80 times. Note that when the game control microcomputer 81 transitions to the fifth short time state, it sets "5" in the game state status.

[0308] Also, when winning the jackpot through a small win game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbols a to e" in the fifth short time state, the game state after the jackpot game transitions to the sixth short time state where the short time count is set to 100 times.

[0309] Also, when winning the jackpot through a small win game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbols a to e" in the sixth short time state, the game state after the jackpot game transitions to the sixth short time state where the short time count is set to 100 times.

[0310] Also, when winning the jackpot through a small win game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbols a to e" in the A short time state, the game state after the jackpot game transitions to the sixth short time state where the short time count is set to 100 times.

[0311] Also, when winning a jackpot through a minor win game based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Minor Win Symbols a to e" in the short-time state C, the game state after the jackpot game shifts to the short-time state A where the short-time count is set to 10,000 times.

[0312] Also, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the types of losing symbols include "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A", "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol B", and "Special Figure 2 - Losing Symbol". When the losing symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A", the type of loss is determined as "Loss A", and when the losing symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol B", the type of loss is determined as "Loss B". "Loss A" is treated as "A per short-time C" in the non-short-time state and shifts to the short-time state C where the short-time count is set to 100 times. Also, "Loss B" is treated as "B per short-time C" in the non-short-time state and shifts to the very short-time state where the short-time count is set to 10,000 times. That is, when the lottery result of Special Figure 1 is "Loss A" or "Loss B", the game control microcomputer 81 controls the game state after the stop display of the losing symbol to be in the short-time state. On the other hand, in game states other than the non-short-time state, "Loss A" and "Loss B" are simply treated as "loss". Note that when the game control microcomputer 81 shifts to the short-time state C, it sets "8" in the game state status, and when it shifts to the very short-time state, it sets "9" in the game state status.

[0313] Also, when the lottery result of Special Figure 2 is "loss", the "losing symbol" is stopped and displayed on the Special Figure 2 display 41b. The losing symbol at this time is "Special Figure 2 - Losing Symbol", and it is simply treated as "loss" in all game states.

[0314] Note that when the game state shifts (is set) to the non-short-time state, the game control microcomputer 81 sets "0" in the short-time flag and "1" in the non-short-time flag. Also, when the game state shifts to the normal short-time state, it sets "1" in the short-time flag.

[0315] [Regarding the Special Figure Variation Pattern Judgment Table] Next, the determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol (special figure variation pattern) will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 determines the special figure variation pattern based on the special figure variation pattern determination table corresponding to each gaming state. FIG. 12(A) is the special figure variation pattern determination table used in the very short time state, FIG. 12(B) is the special figure variation pattern determination table used in the normal short time state (the first to sixth short time states, A short time state, or C short time state), and FIG. 12(C) is the special figure variation pattern determination table used in the non-short time state.

[0316] First, the special figure variation pattern determination table in the very short time state will be described with reference to FIG. 12(A). In the very short time state, the game progresses with left strikes, and the lottery for special figure 1 is conducted. Note that even if the lottery result of special figure 1 losing symbol A or special figure 1 losing symbol B occurs in the very short time state, the settings related to the gaming state are not changed and it is simply treated as a loss.

[0317] When the lottery for special figure 1 is conducted in the very short time state, the variation pattern of special figure 1 is selected according to the result of the jackpot determination, the result of the reach determination, etc. (variation patterns P1 to P8). Also, when the lottery for special figure 2 is conducted based on winning in the electric chute 22 in the very short time state, the variation patterns P9 and P10 with a variation time of 100 seconds are selected as the variation pattern of special figure 2.

[0318] Next, the special figure variation pattern determination table in the normal short time state will be described with reference to FIG. 12(B). In the normal short time state, the game progresses with right strikes, and the lottery for special figure 2 is conducted.

[0319] When the lottery for special figure 2 is conducted in the normal short time state, the variation pattern of special figure 2 is selected according to the result of the jackpot determination, the result of the reach determination, etc. (variation patterns P13 to P20). Also, when the lottery for special figure 1 is conducted in the normal short time state, the variation patterns P11 and P12 are selected as the variation pattern of special figure 1.

[0320] Next, the special figure variation pattern determination table in the non-time-shortened state will be described with reference to FIG. 12(C). In the non-time-shortened state, the game progresses with a left hit, and the lottery for special figure 1 is conducted. As described above, when the lottery result for special figure 1's losing symbol A occurs in the non-time-shortened state, it is determined as "A per C time-short hit", and when the lottery result for special figure 1's losing symbol B occurs, it is determined as "B per C time-short hit".

[0321] When the lottery for special figure 1 is conducted in the non-time-shortened state, the variation pattern of special figure 1 is selected according to the result of the big win determination, the result of the reach determination, etc. (variation patterns P2, P21 to P24).

[0322] As shown in FIGS. 12(A) and (B), the variation time of the special figure is set to be relatively shorter in the normal time-shortened state than in the micro time-shortened state. Therefore, in the normal time-shortened state, the operation of the variation time shortening function of the special figure display 41 becomes possible.

[0323] [Regarding the normal figure win determination table] In this pachinko gaming machine 1, as shown in the "normal figure win determination table" of FIG. 13(A), when the normal figure lottery (the game ball passes through gate 28) is conducted regardless of the type of game state, it is set to be determined as a normal figure win with a very high probability (65535 / 65536). Note that the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery may be made different according to each game state.

[0324] In this embodiment, the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 when a normal figure win occurs in the non-time-shortened state and the micro time-shortened state is set to an opening mode (short opening) that makes it impossible to capture the game ball flowing down in the right game area 3B. Therefore, in these game states, based on allowing the game ball to pass through (normal figure winning and normal figure lottery) gate 28, it is made substantially impossible for the game ball to enter the second starting port 21 related to the electric chute 22.

[0325] On the other hand, in the normal short state (the first to sixth short states, the A short state, the C short state), when the normal pattern is hit, the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 is set to an easy opening mode (long opening) that captures the game balls flowing down the right game area 3B. Therefore, in these game states, based on allowing the game balls to pass through the gate 28 (normal pattern winning and normal pattern lottery), it is possible to let the game balls enter the second starting port 21 related to the electric chute 22.

[0326] [Regarding the normal pattern winning type determination table] In addition, when this pachinko gaming machine 1 determines the normal pattern winning random number and the result is a determination of winning the normal pattern, the normal pattern type random number is determined according to the "normal pattern winning type determination table" shown in Fig. 13(B) to determine the type of the normal pattern.

[0327] Specifically, it is determined as "normal pattern_A" at a rate of about 10% and as "normal pattern_B" at a rate of about 90%. In addition, in the normal pattern display 42, when winning the normal pattern, it will be stopped and displayed with an LED lighting mode (identification information, blinking pattern) corresponding to each of "normal pattern_A or normal pattern_B".

[0328] [Regarding the normal pattern variation pattern determination table] In addition, this pachinko gaming machine 1 uses the "normal pattern variation pattern determination table" shown in Fig. 13(C) to determine the normal pattern variation pattern (the variation time of the normal pattern) based on the determination result of whether or not when determining the normal pattern winning random number and the normal pattern variation pattern random number.

[0329] The variation time of the normal pattern in the non-short state and the slightly short state is 30 seconds. On the other hand, the variation time of the normal pattern in the normal short state is set to be shorter than the variation time of the normal pattern in the non-short state and the slightly short state, such as 2.5 seconds, 2.0 seconds, or 1.5 seconds, enabling the operation of the variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 42.

[0330] [Regarding the electric chute opening pattern determination table] The pachinko gaming machine 1 determines the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 according to the combination of the types of general diagrams (general diagram_A or general diagram_B) in each gaming state (non-time reduction state, slight time reduction state, A time reduction state, C time reduction state, first to sixth time reduction states) using the "electric chute opening pattern determination table" shown in Fig. 13(D).

[0331] The opening pattern of the electric chute 22 in the non-time reduction state is the "short one-time opening" with an opening of 0.06 seconds, which makes it difficult to win the special figure 2 regardless of the type of general diagram (general diagram_A - B).

[0332] The opening pattern of the electric chute 22 in the slight time reduction state is the "short two-time opening" with an opening of 0.06 seconds, which makes it difficult to win the special figure 2 regardless of the type of general diagram (general diagram_A - B).

[0333] The opening pattern of the electric chute 22 in the A time reduction state, C time reduction state, or first to sixth time reduction states is the "long two-time opening" with an opening of 2.5 seconds, which makes it easy to win the special figure 2 regardless of the type of general diagram (general diagram_A - B).

[0334] [Regarding the special figure winning command] The pachinko gaming machine 1 is capable of executing a so-called prediction effect. The prediction effect is an effect that suggests the winning expectancy for a start winning based on the start winning command specified based on the determination information (random number value such as a special figure jackpot random number) obtained by the start winning, before the win / loss determination immediately before the start of the special figure variation (variation display of special symbols) based on that start winning.

[0335] In this embodiment, during the variation of the special figure (while the segments are blinking) by the special figure display 41a in the special figure 1 or the special figure display 41b in the special figure 2, the determination information (random number value such as a random number for each special figure hit) obtained when a game ball enters the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 (special figure winning) can be set as the prediction target. Then, by referring to the command information (hereinafter also referred to as prediction determination information) included in the special figure winning command generated based on the determination information related to this prediction target, before the special figure variation related to the determination information waiting due to the previous determination information is executed, a preliminary determination (hereinafter also referred to as prediction determination) for this special figure variation is enabled.

[0336] And before the special figure variation (prediction target special figure variation) related to the determination information targeted for the prediction determination is executed, a prediction effect, which is a suggestion notification of the winning expectancy for the prediction target special figure variation during the execution of the special figure variation by the previous determination information, can be executed.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 14, the start winning command generated in this embodiment includes information (upper command) indicating whether it is a start winning of the special figure 1 (winning at the first starting port 20) or a start winning of the special figure 2 (winning at the second starting port 21), and information (lower command) indicating the jackpot symbol type, the minor winning symbol type, or the losing symbol type as lottery result information.

[0338] As an example, when the special figure winning command is a special figure winning command regarding the determination information indicating that it is a jackpot related to the special figure 1, the prediction determination information includes information indicating the type of the jackpot symbol (any one of the special figure 1 - jackpot symbols A to C).

[0339] Also, when the special figure winning command is a special figure winning command regarding the determination information indicating that it is a minor winning related to the special figure 2, the prediction determination information includes information indicating the type of the minor winning symbol (any one of the special figure 2 - minor winning symbols a to e).

[0340] In addition, when the special figure winning command is a special figure winning command regarding determination information indicating that it is a losing result, acquisition of prediction determination information indicating the presence or absence of a reach occurrence based on the losing result and the type of reach can be performed.

[0341] Note that the prediction determination information to be included in the prediction determination information acquired from the special figure winning command may be appropriately changed. For example, it may be possible to enable acquisition (prediction determination) of prediction determination information regarding a detailed production mode (for example, presence or absence of button production) regarding the variation pattern type from the special figure winning command.

[0342] [Regarding the flow of the game in the first embodiment] Here, the flow of the game in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0343] As described above, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is cleared of RAM when the power is turned on, the game state after the power is turned on is set to the non-time-limited state. In addition, when the RAM is not cleared when the power is turned on, the game state after the power is turned on is set to the game state before the power was turned off. Here, the description will proceed on the assumption that the game state after the power is turned on is set to the non-time-limited state (special state).

[0344] When winning on "Special Figure 1 - Big Hit Symbol A (Symbol A)" in the non-time-limited state (special state), the game shifts to the 10R big hit game state A (10R hit game A). Also, when winning on "Special Figure 1 - Big Hit Symbol B (Symbol B)" in the non-time-limited state, the game shifts to the 10R big hit game state B (10R hit game B). Further, when winning on "Special Figure 1 - Big Hit Symbol C (Symbol C)" in the non-time-limited state, the game shifts to the 4R big hit game state (4R hit game).

[0345] Also, when winning on "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A (A per C - time - shortening)" in the non - time - shortening state (special state), it transitions to the C - time - shortening state. Also, when winning on "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol B (B per C - time - shortening)" in the non - time - shortening state, it transitions to the micro - time - shortening state (normal state). As described above, it wins on A per C - time - shortening at a rate of 20% and transitions to the C - time - shortening state, and wins on B per C - time - shortening at a rate of 80% and transitions to the micro - time - shortening state.

[0346] When transitioning to the C - time - shortening state (specific state), if winning the jackpot based on winning on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small - winning Symbols a~e" in this C - time - shortening state (hereinafter referred to as winning the jackpot), it transitions to the 10R jackpot game state C (10R jackpot game C). On the other hand, if not winning the jackpot in the C - time - shortening state, it transitions to the non - time - shortening state (normal state).

[0347] When transitioning to the 10R jackpot game state C (10R jackpot game C) based on winning the jackpot in the C - time - shortening state, it transitions to the A - time - shortening state (specific state) after the end of the 10R jackpot game state C.

[0348] When winning on "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol A (Symbol A)" in the micro - time - shortening state (normal state), it transitions to the 10R jackpot game state A (10R jackpot game A). Also, when winning on "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol B (Symbol B)" in the micro - time - shortening state, it transitions to the 10R jackpot game state B (10R jackpot game B). Also, when winning on "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol C (Symbol C)" in the micro - time - shortening state, it transitions to the 4R jackpot game state (4R jackpot game).

[0349] When transitioning to the 10R jackpot game state A (10R jackpot game A), it transitions to the A - time - shortening state after the end of the 10R jackpot game state A. Also, when transitioning to the 10R jackpot game state B (10R jackpot game B), it transitions to the 6th - time - shortening state (specific state) after the end of the 10R jackpot game state B. Also, when transitioning to the 4R jackpot game state (4R jackpot game), it transitions to the 1st - time - shortening state (1st favorable state) after the end of the 4R jackpot game state.

[0350] When transitioning to the A time-saving state (specific state), if a jackpot is won based on any one of the winning selections of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a to e" in this A time-saving state, it will transition to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). On the other hand, if a jackpot is not won in the A time-saving state, it will transition to the non-time-saving state (normal state).

[0351] When transitioning to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C) based on winning a jackpot in the A time-saving state (specific state), after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it will transition to the 6th time-saving state (specific state).

[0352] When transitioning to the 10R Jackpot Game State B (10R Jackpot Game B), after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State B, it will transition to the 6th time-saving state (specific state).

[0353] When transitioning to the 4R Jackpot Game State (4R Jackpot Game), after the end of the 4R Jackpot Game State, it will transition to the 1st time-saving state (1st advantageous state).

[0354] When transitioning to the 1st time-saving state (1st advantageous state), if a jackpot is won based on the winning selection of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbol a (Symbol a)" in this 1st time-saving state, it will transition to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it will transition to the 6th time-saving state (specific state). On the other hand, if a jackpot is won based on any one of the winning selections of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols b to e (Symbols b to e)" in the 1st time-saving state, it will transition to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it will transition to the 2nd time-saving state (2nd advantageous state). In addition, if a jackpot is not won in the 1st time-saving state, it will transition to the non-time-saving state.

[0355] When shifting to the second short state (the second advantageous state), if a jackpot is won based on the winning of any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a, b (Symbols a, b)" in this second short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the sixth short state (specific state). On the other hand, if a jackpot is won based on the winning of any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols c - e (Symbols c - e)" in the second short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the third short state (the third advantageous state). If no jackpot is won in the second short state, it shifts to the non - short state (normal state).

[0356] When shifting to the third short state (the third advantageous state), if a jackpot is won based on the winning of any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a - c (Symbols a - c)" in this third short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the sixth short state (specific state). On the other hand, if a jackpot is won based on the winning of any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols d, e (Symbols d, e)" in the third short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the fourth short state (the fourth advantageous state). If no jackpot is won in the third short state, it shifts to the non - short state (normal state).

[0357] When shifting to the fourth short state (the fourth advantageous state), if a jackpot is won based on a win of any of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a - d (Symbols a - d)" in this fourth short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the sixth short state (specific state). On the other hand, if a jackpot is won on "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbol e (Symbol e)" in the fourth short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the fifth short state (the highest advantageous state). Note that if no jackpot is won in the fourth short state, it shifts to the non - short state (normal state).

[0358] When shifting to the fifth short state (the highest advantageous state), if a jackpot is won based on a win of any of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a - e (Symbols a - e)" in this fifth short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the sixth short state (specific state). Note that if no jackpot is won in the fifth short state, it shifts to the non - short state (normal state).

[0359] When shifting to the sixth short state (specific state), if a jackpot is won based on a win of any of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a - e (Symbols a - e)" in this sixth short state, it shifts to the 10R Jackpot Game State C (10R Jackpot Game C). Subsequently, after the end of the 10R Jackpot Game State C, it shifts to the sixth short state (specific state). Note that if no jackpot is won in the sixth short state, it shifts to the non - short state (normal state).

[0360] As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, among the first to sixth time shortening states, the sixth time shortening state (number of time shortening operations: 100 times) is set to be a time shortening state higher than the first to fifth time shortening states (number of time shortening operations: 80 times). Then, the rate of transition (promotion rate) to the sixth time shortening state (specific state, upper rush) based on a jackpot winning is set to 20% in the first time shortening state (first advantageous state, lower rush), 40% in the second time shortening state (second advantageous state, lower rush), 60% in the third time shortening state (third advantageous state, lower rush), 80% in the fourth time shortening state (fourth advantageous state, lower rush), 100% in the fifth time shortening state (topmost advantageous state, lower rush), and 100% in the sixth time shortening state (specific state).

[0361] Therefore, since the rate of transition to the sixth time shortening state based on a jackpot winning in the first time shortening state is 20%, it is difficult for the player to transition from the first time shortening state to the sixth time shortening state. However, even if the transition from the first time shortening state to the sixth time shortening state cannot be made, the machine will transition to the second time shortening state. Thus, even if the transition from the first time shortening state to the sixth time shortening state cannot be made, by transitioning to the second time shortening state, it is possible to give the player the impression of moving forward toward the sixth time shortening state, so that it is possible to prevent the player's enthusiasm for the game from being significantly diminished.

[0362] Also, since the rate of transition to the sixth time shortening state based on a jackpot winning in the second time shortening state is 40%, it is still difficult for the player to transition from the second time shortening state to the sixth time shortening state, but it is easier compared to the first time shortening state. Also, even if the transition from the second time shortening state to the sixth time shortening state cannot be made, the machine will transition to the third time shortening state. Thus, even if the transition from the second time shortening state to the sixth time shortening state cannot be made, by transitioning to the third time shortening state, it is possible to give the player the impression of moving forward toward the sixth time shortening state, so that it is possible to prevent the player's enthusiasm for the game from being significantly diminished.

[0363] Also, since the probability of shifting to the sixth short-time state based on a jackpot win in the third short-time state is 60%, it is somewhat difficult (slightly easier) for the player to shift from the third short-time state to the sixth short-time state, but it is easier compared to the second short-time state. Also, even if the shift from the third short-time state to the sixth short-time state cannot be made, the game shifts to the fourth short-time state. Therefore, even if the shift from the third short-time state to the sixth short-time state cannot be made, by shifting to the fourth short-time state, it is possible to give the player the impression of moving forward toward the sixth short-time state, so that it is possible to prevent the player's enthusiasm for the game from being greatly diminished.

[0364] Also, since the probability of shifting to the sixth short-time state based on a jackpot win in the fourth short-time state is 80%, it is easier for the player to shift from the fourth short-time state to the sixth short-time state compared to the third short-time state. Also, even if the shift from the fourth short-time state to the sixth short-time state cannot be made, the game shifts to the fifth short-time state. Therefore, even if the shift from the third short-time state to the sixth short-time state cannot be made, by shifting to the fifth short-time state where a jackpot will surely result in a shift to the sixth short-time state, it is possible to give the player the impression of moving significantly forward toward the sixth short-time state, so that it is possible to prevent the player's enthusiasm for the game from being greatly diminished.

[0365] Also, since the probability of shifting to the sixth short-time state based on a jackpot win in the fifth short-time state is 100%, in the game in this fifth short-time state, it is possible to greatly increase the player's expectation of shifting to the sixth short-time state.

[0366] Also, the probability of shifting to the sixth short-time state based on a jackpot win in the sixth short-time state is 100%. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, except for rare cases, shifting to the sixth short-time state at an early stage from the first to the fifth short-time states and having many consecutive jackpots (looping jackpots) in the sixth short-time state is an ideal development for the player.

[0367] As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to change the promotion rate to the upper rush (the sixth short-time state) in each of the first to fifth short-time states (lower rush). Further, even if it is not possible to shift to the upper rush by hitting a jackpot in the lower rush, the shift ratio of the upper rush changes as 20% → 40% → 60% → 80% → 100%, so it is possible to surely shift to the upper rush by hitting a jackpot five times at the worst. Therefore, it is possible to expand the range of playability (gameplay) during the rush.

[0368] [Operation of game control microcomputer 81] Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 34. The game control microcomputer 81 is formed of a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83 which is a game control ROM, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 84 which is a game control RAM, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 82 which is a game control CPU, a random number circuit (0 to 65535 is set as a random number value for jackpot determination), and an I / O port unit 87 which is a terminal of an interface used for input / output of information.

[0369] The ROM 83 stores a game program for the CPU 82 to perform game control processing, various data and various tables necessary for game control processing, and the like.

[0370] The RAM 84 is used as a work memory when the CPU 82 performs game control processing. Further, a part (or all) of the game information stored in the RAM 84 (for example, the current game state, the special figure 1 variation display information currently in variation, the special figure 2 variation display information currently in variation, the current special figure 1 hold information, the current special figure 2 hold information, the current special figure 1 variation count, the current special figure 2 variation count, the current jackpot count, the current round number, control commands, etc.) is made into a backup RAM that can be held for a predetermined period even when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped.

[0371] The game control microcomputer 81 (CPU 82) can expand the game program stored in the ROM 83 based on the startup process performed when the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, enabling it to execute operation processes of counters, timers, flags, statuses, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81. Thereby, control regarding the main game in the pachinko game machine 1 is carried out.

[0372] [Main control main process] When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 reads out and executes the program of the main control main process shown in FIG. 16 from the ROM 83. As shown in the figure, in the main control main process, first, initial settings of the CPU 82 etc. are performed (step S001).

[0373] In this initial setting, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, SIO setting, PIO setting, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time) setting, and reset of predetermined information (various flags, statuses, counters, etc.) are performed. For example, the initial value of the jackpot flag is "0 (OFF)", the initial value of the non-time-shortening flag is "0", the initial value of the game state status is "0 (non-time-shortening state)", the initial value of the special operation status is "1", and the initial value of the time-shortening counter is "0". Note that the initial setting (S001) is executed only once after the power is turned on and is not executed thereafter.

[0374] Also, the range to be initialized differs according to the presence or absence of the input of the RAM clear switch 152 at power-on. That is, when there is no input of the RAM clear switch 152 at power-on, an initial setting that can return to the game state implemented before the power-on is performed, and when there is an input of the RAM clear switch 152 at power-on, an initial setting that can return to a predetermined initial game state (non-time-shortening state after initialization) is performed. Here, a game state command including information such as various flags, various statuses, and various counters set in the initial setting is set in the output buffer of the RAM 84.

[0375] Next, in the initial setting (S001), interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003), update values (hereinafter also referred to as random number counter values) of each random number counter provided corresponding to random number types such as the special symbol hit random number and the normal symbol hit random number shown in FIG. 8 are generated. The random number counter value in this embodiment is an update value that is incremented one by one at high speed from an initial value (for example, 0), and when the update value reaches the upper limit value, it returns to the initial value and is incremented one by one again, which is a periodic pseudo-random number. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be randomly changed. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit composed of a counter IC or the like.

[0376] When the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) ends, interrupts are permitted (S004). While interrupts are permitted, the main side timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main side timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the CPU 82, for example, at a period of 4 ms (milliseconds). Then, after the main side timer interrupt process (S005) ends, until the main side timer interrupt process (S005) is started next, the update process of various counter values by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that when an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 82 in the interrupt prohibited state, the main side timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately, but starts after waiting for interrupt permission (S004).

[0377] [Main Side Timer Interrupt Process] Next, the main side timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the game control microcomputer 81 first executes an output process (S101) in the main side timer interrupt process (S005).

[0378] In the output process (S101), commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 90, the payout control board 170, and the like.

[0379] Note that the game state command including various flags, various statuses, and information such as various counters set in the output buffer of the RAM 84 during the initial setting is output to the sub-control board 90 here. As a result, the sub-control board 90 is notified of the game state information after the initial setting. Then, the information on the current game state is shared with the sub-control board 90, and the sub-control board 90 controls the production mode according to the current game state.

[0380] In step S1712, a game state command including the set game state status information (information indicating the current game state) and counter (time limit counter value, current time limit counter value (remaining number of time limit times), and losing counter value) information is set in the output buffer of the RAM 84, and this process ends. When this game state command is output, the sub-control board 90 is notified of the information on the current game state. Then, the information on the current game state is shared with the sub-control board 90, and the sub-control board 90 controls the production mode according to the current game state.

[0381] Next to the output process (S101), in the input process (S102), mainly the detection signals detected by various sensors (the first start port sensor 20a, the second start port sensor 21a, the first big winning port sensor 30a, the second big winning port sensor 35a, the general winning port sensor 27a, etc. (see FIG. 5)) attached to the pachinko game machine 1 are read, and are stored as winning ball information (profit data) corresponding to the number of winning balls according to the winning (profit) at each winning port in the output buffer of the RAM 84.

[0382] Note that the setting of the winning ball information corresponding to the winning at each winning port may be changed as appropriate.

[0383] The ordinary symbol and special symbol main random number update process (S103) to be performed next is the same as the ordinary symbol and special symbol main random number update process (S003) performed in the main control main process of FIG. 16. That is, the update process of various random number counter values (including the ordinary symbol related random number counter value) shown in FIG. 8 is performed in both the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and the other period (after the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and until the next main side timer interrupt process (S005) is started).

[0384] Subsequently, the sensor detection process (S104), ordinary operation process (S105), special operation process (S106), vibration member control process (S107), specific area sensor detection process (S108), and game end control process (S109) described later that follow the ordinary symbol and special symbol main random number update process (S103) are executed.

[0385] Thereafter, other processes (S110) are executed to end the main side timer interrupt process (S005). As the other processes (S110), the special symbol 1 hold display 43a is controlled to a display mode indicating the number based on the number of special symbol 1 hold balls described later.

[0386] Then, until an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 82 next, the processes of steps S002 to S004 of the main control main process are repeatedly executed (see FIG. 14). When an interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 ms), the main side timer interrupt process (S005) is executed again. In the output process (S101) of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) executed again, commands and the like set in the output buffer of the RAM 84 in the previous main side timer interrupt process (S005) are output.

[0387] [Sensor Detection Process] As shown in FIG. 18, in the sensor detection process (S104) related to the main side timer interrupt process (S005) of FIG. 17, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a game ball has passed through the gate 28, that is, whether or not the game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 28a (S201).

[0388] If a game ball has passed through gate 28 (S201: YES), the gate passage process (S202) described later is performed. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed through gate 28 (S201: NO), the gate passage process (S202) is skipped and the process proceeds to step S203.

[0389] In step S203, it is determined whether a game ball has won in the second start port 21, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the second start port sensor 21a (S203). If a game ball has not won in the second start port 21 (S203: NO), the process proceeds to step S209. However, if a game ball has won in the second start port 21 (S203: YES), it is determined whether the number of special figure 2 reserved balls (the number of special figure 2 reservations, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of special figure 2 reservations provided in the RAM 84) has reached "4" (S204). If the number of special figure 2 reserved balls has reached "4" (S204: YES), the process proceeds to step S209. However, if the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is less than "4" (S204: NO), "1" is added to the number of special figure 2 reserved balls (S205).

[0390] Subsequently, the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S206) is performed. In the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S206), a group of random number values related to the special figure shown in FIG. 8(A) is acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the special figure 2 reserved storage unit 85b (FIG. 5).

[0391] Specifically, a special figure per random number counter value (any one extraction value within the numerical range of counter A), a special figure type random number counter value (any one extraction value within the numerical range of counter B), a reach random number counter value (any one extraction value within the numerical range of counter C), and a special figure variation pattern random number counter value (any one extraction value within the numerical range of counter D) are acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the storage area of the special figure 2 reserved storage unit 85b corresponding to the current number of special figure 2 reserved balls in the special figure 2 reserved storage unit 85b (FIG. 5).

[0392] Subsequently, a special drawing 2 winning command specifying process (S207) is performed. In the special drawing 2 winning command specifying process (S207), based on the random number value group stored in step S206, a special drawing 2 winning command is specified using the special drawing winning command specifying table shown in FIG. 14.

[0393] As shown in FIG. 14, the special drawing winning command (special drawing 2 winning command or special drawing 1 winning command) of this embodiment has an information configuration consisting of two bytes in hexadecimal, and is composed of a combination of one byte of the upper command and one byte of the lower command.

[0394] Furthermore, in the special drawing winning command of this embodiment, among the upper two digits of the upper command in hexadecimal, the upper digit value is information specifying the type of the command (being a special drawing winning command), and among the upper two digits of the upper command, the lower digit value is start port information specifying the type of the start port (winning at the first start port 20 or winning at the second start port 21).

[0395] Next, the lower command (two digits) in hexadecimal indicates the lottery result information. Note that the rules regarding the configuration of such a special drawing winning command are an example and may be arbitrarily changed.

[0396] Also, the classification of "big win random number" in the table shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the classification in the special drawing per random number determination table (see FIG. 9(A)). Also, the classification of "special drawing type random number value" corresponds to the classification in the big win symbol type determination table (see FIG. 9(B)) or the small win symbol type determination table (see FIG. 9(C)).

[0397] For example, if the special drawing per random number value of special drawing 2 is any value between 64585 and 65535, it is specified as a small win. Further, depending on the special drawing type random number value being any value between 0 and 199, it is specified as "special drawing 2 - small win symbol a". Thereby, the special drawing 2 winning command becomes "E2H01H".

[0398] Also, for example, if the random number value per special figure in Special Figure 2 is any value from 0 to 64584, it is specified as a loss, and further, depending on the fact that the special figure type random number value is any value from 0 to 199, it is specified as "Special Figure 2 - Losing Symbol". As a result, the special figure 2 winning command becomes "E2H02H".

[0399] Then, in step S208, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special figure 2 winning command specified in step S207 in the output buffer of the RAM 84.

[0400] Subsequently, in the sensor detection process (S104), in step S209, it is determined whether a game ball has won in the first start port 20, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the first start port sensor 20a.

[0401] If a game ball has not won in the first start port 20 (S209: NO), the process ends, but if a game ball has won in the first start port 20 (S209: YES), it is determined whether the special figure 1 reserved ball number (the number of special figure 1 reservations, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of special figure 1 reservations provided in the RAM 84) has reached "4" (S210). And if the special figure 1 reserved ball number has reached "4" (S210: YES), the process ends, but if the special figure 1 reserved ball number is less than "4" (S210: NO), "1" is added to the special figure 1 reserved ball number (S211).

[0402] Subsequently, the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (S212) is performed. In the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (S212), similar to the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S206), the random number value group of the special figure relationship shown in FIG. 8(A) is acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the special figure 1 reserved storage unit 85a (FIG. 5).

[0403] Specifically, a random number counter value per special symbol (an extraction value of any one within the numerical range of counter A), a random number counter value for special symbol type (an extraction value of any one within the numerical range of counter B), a reach random number counter value (an extraction value of any one within the numerical range of counter C), and a random number counter value for special symbol variation pattern (an extraction value of any one within the numerical range of counter D) are obtained, and these obtained random numbers are stored in the storage area of the special symbol 1 hold memory unit 85a (Fig. 5) corresponding to the current number of special symbol 1 hold balls among the special symbol 1 hold memory unit 85a.

[0404] Subsequently, a special symbol 1 winning command specifying process (S213) is performed. In the special symbol 1 winning command specifying process (S213), based on the group of random numbers stored in step S212, a special symbol 1 winning command is specified using the special symbol winning command specifying table shown in Fig. 14.

[0405] For example, if the random number value per special symbol of special symbol 1 is any one of 65347 to 65535, it is specified as a big win. Further, depending on the random number value for special symbol type being any one of 0 to 1, the type of special symbol is specified as "special symbol 1 - big win symbol A". Thereby, the special symbol 1 winning command becomes "E1H01H".

[0406] For example, if the random number value per special symbol of special symbol 1 is any one of 0 to 65346, it is specified as a loss. Further, depending on the random number value for special symbol type being any one of 0 to 39, the type of special symbol is specified as "special symbol 1 - loss symbol A". Thereby, the special symbol 1 winning command becomes "E1H04H".

[0407] Then, in step S214, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special symbol 1 winning command specified in step S213 in the output buffer of the RAM 84 (S214), and ends the process.

[0408] [Gate Passing Process] As shown in FIG. 19, in the gate passing process (S202) related to the sensor detection process (S104), the gaming control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the general pattern reserved ball number (the number of general pattern reservations, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of general pattern reservations provided in the RAM 84) has reached "4" (S221). If the general pattern reserved ball number has reached "4" (S221: YES), the process ends. However, if the general pattern reserved ball number is less than "4" (S221: NO), "1" is added to the general pattern reserved ball number (S222).

[0409] Subsequently, a general pattern related random number acquisition process (S223) is performed. In the general pattern related random number acquisition process (S223), a group of random number values shown in FIG. 8(B) is acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the general pattern reserved storage unit 85c (FIG. 5).

[0410] Specifically, a general pattern per random number counter value (any one extraction value within the numerical range of 0 to 65535), a general pattern per type random number counter value (any one extraction value within the numerical range of 0 to 199), and a general pattern variation pattern random number counter value (any one extraction value within the numerical range of 0 to 99) are acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the storage area of the general pattern reserved storage unit 85c corresponding to the current general pattern reserved ball number in the general pattern reserved storage unit 85c (FIG. 5).

[0411] Subsequently, a general pattern passing command specifying process (S224) is performed. In the general pattern passing command specifying process (S224), based on the group of random number values stored in step S223, a general pattern passing command is specified using a general pattern passing command specifying table (not shown).

[0412] Specifically, based on the "general pattern per hit determination table" shown in FIG. 13(A), if the general pattern per random number value is any one within 1 to 65535, it is determined as a general pattern per hit. Therefore, with reference to the general pattern passing command specifying table (not shown), it is specified that the value of the upper command in the general pattern passing command becomes E3H.

[0413] Also, the type of the normal symbol can be distinguished by classifying the general pattern type random number based on the "general pattern per type determination table" shown in FIG. 13(B).

[0414] Specifically, if the general drawing type random value is any one of 0 to 19, it is determined as general drawing_A. Therefore, the value of the lower command in the general drawing passing command indicating this fact (that is, the winning determination information per general drawing which is the winning determination information per general drawing and the type of the symbol per general drawing is "general drawing_A") is specified as 01H.

[0415] Also, if the general drawing type random value is any one of 20 to 199, it is determined as general drawing_B. Therefore, the value of the lower command in the general drawing passing command indicating this fact is specified as 02H.

[0416] Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the general drawing passing command specified in step S224 in the output buffer of the RAM 84 (S225) and ends the process.

[0417] [Normal operation process] As shown in FIG. 20, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a normal operation process (S105) next to the sensor detection process (S104) related to the main side timer interrupt process (S005) of FIG. 17.

[0418] In the normal operation process (S105), it is determined whether the electric chew 22 is operating (S301). If the electric chew 22 is not operating (S301: NO), then it is determined whether the general drawing is in the stop display (from the start to the end of the general drawing stop time) (S302). If the general drawing is not in the stop display (S302: NO), then it is determined whether the general drawing is in the variable display (S303). If the general drawing is not in the variable display (S303: NO), then it is determined whether the general drawing hold ball number related to the presence or absence of storage of the general drawing related random number obtained in step S223 above is "0" (S304). If the general drawing hold ball number is "0" (S304: YES), since there is no storage of the general drawing related random number, this process ends.

[0419] In step S304, if the number of general drawing hold balls is not "0" (S304: NO), since there is a memory of the general drawing related random number, a winning determination process (S305) is performed. In the general drawing winning determination process (S305), a determination of whether it is a win is made based on the "general drawing winning determination table" shown in FIG. 13(A).

[0420] Then, a symbol determination process is performed to set the general drawing stop symbol data corresponding to the result of the general drawing winning determination process in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 84 (S306). That is, in the normal symbol determination process (S306), based on the "general drawing type determination table" shown in FIG. 13(B), if it is a "general drawing loss", data corresponding to the "normal loss symbol" is set, and if it is a "general drawing win", data corresponding to the "normal win symbol (general drawing_A~B)" is set.

[0421] Subsequently, a general drawing variation time determination process (S307) is performed. In the general drawing variation time determination process (S307), referring to the "general drawing variation pattern selection table" shown in FIG. 13(C), if the game state is a non-time-short state or a slightly time-short state, any one of the general drawing variation pattern PH1 with a variation time of 30 seconds for a general drawing win, the general drawing variation pattern PH2 with a variation time of 30 seconds for a general drawing win, and the general drawing variation pattern PH3 with a variation time of 30 seconds for a general drawing loss is selected.

[0422] On the other hand, if the game state is an A time-short state, a C time-short state, or a first to sixth time-short state, any one of the general drawing variation pattern PH4 with a variation time of 2.5 seconds for a general drawing win, the general drawing variation pattern PH5 with a variation time of 1.5 seconds for a general drawing win, and the general drawing variation pattern PH6 with a variation time of 2 seconds for a general drawing loss is selected.

[0423] Next, the number of general drawing hold balls is decremented by 1 (S308). As a result, the storage location (memory area) for reading the general drawing hold in the general drawing hold memory unit 85c becomes an empty state, and each storage location of the general drawing hold in the general drawing hold memory unit 85c is shifted by one to the side to be read from the current position (the memory area on the empty state side), and the memory area corresponding to the fourth hold in the general drawing hold memory unit 85c (the memory area farthest from the empty state side) is made into an empty state (S309).

[0424] In this way, the general drawing holds are digested in the order in which they are held. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 starts the variable display of the general drawing according to the general drawing variable pattern selected in step S307 (S310). Along with this, in order to notify the sub-control board 90 of the start of the general drawing variation, a general drawing variation start command is set.

[0425] If the variable display of the general drawing is in progress in step S303 described above (S303: YES), then subsequently, it is determined whether the variable time of the general drawing has elapsed (S311). If it has not elapsed (S311: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (S311: YES), the variable display of the general drawing is stopped with a display result (ordinary winning symbol or ordinary losing symbol) according to the determination result of the general drawing-related random number (S312).

[0426] Then, a general drawing variation stop command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of the stop of the general drawing variation is set (S313), and the stop time of the general drawing (500 ms in this embodiment, refer to Fig. 13(C)) is set (S314), and this process ends.

[0427] Also, if the stop display of the general drawing is in progress in step S302 described above (S302: YES), then subsequently, it is determined whether the stop time of the general drawing set in step S314 has elapsed (S315). If it has not elapsed (S315: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (S315: YES), it is determined whether the general drawing stop symbol data of the ordinary winning symbol is set (S316). If it is not the data of the ordinary winning symbol (that is, if it is not a win (S316: NO)), this process ends. However, if it is the data of the ordinary winning symbol (that is, if it is a win (S316: YES)), the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 is set based on the "opening pattern determination table of the electric chute" shown in Fig. 13(D) (S317).

[0428] Specifically, in the non-time-shortening state, regardless of the types of General Drawings A to B, a single short release is set as the release pattern of the solenoid 22. In the slightly time-shortening state, regardless of the types of General Drawings A to B, two short releases are set as the release pattern of the solenoid 22. In the A time-shortening state, the C time-shortening state, or the first to sixth time-shortening states, regardless of the types of General Drawings A to B, two long releases are set as the release pattern of the solenoid 22.

[0429] Next, displacement control is performed to operate the solenoid 22 according to the solenoid release pattern set in step S317 (S318).

[0430] Also, if the solenoid 22 is operating in step S301 above (S301: YES), it is determined whether a specified number of game balls have won at the second start port 21 based on the release of the solenoid 22 (S319). If a specified number of wins have occurred (S319: YES), the operation of the solenoid 22 is terminated without waiting for the elapse of the operation time of the solenoid 22 (S321).

[0431] Next, if a specified number of wins have not occurred (S319: NO), it is determined whether the operation time of the solenoid 22 has elapsed (S320). If the operation time of the solenoid 22 has not elapsed (S320: NO), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the operation time of the solenoid 22 has elapsed (S320: YES), the operation of the solenoid 22 is terminated (S321).

[0432] [Special operation process] As shown in FIG. 21, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a special operation process (S106) after the normal operation process (S105) related to the main side timer interrupt process (S005) of FIG. 17.

[0433] In the special operation process (S106), the processing related to the special figure display 41 and the big winning device (the first big winning device 31 and the second big winning device 36) is divided into five stages, and "special operation status 1, 2, 3, 4, 5" is assigned to each of these stages.

[0434] When the "special operation status" is "1" (S901: YES), special symbol standby processing (S902) is performed. When the "special operation status" is "2" (NO in S901, S903: YES), special symbol variation processing (S904) is performed. When the "special operation status" is "3" (both NO in S901 and S903, S905: YES), special symbol determination processing (S906) is performed. When the "special operation status" is "4" (all NO in S901, S903, and S905, S907: YES), special electric accessory processing 1 as a big win game (S908) is performed. When the "special operation status" is "5" (all NO in S901, S903, S905, and S907), special electric accessory processing 2 as a small win game (S909) is performed. Note that the special operation status is "1" in the initial setting.

[0435] [Special symbol standby processing (special operation status 1 in FIG. 21)] As shown in FIG. 22, in the special symbol standby processing (S902), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not an acquired random number value (the random number value before the hit determination acquired in step S206 above) is stored in the special figure 2 hold memory section 85b (FIG. 5) (S1001).

[0436] When the acquired random number value is not stored in the special figure 2 hold memory section 85b (FIG. 5) (S1001: YES), that is, when there is no storage of the random number counter value group acquired due to winning in the second start port 21, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls in the first start port 20 (that is, the special figure 1 held ball number) is "0" (S1007).

[0437] And when the number of balls reserved in Special Figure 1 is also "0" (S1007: YES), that is, when there is no memory of the random number counter value group acquired due to winning the first start port 20, it is determined whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has already been set as the standby screen (demo screen for waiting for customers) (S1013). If so (S1013: YES), the process ends. If not (S1013: NO), standby screen setting processing (S1014) is performed. In the standby screen setting processing (S1014), after waiting for a predetermined standby time to elapse, a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen is set.

[0438] If the acquired random number value is stored in the Special Figure 2 reserved memory section 85b (Fig. 5) in step S1001 (S1001: NO), the Special Figure 2 jackpot determination process (S1002) and the Special Figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) are sequentially performed. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 subtracts 1 from the number of balls reserved in Special Figure 2, and clears the storage location (first storage area) for reading various counter values in the Special Figure 2 reserved memory section 85b to make it in an empty state (S1004).

[0439] Then, each of the five storage locations (memory area for reading + memory areas for reserved 1 to reserved 4) of various counter values in the Special Figure 2 reserved memory section 85b is shifted one by one to the side to be read from the current position (first memory area side), and the fifth memory area (memory area farthest from the empty state side) corresponding to the fourth reserved in the Special Figure 2 reserved memory section 85b is made in an empty state (S1005). In this way, the Special Figure 2 reservations are consumed in the order in which they are reserved.

[0440] Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the Special Figure 2 variation start process (S1006). In the Special Figure 2 variation start process (S1006), the special operation status is set to "2", and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 84 to start the variation display of Special Figure 2.

[0441] Note that the variation start command (also referred to as the special figure 2 variation start command) set in the special figure 2 variation start process (S1006) includes information on the special figure stop symbol data (not shown) set in the special figure 2 big hit determination process (S1002) and information on the variation pattern (information including variation time information) set in the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003).

[0442] Also, when the acquired random number value is not stored in the special figure 2 save memory unit 85b (Fig. 5) but the number of special figure 1 saved balls is not "0" (YES in S1001 and NO in S1007), the special figure 1 big hit determination process (S1008) and the special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009) are sequentially performed.

[0443] After that, the game control microcomputer 81 subtracts 1 from the number of special figure 1 saved balls and clears the storage location (first storage area) for reading various counter values in the special figure 1 save memory unit 85a to make it in an empty state (S1010).

[0444] Then, each of the five storage locations (each storage area) in the special figure 1 save memory unit 85a where various counter values can be stored is shifted one by one to the side to be read from the current position (the first storage area (empty state) side), and the fifth storage area (the storage area farthest from the empty state side) corresponding to the fourth saved in the special figure 1 save memory unit 85a is made in an empty state (S1011). In this way, the special figure 1 saves are digested in the order in which they are saved.

[0445] Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the special figure 1 variation start process (S1012). In the special figure 1 variation start process (S1012), the special operation status is set to "2", and the variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 84 to start the variation display of the special figure 1.

[0446] Note that the variation start command (also referred to as the special figure 1 variation start command) set in the special figure 1 variation start process (S1012) includes information on the special figure stop symbol data (not shown) set in the special figure 1 big hit determination process (S1008) and information on the variation pattern (information including variation time information) set in the special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009).

[0447] As described above, in this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol based on the special figure 1 hold is performed only when the special figure per hit random number counter value is not stored in the special figure 2 hold memory unit 85b (when YES in S1001). That is, the process based on the special figure per hit random number counter value in the special figure 2 hold memory unit 85b is executed with priority over the consumption of the special figure 1 hold.

[0448] Note that the consumption of the special figure 1 hold may be executed during the process based on the special figure per hit random number counter value in the special figure 2 hold memory unit 85b.

[0449] And in this embodiment, when winning a small hit in the lottery based on the special figure per hit random number counter value in the special figure 2 hold memory unit 85b, it becomes possible to pass through the specific area 39 during the subsequent small hit game (when the second big winning device 36 is open).

[0450] [Special Figure 1 Big Hit Determination Process] As shown in FIG. 23A, in the special figure 1 big hit determination process (S1008), the game control microcomputer 81 reads, as a determination value, the special figure per hit random number counter value extracted upon a special figure 1 winning (start winning) and stored in the special figure 1 hold memory unit 85a (the first storage area corresponding to the reading of the special figure 1 hold) of the RAM 84 (S1101).

[0451] Next, a special figure per hit random number determination table (FIG. 9(A)) is set (S1102). Next, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit based on the set determination table (S1103). That is, it is determined whether or not the special figure per hit random number counter value matches any value within the range of the big hit determination value (determination information) corresponding to the type of the special symbol.

[0452] If the result of the big win determination (S1103) is "big win" (S1103: YES), the big win flag (information related to the determination result of the big win winning) is turned ON (S1104), and the special figure type random number counter value extracted on the occasion of the special figure winning (the extraction value related to counter B in FIG. 8(A)) is read, and the big win figure type (the type of big win) is determined based on the "big win figure type determination table" shown in FIG. 9(B) (S1105).

[0453] After determining the big win figure type (S1105), specific figure stop symbol data (not shown) that becomes any one of the identification information corresponding to the big win figure type is set in the specific figure type buffer provided in the RAM84 (the big win symbol is set) (S1106), and the process ends.

[0454] On the other hand, if the result of the big win determination (S1103) is "loss" (S1103: NO), it is determined whether the game state is a non-time shortening state (S1107).

[0455] When the game state is the normal time shortening state (S1107: NO), specific figure stop symbol data (not shown) that becomes any one of the identification information corresponding to the loss symbol type is set in the specific figure type buffer provided in the RAM84 (the loss symbol is set) (S1108), and the process ends.

[0456] On the other hand, when the game state is a non-time shortening state (S1107: YES), if the result of the big win determination (S1103) is "loss" (S1103: NO), the specific figure type random number counter value is read, and the loss figure type (the type of loss) is determined based on the "loss figure type determination table" shown in FIG. 9(D) (S1109).

[0457] In step S1110, if the type of the losing symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol A", the A flag for short C winning per spin is set to ON. If the type of the losing symbol is "Special Figure 1 - Losing Symbol B", the B flag for short C winning per spin is set to ON. Then, special figure stop symbol data (not shown), which is any one of the identification information corresponding to each short C winning per spin, is set in the special figure type buffer provided in the RAM84 (setting the short C winning per spin symbol) (S1111), and the process ends.

[0458] In this embodiment, by not providing an opportunity to win a small prize in the special figure 1 lottery, the small prize winning probability in the special figure 2 lottery is made higher than that in the special figure 1 lottery. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The small prize winning probability in the special figure 1 lottery may be made higher than that in the special figure 2 lottery. Also, the lottery related to winning a small prize may be conducted only in either the special figure 1 lottery or the special figure 2 lottery. Further, a random number for determining whether it is a short C winning per spin may be provided separately from the special figure per spin random number so as to be determinable.

[0459] [Special Figure 2 Big Win Determination Process] As shown in FIG. 23B, in the special figure 1 big win determination process (S1008), the game control microcomputer 81 reads, as a determination value, the special figure per spin random number counter value stored in the special figure 1 hold storage unit 85a (the first storage area corresponding to reading of the special figure 1 hold) of the RAM84, which is extracted upon the special figure 2 winning (start winning) (S1201).

[0460] Next, the special figure per spin random number determination table (FIG. 9(A)) is set (S1202). Next, it is determined whether it is a small win based on the set determination table (S1203). That is, it is determined whether the special figure per spin random number counter value matches any one of the values within the range of the small win determination value (determination information) corresponding to the type of the special symbol. Note that a random number for determining whether it is a small win may be provided separately from the special figure per spin random number.

[0461] If the result of the minor hit determination (S1203) is "minor hit" (S1203: YES), the minor hit flag (information related to the determination result of the minor hit winning) is set to ON (S1204), and the special figure type random number counter value (the extraction value related to counter B in FIG. 8(A)) extracted upon winning the special figure prize is read, and the minor hit figure type (the type of minor hit) is determined based on the "minor hit figure type determination table" shown in FIG. 9(C) (S1205).

[0462] After determining the minor hit figure type (S1205), special figure stop figure data (not shown) that becomes any one of the identification information corresponding to the minor hit figure type is set in the special figure type buffer provided in the RAM84 (the minor hit figure is set) (S1206), and the process ends.

[0463] On the other hand, if the result of the minor hit determination (S1203) is "miss" (S1203: NO), special figure stop figure data (not shown) that becomes any one of the identification information corresponding to the miss figure type is set in the special figure type buffer provided in the RAM84 (the miss figure is set) (S1207), and the process ends.

[0464] [Special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (Special figure 1 variation pattern selection process)] The special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) and the special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009) related to the special figure standby process (S902) in FIG. 24 can be generally the same in the process flow, so they will be collectively described based on FIG. 24.

[0465] As shown in FIG. 24, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game state is a non-time-limited state (whether the game state status is "0") in the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) or the special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009) (S1301).

[0466] If it is not the short-time state (S1301: YES), then it is subsequently determined whether it is a big win (the big win flag is ON) (S1302). When it is a big win in step S1302 (S1302: YES), refer to the table for non-short-time big wins (the part corresponding to the big win in Fig. 12(C)) (abbreviated as TB in the figure), and select a variation pattern based on the special figure variation pattern random number counter value extracted upon winning the special figure prize (the extracted value related to counter D in Fig. 8) (S1303).

[0467] In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 12(A) to (C), once the variation pattern is determined, the variation time is also determined. Also, the variation patterns are associated with the content of the variation effects for each type of variation effect. When the variation pattern is determined, the variation effect with the content corresponding to the variation pattern is executed (refer to the reach type columns in Figs. 12(A) to (C)). As an example, in the variation effect of the content based on the variation pattern P1, a normal reach (hereinafter also referred to as an N reach) is executed. In the variation effect of the content based on the variation pattern P2, a super reach (hereinafter also referred to as an SP reach) is executed. In the variation effect of the content based on the variation pattern P13, a battle A reach is executed. In the variation effect of the content based on the variation pattern P21, a judge A is executed.

[0468] And the SP reach, battle A reach, or battle B reach in this embodiment is a reach with a longer variation time than the N reach, and is executed based on the allocation setting that makes the expected degree (expected winning degree) for winning when the special figure lottery is conducted higher than that of the N reach. Note that it may be a progressive variation effect that leads to the execution of an SP reach or a battle reach following the execution of an N reach. Note that judge A and judge B are variation effects that can be executed only in the non-short-time state.

[0469] On the other hand, in step S1302, if it is not a jackpot (the jackpot flag is ON) (S1302: NO), the table for C time-saving hit during non-time-saving (the part corresponding to C time-saving hit A or B in FIG. 12(C)) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (extracted value related to counter D in FIG. 8) extracted upon winning the special chart (S1304). Note that here, if it is C time-saving hit A, the fluctuation pattern is selected by referring to the table for C time-saving hit A during non-time-saving, and if it is C time-saving hit B, the fluctuation pattern is selected by referring to the table for C time-saving hit B during non-time-saving.

[0470] If the game is not in the non-time-shortened state in step S1301 (S1301: NO), it is determined whether the game is in the slight time-shortened state (whether the game status is "9") (S1305).

[0471] If the game is in the micro-time-saving state (S1305: YES), it is then determined whether or not the game is a jackpot (the jackpot flag is ON) (S1306). If the game is a jackpot in step S1306 (S1306: YES), the game refers to the table for the jackpot during the micro-time-saving state (the portion corresponding to the jackpot in FIG. 12(A)), and selects a variation pattern based on the special chart variation pattern random number counter value (the extracted value related to counter D in FIG. 8) extracted upon winning the special chart (S1307).

[0472] On the other hand, in step S1306, if it is not a big win (the big win flag is ON) (S1306: NO), it is judged whether it is a small win (the small win flag is ON) (S1308). If it is a small win in step S1308 (S1306: YES), the table for the small time-saving small and medium wins (the part corresponding to the small win in FIG. 12(A)) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (the extracted value related to counter D in FIG. 8) extracted upon winning the special chart (S1309).

[0473] On the other hand, in step S1308, if it is not a small win (small win flag is ON) (S1308: NO), it is judged whether it is a reach or not (S1310). If it is a reach in step S1310 (S1310: YES), it is a case of a reach with miss, so a table for reach with miss during micro time reduction (the part corresponding to reach with miss in FIG. 12 (A)) is referred to, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1311).

[0474] On the other hand, if the reach is not reached in step S1310 (S1310: NO), the table for misses with no reach during the micro-time-saving period (the portion corresponding to misses with no reach in Figure 12 (A)) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1312).

[0475] If the game state is not in the micro time-saving state in step S1305 (S1305: NO), it is determined that the game state is in the normal time-saving state (1st to 6th time-saving states, A time-saving state, C time-saving state), and then it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot (the jackpot flag is ON) (S1313). If it is a jackpot in step S1313 (S1313: YES), the table for the jackpot during normal time-saving (the part corresponding to the jackpot in FIG. 12(B)) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (the extracted value related to counter D in FIG. 8) extracted upon winning the special chart (S1314).

[0476] On the other hand, in step S1313, if it is not a big win (the big win flag is ON) (S1313: NO), it is judged whether it is a small win (the small win flag is ON) (S1315). If it is a small win in step S1315 (S1315: YES), the table for normal time-saving small and medium wins (the part corresponding to the small win in FIG. 12(B)) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (the extracted value related to counter D in FIG. 8) extracted upon winning the special chart (S1316).

[0477] On the other hand, in step S1315, if it is not a minor hit (the minor hit flag is OFF) (S1315: NO), it is determined whether it is a reach (S1317). If it is a reach in step S1317 (S1317: YES), since it will be a losing combination with a reach during normal short time, a table for losing combinations with a reach during normal short time (the part corresponding to losing combinations with a reach in Fig. 12(B)) is referred to, and a variation pattern is selected based on the special figure variation pattern random number counter value (S1318).

[0478] On the other hand, if it is not a reach in step S1317 (S1317: NO), a table for losing combinations without a reach during normal short time (the part corresponding to losing combinations without a reach in Fig. 12(B)) is referred to, and a variation pattern is selected based on the special figure variation pattern random number counter value (S1319).

[0479] Finally, in step S1320, the variation pattern selected as described above is set (S1320), and this process is terminated.

[0480] Note that the information on the variation pattern set in step S1320 is associated with the variation start command used in the special figure 2 variation start process (step S1006) or the special figure 1 variation start process (step S1012) in the special symbol waiting process (S902).

[0481] Also, in the selection process of the variation pattern at the time of the final variation during the normal short time state, a Battle A reach or a Battle B reach may be selected. That is, at the time of the final variation during the short time state, a predetermined reach effect may be executed so as to show the result of success or failure by the special figure lottery.

[0482] [Special symbol variation in - process (Special operation status 2 in Fig. 21)] As shown in FIG. 25, during the special symbol variation process (S904), the game control microcomputer 81 determines (S1501) whether or not the variation time of the special symbol (the variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in step S1003 or S1009; see FIG. 12) has elapsed. If the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed (S1501: NO), this process is immediately terminated. As a result, the variation display of the special symbol continues.

[0483] On the other hand, if the variation time has elapsed (S1501: YES), a variation stop command is set (S1502), and the special operation status is set to "3" (S1503). Then, after performing other processes such as stopping the variation display of the special symbol with a symbol (any one of the jackpot symbol, small win symbol, time shortening symbol, and special losing symbol) corresponding to the set special symbol stop symbol data (not shown), this process is terminated (S1504).

[0484] [Special Symbol Determination Process (Special Operation Status 3 in FIG. 21)] As shown in FIG. 26, during the special symbol determination process (S906), the game control microcomputer 81 determines (S1601) whether or not the stop time of the special symbol (FIG. 12) has elapsed. If it has not elapsed (S1601: NO), this process is immediately terminated. On the other hand, if the stop time has elapsed (S1601: YES), a game state management process is performed (S1602). The game state management process will be described in detail later.

[0485] Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (there is storage of information related to the determination result of jackpot winning) (S1603). If the jackpot flag is ON (S1603: YES), the special operation status is set to "4" (S1604). Then, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the time shortening flag is ON (S1605), and if the time shortening flag is not ON (S1605: NO), the process proceeds to step S1607.

[0486] On the other hand, when the time-saving flag is ON (S1605: YES), the special figure type buffer provided in the RAM 84 is referred to, and the type of the time-saving state (the number of times of time-saving at the start of the time-saving state) set when the time-saving flag is turned ON is used as the timing for determining the type of the jackpot symbol for the winning determination (at the start or end of the special figure variation when the operating conditions of the first jackpot game are satisfied). The time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1606), and the process proceeds to step S1607.

[0487] Note that the low-base state in this embodiment means a low-base state where there is no electric support (electric chute support / winning support) because the electric chute 22 can be frequently opened, and it does not consider the base-up based on the operation of the big winning device.

[0488] Thereafter, in order to start the jackpot game, a jackpot opening command (not shown) is set (S1607), and the opening of the jackpot game is started (S1608). Here, when the type of the special figure is "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol A", the "First Jackpot A Opening Command" is set as the opening command. When the type of the special figure is "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol B", the "First Jackpot B Opening Command" is set as the opening command. When the type of the special figure is "Special Figure 1 - Jackpot Symbol C", the "First Jackpot C Opening Command" is set as the opening command.

[0489] When the sub-control board 90 receives the "First Jackpot A Opening Command" or the "First Jackpot B Opening Command", it executes the 10R jackpot game performance. When it receives the "First Jackpot C Opening Command", it executes the 4R jackpot game performance.

[0490] Subsequent to step S1608, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern of the big winning opening according to the type of the winning big hit symbol (refer to FIG. 11 in detail) (S1609). At this time, the value of the big winning opening counter that counts the number of times the big winning opening is opened during the special game is set to a value according to the type of the winning big hit symbol. Note that the setting of the opening pattern of the big winning opening (the setting of data according to the opening pattern of the big winning opening) may be performed for each round.

[0491] On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not ON in step S1603 (S1603: NO), it is then determined whether the small hit flag is ON (there is storage of information on the determination result of small hit winning) (S1610). If the small hit flag is ON (S1610: YES), the special operation status is set to "5" (S1611).

[0492] Next, it is determined whether the time shortening flag is ON (S1612). If the time shortening flag is not ON (S1612: NO), the process proceeds to step S1614. However, if the time shortening flag is ON (S1612: YES), the special symbol type buffer provided in the RAM 84 is referred to, and at the timing related to the determination of the combination of the type of the time shortening state (the number of times of time shortening at the start of execution) set when the time shortening flag was turned ON and the type of the small hit symbol determined to be winning during the time shortening state (at the time of V winning when the operating conditions of the two types of big hit games are satisfied, or at the start of the two types of big hit games before V winning), the time shortening flag is turned OFF (S1613), and the process proceeds to step S1614.

[0493] Then, in order to start a small win game, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a small win opening command (not shown) (S1614) and starts the opening of the small win game (S1615). Here, when the small win in the sixth short state, the A short state, or the C short state is a small win game, the "small win A opening command" is set as the opening command. When it is a small win game based on the small win in any of the first to fifth short states, the "small win B opening command" is set as the opening command. When the sub-control board 90 receives the "small win A opening command", it executes the small win A game effect. When it receives the "small win B opening command", it executes the small win B game effect.

[0494] Subsequent to step S1615, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern of the big winning opening according to the type of the selected small win symbol (specifically, refer to FIG. 11) (S1616). At this time, the value of the big winning opening counter is set to a value according to the type of the selected small win symbol.

[0495] Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the payout member operation flag (S1617) and ends this process. The payout member operation flag is a flag indicating the period for operating the payout member 71. That is, in this embodiment, the operation of the payout member 71 starts together with the opening of the small win game. The operation pattern of the payout member 71 will be described in detail later.

[0496] If the small win flag is not ON in step S1610 (S1610: NO), neither the big win game nor the small win game is started. Therefore, the special operation status is set to "1" (S1618) and this process is ended.

[0497] [Game state management process] As shown in FIG. 27, in the game state management process (S1602) related to the special symbol determination process (S906) of FIG. 26, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time shortening flag is ON (S1701). If the time shortening flag is not ON and is in the OFF state (S1701: NO), the process proceeds to step S1705.

[0498] On the other hand, when the time shortening flag is ON (S1701: YES), the value of the time shortening counter that counts the number of special symbols (or it may be the variable display of the general symbol variation) executed during the time shortening state (any of the first to sixth time shortening flags, A time shortening state, C time shortening state, very short time shortening state) is decremented by 1 (S1702), and it is determined whether the value of the time shortening counter is "0" (S1703).

[0499] If the value of the time shortening counter is not "0" (S1703: NO), the process proceeds to step S1712. If the value of the time shortening counter is "0" (S1703: YES), the time shortening flag is turned OFF (S1704), the game state status is updated to 0 (non-time shortening state) (S1705), and then the process proceeds to step S1706.

[0500] In step S1706, when it is a case of "per C time shortening (A or B per C time shortening)" (S1706: YES), the game state status update process (S1707) is executed.

[0501] In the game state status update process (S1707), when it is a loss by "special symbol 1 - losing symbol A" when the value of the game state status before update is "0", the value "8 (C time shortening state)" is set to the value of the game state status. Thereby, the game state is controlled to the C time shortening state. On the other hand, when it is a loss by "special symbol 1 - losing symbol B" when the value of the game state status before update is "0", the value "9 (very short time shortening state)" is set to the value of the game state status (see FIG. 11(B)). Thereby, the game state is controlled to the very short time shortening state.

[0502] After executing the game state status update process (S1707), the time shortening flag is set to ON (S1708), and the process proceeds to step S1709, where the time shortening counter value corresponding to the game state status (see Fig. 11(B)) is set, and the process proceeds to step S1712.

[0503] In addition, each time shortening state in this embodiment ends when either a special figure variation corresponding to each time shortening state occurs (time shortening counter value = 0) or a winning condition such as a small win is satisfied.

[0504] If it is not a time shortening win (S1706: NO), the process proceeds to step S1710. In step S1710, it is determined whether either the big win flag or the small win flag is ON. If it is ON (S1710: YES), the process proceeds to step S1712. On the other hand, if neither the big win flag nor the small win flag is ON and it is a losing case (S1710: NO), the process proceeds to step S1711.

[0505] In step S1711, the value of the losing counter that counts the number of losing variations (losing variation display of special symbols) is incremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S1712.

[0506] Note that the value of the losing counter is cleared when it reaches 10,000 times or when a big win is achieved.

[0507] In step S1712, a game state command including the set game state status information (information indicating the current game state), counter (time shortening counter value, current time shortening counter value (remaining time shortening times), and losing counter value) information is set in the output buffer of the RAM 84, and this process ends. By outputting this game state command, the sub-control board 90 is notified of the information on the current game state. Then, the information on the current game state is shared with the sub-control board 90, and the sub-control board 90 controls the effect mode according to the current game state.

[0508] [Special Electric Component Processing 1 (Big Win Game)] Special Electric Component Processing 1 (Special Operation Status 4 in FIG. 21) is a process for executing a type of big win game.

[0509] As shown in FIG. 28, in the special electric component processing 1 (S908), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the big win end flag is ON (S2001). The big win end flag is a flag indicating that all openings of the first big winning device 31 (unit opening game, round game) in the selected big win game have ended.

[0510] If the big win end flag is not ON (S2001: NO), it is determined whether the first big winning opening 30 is open (that is, whether the first big winning device 31 is open) (S2002). If it is not open (S2002: NO), it is determined whether the time to open the first big winning opening 30 has arrived, that is, whether the time for the opening of the big win has passed and it is time to start opening the first big winning opening 30, or whether the interval time between openings has passed and it is time to start the next opening (S2003).

[0511] If the determination result of step S2003 is NO, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S2003 is YES, the first big winning opening 30 is opened according to the set opening pattern of the winning opening (S2004).

[0512] If the first big winning opening 30 is open in step S2002 (S2002: YES), it is determined whether the number of winning times at the first big winning opening 30 in that unit opening game (one round game) has reached the specified maximum number of winning times (10 in this embodiment) (S2005). If it has not reached the specified number of winning times (S2005: NO), it is determined whether the time to close the first big winning opening 30 has arrived (that is, whether a predetermined opening time (see FIG. 11) has passed since the first big winning opening 30 was opened) (S2006). And if the opening time of the first big winning opening 30 has not passed (S2006: NO), this process ends.

[0513] On the other hand, when the specified number of winning has been reached (S2005: YES) or when the opening time of the first major winning opening 30 has elapsed (S2006: YES), that is, when any of the two opening end conditions is satisfied, the first major winning opening 30 is closed (blocked) (S2007). Then, the value of the major winning opening opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2008), and it is determined whether the value of the major winning opening opening counter is "0" (S2009). If it is not "0" (S2009: NO), the process ends as it is to start the next opening.

[0514] On the other hand, if it is "0" (S2009: YES), a jackpot ending command (not shown) is set (S2010) and the jackpot ending is started (S2011) in order to end the jackpot game. Then, the jackpot end flag is set and the process ends (S2012).

[0515] Also, if the jackpot end flag is ON in step S2001 (S2001: YES), since the opening of the first major winning opening 30 in the jackpot game has all ended, it is determined whether the jackpot ending time has elapsed (S2013), and if the ending time has not elapsed (S2013: NO), the process ends.

[0516] On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (S2013: YES), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2014), and the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2015). Then, after setting the special operation status to "1" (S2016), the game state setting process (S2017) described later is performed, and this process ends.

[0517] [Game State Setting Process] As shown in FIG. 29, in the game state setting process (S2017), first, a game state status update process (S2101) is executed.

[0518] In the game state status update process, when the value of the game state status before update is "0 (non-time shortening state)" or "9 (slight time shortening state)" and a big win occurs with "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol A", after the big win, the value "7 (A time shortening state)" is set for the game state status value. As a result, the game state is controlled to the A time shortening state.

[0519] Also, when the value of the game state status before update is "0 (non-time shortening state)" or "9" and a big win occurs with "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol B", after the big win, the value "6 (6th time shortening state)" is set for the game state status value. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 6th time shortening state.

[0520] Also, when the value of the game state status before update is "0 (non-time shortening state)" or "9" and a big win occurs with "Special Figure 1 - Big Win Symbol C", after the big win, the value "1 (1st time shortening state)" is set for the game state status value. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 1st time shortening state.

[0521] Also, when the value of the game state status before update is "1" and a big win occurs based on "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol a", after the big win, the value "6" is set for the game state status value. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 6th time shortening state. On the other hand, when the value of the game state status before update is "1" and a big win occurs based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbols b - e", after the big win, the value "2 (2nd time shortening state)" is set for the game state status value. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 2nd time shortening state.

[0522] Also, when a jackpot occurs based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a, b" when the value of the game state status before update is "2", after the jackpot, the value "6" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 6th short state. On the other hand, when a jackpot occurs based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols c~e" when the value of the game state status before update is "2", after the jackpot, the value "3 (3rd short state)" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 3rd short state.

[0523] Also, when a jackpot occurs based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a~c" when the value of the game state status before update is "3", after the jackpot, the value "6" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 6th short state. On the other hand, when a jackpot occurs based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols d, e" when the value of the game state status before update is "3", after the jackpot, the value "4 (4th short state)" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 4th short state.

[0524] Also, when a jackpot occurs based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a~d" when the value of the game state status before update is "4", after the jackpot, the value "6" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 6th short state. On the other hand, when a jackpot occurs based on "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbol e" when the value of the game state status before update is "4", after the jackpot, the value "5 (5th short state)" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 5th short state.

[0525] Also, when a jackpot occurs based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a~e" when the value of the game state status before update is any one of "5~7", after the jackpot, the value "6" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 6th short state.

[0526] In addition, when a jackpot is achieved based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a - e" when the value of the game state status before update is any one of "5 to 7", after the jackpot, the value "6" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the 6th short time state.

[0527] In addition, when a jackpot is achieved based on any one of "Special Figure 2 - Small Hit Symbols a - e" when the value of the game state status before update is "8 (C - short time state)", after the jackpot, the value "7" is set for the game state status. As a result, the game state is controlled to the A - short time state (see Figure 11(A) above).

[0528] After executing the game state status update process (S2101), the short time flag is turned ON (S2102), and then the short time count corresponding to the game state status (see Figure 11(A)) is set in the short time counter (S2103), and the process proceeds to step S2104.

[0529] In step S2104, a game state command including the set game state status information (information indicating the current game state) and the short time count (counter) information is set in the output buffer of the RAM84, and this process ends. By outputting this game state command, the sub - control board 90 is notified of the information on the current game state. Then, the information on the current game state is shared with the sub - control board 90, and the sub - control board 90 controls the production mode according to the current game state.

[0530] [Special Electric Device Process 2 (Small Hit Game)] Special Electric Device Process 2 (Special Operation Status 5 in Figure 21) is a process for executing a small hit game that releases the second large winning device 36 having the specific area 39.

[0531] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, in the special electric device process 2 (S909), the game - control microcomputer 81 determines whether the small hit end flag is ON (S2301). The small hit end flag is a flag indicating that the release of the second large winning device 36 has ended in the small hit game.

[0532] If the small win end flag is not ON (S2301: NO), it is determined whether the second largest winning opening 35 is open (that is, whether the second largest winning device 36 is open) (S2302). If it is not open (S2302: NO), it is determined whether the time to open the second largest winning opening 35 has arrived, that is, whether the time of a predetermined pre-opening interval (small win opening) has elapsed and the time to start opening the second largest winning opening 35 has arrived (S2303).

[0533] If the determination result of step S2303 is NO, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S2303 is YES, the second largest winning opening 35 is opened according to the opening pattern of the winning opening corresponding to the type of the winning small win symbol (see FIG. 11) (S2304).

[0534] If the second largest winning opening 35 is open in step S2302 (S2302: YES), it is determined whether the number of winning times for the second largest winning opening 35 has reached the specified maximum number of winning times (10 in this embodiment) (S2305). If the specified number of winning times has not been reached (S2305: NO), it is determined whether the time to close the second largest winning opening 35 has arrived (whether the opening time of the winning opening in the first round shown in FIG. 11 (2 seconds open + 1 second open × 10 times) has elapsed) (S2306). And if the opening time of the second largest winning opening 35 has not elapsed (S2306: NO), this process ends.

[0535] On the contrary, when the specified number of winning times is reached (S2305: YES) or the opening time of the second largest winning opening 35 has elapsed (S2306: YES), that is, when any of the two opening end conditions is satisfied, the second largest winning opening 35 is closed (blocked) (S2307). Then, the value of the winning opening open counter is decremented by 1 (S2308), the small win end flag is set (S2309), and this process ends.

[0536] Also, if the small hit end flag is ON in step S2301 (S2301: YES), as shown in FIG. 31, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (the time of the post-closure interval) has elapsed after the closure of the second big winning opening 35 in the small hit game (S2310). If the time of the post-closure interval has not elapsed (S2310: NO), the process ends. Note that the time of the post-closure interval of the small hit game will be described later. On the other hand, if the time of the post-closure interval has elapsed (S2310: YES), the small hit end flag is turned OFF (S2311), the small hit flag is turned OFF (S2312), and the process proceeds to step S2313.

[0537] In step S2313, it is determined whether or not the V flag is ON. The V flag is a flag indicating that a game ball has passed through the specific area 39 during the execution of the small hit game, and is a flag that is turned ON in step S2603 (see FIG. 34) described later.

[0538] If the V flag is ON (S2313: YES), in order to execute the two-type big hit game, the game control microcomputer 81 turns OFF the V flag (S2314), turns ON the big hit flag (S2315), sets the special operation status to "4" (S2316), and proceeds to step S2317. Then, a big hit opening command (not shown) is set (S2317), and the big hit opening is started (S2318). As a result, the game shifts from the small hit game that opens the second big winning opening 35 for a short time to the two-type big hit game.

[0539] Here, in the case of a double jackpot game based on a minor win or a minor win that transitions to the sixth short state after the end of a major win in the sixth short state, the A short state, or the C short state, the "double jackpot A opening command" is set as the opening command. In the case of a double jackpot game based on a minor win that does not transition to the sixth short state after the end of the major win, the "double jackpot B opening command" is set as the opening command. When the sub-control board 90 receives the "double jackpot A opening command", it executes the double jackpot A game effect. When it receives the "double jackpot B opening command", it executes the double jackpot B game effect.

[0540] On the other hand, if the V flag is not ON in step S2313 (S2313: NO), since the double jackpot game is not executed, the value of the big winning opening counter is cleared to "0" (S2320), the special operation status is set to "1" (S2321), and this process ends.

[0541] [Vibrator member control process] The game control microcomputer 81 performs a vibrator member control process (S107) next after the special operation process (S106) related to the main side timer interrupt process (S005) in FIG. 17.

[0542] As shown in FIG. 32, in the vibrator member control process (S107), first, it is determined whether the vibrator member operation flag is ON (S2501). If the vibrator member operation flag is not ON (S2501: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if the vibrator member operation flag is ON (S2501: YES), since the opening of the minor win game has started (see FIG. 26), a vibrator member operation process (S2502) is performed to operate the vibrator member 71 in a predetermined operation pattern, and a V valid period setting process (S2503) is performed.

[0543] In the vibration unit member operation process (S2502), a timer for measuring the operation time of the vibration unit member 71 is set. Based on the timing using this timer, when the opening timing of the vibration unit member 71 is reached, the vibration unit member solenoid 73 is turned on, and when the closing timing of the vibration unit member 71 is reached, the vibration unit member solenoid 73 is turned off. As a result, the vibration unit member 71 will move with a certain operation from the start of the opening of the minor hit game.

[0544] Specifically, first, the vibration unit member 71 is controlled to be in a passage blocking state (the state shown by the broken line in Fig. 2) for 8 ms from the start of the opening of the minor hit game. This is called the pre-opening interval. Subsequently, it is controlled to be in a passage allowing state (see Fig. 2) for 4600 ms. This is called V-opening. Next, it is controlled to be in a passage blocking state for 3000 ms. This is called the post-closing interval. Such a series of operations consisting of "pre-opening interval ⇒ V-opening ⇒ post-closing interval" is the constant operation of the vibration unit member 71.

[0545] Also, in the V valid period setting process (S2503), a V valid period is set for the constant operation of the vibration unit member 71 as described above. The V valid period is the period during which when there is detection by the specific area sensor 39a, the detection is regarded as valid and the V flag is turned on. As shown in Fig. 33(d), the V valid period is until a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the opening of the specific area 39 (the time when the vibration unit member 71 is controlled to be in a passage allowing state). The predetermined time is set to be longer than the opening time of the specific area 39 (the time when the vibration unit member 71 is controlled to be in a passage allowing state). This is in consideration of the time lag until the game ball that has passed through the arrangement position of the vibration unit member 71 reaches the specific area 39.

[0546] Specifically, in the V valid period setting process (S2503), a timer for measuring the V valid period is set. Based on the timekeeping using this timer, when it is time to enable the specific area 39, the V valid flag is turned ON, and when it is time to disable the specific area 39, the V valid flag is turned OFF. Note that in step S2602 of the specific area sensor detection process (S108) described later, it is determined whether the V valid period is in progress by determining whether this V valid flag is ON.

[0547] Subsequent to the V valid period setting process (S2503), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the operation of the vibration member 71 has ended (S2504). Specifically, based on the timer for measuring the operating time of the vibration member 71 set in step S2502, it is determined whether the total operating time (7600 ms (see FIG. 33(c))) has elapsed from the start to the end of the constant operation of the vibration member 71. And when the operation of the vibration member 71 has not ended (S2504: NO), this process ends as it is. On the other hand, when the operation of the vibration member 71 has ended (S2504: YES), after turning off the vibration member operation flag (S2505), this process ends.

[0548] Here, based on FIG. 33, the relationship between the constant operation of the vibration member 71 as described above and the opening pattern of the second large winning opening 35 (opening / closing member 37) in the small hit game will be described. In this embodiment, as the opening pattern of the second large winning opening 35 in the small hit game, there are two opening patterns shown in FIGS. 33(b) and (e). Note that FIG. 33(a) shows the timing of the variable display and stop display of the special symbols in order to make the timing of the start of the small hit game easier to understand.

[0549] The opening pattern shown in FIG. 33(b) is the opening pattern selected when winning a small hit in the lottery of Special Figure 2. That is, it is the opening pattern selected when winning "Special Figure 2_Small Hit Symbol b" (see FIG. 11). This opening pattern is a passing opening pattern that allows passage to the specific area 39.

[0550] More specifically, this opening pattern for passage closes the second largest winning opening 35 over 8 ms and then opens the second largest winning opening 35 over 1600 ms, and then closes the second largest winning opening 35 over 6000 ms. In other words, the small win game executed with this opening pattern includes an opening in which the second largest winning opening 35 is closed over 8 ms, a small win opening game in which the second largest winning opening 35 is opened over 1600 ms, and a closing interval in which the second largest winning opening 35 is closed over 6000 ms.

[0551] When the second largest winning opening 35 is opened with such an opening pattern, during the 1600 ms opening period of the second largest winning opening 35 and during the 6000 ms period after the second largest winning opening 35 is closed, when the distribution member 71 is in the V open state, the distribution member 71 is in a passage-permitted state (see FIGS. 33(b) and (c)). Therefore, no matter at what winning timing the game ball wins the second largest winning opening 35, the game ball can pass through the specific area 39. In this embodiment, if the game balls are continuously fired to the right, each device such as the second largest winning device 36 is arranged so that the game ball will surely win the second largest winning opening 35 during the 1.6-second opening period. Also, the time required for the game ball that has passed through the second largest winning opening 35 to reach the arrangement position of the distribution member 71 is shorter than 3000 ms.

[0552] The opening pattern shown in FIG. 33(e) is the opening pattern selected when winning in the lottery of Special Figure 2 for "Special Figure 2 - Small Win Symbol a" (see FIG. 11). This opening pattern is a non-passage opening pattern in which passage to the specific area 39 is substantially impossible.

[0553] More specifically, this non-pass opening pattern closes the second largest winning opening 35 for 4568 ms and then opens the second largest winning opening 35 for 1600 ms, and then closes the second largest winning opening 35 for 1440 ms. In other words, the small win game executed with this opening pattern includes an opening in which the second largest winning opening 35 is closed for 4568 ms, a small win opening game in which the second largest winning opening 35 is opened for 1600 ms, and a post-closure interval in which the second largest winning opening 35 is closed for 1440 ms.

[0554] When the second largest winning opening 35 is opened with such an opening pattern, the V-opening of the distribution member 71 is almost completed during the opening (see FIGS. 33(e) and (c)). The period during which the V-opening of the distribution member 71 coincides with the opening of the second largest winning opening 35 is only 40 ms immediately after the start of the opening of the second largest winning opening 35. Therefore, even if a game ball enters at the start of the opening of the second largest winning opening 35, the distribution member 71 is controlled to a state of blocking passage by the time the game ball reaches the position of the distribution member 71. Therefore, when this opening pattern is selected, the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39. That is, it is substantially impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39.

[0555] As described above with reference to FIG. 33, in the present embodiment, the operation of the distribution member 71 is started with the start of the opening of the small win game. Then, the small win game is executed in one of two opening patterns according to the type of small win symbol. Each opening pattern has a different opening time. Therefore, in each opening pattern, the opening timing of the second largest winning opening 35 with respect to the displacement timing of the distribution member 71 is different. Thus, it is possible to execute a small win game (special 2V passing small win in FIG. 33(b)) in which the specific area 39 can be passed regardless of the winning timing for the second largest winning opening 35, and a small win game (special 2V non-passing small win in FIG. 33(e)) in which the specific area 39 cannot be passed no matter at what timing the second largest winning opening 35 is won.

[0556] In the present embodiment, during the small hit game, the number of game balls that have entered the second large winning device 36 is counted based on the detection by the second large winning opening sensor 35a, and the number of game balls discharged outside the second large winning device 36 is counted based on the detection by the specific area sensor 39a or the non-specific area sensor 70a. That is, in the present embodiment, the specific area sensor 39a and the non-specific area sensor 70a also function as the discharge port sensor 15a that counts the number of game balls discharged outside the second large winning device 36. And when the two count values do not match at the end point of a certain operation of the distribution member 71, an error notification is made. Note that after the second large winning opening 35 is closed, the operation of the distribution member 71 may be stopped when the two count values match. In this way, it becomes possible to smoothly start the variable display of the special symbol after the second large winning opening 35 is closed.

[0557] [Specific Area Sensor Detection Process] Returning to the description of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81. The game control microcomputer 81 next performs a specific area sensor detection process (S108) following the distribution member control process (S107) related to the main side timer interrupt process (S005) in FIG. 17.

[0558] As shown in FIG. 34, in the specific area sensor detection process (S108), first, it is determined whether there has been a detection of a game ball for turning on the specific area sensor 39a (S2601). If there is no detection (S2601: NO), the process ends, but if there is a detection (S2601: YES), it is determined whether it is during the V valid period (S2602). The V valid period is the period set in the V valid period setting process (S2503) in the distribution member control process (FIG. 32). Specifically, the V valid period is the period shown in FIG. 33(d).

[0559] If it is determined in step S2602 that it is within the V validity period (S2602: YES), the V flag is turned ON (S2603), the V pass command is set (S2604), and the process proceeds to step S2605. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2602 that it is not within the V validity period (S2602: NO), the specific area sensor detection process is terminated without performing the processes from step S2603 to step S2606. The V pass command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of passing through V (passing through the specific area 39).

[0560] [Safety device (complete function)] Incidentally, in this pachinko gaming machine 1 (including a non-encapsulated pachinko machine and an encapsulated pachinko machine), a safety device (complete function) is provided to suppress the excitement of the player's gambling mentality by stopping the game when a certain number of balls are ejected.

[0561] Here, the complete function is a game specification in which when the difference (so-called, MY: the maximum number of difference balls in a day) calculated from the negative profit based on the number of balls fired until the result of a predetermined lottery becomes a predetermined winning during a predetermined game state (normal game) and the positive profit based on the number of prize balls obtained according to the entry of game balls into a predetermined ball entry port after the winning reaches a specified number (for example, MY95,000 balls), the continuation of the game progress becomes impossible (game over).

[0562] The difference (hereinafter referred to as difference ball MY) is the maximum number of difference balls in a day (the maximum number of balls from the most frustrating situation (where a big win cannot be obtained even though a certain amount of time has passed since the previous big win)), and can be grasped from the signals of out (operation number) and safe (payout number) (grasped at the time when the number of balls falling on the back side of the game board 2 and the number of balls replenished). When MY95,000 balls are reached within the same business day, the game is forcibly terminated, and at the timing when it is MY90000 balls or more, the image display device 7 is notified that the function operation regarding the difference ball MY is in progress.

[0563] Here, regarding the difference balls MY, supplementary explanations will be given using three examples of slump graphs. The slump graphs shown in FIGS. 35(A), (B), and (C) depict the history of the number of hits in the data counter installed on the game table. The slump graph is a line graph that represents the number of difference balls on the vertical axis and the number of balls entering the ball pocket on the horizontal axis, recording the flow of balls in chronological order.

[0564] In the slump graph shown in FIG. 35(A), there are three peaks of difference balls at 70,000 balls, 80,000 balls, and 95,000 balls. However, not all of these are difference balls MY. The maximum value (95,000 balls) among the three peaks of difference balls is the difference ball MY, and there is one per day.

[0565] Also, in the slump graph shown in FIG. 35(B), at first glance, it seems that there are three peaks of difference balls, but there is actually one peak of difference balls. There is a rule for counting the peak of difference balls. The peak of difference balls is determined only when all the acquired prize balls have been swallowed (when there are no more prize balls). Therefore, according to the slump graph shown here, since the acquired prize balls have never been swallowed, the peak of difference balls (difference ball MY 95,000 balls) is one.

[0566] Moreover, in the slump graph shown in FIG. 35(C), the ball output is constantly negative on the user side. However, since there is no concept of negative for the difference ball MY, it will not become negative (difference ball MY 95,000).

[0567] The activation conditions of the safety device (complete function) are based on the number of difference balls MY. Therefore, when the number of difference balls MY reaches the specified number, the game is forcibly terminated (stopped) except during a big win. Depending on the timing of hitting a big win just before the safety device (complete function) is activated, there is a specification such that there is a difference of approximately one big win in the balls that the player can obtain (in an extreme case, if a big win is won when there is 1 ball and 1500 balls remaining until the specified number is reached, 1499 difference balls MY will be generated).

[0568] Therefore, if the adjustment of the difference balls that can be obtained by the player before the activation of the safety device is possible, the player can obtain the maximum number of balls after the activation of the safety device, and the sense of expectation for obtaining balls can be enhanced without reducing the player's interest and awareness in the game.

[0569] For this reason, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, before the activation of the safety device in a state where the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of launched balls (prize ball payout rate), is high (for example, a right hit in the middle), a change in the mode of launch notification (for example, a strong right launch instruction and a weak right launch instruction described later) is made possible, and based on the launch of the game balls according to the instruction of the mode change, a "game end control process" for reducing the base below the design value in a high base such as a jackpot, time shortening, or probability variation is implemented.

[0570] Note that the complete function is released when a RAM clear operation is performed when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on again after being turned off.

[0571] Next, the game end control process will be described in detail using the flowchart shown in FIG. 36.

[0572] The game end control process is mainly centered around the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81), and the game control microcomputer 81 communicates (transmission and reception of commands, status, and data through CPU - to - CPU communication) with the payout control board 170 (payout control microcomputer 171) and the sub - control board 90 (production control microcomputer 91), and will be described as being executed in this way.

[0573] In FIG. 36, in a predetermined game state with a high base (for example, a right hit), the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first or second embodiment first determines whether it is in the middle of a big win (S1091). The determination of whether it is in the middle of a big win is executed by referring to a big win flag (information related to the determination result of a big win selection) or a big win end flag that is allocated and stored in a partial area of the RAM 84 at the time of occurrence or during the occurrence of a big win. Here, the big win end flag is a flag indicating that the opening of the first big winning device 31 or the second big winning device 36 (unit opening game, round game) in the selected big win game has all ended.

[0574] If the result of the big win determination in step S1091 is not a big win (S1091: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 then determines whether it is in the middle of a small win (S1092). The determination of whether it is in the middle of a small win is executed by referring to a small win flag (information related to the determination result of a small win selection) or a small win end flag that is allocated and stored in the RAM 84 at the time of occurrence of a small win. Here, the small win end flag is a flag indicating that the opening of the second big winning device 36 in the small win game has ended.

[0575] If the result of the big win determination in step S1091 is a big win (S1091: YES), or if the result of the small win determination in step S1092 is a small win (S1092: YES), the process proceeds to return and ends this process.

[0576] If the result of the jackpot-in determination in step S1091 is not jackpot-in (S1091: NO), and the result of the minor-win determination in step S1092 is not minor-win (S1092: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a difference derivation process (S1093). The difference derivation process executed here means that the game control microcomputer 81 communicates with the payout control board 170 (payout control microcomputer 171) to obtain the management information (the counted out (operation count or number of balls discharged from the game board) and safe (number of bonus balls or number of balls paid out) ball numbers) generated by the payout control microcomputer 171, and calculates the difference (difference ball number).

[0577] Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the difference ball MY has reached a specified value (95,000 balls) that triggers the activation of the safety device (S1094). Here, if it is determined that the value is less than the specified value (S1094: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 further determines whether the difference ball MY has reached a first reach value (90,000 balls), which is the trigger for the first launch notification (S1095). Here, if it is determined that the difference ball MY has reached the first reach value (S1095: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 communicates with the sub-control board 90 (effect control microcomputer 91) to start a first launch notification start process indicating a strong hit instruction related to the second game area 3B, and causes the effect control microcomputer 91 to execute a first launch notification indicating a strong hit instruction related to the second game area 3B as shown in FIG. 37(A) (S1096).

[0578] Specifically, the sub-control board 90 and the image control board 100 are connected. The effect control microcomputer 91 on the sub-control board 90 can cause the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 to perform display control of the image display device 7 based on the command received from the game control microcomputer 81. The CPU 102 of the image control board 100 reads out image data from the ROM 103 based on the command from the effect control microcomputer 91, and develops (writes to the RAM 104) the image of the effect screen (first launch notification) shown in FIG. 37(A) on the RAM 104, so that the effect screen (first launch notification) shown in FIG. 37(A) can be displayed on the image display device 7. The effect screen (first launch notification) is, for example, an image for indicating a strong right hit, in which a logo including an arrow indicating a right hit instruction is large and is expressed in a prominent color such as red. Further, by giving the logo movement, the player can be further prompted to make a strong right hit.

[0579] On the other hand, in the determination of step 1095, if it is determined that the value is less than the first reach value (S1095: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 further determines whether the difference ball MY, which is an opportunity for the second launch notification, is less than the specified value obtained by subtracting the specific value (1020, which is the maximum number of balls discharged during a jackpot related to the execution of a 10-round game) from the specified value (95000 balls), that is, whether the difference ball MY has reached the second reach value (94000 balls) (S1097). Here, if it is determined that the second reach value has been reached (S1097...

Claims

Claim 1 A gaming machine capable of controlling a gaming state to a normal state, a favorable state more favorable than the normal state, and a specific state more favorable than the favorable state, The favorable state includes a first favorable state, a second favorable state in which the rate of transition to the specific state is set higher than that of the first favorable state, and a third favorable state in which the rate of transition to the specific state is set higher than that of the second favorable state, Based on the derivation of a special display result in the normal state, it is possible to transition to the first favorable state, Based on the derivation of a special display result in the first favorable state, it is possible to transition to the second favorable state or the specific state, A gaming machine characterized in that based on the derivation of a special display result in the second favorable state, it is possible to transition to the third favorable state or the specific state. Claim 2 The favorable state includes a top favorable state in which the rate of transition to the specific state is set higher than that of the third favorable state, The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that based on the derivation of a special display result in the top favorable state, it is possible to transition to the specific state, but not to the favorable state. Claim 3 The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that based on the derivation of a special display result in the normal state, it is possible to transition to the specific state.

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