Game machine

Abstract

To enhance interest in a game.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: shooting means capable of shooting game balls with different shooting strength; a predetermined flow path in which game balls shot with first shooting strength can flow down; first ball entry means that game balls flowing down the predetermined flow path can enter; and first privilege impartation means capable of imparting a first privilege on the basis of entry of game balls into the first ball entry means. Further, the game machine includes: a collision member with which game balls shot with second shooting strength that is larger than the first shooting strength can collide; a specific flow path in which at least partial game balls from among game balls shot with the second shooting strength can flow down; second ball entry means that game balls flowing down the specific flow path can enter; and second privilege impartation means capable of imparting a second privilege on the basis of entry of game balls into the second ball entry means. Further, the game machine is configured so as to allow a player to continuously play a shooting game using the shooting means under multiple game situations at least including a first game situation, and a second game situation that becomes more advantageous to a player when shooting game balls with second shooting strength than in the first game situation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a gaming machine capable of launching game balls with different launching intensities (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such games, there is a demand for further improvement in the interest of the game. The object of the present invention is to improve the interest of the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is launching means capable of launching game balls with different launching intensities, a predetermined flow path through which the game balls launched at the first launching intensity by the launching means can flow down, first ball entry means into which the game balls flowing down through the predetermined flow path can enter, first privilege granting means capable of granting a first privilege based on the game balls entering the first ball entry means, a collision member with which the game balls launched at a second launching intensity stronger than the first launching intensity by the launching means can collide, a specific flow path through which at least some of the game balls launched at the second launching intensity can flow down, second ball entry means into which the game balls flowing down through the specific flow path can enter, a second privilege granting means capable of granting a second privilege based on a game ball entering the second ball entry means, characterized in that it is configured to continuously cause the player to play a shooting game using the shooting means in a plurality of game situations including at least a first game situation and a second game situation that is advantageous to the player when a game ball is shot with the second shooting intensity rather than the first game situation.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the interest of the game can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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[0008] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine will be described as an example of the game machine 1.

[0009] [Structure of the Game Machine] The structure of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 as seen from the front side. Further, FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 as seen from the rear side of the inner frame 20. FIGS. 5 to 7 are perspective views of the gaming machine 1 as seen from the front side, showing the state in which each part is rotated.

[0010] The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 10, an inner frame 20 rotatably attached to the outer frame 10, a front frame 30 rotatably attached to the front side of the inner frame 20, and a rear unit 50 rotatably attached to the rear side of the inner frame 20. The outer frame 10 constitutes the outer periphery of the gaming machine 1 and is fixed to the island equipment when the gaming machine 1 is installed in the island equipment of the game parlor. This outer frame 10 has a rectangular frame shape penetrating front and rear as shown in FIG. 5, and a decorative member 11 is provided at the lower part of the front surface.

[0011] The inner frame 20 is attached to the outer frame 10 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the vertical direction at the left end portion as seen from the front side. This inner frame 20 can be converted between a closed state in which it covers the front side portion of the outer frame 10 excluding the decorative member 11 as shown in FIG. 1 and an open state in which it rotates forward in a door shape with respect to the outer frame 10 as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner frame 20 is formed with a housing portion 21 penetrating front and rear capable of housing the game board 70. The game board 70 is detachably attached to this housing portion 21 such that the game area 73 through which the game balls can flow down is on the front side. Further, below the housing portion 21 on the front surface of the inner frame 20, a launching device 22 capable of launching game balls toward the game area 73 of the game board 70 is provided.

[0012] A locking device 23 is provided on the right side portion of the inner frame 20. This locking device 23 can lock the inner frame 20 in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 10 and can also lock the front frame 30 in a closed state with respect to the inner frame 20. At the lower right front of the inner frame 20, a cylinder lock 24 of the locking device 23 is provided, and as shown in Fig. 1, the keyhole is exposed on the front surface of the front frame 30. By inserting a key into this keyhole and rotating it in one direction, the locking of the inner frame 20 with respect to the outer frame 10 is released, and the inner frame 20 can be opened. Also, by rotating it in the other direction opposite to the one direction, the locking of the front frame 30 with respect to the inner frame 20 is released, and the front frame 30 can be opened. The fact that the inner frame 20 is in an open state can be detected by the inner frame open detection sensor 20a. Also, the fact that the front frame 30 is in an open state can be detected by the front frame open detection sensor 30a.

[0013] The front frame 3 is attached to the inner frame 20 so that the left end portion as viewed from the front side can rotate about an axis along the vertical direction. This front frame 30 can be converted between a closed state covering the front portion of the inner frame 20 as shown in Fig. 1 and an open state where it rotates forward in a door shape with respect to the inner frame 20 as shown in Fig. 6. In the portion of the front frame 30 facing the accommodation portion 21 of the inner frame 20, a through portion 31 penetrating through the front and back is formed, and a transparent member 32 made of a transparent member such as glass or resin is provided so as to cover this through portion 31. The transparent member 32 covers the front surface of the game area 73 of the game board 70 and enables the game area 73 to be visible from the front of the gaming machine 1 through the transparent member 32. As shown in Fig. 1, on the front surface of the front frame 30 around the through portion 31, a light emitting means 33 such as a lamp or an LED and a speaker 34 are provided. Note that an operable decorative device may be provided.

[0014] At the lower part of the through portion 31 on the front surface of the front frame 30, an operation unit 35 that enables a player to perform operations related to the game is provided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an upper tray 36, which is a recess open upward capable of storing game balls, is provided in the upper left part of the operation unit 35. The upper tray 36 allows the game balls paid out from the payout device 55 to flow in and can supply the game balls to the launching device 22. Further, a discharge button 37 for causing the game balls in the upper tray 36 to flow down to the lower tray 38 is provided near the upper tray 36. Below the upper tray 36, a lower tray 38, which is a recess open upward capable of storing game balls, is provided. The lower tray 38 allows the game balls that could not be completely stored in the upper tray 36 to flow in. Also, foul balls that have returned to the launching device 22 despite being launched can flow in. A discharge lever 39 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower tray 38 downward is provided at the lower part of the lower tray 38.

[0015] A handle 40 for adjusting the launching force of game balls is provided in the lower right part of the operation unit 35. The handle 40 is also provided with a touch sensor 40a capable of detecting human contact and a launch stop switch 40b for temporarily stopping the launch of game balls based on a pressing operation input from the player. An effect button 41 capable of receiving a pressing operation input from the player is provided in the upper central part of the operation unit 35. By this effect button 41, it becomes possible to perform effects such as intervening the player's operation in the game. Note that the effect button 41 may be provided with vibration means for vibrating the effect button 41, light emitting means for emitting light of a predetermined emission color, operation means capable of converting the upper surface of the effect button 41 from the initial position to a protruding state where it is above the initial position, and the like.

[0016] A cross key 42 capable of receiving an operation input from the player is provided on the right side of the effect button 41. This cross key 42 can be used not only for effects such as intervening the player's operation in the game, but also for adjusting volume and brightness, and selecting on the menu screen. On the right side of the cross key 42, there are provided a ball lending button 43 for the player to operate when receiving balls lent from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a return button 44 for operating to discharge a card from the card unit of the ball lending machine. Further, it may be provided with a remaining balance display for displaying the remaining balance of the card. In addition to the effect button 41 and the cross key 42, input means for receiving the player's operation input may be provided on the front frame 30. The input method may be a method other than the pressing operation input. For example, those that operate a lever or those that rotate a rotating body can be mentioned.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the back unit 50 is provided so as to cover the back surface of the inner frame 20. This back unit 50 is attached to the inner frame 20 so that the right end portion viewed from the back surface side can rotate about an axis along the vertical direction. And as shown in FIG. 5, it can be converted into a closed state covering the back side portion of the inner frame 20 and an open state in which it rotates in a door shape to the rear side with respect to the inner frame 20 as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, a cover portion 51 which is a concave portion opening forward is provided on the front side of the back unit 50, and in the closed state as shown in FIG. 3, it covers the back surface of the game board 70. Further, the cover portion 51 has a through portion 52 that penetrates back and forth at a portion facing the game control device 100 provided on the back surface of the game board 70, and is not covered by the game control device 100. Thereby, even when the back unit 50 is in the closed state, the game control device 100 can be visually recognized from the back side of the gaming machine 1. At the lower part on the back surface side of the back unit 50, a power supply device 250 for supplying power to various parts of the gaming machine 1, a payout control device 200 for controlling the launch device 22 and the payout device 55, etc. are provided.

[0018] In addition, at the upper part of the back unit 50, a storage tank 53 capable of receiving and storing game balls supplied from the island equipment is provided. The game balls stored in the storage tank 53 pass through a supply flow path 54 that descends to the right when viewed from the back surface side as shown in FIG. 3, and are guided to a payout device 55 provided on the right side when viewed from the back surface side of the back unit 50. The game balls paid out from the payout device 55 are guided downward by the guide passage 56 and guided to the upper tray 36 through the through-passages formed in the inner frame 20 and the front frame 30 and penetrating through the front and back. In addition, the back unit 50 is provided with an overflow sensor 57 for detecting that the upper tray 36 and the lower tray 38 are full and the payout is blocked, and a ball run-out sensor 58 for detecting that the game balls to be paid out are insufficient.

[0019] [Structure of the game board] Next, an example of the game board 70 will be described. FIG. 8 is a front view of the game board 70 in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. The game board 70 includes a plate-shaped game board main body 71 made of wood or synthetic resin, and various members are attached to the game board main body 71. On the front surface of the game board main body 71, a game area 73 surrounded by rails 72 capable of guiding game balls is provided. The game balls launched from the launch device 22 are guided to the upper part of the game area 73 through the guiding part 72a formed by the rails 72 and are adapted to flow down through the game area 73. In the game area 73, a windmill 74 and obstacle pins 75, etc., which are variable means capable of changing the flowing direction of the game balls, are provided.

[0020] A variable display unit 80 is provided substantially at the center of the game area 73. A display device 81 capable of displaying information related to the game is provided at the central part of the variable display unit 80. As the display device 81, for example, a device capable of displaying images such as a liquid crystal display, an EL display, a dot matrix LED, a cathode ray tube, etc. can be used. Various effect displays such as moving images and still images can be displayed in the display area of the display device 81. In addition, corresponding to the special figure game in which a plurality of identification information executed in the gaming machine 1 is variably displayed and the result is stopped and displayed, a decorative special figure game in which a plurality of identification information is variably displayed and the result is stopped and displayed can be displayed. Note that as the display device 81 for displaying the decorative special figure game, a reel in which a plurality of identification information is drawn around can also be used.

[0021] Above the variable display unit 80, a movable effect device 82 is provided. This movable effect device 82 is rotatable about an axis along the front-rear direction. Note that it may be possible to display an image in the central portion. The movable effect device 82 may have any structure and operation mode as long as it is operable. Also, the movable effect device 82 may be provided in other parts of the variable display unit 80 or at various locations on the game board 70. Furthermore, the movable effect device 82 may be provided on the front frame 30. Also, a plurality of light-emitting means 33 such as lamps and LEDs are provided at various locations on the game board 70 including the variable display unit 80.

[0022] The variable display unit 80 is configured such that game balls cannot enter from the upper and side portions, but a warp flow path 83 through which game balls can flow into the interior of the variable display unit 80 is provided on the side portion. The game balls that have flowed into the warp flow path 83 are guided to a stage 84 provided at the lower part of the variable display unit 80. Note that game balls that have bounced at the lower part of the variable display unit 80 can also flow into the stage 84. The game balls on the stage 84 mainly flow downward from the central portion of the stage toward the front and then flow down to the lower game area 73. A start winning device 90 is provided at the destination of the flow, and there is a high possibility of flowing into the start winning device 90.

[0023] The start winning device 90 provided below the variable display unit 80 has an inlet 91 at the upper part through which game balls can flow in. At a position directly below the inlet 91, a distributing member 92 is provided that alternately distributes the incoming game balls to the lower first start port 76 and second start port 77. The game balls that have flowed into the first start port 76 are detected by the first start port switch 76a, and based on this, the right to start the special figure 1 game among the special figure games can be generated and one prize ball is paid out. Also, the game balls that have flowed into the second start port 77 are detected by the second start port switch 77a, and based on this, the right to start the special figure 2 game among the special figure games can be generated and one prize ball is paid out.

[0024] The vibrating member 92 is rotatable about an axis along the front-rear direction, and includes a left holding portion 92a and a right holding portion 92b that can temporarily hold the game balls flowing in from the inlet 91. As shown in FIG. 8, this vibrating member 92 is rotatable between a state where the left holding portion 92a faces upward and can receive game balls, and a state where it rotates counterclockwise from this state and the right holding portion 92b faces upward and can receive game balls.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 8, when the game balls flow in from the inlet 91 and are held by the left holding portion 92a in a state where the left holding portion 92a faces upward and can receive game balls, the vibrating member 92 rotates counterclockwise due to the weight of the game balls, and the right holding portion 92b faces upward and can receive game balls. As a result, the game balls held by the left holding portion 92a fall toward the first starting port 76 and flow into the first starting port 76. At this time, the vibrating member 92 is configured to stop in a state where the right holding portion 92b faces upward and can receive game balls. Next, when the game balls flow in from the inlet 91, they are held by the right holding portion 92b. Then, due to the weight of the game balls, the vibrating member 92 rotates clockwise, and the left holding portion 92a faces upward and can receive game balls. As a result, the game balls held by the right holding portion 92b fall toward the second starting port 77 and flow into the second starting port 77. Thereafter, by repeating this, game balls will flow into the first starting port 76 and the second starting port 77 alternately.

[0026] A through gate 78 is provided in the game area 73 to the right of the variable display unit 80. The game balls that pass through the through gate 78 are detected by the gate switch 78a, and based on this, the right to start the general pattern game can be generated. Note that the configuration of the detection unit for the game balls that generate the right to start the general pattern game is the through gate 78 through which the game balls can flow down the game area 73 after detection and the game can continue, but it may also be a winning port where the game balls end the game without flowing down the game area 73 after detection. In this case, prize balls may be paid out upon winning, for example, one prize ball may be paid out.

[0027] Below the variable display unit 80 and to the right of the start winning device 90, a normal variable winning device 79 is provided. The normal variable winning device 79 includes a movable member 79b and can be converted between a closed state (first state) in which game balls cannot flow in and an open state (second state) in which game balls can flow in. Note that even when the movable member 79b is in the closed state, it may be possible for game balls to win, and in the closed state, it may be made more difficult for game balls to win than in the open state. The normal variable winning device 79 is normally in the closed state and can be converted to the open state based on the result of the normal figure game being a predetermined result. Game balls that flow into the normal variable winning device 79 are detected by the normal electric switch 79a, and based on this, the starting right for the special figure 2 game in the special figure game can be generated and one prize ball is paid out.

[0028] The normal variable winning device 79 of the present embodiment is provided such that an inlet through which game balls can flow in opens to the right side. In the closed state shown in FIG. 8, the movable member 79b is substantially vertical and closes the inlet. The movable member 79b is converted to the open state by rotating so as to fall to the right around the lower part from this closed state. In the open state, the inlet is opened, and the movable member 79b guides game balls to the inlet, making it easy for game balls to flow in.

[0029] In the game area 73 at the lower right of the variable display unit 80, a special variable winning device 94 is provided. The special variable winning device 94 includes a movable member 94b and can be converted between a closed state (first state) in which game balls cannot flow in and an open state (second state) in which game balls can flow in. The special variable winning device 94 is normally in the closed state and can be converted to the open state based on the result of the special figure game being a predetermined result. Game balls that flow into the special variable winning device 94 are detected by the big winning opening switch 94a, and based on this, 15 prize balls are paid out.

[0030] The special variable winning device 94 of this embodiment is provided such that an inlet through which game balls can flow in opens forward. In the closed state shown in FIG. 8, the plate-shaped movable member 94b is substantially vertical and closes the inlet. The movable member 94b is converted to the open state by rotating so as to fall forward about the lower part from this closed state. In the open state, the inlet is opened, and the movable member 94b guides the game balls to the inlet, making it easy for the game balls to flow in.

[0031] Note that the normal variable winning device 79 and the special variable winning device 94 may have any configuration as long as they can be converted between a first state in which game balls cannot flow in or can flow in with difficulty, and a second state in which game balls can flow in more easily than in the first state. For example, it may be provided with an inlet that opens upward, and in the first state, the movable member covers the upper part of the inlet so that the game balls pass over the movable member, and in the second state, the movable member retracts from the inlet so that the game balls flow into the inlet. Also, it may be provided with an inlet that opens laterally or forward, and in the first state, the movable member retracts from the flow path of the game balls to a non-guiding state in which the game balls are not guided to the inlet, and in the second state, the movable member appears in the flow path of the game balls to a guiding state in which the game balls are guided to the inlet.

[0032] That is, the movable member 94b of the special variable winning device 94 and the movable member 79b of the normal variable winning device 79 form predetermined operating means that can operate between a first state (closed state or non-guiding state) and a second state (open state or guiding state) different from the first state. Also, the second state (open state or guiding state) is more advantageous for the player than the first state (closed state or non-guiding state).

[0033] A plurality of general winning openings 96 are provided at the lower part of the game area 73. The game balls that flow into the general winning opening 96 are detected by the general winning opening switch 96a, and based on this, one prize ball is paid out. Note that the number of prize balls for each winning opening described above is just an example and is not limited to the above values. For example, the number of prize balls for the first start opening 76 and the second start opening 77 can be set to 3, and the number of prize balls for the normal variable winning device 79 can be set to 2, such that the number of prize balls for the normal variable winning device 79 is more than that for the first start opening 76 and the second start opening 77. Of course, the number of prize balls for the normal variable winning device 79 can also be less than that for the first start opening 76 and the second start opening 77. Also, although the number of prize balls for the plurality of general winning openings 96 are all the same, they can be made different.

[0034] Also, at the lower part of the game area 73, an out port 97 for collecting game balls that did not win in the winning openings or the like is provided. An out ball, which is a game ball flowing out from the out port 97, and a safe ball flowing into each winning opening are detected by an out ball detection switch 97a. Thereby, it is possible to count the number of all game balls launched into the game area 73 and used for the game.

[0035] Outside the game area 73 and at the lower left part of the game board main body 71, a comprehensive display device 60 is provided. The comprehensive display device 60 includes a special figure 1 display unit 61 for displaying the special figure 1 game, a special figure 2 display unit 62 for displaying the special figure 2 game, and a general figure display unit 63 for displaying the general figure game. Also, it includes a special figure 1 reservation display unit 64 for displaying the number of special figure 1 reservations, which is the right to execute the special figure 1 game, a special figure 2 reservation display unit 65 for displaying the number of special figure 2 reservations, which is the right to execute the special figure 2 game, and a general figure reservation display unit 66 for displaying the number of general figure reservations, which is the right to execute the general figure game. In addition to this, the comprehensive display device 60 includes a round number display unit 67 for displaying the number of rounds in the special game state, and a game state display unit 68 for displaying the game state. In the game state display unit 68, for example, a display indicating the hitting method suitable for the game state between right hitting and left hitting, a display indicating the time-saving state, etc. can be performed.

[0036] The special figure 1 display unit 61, the special figure 2 display unit 62, and the general figure display unit 63 can display a plurality of types of identification information constituted by the lighting patterns of LEDs. Along with the start of the corresponding game, a variable display that sequentially displays a plurality of types of identification information is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, one piece of identification information is displayed as a result mode. Note that the special figure 1 display unit 61, the special figure 2 display unit 62, and the general figure display unit 63 may be constituted by one or more LEDs, or may be constituted by so-called 7-segment LEDs.

[0037] In the gaming board 70 as described above, the player can aim for winning in the start winning device 90 or the general winning opening 96 by adjusting the firing force and firing the game ball into the gaming area 73 on the left side of the variable display unit 80 (so-called left shot). Also, by firing the game ball into the gaming area 73 on the right side of the variable display unit 80 (so-called right shot), it is possible to aim for winning in the through gate 78, the special variable winning device 94, the normal variable winning device 79, and the general winning opening 96. Note that a through gate 78 may also be provided in the gaming area 73 on the left side, and an inlet and a movable member 79b may also be provided on the left side of the normal variable winning device 79 so that it is possible to aim for winning in the normal variable winning device 79 even with a left shot.

[0038] [Configuration of the control system] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. The gaming machine 1 includes a game control device 100 having a main board for comprehensively controlling games. The game control device 100 includes an MPU 101 (Micro-Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing and the like. The MPU 101 includes a ROM 102 that stores various control programs and fixed-value data executed by the MPU 101, and a RAM 103 that can be used as a work area and a storage area for various signals and random number values. An input port 105 is connected to the MPU 101 via a bus 104, and it is possible to receive inputs from various devices. Input is performed via an input interface if necessary. Also, an output port 106 is connected to the MPU 101 via the bus 104, and it is possible to output to various devices. Output is performed via a driver if necessary.

[0039] The game control device 100 is provided with a RAM initialization switch 107 at a position where it can be operated with the inner frame 20 open. In the game control device 100, based on the fact that the RAM initialization switch 107 is operated when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, a process is performed to forcibly initialize the information stored in the RAM 103 of the game control device 100 and the RAM 203 in the payout control device 200. Also, the game control device 100 is provided with a setting key operation unit and a setting key switch 108 capable of detecting an operation of the setting key operation unit. It is possible for the setting key switch 108 to detect that a setting key corresponding to the setting key operation unit has been inserted and turned, and based on this detection, it is possible to change or confirm a probability setting value to which a probability value of a jackpot in a special figure game is assigned. For example, six probability setting values, namely setting 1 to setting 6, are prepared as probability values of different jackpots, and any one of them can be selected and set.

[0040] For example, by turning on the power of the gaming machine while operating (pressing) the RAM initialization switch 107 with a setting key inserted into and turned in the setting key operation unit, a probability change mode in which the probability setting value can be changed can be set. Also, by turning on the power of the gaming machine without operating the RAM initialization switch 107 with a setting key inserted into and turned in the setting key operation unit, a probability confirmation mode in which the current probability setting value can be confirmed can be set. The game control device 100 is provided with a performance display monitor 109. The performance display monitor 109 is a 7-segment display and can display the calculated base value and accessory ratio. Also, the probability setting value may be displayed in the probability change mode and the probability confirmation mode.

[0041] Also, although not shown, the game control device 100 includes a random number generation circuit for generating random numbers such as special figure random numbers used for the special figure jackpot lottery of the special figure game, and a clock generator that generates a timer interrupt signal with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the MPU 101 and a clock for giving the update timing of the random number generation circuit based on the clock signal from the oscillation circuit. The generation method of various random numbers is a method of changing the start value using a random number initial value that is updated by +1 at the update timing and is updated at any time whenever the numerical values in a predetermined random number range complete one cycle. Note that the random number generation method is not limited to this, and it may be a method of simply updating by +1 or -1, or a method in which all values within the random number range appear randomly without duplication until the numerical values in the predetermined random number range complete one cycle. Also, the generation method may differ depending on the type of random number.

[0042] To the input port 105 of the game control device 100, a gate switch 78a for detecting a game ball that has flowed into the through gate 78, a general winning port switch 96a for detecting a game ball that has flowed into the general winning port 96, a big winning port switch 94a for detecting a game ball that has flowed into the special variable winning device 94, a first start port switch 76a for detecting a game ball that has flowed into the first start port 76, a second start port switch 77a for detecting a game ball that has flowed into the second start port 77, and a normal power switch 79a for detecting a game ball that has flowed into the normal variable winning device 79 are connected, and signals from these are input. Also, to the input port 105 of the game control device 100, an out ball detection switch 97a for detecting all game balls (safe balls and out balls) that have been launched into the game area 73 and ended the game, an inner frame opening detection sensor 20a for detecting the open state of the inner frame 20, a front frame opening detection sensor 30a for detecting the open state of the front frame 30, and a fraud detection sensor 98 capable of detecting the possibility of fraud are connected, and signals from these are input. Examples of the fraud detection sensor 98 include a radio wave sensor for detecting radio waves, a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations, and a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetism. The game control device 100 controls the game based on the input signals from these various sensors and switches. When input is required from these switches and sensors, the input is performed via an input interface.

[0043] To the output port of the game control device 100, a big winning port solenoid 94c for operating the movable member 94b of the special variable winning device 94 and a normal power solenoid 79c for operating the movable member 79b of the normal variable winning device 79 are connected, and their operations can be controlled. Also, a comprehensive display device 60 for displaying special figure games and the like and a performance display monitor 109 are connected, and the displays on these can be controlled. Furthermore, an external information terminal 99 for outputting an external information signal to an external device such as a hall computer is connected. When output is required to these respective devices, the output is performed via a driver.

[0044] The game control device 100 is connected to a payout control device 200 that controls the launching device 22 and the payout device 55, and an effect control device 300 that controls effects. These control devices are configured to perform control based on information from the game control device 100. Note that one-way communication is used so that a signal cannot be input from the effect control device 300 to the game control device 100.

[0045] The payout control device 200 includes an MPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing and the like, a ROM 202 that stores various control programs and fixed-value data executed by the MPU 201, a RAM 203 that can be used as a work area, and an input / output port 204 for connecting various devices. These are connected via a bus.

[0046] Connected to the input / output port 204 of the payout control device 200 are a payout device 55 that pays out game balls and a launching device 22 that launches game balls, and the operations of these are controlled. When necessary for output to these devices, output is performed via a driver. Also, connected to the input / output port 204 of the payout control device 200 are an overflow sensor 57 that detects that the upper tray 36 and the lower tray 38 are full and payout is stalled, a ball depletion sensor 58 that detects that there is a shortage of game balls to be paid out, a touch sensor 40a that can detect contact of a human body with the handle 40, a launch stop switch 40b for temporarily stopping the launch of game balls based on a pressing operation input from the player, and a rotation amount detector 40c that detects the rotation amount of the handle 40. Payout and launch control are performed based on input signals from these sensors and switches. When necessary for input from these switches and sensors, input is performed via an input interface.

[0047] The payout control device 200 performs control to drive the payout device 55 to pay out loan balls based on prize ball information (commands and data) from the game control device 100 and loan ball information from the card unit as control related to the payout of game balls. Further, when the overflow sensor 57 detects an abnormality that the upper tray 36 and the lower tray 38 are full and the payout is stalled, or when the ball shortage sensor 58 detects an abnormality that there is a shortage of game balls to be paid out, the payout control device 200 performs control to stop the payout. Furthermore, the payout control device 200 transmits information regarding the occurrence of an abnormality to the game control device 100, enabling the game control device 100 to execute processing corresponding to the abnormality. For example, the game control device 100 transmits information indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the effect control device 300, enabling the effect control device 300 to execute processing to notify the occurrence of the abnormality by means of the display device 81, the light emitting means 33, the speaker 34, etc. based on this information. The transmission of information indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 may be to transmit information generated by the game control device 100 based on information from the payout control device 200, or may be to transmit the information from the payout control device 200 as it is.

[0048] Also, as control related to the launch of game balls, the payout control device 200 detects contact of a human body with the touch sensor 40a, and when the launch stop switch 40b is not operated and the rotation amount detector 40c detects the rotation of the handle 40, the payout control device 200 performs control to drive the launch device 22 to launch a game ball. Further, the payout control device 200 performs control to set the launch force according to the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detector 40c.

[0049] Note that it may be configured such that input signals from the overflow sensor 57 and the ball shortage sensor 58 are input to the game control device 100, and when there is an abnormality, the game control device 100 does not transmit an instruction to pay out to the payout control device 200 to stop the payout. Also, it may be configured such that an input signal from the touch sensor 40a is input to the game control device 100, and when the touch sensor 40a does not detect contact of a human body, the game control device 100 does not transmit permission to launch to the payout control device 200 to stop the launch.

[0050] The performance control device 300 includes an MPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing and the like, a PROM 302 that stores various control programs and fixed-value data executed by the MPU 301, a work RAM 303 that can be used as a work area, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 304 that serves as a timing means for generating information indicating the current date and time (year, month, day, day of the week, time, etc.), and an input / output port 305 for connecting various devices. Further, the performance control device 300 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 306 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 81, a VRAM 307 used as a work area for the VDP 306, a character ROM 308 that stores character images and video data, and a voice ROM 309 that stores voice data. These are connected via a bus.

[0051] Connected to the input / output port of the performance control device 300 are a display device 81 provided in the variable display unit 80, a movable performance device 82, a light-emitting means 33 provided at various locations of the gaming machine 1, and a speaker 34, and the operations of these can be controlled. When necessary for output to these devices, output is performed via a driver. Also, connected to the input / output port of the performance control device 300 are a performance button switch 41a that detects the operation input of the performance button 41, a cross key switch 42a that detects the operation input of the cross key 42, and a movable performance device switch 82a for detecting the operation state of the movable performance device, and control regarding the performance is performed based on the input signals from these switches. When necessary for input from these switches and sensors, input is performed via an input interface.

[0052] The performance control device 300 controls the performance based on information from the game control device 100. Examples of the performance include execution of a decorative special symbol game corresponding to a special symbol game executed by the game control device 100, execution of a performance according to the game state, display of an image on the display device 81, lighting of the light-emitting means 33, output of voice from the speaker 34, operation of the movable performance device 82, and a performance corresponding to the operation of the performance button 41 or the cross key 42.

[0053] Note that although the effect control device 300 is described as a single control device, it may be composed of a plurality of control devices. For example, it may be divided into a display control device that controls the display on the display device 81 and an audio-visual control device that performs other controls. In this case, the information from the game control device 100 may be received by the audio-visual control device, and the audio-visual control device may send an instruction regarding the display content on the display device 81 to the display control device.

[0054] The power supply device 250 includes a main power supply 251, a backup power supply 252, and a power failure detection circuit 253. The main power supply 251 converts the power supplied from outside the gaming machine 1 into a form suitable for use in the gaming machine 1 and supplies it to each control device, drive source, light-emitting means, etc. The backup power supply 252 is capable of supplying power when the main power supply 251 is not supplying power. The state where the main power supply 251 is not supplying power occurs when the power switch of the gaming machine 1 is operated to cut off the power or when a power failure occurs. The backup power supply 252 is configured to supply power to the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200, thereby maintaining the stored contents in the RAM 103 of the game control device 100 and the RAM 203 of the payout control device 200 even in a power-off state.

[0055] The power failure detection circuit 253 monitors the output voltage from the normal power supply 251 and transmits power failure occurrence information to the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 when the voltage drops below a predetermined value. The game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 perform processing at the time of power failure based on the reception of the power failure occurrence information. Note that the power failure occurrence information may also be transmitted to the effect control device 300. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the voltage of 24 volts of DC stabilization, which is the maximum voltage output from the normal power supply 251, is monitored, and power failure occurrence information is transmitted when this voltage becomes less than 22 volts. The voltage for determining the occurrence of a power failure can be arbitrarily set. However, the configuration is such that the output of the drive voltage (for example, 5V) of the control system can be maintained at a normal value for a sufficient time from the determination of the occurrence of a power failure until the processing at the time of power failure is completed.

[0056] [Overview of the game] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game is played by hitting a game ball from the launching device 22 toward the game area 73. The hit game ball flows down through the game area 73 while changing its flow direction by a windmill 74, an obstacle pin 75, etc., which are variable means arranged at various places in the game area 73 and capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball, and flows into any one of the first start port 76, the second start port 77, the general winning port 96, the normal variable winning device 79, the special variable winning device 94, or the out port 97 and is discharged from the game area 73.

[0057] The inflow of the game ball into the first start port 76, the second start port 77, the general winning port 96, the normal variable winning device 79, or the special variable winning device 94 is detected by a corresponding switch, and a detection signal is input to the game control device 100. The game control device 100 performs processing to instruct the payout control device 200 to pay out a corresponding number of prize balls based on the input from the switch. Based on this, the payout control device 200 drives the payout device 55 to pay out the prize balls to the upper tray 36 or the lower tray 38.

[0058] The game control device 100 can store a general pattern reservation, which is the right to execute a general pattern game, based on the input of a detection signal from a gate switch 78a that detects the inflow of game balls into the through gate 78. The general pattern reservation can be stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4). If the number of general pattern reservations is less than the upper limit number, one general pattern reservation is stored. The number of general pattern reservations is displayed on the general pattern reservation display section 66 of the comprehensive display device 60. A random number value extracted based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 78a is stored in the general pattern reservation. The random number value includes a random number value per general pattern, which is a random number value for determining the result of the general pattern game.

[0059] When the game control device 100 has a general pattern reservation and is not in a winning state that transitions during the execution of the general pattern game or when the general pattern game is a winning game, the general pattern game is started based on the oldest general pattern reservation stored in the order of storage among the general pattern reservations. When starting the general pattern game, the result of the general pattern game is determined based on the random number value per general pattern stored in the general pattern reservation. The probability of winning may vary depending on the game state. Also, the variation time of the general pattern game is determined based on the game state when starting the general pattern game.

[0060] Note that there may be multiple types of wins in the general pattern game, and a random number value for general pattern type for determining the type of win in the general pattern game may be stored in the general pattern reservation. In this case, the type of result such as the type of win is determined based on the random number value for general pattern type. Also, a random number value for general pattern variation time for determining the variation time of the general pattern game may be stored in the general pattern reservation. In this case, the variation time of the general pattern game is determined based on the game state and the random number value for general pattern variation time.

[0061] The game control device 100 displays the general pattern game on the general pattern display section 63 of the comprehensive display device 60. The general pattern game displayed here performs a variation display that sequentially displays a plurality of types of identification information over the determined variation time, and then displays the identification information corresponding to the result as the result mode. When the result of the general pattern game is a miss, the general pattern display unit 63 stops displaying the result pattern corresponding to the miss and ends the general pattern game. When the result of the general pattern game is a win, the general pattern display unit 63 stops displaying the result pattern corresponding to the win, ends the general pattern game, and shifts to the winning state of the general pattern. In the winning state of the general pattern, the general electric solenoid 79c is operated to control the movable member 79b of the normal variable winning device 79 to be released in a predetermined pattern. In the winning state of the general pattern, either the conversion of the normal variable winning device 79 to the open state causes the maximum number of winning game balls (for example, 10) to be won, or the time when the normal variable winning device 79 is in the open state reaches the maximum opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds, 0.5 seconds, or 2 seconds). Based on the establishment of either condition, the normal variable winning device 79 is converted to the closed state.

[0062] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as the general pattern gaming state, there are three states: the non-time-saving state, the slightly time-saving state, and the time-saving state, and the state shifts based on the establishment of predetermined conditions. In a situation where there is always a general pattern hold, in the non-time-saving state, the time that the normal variable winning device 79 is in the open state per unit time is the shortest. In the slightly time-saving state, the time that the normal variable winning device 79 is in the open state per unit time is longer than that in the non-time-saving state. In the time-saving state, the time that the normal variable winning device 79 is in the open state per unit time is longer than that in the slightly time-saving state. That is, it is most difficult for game balls to flow into the normal variable winning device 79 in the non-time-saving state. It is easier for game balls to flow into the normal variable winning device 79 in the slightly time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state, and it is easier for game balls to flow into the normal variable winning device 79 in the time-saving state than in the slightly time-saving state.

[0063] These differences in the general pattern gaming states are realized by making one or all of the winning probability of the general pattern game, the variation time of the general pattern game, the opening time and the number of opening times of the normal variable winning device 79 in the winning state, and the maximum number of winning that can be won by the normal variable winning device 79 in one winning state of the general pattern different. Note that the general pattern gaming state may be only two states: the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state.

[0064] Based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 76a that detects the inflow of game balls into the first start port 76, the game control device 100 can store the special figure 1 reservation, which is the right to execute the special figure 1 game, as a special figure reservation that is the right to execute the special figure game. Also, based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 77a that detects the inflow of game balls into the second start port 77, the game control device 100 can store the special figure 2 reservation, which is the right to execute the special figure 2 game, as a special figure reservation that is the right to execute the special figure game. Furthermore, based on the input of a detection signal from the general power switch 79a that detects the inflow of game balls into the normal variable winning device 79, the game control device 100 can store the special figure 2 reservation, which is the right to execute the special figure 2 game, as a special figure reservation that is the right to execute the special figure game. In the following description, the special figure game means both the special figure 1 game and the special figure 2 game, and the special figure reservation means both the special figure 1 reservation and the special figure 2 reservation.

[0065] The special figure reservation can store up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4) for each of the special figure 1 reservation and the special figure 2 reservation. If the number of special figure reservations to be stored is less than the upper limit number, one such special figure reservation is stored. The number of special figure 1 reservations is displayed on the special figure 1 reservation display section 64 of the comprehensive display device 60, and the number of special figure 2 reservations is displayed on the special figure 2 reservation display section 65 of the comprehensive display device 60. In the special figure reservation, various random number values extracted based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 76a, the second start port switch 77a, or the general power switch 79a are stored. The various random number values include the random number value per special figure, which is a random number value for determining the result of the special figure game, the special figure type random number value, which is a random number value for determining the type of the result of the special figure game, and the special figure variation type random number value, which is a random number value for determining the variation type of the special figure game.

[0066] When the game control device 100 has a special figure reservation and is not in a special game state that transitions during the execution of the special figure game or when the special figure game is a winning game, the game control device 100 starts the special figure game based on the oldest special figure reservation in the storage order among the special figure reservations. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the special figure 1 game and the special figure 2 game are not executed simultaneously. Also, regardless of whether the special figure hold is a special figure 1 hold or a special figure 2 hold, it is digested in the order of storage. Therefore, if the oldest special figure hold in the order of storage among the special figure holds is a special figure 1 hold, the special figure 1 game is executed based on the special figure 1 hold, and if the oldest special figure hold in the order of storage among the special figure holds is a special figure 2 hold, the special figure 2 game is executed based on the special figure 2 hold.

[0067] Note that it may be possible to execute the special figure 1 game and the special figure 2 game simultaneously. Also, it may be possible to preferentially digest either the special figure 1 hold or the special figure 2 hold, and digest the other special figure hold when there is no hold of the other type. In this case, the special figure 1 hold is digested starting from the oldest one in the order of storage among the special figure 1 holds, and the special figure 2 hold is digested starting from the oldest one in the order of storage among the special figure 2 holds.

[0068] When the game control device 100 starts a special figure game based on a special figure hold, it determines the content of the special figure game based on various random number values stored in the special figure hold, and executes the special figure game according to the determined content. That is, the result of the special figure game such as a big win is determined based on the random number value per special figure. The probability states of a big win include a low probability state and a high probability state higher than the low probability state, and either probability state is set. Note that it may always be a constant probability state. Also, the type of result such as the type of big win is determined based on the special figure type random number value, and the variation type such as the variation time of the special figure game, the presence or absence of a reach, and the type of reach is determined based on the special figure variation type random number value.

[0069] The special figure 1 game is displayed on the special figure 1 display section 61 of the comprehensive display device 60, and the special figure 2 game is displayed on the special figure 2 display section 62 of the comprehensive display device 60. The special figure game displayed here performs a variation display that sequentially displays a plurality of types of identification information over the determined variation time, and then displays the determined result and the identification information corresponding to the type of result as a result mode.

[0070] When the result of the special figure game is a miss, the miss result mode is displayed, the special figure game is ended, and the next special figure game can be executed. When the result of the special figure game is a big win, the big win result mode is displayed, the special figure game is ended, the special variable winning device 94 is converted to the open state, and the game shifts to a special game state that allows the inflow of game balls. Note that, as the result of the special figure game, there may be results other than a miss and a big win. For example, it may include a short win in which the game state of the general figure is shifted without going through the special game state, or a small win in which the game shifts to a small win game state where the special variable winning device 94 can be converted to the open state.

[0071] A big win is a special result (first special result) accompanied by the operation of the conditional device, and a small win is a special result (second special result) not accompanied by the operation of the conditional device. The conditional device is something that operates when the special figure game results in a big win. When the conditional device operates, for example, it means that a specific flag for causing the special variable winning device 94 as a special electric accessory to operate continuously is set (the accessory continuous operation device is operated), which means that a special game state occurs. When the conditional device does not operate, for example, it means that the aforementioned flag is not set as in the case of a small win. Note that the "conditional device" may be software means such as a flag that is turned on and off software-wise as described above, or hardware means such as a switch that is turned on and off electrically. Also, the "conditional device" is a term generally used in the field of pachinko machines as a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the continuous operation of electric accessories, and is used in this specification as a term having a similar meaning.

[0072] In the special game state, the rounds of setting the special variable winning device 94 to the open state can be executed a predetermined number of times with an interval period in between. When a round starts, the special variable winning device 94 is converted to the open state, and based on either of the conditions that the maximum number of winning game balls (e.g., 10 balls) is won since the conversion of the special variable winning device 94 to the open state, or the time when the special variable winning device 94 is in the open state reaches the maximum open time (e.g., 29 seconds), the special variable winning device 94 is converted to the closed state and the round ends.

[0073] In addition, the game control device 100 transmits information regarding the content of the special figure game determined at the start of the special figure game to the effect control device 300. Based on the received information, the effect control device 300 determines and executes the execution mode and effects of the decorative special figure game corresponding to the special figure game. The decorative special figure game performs a variable display in which a plurality of types of identification information (numbers, symbols, character symbols, etc.) are sequentially displayed on the display device 81 over the variable time of the special figure game, and then displays the identification information corresponding to the result of the special figure game as the result mode.

[0074] When a reach is selected as the variable type of the special figure game, the effect control device 300 executes a reach effect corresponding to the reach type in the decorative special figure game. For example, when the decorative special figure game stops after variably displaying the identification information in each of the three variable display areas, and the result mode is displayed by the combination of the stop modes of the identification information in each variable display area, the reach effect is an effect in which the state satisfies the condition that the modes of the identification information temporarily stopped in at least two variable display areas become the result modes corresponding to the jackpot result. Also included in the reach effect is a so-called full rotation reach effect in which variable display is performed in a plurality of variable display areas while maintaining the state that is the result mode corresponding to the jackpot result. The game control device 100 can select the occurrence of a reach regardless of the result of the special figure game, but selects the occurrence of a reach at least when the result of the special figure game is a jackpot. Therefore, when a reach is selected, the probability of hitting the jackpot is higher than when a reach is not selected, and the execution of the reach effect has the effect of enhancing the player's sense of expectation.

[0075] [Specifications of the gaming machine] FIG. 10 shows the specifications of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the probability of the result of the special figure game being a jackpot is common between the special figure game 1 and the special figure game 2, and there are a low probability state and a high probability state in which the probability of hitting the jackpot is higher than the low probability state. Note that the jackpot probability may be made different according to the probability setting value. In addition, the short-time per play that causes a transition to the normal game state without going through a special game state can only be derived when the game is in a state without short-time play and in a low-probability state. Therefore, in the state without short-time play, either a jackpot or a short-time per play result can be derived.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the winning probability of the normal game, the variation time of the normal game, and the opening time of the normal variation winning device 79 in the winning state of the normal diagram vary depending on the game state. The time that the normal variation winning device 79 is in the open state per unit time is the shortest in the state without short-time play, longer in the very short-time state than in the state without short-time play, and longer in the short-time state than in the very short-time state.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 10(c), the types of jackpots in the special diagram game include a 10R probability-variable jackpot and a 10R normal jackpot. The 10R probability-variable jackpot has 10 rounds in the special game state, and after the end of the special game state, it becomes a high-probability state and a short-time state until the next jackpot occurs. The 10R normal jackpot has 10 rounds in the special game state, and after the end of the special game state, it becomes a low-probability state and a short-time state. The short-time state set here ends by executing 100 special diagram games without a jackpot occurring and then transitions to the state without short-time play.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10(d), the types of short-time per play in the special diagram game include five types from short-time per play A to E. Short-time per play A transitions to the short-time state, and the short-time state set here ends by executing 100 special diagram games without a jackpot occurring and then transitions to the state without short-time play. Short-time per play B transitions to the short-time state, and the short-time state set here ends by executing 20 special diagram games without a jackpot occurring and then transitions to the state without short-time play. Short-time per play C transitions to the short-time state, and the short-time state set here ends by executing 50 special diagram games without a jackpot occurring and then transitions to the state without short-time play. The time shortening D per occurrence shifts to the time shortening state, and the time shortening state set here ends by executing 1324 special figure games without a big win and shifts to the non-time shortening state. The time shortening E per occurrence shifts to the micro time shortening state, and the micro time shortening state set here ends by executing 1324 special figure games without a big win and shifts to the non-time shortening state.

[0079] In addition, it may be equipped with a ceiling function that shifts to the time shortening state when a predetermined number of special figure games are executed without a big win occurring in the low probability state. Also, the number of games in the time shortening state or the micro time shortening state is not limited to the above. Furthermore, although the number of games in the time shortening state or the micro time shortening state is determined based only on the types of big wins and time shortenings per occurrence, it may be determined in consideration of the game state at the time of occurrence of big wins and time shortenings in addition to the types of big wins and time shortenings per occurrence. In this case, the correspondence between the types of big wins and time shortenings per occurrence, the game state at the time of occurrence of big wins and time shortenings, and the number of games in the time shortening state or the micro time shortening state may be determined in advance. For example, even if the results are the same, the number of games in the time shortening state or the micro time shortening state may be different depending on the game state at the time of occurrence. Examples of the game state include whether it is in the low probability state or the high probability state, and whether it is in the non-time shortening state, the micro time shortening state, or the time shortening state. Also, it may be determined whether to be in the time shortening state or the micro time shortening state based on the types of big wins and time shortenings per occurrence and the game state at the time of occurrence of big wins and time shortenings. For example, even if the results are the same, there may be cases where it becomes the time shortening state and cases where it becomes the micro time shortening state depending on the game state at the time of occurrence.

[0080] [Game state transition diagram] FIG. 11 shows a game state transition diagram for explaining the transition of the game state in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. The game states include the first to fourth game states and the special game state, and the gaming machine stays in one of the game states.

[0081] The first gaming state ST1 is a low-probability state and a state without time reduction, and is a gaming state determined to play the game by hitting left so as to aim at the start winning device 90. In this first gaming state ST1, either a jackpot or a time-reduction win is derived. When a time-reduction win A, B, C, or D is derived in this first gaming state ST1, the game shifts to the third gaming state ST3. Also, when a time-reduction win E is derived in the first gaming state ST1, the game shifts to the second gaming state ST2. Further, when a jackpot is derived in the first gaming state ST1, the game shifts to the special gaming state ST5.

[0082] The second gaming state ST2 is a low-probability state and a very short time-reduction state, and is a gaming state determined to play the game by hitting left so as to aim at the start winning device 90. When a jackpot is derived in this second gaming state ST2, the game shifts to the special gaming state ST5. Also, when 1324 special symbol games are executed without a jackpot occurring in the second gaming state ST2, the game shifts to the first gaming state ST1.

[0083] The third gaming state ST3 is a low-probability state and a time-reduction state, and is a gaming state determined to play the game by hitting right so as to aim at the normal variable winning device 79. When a jackpot is derived in this third gaming state ST3, the game shifts to the special gaming state ST5. Also, when a specified number of special symbol games are executed without a jackpot occurring in the third gaming state ST3, the game shifts to the first gaming state ST1. This specified number varies depending on the type of time-reduction win that triggered the shift to the third gaming state ST3. In the case of time-reduction win A, it is 100 times; in the case of time-reduction win B, it is 20 times; in the case of time-reduction win C, it is 50 times; in the case of time-reduction win D, it is 1324 times; and in the case of a 10R normal jackpot, it is 100 times.

[0084] The fourth gaming state ST4 is a high-probability state and a time-reduction state, and is a gaming state determined to play the game by hitting right so as to aim at the normal variable winning device 79. When a jackpot is derived in this fourth gaming state ST4, the game shifts to the special gaming state ST5. This fourth gaming state ST4 is a gaming state that shifts when the special gaming state ST5 based on a 10R probability-variable jackpot ends, and stays until the next jackpot occurs.

[0085] [Processing in the Game Control Device] The control of the gaming machine 1 that conducts such games will be described below. First, the control executed by the game control device 100 will be described. The control process by the game control device 100 mainly consists of the main process shown in FIG. 12 and the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 13 that is performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 milliseconds).

[0086] [Main Process] The main process starts when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on. In this main process, first, the initial setting process at power-on (step S1) is performed. In this process, access permission to the RAM 103, setting of the initial value to the stack pointer, setting of the serial port used for communication with the payout control device 200, the effect control device 300, etc. are performed. Also, by setting a predetermined wait time for waiting to transfer to the next process, a time for waiting for the activation of other control devices such as the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 is provided to prevent problems such as missed commands.

[0087] Next, the internal function register setting process (step S2) is performed. In this process, the interrupt period of the timer interrupt process is set to a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds). Also, the activation of the random number generation circuit provided in the MPU 101 and the setting of the random number range which is the numerical range of various random number counters are performed. After that, the flag during the initial process is set (step S3). In the initial process (steps S1 to S19) accompanying the power-on, basically the timer interrupt process described later is not performed, but interrupts may be permitted in some processes. By setting the flag during the initial process, it is possible to prevent the execution of processes related to games other than monitoring for power failure, updating of various random number counters, and monitoring for fraud in the timer interrupt process during the execution of the initial process (steps S1 to S19) accompanying the power-on.

[0088] Next, it is determined whether the power failure occurrence flag set when the power is cut off is a normal value (step S4). If it is normal (step S4; Y), a checksum of a predetermined area of the RAM 103 is calculated, and it is determined whether it matches the checksum calculated and stored when the power was cut off (step S5). When the checksums match (step S5; Y), it is determined whether the probability setting value is normal (step S6).

[0089] The probability setting value can be selected from any one of six levels from setting 1 to setting 6, and a value corresponding to the currently selected probability setting value is stored in the probability setting value area of the RAM 103. Therefore, if the value stored in the probability setting value area corresponds to any of settings 1 to 6, it is in a normal state. When the probability setting value is normal (step S6; Y), it is determined whether there is a setting change in progress flag (step S7).

[0090] Also, when the power failure occurrence flag is not normal (step S4; N), when the checksums do not match (step S5; N), or when the probability setting value is not normal (step S6; N), the game stop flag is set assuming that the information stored in the RAM 103 is abnormal (step S12). By setting the game stop flag, in the timer interrupt process described later, processing related to games other than monitoring for power failure, updating various random number counters, and monitoring for fraud is not performed.

[0091] Then, it is determined whether the RAM initialization switch 107 is on (step S13). If it is not on (step S13; N), that is, if the RAM initialization switch 107 has not been operated, RAM abnormality processing (step S18) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S19. In the RAM abnormality processing (step S18), for example, commands indicating RAM abnormality to be transmitted to the effect control device 300 are set, and information for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality to external devices such as the hall computer is set. When the effect control device 300 receives a command indicating an abnormality in the RAM, it notifies the abnormality using the display device 81, the light emitting means 33, and the speaker 34.

[0092] Return to step S13. If the RAM initialization switch 107 is on (step S13; Y), determine whether the setting key switch 108 is on (step S14). If the setting key switch 108 is on (step S14; Y), that is, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key operation unit and turned, perform setting change processing (step S15) and transfer to step S19.

[0093] In the setting change processing (step S15), various processes related to changing the probability setting value are performed. First, interrupts are permitted to enable the execution of timer interrupt processing. Also, a setting change in progress flag indicating that the setting change processing is being executed is set. This ensures that the setting change processing is performed again if the power is cut off and then restored during the setting change process. Furthermore, the game stop flag is cleared. This enables the elimination of abnormal information stored in the RAM 103 through the setting change process.

[0094] Then, a process of sequentially changing the probability setting value according to the operation of the RAM initialization switch 107 is performed, and the probability setting value at that time is set based on the setting key switch 108 being turned off. The selected probability setting value is displayed on the performance display monitor 109. Thereafter, interrupts are prohibited, and the area of the RAM 103 except for the area for storing the probability setting value is initialized to end the setting change processing. Note that if there is a ceiling function that enters a time-saving state when a certain number of special figure games are executed without a big win occurring, a ceiling counter area for managing the number of games until the ceiling is reached may be provided in the RAM 103. Regarding the ceiling counter area, it may or may not be initialized.

[0095] Return to step S14. If the setting key switch 108 is not on (step S14; N), it is determined whether there is a game stop flag (step S16). If there is a game stop flag (step S16; Y), RAM abnormality processing (step S18) is performed. That is, when the game stop flag is set assuming that the information stored in the RAM 103 is abnormal, the setting change process (step S15) must be passed through, thereby preventing the business from starting with an unintended probability setting value set.

[0096] Also, if there is no game stop flag (step S16; N), RAM initialization processing (step S17) is performed and the process proceeds to step S19. In this RAM initialization process, the area of the RAM 103 excluding the probability setting value area for storing the probability setting value and the performance display area for storing information for calculating the base value and the accessory ratio is initialized. As a result, it becomes a low probability state and a non-time shortening state. Also, if a ceiling counter area is provided, it may or may not be initialized.

[0097] Return to step S7 when the information stored in the RAM 103 is normal. If there is a setting change in progress flag (step S7; Y), the process proceeds to the setting change process (step S15). If there is no setting change in progress flag (step S7; N), it is determined whether the RAM initialization switch 107 is on (step S8). If the RAM initialization switch 107 is on (step S8; Y), the process proceeds to step S14. Also, if the RAM initialization switch 107 is not on (step S8; N), it is determined whether the setting key switch 108 is on (step S9).

[0098] When the setting key switch 108 is on (step S9; Y), setting confirmation processing (step S11) is performed to make the probability setting value confirmable. Also, when the setting key switch 108 is not on (step S9; N), it is determined whether there is a setting confirmation in progress flag (step S10). If there is no setting confirmation in progress flag (step S10; N), the process proceeds to step S19. Also, when there is a setting confirmation in progress flag (step S10; Y), setting confirmation processing (step S11) is performed.

[0099] In the setting confirmation processing (step S11), various processes are performed to make the probability setting value confirmable. First, interrupts are permitted to enable the execution of timer interrupt processing. Also, a setting confirmation in progress flag indicating that the setting confirmation processing is being executed is set. This ensures that when the power is cut off and then restored during the setting confirmation process, the setting confirmation processing is performed again. Further, a process of displaying the current probability setting value on the performance display monitor 109 is performed, and based on the setting key switch 108 being turned off, the setting confirmation in progress flag is cleared, interrupts are prohibited, and the setting confirmation processing ends.

[0100] In step S19, the initial processing in progress flag is cleared. This enables game-related processing in the timer interrupt processing described later. Thereafter, the loop processing from steps S20 to S23 is repeatedly performed. In this loop processing, interrupts are prohibited (step S20), and a random number initial value update process (step S21) is performed to update the values of various initial value random numbers and disrupt the regularity of the random numbers. Further, a variation type random number update process (step S22) is performed to update the variation type random number for determining the variation type of the special figure game, and interrupts are permitted (step S23).

[0101] In the random number initial value update process (step S21) and the variation type random number update process (step S22), the counter is updated by +1 each time the process is performed, and when the maximum value of the predetermined random number range is reached, it is updated in a manner that returns to 0. The loop process is performed during the time from the end of the timer interrupt process to the start of the next timer interrupt process. However, since this time varies depending on the content of the timer interrupt process, the number of times the loop process is performed becomes irregular, and irregularity can be imparted to the random number initial value and the variation type random number.

[0102] [Timer Interrupt Process] FIG. 13 shows the timer interrupt process. This timer interrupt process is an interrupt routine that starts at a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds). In this timer interrupt process, first, a power failure monitoring process (step S41) for monitoring the occurrence of a power failure is performed. In this power failure monitoring process, the power failure occurrence information output from the power failure detection circuit 253 is monitored in accordance with the occurrence of a power failure, and when the power failure occurrence information is received, the process at the time of power failure is performed. In the process at the time of power failure, a power failure occurrence flag is set, and a checksum is calculated and saved. Thereafter, access to the RAM 103 is prohibited and the power supply is waited to be cut off.

[0103] Next, a random number update process (step S42) for updating the special figure type random number, the random number per general figure, the variation type random number, etc., and a random number initial value update process (step S43) for updating the values of various initial value random numbers to disrupt the regularity of the random numbers are performed. In these update processes, each random number counter is updated by +1, and when the numerical value within the predetermined random number range makes a full cycle, the start value is changed using the random number initial value that is updated as needed. Note that although the random number per general figure is updated in the random number generation circuit of the MPU 101, it may be updated in the same manner in the random number update process.

[0104] Next, an illegal detection process (step S44) is performed. In the illegal detection process, the detection signal from the illegal detection sensor 98 is monitored, and when the input of the detection signal satisfies a predetermined condition, a process of transmitting an illegal detection command for notifying an abnormality to the effect control device 300, a process of setting a game stop flag to stop the game, etc. are performed. When there is a game stop flag (step S45; Y) or an initial processing flag (step S46; Y), the timer interrupt process ends without performing the subsequent processes. Also, when there is no game stop flag (step S45; N) and no initial processing flag (step S46; N), output processing (step S47) is performed. In the output processing (step S47), drive control of the big winning port solenoid 94c, general power solenoid 79c, etc. is performed based on the output data set in various processes.

[0105] Next, input processing (step S48) is performed to read the state of the input port and capture inputs and signals from various sensors and switches, and ball entry detection processing (step S49) is performed to perform corresponding processing based on the inputs from the first start port switch 76a, the second start port switch 77a, the general power switch 79a, the big winning port switch 94a, the general winning port switch 96a, and the gate switch 78a. Then, timer update processing (step S50) is performed to update the timer counter, and launch control processing (step S51) is performed to control the launch of game balls. Furthermore, abnormality monitoring processing (step S52) is performed to monitor abnormalities in the gaming machine based on the information read in the input processing.

[0106] After that, general diagram general power processing (step S53) is performed to control the general diagram game and the general variable winning device 79, special diagram special power processing (step S54) is performed to control the special diagram game and the special variable winning device 94, and display control processing (step S55) is performed to control the display on the comprehensive display device 60. Furthermore, payout control processing (step S56) is performed to control the payout of game balls, and external information setting processing (step S57) is performed to set information to be output to various external devices. Then, performance display control processing (step S58) is performed to set information necessary for calculating the base value and accessory ratio and control the performance display monitor 109, and the timer interrupt process ends.

[0107] [Ball Entry Detection Processing] FIG. 14 shows the ball entry detection process (step S49) in the above-described timer interrupt process. In this process, first, it is determined whether there is an input to the big winning opening switch 94a (step S61). If there is no input (step S61; N), the process proceeds to step S65. If there is an input (step S61; Y), it is determined whether the special variable winning device 94 is in a winning permission state (step S62).

[0108] If the special variable winning device 94 is not in a winning permission state (step S62; N), the process proceeds to step S65. If the special variable winning device 94 is in a winning permission state (step S62; Y), the corresponding payout counter is incremented by 1 (step S63). As a result, the payout of prize balls associated with winning the special variable winning device 94 is set. Then, a big winning opening winning command is sent to the effect control device 300 (step S64), and the process proceeds to step S65. The effect control device 300 can execute effects such as updating the display of the cumulative number of prize balls won when receiving the big winning opening winning command.

[0109] Since the special variable winning device 94 cannot be won in the closed state (first state) and can be won in the open state (second state), during the period when winning the special variable winning device 94 is possible, the payout of prize balls associated with winning is made in the winning permission state, and during the period when winning the special variable winning device 94 is not possible, it is set to a non-winning state so that no prize balls are paid out even if a win occurs. Examples of the period when winning the special variable winning device 94 is possible include the period of the special game state, and examples of the period when winning the special variable winning device 94 is not possible include the period when it is not in the special game state. Even in the special game state, there may be a period of winning permission state and a period of non-winning permission state. For example, during the opening period, interval period, and ending period when the special variable winning device 94 is in the closed state, it can be set to a non-winning state, and in the round, it can be set to a winning permission state.

[0110] In step S65, it is determined whether there is an input to the general power switch 79a. If there is no input (step S65; N), the process proceeds to step S68. If there is an input (step S65; Y), it is determined whether the normal variable winning device 79 is in a winning permission state (step S66). If the normal variable winning device 79 is not in a winning permission state (step S66; N), the process proceeds to step S68. If the normal variable winning device 79 is in a winning permission state (step S66; Y), the corresponding payout counter is incremented by 1 (step S67), and the process proceeds to step S68. As a result, the payout of prize balls associated with winning in the normal variable winning device 79 is set.

[0111] Since the normal variable winning device 79 cannot be won in the closed state (first state) and can be won in the open state (second state), during the period when winning in the normal variable winning device 79 is possible, the prize balls are paid out as a winning permission state, and during the period when winning in the normal variable winning device 79 is not possible, even if a win occurs in a non-winning state, no prize balls are paid out. As the period when winning in the normal variable winning device 79 is possible, the period of the winning state in the general diagram can be cited, and as the period when winning in the normal variable winning device 79 is not possible, the period that is not the winning state in the general diagram can be cited. Even in the winning state of the general diagram, there may be a period of winning permission state and a period of non-winning permission state. For example, for the period when the normal variable winning device 79 is in the closed state, it can be set as a non-winning state, and only the period when the normal variable winning device 79 is in the open state can be set as the winning permission state. Note that even if a win occurs in a non-winning state, the occurrence of the reserved special figure 2 is possible, but this can also be made invalid.

[0112] In step S68, it is determined whether there is an input to the first start port switch 76a. If there is no input (step S68; N), the process proceeds to step S70. If there is an input (step S68; Y), the corresponding payout counter is incremented by 1 (step S69), and the process proceeds to step S70. As a result, the payout of prize balls associated with winning in the first start port 76 is set. In step S70, it is determined whether there is an input to the second start port switch 77a. If there is no input (step S70; N), the process proceeds to step S72. If there is an input (step S70; Y), the corresponding payout counter is incremented by 1 (step S71), and the process proceeds to step S72. As a result, the payout of prize balls associated with winning at the second start port 77 is set. In step S72, it is determined whether there is an input to the general winning port switch 96a. If there is no input (step S72; N), the ball entry detection process ends. If there is an input (step S72; Y), the corresponding payout counter is incremented by 1 (step S73), and the ball entry detection process ends. As a result, the payout of prize balls associated with winning at the general winning port 96 is set.

[0113] [Special Drawing Special Electric Process] Fig. 15 shows the special drawing special electric process (step S54) in the above-mentioned timer interrupt process. In this special drawing special electric process, the occurrence of special drawing reservation and the control of the entire process related to the special drawing game are performed. First, the special drawing reservation generation process (step S81) is performed. In this process, based on winning at the first start port 76, the second start port 77, and the normal variable winning device 79, various random numbers are extracted and stored as the special drawing reservation, which is the right to execute the special drawing game.

[0114] Next, the value of the special drawing special electric counter is obtained (step S82), the special drawing special electric address table is set (step S83), and the start address of the process corresponding to the value of the special drawing special electric counter is obtained using the special drawing special electric address table (step S84). Then, the process branches to the process indicated by the start address (step S85). As a result, it is possible to branch to the process according to the current game state.

[0115] When the value of the special figure special electric counter is 0, a special figure change start process (step S86) for setting the start of the special figure game is performed, and the special figure special electric process ends. When the value of the special figure special electric counter is 1, a special figure change in process (step S87) for setting the stop time of the special figure game is performed, and the special figure special electric process ends. When the value of the special figure special electric counter is 2, a special figure determination in process (step S88) for performing processing at the end of the special figure game according to the result of the special figure game is performed, and the special figure special electric process ends.

[0116] When the value of the special figure special electric counter is 3, a special electric start process (step S89) for setting the start of the special game state is performed, and the special figure special electric process ends. When the value of the special figure special electric counter is 4, a special electric release in process (step S90) for performing processing related to the end of a round in the special game state is performed, and the special figure special electric process ends. When the value of the special figure special electric counter is 5, a special electric closing in process (step S91) for performing processing related to the start of a round in the special game state is performed, and the special figure special electric process ends. When the value of the special figure special electric counter is 6, a special electric end process (step S92) for performing processing related to the end of the special game state is performed, and the special figure special electric process ends.

[0117] [Special Figure Hold Generation Process] FIG. 16 shows the special figure hold generation process (step S81) in the special figure special electric process. In this process, first, it is determined whether there is a target winning (step S101). The target winning is a winning in the first start port 76, the second start port 77, and the normal variable winning device 79. When there is no target winning (step S101; N), the special figure hold generation process ends. When there is a target winning (step S101; Y), it is determined whether the number of special figure holds for the target is less than the upper limit value (step S102). In the case of a winning in the first start port 76, a special figure 1 hold can be generated, so the number of special figure holds for the target is the number of special figure 1 holds, which is the special figure 1 hold number. In the case of a winning in the second start port 77 and the normal variable winning device 79, a special figure 2 hold can be generated, so the number of special figure holds for the target is the number of special figure 2 holds, which is the special figure 2 hold number.

[0118] If the number of reserved special figures of the target is not less than the upper limit value (step S102; N), since no more reserved special figures of the target can be memorized, the process for generating reserved special figures is terminated. Also, if the number of reserved special figures of the target is less than the upper limit value (step S102; Y), the number of reserved special figures of the target is updated by +1 (step S103), and various random values are acquired and stored in the reserved special figure storage area of the RAM 103 (step S104).

[0119] The various random values to be acquired include a random value per special figure, a random value for the type of special figure, and a random value for the type of variation, and these are stored for each reserved special figure. Also, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the reserved special figure 1 and the reserved special figure 2 are consumed in the order of generation, information regarding the order of generation is also stored. Further, along with the generation of the reserved special figure, the display of the corresponding reserved display section among the reserved special figure 1 display section 64 and the reserved special figure 2 display section 65 of the comprehensive display device 60 is updated.

[0120] In the reserved special figure storage area of the RAM 103, a reserved special figure 1 storage area for storing the reserved special figure 1 and a reserved special figure 2 storage area for storing the reserved special figure 2 are provided. In the reserved special figure 1 storage area and the reserved special figure 2 storage area, a number of storage areas corresponding to the upper limit value of the respective number of reservations are provided, and the information of one reserved special figure is stored in one storage area. Also, ranks are determined for the storage areas in each of the reserved special figure 1 storage area and the reserved special figure 2 storage area, and they are stored in the storage areas with higher ranks in order from the oldest in the storage order. When digesting the reserved special figure, the oldest reserved special figure memorized in the storage area with the highest rank is digested, and the information of the other reserved special figures is shifted to the storage area with a rank one higher.

[0121] After storing the information for which special figure hold is reserved, a pre-determination process (step S105) is performed. In this process, information on the special figure game based on the special figure hold is determined before the start of the special figure game based on the special figure hold. Examples of the information on the special figure game include the result of the special figure game and the variation type. Note that, depending on the progress state of the game and the like, the determination result at the time of the pre-determination process may differ from the determination result when the special figure game is actually started. Therefore, it is preferable to perform the pre-determination in consideration of this point. The result of this pre-determination process is transmitted to the effect control device 300 as a pre-determination command, and the effect control device 300 can execute an effect based on the pre-determination result.

[0122] Thereafter, a target special figure hold command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S106), and the special figure hold generation process ends. The target special figure hold command becomes a special figure 1 hold command when a special figure 1 hold occurs, and becomes a special figure 2 hold command when a special figure 2 hold occurs. This special figure hold command is transmitted to the effect control device 300, and the effect control device 300 can execute an effect such as displaying the number of special figure holds on the display device 81.

[0123] [Special Figure Variation Start Process] FIG. 17 shows the special figure variation start process (step S86) in the special figure special electric process. In this process, first, it is determined whether both the special figure 1 hold number and the special figure 2 hold number are 0 (step S121). If either or both of the special figure 1 hold number and the special figure 2 hold number are not 0 (step S121; N), it is determined whether the variation of special figure 1 starts (step S122). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the special figure holds are consumed in the order of generation, and it is determined whether the type of the special figure hold to be consumed this time is a special figure 1 hold. Note that either one type of special figure hold may be preferentially consumed.

[0124] When it is the start of the variation of Special Figure 1 (step S122; Y), the information of the earliest Special Figure 1 hold which is the oldest Special Figure 1 hold in the storage order is prepared (step S123), and a Special Figure 1 hold command indicating that the Special Figure 1 hold has decreased is transmitted (step S124). Also, when it is not the start of the variation of Special Figure 1 (step S122; N), the information of the earliest Special Figure 2 hold which is the oldest Special Figure 2 hold in the storage order is prepared (step S125), and a Special Figure 2 hold command indicating that the Special Figure 2 hold has decreased is transmitted (step S126). Further, as the Special Figure holds are consumed, the display of the corresponding hold display part among the Special Figure 1 hold display part 64 and the Special Figure 2 hold display part 65 of the comprehensive display device 60 is updated.

[0125] Then, a determination is made using various random number values included in the prepared Special Figure hold information. First, a determination table for determining the result of the Special Figure game is set (step S127). In this process, the determination table is selected based on the currently set probability setting value, the type of Special Figure for which variation starts (Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2), the probability state of the Special Figure (high probability state or low probability state), the state of the general figure (non-time-shortened state, slightly time-shortened state, time-shortened state), etc.

[0126] Next, a result determination process (step S128) for determining the result of the Special Figure game is performed. In the result determination process, the result is determined by referring to the Special Figure per random number in the set big win determination table. When the determination result in the result determination process is a big win (step S129; Y), a big win type determination process is performed (step S130). In the big win type determination process, the big win type is determined by referring to the Special Figure type random number in the set big win type determination table. Then, a big win flag is set (step S131), and a stop symbol corresponding to the result is set (step S137).

[0127] Also, when the determination result in the result determination process is not a big win (step S129; N) and is a time-shortened win (step S132; Y), a time-shortened win type determination process is performed (step S133). In the time-shortened win type determination process, the time-shortened win type is determined by referring to the Special Figure type random number in the set time-shortened win type determination table. Next, it is determined whether the game state is the first game state ST1 in which the game state is the low-probability state and there is no time shortening (step S134). When the game state is the first game state (step S134; Y), the time shortening per flag is set (step S135), and the stop symbol corresponding to the result is set (step S137). When the game state is not the first game state (step S134; N), the loss flag is set (step S136), and the stop symbol corresponding to the result is set (step S137). That is, time shortening per can occur only in the first game state ST1, and the result is treated as a loss outside the first game state ST1. Note that the process of step S134 may not be performed so as not to include a determination value for determining time shortening per other than the jackpot determination table used in the first game state ST1.

[0128] Also, when the determination result in the result determination process is not a jackpot (step S129; N) and is not time shortening per (step S132; N), the loss flag is set (step S136), and the stop symbol corresponding to the result is set (step S137). In the process of setting the stop symbol corresponding to the result (step S137), the result mode to be displayed on the comprehensive display device 60 is set. The stop symbols set here are different at least according to the type of result, and there are 8 types: 10R sure-variable jackpot, 10R normal jackpot, time shortening per A to E, and loss. Note that a plurality of stop symbols may be assigned to one type of result and selected by a special symbol type random number.

[0129] Next, the variation type setting process is performed (step S138). In the variation type setting process, the variation type is selected by referring to the variation type random number in the variation type selection table. The variation type selection table is selected according to the type of special symbol (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) at the start of variation, the probability state of the special symbol (high-probability state or low-probability state), the state of the normal symbol (no time shortening state, slight time shortening state, time shortening state), the result of the special symbol game, the current number of special symbol holds, etc., and a variety of variation types can be selected according to the game situation. The contents of the variation type include the variation time, the mode of presentation, the presence or absence of a reach, the type of reach, etc. For example, as for the types of reach, those with different probabilities of hitting (different expected values) include a normal reach (N-reach), a special 1 reach (SP1-reach), a special 2 reach (SP2-reach), and a special 3 reach (SP3-reach), and the expected values increase in the order of no reach < N-reach < SP1-reach < SP2-reach < SP3-reach.

[0130] Then, a value corresponding to the variation time of the special figure game corresponding to the selected variation type is set in the special figure processing timer (step S139), and the variation display in the display unit corresponding to the current special figure game among the special figure 1 display unit 61 and the special figure 2 display unit 62 in the comprehensive display device 60 is started (step S140). The special figure processing timer is decremented by 1 every time the timer update process (step S50) is performed, and it can be determined that the set time has been reached when the value of the special figure processing timer becomes 0.

[0131] Thereafter, a variation start command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S141), the value of the special figure special power counter is incremented by 1 (step S142), and the special figure variation start process is terminated. The variation start command includes information such as the result of the special figure game, the type of jackpot or short-time win, and the variation type. Based on this information, the effect control device 300 performs various effect settings such as setting the variation pattern of the decorative special figure game and setting the preview effect on the display device 81.

[0132] On the other hand, in the determination of whether both the special figure 1 hold count and the special figure 2 hold count are 0, if both are 0 (step S121; Y), the hold occurrence standby process (step S143) is performed to terminate the special figure variation start process. In the hold occurrence standby process, a hold occurrence standby state is set to wait for the occurrence of a special figure hold. The hold occurrence standby state is released when the special figure game starts. Also, at the start of the hold occurrence standby state, a hold occurrence standby command is transmitted to the effect control device 300, and based on the reception of the hold occurrence standby command, the effect control device 300 performs effects such as displaying a demo image on the display device 81.

[0133] [Special Figure Fluctuation Processing] Figure 18 shows the special figure fluctuation processing (step S87) in the special figure special electric processing. In this processing, first, it is determined whether the value of the special figure processing timer is 0 (step S161). The value corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time of the special figure game is set in the special figure processing timer here, and when the value of the special figure processing timer becomes 0, it means that the fluctuation time has ended.

[0134] If the value of the special figure processing timer is not 0 (step S161; N), since the fluctuation time has not ended, the special figure fluctuation processing ends. Also, if the value of the special figure processing timer is 0 (step S161; Y), since the fluctuation time has ended, the fluctuation display is stopped and the result is displayed (step S162). As a result, the fluctuation display in the special figure 1 display unit 61 or the special figure 2 display unit 62 that has been fluctuatingly displayed in the comprehensive display device 60 ends, and the stop symbol corresponding to the result is displayed, and the result of the special figure game is fixedly displayed. The stop symbol to be displayed here is the one set in the process of setting the stop symbol corresponding to the result in the special figure fluctuation start processing (step S137).

[0135] After that, a stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S163). In the effect control device 300, with the reception of the stop command, the fluctuation display of the decorative special figure game is stopped and the result is displayed. Then, a value corresponding to the stop time according to the result is set in the special figure processing timer (step S164), the value of the special figure special electric counter is incremented by 1 (step S165), and the special figure fluctuation processing ends. Note that the stop time may be the same regardless of the result, or may vary according to the result. For example, it may be made longer in the case of a big win or a short time win than in the case of a non-winning case. Also, the stop time (confirmation time) in the non-winning case is shorter than the time from the start of the stop time (confirmation time) in the case of a big win to the end of the special game state based on that big win.

[0136] [Special Figure Confirmation Processing] FIG. 19 shows the process of determining a special figure during the special figure and special electric process (step S88). In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the special figure processing timer is 0 (step S181). The value corresponding to the remaining stop time of the special figure game is set in the special figure processing timer here, and when the value of the special figure processing timer becomes 0, it means that the stop time has ended. If the value of the special figure processing timer is not 0 (step S181; N), since the stop time has not ended, the process of determining the special figure is terminated. Also, if the value of the special figure processing timer is 0 (step S181; Y), since the stop time has ended, in order to perform the process according to the result of the special figure game, it is determined whether there is a jackpot flag (step S182).

[0137] If there is a jackpot flag (step S182; Y), that is, if the result is a jackpot, a value corresponding to the time of the opening period provided at the start of the special game state is set in the special figure processing timer (step S183), and an opening command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S184). In the effect control device 300, with the reception of the opening command, the special game state is started and the opening effect is performed. Then, the value of the special figure and special electric counter is incremented by 1 (step S185), and the process of determining the special figure is terminated. As a result, the special figure game ends and the special game state is started. Note that the opening time may be the same regardless of the type of jackpot, or may be different depending on the type of jackpot. For example, the opening time in the case of a certain-variable jackpot may be made longer than that in the case of a normal jackpot.

[0138] On the other hand, if there is no jackpot flag (step S182; N), a time shortening state counter update process for managing the period in the time shortening state or the very short time shortening state is performed (step S186), and it is determined whether there is a time shortening jackpot flag (step S187). When there is no short-time flag per play (step S187; N), that is, when the result is a miss, the process proceeds to the process of step S191. Also, when there is a short-time flag per play (step S187; Y), that is, when the result is a short-time per play, a short-time flag corresponding to the short-time per play type is set (step S188), a value corresponding to the short-time per play type is set in the short-time state counter (step S189), a state designation command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S190), and the process proceeds to step S191.

[0139] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the normal game state, there are three states: a non-short-time state, a slightly short-time state, and a short-time state, and the state can be determined by the value of the short-time flag. In the process of step S188, when the short-time per play type is short-time per play A to D for the short-time state, a value corresponding to the short-time state is set in the short-time flag. Also, when the short-time per play type is short-time per play E for the slightly short-time state, a value corresponding to the slightly short-time state is set in the short-time flag.

[0140] Also, the short-time state counter is a counter for managing the number of executions of the special figure game for the short-time state or the slightly short-time state, and is decremented by 1 in the short-time state counter update process. When the value of this short-time state counter becomes 0, the short-time state or the slightly short-time state ends. In the process of step S189, the number of executions of the special figure game for the short-time state or the slightly short-time state is set. Specifically, 100 is set for short-time per play A, 20 is set for short-time per play B, 50 is set for short-time per play C, and 1324 is set for short-time per play D or E.

[0141] In the high-probability counter update process (step S191), when the high-probability counter is decremented by 1 and the value becomes 0, a process of shifting to the low-probability state is performed. Then, a value 0 is set in the special figure special power counter (step S192), and the special figure variation process is terminated. As a result, the special figure game ends and the state becomes such that the next special figure game can be started.

[0142] [Short-time state counter update process] FIG. 20 shows the short-time state counter update process (step S186) in the process of determining the special figure. In this process, first, it is determined whether it is in the non-short-time state (step S201). Whether it is in the non-short-time state can be determined by referring to the value of the short-time flag. If it is in the non-short-time state (step S201; Y), the short-time state counter update process ends. Also, if it is not in the non-short-time state (step S201; N), that is, if it is in the short-time state or the very short-time state, the short-time state counter is decremented by 1 (step S202), and it is determined whether the value of the short-time state counter is 0 (step S203).

[0143] If the value of the short-time state counter is not 0 (step S203; N), the short-time state counter update process ends. In this case, the short-time state or the very short-time state continues in the next special figure game. Also, if the value of the short-time state counter is 0 (step S203; Y), the value of the non-short-time state is set in the short-time flag (step S204), a state designation command is sent to the effect control device 300 (step S205), and the short-time state counter update process ends. Thereby, the short-time state or the very short-time state ends and becomes the non-short-time state.

[0144] [High-probability counter update process] FIG. 21 shows the high-probability counter update process (step S191) in the process of determining the special figure. In this process, first, it is determined whether there is a high-probability flag (step S211). If there is no high-probability flag (step S211; N), that is, if it is in the low-probability state, the high-probability counter update process ends. Also, if there is a high-probability flag (step S211; Y), that is, if it is in the high-probability state, the high-probability counter that manages the number of games executable in the high-probability state is decremented by 1 (step S212), and it is determined whether the value of the high-probability counter is 0 (step S213).

[0145] If the value of the high-probability counter is not 0 (step S213; N), the high-probability counter update process ends. In this case, the high-probability state continues in the next special figure game. Also, if the value of the high-probability counter is 0 (step S213; Y), the high-probability flag is cleared (step S214), a state designation command is sent to the effect control device 300 (step S215), and the high-probability counter update process ends. As a result, the high-probability state ends and the low-probability state is entered.

[0146] [Special electric start process] FIG. 22 shows the special electric start process (step S89) in the special figure special electric process. In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the special figure process timer is 0 (step S221). The value corresponding to the remaining time of the opening period of the special game state is set in the special figure process timer here, and when the value of the special figure process timer becomes 0, it means that the opening period has ended. If the value of the special figure process timer is not 0 (step S221; N), the opening period has not ended, so the special electric start process ends. Also, if the value of the special figure process timer is 0 (step S221; Y), since the opening period has ended, an initial value is set in the round counter (step S222).

[0147] The round counter manages the number of rounds in which the special variable winning device 94 is converted to the closed state in the special game state. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the number of rounds is 10 regardless of the jackpot type, 10 is set as the value. If the number of rounds varies depending on the jackpot type, a value corresponding to the jackpot type is set. Next, a value corresponding to the maximum opening time of the special variable winning device 94 in the first round is set in the special figure process timer (step S223), and an initial value corresponding to the maximum number of winnings in the first round for the special variable winning device 94 is set in the winning counter that manages the number of winnings for the special variable winning device 94 (step S224).

[0148] Then, the special variable winning device 94 is set to the winning permission state (step S225), and the special variable winning device 94 is released (step S226). Further, a special electric release command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S227), the value of the special drawing special electric counter is incremented by 1 (step S228), and the special electric start process ends. Thereby, the first round is started.

[0149] [During special electric release process] FIG. 23 shows the process during special electric release (step S90) in the special drawing special electric process. In this process, first, it is determined whether there is a winning in the special variable winning device 94 (step S241). If there is no winning (step S241; N), the process proceeds to step S243. If there is a winning (step S241; Y), the winning counter is decremented by 1 (step S242), and it is determined whether the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S243).

[0150] The value set for the special drawing process timer here corresponds to the remaining time with respect to the maximum release time of the round. If the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S243; Y), that is, when the maximum release time is reached, a time-up flag is set as the end condition flag (step S247), and the process proceeds to the process of ending the rounds after step S248. In this case, it is the case where the round ends by reaching the maximum release time that satisfies the first condition.

[0151] If the value of the special drawing process timer is not 0 (step S243; N), that is, when the maximum release time has not been reached, it is determined whether the value of the winning counter is 0 (step S244). If the value of the winning counter is not 0 (step S244; N), that is, when there is no winning up to the maximum number of winnings, the special electric start process ends. In this case, the round continues without ending. Also, when the value of the winning counter is 0 (step S244; Y), that is, when a win reaches the maximum number of wins, a flag indicating the upper limit has been reached is set as the end condition flag (step S245), 0 is set for the special figure processing timer (step S246), and the process proceeds to the process of ending the rounds after step S248. In this case, the round ends due to a win that meets the second condition, which is the maximum number of wins.

[0152] In step S248, the special variable winning device 94 is set to a non-winning state. As a result, even if a game ball is detected by the big winning opening switch 94a after reaching the maximum opening time of the round or after a win reaches the maximum number of wins, no prize balls will be paid out. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special variable winning device 94 is set to a winning-permitted state from the start of the round until the closing condition for ending the round is satisfied in the special gaming state. Therefore, for example, even if a game ball is detected by the big winning opening switch 94a during the process of converting the special variable winning device 94 to the closed state due to reaching the maximum opening time of the round or a win reaching the maximum number of wins, no prize balls will be paid out.

[0153] That is, payouts based on so-called over-wins are made invalid. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even in the non-winning state, the detection by the big winning opening switch 94a itself is valid, and by not performing the process related to the payout of prize balls based on this detection, payouts based on over-wins are made invalid. However, the detection by the big winning opening switch 94a itself may be made invalid in the non-winning state.

[0154] When the big winning opening switch 94a detects a game ball in a non-winning state, it may be configured to transmit information to the effect that there has been a winning for which a payout has been invalidated to the effect control device 300, and the effect control device 300 may perform an effect based on this information. Examples of such an effect include an effect of displaying the number of winnings for which a payout has been invalidated on the display device 81, an effect of displaying the number of prize balls that would have been obtained if the payout had been valid on the display device 81, an effect of outputting a voice from the speaker 34 to notify that there has been a winning for which a payout has been invalidated, an effect of causing the light emitting means 33 to emit light in a light emitting mode for notifying that there has been a winning for which a payout has been invalidated, and the like. By performing such an effect, the player can surely recognize that there has been a winning for which a payout has been invalidated, and the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced.

[0155] Note that it may be configured to allow the payout of prize balls based on an over-winning. In this case, the winning permission state is maintained for a certain time or in total from the start of the interval period or the ending period. That is, the winning permission state and the non-winning state may be switched according to the time from the start of the interval period or the ending period. For example, the time from the start of the interval period or the ending period until the special variable winning device 94 is completely closed may be set as the winning permission state, and the remaining time may be set as the non-winning state. Also, in addition to the case where a certain time from the start of the interval period or the ending period is set as the winning permission state and the rest is set as the non-winning state, a certain time from the start of the interval period or the ending period may be set as the non-winning state and the rest may be set as the winning permission state. In this case, in one interval period or ending period, the time of the winning permission state and the time of the non-winning state may be the same, or the time of the winning permission state may be longer than the time of the non-winning state, or the time of the winning permission state may be shorter than the time of the non-winning state.

[0156] Furthermore, even if there are multiple timings at which the winning permission state and the non-winning state switch during the interval period or the ending period, it is acceptable. Also in this case, within one interval period or ending period, the total time in the winning permission state and the total time in the non-winning state may be the same time, or the total time in the winning permission state may be longer than the total time in the non-winning state, or the total time in the winning permission state may be shorter than the total time in the non-winning state.

[0157] Also, the winning permission state and the non-winning state may be switched according to the number of winnings from the start of the interval period or the ending period. For example, until there are 2 winnings from the start of the interval period or the ending period, it may be set to the non-winning state, and the remaining time may be set to the winning permission state. Furthermore, when there are 4 winnings, it may be set to the non-winning state again. Conversely, until there are 2 winnings from the start of the interval period or the ending period, it may be set to the winning permission state, and the remaining time may be set to the non-winning state. Furthermore, when there are 4 winnings, it may be set to the winning permission state again.

[0158] Also, when a certain condition is satisfied, the payout of bonus balls based on over-winning may be allowed. Examples of the certain condition include when the round ends due to reaching the maximum opening time. Also, an example of the certain condition is when a specific round ends. As the specific round, for example, in the first half rounds (rounds 1 to 5), the payout of bonus balls based on over-winning may be allowed, and in the second half rounds (rounds 6 to 10), the payout of bonus balls based on over-winning may not be allowed.

[0159] Next, the special variable winning device 94 is closed (step S249), the round counter is decremented by 1 (step S250), and it is determined whether the value of the round counter is 0 (step S251). When the value of the round counter is not 0 (step S251; N), that is, when it is not the end of the final round, interval period setting processing for setting the interval period provided between rounds and transmitting an interval command to the effect control device 300 is performed (step S252), the value of the special figure special power counter is incremented by 1 (step S253), and the special power release in - progress processing ends. Also, when the value of the round counter is 0 (step S251; Y), that is, when it is the end of the final round, ending period setting processing for setting the ending period provided at the end of the special game state and transmitting an ending command to the effect control device 300 is performed (step S254), the value of the special figure special power counter is incremented by 2 (step S255), and the special power release in - progress processing ends.

[0160] [Interval Period Setting Processing] FIG. 24 shows the interval period setting processing (step S252) in the special power release in - progress processing. In this processing, first, it is determined whether the end condition flag is time - up (step S261). If it is time - up (step S261; Y), a value corresponding to the first interval time is set in the special figure processing timer (step S262). Also, when the end condition flag is not time - up (step S261; N), that is, when the upper limit is reached, a value corresponding to the second interval time is set in the special figure processing timer (step S263). Then, an interval command including the information of the set interval time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S264), and the interval period setting processing ends.

[0161] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first interval time and the second interval time are predetermined times, and the first interval time is set to be shorter than the second interval time. That is, the start of the next round is made earlier when the round ends by reaching the maximum release time than when the round ends by winning the maximum number of prizes. Also, in the process of setting the value corresponding to the first interval time in the special drawing processing timer (step S262), the settable value is 1 or more. That is, the first interval time can also be set as the interval of the timer interrupt process (here, 4 milliseconds).

[0162] [Ending Period Setting Process] FIG. 25 shows the ending period setting process (step S254) in the special power release process. In this process, first, it is determined whether the end condition flag is time-up (step S271). If it is time-up (step S271; Y), the value corresponding to the first ending time is set in the special drawing processing timer (step S272). Also, when the end condition flag is not time-up (step S271; N), that is, when the upper limit is reached, the value corresponding to the second ending time is set in the special drawing processing timer (step S273). Then, an ending command including the information of the set ending time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S274), and the ending period setting process is terminated.

[0163] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first ending time and the second ending time are predetermined times, and the first ending time is set to be shorter than the second ending time. That is, the special gaming state ends earlier and the start of the next special drawing game is made earlier when the final round ends by reaching the maximum release time than when the final round ends by winning the maximum number of prizes. Also, in the process of setting the value corresponding to the first ending time in the special drawing processing timer (step S272), the settable value is 1 or more. That is, the first ending time can also be set as the interval of the timer interrupt process (here, 4 milliseconds).

[0164] During the interval period and the ending period, the special variable winning device 94 is closed, and even if a game ball is detected by the big winning opening switch 94a, no prize balls are paid out. Therefore, most of the game balls launched during the interval period and the ending period do not contribute to the payout of prize balls. Thus, assuming that the player continues to launch game balls during the interval period and the ending period, the longer the interval period and the ending period are, the more the player's profit decreases.

[0165] When the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, the player ends the round without obtaining the maximum profit that can be obtained in that round. Furthermore, since many of the game balls that did not win in the special variable winning device 94 do not contribute to the payout of prize balls, the profit obtained by the player in that round is reduced accordingly. On the other hand, when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of wins, which is the second condition, the player obtains the maximum profit that can be obtained in that round. Furthermore, since the round ends in a shorter time than the maximum opening time, the generation of game balls that do not contribute to the payout of prize balls is also reduced accordingly. That is, the second condition (winning the maximum number of wins) is more advantageous to the player than the first condition (the arrival of the maximum opening time).

[0166] In this way, depending on the trigger for ending the round, there is a significant difference in the profit obtained in that round. Therefore, when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, the interval period and the ending period are shortened to reduce the decrease in profit during the interval period and the ending period. Thereby, it is possible to alleviate the player's dissatisfaction when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, reduce the difference in profit from the case when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of wins, improve the interest of the game, and maintain the fairness of the game. Also, it is possible to prevent the execution time of the special game state from becoming too long and prevent the player from getting bored.

[0167] In particular, by setting a very short time as the interval time when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time which is the first condition, the game balls that flowed into the special variable winning device 94 just before the round ends will be treated as the winning balls in the next round, and it becomes possible to maximize the player's profit. As the very short time, for example, the interval of the timer interrupt process (here, 4 milliseconds) can be mentioned. Also, it may be a time shorter than the time required for the movable member 94b to completely shift to the closed state position after starting the operation of the big winning opening solenoid 94c so as to close the special variable winning device 94.

[0168] Note that the first interval time and the second interval time may be the same time, and the first ending time and the second ending time may be the same time. By making the first interval time and the second interval time the same time, or by making the first ending time and the second ending time the same time, the difference in the player's profit due to the difference in the timing of the end of the round becomes clear, and it is possible to make a gaming machine that attracts the player's attention during the progress of the round and has a high level of interest.

[0169] Also, the first interval time may be longer than the second interval time, and the first ending time may be longer than the second ending time. By making the first interval time longer than the second interval time, or by making the first ending time longer than the second ending time, the difference in the player's profit due to the difference in the timing of the end of the round becomes larger, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0170] [During special power-off closing process] FIG. 26 shows the special power-off closing process (step S91) in the special drawing special power process. In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S291). The value set in the special drawing process timer here corresponds to the remaining time of the interval period, and when the value of the special drawing process timer becomes 0, it means that the interval period has ended. If the value of the special drawing process timer is not 0 (step S291; N), since the interval period has not ended, the special power-off closing process ends. Also, if the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S291; Y), since the interval period has ended, a value corresponding to the maximum opening time of the special variable winning device 94 in the next round to be started is set in the special drawing process timer (step S292).

[0171] Then, an initial value corresponding to the maximum number of winnings in the special variable winning device 94 in the next round to be started is set in the winning counter that manages the number of winnings in the special variable winning device 94 (step S293), and the end condition flag is cleared (step S294). In the process of clearing the end condition flag (step S294), either the time-up flag or the upper limit reached flag is cleared. After that, the special variable winning device 94 is set to the winning permission state (step S295), and the special variable winning device 94 is opened (step S296). Further, a special power-off release command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S297), the value of the special drawing special power counter is decremented by 1 (step S298), and the special power-off closing process ends. Thereby, a new round is started.

[0172] [Special Power-off End Process] FIG. 27 shows the special power-off end process (step S92) in the special drawing special power process. In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S311). The value set in the special drawing process timer here corresponds to the remaining time of the ending period of the special game state, and when the value of the special drawing process timer becomes 0, it means that the ending period has ended. If the value of the special drawing process timer is not 0 (step S311; N), since the ending period has not ended, the special power supply end process ends. Also, if the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S311; Y), since the ending period has ended, as processing related to the end of the special game state, it is determined whether the trigger for the occurrence of the current special game state is a probability-variable big win (step S312).

[0173] If the trigger for the occurrence of the current special game state is a probability-variable big win (step S312; Y), the high probability flag is set (step S313), and the value of the time shortening state is set to the time shortening flag (step S314). As a result, a high probability state and a time shortening state are set as the game state after the end of the special game state. Further, 10000 is set to the high probability state counter (step S315), 10000 is set to the time shortening state counter (step S316), and the process proceeds to step S320. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the probability-variable big win is a 10R probability-variable big win. In this case, a fourth game state ST4 in which a high probability state and a time shortening state are set as the game state after the end of the special game state is set. Also, 10000 is set to the high probability state counter and the time shortening state counter, but since this value is a sufficiently large value, it is possible to stay in the fourth game state ST4 until the next big win substantially.

[0174] Also, if the trigger for the occurrence of the current special game state is not a probability-variable big win (step S312; N), that is, if it is a normal big win, the high probability flag is cleared (step S317), and the value of the time shortening state is set to the time shortening flag (step S318). As a result, a low probability state and a time shortening state are set as the game state after the end of the special game state. Further, 100 is set to the time shortening state counter (step S319), and the process proceeds to step S320. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a non-probability jackpot is a 10R normal jackpot. In this case, a third gaming state ST3, which is a low-probability state and a time-reduced state, is set as the gaming state after the end of the special gaming state. Also, 100 is set in the time-reduced state counter, and by executing 100 special symbol games without a jackpot occurring, the machine transitions to the first gaming state ST1, which is a low-probability state and a non-time-reduced state.

[0175] Thereafter, a state designation command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S320), the value 0 is set in the special symbol special power counter (step S321), the end condition flag is cleared (step S322), and the special power end process ends. As a result, the special gaming state ends and the machine becomes ready to start the next special symbol game.

[0176] [Normal symbol normal power process] FIG. 28 shows the normal symbol normal power process (step S53) in the above-described timer interrupt process. In this normal symbol normal power process, the occurrence of normal symbol holds and the overall control of the processes related to the normal symbol games are performed. First, it is determined whether there is an input to the gate switch 78a (step S401). If there is no input (step S401; N), the process proceeds to step S405. If there is an input (step S401; Y), it is determined whether the number of normal symbol holds is less than the upper limit value (step S402).

[0177] If the number of normal symbol holds is not less than the upper limit value (step S402; N), since no more target normal symbol holds can be stored, the process proceeds to step S405 without generating a normal symbol hold. If the number of normal symbol holds is less than the upper limit value (step S402; Y), the number of normal symbol holds is updated by +1 (step S403), and various random number values are acquired and stored in the normal symbol hold storage area of the RAM 103 (step S404). Among the various random number values to be acquired, there is a normal symbol win random number value, which is stored for each normal symbol hold. Also, with the occurrence of a normal symbol hold, the display of the normal symbol hold display section 66 of the comprehensive display device 60 is updated. Note that a normal symbol type random number value for determining the type of the result of the normal symbol game and a normal symbol variation time random number value for determining the variation time of the normal symbol game may be stored.

[0178] In the general drawing reservation storage area of the RAM 103, a number of storage areas corresponding to the upper limit value of the general drawing reservation number are provided, and the information of one general drawing reservation is stored in one storage area. Also, ranks are defined for the storage areas, and they are stored in the storage areas with higher ranks in order from the oldest in the storage order. When digesting the general drawing reservation, the oldest general drawing reservation in the storage order stored in the storage area with the highest rank is digested, and the information of other general drawing reservations is shifted to the storage area with a rank one higher.

[0179] Next, the value of the general drawing general power counter is acquired (step S405), the general drawing general power address table is set (step S406), and the start address of the process corresponding to the value of the general drawing general power counter is acquired using the general drawing general power address table (step S407). Then, the process proceeds to the process indicated by the start address (step S408). Thereby, it is possible to branch to the process according to the current game state.

[0180] When the value of the general drawing general power counter is 0, a general drawing variation start process (step S409) for setting the start of the general drawing game etc. is performed, and the general drawing general power process ends. When the value of the general drawing general power counter is 1, a general drawing variation in - process (step S410) for setting the stop time etc. along with the end of the variation time of the general drawing game is performed, and the general drawing general power process ends. When the value of the general drawing general power counter is 2, a general drawing confirmation in - process (step S411) for performing the process at the end of the general drawing game etc. according to the result of the general drawing game is performed, and the general drawing general power process ends. When the value of the general drawing general power counter is 3, a general power control process (step S412) for performing control etc. in the winning state of the general drawing is performed, and the general drawing general power process ends.

[0181] [General Drawing Variation Start Process] FIG. 29 shows the general drawing change start process (step S409) in the general drawing and general power process. In this process, first, it is determined whether the general drawing hold is 0 (step S421). If it is 0 (step S421; Y), the general drawing change start process ends. If it is not 0 (step S421; N), information on the earliest general drawing hold, which is the oldest general drawing hold in the storage order, is prepared (step S422), a determination table corresponding to the value of the time-saving flag is set (step S423), and a result determination process is performed (step S424). Here, the determination table is selected and set based on whether it is in the non-time-saving state, the time-saving state, or the micro-time-saving state, and the result is determined by referring to the random number per general drawing in the set table.

[0182] If the determination result in the result determination process is a hit (step S425; Y), the hit flag is set (step S426), and a stop symbol corresponding to the result is set (step S428). If the determination result in the result determination process is not a hit (step S425; N), the miss flag is set (step S427), and a stop symbol corresponding to the result is set (step S428). In the process of setting the stop symbol corresponding to the result (step S428), the result mode to be displayed on the general drawing display unit 63 of the comprehensive display device 60 is set.

[0183] Next, the change time of the general drawing game corresponding to the value of the time-saving flag is selected (step S429), a value corresponding to the change time of the general drawing game is set in the general drawing process timer (step S430), and the change display on the general drawing display unit 63 is started (step S431). The general drawing process timer is configured to be decremented by 1 every time the timer update process (step S50) is performed, so that it can be determined that the set time has been reached when the value of the general drawing process timer becomes 0.

[0184] After that, a general drawing change start command is sent to the production control device 300 (step S432), the value of the general drawing general power counter is incremented by 1 (step S433), and the general drawing change start process ends. The general drawing change start command includes the result of the general drawing game and information on the change time. Based on this information, the production control device 300 performs the display of the decorative general drawing game on the display device 81 and the setting of various productions. Note that as the general drawing hold increases or decreases, a general drawing hold command including the general drawing hold information may be sent to the production control device 300 so that the production control device 300 performs productions related to the general drawing hold such as the display of the general drawing hold count.

[0185] [During general drawing determination process] FIG. 30 shows the process during general drawing determination (step S411) in the general drawing general power process. In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the general drawing process timer is 0 (step S451). The value corresponding to the remaining stop time of the general drawing game is set in the general drawing process timer here, and when the value of the general drawing process timer becomes 0, it means that the stop time has ended. If the value of the general drawing process timer is not 0 (step S451; N), since the stop time has not ended, the process during general drawing determination ends. Also, if the value of the general drawing process timer is 0 (step S451; Y), since the stop time has ended, in order to perform the process according to the result of the general drawing game, first, it is determined whether there is a win flag (step S452).

[0186] If there is no win flag (step S452; N), that is, if the result is a loss, 0 is set in the general drawing general power counter (step S460), and the process during general drawing determination ends. Thereby, the general drawing game ends and the state becomes ready to start the next general drawing game. Also, if there is a win flag (step S452; Y), that is, if the result is a win, a value corresponding to the time shortening flag is set in the general power release counter (step S453). The general power release counter is for controlling the number of opening and closing times of the normal variation winning device 79, and "1" is set in the case of no time shortening state and the very short time shortening state where it is opened once, and "3" is set in the case of the time shortening state where it is opened twice.

[0187] Next, obtain the value of the release time corresponding to the value of the time-saving flag (step S454), and set the value corresponding to the release time in the general drawing processing timer (step S455). In the case of no time-saving and micro time-saving states with one-time release, set the value corresponding to the release time in that one-time release (here, 0.2 seconds or 0.5 seconds). In the case of the time-saving state with two-time release, set the value corresponding to the release time of the first time (here, 1 second).

[0188] Then, set an initial value in the general power winning counter that manages the number of winnings in the normal variable winning device 79 (step S456), and set the normal variable winning device 79 to the winning permission state (step S457). Further, open the normal variable winning device 79 (step S458), increment the general drawing general power counter by 1, and end the general drawing determination in progress. As a result, the general drawing game ends and the winning state of the general drawing starts.

[0189] [General Power Control Processing] FIG. 31 shows the general drawing control processing (step S412) in the general drawing general power processing. In this processing, first, determine whether there is a winning in the normal variable winning device 79 (step S481). If there is no winning (step S481; N), proceed to step S483. If there is a winning (step S481; Y), decrement the general power winning counter by 1 (step S482) and proceed to step S483.

[0190] In step S483, determine whether the value of the general power winning counter is 0 (step S483). If the value of the general power winning counter is 0 (step S483; Y), that is, if there is a winning of the maximum number of winnings, set 0 in the general drawing processing timer (step S494), and set the normal variable winning device 79 to the non-winning state (step S495). Further, close the normal variable winning device 79 (step S496), set 0 in the general drawing general power counter (step S497), and end the general power control processing. As a result, the winning state of the general drawing ends and the next general drawing game can be executed.

[0191] On the other hand, when the value of the general power winning counter is not 0 (step S483; N), that is, when there is no win for the maximum number of wins, it is determined whether the general drawing process timer is 0 (step S484). When the value of the general drawing process timer is not 0 (step S484; N), the general power control process is terminated. In this case, the winning state of the general drawing continues without ending. Also, when the general drawing process timer is 0 (step S484; Y), the value of the general power release counter is decremented by 1 (step S485), and it is determined whether the general power release counter is 0 (step S486). When the general power release counter is 0 (step S486; Y), since the release for the maximum release time has ended, the processes after step S495 are performed to end the winning state of the general drawing.

[0192] When an end condition such as reaching the maximum release time or winning the maximum number of wins is satisfied and the winning state of the general drawing ends, a non-winning state is set (step S495). As a result, even if a game ball is detected by the general power switch 79a after reaching the maximum release time or after winning the maximum number of wins, no prize balls are paid out based on this. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the normal variable winning device 79 is in a winning permission state from the start to the establishment of the end condition in the winning state of the general drawing. Therefore, for example, even if a game ball is detected by the general power switch 79a during the process of converting the normal variable winning device 79 to the closed state due to reaching the maximum release time or winning the maximum number of wins in the winning state, no prize balls are paid out.

[0193] That is, the payout based on what is called an over-win is made invalid. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even in the non-winning state, the detection by the general power switch 79a itself is made valid, and the process regarding the payout of prize balls based on this detection is not performed, thereby making the payout based on an over-win invalid. Note that even in the case of an over-win, the occurrence of the special drawing 2 hold is possible, but this may also be made invalid. In this case, in the non-winning state, the detection by the general power switch 79a itself may be made invalid. Also, it may be allowed to pay out prize balls based on overwinning. In this case, the winning permission state is maintained for a certain period of time from the end of the winning state of the general drawing. Also, when certain conditions are met, it may be allowed to pay out prize balls based on overwinning. Examples of certain conditions include cases where the winning state of the general drawing ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time.

[0194] Also, when the value of the general power release counter is not 0 (step S486; N), it is determined whether the value of the general power release counter is even (step S487). When the value of the general power release counter is even (step S487; Y), the value of the closing time corresponding to the value of the time shortening flag and the general power release counter is acquired (step S488), and a value corresponding to the closing time is set in the general drawing processing timer (step S489). Then, the normal variable winning device 79 is closed (step S490), and the general power control process ends. In this case, it is the case where, in the winning state of the general drawing, there are multiple openings, and the opening other than the last opening ends. For example, it is the case where the first opening ends in the case of two openings.

[0195] Also, when the value of the general power release counter is not even (step S487; N), the value of the opening time corresponding to the value of the time shortening flag and the general power release counter is acquired (step S491), and a value corresponding to the opening time is set in the general drawing processing timer (step S492). Then, the normal variable winning device 79 is opened (step S493), and the general power control process ends. In this case, it is the case where, in the winning state of the general drawing, there are multiple openings, and the opening other than the first opening is started. For example, it is the case where the second opening is started in the case of two openings.

[0196] In addition, when the value of the general power release counter is even (step S487; Y), the general variable winning device 79 may be set to a non-winning state, and when the value of the general power release counter is odd (step S487; N), the general variable winning device 79 may be set to a winning-permitted state. By doing so, in the case of multiple releases in the winning state of the general drawing, it is possible to invalidate the payout based on winning during the period from the end of releases other than the final release until the next release. Furthermore, it is also possible to invalidate the occurrence of holding of the special drawing 2 based on winning during this period.

[0197] [Processing in the effect control device] Next, the control in the effect control device 300 will be described. In the MPU 301 of the effect control device 300, the game effects are mainly controlled by performing the effect main process shown in FIG. 32 and the timer interrupt process (not shown).

[0198] [Effect main process] As shown in FIG. 32, in the effect main process, various initial setting processes (step S601) are performed when the game machine is powered on. In these various initial setting processes, for example, the initial settings of the MPU 301 and the VDP 306, the initialization of the work RAM 303, etc. are performed. After performing these various initial settings, a loop process is performed. In the loop process, a received command process (step S602) for performing a process corresponding to the command received from the game control device 100 is performed, and a button input process (step S603) for performing an effect process based on an input from an input unit such as the effect button 41 or the cross keys 42 is performed.

[0199] Next, a display editing process (step S604) for performing settings for controlling the progress of the effect and editing the drawing commands for the VDP 306 to enable display on the display device 81 is performed, and a sound control process (step S605) for performing a process related to the output of sound from the speaker 34 is performed. Then, a light emission control process (step S606) for controlling the light emission means 33 is performed, and a movable body control process (step S607) for controlling the motor and solenoid of the movable effect device 82 is performed, and the process returns to the received command process (step S602).

[0200] [Receiving Command Processing] Fig. 33 shows the receiving command processing (step S602) in the main effect processing. In this processing, first, a command is read from a storage area in the work RAM 303 where the received command is stored, and the type of the command is analyzed (step S611).

[0201] If the command is a special figure command (step S612; Y), a special figure effect processing (step S613) for performing processing related to the decorative special figure game is performed to end the receiving command processing. The special figure commands include a variation start command transmitted at the start of the special figure game, a stop command transmitted when the variation of the special figure game stops, etc. In the case of the variation start command, information such as the type of jackpot or time-saving jackpot and the variation type is included as a result of the special figure game. Based on this information, various effects such as setting the variation pattern of the decorative special figure game and setting a preview effect are performed, and the process of starting the decorative special figure game is performed. Also, in the case of the stop command, the process of stopping the variation display of the decorative special figure game and displaying the result state in a stopped manner is performed.

[0202] If the command is not a special figure command (step S612; N), it is determined whether it is a jackpot command (step S614). If it is a jackpot command (step S614; Y), a jackpot effect processing for performing processing related to the effect in the special game state is performed (step S615), and the receiving command processing is ended. The jackpot commands include an opening command, a special electric release command, an interval command, an ending command, a big winning opening winning command, etc. In the case of the opening command, the process of setting the effect during the opening period is performed, and in the case of the special electric release command, the process of setting the start of the round and the effect during the round is performed. Also, in the case of the interval command, the process of setting the effect during the interval period is performed, and in the case of the ending command, the process of setting the effect during the ending period is performed. Also, in the case of the big winning opening winning command, the process of setting an effect such as the cumulative number display of the prize balls obtained by winning in the special game state is performed.

[0203] If the command is not a big win command (step S614; N), it is determined whether it is a general diagram command (step S616). If it is a general diagram command (step S616; Y), general diagram production processing related to the production of the general diagram game is performed (step S617), and the received command processing is terminated. General diagram commands include general diagram change start commands and the like. In the case of a general diagram change start command, display of the decorative general diagram game on the display device 81 and setting of various productions are performed.

[0204] If the command is not a general diagram command (step S616; N), it is determined whether it is a hold command (step S618). If it is a hold command (step S618; Y), hold production processing for performing processing related to the production of the special diagram hold is performed (step S619), and the received command processing is terminated. Hold commands include special diagram 1 hold command, special diagram 2 hold command, pre-judgment command, and the like. In the case of the special diagram 1 hold command or the special diagram 2 hold command, processing for increasing or decreasing and moving the decorative special diagram hold display to be displayed on the display device 81 or the like is performed as the special diagram 1 hold or the special diagram 2 hold increases or decreases. In the case of a pre-judgment command, processing such as setting of notification in the decorative special diagram hold display to be displayed on the display device 81 or the like and setting of continuous production across a plurality of special diagram games is performed.

[0205] If the command is not a hold command (step S618; N), it is determined whether it is a hold generation standby command (step S620). If it is a hold generation standby command (step S620; Y), standby production processing for performing processing such as setting of standby production for displaying a demo image on the display device 81 or the like is performed (step S621), and the received command processing is terminated.

[0206] If the command is not a pending generation wait command (step S620; N), it is determined whether it is an error command (step S622). If it is an error command (step S622; Y), error notification processing for performing production processing related to error notification is performed (step S623), and the received command processing is terminated. Error commands include a RAM abnormality command, an illegal detection command, an inner frame release command, a front frame release command, a lower tray overflow command, a payout ball exhaustion command, etc., and processing for notifying an error by the display device 81 or the like is performed.

[0207] If the command is not an error command (step S622; N), it is determined whether it is a state designation command (step S624). If it is a state designation command (step S624; Y), state setting processing is performed to store the current gaming state such as a high-probability state or a time-saving state based on the state designation command and make it available for selection of production or the like (step S625), and the received command processing is terminated. If the command is not a state setting command (step S624; N), it is determined whether it is a command other than the above (step S626). If it is a command other than the above (step S626; Y), various command corresponding processing for performing processing corresponding to the command is performed (step S627), and the received command processing is terminated.

[0208] [Game production] Next, game production and the like will be described. FIG. 34 shows an example of production display on the display device 81. Basically, any of the first gaming state ST1, the second gaming state ST2, the third gaming state ST3, and the fourth gaming state ST4 can execute the production display as shown in FIG. 34, but there may be cases where different production displays are performed depending on the gaming state.

[0209] 34(a), a first decorative special symbol game display unit 501 that displays the first decorative special symbol game among the decorative special symbol games executed in response to the special symbol game is provided in the center of the display area of the display device 81. The first decorative special symbol game display unit 501 is provided with an upper variable display area 502 in the upper row, a middle variable display area 503 in the middle row, and a lower variable display area 504 in the lower row, and the decorative special symbol game is displayed by varying and then stopping the display of identification information so that it flows horizontally to the left in each of the upper variable display area 502, middle variable display area 503, and lower variable display area 504.

[0210] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the upper variable display area 502, the middle variable display area 503, and the lower variable display area 504 each contain nine main symbols indicated by the numbers "1" to "9" and sub-symbols indicated by "·" as identification information. In the upper variable display area 502, the nine main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, with one sub-symbol between each main symbol. In the lower variable display area 504, the nine main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, with one sub-symbol between each main symbol. In the middle variable display area 503, the nine main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, with the main symbol "4" between the "1" and the "9," and one sub-symbol between each main symbol.

[0211] In the first decorative special game display unit 501, in the stopped state, three pieces of identification information are displayed in each of the upper variable display area 502, the middle variable display area 503, and the lower variable display area 504, so that nine pieces of identification information are displayed in a 3 x 3 pattern. Five active lines are set: a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a downward-right line L4, and an upward-right line L5. When the result of the special figure game is a big win, a big win result pattern (e.g., "777") where the same main symbol is arranged on any of the valid lines is stopped and displayed. When the result of the special figure game is a time-saving win from A to D, that is, in the case of a time-saving win when shifting to the time-saving state, a time-saving result pattern (e.g., "341") where the main symbols are arranged in a predetermined pattern on any of the valid lines is stopped and displayed. When the result of the special figure game is a loss or in the case of time-saving win E which is a time-saving win when shifting to the slightly time-saving state, no big win result pattern and time-saving result pattern are stopped and displayed on any of the valid lines.

[0212] At the upper left part of the display area of the display device 81, a second decorative special figure game display section 505 for displaying the second decorative special figure game among the decorative special figure games is provided. The second decorative special figure game includes a second decorative special figure 1 game corresponding to the special figure 1 game and a second decorative special figure 2 game corresponding to the special figure 2 game. The second decorative special figure game display section 505 has a first display area 506 for displaying the second decorative special figure 1 game and a second display area 507 for displaying the second decorative special figure 2 game. In this second decorative special figure game display section 505, identification information (small symbols) relatively smaller than the identification information (big symbols) displayed on the first decorative special figure game display section 501 is displayed.

[0213] In the first display area 506 and the second display area 507, after the identification information is variably displayed in one area respectively, it stops and the result is displayed. The identification information displayed on the second decorative special figure game display section 505 includes identification information corresponding to each of the results derivable in the special figure game. After performing a variable display for sequentially displaying this, the identification information corresponding to the result is stopped and displayed. Note that, similar to the first decorative special figure game, the result may also be indicated by a combination of the identification information stopped in a plurality of variable display areas.

[0214] Also, at the lower part of the display area of the display device 81, a decorative special figure hold display unit 508 for displaying a decorative special figure hold display corresponding to the special figure hold is provided. The decorative special figure hold display includes a decorative special figure 1 hold display corresponding to the special figure 1 hold and a decorative special figure 2 hold display corresponding to the special figure 2 hold, and they correspond one-to-one with the special figure hold. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, regardless of whether it is the special figure 1 hold or the special figure 2 hold, it is digested in the storage order. Therefore, the decorative special figure 1 hold display corresponding to the special figure 1 hold and the decorative special figure 2 hold display corresponding to the special figure 2 hold are displayed in the storage order in one area. The leftmost decorative special figure hold display is arranged and displayed so as to correspond to the oldest special figure hold stored first in the storage order, and it shifts to the left every time it is digested.

[0215] Also, the display modes of the decorative special figure 1 hold display and the decorative special figure 2 hold display are made different so that it is possible to determine which special figure hold it is. Here, the shape of the decorative special figure 1 hold display is "〇", and the shape of the decorative special figure 2 hold display is "△", but it may also be made distinguishable by a difference in color or the like. Furthermore, in the decorative special figure hold display unit 508, it is possible to suggest or notify the pre-judgment results such as the result of the special figure game and the variation type based on the special figure hold by the display mode of the decorative special figure hold display corresponding to the special figure hold. In this example, the pre-judgment result is suggested or notified by changing the color of the leftmost decorative special figure hold display. Also, at the upper right part of the display area of the display device 81, as a special figure hold number display unit 520 for displaying the number of special figure holds, a special figure 1 hold number display unit 521 for displaying the number of special figure 1 holds and a special figure 2 hold number display unit 522 for displaying the number of special figure 2 holds are provided.

[0216] Note that a special figure 1 hold display unit for displaying the special figure 1 hold and a special figure 2 hold display unit for displaying the special figure 2 hold may be provided in the decorative special figure hold display unit 508, and the decorative special figure hold display may be displayed in the storage order in each hold display unit. Also, although the display modes of the decorative special figure 1 hold display and the decorative special figure 2 hold display are made different, they may be the same. Also, although the reserved special figure display section 508 is to be displayed on the display device 81, it may be configured by a light-emitting section provided in the variable display unit 80, and information regarding the reservation of the special figure may be displayed according to the lighting mode of the light-emitting section. Also, an in-execution reservation display section for displaying information regarding the reservation of the special figure corresponding to the currently-executing special figure game may be provided. In the in-execution reservation display section, the results and variation types of the currently-executing special figure game may be suggested or notified by the display mode of the in-execution reservation display displayed on the in-execution reservation display section.

[0217] In the state shown in FIG. 34(a), the oldest special figure reservation stored in the storage order is the special figure 1 reservation. When a special figure 1 game is started as a new special figure game based on the special figure 1 reservation from this state, as shown in FIG. 34(b), the decorative special figure reservation display at the left end of the decorative special figure reservation display section 508 is erased and the other decorative special figure reservation displays shift to the left. Further, the numerical value of the special figure 1 reservation count display section 521 is decremented by 1, and a variation display of the identification information is started in the first display area 506 of the first decorative special figure game display section 501 and the second decorative special figure game display section 505.

[0218] When a predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 34(c), the upper variation display area 502 first enters a temporarily stopped state. In the temporarily stopped state, the identification information is displayed so as to fluctuate, indicating that the variation display has not yet ended. Next, as shown in FIG. 34(d), the lower variation display area 504 enters a temporarily stopped state. In this example, a double reach is selected as the variation type, and the same identification information is arranged on the downward-sloping line L4 and the same identification information is also arranged on the upward-sloping line L5, resulting in a double reach. Depending on the selected variation type, the effect may develop into an SP reach after this. When a single reach is selected as the variation type, it becomes a single reach in which the same identification information is arranged on any one of the left line L1, the middle line L2, or the right line L3. Also, when no reach is selected as the variation type, the same identification information is not arranged on any of the valid lines.

[0219] After that, the middle variable display area 503 enters a temporary stop state. If the result of the special figure game is a miss, as shown in FIG. 34(e), it temporarily stops in a state where neither the jackpot result pattern nor the time shortening result pattern is stopped and displayed on any valid line, and as shown in FIG. 34(f), the temporary stop ends and the identification information is stopped and displayed as the variable time ends. Also, as the variable time ends, the variable display in the first display area 506 also stops, and the identification information corresponding to the miss result is stopped and displayed. The display in FIG. 34(f) continues until the stop time of the special figure game ends, and if a new special figure game is started thereafter, the variable display as shown in FIG. 34(b) starts.

[0220] Also, if the result of the special figure game is a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 34(g), it temporarily stops in a state where the jackpot result pattern is stopped and displayed on the valid line, and as shown in FIG. 34(h), the temporary stop ends and the identification information is stopped and displayed as the variable time ends. Also, as the variable time ends, the variable display in the first display area 506 also stops, and the identification information corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed. The display in FIG. 34(h) continues until the stop time of the special figure game ends, and then the special game state is started.

[0221] FIG. 35 shows an example of the effect in the special game state, and FIG. 36 shows the operation of the special variable winning device 94 and the content of the effect in the special game state. As shown in FIG. 36, when the variable display ends (t11) in the special figure game that results in a jackpot, and when the stop time (from t11 to t12) for stopping and displaying the jackpot result ends (t12), the special game state is started (after t12).

[0222] When a special game state starts, first there is an opening period (from t12 to t13 in FIG. 36) and an opening performance is carried out. In this opening performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 35(a), a notification display 531 indicating that a jackpot result has been derived, such as the display of "Jackpot!!", and a display indicating the type of jackpot result are carried out. In addition to this, the display of characters and decorative images is also carried out. Examples of the display indicating the type of jackpot result include a symbol display 532 showing the result pattern of the first decoration special figure game and a type display 533 showing whether it is a probability-variable jackpot or a normal jackpot.

[0223] In this example, since the result pattern of the first decoration special figure game was "777", "7" is shown as the symbol display 532. Also, since it is a probability-variable jackpot, a display of "Super Lucky" indicating the probability-variable jackpot is made as the type display 533. In the case of a normal jackpot, a display of "Lucky" is made as the type display 533. However, even in the case of a probability-variable jackpot, a display of "Lucky" corresponding to a normal jackpot may be made at this point. In this case, a so-called upgrading performance indicating that it is a probability-variable jackpot is carried out during the special game state.

[0224] When the opening period ends, the first round starts and the special variable winning device 94 is released (at t13 in FIG. 36). In the round, a round performance as shown in FIG. 35(b) etc. is carried out. In the round performance, in addition to the display of characters and decorative images, various displays indicating the information of the special game state are carried out. For example, a round number display 534 indicating the current round number, a cumulative winning number display 535 indicating the number of prize balls obtained in the special game state during the period from the first win, which is a jackpot in a non-time-shortened state or a slightly time-shortened state, back to the non-time-shortened state or the slightly time-shortened state again, and a jackpot number display 536 indicating the number of jackpots in the said period with the first win as the first time are displayed. Also, the symbol display 532 and the type display 533 are also displayed.

[0225] When the end condition of a round is satisfied, the round ends and the special variable winning device 94 closes, entering the interval period (t14 in FIG. 36). The end conditions for a round in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment include a first condition of reaching the maximum opening time and a second condition of winning the maximum number of prizes, and the round ends based on the satisfaction of either condition. The maximum opening time is 29 seconds, and the maximum number of prizes in one round is 10. Also, 15 prize balls are paid out for a win in the special variable winning device 94.

[0226] Depending on whether the round ends due to the satisfaction of the first condition or the second condition, the length of the interval period is different. In this example, the first round ends due to winning the maximum number of prizes, which is the second condition. In this case, a relatively long second interval time is set for the interval period (from t14 to t15 in FIG. 36). As shown in FIG. 35(c), in the interval effect, effects different from those during the round, such as the display of characters or decorative images, are performed to clearly indicate that it is the interval period. Then, as shown in FIG. 35(d), when the next second round starts, an effect during the round different from the effect of the previous round shown in FIG. 35(b) and the interval effect shown in FIG. 35(c) is performed, and the special variable winning device 94 is opened (t15 in FIG. 36).

[0227] In the second round of this example, as shown in FIG. 35(e), the maximum release time is reached with nine winning prizes less than the maximum number of winning prizes, and here the round ends and an interval period begins (t16 in FIG. 36). In this case, the interval period (from t16 to t17 in FIG. 36) is set to a relatively short first interval time. That is, as described above, when the round ends due to reaching the maximum release time which is the first condition, the interval period is made shorter than when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of winning prizes which is the second condition. Also, the interval effect shown in FIG. 35(f) is different from the effect when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of winning prizes which is the second condition, making it possible to easily determine by which end condition the round ended. Then, as shown in FIG. 35(g), when the next third round starts, an in-round effect different from the effect of the previous round shown in FIG. 35(e) and the interval effect shown in FIG. 35(f) is performed and the special variable winning device 94 is released (t17 in FIG. 36).

[0228] In addition, when a very short time (for example, 4 milliseconds) is set as the first interval time (from t16 to t17 in FIG. 36) set when the maximum release time is reached and the interval period begins, since the next round starts almost simultaneously with the end of the round, the interval effect may not be performed.

[0229] When the special gaming state progresses and the final tenth round ends (t18 in FIG. 36), an ending period begins and an ending effect is performed (from t18 to t19 in FIG. 36). Since this is a probability-variable big win in this example, in the ending effect shown in FIG. 35(h), a "one more time" display suggesting that the next big win can be obtained is made. If it is a normal big win, a "chance" display is made.

[0230] The length of this ending period is made to vary depending on the trigger for the end of the final round. When the final round ends due to reaching the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, it is made shorter than when the final round ends due to winning the maximum number of prizes, which is the second condition. However, the content of the interval performance is the same whether the final round ends under the first condition or the second condition, making it difficult to determine from the performance content under which end condition the final round ended.

[0231] Incidentally, the content of the interval performance may be the same whether the round ends due to reaching the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, or due to winning the maximum number of prizes, which is the second condition. By doing so, it can be made difficult to determine from the performance content under which end condition the round ended. Also, the content of the ending performance may be made different whether the final round ends due to reaching the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, or due to winning the maximum number of prizes, which is the second condition. By doing so, it can be made possible to easily determine from the performance content under which end condition the final round ended.

[0232] Moreover, in the above embodiments, the maximum opening time in the special game state is set to 29 seconds and the maximum number of prizes is set to 10, but it is not limited to this. By adjusting the settings of the maximum opening time and the maximum number of prizes, the ratio between the possibility of reaching the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, and the possibility of winning the maximum number of prizes, which is the second condition, can be adjusted, and a gaming machine with high strategic value and high interest can be created in the special game state. For example, the maximum opening time and the maximum number of winning prizes may be set in consideration of the firing interval of the game balls. As an example, if the maximum opening time is set to the firing interval of the game balls (such as 0.6 seconds) multiplied by a value equal to the maximum number of winning prizes or a value that is several (for example, 1) more or less than the maximum number of winning prizes, the arrival timing at the special variable winning device 94 will vary due to the windmill 74 and the obstacle pins 75 that serve as variable means, and thus the end condition of the round will change, improving the interest of the game.

[0233] Also, the maximum opening time may be set to a time such that the maximum number of winning prizes is not reached even if the game balls are continuously fired. For example, the maximum opening time may be set to the firing interval of the game balls (such as 0.6 seconds) multiplied by a value that is half or less of the value of the maximum number of winning prizes (for example, a value of 5 or less). In this way, a relatively short first interval time or first ending time will be set in almost all cases, enabling the progress of the special game state to be rapid. This can give the game a gameplay where the special game states continue in a short period, improving the interest of the game. Also, when a situation occurs where the game balls of the maximum number of winning prizes rarely win, a relatively long second interval time or second ending time will be set, preventing the player's profit obtained in a certain period from becoming too high and the gambling nature from becoming too high.

[0234] Also, as a result of the special figure game, it is possible to derive a small win that does not involve the operation of the condition device, and when a small win is derived, a small win game state that opens the special variable winning device 94 may be generated. For this small win game state as well, the opening of the special variable winning device 94 is terminated when either the end condition of reaching the maximum opening time or the winning of the maximum number of winning prizes is satisfied, and the length of the small win ending period from the closing of the special variable winning device 94 to the end of the small win game state may be made different according to the end condition.

[0235] Also, although one special variable winning device 94 is provided, two such devices may be provided, and either one of them may be opened in a round. Further, one of the special variable winning devices 94 may be provided with a specific area into which the game balls flowing into the special variable winning device 94 can flow, and a movable member capable of changing the ease of flow into the specific area, and the game control device 100 may control the movable member. And, when a game ball flows into the specific area, a high-probability state may be set after the end of the special game state, and when a game ball does not flow into the specific area, a low-probability state may be set after the end of the special game state, as a gaming machine.

[0236] Also, it may be a so-called type 1 + type 2 gaming machine in which the special variable winning device 94 having a specific area is opened in a small win gaming state, and when a game ball flows into the specific area, it becomes a big win and a special game state is generated.

[0237] As an example of such a gaming machine, a game board shown in FIG. 8 is used, in which a first start port 76 that can always win by hitting left is provided instead of the start winning device 90 on the game board 70. In the non-time-saving state or the slightly time-saving state, the game is mainly played by hitting left aiming at the first start port 76, and the special figure 1 game is mainly executed. When a big win is derived in the special figure 1 game, a special game state in which the special variable winning device 94 is opened is executed, and a time-saving state can be set after the end of the special game state. It may be the case that the time-saving state is not set. In the time-saving state, the game is mainly played by hitting right aiming at the normal variable winning device 79, and the special figure 2 game is mainly executed. When a big win is derived in the special figure 2 game, a special game state in which the special variable winning device 94 is opened is executed, and a time-saving state can be set after the end of the special game state. It may be the case that the time-saving state is not set.

[0238] Also, in the special figure 2 game, a small win can be derived as a result. When a small win is derived, a small win gaming state is executed to release the special variable winning device 94. In this small win gaming state, when a game ball flows into the specific area, a special gaming state that releases the special variable winning device 94 after the end of the small win gaming state is executed. After the end of the special gaming state, a time-saving state can be set. It may be the case that the time-saving state is not set. Also, when a game ball does not flow into the specific area in the small win gaming state, the next special figure game can be executed without executing the special gaming state after the end of the small win gaming state.

[0239] Note that in the special figure 1 game, a small win may or may not be derivable. Also, the probability of a big win may always be a constant probability, or there may be a low probability state and a high probability state. Also, a time-saving small win may or may not be derivable in both or one of the special figure 1 game and the special figure 2 game, or a time-saving small win may not be derived in both the special figure 1 game and the special figure 2 game.

[0240] Also, a movable member that changes the ease of inflow of game balls into the specific area may be provided inside the special variable winning device 94 having the specific area. The control of the movable member is performed by the game control device 100, and it is made operable in a first state and a second state in which the inflow into the specific area is easier than in the first state. The operation pattern of the movable member may be selected from a plurality of types of patterns. Also, as the special variable winning device 94, a special variable winning device having a specific area and a special variable winning device not having a specific area may be provided. In the special gaming state, one of the special variable winning devices is released in each round, and in the small win gaming state, the special variable winning device having the specific area is released.

[0241] Further, a plurality of types may be provided for each small win, and the type may be selected based on a special drawing type random value. The execution mode of the small win game state and the execution mode of the special game state based on the small win game state may be selected according to the type of the small win. Also, the execution mode of the special game state may be made different between the special game state based on the occurrence of a big win in the special drawing game and the special game state based on the inflow into a specific area in the small win game state. That is, the execution mode of the small win game state and the special game state may be made different according to the type of the small win and the trigger for the occurrence of the special game state.

[0242] Examples of the execution mode of the small win game state include, for example, the length of the small win opening time from the start of the small win game state to the opening of the special variable winning device 94, the length of the small win ending time from the closing of the special variable winning device 94 to the end of the small win game state, the opening pattern of the special variable winning device 94, the opening time, and the operation mode of the movable member provided inside the special variable winning device 94. Examples of the execution mode of the special game state include, for example, the length of the opening time, the length of the interval time, the length of the ending time, the opening pattern of the special variable winning device 94, the opening time, the number of rounds, and the like. Also, in the special game state of the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lengths of the interval time and the ending time are made different according to the end condition of the round. However, even if the end conditions are the same, the lengths of the interval time or the ending time may be made different according to the type of the small win and the trigger for the occurrence of the special game state.

[0243] Examples of the game states in which the movable member can be operated in different states include the winning state in the general drawing, the special game state, and the small win game state generated based on a small win. Examples of the movable member include the movable member 94b of the special variable winning device 94, the movable member 79b of the normal variable winning device 79, and the movable member that changes the ease of inflow of the game balls into a specific area provided inside the special variable winning device 94.

[0244] [Second Embodiment] Next, the gaming machine of the second embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment has a different presentation mode in the special gaming state.

[0245] FIG. 37 shows an example of the presentation in the special gaming state of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 37(a), the round is started, and when the end condition of the round is satisfied, the round ends and the special variable winning device 94 is closed to enter the interval period. FIGS. 37(b) and (c) show an example of the interval presentation when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of wins, which is the second condition.

[0246] First, as shown in FIG. 37(b), a display of "Please wait a moment" is made as a standby display 541 that prompts waiting until the next round starts. Then, as shown in FIG. 37(c), when the start of the next round approaches, a display of "It's about to open" is made as a transition display 542. And, as shown in FIG. 37(d), the next round starts and the special variable winning device 94 is opened.

[0247] When the round ends due to winning the maximum number of wins, which is the second condition, a relatively long time is set for the interval period. Therefore, by performing the standby display 541, it is possible to temporarily stop the firing of the game balls, and by performing the transition display 542, it is possible to resume the firing of the game balls before the start of the round. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in profit due to the technical intervention of the player during the interval period, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0248] After that, as the round progresses, FIG. 37(e) shows a state where the maximum release time has been reached with 9 winning combinations less than the maximum number of winning combinations, and here the round ends and enters the interval period. As shown in FIG. 37(f), the interval effect in this case is assumed to continue the effect in the ended round shown in FIG. 37(f) as it is. Then, as shown in FIG. 37(g), when the interval period ends, the next round starts. The effect in this round is also assumed to continue the effect of the previous round shown in FIG. 37(e) and the interval effect shown in FIG. 37(f) as it is. However, the display of the round number display 534 is updated.

[0249] As described above, when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum release time which is the first condition, the interval period is shorter than when the round ends due to the winning of the maximum number of winning combinations which is the second condition. Furthermore, by making the effect such that the interval period is not noticeable, an impression that the round is continuing can be given, making it difficult to recognize that the round has ended due to the arrival of the maximum release time and improving the interest of the game. Note that in the state shown in FIG. 37(g) which is a new round after the round has ended due to the arrival of the maximum release time which is the first condition, it may be a different effect from the effect of the previous round shown in FIG. 37(e) and the interval effect shown in FIG. 37(f).

[0250] Also, the standby display 541 and the transition display 542 are not limited to the above, and any effect may be used. For example, the timing until the start of the next round may be shown in a countdown format. Also, the standby display 541 and the transition display 542 may be performed with all of the interval effects when the round ends due to the winning of the maximum number of winning combinations which is the second condition, or may be performed with only a part of them. Also, the standby display 541 and the transition display 542 may be performed with the ending effect when the final round ends due to the winning of the maximum number of winning combinations which is the second condition.

[0251] Also, although it has been assumed that the transition display 542 is displayed after the standby display 541 as an interval effect or an ending effect, only one of the standby display 541 and the transition display 542 may be displayed. Also, there may be a period during which neither the standby display 541 nor the transition display 542 is displayed in the interval effect or the ending effect. For example, in the interval period or the ending period, after the standby display 541 is performed at the start, the standby display 541 may be erased, and a period during which neither the standby display 541 nor the transition display 542 is displayed may be provided. Further, after the transition display 542 is displayed, the transition display 542 may be erased, and a period during which neither the standby display 541 nor the transition display 542 is displayed may be provided until the start of the next round or the next special figure game. By doing so, it is possible to give the player an interest in making inferences while indicating the start timing of the next round or the next special figure game to some extent.

[0252] Also, when the transition display 542 displays the timing until the start of the next round or the next special figure game in a countdown format, instead of performing the countdown until the end of the interval period or the ending period, the countdown may be performed halfway and then end. For example, the countdown may be performed as "10", "9", "8" and then end, and a period during which neither the standby display 541 nor the transition display 542 is displayed may be provided until the start of the next round or the next special figure game. By doing so, it is possible to give the player an interest in making inferences while indicating the start timing of the next round or the next special figure game to some extent.

[0253] Also, the contents of the standby display 541 and the transition display 542 may always be the same or may be different. For example, the type of jackpot that triggered the special game state (10R sure-change jackpot, 10R normal jackpot), the type of special figure game (special figure 1 game, special figure 2 game), the game state set after the end of the special game state (low probability state, high probability state, time-saving state, micro time-saving state, no time-saving state), etc., may be used to select the contents of the standby display 541 and the transition display 542. The standby display 541 and the transition display 542 are in a state that is more advantageous to the player than when these displays are not performed so that the start timing of the next round or the next special figure game can be inferred. If the contents of the standby display 541 and the transition display 542 are made different to vary the ease of inference, the degree of advantage to the player will also be different, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0254] [Third Embodiment] Next, the gaming machine of the third embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the same parts having the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment has a different method of setting the lengths of the interval period and the ending period.

[0255] [Interval Period Setting Process] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the interval period setting process shown in FIG. 38 is performed instead of the interval period setting process shown in FIG. 24. In this process, first, a value corresponding to the first interval time is set in the special figure processing timer (step S265), and it is determined whether the end condition flag is time-up (step S261). If it is time-up (step S261; Y), an interval command including the information of the set interval time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S264), and the interval period setting process is terminated. In this case, the first interval time is set as the interval time.

[0256] Also, when the end condition flag is not a time-out (step S261; N), that is, when the upper limit is reached, a value corresponding to the additional interval time is added to the special drawing processing timer (step S266), and an interval command including information on the set interval time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S264), and the interval period setting process is terminated. The additional interval time is a time corresponding to the difference between the first interval time and the second interval time. Therefore, in this case, the second interval time is set as the interval time.

[0257] That is, in this process, first, the process of step S265 is performed as a first setting process for setting a first interval time with a predetermined length set when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum release time, which is the first condition. And when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of prizes, which is the second condition, the process of step S266 is performed as a second setting process for extending the first interval time to the second interval time.

[0258] [Ending Period Setting Process] Also, instead of the ending period setting process shown in FIG. 25, the ending period setting process shown in FIG. 39 is performed. In this process, first, a value corresponding to the first ending time is set in the special drawing processing timer (step S275), and it is determined whether the end condition flag is a time-out (step S271). When it is a time-out (step S271; Y), an ending command including information on the set ending time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S274), and the ending period setting process is terminated. In this case, the first ending time is set as the ending time.

[0259] Also, when the end condition flag is not a time - up (step S271; N), that is, when the upper limit is reached, a value corresponding to the additional ending time is added to the special drawing process timer (step S276), and an ending command including information on the set ending time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S274), and the ending period setting process is terminated. The additional ending time is the time corresponding to the difference between the first ending time and the second ending time. Therefore, in this case, the second ending time is set as the ending time.

[0260] That is, in this process, first, the process of step S275 is performed as a first setting process for setting a first ending time with a predetermined length set when the final round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time which is the first condition. Then, when the final round ends due to winning the maximum number of prizes which is the second condition, the process of step S276 is performed as a second setting process for extending the first ending time to the second ending time.

[0261] In this way, in setting the interval time and the ending time, first, the first setting process is performed to set the time corresponding to the establishment of one end condition, and then the second setting process is performed to correct it to be the time corresponding to the establishment of the other end condition. By doing so, the processes can be made common when the first condition is satisfied and when the second condition is satisfied, and the control burden can be reduced.

[0262] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment has a different method of setting the lengths of the interval period and the ending period.

[0263] [Interval Period Setting Process] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the interval period setting process shown in FIG. 24, regardless of the type of the end condition flag, when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time which is the first condition, a value corresponding to the first interval time is set in the special drawing process timer. Also, the interval command may not include the information of the interval time, or may include the information of the interval time based on the end condition flag.

[0264] [Ending period setting process] Also, in the ending period setting process shown in FIG. 25, regardless of the type of the end condition flag, when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time which is the first condition, a value corresponding to the first ending time is set in the special drawing process timer. Also, the ending command may not include the information of the ending time, or may include the information of the ending time based on the end condition flag.

[0265] [During special power-off process] Also, instead of the process during special power-off shown in FIG. 26, the process during special power-off shown in FIG. 40 is performed. In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S291). In the special drawing process timer here, a value corresponding to the remaining time of the interval period is set, and in this case, when the value of the special drawing process timer becomes 0, it means that the time set as the interval period has been reached. When the value of the special drawing process timer is not 0 (step S291; N), it is the case where the interval period continues and the process during special power-off ends. Also, when the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S291; Y), that is, when the time set as the interval period has been reached, it is determined whether the end condition flag is the flag of reaching the upper limit (step S301).

[0266] When the end condition flag is the upper limit reached flag (step S301; Y), a value corresponding to the extension time is set in the special drawing process timer (step S302), the end condition flag is cleared (step S303), and the special power-off in-process processing ends. As a result, the interval period is extended. The extension time set here is the time corresponding to the difference between the first interval time and the second interval time set when the end condition is the winning of the maximum number of winning prizes. Therefore, in this case, the second interval time is set as the interval time. Also, when the end condition flag is not the upper limit reached flag (step S301; N), that is, when it is the time-up flag or the flag is cleared, the interval period ends, so the processing regarding the start of the next round after step S292 is performed.

[0267] That is, in this process, first, the interval period setting process is performed as the first setting process for setting the first interval time of a predetermined length set when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum release time which is the first condition. And when the round ends due to the winning of the maximum number of winning prizes which is the second condition, the process of step S302 is performed as the second setting process for extending the first interval time to the second interval time.

[0268] [Special power-off end process] Also, instead of the special power-off end process shown in FIG. 27, the special power-off end process shown in FIG. 41 is performed. In this process, first, it is determined whether the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S311). The value corresponding to the remaining time of the ending period is set in the special drawing process timer here, and in this case, when the value of the special drawing process timer becomes 0, it means that the time set as the ending period has been reached. If the value of the special drawing process timer is not 0 (step S311; N), it means that the ending period continues, and the special power-off process ends. Also, if the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S311; Y), that is, when the time set as the ending period is reached, it is determined whether the end condition flag is the upper limit reached flag (step S323).

[0269] If the end condition flag is the upper limit reached flag (step S323; Y), a value corresponding to the extension time is set in the special drawing process timer (step S324), the end condition flag is cleared (step S322), and the special power-off process ends. As a result, the ending period is extended. The extension time set here is the time corresponding to the difference between the first ending time and the second ending time set when the end condition is the winning of the maximum number of winning awards. Therefore, in this case, the second ending time is set as the ending time. Also, if the end condition flag is not the upper limit reached flag (step S323; N), that is, if it is the time-up flag or the flag is cleared, the ending period ends, so the process regarding the end of the special game state after step S312 is performed.

[0270] That is, in this process, first, the ending period setting process is performed as the first setting process for setting the first ending time with a predetermined length set when the final round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, which is the first condition. Then, when the final round ends due to the winning of the maximum number of winning awards, which is the second condition, the process of step S324 is performed as the second setting process for extending the first ending time to the second ending time.

[0271] In this way, in setting the interval time and the ending time, first, the first setting process is performed to set the time corresponding to the establishment of one ending condition, and then the second setting process is performed to correct the time so as to be the time corresponding to the establishment of the other ending condition. By doing so, the processing can be made common between the case where the first condition is established and the case where the second condition is established, and the control burden can be reduced.

[0272] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment has a different method of setting the lengths of the interval period and the ending period.

[0273] [Special Electric Release Processing] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, instead of the special electric release processing shown in FIG. 23, the special electric release processing shown in FIG. 42 is performed. In this processing, when the value of the winning counter is 0 (step S244; Y), that is, when there is a winning of the maximum number of winnings, the value of the special figure processing timer at that time is acquired and stored (step S256). In the value of the special figure processing timer in this case, a value corresponding to the remaining time with respect to the maximum release time of the round is set.

[0274] [Interval Period Setting Processing] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, instead of the interval period setting processing shown in FIG. 24, the interval period setting processing shown in FIG. 43 is performed. In this processing, first, it is determined whether the end condition flag is time-up (step S261). If it is time-up (step S261; Y), a value corresponding to the first interval time is set in the special figure processing timer (step S262), and an interval command including the information of the set interval time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S264), and the interval period setting processing is terminated.

[0275] Also, when the end condition flag is not time-up (step S261; N), that is, when the upper limit is reached, an interval time is selected based on the value of the special drawing process timer obtained in step S256 above (step S501), and a value corresponding to the selected interval time is set in the special drawing process timer (step S502). Then, an interval command including information on the set interval time is transmitted to the production control device 300 (step S264), and the interval period setting process ends.

[0276] [Ending Period Setting Process] Also, instead of the ending period setting process shown in FIG. 25, the ending period setting process shown in FIG. 44 is performed. In this process, first, it is determined whether the end condition flag is time-up (step S271). If it is time-up (step S271; Y), a value corresponding to the first ending time is set in the special drawing process timer (step S272), and an ending command including information on the set ending time is transmitted to the production control device 300 (step S274), and the ending period setting process ends.

[0277] Also, when the end condition flag is not time-up (step S271; N), that is, when the upper limit is reached, an ending time is selected based on the value of the special drawing process timer obtained in step S256 above (step S503), and a value corresponding to the selected ending time is set in the special drawing process timer (step S504). Then, an ending command including information on the set ending time is transmitted to the production control device 300 (step S274), and the ending period setting process ends.

[0278] FIG. 45(a) shows an example of the set interval time. The first interval time set when the round ends due to reaching the maximum opening time is 0.5 seconds. Also, the interval time set when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of prizes is made to vary depending on the remaining round time, which is the time until the maximum opening time remaining when the round ends. That is, it is made to vary depending on the time taken from the start to the end of the round. Also, in both cases, it is set to be longer than the first interval time.

[0279] When the remaining round time is less than 10 seconds, the interval time is set to 5 seconds. When the remaining round time is 10 seconds or more and less than 20 seconds, the interval time is set to 10 seconds. When the remaining round time is 20 seconds or more, the interval time is set to 15 seconds. That is, the more the remaining round time, the longer the interval time. The more the remaining round time, the earlier the maximum number of prizes is won from the start of the round in a short time, resulting in fewer out balls that do not contribute to the payout of prize balls during the round and less decrease in profit. Therefore, by making the interval time, during which the profit does not decrease, longer as the remaining round time increases, the balance of the profit obtained by the player can be achieved, making the game fair and improving the interest of the game.

[0280] FIG. 45(b) shows the set ending time. The first ending time set when the final round ends due to reaching the maximum opening time is 3 seconds. Also, the ending time set when the final round ends due to winning the maximum number of prizes is made to vary depending on the remaining round time, which is the time until the maximum opening time remaining when the final round ends. That is, it is made to vary depending on the time taken from the start to the end of the final round. Also, in both cases, it is set to be longer than the first ending time.

[0281] When the remaining round time is less than 10 seconds, the ending time is set to 15 seconds. When the remaining round time is 10 seconds or more and less than 20 seconds, the ending time is set to 20 seconds. When the remaining round time is 20 seconds or more, the ending time is set to 25 seconds. That is, the longer the remaining round time, the longer the ending time is set. Similar to the case of the above-described interval time, the more the remaining round time, the earlier the achievement of the maximum number of winning prizes from the start of the round, and the less the occurrence of out balls that do not contribute to the payout of winning balls during the round, resulting in less reduction of profits. Therefore, by making the ending time, during which the profit does not decrease, longer as the remaining round time increases, the balance of the profits obtained by the player can be achieved, resulting in a fair game and an improvement in the interest of the game.

[0282] Also, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment as well as in the gaming machine 1 of the third embodiment, when setting the interval time or the ending time, regardless of the ending condition of the round, first, a first setting process of setting the shortest first interval time or the first ending time is performed, and when the round ends due to winning the maximum number of winning prizes which is the second condition, a second setting process of extending the time may be performed. Also, when the round ends due to reaching the maximum opening time which is the first condition, the first interval time or the first ending time is set. When the round ends due to winning the maximum number of winning prizes which is the second condition, first, a first setting process of setting the basic time corresponding to the shortest time is performed, and when a time longer than the basic time is selected, a second setting process of extending the basic time may be performed.

[0283] Also, the interval time and the ending time may be selected by lottery. Fig. 45(c) shows an example of the selection of the interval time when there is a winning with the maximum number of winnings. When the remaining time of the round is less than 10 seconds, the ratio of selecting 3 seconds as the interval time is 70%, the ratio of selecting 10 seconds is 20%, and the ratio of selecting 15 seconds is 10%. When the remaining time of the round is 10 seconds or more and less than 20 seconds, the ratio of selecting 3 seconds as the interval time is 20%, the ratio of selecting 10 seconds is 60%, and the ratio of selecting 15 seconds is 20%. When the remaining time of the round is 20 seconds or more, the ratio of selecting 3 seconds as the interval time is 10%, the ratio of selecting 10 seconds is 20%, and the ratio of selecting 15 seconds is 70%. Also in this case, the longer the remaining time of the round, the more likely it is that a longer interval time will be selected.

[0284] When the interval time in the case of a winning with the maximum number of winnings is selected by lottery, for the interval time when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, it may be a fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds), or it may be selected by lottery from among a plurality of time values. Also, the ending time may be selected by lottery, and it may be such that the longer the remaining time of the round, the more likely it is that a longer ending time will be selected.

[0285] In the above description, examples of changing the lengths of the interval time and the ending time have been described, but the interval time and the ending time set according to the remaining time of the round are not limited to the above settings. For example, it may be such that the interval time and the ending time set when the round ends due to a winning with the maximum number of winnings are longer than the first interval time and the first ending time set when the round ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time. Also, although the interval time and the ending time are set to be longer as the remaining round time is longer, conversely, they may be set to be shorter as the remaining round time is longer. By doing so, it becomes more advantageous for the player to achieve the winning of the maximum number of prizes earlier, so the interest of the game can be improved.

[0286] Also, the remaining round time of the round that ended by winning the maximum number of prizes may be used as the interval time or the ending time as it is. By doing so, the total time of the round that ends by winning the maximum number of prizes and the interval time or the ending time following that round can always be made constant.

[0287] Furthermore, the combined time of the remaining round time of the round that ended by winning the maximum number of prizes and the first interval time (the first ending time in the case of the final round) when ending by reaching the maximum release time may be used as the interval time or the ending time. By doing so, the total time of the round and the interval time or the ending time following that round (for example, from t13 to t15 in FIG. 36) always remains constant regardless of the ending condition of the round, and the execution time of the special game state can be made constant.

[0288] Since the total time of the round and the interval period or the ending period following that round becomes a fixed time, if an effect for that fixed time is prepared as an effect during this period, it can be executed from the beginning to the end without interruption. For example, an effect such that a series of stories is completed within the fixed time can also be executed from the beginning to the end without interruption. Of course, since the time over a plurality of consecutive rounds and the interval period or the ending period is also constant, it is possible to prepare a continuous production over the time of a plurality of consecutive rounds and the interval period or the ending period and execute all of them from the beginning to the end without interruption. Further, since the time over the entire period of the special game state can also be made constant, the continuous production prepared according to the time over the entire period of the special game state can also be executed from the beginning to the end without interruption.

[0289] Conventionally, since the time of the round was indefinite, it was only possible to repeatedly perform a short production during the round or to execute the production corresponding to the maximum opening time only up to the middle. However, by doing as described above, it becomes possible to execute all the continuous productions prepared in advance over a fixed time from the beginning to the end without interruption, and the interest of the game in the special game state can be improved.

[0290] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, the gaming machine of the sixth embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on the end condition of a predetermined round, the length of the subsequent interval period can be made different.

[0291] [During Special Electric Release Processing] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, instead of the special power supply release process shown in FIG. 23, the special power supply release process shown in FIG. 46 is performed. In this process, when the value of the special drawing process timer is 0 (step S243; Y), that is, when the maximum release time is reached, it is determined whether the value of the round counter is 10, that is, whether it is the first round (step S511). If the value of the round counter is not 10 (step S511; N), the process proceeds to the process of ending the rounds after step S248. Also, if the value of the round counter is 10 (step S511; Y), a time-up flag is set as the end condition flag (step S247), and the process proceeds to the process of ending the rounds after step S248.

[0292] Further, when the value of the winning counter is 0 (step S244; Y), that is, when the maximum number of winnings is reached, it is determined whether the value of the round counter is 10, that is, whether it is the first round (step S512). If the value of the round counter is not 10 (step S512; N), the process proceeds to the process of ending the rounds after step S246. Also, if the value of the round counter is 10 (step S512; Y), an upper limit reached flag is set as the end condition flag (step S245), and the process proceeds to the process of ending the rounds after step S246. By these processes, whether the end condition of the first round is the arrival of the maximum release time or the winning of the maximum number of winnings is recorded.

[0293] [During special power supply closing process] Also, instead of the special power supply closing process shown in FIG. 26, the special power supply closing process shown in FIG. 47 is performed. In this process, the process of clearing the end condition flag (step S294) is not performed. As a result, the end condition flag set in the first round is maintained.

[0294] [Interval period setting process] Further, instead of the interval period setting process shown in FIG. 24, the interval period setting process shown in FIG. 48 is performed. In this process, it is determined whether the value of the round counter is less than 6, that is, whether it is the setting of the interval period after the 5th round to the 9th round (step S514). If the value of the round counter is not less than 6 (step S514; N), that is, if it is the setting of the interval period after the 1st round to the 4th round, a value corresponding to the second interval time is set in the special figure processing timer (step S263), an interval command including the information of the set interval time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S264), and the interval period setting process ends. In this case, the second interval time is set regardless of the end condition of the first round.

[0295] Also, if the value of the round counter is less than 6 (step S514; Y), that is, if it is the setting of the interval period after the 5th round to the 9th round, it is determined whether the end condition flag is time-up (step S261). If it is time-up (step S261; Y), a value corresponding to the first interval time is set in the special figure processing timer (step S262). Also, if the end condition flag is not time-up (step S261; N), that is, if the upper limit is reached, a value corresponding to the second interval time is set in the special figure processing timer (step S263). Then, an interval command including the information of the set interval time is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (step S264), and the interval period setting process ends.

[0296] From this process, in the interval period after the 5th round to the 9th round, either the first interval time or the second interval time is set according to the end condition of the first round. That is, it is possible to vary the length of the interval period that is not the interval period following the predetermined round according to the end condition of the predetermined round. Also, in the ending period setting process, the ending time is set according to the end condition flag in the same manner as in the first embodiment. By doing so, the end condition of a predetermined round becomes an unprecedented execution mode of a special game state that varies the length of an interval period that is not the interval period following the predetermined round, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0297] Note that the round for which the end condition flag to be set is selected is set as the first round, but it may be other rounds. Also, the round for which the end condition flag to be set is selected may be determined by the random number value per special figure and the special figure type random number value for the special figure game that triggered the start of the special game state. That is, the round for which the end condition flag to be set based on the result of the special figure game may be determined. Also, instead of predetermining the round for which the end condition flag to be set is selected, it may be determined by lottery at the start of the special game state or the like.

[0298] Also, the selection of the end condition flag to be set may be based on the end conditions of a plurality of rounds instead of the end condition of a single round. For example, regarding the end conditions of each round from the first round to the fifth round, if the end due to the arrival of the maximum opening time is more frequent, a time-up flag may be set as the end condition flag, and if the end due to the winning of the maximum number of prizes is more frequent, an upper limit reached flag may be set. Also, the interval period for which the interval time is selected based on the end condition flag may be one or a plurality. Furthermore, the interval period for which the interval time is selected based on the end condition flag may be selected by lottery. Also, the target for which the time is selected based on the end condition flag may be only the ending time.

[0299] [Seventh Embodiment] Next, the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment will be described. Basically, it has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a normal drawing ending period is provided after all the openings of the normal variable winning device 79 in the winning state of the normal drawing are completed, and the winning state of the normal drawing ends when the normal drawing ending period ends.

[0300] [Normal power control process] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the normal power control process shown in FIG. 49 is performed instead of the normal power control process shown in FIG. 31. In this process, it is determined whether there is a normal drawing ending flag set in the case of the normal drawing ending period (step S521). If there is a normal drawing ending flag (step S521; Y), it is determined whether the value of the normal drawing process timer is 0 (step S522).

[0301] If the value of the normal drawing process timer is not 0 (step S522; N), the normal power control process ends. In this case, the normal drawing ending period continues. If the normal drawing process timer is 0 (step S522; Y), since the normal drawing ending period has ended, 0 is set in the normal drawing normal power counter (step S523), the normal drawing ending flag is cleared (step S524), and the normal power control process ends. As a result, the winning state of the normal drawing ends and the state becomes ready to start the next normal drawing game.

[0302] In the general power control process of this embodiment, when the value of the general power winning counter is 0 (step S483; Y), that is, when the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 is terminated by winning the maximum number of wins, a flag indicating reaching the upper limit is set as the general diagram end condition flag (step S525). Also, when the value of the general power opening counter is 0 (step S486; Y), that is, when the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 is terminated by reaching the maximum opening time, a flag indicating timeout is set as the general diagram end condition flag (step S526). Then, a general diagram ending period setting process (step S527) for setting the general diagram ending period is performed.

[0303] [General Diagram Ending Period Setting Process] FIG. 50 shows the general diagram ending period setting process (step S527) in the above-described general power control process. In this process, first, a general diagram ending flag is set (step S531), and it is determined whether the general diagram end condition flag indicates timeout (step S532).

[0304] When the general diagram end condition flag indicates timeout (step S532; Y), a value corresponding to the first general diagram ending time is set in the general diagram processing timer (step S533), and the general diagram ending period setting process is terminated. Also, when the general diagram end condition flag does not indicate timeout (step S532; N), that is, when it indicates reaching the upper limit, a value corresponding to the second general diagram ending time is set in the general diagram processing timer (step S534), and the general diagram ending period setting process is terminated.

[0305] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the first general diagram ending time is set to be shorter than the second general diagram ending time. That is, the winning state of the general diagram ends earlier and the start of the next general diagram game becomes earlier when the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 is terminated by reaching the maximum opening time than when it is terminated by winning the maximum number of wins.

[0306] During the general pattern ending period, the normal variable winning device 79 is closed, and even if a game ball is detected by the general power switch 79a, no prize balls are paid out. Therefore, most of the game balls launched during the general pattern ending period become out balls and do not contribute to the payout of prize balls. Thus, if it is assumed that the player continues to launch game balls even during the general pattern ending period, the longer the general pattern ending period, the more the player's profit decreases.

[0307] When the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, the player ends the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 without being able to obtain the maximum profit that can be obtained in the case of a win in the general pattern. Furthermore, since most of the game balls that did not win in the normal variable winning device 79 become out balls that do not contribute to the payout of prize balls, the profit that can be obtained by the player in the case of a win in the general pattern decreases accordingly. On the other hand, when the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 ends due to winning the maximum number of wins, which is the second condition, the player obtains the maximum profit that can be obtained in the case of a win in the general pattern. Furthermore, since the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 ends in a shorter time than the maximum opening time, the occurrence of out balls that do not contribute to the payout of prize balls also decreases accordingly.

[0308] In this way, a large difference occurs in the profit obtained in the case of a win in the general pattern depending on the timing of the end of the opening of the normal variable winning device 79. Therefore, when the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, which is the first condition, the general pattern ending period is shortened to reduce the decrease in profit during the general pattern ending period. This can alleviate the player's dissatisfaction when the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 ends due to the arrival of the maximum opening time, reduce the difference in profit from the case when the opening of the normal variable winning device 79 ends due to winning the maximum number of wins, improve the interest of the game, and maintain the fairness of the game.

[0309] Incidentally, the first general drawing ending time and the second general drawing ending time may be the same time, or the first general drawing ending time may be longer than the second general drawing ending time. By setting the first general drawing ending time and the second general drawing ending time to the same time, the difference in the player's profit due to the difference in the timing of the end of the opening of the normal variation winning device 79 becomes clear, and the player's attention to the progress of the winning state of the general drawing increases, making it possible to create a game machine with high interest. Also, by setting the first general drawing ending time to be longer than the second general drawing ending time, the difference in the player's profit due to the difference in the timing of the end of the opening of the normal variation winning device 79 becomes larger, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0310] [Inventions Extracted from Each Embodiment] The inventions extracted from each of the above-described embodiments are shown below. Note that corresponding configurations and the like in each embodiment are shown, but it is not limited thereto. Also, as an example, the numbers of other inventions to which the invention belongs are described, but it is not limited thereto, and each invention can be arbitrarily combined.

[0311] [Problems] The gaming machines shown below were made to solve the following problems. In the first era, a bonus win that could win through the big winning opening (special variation winning device) and further to the general winning opening was possible. Furthermore, there was a meaningful V winning opening (specific area) in one type of big winning opening, providing an extremely interesting gameplay. In such a gaming machine, when there was no V win during a round, of course, it did not proceed to the next round and a breakdown occurred.

[0312] In the second era after the first era, the bonus win was prohibited, and it was configured to always win a V win. The V winning opening lost its role in contributing to the gameplay and became a meaningless existence. In the third era after the second era, the V-winning opening, which had become famous but ineffective, was finally regarded with suspicion and even ceased to exist. As a result, during a single big win, it didn't matter whether the game balls won or not, and the time elapsed until a fixed time or until the maximum number of wins became the training time. In modern times after the third era, for example, in one type + two types of gaming machines where a big win is generated when winning a small win at the V-winning opening, or in V-probability variable machines where a probability variable state is entered when winning at the V-winning opening, the V-winning opening has revived with its role changed, but it didn't have the sharpness of the past.

[0313] Commonly from the first era to modern times, after the closure of the big winning opening, a remaining ball detection period of about 1 to 2 seconds is provided. This ensures that the game balls that won immediately before the closure of the big winning opening (the over-winning part) are counted as normal round-time wins at the time of opening and the prize balls are paid out. The new-era winning system in the gaming machine of the present invention uses the upper limit time of the round opening (any number of seconds) and the upper limit number of wins (any number of balls) to provide new gameplay in modern times where there is a widespread situation of not winning up to the maximum limit.

[0314] [Means and Effects] Feature A1 In a gaming machine capable of generating a specific gaming state (special gaming state) when specific conditions are met (big win in the special figure game) based on the establishment of a start condition (winning at the first start opening 76, the second start opening 77, or the normal variable winning device 79), A predetermined operating means (movable member 94b of the special variable winning device 94) that can operate between a first state (closed state or non-inductive state) and a second state (open state or inductive state) different from the first state, And a control means (game control device 100) capable of controlling the operation of the predetermined operating means, The control means, In the specific gaming state, it is possible to shift the predetermined operating means from the first state to the second state, When in the second state, based on the establishment of at least one of the end conditions, namely, the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time) and the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes), which is different from the first condition, it is possible to shift the predetermined operation means from the second state to the first state. In the specific gaming state, a plurality of periods (rounds) in the second state are provided with an interval period therebetween, where the interval period is the period in the first state to which the shift occurs due to the establishment of the end condition. The gaming machine is characterized in that when shifting to the interval period based on the establishment of the first condition, the length of the interval period can be made shorter than when shifting to the interval period based on the establishment of the second condition.

[0315] According to Feature A1, since the length of the interval period varies depending on whether the period (round) in the second state ends due to the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time) or the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes) and then shifts to the interval period, it is possible to create an unprecedented interest in the specific gaming state where the established end condition affects the length of the interval period, thereby improving the interest of the game.

[0316] Feature A2 The gaming machine according to Feature A1, characterized in that the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes) is more advantageous to the player than the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time).

[0317] According to Feature A2, since the length of the interval period varies depending on the difference in the advantage degree of the end condition of the period (round) in the second state, it is possible to create an unprecedented interest in the specific gaming state where the difference in the advantage degree of the established end condition affects the length of the interval period, thereby improving the interest of the game.

[0318] Feature A3 The gaming machine according to Feature A1, characterized in that the second state (open state or guiding state) is more advantageous to the player than the first state (closed state or non-guiding state).

[0319] According to Feature A3, since the length of the interval period during which the second state is maintained (round) varies depending on whether the transition to the first state occurs due to either the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) or the second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes), it is possible to create an unprecedented interest in a specific gaming state where the established end condition affects the length of the interval period, that is, the length of the state disadvantageous to the player, and the interest of the game can be improved. In particular, when combined with Feature A2, when the degree of advantage of the end condition is high, the degree of advantage of the interval period becomes low, and when the degree of advantage of the end condition is low, the degree of advantage of the interval period becomes high. Therefore, it is possible to alleviate the dissatisfaction of the player, maintain the fairness of the game, and improve the interest of the game.

[0320] Feature A4 In a gaming machine capable of generating a specific gaming state (special gaming state or winning state of the general pattern) when a specific condition is satisfied (big win of the special pattern game or win of the general pattern game) based on the establishment of a start condition (winning in the first start port 76, the second start port 77, or the normal variable winning device 79, or passage of the game ball through the through gate 78), a predetermined operating means (special variable winning device 94 or normal variable winning device 79) operable between a first state (closed state or non-inductive state) and a second state different from the first state (open state or inductive state), and a control means (game control device 100) capable of controlling the operation of the predetermined operating means, wherein the control means is capable of shifting the predetermined operating means from the first state to the second state in the specific gaming state, and when in the second state, based on the establishment of at least either a first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) or a second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes) different from the first condition, the predetermined operating means is capable of shifting from the second state to the first state, The length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period in the general drawing) in which the first state is set can be varied based on whether the trigger for the end of the second state is due to the fulfillment of either the first condition or the second condition. A gaming machine characterized by this.

[0321] According to Feature A4, since the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period in the general drawing) in which the first state is set can be varied based on whether the trigger for the end of the second state (open state or guiding state) is due to the fulfillment of either the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) or the second condition (winning of the maximum number of winning prizes), it is possible to give an unprecedented interest in a specific gaming state where the established end condition affects the length of the period in which the first state is set, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0322] Specific gaming states include, in addition to the winning state in the general drawing and special gaming states, small winning gaming states generated based on small wins, and gaming states in which a predetermined operating means can be shifted from the first state to the second state. The specific gaming state may be any gaming state in which a predetermined operating means can be shifted from the first state to the second state. Examples of the predetermined operating means include the movable member 94b of the special variable winning device 94, the movable member 79b of the normal variable winning device 79, movable members that change the ease of inflow of game balls into a specific area provided inside the special variable winning device 94, and any other means that can be shifted from the first state to the second state. The first state and the second state may have different degrees of advantage for the player, or may have the same degree of advantage. The first state may have a higher degree of advantage than the second state, or the second state may have a higher degree of advantage than the first state.

[0323] The specific gaming state may have a different degree of advantage for the player compared to the state other than the specific gaming state, or may have the same degree of advantage. When the degrees of advantage for the player are different, the specific gaming state may be more advantageous, or the state other than the specific gaming state may be more advantageous. The first condition and the second condition can be any different conditions, and any condition that triggers the transfer of the predetermined operation means from the second state to the first state based on the establishment of either end condition is acceptable. The period of the first state after the end of the second state is not limited to the interval time, the ending period, or the ending period of the general drawing, and can be any period whose length can be varied depending on the trigger for the transition between the first condition and the second condition.

[0324] Feature A5 The control means (game control device 100) In the specific game state (special game state), a plurality of periods of the second state (open state or guiding state) are provided with an interval period, which is the period of the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) that is transferred due to the establishment of the end condition, in between. Based on whether the trigger for the transition to the interval period is due to the establishment of the first condition or the second condition, it is possible to vary the length of the interval period that is transferred by this trigger. The gaming machine according to Feature A4, characterized in that.

[0325] According to Feature A5, based on whether the trigger for the transition to the interval period is due to the establishment of the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) or the second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes), it is possible to vary the length of the interval period that is transferred by this trigger. Therefore, the established end condition affects the length of the immediately subsequent interval period. As a result, the relevance between the established end condition and the length of the interval period is enhanced, and the effect brought about by the combination of the established end condition and the length of the interval period is enhanced, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

[0326] Feature A6 The control means (game control device 100) In the specific gaming state (special gaming state), it is possible to provide a plurality of three or more times with an interval period that is a period of the second state (open state or guiding state) and is sandwiched by a period of the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) that shifts due to the fulfillment of the end condition. The gaming machine according to characteristic A4, wherein based on which of the first condition and the second condition causes the transition to the interval period, it is possible to vary the length of the interval period provided after the trigger in the specific gaming state.

[0327] According to characteristic A6, based on which of the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) and the second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes) causes the transition to the interval period, it is possible to vary the length of the interval period provided after the trigger. Thus, the established end condition affects not only the immediately subsequent interval period but also the subsequent interval periods. As a result, the effect of the established end condition becomes greater, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0328] Characteristic A7 The control means (game control device 100) It is possible to provide an ending period (ending period or general drawing ending period) that is a period of the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) from the end of the last second state (open state or guiding state) in the specific gaming state (special gaming state or winning state of the general drawing) to the end of the specific gaming state. The gaming machine according to characteristic A4, wherein based on which of the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) and the second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes) causes the trigger for the end of a predetermined second state in the specific gaming state, it is possible to vary the length of the ending period.

[0329] According to Feature A7, based on whether the trigger for the end of a predetermined second state (open state or guiding state) in a specific gaming state (special gaming state or winning state of the normal drawing) is due to the fulfillment of either the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) or the second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes), it is possible to vary the length of the ending period (ending period or normal drawing ending period). Therefore, it is possible to impart an unprecedented interest in a specific gaming state where the trigger for the end of a predetermined second state affects the length of the ending period, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0330] Feature A8 The control means (game control device 100) can provide an ending period (ending period or normal drawing ending period) that is a period during which the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) is set from the end of the last second state (open state or guiding state) in the specific gaming state (special gaming state or winning state of the normal drawing) until the end of the specific gaming state. The gaming machine according to Feature A4, wherein based on whether the trigger for the end of the last second state is due to the fulfillment of either the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) or the second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes), it is possible to vary the length of the ending period.

[0331] According to Feature A8, based on whether the trigger for the end of the last second state (open state or guiding state) in a specific gaming state (special gaming state or winning state of the normal drawing) is due to the fulfillment of either the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) or the second condition (winning of the maximum number of prizes), it is possible to vary the length of the ending period (ending period or normal drawing ending period). Therefore, the established ending condition comes to affect the length of the immediately subsequent ending period. As a result, the relevance between the established ending condition and the length of the ending period increases, and the effect brought about by the combination of the established ending condition and the length of the ending period increases, so the interest of the game can be improved.

[0332] Feature A9 The second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes) is more advantageous to the player than the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time), The control means (game control device 100) is, When shifting to the first state (closed state or non-inductive state) based on the establishment of the second condition, the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or general diagram ending period) of the first state can be made longer than when shifting to the first state based on the establishment of the first condition. The gaming machine according to feature A4, characterized in that.

[0333] According to feature A9, since the length of the period of the first state (interval period, ending period, or general diagram ending period) differs due to the difference in the advantage of the end condition of the period of the second state (open state or inductive state), it is possible to give an interest in a specific gaming state that has not existed in the past, in which the difference in the advantage of the established end condition affects the length of the period of the first state, and the interest of the game can be improved. In particular, if the second state (open state or inductive state) is more advantageous to the player than the first state (closed state or non-inductive state) as in feature A2, when the first condition with a relatively low advantage is established, the period of the first state with a relatively low advantage is short, and when the second condition with a relatively high advantage is established, the period of the first state with a relatively low advantage becomes long. Therefore, the difference in the benefits obtained by the player due to the difference in the end conditions becomes small, the fairness of the game can be maintained, the dissatisfaction of the player can be suppressed, and the interest of the game can be improved. Also, the execution time of the special gaming state can be prevented from becoming too long, and the player can be prevented from getting bored.

[0334] Feature A10 The second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes) is more advantageous to the player than the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time), The control means (game control device 100) is, When shifting to the first state (closed state or non-induced state) based on the establishment of the second condition, the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or general drawing ending period) in the first state can be made shorter than when shifting to the first state based on the establishment of the first condition. The gaming machine according to feature A4 is characterized by this.

[0335] According to feature A10, since the length of the period in the first state (interval period, ending period, or general drawing ending period) differs due to the difference in the degree of advantage of the end condition of the period in the second state (open state or induced state), it is possible to provide an unprecedented interest in a specific gaming state where the difference in the degree of advantage of the established end condition affects the length of the period in the first state, and the interest of the game can be improved. In particular, if the second state (open state or induced state) is more advantageous for the player than the first state (closed state or non-induced state) as in feature A2, when the first condition with a relatively low degree of advantage is established, the period of the first state with a relatively low degree of advantage is long, and when the second condition with a relatively high degree of advantage is established, the period of the first state with a relatively low degree of advantage is short. Therefore, the difference in the benefits obtained by the player due to the difference in the end conditions becomes large, and the player's attention to the progress of the game in a specific gaming state increases, so the interest of the game can be improved.

[0336] Feature A11 It is provided with a plurality of inflow regions (the first starting port 76, the second starting port 77, the special variable winning device 94, the normal variable winning device 79, or the general winning port 96) into which game balls can flow. The control means (the game control device 100) is provided with detection means (the first starting port switch 76a, the second starting port switch 77a, the big winning port switch 94a, the normal electric switch 79a, or the general winning port switch 96a) capable of detecting game balls that have flowed into the inflow region. By operating the predetermined operating means (the movable member 94b of the special variation winning device 94 or the movable member 79b of the normal variation winning device 79), it is possible to change the ease of inflow into a specific inflow area (the special variation winning device 94 or the normal variation winning device 79) among the inflow areas, and the inflow into the specific inflow area is easier in the second state (open state or guiding state) than in the first state (closed state or non-guiding state). The gaming machine according to characteristic A4.

[0337] According to characteristic A11, due to the difference in the end conditions of the period in which the relatively advantageous second state (open state or guiding state) is set, the length of the period in which the relatively disadvantageous first state (closed state or non-guiding state) is set (interval period, ending period, or general pattern ending period) is different. Thus, it is possible to create an interest in a specific gaming state that has never existed before, in which the difference in the established end conditions affects the length of the period in which the relatively disadvantageous first state is set, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[0338] Characteristic A12 The control means (the game control device 100) Based on the detection of the game balls that have flowed into the specific inflow area (the normal variation winning device 79), it is possible to execute a game (general pattern game), and when the result of the game satisfies the specific condition (a win in the general pattern), it is possible to generate the specific gaming state (a win state in the general pattern). The gaming machine according to characteristic A11.

[0339] According to characteristic A12, in addition to the difference in the established end conditions affecting the length of the period in which the relatively disadvantageous first state (closed state or non-guiding state) is set (general pattern ending period), it also affects the establishment of the execution conditions of the game (general pattern game). Thus, it is possible to create an interest in a specific gaming state (a win state in the general pattern) that has never existed before, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[0340] Characteristic A13 The control means (the game control device 100) In the specific gaming state (special gaming state or winning state in the general winning combination), when it is in the first state (closed state or non-guiding state), it is possible to invalidate the detection of the game ball by the detection means (big winning opening switch 94a or general winning switch 79a). The gaming machine according to feature A11, characterized in that.

[0341] According to feature A13, when it is in the first state (closed state or non-guiding state), since it is possible to invalidate the detection of the game ball by the detection means (big winning opening switch 94a or general winning switch 79a), it does not exceed the payout planned at the time of design, and the balance of profit between the player and the game parlor can be achieved.

[0342] Feature A14 The control means (game control device 100) is In the specific gaming state (special gaming state or winning state in the general winning combination), when shifting to the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) based on the fulfillment of the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time), it is possible to enable the detection of the game ball by the detection means (big winning opening switch 94a or general winning switch 79a) in the first state. In the specific gaming state, when shifting to the first state based on the fulfillment of the second condition (winning of the maximum number of wins), the gaming machine according to feature A11, characterized in that it is possible to invalidate the detection of the game ball by the detection means in the first state.

[0343] According to feature A14, since the validity or invalidity of detection in the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) differs depending on the end condition of the second state (open state or guiding state), it can bring new gaming properties and improve the interest of the game.

[0344] Feature A15 The first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) is It is established by reaching a predetermined time from the time of shifting from the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) to the second state (open state or guiding state). The second condition (winning of the maximum number of wins) is The gaming machine according to feature A11, wherein it is established by detecting a predetermined number of gaming balls by the detection means (the big winning opening switch 94a or the normal winning switch 79a) from the time of transition from the first state to the second state.

[0345] According to feature A15, the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time) results in a lower degree of advantage because the profit obtained by the player is less than that of the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes), and it can bring a difference in the degree of advantage to the end condition, thereby improving the interest of the game. Moreover, it is possible to give an interest in a specific gaming state that has never existed before, in which the difference in the degree of advantage of the end condition affects the length of the subsequent relatively disadvantageous period, thereby improving the interest of the game. Furthermore, by combining the difference in the degree of advantage of the end condition and the length of the subsequent relatively disadvantageous period, it is possible to reduce or conversely increase the difference in profit obtained by the player, thereby improving the interest of the game.

[0346] Feature A16 The control means (the game control device 100) The gaming machine according to feature A4, wherein when shifting to the first state (closed state or non-inductive state) based on the establishment of the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes), it is possible to change the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general diagram) of the first state to a plurality of different lengths.

[0347] According to feature A16, a change occurs in the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general diagram) of the first state, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0348] Feature A17 The control means (the game control device 100) When shifting to the first state (closed state or non-induced state) based on the fulfillment of the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes), the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general diagram) in the first state can be varied according to the time from the shift to the second state (open state or induced state) until the fulfillment of the second condition. The gaming machine according to feature A15, characterized in that this is possible.

[0349] According to feature A17, it is possible to provide an unprecedented relevance of varying the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general diagram) in the first state according to the time from the shift to the second state (open state or induced state) until the fulfillment of the second condition, and the interest of the game can be improved. Also, a change occurs in the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general diagram) in the first state, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0350] Feature A18 It is provided with variable means (such as a windmill 74 and obstacle pins 75) capable of changing the time until the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes) is fulfilled. The control means (game control device 100) is When the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes) is fulfilled at the first time, the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general diagram) in the first state shifted based on the fulfillment of the second condition is shorter than when the second condition is fulfilled at the second time, which is shorter than the first time. The gaming machine according to feature A15, characterized in that this is possible.

[0351] According to Feature A18, it is possible to provide an unprecedented correlation of varying the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing) in the first state according to the time from the transition to the second state (open state or induction state) until the second condition is satisfied, which can enhance the amusement of the game. Also, a change occurs in the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing) in the first state, which can enhance the amusement of the game. Furthermore, the difference in the benefits obtained by the player due to the difference in the time until the end condition is satisfied becomes smaller, the dissatisfaction of the player can be suppressed, and the amusement of the game can be enhanced.

[0352] Feature A19 The control means (game control device 100) In the specific game state (special game state or winning state of the general drawing), regarding the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing) in the first state (closed state or non-induction state), it is possible to set at least a time of a predetermined length, and based on the type of trigger for the transition to the first state, it is possible to extend the time. The gaming machine according to Feature A4, characterized in that.

[0353] According to Feature A19, the processing can be made common between the case of using a time of a predetermined length for the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing) in the first state and the case of extending the time further than this, and the control burden can be reduced.

[0354] Feature A20 The control means (game control device 100) In the specific game state (special game state or winning state of the general drawing), regarding the length of the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing) in the first state (closed state or non-induction state), when transitioning to the first state based on the fulfillment of the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time), execute a first setting process for setting the time. When shifting to the first state based on the fulfillment of the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes), the gaming machine according to feature A4 is characterized in that a second setting process for extending the time is executed after the first setting process.

[0355] According to feature A20, regarding the setting of the length of the period in the first state (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing), when shifting to the first state (closed state or non-inductive state) based on the fulfillment of the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time), only the first setting process needs to be performed. When shifting to the first state (closed state or non-inductive state) based on the fulfillment of the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes), in addition to the first setting process, the second setting process may be performed. The processes can be made common between the case of the fulfillment of the first condition and the case of the fulfillment of the second condition, and the control burden can be reduced.

[0356] Feature A21 The gaming machine includes an effect control means (effect control device 300) for controlling an effect based on information from the control means (game control device 100). The effect control means The gaming machine according to feature A4 is characterized in that it is possible to make the effects in the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing) in the first state different between the case of shifting to the first state (closed state or non-inductive state) based on the fulfillment of the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time) and the case of shifting to the first state based on the fulfillment of the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes).

[0357] According to feature A21, since it is possible to make the effects in the period (interval period, ending period, or ending period of the general drawing) in the first state different between the case of the fulfillment of the first condition (reaching the maximum opening time) and the case of the fulfillment of the second condition (winning the maximum number of prizes), the player can grasp the ending condition established by the effect, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, since the length of the period in the first state is different depending on the ending condition, by making the effect according to each ending condition, the effect of the effect is improved, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0358] Feature A22 It includes an effect control means (effect control device 300) that controls effects based on information from the control means (game control device 100). The effect control means As an effect during the period (interval period) of the first state when shifting to the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) based on the establishment of the second condition (winning of the maximum number of winning times), A first effect that suggests or notifies that it is waiting to shift to the second state (open state or guiding state), A second effect that is performed after the first effect and suggests or notifies the shift to the second state, and is capable of executing the game machine according to Feature A4 described above.

[0359] According to Feature A22, during the period of the first state, it is possible to prompt the player to prepare for the next shift to the second state, thereby improving the interest of the game. In particular, the longer the period of the first state, the higher the effect of the effect. Also, during the period of the first state, it becomes possible for the player to perform technical interventions such as temporarily stopping the launch, and the resulting profit changes, thereby improving the interest of the game.

[0360] Feature A23 It includes an effect control means (effect control device 300) that controls effects based on information from the control means (game control device 100). The effect control means When shifting to the first state (closed state or non-guiding state) based on the establishment of the first condition (arrival of the maximum opening time), The game machine according to Feature A4, wherein the effect that was being executed during the period (round) of the second state when the first condition was established can also be continuously executed during the period (interval period) of the first state following the period of the second state.

[0361] According to feature A23, it is possible to perform an effect that does not make the player aware of the period (interval period) of the first state, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[0362] Feature A24 It includes an effect control means (effect control device 300) that controls the effect based on the information from the control means (game control device 100). The effect control means When shifting to the first state (closed state or non-inductive state) based on the establishment of the first condition (reach of the maximum opening time), The game machine according to feature A4, characterized in that the effect that was being executed during the period (round) of the second state (open state or inductive state) when the first condition was satisfied can also be continuously executed during the period (interval period) of the first state that follows the period of the second state and during the period (round) of the second state that follows the period of the first state.

[0363] According to feature A24, it is possible to perform an effect that does not make the player aware of the period (interval period) of the first state, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[0364] Feature A25 A specific game state (special game state) that is executed when a specific condition is satisfied (big win in the special figure game) based on the establishment of the start condition (winning in the first start port 76, the second start port 77, or the normal variable winning device 79), When in the specific game state, a predetermined operation means (movable member 94b of the special variable winning device 94) that can execute a plurality of predetermined operation states (open state or inductive state), A game machine comprising a control means (game control device 100) that executes the control regarding the specific game state and the control of the predetermined operation means. After the predetermined operation means has reached the predetermined operation state in the specific gaming state, the control means causes the predetermined operation means to shift to a predetermined stop state (closed state or non-guiding state) when at least a first state (reach of the maximum opening time) occurs and when a second state (winning of the maximum number of winning awards), which is different from the first state, occurs. The control means is provided with a maintenance state execution means (game control device 100) that maintains the predetermined operation means in the predetermined stop state for at least a predetermined period when the predetermined operation means is shifted to the predetermined stop state. A gaming machine, characterized in that in the specific gaming state, when the first state occurs and the predetermined operation means is shifted to the predetermined stop state, it is configured to be able to shift to the predetermined operation state earlier than when the second state occurs and the predetermined operation means is shifted to the predetermined stop state.

[0365] According to Feature A25, in the specific gaming state, when the first state occurs and the predetermined operation means is shifted to the predetermined stop state, it is configured to be able to shift to the predetermined operation state earlier than when the second state occurs and the predetermined operation means is shifted to the predetermined stop state. Therefore, it is possible to provide an unprecedented interest in the specific gaming state in which the time until shifting to the predetermined operation state differs depending on whether the first state or the second state has occurred, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0366] Note that, for the player, the second state may be more advantageous than the first state, the second state may be less advantageous than the first state, or the second state and the first state may have the same degree of advantage. Since the length of the predetermined stop state differs depending on the difference in the degree of advantage of the transition conditions to the predetermined stop state, it is possible to provide an unprecedented interest in the specific gaming state in which the difference in the degree of advantage of the established transition conditions affects the length of the predetermined stop state, and the interest of the game can be improved. Furthermore, by combining the difference in the degree of advantage of the transition conditions and the length of the relatively disadvantageous period thereafter, it is possible to reduce or conversely increase the difference in the profit obtained by the player, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0367] Feature A26 This gaming machine is provided with invalidation means (game control device 100) for invalidating detection when a predetermined winning similar to the winning that caused the second state is detected between the occurrence of the second state and the transition of the predetermined operation means to the predetermined operation state after the transition of the predetermined operation means to the predetermined stop state. The gaming machine according to Feature A25, characterized in that

[0368] According to Feature A26, when in the predetermined stop state, it is possible to invalidate the detection of the game ball by the detection means (big winning opening switch 94a), so that it does not exceed the payout planned at the time of design, and the balance of interests between the player and the game parlor can be achieved.

[0369] Feature A27 This gaming machine is provided with variable means (such as windmill 74 and obstacle pins 75) capable of varying the time until the second state occurs, and is configured to be able to transition to the predetermined operation state earlier when the second state occurs in a first time than when the second state occurs in a second time shorter than the first time. The gaming machine according to Feature A25, characterized in that

[0370] According to Feature A27, it is possible to provide an unprecedented relevance that the longer the time until the second state occurs, the earlier the transition to the predetermined operation state, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, a change occurs during the period of the predetermined stop state, and the interest of the game can be improved. Furthermore, the difference in the benefits obtained by the player due to the difference in the time until the second state occurs is reduced, the dissatisfaction of the player can be suppressed, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0371] Feature A28 The first state may occur after the predetermined operation means continues the predetermined operation state for a predetermined period. The gaming machine according to Feature A25, characterized in that

[0372] According to Feature A28, the first state (reaching the maximum opening time) results in fewer benefits for the player as there are many game balls to be launched, with a low degree of advantage. It can bring about differences in the degree of advantage in the transition conditions and improve the interest of the game. Moreover, it is possible to create an interest in a specific game state not found in the past, where the difference in the degree of advantage of the transition conditions affects the length of the subsequent relatively disadvantageous period, thus improving the interest of the game. Furthermore, by combining the difference in the degree of advantage of the transition conditions with the length of the subsequent relatively disadvantageous period, it is possible to reduce or conversely increase the difference in benefits obtained by the player, improving the interest of the game.

[0373] Feature A29 This gaming machine In the specific game state, when the second state occurs and the predetermined operating means is shifted to the predetermined stop state, the gaming machine according to Feature A25 is characterized in that the period until the predetermined operating means is shifted to the predetermined operating state can be changed to a plurality of different periods.

[0374] According to Feature A29, a change occurs in the period of the predetermined stop state, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[0375] Feature A30 This gaming machine In the specific game state, when the second state occurs and the predetermined operating means is shifted to the predetermined stop state, the gaming machine according to Feature A25 is characterized in that it is provided with an execution means for executing a specific stop state different from the predetermined stop state by the maintenance state execution means.

[0376] According to Feature A30, the processing can be made common when using a time of a predetermined length for the length of the period of the predetermined stop state and when using a time extended therefrom, reducing the control burden.

[0377] Feature A31 This gaming machine Special effect execution means for performing a special effect that is not executed when the first state occurs and the machine transitions to the predetermined stop state after the second state occurs and the...

Claims

Claim 1 launching means capable of launching game balls with different launching intensities; a predetermined flow path through which the game balls launched at the first launching intensity by the launching means can flow down; first ball entry means into which the game balls flowing down through the predetermined flow path can enter; first privilege granting means capable of granting a first privilege based on the entry of the game balls into the first ball entry means; a collision member against which the game balls launched at a second launching intensity stronger than the first launching intensity by the launching means can collide; a specific flow path through which at least some of the game balls launched at the second launching intensity can flow down; second ball entry means into which the game balls flowing down through the specific flow path can enter; second privilege granting means capable of granting a second privilege based on the entry of the game balls into the second ball entry means, and characterized in that it is configured to continuously allow a player to play a launching game using the launching means in a plurality of game situations including at least a first game situation and a second game situation that is more advantageous to the player when the game balls are launched at the second launching intensity than in the first game situation.

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