Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of further enhancing interest in a game in which a performance pattern pertaining to a variation in a normal pattern is displayed in a time-shortening game state.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: an ordinary electric accessory that is opened when winning / losing determination of a normal pattern results in winning; a first start pocket that game balls can always enter; and a second start pocket that game balls can enter when the ordinary electric accessory is opened. While the game machine executes a small win game in which a large winning hole having a specific area is opened in a predetermined opening mode when winning / losing determination of a special pattern caused by entry of game balls into the first start pocket or the second start pocket results in a small win, it executes a big win game when winning / losing determination of a special pattern results in a big win or game balls enter the specific area in a small win game. In the game machine, a performance display mode pertaining to a variation in a normal pattern is executed in a time-shortening game state, the number of time-shortening times of a big win of a first special pattern becomes larger when it occurs in a time-shortening game state than when it occurs in a normal game state, and a performance display mode pertaining to a variation in a normal pattern is switched to a special display mode in a big win variation of a first special pattern in a time-shortening game state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine (pachinko machine) is known in which a judgment is made as to whether or not a jackpot will be reached when a ball enters the starting hole, and if a jackpot is determined to be reached, a special symbol is displayed as a confirmed symbol indicating a jackpot, and then the jackpot game is played.

[0003] Furthermore, there are many gaming machines that activate a time-saving mode that is advantageous to the player after a jackpot, making it possible for the player to win consecutive jackpots.

[0004] In recent years, some gaming machines have a time-saving feature that operates until the normal symbol changes a predetermined number of times. When a normal symbol wins during the time-saving feature, the normal electric device opens for a long period of time. When a ball lands in the special symbol starting slot, the special symbol changes, and this special symbol has a high probability of generating a small win. When a small win occurs, the ball can land in a specific area within the large prize slot, generating a big win. In this case, when a small win occurs, it is almost always possible for the ball to land in the specific area, and the occurrence of a small win is essentially the occurrence of a big win. Therefore, when a normal symbol hits, it is essentially the same as hitting a big win, allowing for unprecedented gameplay. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, since the normal pattern changes are performed at the same time as the special pattern, there is a possibility that something will happen that would not occur in the time-saving state caused by the conventional special pattern changes.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention solves the problem in the time-saving state in which the number of times the normal pattern changes is set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The gaming machine of the present invention comprises a normal symbol hit / miss judgment means for judging whether a normal symbol has been hit or not when a ball has entered a predetermined ball entrance; a first start entrance that is always available for ball entry; a normal electric device that can be operated to change from a state where a game ball cannot or has difficulty entering to an open state where a game ball can easily enter based on a winning result of the hit / miss judgment by the normal symbol hit / miss judgment means; a second start entrance into which a game ball that has entered the normal electric device can enter; a special symbol hit / miss judgment means for judging whether a special symbol has been hit or not when a ball has entered the first start entrance or the second start entrance; a bonus state granting means for granting a bonus state based on a winning result of the hit / miss judgment by the special symbol hit / miss judgment means; and a gaming machine that can transition to an advantageous state in which the normal electric device has a higher chance of operating in an open state where a game ball can easily enter after the bonus state, and a notification of the results of the normal symbol hit / miss judgment means and the special symbol hit / miss judgment means. The gist of the invention is that it comprises a presentation display means for executing a presentation display for indicating the degree of expectation for the result of the hit / miss judgment by using fluctuations in a plurality of presentation symbols; a presentation display means which is capable of executing an expectation degree presentation for indicating the degree of expectation for the result of the hit / miss judgment during the presentation display, a presentation display setting means which sets the presentation display of the special symbol hit / miss judgment means to be executable in a normal state and to be executable in an advantageous state; and a presentation display switching means which, even in an advantageous state, switches to and executes the presentation display of the special symbol hit / miss judgment means if the hit / miss judgment by the special symbol hit / miss judgment means due to the ball entering at least the first starting port is a hit, even if the presentation display of the ordinary symbol hit / miss judgment means is being executed, but does not switch the presentation display of the special symbol hit / miss judgment means which is being executed in the normal state, even if the hit / miss judgment by the ordinary symbol hit / miss judgment means is a hit.

[0009] The gaming machine of the present invention is configured to execute a display indicating the result of the normal symbol win / loss determination in an advantageous state where the normal electric device is more likely to operate in an open state that makes it easier for the ball to score, and execute a display indicating the result of the special symbol win / loss determination in the normal state. In the first advantageous state, if the result of the win / loss determination for at least the ball scoring into the first starting hole is a win, the display indicating the result of the normal symbol win / loss determination is switched to the display indicating the result of the special symbol win / loss determination, and in the normal state, the display indicating the result of the special symbol win / loss determination is not switched even if the result of the normal symbol win / loss determination is a win. This makes it possible to notify the player of the transition to the bonus state in the advantageous state, and to avoid displaying a display indicating whether the player will transition to the bonus state in the normal state.

[0010] Also, as reference invention 1, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the bonus state is more favorable if the winning / losing judgment resulting from the ball landing in the second starting port is won than if the winning / losing judgment resulting from the ball landing in the first starting port, and if the winning / losing judgment resulting from the ball landing in the first starting port is won, a first presentation display is executed, and if the winning / losing judgment resulting from the ball landing in the second starting port is won, a second presentation display different from the first presentation display is executed.

[0011] In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1, it is more advantageous to win the win / loss judgment resulting from the ball entering the second starting port than the first starting port, so by making the presentation display different, it becomes easier to determine whether or not a win has been achieved due to the advantageous second starting port, and it is also possible to increase the excitement of the game.

[0012] Also, as Reference Invention 2, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1, the advantageous state to which the player transitions after the bonus state resulting from the ball entering the first starting hole includes at least a time-varying bonus state that is set so that the bonus state that occurs in the advantageous state is granted for a longer period than the bonus state that occurs in the normal state, and a special effect display may be executed in the first effect display when the player wins the time-varying bonus state in the advantageous state.

[0013] In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2, while a win at the second starting port 1 would normally be advantageous in terms of the bonus state, the machine is also provided with a variable duration bonus state, in which a bonus state resulting from a ball landing at the first starting port is granted for a longer period of time if the bonus state is won in an advantageous state than if the bonus state is won in a normal state. If the variable duration bonus state is won in an advantageous state, a special effect display is executed as the first effect. Therefore, even if a bonus state resulting from a ball landing at the first starting port, which is normally unfavorable, is won while in an advantageous state, the special effect is executed and the bonus state with a longer duration is selected, making the player feel like they've made a profit, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board of the gaming machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the big prize slot provided on the game board. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the types of winnings in a gaming machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the gaming specifications of the gaming machine. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the "start-up process" executed by the main control device of the gaming machine. [Figure 9] 1 is a first flowchart showing an "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. [Figure 10] 10 is a second flowchart showing the "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an "input determination process" executed during interrupt processing. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the "special ball entry confirmation process" executed during the input determination process. [Figure 13]This is a flowchart showing the "normal ball scoring confirmation process" executed during the input determination process. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the "pass / fail determination process" executed during the interrupt process. [Figure 15] This is the first flowchart showing the "general pass / fail determination process" executed during the pass / fail determination process. [Figure 16] This is a second flowchart showing the "general pass / fail determination process" executed during the pass / fail determination process. [Figure 17] This is a third flowchart showing the "general pass / fail determination process" executed during the pass / fail determination process. [Figure 18] This is the first flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win / loss determination processing. [Figure 19] This is a second flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win / loss determination processing. [Figure 20] This is the first flowchart showing the "special drawing correct / incorrect determination process" executed during the correct / incorrect determination process. [Figure 21] This is a second flowchart showing the "special drawing correct / incorrect determination process" executed during the correct / incorrect determination process. [Figure 22] This is a third flowchart showing the "special drawing correct / incorrect determination process" executed during the correct / incorrect determination process. [Figure 23] This is the fourth flowchart showing the "special drawing correct / incorrect determination process" executed during the correct / incorrect determination process. [Figure 24] This is the fifth flowchart showing the "special drawing correct / incorrect determination process" executed during the correct / incorrect determination process. [Figure 25] This is a first flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special chart winning / losing determination processing. [Figure 26] This is a second flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special chart winning / losing determination processing. [Figure 27] This is a third flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special chart winning / losing determination processing. [Figure 28]This is the fourth flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special chart winning / losing determination processing. [Figure 29] This is the fifth flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special drawing win / loss determination processing. [Figure 30] This is the sixth flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special drawing win / loss determination processing. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart showing a "time-saving game selection process" executed during special game processing. [Figure 32] This is a flowchart showing the "performance mode selection process" executed by the sub-integrated control device. [Figure 33] 10 is a display example showing a display mode relating to the presentation display in the normal game state. [Figure 34] 10 is a display example showing a display mode relating to the presentation display of the time-saving game state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] [Example] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the external configuration of a pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0016] (1. General configuration of pachinko machine 1) As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 is a gaming machine that can be played by a player and is installed in a gaming facility.

[0017] (1-1. Front structure of pachinko machine 1) The pachinko machine 1 has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 10, which is a vertically long fixed outer holding frame. A front frame (glass frame) 11, into which a glass plate 110 is fitted, and an inner frame 30 (see Figure 4) are provided so as to be able to open and close via hinges 101, 101 provided at the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 10. The front frame 11 and inner frame 30 are locked to the outer frame 10 by a cylinder lock 18. A predetermined key is inserted into the cylinder lock 18, and the inner frame 30 is opened by turning the key clockwise, and the front frame 11 can be opened by turning it counterclockwise. Behind the glass plate 110 of the front frame 11, a game board 2 (see FIG. 2) held by an inner frame 30 is provided.

[0018] Speakers 112, 112 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 11, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 11 is also provided with frame-side decorative lamps 113 that light up according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.

[0019] An upper tray 12 and a lower tray 13 are integrally formed in the lower half of the front frame 11. A launch handle 14 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 13, and operating the launch handle 14 clockwise activates the launch device, causing game balls supplied from the upper tray 12 to be launched toward the game board 2. Prize balls are also paid out onto the upper tray 12. The lower tray 13 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 12, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated on the lower tray 13 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box) provided in the gaming parlor.

[0020] This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) CR that reads and writes prepaid cards. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a ball loan switch 171, a settlement switch 172, and a settlement display of the settlement display device 170 on the right side of the upper tray 12. In addition, in the center of the upper tray 12, there is provided an effect button 15 that can be operated by the player, and a jog dial 16 that surrounds the outer periphery.

[0021] (1-2. Configuration of the game board of Pachinko machine 1) As shown in Figure 2, the game board 2 has a substantially circular game area 20 surrounded by an outer rail 201 and an inner rail 202. A center case 200 is attached to the game area at a position approximately above the center. This divides the game area 20 into a left-hand hitting area L, where a game ball flows down when shot with a predetermined strength, and a right-hand hitting area R, where a game ball flows down when shot with a strength greater than the predetermined strength. Numerous game nails and windmills are planted in the game area 20. An LCD panel of a performance symbol display device 46 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center of the center case 200. The center case 200 is also provided with a warp entrance, warp trough, stage, etc., similar to well-known devices.

[0022] Directly below the center of the center case 200 in the left-right direction is a first special symbol start hole 23 for a first special symbol (hereinafter simply referred to as the first special symbol), which can always be entered. The first special symbol start hole 23 is the ball entry hole that triggers a hit / miss determination for the first special symbol when a ball enters. When a ball enters the first special symbol start hole 23, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) are extracted, such as a random number for determining a jackpot for the first special symbol, a random number for determining the jackpot symbol for the first special symbol, and a random number for determining the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and these are used to determine whether the first special symbol is a hit or a miss. The extracted random numbers for the first special symbol are stored as reserved memories, up to a maximum of four (a specified number). The pachinko machine 1 sequentially performs a hit / miss determination for the first special symbol based on these reserved memories, and determines whether the first special symbol is a hit or a miss.

[0023] In the left-hand hitting area L, a plurality of general winning holes 27 are arranged to the left of and directly below the first special symbol starting hole 23.

[0024] In the right-hand hitting area R, a normal symbol operating port 21 is located to the right of the center case 200. The normal symbol operating port 21 is a gate through which a gaming ball can enter and pass, and whether or not a normal symbol (hereinafter simply referred to as a normal symbol) is determined based on the ball passing through. When a gaming ball enters the normal symbol operating port 21, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the normal symbol.

[0025] In addition, in the right-hand hitting area R, a normal electric device 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as the normal electric device) is arranged downstream of the normal map operating port 21. The normal electric device 22 has a pair of left and right blades that can be opened and closed, and is a ball entry device that normally makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the ball. Then, when the normal map is judged to be a winning combination, the blades are opened in a predetermined opening manner, making it possible for the ball to enter the ball.

[0026] The normal power device 22 has a second special symbol start opening 24 disposed therein. The second special symbol start opening 24 is configured to allow entry only of game balls that have entered the normal power device 22. The second special symbol start opening 24 is the ball entry opening that triggers a hit / miss determination for the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the second special symbol) upon entry. Multiple types of random numbers (numerical data), such as a random number for determining a jackpot for the second special symbol, a random number for determining the jackpot symbol for the second special symbol, and a random number for determining the variation pattern of the second special symbol, are extracted and used for the hit / miss determination. Unlike the random numbers for the first special symbol, the extracted random number for the second special symbol is not reserved and stored. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 executes a hit / miss determination for the second special symbol upon extraction, determining whether it is a jackpot, a minor hit, or a miss.

[0027] Furthermore, in the right-hand hitting area R, a first large winning opening 25 that can be opened and closed by a first special electric door of the first special electric device is arranged downstream of the normal electric device 22. The first large winning opening 25 is opened in a predetermined manner in a jackpot game that is performed when the first or second special design is hit, and is configured to allow game balls to enter when opened.

[0028] Furthermore, in the right-hand hitting area R, a second large prize opening 26 is located downstream of the first large prize opening 25 and is provided so as to be able to be opened and closed by a second special electric door of the second special electric device. The second large prize opening 26 is configured to open in a predetermined manner in a small prize game that is performed when a small prize is won on the second special design, and to allow a game ball to enter when it is open. The second large prize opening 26 is a prize-winning device that has inside it a specific area 262 that is a V-shaped ball opening and a shutter 263 that determines whether or not the game ball will enter the specific area 262.

[0029] (1-3. Composition of the second major prize slot 26) 3, the second large winning opening 26 is provided with a ball entrance 260 whose upper end can be opened and closed by a second special electric door, and game balls can enter when the second special electric door is open. Game balls that enter the ball entrance 260 are taken in from the center of the ball entrance 260 and sent into the device through a tunnel-shaped outlet 261.

[0030] The second large prize opening 26 has a specific area 262 located in the lower center of the interior. The specific area 262 is an area where a game ball can enter to develop a small win game into a big win game (also called a special jackpot). A shutter 263 for closing or opening the specific area 262 is provided above the specific area 262, between it and the outlet 261. The shutter 263 has a pair of left and right opening / closing bodies that are joined together in a palm-to-palm fashion to close the specific area 262, and opens left and right to open the specific area 262. The shutter 263 constantly repeats a constant opening and closing operation.

[0031] When the shutter 263 is open, the game ball sent out from the outlet 261 enters a specific area 262, and when the shutter 263 is closed, the game ball is taken into the game board through a pair of intake ports 264, 264 provided on both the left and right sides of the shutter 263 and is discharged from the second large winning port 26.

[0032] In addition, the probability of the second large winning opening 26 entering the specific area 262 changes depending on the timing at which the ball entrance 260 opens and the operation of the shutter 263. Therefore, by adjusting the opening timing of the ball entrance 260 relative to the shutter 263, which opens and closes constantly, it is possible to control the probability of the ball entering the specific area 262. In the pachinko machine 1, when a ball enters the second large winning opening 26, there is a high probability that the ball will enter the specific area 262.

[0033] A gaming ball that enters the second large winning opening 26 is detected by a ball detection sensor (first count SW506, described later, see FIG. 5) provided in the ball entrance 260 and is counted as a winning ball. In addition, the presence or absence of gaming balls remaining in the second large winning opening 26 is confirmed by comparing the count of the gaming balls that have entered the specific area 262 and the gaming balls that have been taken into each of the intake openings 264, 264 with the count of the winning balls.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 2, the game board 2 has an outlet 203 for taking in game balls at the bottom of the board surface at the lower center of the game area 20.

[0035] On the game board 2, a first special symbol display device 281 and a second special symbol display device 283, each consisting of a 7-segment display, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 282, each consisting of four LED displays, are arranged in the outer area of ​​the outer rail 201 at the lower right end. Also, in the same area, a normal symbol display device 285 and a normal symbol reserved number display device 286, each consisting of a plurality of LED displays, are arranged.

[0036] (1-4. Back structure of pachinko machine 1) FIG. 4 shows the back of the pachinko machine 1. The back side of the pachinko machine 1 houses an inner frame 30 to which the game board 2 is detachably attached. Like the front frame 11, the inner frame 30 is hinged to the outer frame 10 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (the right side in FIG. 4) so ​​that it can be opened and closed. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 30, and from above (upstream), a ball tank 31, a tank rail 32, and a payout unit 33 are provided. A payout mechanism is located within the payout unit 33. With this configuration, when a game ball enters a winning slot in the game board 2, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are dispensed from the ball tank 31 via the tank rail 32 by the payout unit 33 through the payout ball flow passage and onto the upper tray 12. The payout unit 33, which dispenses prize balls, also dispenses loan balls that are dispensed by operating the ball loan switch 171.

[0037] On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are provided a main control device 40, a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, a launch control device 44, and a power supply board 45. The main control device 40, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are provided on the game board 2, and the payout control device 41, the launch control device 44, and the power supply board 45 are provided on the inner frame 30. The launch control device 44 is not shown in Figure 4, but it is provided on the back side of the power supply board 45.

[0038] The main control device 40 is provided with an RWM clear switch and a setting key switch. The RWM clear switch is mainly operated when clearing game information and the like stored in the RWM built into the main control device 40. The RWM clear switch may also be disposed on the payout control device 41 or the power supply board 45.

[0039] The main control device 40 is provided with a performance display device consisting of four 7-segment LED displays. By providing the performance display device on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the performance display device can be placed in a position that is not visible to players during play.

[0040] In addition, the payout control device 41 is provided with a fraud notification lamp that lights up an LED when the main control device 40 determines that fraud has occurred, thereby notifying employees of the gaming facility or the like that fraud has occurred.

[0041] An external connection terminal board 38 is disposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, to the right of the ball tank 31, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 (see FIG. 5) via the external connection terminal board 38. Conventionally, two types of external connection terminal boards have been used to send signals to the hall computer 500: one for the board (terminals for outputting signals output from the game board to the hall computer 500) and one for the frame (terminals for outputting signals output from the outer frame 10, front frame 11, and inner frame 30 to the hall computer 500). However, in this embodiment, signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 via a single external connection terminal board 38.

[0042] (2. Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1) Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. The pachinko machine 1 is configured with a main control device 40, which controls the progress of the game, as its central component, and sub-control devices including a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, and a firing control device 44. The main control device 40, payout control device 41, sub-integrated control device 42, and performance symbol control device 43 all include a CPU, ROM, RWM, input ports, output ports, etc., and each of these control devices executes various controls by starting a program consisting of a main routine and subroutines stored in the ROM in response to an interrupt signal with a 2 ms or 4 ms cycle via the CPU. The main control device 40 also includes a random number counter for extracting various random numbers.

[0043] In this embodiment, the launch control device 44 is not provided with a CPU, ROM, RWM, etc. However, this is not limited to this, and the launch control device 44 may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RWM, etc.

[0044] (2-1. Main control device 40) As shown in Figure 5, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is centered around a main control device 40 that mainly controls game play. The main control device 40 is electrically connected to a hall computer 500 or a test firing device (not shown) via a rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and an external connection terminal board 38. An output signal from the main control device 40 is sent to the hall computer 500 or the test firing device via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and the external connection terminal board 38.

[0045] A glass frame opening switch 501 that detects whether the front frame 11 (see FIG. 1) is open or not, and an inner frame opening switch 502 that detects whether the inner frame 30 (see FIG. 4) is open or not are connected to the main control device 40 via a rear wiring relay terminal board 530. Note that in the figure, the switches are simply referred to as SW. The glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 each output a detection signal to the main control device 40. Note that in FIG. 5, "switch" is referred to as "SW."

[0046] In addition, the main control device 40 is connected, via the game board relay terminal board 531, to a first special symbol start port switch 503 that detects balls entering the first special symbol start port 23 (see Figure 2), a second special symbol start port switch 504 that detects balls entering the second special symbol start port 24 (see Figure 2), a normal symbol activation switch 505 that detects balls entering the normal symbol activation port 21 (see Figure 2), a first count switch 506 that counts the number of balls entering the first large prize port 25 (see Figure 2), a second count switch 507 that counts the number of balls entering the second large prize port 26 (see Figure 2), a V prize port switch 508 that detects balls entering the specific area 262 (see Figure 2), a general prize port switch 509 that detects balls entering the general prize port 27 (see Figure 2), and an outlet switch 510 that detects game balls taken into the outlet 203. These first special symbol start port switch 503, second special symbol start port switch 504, normal symbol activation switch 505, first count switch 506, second count switch 507, V winning port switch 508, general winning port switch 509 and outlet switch 510 each output a detection signal to the main control device 40.

[0047] Furthermore, the main control device 40 is connected to a first large prize opening solenoid 511 via a game board relay terminal board 531, and by driving this, controls the opening and closing of the first large prize opening 25 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the main control device 40 is connected to a second large prize opening solenoid 512 via a game board relay terminal board 531, and by driving this, controls the opening and closing of the second large prize opening 26 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the main control device 40 is connected to a normal powered device solenoid 513 via a game board relay terminal board 531, and by driving this, controls the opening and closing of the normal powered device 22 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the main control device 40 is connected to a shutter solenoid 514 via a game board relay terminal board 531, and by driving this, controls the opening and closing of the shutter 263 (see FIG. 3) of the second large prize opening 26. Note that in FIG. 5, "solenoid" is abbreviated as "SOL."

[0048] The main control device 40 operates according to a program installed therein. The main control device 40 generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on various detection signals, etc., and outputs the commands to the payout control device 41 and the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, the main control device 40 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 281, the first special symbol reserved number display device 282, the second special symbol display device 283, the normal symbol display device 285, and the normal symbol reserved number display device 286, which are connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 533.

[0049] The MPU (Micro Processing Unit) mounted on the main control device 40 mainly comprises a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a counter circuit, a timer circuit, and a random number circuit. The CPU, ROM, RAM, counter circuit, timer circuit, and random number circuit are each connected via an internal bus, and the internal bus is communicatively connected to various switches and devices provided in the pachinko machine 1 via an external bus interface.

[0050] (2-2. Dispensing control device 41) Next, the payout control device 41 will be described. The payout control device 41 is connected to the main control device 40 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The payout control device 41 is connected to the glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 via the payout relay terminal board 534 and the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. The payout control device 41 then transmits information regarding the winning balls, information regarding the open / closed state of the front frame 11 and the inner frame 30, etc. to the hall computer 500 or a test firing device (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 38. The payout control device 41 also transmits a firing stop signal to the firing control device 44 to stop the firing of game balls as necessary.

[0051] In addition, the dispensing control device 41 is connected to a bulb out switch 520 that detects when the bulb tank 31 (see Figure 4) is empty via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. When the bulb out switch 520 detects that the bulb tank 31 is empty, it outputs a detection signal to the dispensing control device 41.

[0052] Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to a payout motor 521 that pays out game balls and a payout switch 522 that detects that game balls have been paid out via a payout relay terminal board 534. The payout control device 41 drives the payout motor 521 in response to commands sent from the main control device 40 to pay out game balls. When the payout switch 522 detects that game balls have been paid out, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41. Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to a full switch 523 that detects when the lower tray 13 is full. When the full switch 523 detects that the lower tray 13 is full, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41.

[0053] The payout control device 41 stops the payout motor 521 when a detection signal is input from the out-of-ball switch 520 and when a detection signal is input from the full switch 523. This stops the payout operation of the payout unit 33 to pay out prize balls. The out-of-ball switch 520 continues to output a detection signal until the out-of-ball state is resolved, and the full switch 523 continues to output a detection signal until the full state of the lower tray 13 is released. Then, when the input of the detection signals from the out-of-ball switch 520 and the full switch 523 stops, the payout control device 41 resumes driving the payout motor 521.

[0054] When the present invention is applied to a sealed gaming machine in which game balls enclosed in the machine are circulated to play, one-way communication may be used from the main control unit 40 to the payout control unit 41 (in the case of a sealed gaming machine, since game balls are not paid out, it is preferable to call it a frame control unit). In this case, the gaming machine can be configured to be resistant to fraud.

[0055] Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to the CR unit CR and the settlement display device 170 via the CR unit terminal board 535 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. A ball lending switch 171 and a settlement switch 172, which are operated by the player, are connected to the settlement display device 170. The ball lending switch 171 is a switch that is operated when the player requests the lending of gaming balls, and the settlement switch 172 is a switch that is operated when the player requests settlement.

[0056] When the ball lending switch 171 detects an operation by a player, it outputs an operation signal requesting a loan. The loan request signal output by the ball lending switch 171 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and a loan request signal is transmitted from the CR unit CR to the payout control device 41. Then, when the payout control device 41 receives the loan request signal from the CR unit CR, it drives the payout motor 521 to pay out game balls and controls the display of the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit CR.

[0057] When the settlement switch 172 detects an operation by a player, it outputs an operation signal requesting settlement. The settlement request signal output by the settlement switch 172 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and the CR unit CR controls the balance management and balance display of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit CR in response to the settlement request signal.

[0058] The payout control device 41 is also provided with a fraud notification lamp, which is an LED that lights up when it is determined that the frequency of balls entering the general winning opening 27 is abnormal. When the payout control device 41 receives a fraud command from the main control device 40, it lights up the fraud notification lamp, thereby alerting employees of the gaming facility that fraud may have occurred.

[0059] (2-3. Sub-integrated control device 42 and performance pattern control device 43) The sub-integrated control device 42 is connected to the main control device 40 via a performance relay terminal board 532, and enables communication from the main control device 40 to the sub-integrated control device 42. The sub-integrated control device 42 controls performance based on commands received from the main control device 40. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 are connected to the sub-integrated control device 42. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 each input their respective detection signals to the sub-integrated control device 42 when operated.

[0060] The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the output of sound by driving the speaker 112, and also controls the turning on and off of various LEDs and lamps including the frame-side decorative lamp 113. Furthermore, the sub-integrated control device 42 is provided with a volume adjustment switch that adjusts the volume of the sound output from the speaker 112. The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the volume of the sound output from the speaker 112 based on an operation signal input from the volume adjustment switch.

[0061] The effect symbol control device 43 is connected to the sub-integrated control device 42 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The sub-integrated control device 42 transmits commands to the effect symbol control device 43 regarding the display mode of pseudo effect symbols that display characters, etc., and pseudo symbols of special symbols. Meanwhile, the effect symbol control device 43 displays the pseudo effect symbol 700 corresponding to the command sent from the sub-integrated control device 42 on the LCD panel of the effect symbol display device 46.

[0062] In addition, if the sub-integrated control device 42 determines that the frequency of balls entering the general winning slot 27 is abnormal, it will issue an error alert using the speaker 112, frame side decorative lamp 113 and performance pattern display device 46.

[0063] (2-4. Launch control device 44) The launch control device 44 is connected to the payout control device 41, and enables communication from the payout control device 41 to the launch control device 44. The launch control device 44 controls the launch motor 526 based on commands sent from the main control device 40 via the payout control device 41 and rotation signals of the launch handle 14, and launches and stops the launch of game balls.

[0064] In addition, a launch stop switch 524 provided on the launch handle 14 and a touch switch 525 that detects a player's contact with the launch handle 14 are connected to the launch control device 44. When the touch switch 525 detects a player's contact with the launch handle 14, it inputs a detection signal to the launch control device 44. Then, when a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525, the launch control device 44 launches gaming balls. On the other hand, when a player operates the launch stop switch 524, the launch control device 44 inputs a detection signal. Then, when a detection signal is input from the launch stop switch 524, the launch control device 44 stops the launch of gaming balls, even if a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525.

[0065] (2-5. Power supply board 45) Although not shown, the power supply board 45 includes a power supply circuit, a power receiving circuit, a power failure detection circuit, and a backup power supply circuit. The power supply circuit converts AC voltage supplied from an external AC power supply (main power supply AC24V) to generate DC voltage. A power switch is provided in the power receiving circuit, and the power supply circuit is connected to the AC power supply via the power receiving circuit. When the power switch is turned on, the power supply circuit is connected to the AC power supply and the main power supply AC24V is supplied to the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit then supplies the necessary DC voltage to various control devices, actuators, etc.

[0066] The power failure detection circuit monitors the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit. When the supplied voltage falls below a predetermined voltage, the power failure detection circuit determines that the power switch has been switched OFF or that a power outage has occurred, and sets the power failure detection signal output to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41 to a high level (ON). On the other hand, when the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit rises above the predetermined voltage, the power failure detection circuit sets the power failure detection signal to a low level (OFF).

[0067] In this embodiment, the power failure detection circuit has been described as transmitting a power failure detection signal to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the power failure detection circuit may be configured to transmit a power failure detection signal to only one of the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, and to transmit a power failure command from the main control device 40 to the dispensing control device 41, or from the dispensing control device 41 to the main control device 40.

[0068] The backup power supply circuit is composed of a capacitor, etc. The backup power supply circuit charges the DC 5V power generated while the power supply circuit supplies power from the AC power source, and in the event of a power outage, supplies the backup power (DC 5V) to the RWM of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the dispensing control device 41, etc.

[0069] In this embodiment, the backup power supply is supplied to the RWM of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the payout control device 41. Therefore, even after the power supply is cut off, the pachinko machine 1 can retain, for a certain period of time, the contents stored in the main control device 40 and the payout control device 41 at the time of the power outage, such as the gaming status of the pachinko machine 1 and the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls.

[0070] On the other hand, the backup power is not supplied to the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42. Therefore, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped, the contents stored in the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42 are erased. Note that the sub-integrated control device 42 itself may be provided with a power supply circuit for backup power to generate backup power, thereby making it possible to maintain the information stored in the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42.

[0071] (3. Operation of Pachinko Machine 1) The operation of the pachinko machine 1 will now be described.

[0072] (3-1. Basic Game) When a game ball enters the normal symbol operating port 21, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values ​​related to the normal symbol hit / miss judgment and makes a hit / miss judgment based on the extracted random number values. Based on the result of this hit / miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts displaying the normal symbol fluctuating on the normal symbol display device 285 and displays the final result after a predetermined time.

[0073] If the result of the hit / miss judgment is a hit, the pachinko machine 1 opens the normal power device 22, allowing the ball to enter the second special symbol starting hole 24. The opening time and number of times of the normal power device 22 are set to, for example, 0.2 seconds x 1 time in the normal game state, and 0.3 seconds x 1 time or 1.0 seconds x 6 times in the game state advantageous to the player (the time-saving game state described later).

[0074] When a gaming ball enters the first special symbol starting hole 23, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values ​​related to the hit / miss judgment of the first special symbol, and stores a predetermined number of the extracted random number values ​​as reserved memory for the first special symbol. Then, the pachinko machine 1 performs a hit / miss judgment based on the reserved random number values, and determines whether it is a hit or a miss. Based on the result of this hit / miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts a variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 281, and displays a final result after a predetermined time has passed. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 starts a variable display of the pseudo effect symbol 700 (see FIG. 32) corresponding to the first special symbol on the effect symbol display device 46, and displays a final result after a predetermined time has passed.

[0075] Similarly, when a gaming ball enters the second special symbol starting hole 24, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values ​​related to determining whether the second special symbol is a winning combination. The extracted random number values ​​for the second special symbol are not stored as reserved memory, unlike the random number values ​​for the first special symbol. Therefore, when the random number value for the second special symbol is extracted, the pachinko machine 1 determines whether the game is a winning combination based on the extracted random number value for the second special symbol, and determines whether the game is a winning combination, a small winning combination, or a losing combination. Based on this winning combination, the pachinko machine 1 starts displaying the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 283, and displays the finalized version of the second special symbol after a predetermined time has elapsed. The pachinko machine 1 also starts displaying the variation of the pseudo effect symbol 700 corresponding to the second special symbol on the effect symbol display device 46, and displays the finalized version after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0076] The variable and final display of the first and second special symbols are displayed in small letters in the corners of the game board 2. The pachinko machine 1 then displays a pseudo effect using pseudo effect symbols 700 corresponding to the first and second special symbols on the effect symbol display device 46 located in the center of the game area 20, and notifies the player of the result of the win / loss determination through the pseudo effect display. The pachinko machine 1 displays three pseudo effect symbols 700 in a variable manner in the pseudo effect display, and if the result of the win / loss determination is a jackpot, stops all three pseudo effect symbols 700 with the same symbol. Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 performs a reach effect in the pseudo effect display, in which two pseudo effect symbols 700 are stopped with the same symbol, and then displays a variable display of the remaining pseudo effect symbol 700, thereby giving the player a sense of anticipation of a jackpot in the win / loss determination. In addition, in recent years, in addition to the pseudo-effect display, machines have become common that display small symbols (e.g., circle and cross) in the corners of the effect symbol display 46 to indicate whether a win or loss has occurred. This display is designed to always display the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol, the number of reserved memories for the second special symbol, the small symbol indicating the first special symbol, and the small symbol indicating the second special symbol in an inconspicuous manner regardless of the game status. In the present application, there is no problem with displaying such a display separately from the pseudo-effect display.

[0077] In addition, the pachinko machine 1 does not reserve and store the random number value of the second special symbol, so the judgment of whether the second special symbol is a hit or a miss is not executed when the variation of the first special symbol is being executed. However, in implementing the present invention, it is not necessary for the game configuration to execute the judgment of whether the second special symbol is a hit or a miss only when the variation of the first special symbol is not being executed, and the game configuration may be such that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are changed simultaneously.

[0078] If the result of the first or second special symbol win / loss determination is a jackpot according to the manner in which the first or second special symbol is confirmed and displayed, the pachinko machine 1 executes a jackpot game. In this jackpot game, the pachinko machine 1 activates a condition device, and in response to this, the device for continuously operating the role-playing device operates, thereby opening and closing the first large prize opening 25. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 closes the first large prize opening 25 when a predetermined time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed since the first large prize opening 25 began to open, or when the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 25 since the first large prize opening 25 began to open reaches a predetermined number of winning balls (10 in this embodiment), and executes a predetermined number of round games, with one round consisting of such a series of operations.

[0079] In a jackpot game, the number of round games to be played is determined according to the jackpot symbol determined when the first or second special symbol is determined to be a hit. For example, the jackpot game is determined from multiple types of jackpot games, such as a 4R jackpot game in which four rounds of round games are played, or a 15R jackpot game in which 15 rounds are played, depending on the jackpot symbol. In a jackpot game, the pachinko machine 1 plays a game in which a game ball is fired toward the right-hit area R, aiming at the first large prize slot 25.

[0080] If the result of the second special symbol hit / miss determination is a small hit according to the state of the confirmed display of the second special symbol, the pachinko machine 1 executes a small hit game. In the case of a small hit game, the pachinko machine 1 opens and closes the second large prize opening 26 without activating the condition device or the accessory continuous operation device. In a small hit game, for example, the second large prize opening 26 is opened six times for 1.0 seconds. Note that if a right-hand play is being performed, the opening of the second large prize opening 26 by this small hit game is set so that multiple game balls can easily enter.

[0081] In the pachinko machine 1, a special jackpot occurs when a game ball enters the specific area 262 of the second large prize opening 26 that was opened during a small jackpot game. During a special jackpot game, a condition device is activated, and the special jackpot continuous operation device is activated accordingly, thereby opening and closing the first large prize opening 25. During a jackpot game resulting from a special jackpot game, the number of rounds to be played is determined according to the small jackpot symbol determined when the second special symbol is determined to be a hit or miss. Furthermore, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 26 during a small jackpot game can easily enter the specific area 262. Therefore, in this embodiment, a jackpot can be easily generated when a small jackpot game occurs, and essentially, a jackpot game is played when a small jackpot game is won.

[0082] (3-2. Game status) The pachinko machine 1 is roughly divided into two game states: a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed, and a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is open. Furthermore, the game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed in the pachinko machine 1 includes a normal game state and a game state that is more favorable for balls to enter the normal power device 22 than the normal game state. The game state that is favorable for balls to enter the normal power device 22 is favorable for winning a small win, and is also favorable for winning prize balls when a big win game occurs.

[0083] Specifically, the game state favorable for the ball to land on the normal electric device 22 includes a special symbol time-saving function that shortens the average fluctuation time of the special symbol when determining whether the first or second special symbol is a winner, a normal symbol probability variation function that increases the probability of winning when determining whether the normal symbol is a winner, a normal symbol time-saving function that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal symbol associated with the determination of whether the normal symbol is a winner, and an opening extension function that extends the opening time of the normal electric device 22 that is opened when the normal symbol is won. The game state favorable for the ball to land on the normal electric device 22 is also referred to as a time-saving game state. In this embodiment, the game state includes a first time-saving game state, a second time-saving game state, and a third time-saving game state, which will be described later. All of the above functions except the normal symbol probability variation function operate in any time-saving state, but the normal symbol probability variation function only operates in the third time-saving game state.

[0084] In this way, in the time-saving game state, it is easy to get the ball into the normal electric device 22 and even into the second special device starting hole 24, and in the hit / miss judgment of the second special device, the probability of winning a small hit is high, which is advantageous for obtaining a small hit, and since a small hit can easily develop into a big hit, it is an extremely advantageous state for obtaining prize balls. Of course, in the time-saving game state, right-hand play aiming at the right-hand hit area R is recommended.

[0085] In the pachinko machine 1, the time-saving game mode is switched to after the jackpot game due to the symbol jackpot or the bonus jackpot has ended, via the jackpot game. The pachinko machine 1 is configured to always switch to the time-saving game mode after the jackpot game has ended.

[0086] The pachinko machine 1 has first, second, and third time-shortened games as time-shortened games to which it can be switched after a jackpot game (also called time-shortened games A), and the start condition (also called the start condition or transition condition) is the end of the jackpot game caused by the first special design, and it switches to either the first or second time-shortened game after the end of the jackpot game. Also, the pachinko machine 1 switches to either the second or third time-shortened game as time-shortened games to which it can be switched after a jackpot game, and the start condition is the end of the symbol jackpot game caused by the second special design or the end of the bonus jackpot game after the end of these jackpot games.

[0087] In the normal game mode (non-time-saving mode), the pachinko machine 1 aims to make the ball enter the first special symbol starting hole 23 by hitting the ball from the left. When a jackpot occurs in the normal game mode, a jackpot game triggered by the first special symbol is played. After the jackpot game ends, the machine transitions to the first time-saving game mode or the second time-saving game mode.

[0088] In the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, the pachinko machine 1 aims to open the normal electric device 22 and to have the ball enter the second special symbol starting hole 24 by playing from the right. Therefore, basically, when a jackpot occurs in the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state, a jackpot game caused by the second special symbol is executed. After the jackpot game ends, the machine transitions to either the second time-saving game state or the third time-saving game state.

[0089] In the third time-saving game state, as in the first and second time-saving game states, right-hand play aims to open the normal electric device 22 and to have the ball enter the second special symbol starting hole 24. In the third time-saving game state, a jackpot game triggered by the second special symbol is basically also carried out. After the jackpot game ends, the game state transitions to either the second time-saving game state or the third time-saving game state.

[0090] On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1, if a jackpot or small jackpot does not occur in the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state and the preset time-saving termination conditions for each are met, the time-saving game state ends. When the time-saving game state ends, the game transitions to the normal game state. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the termination conditions for the third time-saving game state are set so that a small jackpot or jackpot occurs without the time-saving game state ending, so the time-saving game state does not end without actually winning a jackpot or small jackpot, and so it essentially becomes a time-saving game in which the next jackpot (including a jackpot with a special feature) is determined.

[0091] Next, FIG. 6 is a table showing the types of various wins, and the contents of the first time-shortening game, the second time-shortening game, and the third time-shortening game will be explained with reference to FIG. First, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6(a), the types of winning symbols for the normal symbols are normal symbol 1 and normal symbol 2, with normal symbol 1 being selected 66% of the time and normal symbol 2 being selected 34% of the time. In the normal state, the opening of the normal electric device 22 is executed once every 0.2 seconds for either symbol. Therefore, in the normal state, it is almost impossible to land a game ball in the normal electric device 2. In the first time-saving game, when normal symbol 1 stops, the normal electric device 22 opens once every 0.3 seconds, and when normal symbol 2 stops, the normal electric device 22 opens six times every second. For this reason, although the opening time for normal symbol 1 is 0.3 seconds, which is longer than in the normal game state, it is still difficult to get a game ball to enter the normal electric device 22 during the opening time of the normal electric device 22, but when normal symbol 2 stops, an opening pattern that makes it easy to enter the normal electric device 22 is executed, and as long as the game ball is fired at the normal electric device 22 while it is open, it is almost always possible to get the game ball to enter the normal electric device 22. In the second and third time-saving games, the opening of the normal electric device 22 is executed six times per second regardless of whether normal symbol 1 or normal symbol 2 is selected. Therefore, when a normal symbol is selected, it is possible to reliably cause the ball to enter the normal electric device, and the ball can be caused to enter the second special symbol starting hole 24 to determine whether the second special symbol has been selected.

[0092] As shown in Figure 6(b), in this embodiment, the jackpots for the special symbols are Special Symbol 1 Jackpot 1 and Special Symbol 2 Jackpot 2, which are jackpots for the first special symbol, and Special Symbol 2 Jackpot 1 and Special Symbol 2 Jackpot 2, which are jackpots for the second special symbol. When a jackpot is won in the judgment of whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss, each jackpot symbol is selected with a 50% probability. When a jackpot is won in the judgment of whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss, Special Symbol 2 Jackpot 1 is selected with a 80% probability, and Special Symbol 2 Jackpot 2 is selected with a 20% probability. A time-saving play mode is granted after each jackpot. If a jackpot is won on Special 1 Jackpot 1, the game transitions to the first time-saving play mode after the jackpot. In the first time-saving play mode, the number of time-saving cycles is set to seven cycles for the first special symbol or one cycle for the second special symbol, plus 100 cycles for the regular symbol. The time-saving play mode ends when these conditions for ending the time-saving play mode are met. The 420 cycles in parentheses are the number of time-saving cycles granted when a jackpot occurs during time-saving play. Thus, to avoid any disadvantage to the player when a jackpot on the first special symbol, which would normally be irregular in the time-saving mode, is won, the number of time-saving cycles is increased. In this embodiment, not only the number of cycles for the first time-saving cycle due to Special 1 Jackpot 1 is set to 420, but also the number of cycles for the advantageous second time-saving cycle due to Special 1 Jackpot 2 is set to 420. The number of cycles for the special symbol does not change as the number of cycles for the time-saving play mode. This only applies to the jackpot on the first special chart; for the jackpot on the second special chart, the number of time-saving events is the same regardless of the game status. If you win Special Chart 1 Big Hit 2 or Special Chart 2 Big Hit 1, or if you get a special jackpot with Special Chart 2 Small Hit 1, you will move to the second time-saving game after the big hit game. In the second time-saving game, the number of time-saving times is set to 7 times for the first special chart or 1 time for the second special chart, and a further 140 times for the normal pattern. If you win the Special Chart 2 Big Hit 2 or if you get a special jackpot with the Special Chart 2 Small Hit 2, you will move to the third time-saving game. In the third time-saving game, the number of time-saving cycles is set to 10 cycles of the first special chart or 1 cycle of the second special chart, and the number of normal chart cycles is also set to 1000. In addition, as will be explained in more detail later, in the Special Chart 2 Big Hit 2, the number of time-saving cycles is set to 1000 cycles of normal chart cycles, which is roughly equivalent to this number of spins, so it is essentially a time-saving game in which the next jackpot is also guaranteed. In addition, in either time-saving game, the time-saving game ends when you move to the jackpot game.

[0093] In this way, the first time-shortened game and the second time-shortened game have the same probability of winning a normal symbol, but in the second time-shortened game, the normal electric device 22, which makes it easier to score a normal symbol, is opened, so the actual probability of winning is higher in the second time-shortened game than in the first time-shortened game.

[0094] In general, pachinko machines now offer multiple types of time-saving games, including a time-saving game that is transitioned to via a jackpot game. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment includes, as one of the multiple types of time-saving games, a bonus time-saving game (also referred to as "b time-saving") that can be transitioned from normal game without a jackpot game when a predetermined number of consecutive variations (small jackpot variations or miss variations) that do not result in a jackpot based on the hit / miss determination of the first and second special symbols after the jackpot game ends (also referred to as the bonus time-saving number of times, e.g., 900 times) are reached. The bonus time-saving game has the same game content as the second time-saving game. Furthermore, because "b time-saving" has a significant rescue effect, the number of times of time-saving may be set to a large number, such as 1,000, at least for the number of variations of the normal symbols, to facilitate the occurrence of the next jackpot or small jackpot. In addition, the b time reduction may have the same game content as the first time reduction game or the third time reduction game, or may be a separate dedicated time reduction game.

[0095] In the following, when explaining the first time-shortened game state, the second time-shortened game state, and the third time-shortened game, when explaining each time-shortened game separately, they will be referred to as the first time-shortened game, the second time-shortened game, and the third time-shortened game, but when the explanation is common to each time-shortened game and there is no need to distinguish between each time-shortened game, they will simply be referred to as time-shortened game.

[0096] The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with counters that count the number of times the first special symbol changes and the number of times the second special symbol changes in the time-saving game state. The counters that count the number of times the first special symbol changes and the counters that count the number of times the second special symbol changes store the fact that the number of times the first special symbol changes has been reached when each of the number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes reaches a predetermined number of times. The counters that count the number of times the first special symbol changes and the counters that count the number of times the second special symbol changes are collectively referred to as special symbol count counters. The special symbol count counters clear their count values ​​when the time-saving game state ends.

[0097] The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a counter that counts the number of times the normal map changes during the time-saving game mode. When the number of times the normal map changes reaches a predetermined number of normal map changes, the counter that counts the number of normal map changes (hereinafter referred to as the normal map count counter) memorizes that the number of normal map changes has been reached. Then, the normal map count counter clears the count value when the time-saving game mode ends.

[0098] Although not shown, if the winning combination is neither a big win nor a small win, a losing symbol is displayed.

[0099] (4. Pachinko Machine 1 Game Specifications) Next, the basic game specifications of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained with reference to Fig. 7. In the pachinko machine 1, the probability of winning the jackpot on the first special design and the second special design is set to 1 / 300.

[0100] The pachinko machine 1 is configured so that a small win is not determined when determining whether the first special chart is a win or not. The probability of winning a small win on the second special symbol is set to approximately 1 / 1.1. In reality, the probability of winning a small win on the second special symbol is set to be higher than 1 / 1.1, but for the purpose of explanation, the above probability will be used.

[0101] In the pachinko machine 1, the second large prize opening 26 is opened during a small prize game. In a small prize game, the opening time and number of times of the second large prize opening 26 are set to 1.0 seconds x 6 times, regardless of whether the game is in normal play mode or normal power support mode. In a small prize game, the specified number is counted as 1, and when 10 game balls enter the second large prize opening 26, the second large prize opening 26 is closed and the small prize game ends, even if the opening time does not reach six 1.0-second openings.

[0102] In pachinko machine 1, the winning probability of a normal symbol is set to 1 / 100 under normal probability, and 1 / 1 under high probability when the normal symbol probability function is activated. The high probability is set to guarantee a win. The normal symbol probability function is activated during the third time-saving play mode, but the normal symbol probability function does not activate during the first and second time-saving play modes. As shown in Figure 6(a), during the first time-saving play mode, a normal symbol hit 1 effectively opens the ball, making it difficult to enter the normal electric device. Therefore, 2 / 3 of the time when a normal symbol hits, it becomes a loss, and the actual normal symbol hit that can enter the normal electric device is approximately 1 / 300.

[0103] (5. Startup process) Next, the "start-up process" executed by the main control device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. The start-up process is a process executed when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on.

[0104] 10, as the first step in the startup process, the main control unit 40 sets a stack pointer to a stack address (step S1). Next, the main control unit 40 sets the interrupt vector address of the interrupt vector table to the corresponding register (step S2) and also sets an internal register (step S3). Note that the interrupt vector address is used to specify the start address of the interrupt processing program, which will be described later, in the address space (memory space).

[0105] Next, the main control device 40 reads the register of the input port (process S4) and determines whether the power outage stop signal is OFF (process S5). If the power outage detection signal remains ON and the determination is negative (process S5: No), the main control device 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has not reached the predetermined voltage. In this case, the main control device 40 returns to process S4 and repeatedly executes processes S4 and S5 until the power outage stop signal is turned OFF.

[0106] On the other hand, if the power outage detection signal is switched OFF and the judgment is positive (Process S5: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has reached a predetermined voltage or higher and that a stable voltage supply has been achieved, and allows writing to the RWM (Process S6).

[0107] After process S6, the main control unit 40 executes an initial setting process (process S7). This initial setting process (process S7) mainly sets the transition mode. Thereafter, the main control unit 40 prohibits interrupts (process S8) and executes register save (process S9). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 executes a game performance calculation process (process S10) that calculates game performance such as base values. In other words, the main control unit 40 performs calculations related to game performance outside the RWM area.

[0108] After process S10, the main control unit 40 restores the registers (process S11) and allows interrupts (process S12), returning to process S8. In this way, the main control unit 40 repeatedly executes processes S8 to S12 in the startup process. Meanwhile, the main control unit 40 periodically (for example, every 4m process S) executes an interrupt process (see FIG. 11), which will be described later, between the time when process S12 is executed and the time when process S8 is executed again.

[0109] (6. Interrupt Processing) Next, the "interrupt processing" executed by the main control device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the main control device 40 sets a timer and a watchdog timer as the first process executed in the interrupt processing (process S21). In process S21, the main control device 40 sets various timers provided in the main control device 40, and clears and restarts the watchdog timer.

[0110] After process S21, the main control device 40 determines whether the transition mode to which the pachinko machine 1 transitions after power-on is the "game stop mode" (process S22). As a result, if it is the "game stop mode" (process S22: Yes), it can be determined that the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where it cannot start playing and is waiting for the power switch to be switched off. Therefore, in this case, the main control device 40 performs interrupt permission (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see FIG. 10).

[0111] On the other hand, if the determination in process S22 is negative and the mode is not "game stop mode" (process S22: No), the main control device 40 executes a timer update process for updating various timers provided in the main control device 40 (process S23). Next, the main control device 40 executes an input determination process (process S24), which is a process related to the entry of game balls into the various start ports and various winning ports. Details of the input determination process (process S24) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. After process S24, the main control device 40 executes a win / loss determination process (process S25), which is a process related to win / loss determination and jackpot game. Details of the win / loss determination process (process S25) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16.

[0112] After process S25, the main control device 40 executes a game state setting process (process S26) in which, when the game state has changed, a signal to that effect is sent to the hall computer 500. In process S26, the main control device 40 sends a signal to the hall computer 500 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the jackpot game (special game) or winning game (normal game) has ended in the hit / loss determination process (process S25) described above.

[0113] In addition, when the pachinko machine 1 is connected to a test firing device (not shown), the main control device 40 transmits a test signal indicating that the game state has shifted to the test firing device in process S26.

[0114] After process S26, the main control device 40 performs an error monitoring process (process S27) to monitor whether an error has occurred. Examples of errors that the main control device 40 monitors in the error monitoring process (process S27) include an open error indicating that the front frame 11 or the inner frame 30 is open, a radio wave error indicating that an abnormal radio wave has been detected by a radio wave sensor (not shown), and a vibration error indicating that an abnormal vibration has been detected by a vibration sensor (not shown).

[0115] After process S27, the main control device 40 executes a prize ball command sending process (process S28) to send a prize ball command to the payout control device 41. Then, based on the received prize ball command, the payout control device 41 executes the payout of prize balls set for each of the various starting ports or various winning ports into which the ball entered.

[0116] After process S28, the main control device 40 executes a performance data output process (process S29) in which image data, audio data, etc. are created during execution according to the game content, and output to the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, when the main control device 40 detects the occurrence of an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above, it appropriately notifies the error by displaying an error on the performance symbol display device 46, lighting or blinking the frame side decorative lamp 113, outputting audio from the speaker 112, etc., according to the content of the detected error.

[0117] After process S29, the main control device 40 executes an external output process (process S30) to the hall computer 500 via the external connection terminal board 38. In process S30, the main control device 40 transmits data relating to the first large prize opening solenoid 511, the second large prize opening solenoid 512, and the normal power feature solenoid 513 to the hall computer 500 based on the processing contents of the hit / miss determination process (process S25) described above. Also, in process S30, if the main control device 40 detects the occurrence of an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above, it transmits a security signal to the hall computer 500. Note that if a test firing device is connected to the pachinko machine 1, the main control device 40 transmits data relating to the first large prize opening solenoid 511, the second large prize opening solenoid 512, and the normal power feature solenoid 513 and a security signal to the test firing device in process S30.

[0118] As shown in Figure 12, after process S30, the main control unit 40 performs register save (process S31) and executes performance display data creation process (process S32). In process S32, the main control unit 40 creates data to display on the performance display device the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) executed outside the RWM area during the startup process (see Figure 10) and the test results of the test firing test. After process S31, the main control unit 40 executes register restore (process S33).

[0119] After process S33, the main control device 40 executes a segment data creation process (process S34). In process S34, the main control device 40 creates segment data for controlling the light emission of each common (8-bit display area related to an LED segment) of various LEDs provided on the performance display device, in preparation for displaying the data created in process S31 on the performance display device.

[0120] After process S34, the main control device 40 displays game performance and test firing data on the performance display device as a display process for various display devices (process S35). Also, in process S35, the main control device 40 performs variable display and final display of various symbols on the first special symbol display device 281, the second special symbol display device 283, and the normal symbol display device 285 according to the game status being played. After process S35, the main control device 40 permits an interrupt (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see FIG. 10).

[0121] The main control unit 40 executes the performance display calculation process (process S10) as a startup process (FIG. 10), while executing the process related to displaying the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) as an interrupt process. In this regard, by executing the performance display calculation process (process S10), which has a large processing load, as a startup process, the main control unit 40 can prevent the interrupt prohibition (process S8, see FIG. 10) from being executed before the performance display calculation process (process S10) is completed. On the other hand, the main control unit 40 can improve the efficiency of display control by executing the display process for the performance display device at the same timing as the display process for the first special image display device 281, etc.

[0122] (7. Input determination process) Next, the "input determination process" (process S24) executed in the interrupt process (see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, the main control device 40 executes the special symbol ball entry confirmation process (process S101) as the first process of the input determination process (process S24). The special symbol ball entry confirmation process (process S101) is a process executed when a game ball enters the first special symbol start hole 23 or the second special symbol start hole 24. Details of the special symbol ball entry confirmation process (process S101) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. do.

[0123] After process S101, the main control device 40 executes a normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102). The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) is a process executed when a game ball enters the normal ball operation port 21. Details of the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0124] After process S102, the main control device 40 executes a win count process (process S103). The win count process (process S103) is a process that is executed when a gaming ball enters the first large prize opening 25, the second large prize opening 26, or the general prize opening 27. Specifically, in process S103, when the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, or the general prize opening switch 509 detects a gaming ball, the main control device 40 adds 1 to the value of a counter that counts the number of gaming balls that have entered the first large prize opening 25, the second large prize opening 26, or the general prize opening 27.

[0125] After process S103, the main control device 40 executes a process for counting the number of outs (process S104). The process for counting the number of outs (process S104) is a process for tallying up the number of outs used in calculating game performance. Specifically, in process S104, when the first special symbol start port switch 503, the second special symbol start port switch 504, the normal symbol activation switch 505, the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, the V winning port switch 508, the normal winning port switch 509, and the out port switch 510 detect a game ball, the main control device 40 adds 1 to the value of the counter that counts the number of outs.

[0126] After process S104, the main control device 40 determines whether the frequency of balls entering the general winning opening 27 is abnormal (process S105). Specifically, in process S105, the main control device 40 determines that fraud has occurred if the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 27 within a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) exceeds a specified number of winnings (e.g., 10 balls). As a result, if the ball entry frequency is normal and the determination is negative (process S105: No), the main control device 40 ends this process as is and returns to the interrupt process (see FIG. 11).

[0127] On the other hand, if the ball entry frequency is abnormal and the judgment is positive (Process S105: Yes), the main control unit 40 sends a fraud alarm command to the payout control unit 41 and the sub-integrated control unit 42 (Process S106), and terminates this process. In Process S106, the payout control unit 41, which has received the fraud alarm command from the main control unit 40, turns on the fraud alarm lamp provided on the payout control unit 41.

[0128] Furthermore, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received a fraud notification command from the main control device 40, issues an error notification by turning on or flashing the frame-side decorative lamp 113, outputting a sound from the speaker 112, etc. Furthermore, the effect pattern control device 43, which has received a fraud notification command from the sub-integrated control device 42, displays a warning that fraud has occurred on the effect pattern display device 46. The error notification by sound output from the speaker 112 ends 30 seconds after the error notification starts, and the warning display on the effect pattern display device 46 and the error notification by the frame-side decorative lamp 113 end 5 minutes after the error notification starts.

[0129] (7-1. Special drawing entry confirmation process) Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12, the special symbol ball entry confirmation process (process S101, see Fig. 12) executed in the input determination process (process S24, see Fig. 11) will be described. The special symbol ball entry confirmation process (process S101) extracts and reserves and stores multiple types of first special symbol random numbers in response to a ball entering the first special symbol starting hole 23. Then, it is a process of transmitting various commands resulting from the ball entering the first special symbol starting hole 23 to the sub-integrated control device 42. In this embodiment, even if a random number for the second special symbol is extracted, it is not reserved and stored, so nothing is done for the second special symbol in this process.

[0130] As shown in Fig. 12, in the "special chart entry confirmation process", first, in process S110, the first special chart start port switch 503 determines whether or not a ball has been entered into the first special chart start port 23. If the determination is negative (process S110: No), this process is terminated. If the determination is affirmative (process S110: Yes), it is determined in process S111 whether the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol stored in the reserved memory area for the first special symbol is full (whether the upper limit number has been reached). If the determination is affirmative (process S111: Yes), this process is terminated.

[0131] In this embodiment, the random number associated with the second special symbol is not reserved and stored even if it is extracted, but it may be reserved and stored in the same way as the random number associated with the first special symbol. In addition, in the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number is stored in a predetermined temporary memory area, and then the random number stored in the temporary memory area is stored in the main reserved memory area. This is not a limitation, and if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number may be stored in both the temporary memory area and the main reserved memory area. Furthermore, when a random number is extracted due to a ball entering the first special ball starting hole 23 or the second special ball starting hole 24, the extracted random number is stored in the temporary memory area. Then, it is confirmed whether the number of reserved memories is full, and if not, the random number stored in the temporary memory area may be stored in the main reserved memory area. In this case, if the number of reserved memories is full, the random number stored in the temporary memory area is erased. In the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), the look-ahead judgment process looks ahead and judges the random numbers stored in the temporary memory area, but it is not limited to this and may also look ahead and judge the random numbers stored in the subject's reserved memory area.

[0132] (7-2. Normal ball entry confirmation process) Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 13, we will explain the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102, see Figure 13) that is executed during the input judgment process (process S24, see Figure 11). The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) extracts and reserves random numbers related to multiple types of normal balls in response to a ball entering the normal ball operation port 21. Then, it is a process that transmits various commands resulting from the ball entering the normal ball operation port 21 to the sub-integrated control device 42.

[0133] As shown in Figure 13, the "normal symbol ball entry confirmation process" first determines in process S121 whether or not the normal symbol activation switch 505 has detected a ball entering the normal symbol activation port 21. If the determination is negative (process S121: No), the process returns to the input determination process (see Figure 11) and ends this process.

[0134] If the determination in step S121 is affirmative (step S121: Yes), the process determines whether the number of reserved memories for regular maps stored in the reserved memory area for regular maps is full (whether the upper limit has been reached). If the determination is affirmative (step S122: Yes), the process returns.

[0135] If the determination in process S122 is negative (process S122: No), in process S123, random numbers for determining whether a normal map is a winning symbol, random numbers for determining a winning symbol, random numbers for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted. Then, the various extracted random numbers are stored in the normal map reserve memory area as reserve memories for normal maps. Note that even if the reserve memory number for normal maps is "0", the various random numbers extracted when a game ball enters the normal map operation port 21 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value. Then, in process S124, the reserve memory counter indicating the reserve memory number for normal maps is incremented, and a reserve number instruction command indicating the value of the incremented reserve memory counter for normal maps is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

[0136] (8. Correct / incorrect judgment process) Next, the winning / losing determination process (process S25) executed in the interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 14, the main control device 40 executes the normal winning / losing determination process (process S200), which is a process related to the winning / losing determination of the normal map and the winning game (normal map game), as the first process executed in the winning / losing determination process (process S25). Details of the normal winning / losing determination process (process S200) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figs. 15 to 19.

[0137] Subsequently, the main control device 40 executes a special symbol win / loss determination process (process S300) which is a process related to the win / loss determination of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the small win game, and the big win game. Details of the special symbol win / loss determination process (process S300) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figs. 20 to 30.

[0138] (8-1. General map validity determination process) Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, the "regular pass / fail determination process" (process S200) executed in the pass / fail determination process (process S25, see FIG. 14) will be described.

[0139] 15, the main control device 40 determines whether the normal power device 22 that operates during a winning game (normal game) is in operation (process S201) as the first process executed in the normal game win / loss determination process (process S200). In process S201, if the normal power device 22 is in operation and the determination is affirmative (process S201: Yes), the main control device 40 determines that a winning game is in operation and proceeds to the normal game process (process S250).

[0140] On the other hand, if the normal electric device 22 is not operating and the result is negative (process S201: No), the main control device 40 determines whether the normal pattern display device 285 is displaying a changing normal pattern (process S202). As a result, if the normal pattern display is displaying a changing normal pattern and the result is positive (process S202: Yes), the main control device 40 determines whether the change time of the normal pattern being displayed has elapsed (process S203).

[0141] Then, if the change time of the normal map being displayed has elapsed and the judgment is affirmative (process S203: Yes), the main control device 40 stops the change of the normal map, executes a confirmation display process to display the confirmation (process S204), and proceeds to the normal map game process (process S250). On the other hand, if the change time of the normal map being displayed has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (process S203: No), the main control device 40 skips process S204 and proceeds to the normal map game process (process S250).

[0142] In process S202, if the normal map is not being displayed in a changing state and the judgment is negative (process S202: No), the main control device 40 determines whether the normal map is being displayed in a fixed state on the normal pattern display device 285 (process S205).

[0143] Then, if the confirmation display of the normal map is in progress and the judgment is affirmative (process S205: Yes), the main control device 40 judges whether the confirmation display time of the normal map has elapsed (process S206). As a result, if the confirmation display time has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (process S206: No), the main control device 40 proceeds to the normal map game processing (process S250). On the other hand, if the confirmation display time of the normal map has elapsed and the judgment is affirmative (process S206: Yes), the main control device 40 executes the confirmation display end processing (process S207).

[0144] In process S207, the main control device 40 sets the display of the normal symbol currently being displayed to end on the normal symbol display device 285. The main control device 40 also transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to end the performance related to the normal symbol on the performance symbol display device 46. After process S207, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S208 shown in FIG.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 16, in process S208, the main control device 40 determines whether the result of the normal map hit / miss judgment is a hit. Then, if the result of the normal map hit / miss judgment is a hit and the judgment is affirmative (process S208: Yes), the main control device 40 performs processing to start a winning game (normal map game) in process S209. Specifically, the main control device 40 performs processing to start the operation of the normal power device 22. Furthermore, in the following process S210, the main control device 40 transmits a winning game start command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to instruct the start of a winning game presentation, and starts timing the start interval time of the winning game. After process S210, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S211.

[0146] On the other hand, in process S208, if the result of the judgment of whether the normal drawing is correct or not is a negative judgment (process S208: No), the main control device 40 skips processes S209 and S210 and proceeds to process S211.

[0147] Next, in process S211, the main control device 40 determines whether the time-saving flag, which indicates that the game is in the time-saving game state, is "1" (if the time-saving flag is "1," the game is in the time-saving game state). If the determination is negative (process S211: No), the process proceeds to process S250 (see FIG. 17). If the determination is positive (process S211: Yes), the process proceeds to process S212, in which the number of times the normal map has changed after the transition to the time-saving game state is counted by the normal map counting counter.

[0148] For example, in this embodiment, if the number of times the normal map changes that will end the time-saving game state is 100, the counting process by the normal map counting counter subtracts "1" from the count value of the normal map counting counter from the number of times "100" that the normal map changes each time. Not limited to this, the process of counting the number of times the normal map changes may also be to add "1" to the count value of the normal map counting counter from the initial value "0" each time the normal map changes.

[0149] Next, in process S213, it is determined whether the number of times the normal map has changed has reached the specified number of times the normal map has changed, which will end the time-saving game state. That is, it is determined whether the value counted in process S212 is "0" (in an addition configuration, it is determined whether it is "10"). If the determination is negative (process S213: No), the process proceeds to process S250 (see FIG. 15). If the determination is positive (process S213: Yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" in process S214. This ends the time-saving game, and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state.

[0150] Returning to Figure 15, the explanation of the normal map correctness determination process (process S200) will continue. In process S205, if the normal map is not being confirmed and the determination is negative (process S205: No), the main control device 40 determines whether there is a reserved memory of the normal map (process S220).

[0151] As a result, if there is no reserved memory of a normal map and the judgment is negative (process S220: No), the main control device 40 proceeds to normal map game processing (process S250). On the other hand, if there is reserved memory of a normal map and the judgment is positive (process S220: Yes), the main control device 40 performs a shift process of the reserved memory of the normal map (process S221) and makes a win / loss judgment based on the oldest reserved memory of the normal map. Also, in accordance with this process S221, the main control device 40 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved memories of the normal map. Then, after process S221, the process proceeds to process S222 shown in FIG. 17.

[0152] As shown in Fig. 17, in process S222, the main control device 40 checks whether the normal chance flag is "1". If the judgment is affirmative (process S222: Yes), in process S223, the main control device 40 executes a normal chance determination based on a high probability judgment table (high probability table) during time-saving play and a random number for determining whether the normal chance is a hit. Note that when the normal chance flag is 1, the normal chance function is activated, and as mentioned above, the normal chance function only operates in the third time-saving play state, so the normal chance flag is 1, and in other time-saving play states and normal play states, the normal chance flag is 0.

[0153] If the result of the process S222 is negative (process S222: No), the main control device 40 executes a process S224 in which it determines whether the normal drawing is a hit or not based on a judgment table (normal table) for low probability during non-time-reduced play and a random number for determining whether the normal drawing is a hit or not.

[0154] Next, if the result of these hit / miss judgments is a hit and the judgment is affirmative in process S225 (process S225: Yes), the main control device 40 determines the winning symbol of the normal symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol in process S226. Subsequently, in process S227, the main control device 40 determines the variation pattern based on the random number for determining the variation pattern. After that, in process S228, the main control device 40 executes a hit setting process to set the start interval time and end interval time of the winning game.

[0155] After the process S228, in the process S229, the main control device 40 transmits the reserved memory information including the information indicating the decrease of the reserved memory of the normal map to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received the reserved memory information, transmits the reserved memory information to the effect symbol control device 43, and updates the display contents of the normal map reserved display (not shown) on the effect symbol display device 46.

[0156] In the following process S230, the main control device 40 transmits a normal pattern variation start command to the sub-integrated control device 42. Process S230 is a pre-processing for performing a performance corresponding to the normal pattern on the performance pattern display device 46 in conjunction with the display of the normal pattern variation on the normal pattern display device 285. Specifically, the main control device 40 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 42, as a normal pattern variation start command, a pattern variation start command including the result of the hit / miss judgment and the normal pattern variation pattern, etc., and a performance designation command that designates a performance according to the winning pattern determined in process S226. After process S230, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S250 (see Figure 15).

[0157] On the other hand, if the result of the win / loss judgment in the process S225 is a loss and the judgment is negative (process S225: No), the main control device 40 determines a losing symbol based on the random number for determining a winning symbol in process S231. Next, a variation pattern is determined based on the random number for determining a variation pattern in process S232. Thereafter, the above-mentioned processes S229 and S230 are executed. After process S230, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S250 (see FIG. 15).

[0158] In processing S227 and S232, if the game state is a time-saving game state, the main control device 40 determines a variation pattern so that the normal game fluctuation time is shorter than in the normal game state. For example, if the game state is a normal game state, the main control device 40 selects a variation pattern with a fluctuation time of 6.2 seconds, and if the game state is a time-saving game state, it selects a variation pattern with a fluctuation time shorter than that in the normal game state. In this embodiment, there are three types of time-saving game states, each with a different fluctuation pattern, and the variation patterns are set so that the first time-saving game state has the longest average fluctuation time, followed by the second time-saving game state and the third time-saving game state.

[0159] (8-2. General game processing) Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, the "normal game processing" (process S250) executed in the normal game win / loss determination processing (process S200) will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, the main control device 40 determines whether the normal power device 22 is currently open (process S251) as the first processing executed in the normal game processing (process S250). Then, if the normal power device 22 is open and the determination is affirmative (process S251: Yes), the main control device 40 proceeds to process S252 shown in FIG. 19. In this embodiment, the normal power device may be opened multiple times as an opening operation. In that case, the determination of S251 that the device is currently open is a determination of whether multiple opening operations are being executed.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 19, in process S252, the main control device 40 determines whether four game balls have entered the normal power device 22 based on the detection signal of the second special symbol start switch 504. If the number of game balls entering the normal power device 22 has not reached four and the result is negative (process S252: No), the main control device 40 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal power device 22 was released (process S253). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the normal power device 22 was released and the result is negative (process S253: No), the main control device 40 ends the normal game process (process S250, see FIG. 18) and returns to the win / loss determination process (see FIG. 14). The opening time of the normal power device 22 is determined by the game status and the type of normal win (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0161] On the other hand, if the number of game balls entering the normal power device 22 reaches four and the determination is affirmative in process S252 (process S252: Yes), or if a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal power device 22 was opened and the determination is affirmative in process S252 (process S253: Yes), the main control device 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 513 to close the normal power device 22 (process S254). Subsequently, the main control device 40 executes an end interval process (process S255) that starts timing the end interval time. After process S255, the main control device 40 ends the normal game process (process S250) and returns.

[0162] Returning to Fig. 18, the explanation of the normal game process (process S250) will be continued. If the determination in process S251 is negative (process S251: No), the main control device 40 determines whether or not the end interval is in progress (process S256). As a result, if the determination is positive (process S256: Yes) and the end interval is in progress, the main control device 40 subsequently determines whether or not the end interval time has elapsed (process S257).

[0163] As a result, if the judgment in process S257 is affirmative (process S257: Yes), the main control device 40 executes processing for ending the winning game of the normal map in process S258, and transmits a winning game end command to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S259. Then, the sub-integrated control device 42, having received the winning game end command, ends the winning game presentation. After process S259, the main control device 40 ends the normal map game processing (process S250, see FIG. 18) and returns to the win / loss determination processing (see FIG. 14). On the other hand, if the end interval time has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (process S257: No), the main control device 40 ends the normal map game processing (process S250) as is and returns to the win / loss determination processing.

[0164] Furthermore, if the determination is negative in process S256 (process S256: No), the main control device 40 determines whether the start interval time has elapsed (process S260). As a result, if the determination is positive (process S260: Yes) and the start interval time has elapsed, the main control device 40 drives the normal power role solenoid 513 in process S261 to open the normal power role 22. On the other hand, if the determination is negative in process S260 (process S260: No), the main control device 40 ends the normal game process (process S250) as is and returns to the win / loss determination process.

[0165] (8-3. Special drawing approval / disapproval process) Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 20 to 30, the "special symbol win / loss determination process" (process S300) executed in the win / loss determination process (process S25, see Figure 14) will be described. The special symbol win / loss determination process (process S300) sequentially executes the "special symbol win / loss determination process" shown in Figures 20 to 24 and the "special game process" shown in Figures 25 to 30. In the following description, except when it is necessary to distinguish between the first special symbol and the second special symbol, both are considered to be equivalent and are simply referred to as "special symbol."

[0166] As shown in Fig. 20, in the "special symbol win / loss determination process", the main control device 40 first determines whether the jackpot flag indicating a jackpot is "0" in process S301. If the determination is negative (process S301: No), the "special symbol win / loss determination process" is terminated and the process proceeds to the "special game process" described later (see Fig. 21).

[0167] If the determination in step S301 is affirmative (step S301: Yes), the process proceeds to step S302, where it is determined whether the small win flag indicating that a small win is occurring is "0." If the determination is negative (step S302: No), the process proceeds to the "special game process" described later.

[0168] If the determination is affirmative in process S302 (process S302: Yes), it is determined in process S303 whether the variation of the special symbol is stopped. If the determination is affirmative (process S303: Yes), it is determined in process S304 whether the fixed symbol of the special symbol is not yet displayed.

[0169] If the determination is affirmative in process S304 (process S304: Yes), it is determined in process S305 whether there is a reserved memory of the second special design (process S305). If the determination is affirmative (process S305: Yes), a shift process of the reserved memory of the second special design is performed in process S306. By this shift process, the random number of the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the second special design is subjected to the judgment of correctness.

[0170] On the other hand, if the determination is negative in process S305 (process S305: No), it is determined in process S307 whether or not there is a reserved memory of the first special symbol. If the determination is affirmative (process S307: Yes), a shift process of the reserved memory of the first special symbol is performed in process S308. By this shift process, the random number of the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the first special symbol is the object of the judgment of correctness. In this way, the second special symbol is given priority over the first special symbol in determining whether it is a win or a loss. In process S307, if there is no reserved memory for either the first or second special symbol and the determination is negative (process S307: No), the process proceeds to "special game process".

[0171] Following process S306 or process S308, as shown in FIG. 21, in process S312, a win / loss determination is made by comparing the win / loss determination table with the random number for determining a jackpot, which is the random number that is the subject of the win / loss determination. Next, in process S313, it is determined whether the win / loss determination is a jackpot (a jackpot pattern). If it is a jackpot (a jackpot pattern) (process S313: Yes), a jackpot pattern is determined based on the value of the random number for determining a jackpot pattern, which is the random number that is the subject of the win / loss determination (process S314). In addition, the jackpot fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern, which is the random number that is the subject of the win / loss determination, and the current game state (normal game or time-saving game state) (process S315).

[0172] Next, in process S316, a jackpot content setting process is performed, and the content of the jackpot game (special game) (opening pattern of the first large winning slot 25, opening performance time, ending performance time, etc.) is set based on the value of the random number for determining the jackpot pattern.

[0173] Next, in process S317, information on the reserved memory after the execution of the pass / fail judgment (for example, information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory after the execution of the pass / fail judgment) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.

[0174] Next, in process S318, the first or second special symbol is displayed on the first or second special symbol display device 281 or 283, and a special symbol change start command and a symbol designation command containing data indicating the win / loss judgment result (such as big win, small win, or type of miss, whether or not there is a reach, and change time) are output to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43. This causes the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43 to start changing the pseudo effect symbol corresponding to the first or second special symbol on the effect symbol display device 46. The process then proceeds to "special game processing." The change start command and symbol designation command include the special symbol change pattern, the result of the special symbol win / loss judgment, and so on. Depending on the configuration, a symbol determination command may be sent to indicate the end of the change time. However, this is not essential, as the change time is specified in advance by the change pattern, etc.

[0175] If the determination in the process S313 is negative (process S313: No), a determination is made in process S320 as to whether the hit / miss determination in the process S312 is a small hit or not. If the determination is positive (process S320: Yes), a small hit symbol is determined in process S321 based on the random number for determining the small hit symbol of the second special symbol that is the target of the hit / miss determination.

[0176] Next, in process S322, based on the random number for determining the variation pattern of the second special symbol that is the subject of the hit / miss judgment, a variation pattern such as the variation time of the small hit symbol of the second special symbol is determined from a variation pattern table for variations other than when a pre-selected big hit occurs.

[0177] Next, in process S323, a small win setting process is performed. In this process, based on the determined small win symbol, the content of the small win game, the setting of the time of the small win start effect of the small win game performed by the effect symbol display device 46, the time of the small win end effect, etc. are set. After that, the process S317 and the process S318 are executed, and the process returns.

[0178] If the determination in step S320 is negative (step S320: No), the first or second special symbol is determined to be a loss, so the loss symbol of the second special symbol is determined in step S325, and in step S326, based on the random number for determining the variation pattern of the second special symbol that is the subject of the hit / miss determination, a variation pattern such as the variation time of the loss symbol is determined from a variation pattern table for variations other than a preselected jackpot. Next, in step S327, a loss setting process is performed. After that, step S317 and step S318 are executed, and then the process returns.

[0179] If the determination is negative in process S303 shown in Fig. 20 (process S303: No), it is determined whether the special symbol variation time has elapsed in process S340 as shown in Fig. 22. If the determination is negative (process S340: No), the process proceeds to "special game processing".

[0180] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S340 that the variable time has elapsed (step S340: Yes), a pattern stop command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43 in step S341.

[0181] Subsequently, in process S342, it is determined whether the symbol is a jackpot symbol. If the determination is affirmative (process S342: Yes), in process S343, a process is performed to confirm and display the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol on the first special symbol display device 281 or the second special symbol display device 283. Accordingly, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43 confirm and display, on the effect symbol display device 46, a pseudo effect symbol corresponding to the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[0182] Next, in process S344, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is "1" (if it is "1", it is in the time-saving gaming state). If the determination is affirmative (process S344: Yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" in process S345. This causes a transition from the time-saving gaming state to the normal gaming state.

[0183] Next, the operation of the condition device is started (process S346), and the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started (process S347). The condition device is a device necessary for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device in a jackpot game, and the accessory continuous operation device is a device that continuously operates the first special electric accessory. Then, in process S348, the jackpot flag is set to "1". After that, the process moves to "special game processing".

[0184] If the determination is negative in the process S342 (process S342: No), as shown in Fig. 23, it is determined in process S351 whether the symbol of the second special symbol is a small winning symbol. If the determination is negative (process S351: No), the process proceeds to process S353.

[0185] If the determination in step S351 is affirmative (step S351: Yes), the small win flag is set to "1" in step S352.

[0186] Next, in process S353, the main control device 40 performs a process to confirm and display the special symbol. In the case of a small win, the main control device 40 performs a process to confirm and display the small win symbol on the second special symbol display device 283. Accordingly, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43 confirm and display the pseudo effect symbol corresponding to the small win symbol of the second special symbol on the effect symbol display device 46. In the case of a miss, the first special symbol display device 281 or the second special symbol display device 283 performs a process to confirm and display the losing symbol of the first or second special symbol. Accordingly, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43 confirm and display the pseudo effect symbol corresponding to the losing symbol of the first or second special symbol on the effect symbol display device 46.

[0187] Next, in process S354, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is "1". If the determination is negative (process S354: No), the process proceeds to process S368. If the determination is affirmative (process S354: Yes), the process proceeds to process S355, where the number of times the first special symbol and the second special symbol have changed after the transition to the time-saving game state is counted by the special symbol counting counter. In this case, the number of times the first special symbol and the second special symbol have changed is the number of times each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol has changed.

[0188] For example, in this embodiment, the specified number of times that the first special symbol changes, which will end the continuation of the first time-saving game state, is 7 times, and the specified number of times that the second special symbol changes is 1 time, and it is desirable that the counting process by the special symbol counting counter subtracts "1" from the count value of each special symbol in the special symbol counting counter each time a special symbol changes. Not limited to this, the process of counting the number of times that the special symbol changes may also be a process of adding "1" to the count value of each special symbol in the special symbol counting counter from the initial value "0" each time a special symbol changes.

[0189] Next, in process S356, it is determined whether the number of times the special symbol has changed has reached the specified number of times that will end the time-saving game state. That is, it is determined whether the count value of the first special symbol or the second special symbol counted in process S355 is "0" (in an addition configuration, it is determined whether "the first special symbol is 7 or the second special symbol is 1"). If the determination is negative (process S356: No), the process proceeds to process S368. If the determination is positive (process S356: Yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" in process S357. This ends the time-saving game, the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state, and the process proceeds to S368. Although not shown in the figure, when the time-saving flag becomes 0, the normal symbol probability variable flag is also cleared to 0 if it was 1.

[0190] Next, in process S368, a state designation command indicating whether the current game state is a probability variable game state or a time-limited game state or the like is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 after the special symbol determination time. Note that the timing for sending the state designation command from the main control device 40 to the sub-integrated control device 42 is after the special symbol determination time, but the state designation command may also be sent when the special symbol variation starts and when the power is restored. After that, the process proceeds to "special game processing."

[0191] If the determination is affirmative in process S304 of Fig. 20 (process S304: No), it is determined whether or not the display time of the determined symbol has elapsed in process S370, as shown in Fig. 24. If the determination is affirmative (process S370: Yes), in the determined symbol display termination process of process S371, the first special symbol display device 281 or the second special symbol display device 283 terminates the display of the determined symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and a command regarding the termination of the determined symbol display is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance symbol control device 43, and then the process proceeds to "special game process".

[0192] In response to the command, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect pattern control device 43 end the confirmed display of the pseudo effect pattern corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern on the effect pattern display device 46.

[0193] If the determination in step S370 is negative (step S370: No), step S371 is skipped and the process proceeds to the "special game process."

[0194] (8-4. Special Game Processing) Next, with reference to Figures 25 to 30, the "special game processing" for executing small win games and big win games will be explained. As shown in Figure 27, the "special game processing" first determines whether the big win flag is "0" in processing S400. If the determination is affirmative (processing S400: Yes), it is not a big win, so it determines whether the small win flag is "0" in processing S401 (processing S401). If the determination is affirmative (processing S401: Yes), it is neither a big win nor a small win, so this "special game processing" is terminated and the process returns to the win / loss determination processing (see Figure 16).

[0195] If the determination is negative in process S401 (process S401: No), it is a small win, so in process S402 it is determined whether or not the small win start presentation is in progress (process S402). If the determination is positive and the small win presentation is in progress (process S402: Yes), it is determined in process S403 whether or not the small win start presentation has ended. If the determination is positive (process S403: Yes), in the second large prize opening process of process S404, the second special electric door of the second special electric device is activated to open the second large prize opening 26 in the opening pattern set in process S323 (Fig. 23). Next, in process S405, detection of a ball entering the specific area 262 of the second large winning opening 26 is validated.

[0196] If the determination is negative in process S402 (process S402: No), a determination is made in process S406 as to whether the second large prize opening 26 is currently open. If the determination is negative (process S406: No), a determination is made in process S407 as to whether the specific area 262 is valid. If the determination is negative (process S407: No), a determination is made in process S408 as to whether the small prize end presentation is currently in progress, and if the determination is positive (process S408: Yes), a determination is made in process S409 as to whether the small prize end presentation has ended. If the determination is positive (process S409: Yes), the small prize flag is reset to "0" in process S410, and the small prize game ends. Then, the process returns. Note that in this embodiment, the second large prize opening 26 is opened multiple times as one opening operation for a small prize. Therefore, "open" in S406 is a positive determination unless all opening operations have been completed.

[0197] If the determination in process S408 is negative (process S408: No), a small win start effect process is performed in process S411, and a small win start command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43. Then, the process returns.

[0198] If the second major prize opening 26 is open in process S406 and the determination is affirmative (process S406: Yes), then it is determined in process S420 whether the number of balls entering the second major prize opening 26 has reached the specified number of winning balls, 10 (process S420), as shown in Fig. 26. If the determination is affirmative (process S420: Yes), the second major prize opening 26 is closed in process S422. On the other hand, if the determination in process S420 is negative (process S420: No), it is determined in process S421 whether or not the opening time of the second large prize opening 26 has ended. If the determination is positive (process S421: Yes), the second large prize opening 26 is closed in process S422. Note that in S421, it is determined whether or not all opening operations (1 second x 6 times) due to small win games have ended.

[0199] If a negative judgment is made in process S421 (process S421: No), or if the specific area 262 is valid in process S407 (Figure 25) (process S407: Yes), then, as shown in Figure 27, it is determined in process S430 whether or not a ball has entered the specific area 262 (a winning ball).

[0200] If the determination in step S430 is affirmative (step S430: Yes), the operation of the condition device is started in step S431. Subsequently, the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started (step S432). Next, in process S433, it is determined whether the second large prize opening 26 is open. If the determination is affirmative (process S433: Yes), the second large prize opening 26 is closed in process S434, and further the specific area 262 is invalidated in process S435.

[0201] Then, the following process is performed in the bonus jackpot setting process of process S436. First, the opening pattern of the first large winning slot 25, the bonus jackpot start presentation time, the bonus jackpot end presentation time, etc. are set. Then, a bonus jackpot start command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the presentation symbol control device 43. Furthermore, in this process, the conditions for ending the time-saving game state to which the game is transitioned after the end of the jackpot game due to a special jackpot are set.

[0202] Next, in process S437, the small win flag is reset to "0". Next, the big win flag is set to "1" (process S438). This causes a transition from a small win to a special big win. Then, the process returns.

[0203] In this "special game processing," if a ball enters the specific area 262 while the second large prize opening 26 is open during a small prize game (process S421: No), the condition device and the accessory continuous operating device are immediately activated, the second large prize opening 26 is closed, and the game transitions to a special prize jackpot (process S430: Yes), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the number of balls entering the second large prize opening 26 reaches a specified number (process S420: Yes) or the opening time of the second large prize opening 26 ends (process S421: Yes), the second large prize opening 26 is closed, and it is checked whether or not a ball has entered the specific area 262, and if a ball has entered, the condition device and the accessory continuous operating device are activated, and the game transitions to a special prize jackpot. In addition, in this embodiment, the termination condition for both time-saving states is the execution of one variation of the second special symbol, and since only the second special symbol has a small jackpot win, the time-saving flag is always set to 0 when a small jackpot occurs. However, even in the time-saving state, there is no problem in providing a configurable time-saving state so that the time-saving state can be determined at the timing of a special jackpot by setting the number of small jackpots to multiple times or not setting the number of small jackpots. In that case, it is possible to set the time-saving flag to 0 after the special jackpot setting process of S436.

[0204] If the determination in process S430 is negative (process S430: No), it is checked in process S439 whether the valid period of the specific area 262 has ended. If the determination is positive (process S439: Yes), a small win end effect is set in process S440, and a small win end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43. Then, the process returns. Note that in this embodiment, the setting is such that the ball can easily enter the specific area 262 in a small win game, but it is possible that the ball will not enter the specific area 262 if the game ball is not launched or if a ball becomes stuck on the board. For this reason, it is conceivable that a failure effect will be executed when the sub-integrated control device receives the small win end command in S440.

[0205] If the determination is negative in process S400 shown in Fig. 25 (process S400: No), as shown in Fig. 28, it is determined in process S450 whether the first large prize opening 25 is currently open. If the determination is negative (process S450: No), it is determined in process S451 whether the large prize opening is in the interval between big prizes. If the determination is positive (process S451: Yes), it is determined in process S452 whether the interval has ended, and if the determination is positive (process S452: Yes), the first special electric door of the first special electric device is activated in process S453 to open the first large prize opening 25 in the next round of the large prize game. Then, it returns.

[0206] If the determination is negative in step S451 (step S451: No), it is determined in step S454 whether or not a jackpot end effect is currently being displayed. If the determination is negative (step S454: No), it is determined in step S455 whether or not a jackpot start effect is currently being displayed.

[0207] If the determination in step S455 is affirmative (step S455: Yes), it is determined in step S456 whether the jackpot start presentation time has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (step S456: Yes), the first special electric door of the first special electric device is activated in step S457 to open the first big prize opening 25 in the first round of the jackpot game. Then, the process returns.

[0208] If the determination in step S455 is negative (step S455: No), a jackpot start effect process is performed in step S458, and a jackpot start command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43. Then, the process returns.

[0209] If the determination in process S450 is affirmative (process S450: Yes), as shown in Fig. 29, it is determined in process S460 whether the number of balls entering the first major prize opening 25 has reached the specified number of winning balls, which is 10. If the determination is affirmative (process S460: Yes), the first major prize opening 25 is closed in process S462.

[0210] If the determination is negative in process S460 (process S460: No), it is determined in process S461 whether the opening time of the first large prize opening 25 has ended. If the determination is negative (process S461: No), the process returns. If the determination is positive (process S461: Yes), the first large prize opening 25 is closed in process S462.

[0211] Next, in process S463, it is determined whether the final round of the jackpot has ended. If the determination is affirmative (process S463: Yes), in process S464, a jackpot end effect process is performed, and a jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect symbol control device 43 (process S464). Then, the process returns.

[0212] If the determination in step S463 is negative (step S463: No), step S465 performs an interval between openings (jackpot interval) process, thereby transmitting a jackpot interval command to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance symbol control device 43. Then, the process returns.

[0213] If the determination is affirmative in process S454 (see FIG. 28) (process S454: Yes), it is determined whether or not the jackpot end presentation time has elapsed in process S470, as shown in FIG. 30. If the determination is negative (process S470: No), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (process S470: Yes), the condition device is stopped in process S471, and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (process S472).

[0214] Next, in process S473, it is determined whether or not to transition to a time-saving game state after the end of the jackpot game according to the jackpot symbol and the small jackpot symbol (process S473). If the determination is negative (process S470: No), the process proceeds to process S476.

[0215] In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to transition to one of the time-shortened game states after the end of a jackpot game, and the judgment in this process S473 is a positive judgment. If the judgment is positive (process S473: Yes), the time-shortened flag is set to "1" in process S474. In the following process S475, the process transitions to a subroutine (see FIG. 31) and a selection is made as to whether the time-shortened game is the first time-shortened game, the second time-shortened game, or the third time-shortened game.

[0216] As shown in Fig. 31, in the "time-saving game selection process", first, in process S480, it is determined whether the jackpot game is a jackpot that grants the first time-saving game. If the determination is affirmative (process S481: Yes), in process S481, the first time-saving game is selected as the time-saving game.

[0217] If the determination in the process S480 is negative (process S480: No), it is determined in process S482 whether the jackpot game is a jackpot that grants a second time-saving game. If the determination is positive (process S482: Yes), the second time-saving game is selected as the time-saving game in process S483.

[0218] If the result of the process S482 is negative (process S482: No), the jackpot game is determined to be a jackpot to which the third time-saving game is granted, and the third time-saving game is selected as the time-saving game in process S484. Furthermore, since the normal probability variation function is activated in the third time-saving game, the normal probability variation flag is set to 1.

[0219] After the execution of the process S481 or the process S483 or the process S485, in the process S486, the predetermined number of times of continuation of the time-saving game, that is, the special chart variation prescribed number of times and the normal chart variation prescribed number of times, are set in the respective counting counters (see FIG. 6(b)). Then, return.

[0220] Returning to FIG. 30, the explanation of the "special game processing" will continue. Following the above-mentioned process S475, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is set in process S476. As a result, after the end of the jackpot game, the game transitions to the first time-limited game state, the second time-limited game state, or the third time-limited game state set in S481, S483, or S484. At this time, the main control device 40 transmits a game state signal indicating the game state to be transitioned to the sub-integrated control device 42. The sub-integrated control device sets a different presentation mode depending on the type of time-limited game state received. Note that the sub-integrated control device 42 can also determine that the jackpot game has ended by receiving the game state signal. Then, in process S477, the jackpot flag is reset to "0" to end the jackpot game.

[0221] FIG. 32 shows a presentation mode setting process executed by the sub-integrated control device 42, which, upon receiving the game status signal transmitted in S476, assigns a presentation mode according to the type of time-saving game status indicated in the signal. First, in the processing of S476, it is determined whether a game state signal has been received (S490). If the determination is negative in S490 (S490: No), this processing is terminated. If the determination is positive (S490: Yes), it is determined whether the first special symbol was hit in the time-saving state (S491). If the determination is negative (S490: No), it is determined whether the transmitted game state is the first time-saving state (S492). If the first time-saving state is reached (S492: Yes), the presentation mode displayed by the processing of S493 is set to Battle Rush. If the first time-saving state is not reached (S492: No), it is determined whether the second time-saving state is reached (S494). If the determination is positive (S494: Yes), the presentation mode is set to True Battle Rush. If the determination is negative in S494 (S494: No), it is determined that the third time-saving state is reached, and the jackpot presentation continuation mode is set (S496). The various presentation modes will be described later with reference to FIG. If the result of S491 is affirmative (S491: Yes), the presentation mode for when a jackpot occurs is set (S497). That is, if the jackpot occurs on Special Chart 1 during Battle Rush, Battle Rush is set, and if the jackpot occurs on Special Chart 1 during True Battle, True Battle Rush is set. This process ends when the processes of S493, S495, S496, and S497 are completed. (9. Pachinko Machine 1 Performance Display) It is desirable that the pachinko machine 1 performs an effect that indicates to the player whether the game is in the normal game state, the first time-shortened game state, the second time-shortened game state, or the third time-shortened game state. For example, it is conceivable to indicate the game state by using different effect modes for each of the normal game state, the first time-shortened game state, the second time-shortened game state, and the third time-shortened game state.

[0222] Referring to Figures 33 and 34, we will explain the pseudo-pattern presentation of the first special chart and the second special chart, and examples of presentation displays corresponding to the presentation modes in each of the normal game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state.

[0223] In the pachinko machine 1, when the variation of the first special symbol begins in response to the win / loss determination, the variation of the pseudo-effect symbol corresponding to the first special symbol begins on the effect symbol display device 46. In the normal game mode, as shown in Fig. 33(a) for example, a large pseudo-effect symbol 700 consisting of three number symbols or the like corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol is displayed in the center of the display screen of the effect symbol display device 46. In addition, a first character image 710 of a bear character, which is the main character of the pachinko machine 1, is displayed on the upper right side of the display screen.

[0224] In addition, on the display screen of the effect symbol display device 46, a reserved effect area is provided in the lower part of the screen below the pseudo effect symbol 700, where the reserved memory of the first special symbol is displayed and a pre-reading effect based on the reserved memory is performed. In the reserved effect area, a first special symbol reserved symbol 721 indicating the reserved memory of the first special symbol is displayed on the left side.

[0225] In the pachinko machine 1, if there is a high expectation of a jackpot when the pseudo effect symbol 700 is changing, the pachinko machine 1 develops into a reach effect. In this case, as shown in Fig. 33(b), a reach suggestion display section 731 is displayed on the upper left side of the display screen of the effect symbol display device 46, and a large reach pseudo effect symbol 701 is displayed in the lower half of the display screen. In the reach pseudo effect symbol 701, the two symbols on both sides stop at the same symbol, and only the central symbol is changing.

[0226] If the result of the hit / miss judgment of the first special symbol is a big hit (a big hit symbol) or a small hit, the pachinko machine 1 displays a big hit suggestion display section 732 on the upper left side of the display screen of the effect symbol display device 46, as shown in FIG. 33(c). Then, a big hit pseudo effect symbol 702 consisting of three identical symbols corresponding to the big hit symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in a large, definitive manner in the lower half of the display screen. In addition, a bear character with a big smile is displayed as the first character image 710. In this embodiment, a small hit is essentially a big hit, so even in the case of a small hit, the pseudo effect symbol 702 identical to that of a big hit is displayed. While the display effect for announcing the result of the first special symbol win / loss determination in normal game mode was explained using FIG. 33, the second special symbol win / loss determination always results in a small win or a big win. Therefore, instead of displaying the result of the win / loss determination using a display effect as shown in FIG. 33, a dedicated display effect indicating the occurrence of a small win or a big win is executed. In this embodiment, because the variation of the second special symbol is advantageous, the content of the display effect for the first special symbol and the second special symbol in normal game mode is different to make it easier to understand which special symbol is changing. Furthermore, because the opening of the normal electric device 22 in normal game mode is almost impossible to achieve, the variation of the second special symbol in normal game mode is generally not executed. Therefore, if it occurs suddenly, the continuity of the display effect will be distorted, but the display effect may be the same as the display effect for the variation of the second special symbol in time-saving game mode.

[0227] Thus, in the normal game mode, the change in the effect pattern related to the result of the hit / miss judgment of the first special symbol, i.e., the special symbol, is the main focus, and the effect display mode related to the change in the first special symbol is executed. Also, although not shown, when the effect pattern changes, the expression of the bear character changes, or a second character image other than a bear, not shown, appears, thereby executing an expectation effect that indicates the expectation that the result of the hit / miss judgment is a jackpot. In addition to this, various types of expectation effects are available and are executed at various times. In the normal game mode, such expectation effects are determined based on the result of the hit / miss judgment of the first special symbol, and effects based on the result of the hit / miss judgment of the normal symbol are not executed.

[0228] Next, referring to Figure 34 The following describes the presentation modes according to the type of time-saving state. In the normal game state, as shown in Figure 33, the pachinko machine 1 is set to a bear presentation mode in which a "bear character" is the main character, but in the time-saving state, a different presentation mode is executed.

[0229] The pachinko machine 1 changes to a different presentation display mode (also referred to as a presentation mode) by transitioning between the first time-shortened play state and the second time-shortened play state. For example, as shown in FIG. 34(a) and (b), the pachinko machine 1 is set to a mode consisting of fighting images of two martial artists facing off in the first time-shortened play state and the second time-shortened play state. In the first time-shortened play state, the presentation display mode transitions to a mode called Battle Rush, as shown in FIG. 34(a). In Battle Rush, fighting images between a karateka character, the player's character displayed on the right, and a boxer character, the enemy character, displayed on the left, are displayed on the display screen of the presentation symbol display device 46. In the second time-shortened play state, the presentation display mode transitions to a True Battle Rush mode, as shown in FIG. 34(b). In True Battle Rush, fighting images between a karateka character, the player's character displayed on the right, and a karateka character, the enemy character, displayed on the left, are displayed on the display screen of the presentation symbol display device 46. The pseudo effect symbol 1700 displayed in the upper left corner corresponds to the variation of the normal symbol, and in the time-saving play mode, the effect symbol related to the variation of the normal symbol is displayed. When the normal symbol is a winning combination, the pseudo effect symbol 1700 indicates a win by stopping multiple identical symbols, as in the pseudo effect symbol 702. In both Battle Rush and True Battle Rush, the battle progresses before the pseudo effect symbol 1700 stops, and a winning combination is indicated when the player's character attacks the enemy character and achieves a favorable result. In addition, at the end of the time-saving play mode, a results screen is displayed showing the number of consecutive wins from the normal play mode through the time-saving play mode, the number of balls won, and other results. In the third time-saving game mode, the probability of a normal symbol winning is guaranteed, and since it is essentially merely a relay for an immediate jackpot, no special display mode is provided to display the effects as if the jackpot game is continuing. That is, even after the jackpot ends and the game transitions to the third time-saving game mode, the display mode of the jackpot game continues, and the display mode of the jackpot game continues for the normal symbol fluctuations, the jackpot during the normal symbol hit, and the resulting jackpots and small jackpots, making two jackpots appear as a single jackpot. However, a dedicated mode may also be provided for the third time-saving game mode. Furthermore, a part of the display device may be configured to display the normal symbol fluctuations and the occurrence of small jackpots and jackpots. Note that in this embodiment, the normal symbol reserved symbol indicating the reserved memory of the normal symbol is not displayed during any of the time-saving game modes, but a reserved symbol display area may be provided for displaying this.

[0230] Figure 34(c) shows the effect display when a jackpot variation of the first special symbol is executed in the first or second time-saving game mode. When a jackpot variation of the first special symbol is executed, the effect display related to the previously displayed effect mode switches to a special display mode showing a close-up of the player's character, the karateka, which lets the player know that the number of time-saving variations will increase. Even when the special display mode is executed, the pseudo effect symbol 1700 related to the normal symbol variation continues to be displayed. When the special display mode is executed, a pseudo effect symbol 702 indicating a jackpot, as shown in Figure 34(d), is displayed just before the end of the first special symbol variation. When the special display mode is executed, the effect symbol is also displayed as a confirmed symbol when the special symbol is confirmed, indicating that a jackpot has occurred. The special display mode of this embodiment simply displays a close-up of the player's character displayed in the time-saving game mode. Because it reuses existing image data, it is efficient because it does not require dedicated image data for irregular situations. When the pseudo effect symbol 1700 transitions to a jackpot game, the normal symbol itself does not cease to fluctuate, but the effect symbol fluctuation display does not occur, and the effect display executes the effect display mode for jackpot game. Also, in the time-saving game state, the expectation effect is executed as in the normal game state, but the expectation effect is executed based on the result of the normal symbol hit / miss judgment. Furthermore, the same expectation effect may be executed in the normal game state and the time-saving game state, or different expectation effects may be executed, or the same and different effects may be executed. In the time-saving game state, the special symbol basically only displays the effect indicating a hit when the special symbol fluctuates, so the expectation effect based on the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment is not executed. However, even in the time-saving game state, the expectation effect to indicate the type of jackpot based on the hit / miss judgment of the special symbol may be executed when the special display mode is displayed.

[0231] Regarding the variation of the second special chart, basically, when the normal chart is won and the normal electric device 22 is opened, a right-hit notification is displayed, and even if the normal electric device 22 is won and the second special chart starts to vary, the second special chart will win a small hit or a big hit, so no special display relating to the result of the win or loss is displayed, and the right-hit notification continues to be displayed, and if it is a big hit, the big hit game will start as is, and if it is a small hit, when the small hit game starts, the right-hit notification will continue and a display suggesting that the ball will enter the specific area 262 and aim for V will also be executed. Therefore, even when the variation of the second special chart begins, a special display mode is not executed as in the variation of the first special chart, and different display effects will be executed depending on the variation of the first special chart and the variation of the second special chart during the time-saving game state. In addition, in the first time-saving game state, a win occurs in which the normal electric device 22 opens for a short time, but since this is an opening time during which the ball cannot enter, even if the ball enters the second special chart starting hole 24 in that case, an unnatural effect connection will occur, but the effect display mode will be diverted and executed. In this case, there is no problem in providing a different effect mode.

[0232] In addition to the pseudo-effect symbols and reserved symbols, simple information displays may be provided in the display area on the edge of the effect symbol display device 46. The information display shows the changes in the special symbols and regular symbols, as well as the first special symbol, second special symbol, and regular symbol. This notifies the results by displaying the changes in the special symbols and regular symbols in a simple manner, such as alternating circles and crosses, and displays the number of reserved memories using only numbers. It is preferable to display this information in a small area on the edge of the display device so as not to interfere with the effect display. This information display should be displayed at all times, regardless of the game status. Such information displays only indicate the results and status and are not intended to entertain the player, so they are different from the effect display mode described in this embodiment.

[0233] The presentation mode after a jackpot using the first special symbol in the time-saving mode is the same as the presentation mode when a jackpot is won, with a total of 420 spins. Since neither jackpot is displayed in a distinctive way and the appearance is the same, players cannot tell whether they are in the first or second time-saving mode. However, the number of time-saving spins appears to increase, preventing players from feeling like they've lost even when they actually switch from the second time-saving mode to the first time-saving mode. Conversely, it can make players feel like they've gained. A jackpot using the first special symbol actually occurs in the time-saving mode after a jackpot from the normal mode, i.e., the time-saving mode after the initial hit, when a reserved memory held at the time of the initial hit happens to be a winning memory when a hit / miss determination is performed during the time-saving mode and the memory changes. Therefore, the probability of a jackpot using the first special symbol occurring during the time-saving mode after the initial hit, and then occurring with the remaining reserved memory, is extremely low. Therefore, basically, if a jackpot on the first special chart occurs during the time-saving period, the number of time-saving periods will increase from the current number, allowing the player to feel like they have gained something.

[0234] According to the embodiment described above, in a gaming machine in which the time-saving game state is displayed by the effect symbol display device 46 based on the variation of the normal symbol, a jackpot for the first special symbol during the time-saving game state increases the number of time-saving cycles compared to a jackpot during the normal game state. Furthermore, by executing a special display mode, which is a special effect, when the first special symbol undergoes a jackpot variation, it is possible to prevent players from being disappointed by winning a jackpot for the first special symbol, even if they were not originally expected to win. In this embodiment, when a jackpot for the first special symbol is selected, either the unfavorable first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state is selected. However, in either time-saving game state, it is possible to make it appear as if only the number of time-saving cycles has been increased without changing the presentation mode based on the game state at the time of winning. This prevents players from being disappointed even if they actually fall into the first time-saving game state during the second time-saving game state. Furthermore, when a jackpot for the first special symbol occurs during the first time-saving game state that arises from the normal game state, the subsequent time-saving cycle is always advantageous. Therefore, not only can the problem caused by the normal symbols and the special symbols fluctuating simultaneously in the time-shortened game state be solved, but the interest in the game can also be increased.

[0235] In this embodiment, if a jackpot is won using the first special symbol while in the time-saving play state, the presentation mode corresponding to the time-saving play state at the time of the win is set even after the jackpot, regardless of the type of time-saving play state to which the player is transitioned.However, if a jackpot is won using the first special symbol while in the time-saving play state, the player may be configured to transition to battle mode, which is the presentation mode for the first time-saving state, regardless of the type of jackpot. In this embodiment, if a jackpot is hit in the first time-saving game state, the number of time-saving modes is increased even when transitioning to the second time-saving game state. However, it is also possible to increase the number of time-saving modes only when transitioning to the first time-saving game state. In this case, the game may transition to a presentation mode corresponding to the time-saving game state to which the jackpot is reached after the jackpot. Increasing the number of time-saving modes in the second time-saving game state could result in situations where it would be advantageous to play with Special Chart 1 even during the time-saving game state. However, setting the number of time-saving modes only in the first time-saving game state can prevent this. Even when transitioning to the unfavorable first time-saving game state, the number of time-saving modes has increased, so the actual loss is small and the player can be prevented from feeling like they have lost money. [Explanation of symbols]

[0236] 1: Pachinko machine, 2: Game board, 20 Game area, L: Left game area, R: Right game area, 21: Normal symbol activation port (ball entry port), 22: Normal electric device, 23: First special symbol activation port (first activation port), 24: Second special symbol activation port (second activation port), 25: First large prize entry port, 26: Second large prize entry port, 262: Specific area, 281: First special symbol display device, 283: Second special symbol display device, 40: Main control device (normal symbol hit / miss determination means, special symbol hit / miss determination means, small hit game execution means, big hit game execution means, game state control means), 42: Sub-integrated control device, 46: Performance symbol display device

Claims

[Claim 1] A normal symbol winning / losing determination means for determining whether a normal symbol is winning or losing due to a ball entering a predetermined ball entrance; The first starting gate, which is always open to entry, A normal electric device that can be operated to change from a state where the game ball cannot enter or where it is difficult to enter to an open state where the game ball can enter easily, based on the result of the win / loss judgment by the normal winning / loss judgment means being a winner; A second starting hole into which the game ball that entered the normal electric device can enter; A special symbol winning / losing determination means for determining whether a special symbol has been won or lost due to a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole; A privilege state granting means for granting a privilege state based on the result of the judgment by the special drawing success / failure judgment means being a winner; In a gaming machine that can transition to an advantageous state in which the possibility of the normal electric device operating in an open state in which it is easy to enter the ball after the special state is higher than in a normal state, A performance display means for displaying a performance display for notifying the results of the normal drawing hit / miss judgment means and the special drawing hit / miss judgment means by using a variation of a plurality of performance patterns; The effect display means is capable of executing an expectation effect for showing the expectation degree for the result of the win / loss judgment during the effect display, A display setting means for setting the display of the special drawing hit / miss judgment means to be executable in the normal state, and the display of the normal drawing hit / miss judgment means to be executable in the advantageous state; The gaming machine is characterized by comprising a display setting means that, even in the advantageous state, if the special symbol hit / miss judgment means determines that a ball has entered the first starting hole and results in a hit, switches to the display of the special symbol hit / miss judgment means even if the display of the normal symbol hit / miss judgment means is being executed, but in the normal state, does not switch the display of the special symbol hit / miss judgment means that is currently being executed, even if the normal symbol hit / miss judgment means determines that a hit / miss judgment is a hit.

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