Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can detect the occurrence of special situations. [Solution] The gaming machine is configured such that, when the result of the normal symbol lottery is a predetermined result in an easy ball entry state, the movable member is displaced to a state where it is easy for balls to enter the second start opening, and the movable member is displaced to a state where it is difficult for balls to enter based on a predetermined number of balls entering the second start opening. When the normal symbol lottery results in a predetermined result in the predetermined easy ball entry state, a predetermined number of balls enter the second start opening, and a special game is performed a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number, the machine can transition to a predetermined easy ball entry state via a specific easy ball entry state. When a special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on the normal symbol lottery resulting in a predetermined result and balls entering the second start opening in the specific easy ball entry state, the effects performed in the special game can be made different from those when a special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on balls entering the second start opening in the predetermined easy ball entry state.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a gaming area where gaming balls (gaming values) move and a launching device that launches gaming balls into the gaming area is known. The pachinko gaming machine has a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is conducted. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a win, the gaming state shifts to a special gaming state, and a special game is executed in the special gaming state. In the special game, a large winning port provided in the gaming area operates in an open state, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of gaming balls into the large winning port (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a gaming machine, a special situation may occur, but a player may continue the game without noticing the occurrence of the special situation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of noticing the occurrence of a special situation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine including a gaming area (for example, gaming area 4) where gaming balls move, and launching gaming balls into the gaming area according to the operation of a player. A first start port (for example, a first start port 46) is located in a predetermined area within the game area, A second start port (for example, a second start port 49) is located in a region different from the predetermined region in the game area, A movable member (for example, a standard mechanism 54) that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating port (for example, a passing gate 48) that triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery, which involves displacing the movable member to a state that facilitates ball entry into the second starting port, In a special game that is performed when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is performed when a ball enters the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result, there is a large prize opening (for example, a large prize opening 50) that makes it easy for the ball to enter, If a special symbol lottery based on a random number obtained when a ball enters the first or second start opening cannot be performed, a holding storage means (for example, a special random number storage means 2914) for storing the obtained random number, The game includes a game state control means (for example, a game state control means 250) that can set game states including a ball entry easy state in which the movable member is relatively likely to be in a state in which ball entry into the second start opening is easy based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is relatively unlikely to be in a state in which ball entry into the second start opening is easy based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, In the aforementioned state of easy ball entry, if the result of the ordinary symbol lottery is a predetermined result favorable to the player, the movable member is displaced to a state in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the second start opening, and the movable member is configured to be displaced to a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start opening based on the entry of a predetermined number of game balls into the second start opening. The aforementioned easy ball entry state has multiple types of game states, and when the ordinary symbol lottery results in the predetermined outcome in a predetermined easy ball entry state, a predetermined number of game balls enter the second start gate, and the special game is executed a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on a random value obtained based on the balls entering the second start gate, the system is configured to transition to a specific easy ball entry state, which is entered when the special game is executed fewer than the predetermined number of times, and then transition to the predetermined easy ball entry state after the special game is executed a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number. When the regular symbol lottery results in the predetermined outcome in the specified ball entry easy state, and the movable member is displaced to a state where ball entry into the second start opening is easy, and the special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start opening, it is possible to make the performance executed in the special game different from when the special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on ball entry into the second start opening in the predetermined ball entry easy state.

[0007] With this configuration, if the transition of game states from a specific easy-entry state to a predetermined easy-entry state does not occur, and the player remains in the specific easy-entry state, the visual presentation can create a sense of unease in the player, suggesting the occurrence of a special situation that is different from the normal one. Therefore, it is possible to enable the player to notice when a special situation occurs. Furthermore, it is possible to treat the situation in which a special game occurs based on a ball entering the second starting gate in the specific easy-entry state as a special situation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to become aware of the occurrence of special circumstances. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. [Figure 2]This is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the regular pattern lottery table. [Figure 6] The same diagram shows the winning lottery table. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the pattern selection table. [Figure 8] This is a diagram explaining the display of the performance symbols and the reserved symbols. [Figure 9] This diagram also explains the relationship between the type of winning symbol and the game state to which it transitions. [Figure 10] This is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the type of winning symbol and the transition to the game state, as shown in the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and back" basically means that when the player is in front of the game machine, the player's side is "front" and the game machine side is "back." "Up and down" means that the top surface of the game machine is "up" and the bottom surface is "down." "Left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the game machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right." This embodiment will be explained using the application of the present invention to a pachinko game machine as an example, but the present invention is not limited to pachinko game machines and may be applied to other game machines as well.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is configured to play a game using game balls (game media, game values) lent out from a game arcade, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the outer surface of the gaming machine, a game board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a game area 4 through which the game balls move, an inner frame 7 holding the game board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible to the player but not accessible, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. Further, the front frame 10 is attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. Then, the inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) closing the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) opening the opening of the outer frame 2.

[0012] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material, a plurality of lamps 12 that output effect lights for enlivening the game are provided. Further, speakers 14 (acoustic devices, sound output means) that output effect sounds for enlivening the game are provided on the upper left and right and lower left and right of the upper part of the front frame 10.

[0013] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided at the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout port 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided at the left part of the inner side surface of the upper tray 16. Further, a grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine operates, and a game ball is launched into the game area 4. The launching device according to the present embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 game balls per second).

[0014] A supply port 22 for supplying game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. Below the upper tray 16, a lower tray 24 is provided for storing excess game balls when the upper tray 16 can no longer hold them all.

[0015] Furthermore, a performance button 26 (performance control means) is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance displayed on the game machine changes.

[0016] Figure 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area enclosed by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 on which the game balls move. In addition, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) located below the game board 6 into the game area 4.

[0017] In the center of the game board 6, there is a performance unit 36 ​​which includes a liquid crystal display 32 (performance display device, display means) that displays performance images and the like to enhance the game, and a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. Above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, there is a lamp 38 (lighting means) which is part of the performance unit 36 ​​and outputs performance lights and the like to enhance the game.

[0018] In this embodiment, the game balls are prevented from passing in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launcher fall into either the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 or the game area 4b on the right side. In addition, numerous game pins (not shown) are driven into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, causing the direction of movement of the game balls as they move through the game area 4 to change randomly.

[0019] Furthermore, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling from the game area 4a to the left of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 located below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of this stage 44 is a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downwards from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downwards from near the center of the stage 44.

[0020] Below the center of the stage 44, there is a first starting port 46 (first area) into which game balls that have fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. Inside the first starting port 46, there is a first starting port switch 100 (see Figure 4) that detects game balls that have entered the first starting port 46. When the first starting port switch 100 detects a game ball (a game ball entering the first starting port 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then executes the first special symbol lottery (first lottery) as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the first starting port switch 100. The main control board 200 also causes the payout device 130 (see Figure 4) to dispense a prize ball (1 ball) based on the input of the detection signal from the first starting port switch 100. Furthermore, any game balls that enter the first starting opening 46 are collected inside the game machine.

[0021] To the left of the first start opening 46 in the game area 4, there are multiple (3) general prize openings 47 (upper left general prize opening 47a, left-center general prize opening 47b, and lower left general prize opening 47c). The game board 6 is also equipped with a general prize opening switch 101 (see Figure 4) that detects game balls that enter the upper left general prize opening 47a, left-center general prize opening 47b, or lower left general prize opening 47c. When the general prize opening switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general prize opening 47a, left-center general prize opening 47b, or lower left general prize opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then causes the payout device 130 to perform a prize ball payout operation based on the input of the detection signal from the general prize opening switch 101. Furthermore, one general prize slot switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize slot 47a, the left middle general prize slot 47b, and the lower left general prize slot 47c, or one may be provided for multiple (for example, three) general prize slots 47. In addition, general prize slots 47 and general prize slot switches corresponding to these general prize slots may also be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, a passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. A gate switch 102 (see Figure 4) is also installed inside the passage gate 48 to detect when a game ball has passed through. When the gate switch 102 detects a game ball (passing through the passage gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then performs a regular symbol lottery to determine whether a regular win has occurred, based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102.

[0023] Furthermore, a second start port 49 (a predetermined area, a second area) is provided below the passage gate 48 in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. Inside the second start port 49, a second start port switch 103 (see Figure 4) is installed to detect game balls that have entered the second start port 49. When the second start port switch 103 detects a game ball (a game ball entering the second start port 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then executes a second special symbol lottery (second lottery) as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. The main control board 200 also causes the payout device 130 to dispense a prize ball (1 ball) based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. Game balls that have entered the second start port 49 are collected inside the game machine.

[0024] The second starting opening 49 is provided with a regular mechanism 54 (movable member) that can operate between a reduced state (closed state) (a state in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the second starting opening 49) and an enlarged state (open state) (a state in which it is easy for game balls to enter the second starting opening 49). The regular mechanism 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid and is controlled to enter the enlarged state (open state) under predetermined conditions when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery.

[0025] Furthermore, a large prize slot 50 (third area) is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see Figure 4) for detecting game balls that have entered the large prize slot 50 is installed inside the large prize slot 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (a game ball entering the large prize slot 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then causes the payout device 130 to dispense prize balls (10 balls) based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104. The main control board 200 also counts the number of game balls that have entered the large prize slot 50 based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104. The game balls that have entered the large prize slot 50 are then collected inside the game machine.

[0026] The large prize slot 50 is equipped with a special mechanism 56 (movable member) that can operate between a closed state (inaccessible state) in which game balls cannot enter the large prize slot 50 and an open state (inaccessible state) in which game balls can enter. The special mechanism 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid and is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in the special game state which is started when a big win is achieved in the special symbol lottery. The special mechanism 56 is also controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in the minor win game state which is started when a minor win is achieved in the special symbol lottery.

[0027] The large prize opening 50 is provided with a specific area (not shown), a discharge area (not shown), and a distribution means (not shown) that distributes game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to either the specific area or the discharge area. A specific area switch 107 (see Figure 4) is provided in the specific area. The specific area switch 107 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of game balls passing through the specific area (passage of the specific area by game balls). The distribution means can be switched between a specific area passage state, in which game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area, and a non-specific area passage state, in which game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the discharge area. That is, when the distribution means is switched to the specific area passage state, game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area. As a result, it becomes impossible for game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to pass through the discharge area. On the other hand, when the sorting means is displaced to a state where it does not pass through a specific area, game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are sorted into the discharge area. This makes it impossible for game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to pass through the specific area. The sorting means is displaced by the specific area solenoid. Game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are first detected by the count switch 104, and then sorted by the sorting means into either the specific area or the discharge area, and after passing through that area, are discharged into the discharge path. At this time, game balls sorted into the specific area are detected by the specific area switch 107.

[0028] Furthermore, at the bottom of the game area 4, there is an outlet 62 for collecting game balls that fall out of the game area 4 without entering any of the prize winning openings 46, 47, 49, or 50 into the game machine. Inside the game machine, there is an outlet passage (not shown) through which the game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. In this game machine, all game balls launched into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) are configured to pass through the outlet passage. That is, game balls launched into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the outlet passage by entering any of the prize winning openings 46, 47, 49, or 50 or by passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, game balls that enter each prize winning opening 46, 47, 49, or 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, or 104 located inside the prize winning opening, and then guided to the outlet passage. Furthermore, the game balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see Figure 4) is also installed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects game balls passing through the discharge path (discharge of game balls from the game area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then counts the number of game balls discharged from the game area 4 based on the detection signal input from the out switch 106.

[0029] The game ball launching device is configured such that the launching force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4a (first game area, left-handed area) on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4b (second game area, right-handed area) on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0030] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left game area 4a, or passes through the opening 40, passage 42, and stage 44 and enters the first starting opening 46 (left-handed shot), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right game area 4b, passes through the passage gate 48, or enters the second starting opening 49, or enters the large prize opening 50 (right-handed shot). Left-handed shot may be called the first game method, and right-handed shot may be called the second game method.

[0031] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a game ball falls through the left-side game area 4a, the game ball does not pass through the passage gate 48, and therefore does not enter (win) the second start opening 49 or the large prize opening 50. Also, when a game ball falls through the right-side game area 4b, the game ball does not enter the first start opening 46.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, a status indicator unit 70 is provided in the lower right part of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, which indicates the various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0033] Figure 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in Figure 3, the status display unit 70 is equipped with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 81, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0034] The regular symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps. When a regular symbol lottery is held, the two lamps flash to display a changing regular symbol, and the two lamps light up or turn off to display a stopped regular symbol, thereby displaying the result of the regular symbol lottery.

[0035] The normal hold display unit 74 consists of two lamps and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of normal hold numbers that are held, when a normal symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or when a normal symbol lottery cannot be performed even if a random value for normal symbol lottery is acquired. The normal hold number is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps.

[0036] The first special symbol display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the first start opening 46 and a lottery for the first special symbol is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the first special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the first special symbol in a stationary state, thereby displaying the result of the lottery for the first special symbol.

[0037] The first special reserve display unit 78 consists of two lamps and displays the number of first special reserves corresponding to the number of first special random values ​​that are being held in reserve when, for example, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball enters the first start opening 46, and even if a random value for special symbol lottery (lottery information) is acquired, a special symbol lottery cannot be performed. The first special reserve display unit 78 displays 0 to 4 first special reserves by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the two lamps.

[0038] The second special symbol display unit 81 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the second start opening 49 and a second special symbol lottery is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the second special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the second special symbol in a stationary state, thereby displaying the result of the second special symbol lottery.

[0039] The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps and displays the number of second special reserves corresponding to the number of second special reserves that are being held in reserve when a game ball enters the second start opening 49 and the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state, or when a random value for special symbol lottery cannot be obtained but a special symbol lottery cannot be performed. The second special reserve display unit 82 displays the number of second special reserves corresponding to the number of second special random values ​​that are being held in reserve. The number of second special reserves can be displayed from 0 to 1 by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the second special reserve is 1.

[0040] The game state display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and the type of game state currently set is displayed by the combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the six lamps. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, multiple types of game states can be set, including the normal state, the time-saving state (1st time-saving state, 2nd time-saving state, 3rd time-saving state, 4th time-saving state, 5th time-saving state, 6th time-saving state, 7th time-saving state), and the special game state. Compared to the normal state, the time for the variation of the 1st special symbol or the 2nd special symbol is shortened, and the trigger for executing the special symbol lottery occurs more frequently.

[0041] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main control board 200 (game control means) and a sub-control board 202. The functions of each board, such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0042] The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the gate switch 102, the first start gate switch 100, the second start gate switch 103, the general prize gate switch 101, the count switch 104, the out switch 106, and the specific area switch 107, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the regular prize 54, the special prize 56, and the payout device 130 based on the calculation results.

[0043] Furthermore, the sub-control board 202 receives signals from the main control board 200 and input signals from the performance button switch 150 that detects operations on the performance button 26, performs various calculations to execute performances in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the operation of performance devices such as lamps 12, 38, speaker 14, and liquid crystal display 32 based on the calculation results.

[0044] The main control board 200 is composed of a random number generation means 210, a normal symbol lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal prize control means 224, a special symbol lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a small win game execution means 262, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290, etc.

[0045] The random number generation means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is implemented by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0046] (Regular pattern drawing) The normal symbol lottery means 220, based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102 which detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, obtains a random value for normal symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 and stores it in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290. The normal symbol lottery is then performed to determine whether a normal win occurs based on the random value for normal symbol lottery read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0047] In detail, the ordinary random number storage means 2912 is provided with four ordinary hold storage areas, ordinary hold storage area 1 to ordinary hold storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired ordinary symbol lottery random values, and one ordinary hold storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the ordinary symbol lottery random values ​​read from ordinary hold storage area 1 and used for the ordinary symbol lottery until the display of the changing and stopping of the ordinary symbols is finished.

[0048] Then, when the normal symbol lottery means 220 obtains a random value for normal symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210, if the random value for normal symbol lottery is not stored in any of the normal hold memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the obtained random value for normal symbol lottery in normal hold memory area 1. Then, when the random value for normal symbol lottery is stored in normal hold memory area 1, if the normal symbol is not in a fluctuating display or stopped display, that is, if the random value for normal symbol lottery is not stored in the normal hold memory area and control to open the normal mechanism 54 is not being executed, it immediately reads the random value for normal symbol lottery from normal hold memory area 1 and performs a normal symbol lottery, and stores the random value for normal symbol lottery obtained from the normal symbol lottery in the normal hold memory area. On the other hand, if the regular symbols are in a variable display state or stopped display state, that is, if a random value for the regular symbol lottery is stored in the regular symbol hold memory area, or if control is being executed to open the regular mechanism 54, the random value for the regular symbol lottery is held in the regular symbol hold memory area 1.

[0049] Then, if a random value for normal symbol lottery is already held in the normal hold memory area 1, and a detection signal is input from the gate switch 102 to acquire a random value for normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol lottery means 220, on the condition that the number of random values ​​for normal symbol lottery held in normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, that is, on the condition that the number of normal hold values ​​is less than 4, stores the random value for normal symbol lottery in the normal hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 that does not currently hold a random value for normal symbol lottery.

[0050] Then, when the display of the variation and stop of the normal symbols is finished, the normal symbol lottery means 220 erases the random values ​​for normal symbol lottery stored in the normal reserve memory area. If there are random values ​​for normal symbol lottery stored in normal reserve memory area 1, and provided that control to open the normal mechanism 54 is not currently being executed, it reads the random values ​​for normal symbol lottery from normal reserve memory area 1 to perform a normal symbol lottery, and stores the random values ​​for normal symbol lottery that were used in the normal symbol lottery in the normal reserve memory area. If there are any remaining random values ​​for normal symbol lottery in normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining random values ​​for normal symbol lottery are moved from the original normal reserve memory area to a normal reserve memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, if there are any remaining random values ​​for normal symbol lottery in normal reserve memory area 2 to normal reserve memory area 3, they are moved to normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 2.

[0051] Thus, in the ordinary random number storage means 2912, random numbers for ordinary symbol lottery in which an ordinary symbol lottery has been conducted are stored in the ordinary reserve storage area up to a maximum of 1, and random numbers for ordinary symbol lottery in which an ordinary symbol lottery has not been conducted are stored in ordinary reserve storage areas 1 to 4 up to a maximum of 4.

[0052] The details of the regular symbol lottery will be explained below. The regular symbol lottery means 220 performs a regular win determination process, a regular symbol determination process, and so on as part of the regular symbol lottery.

[0053] The normal win determination process is the process of determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs a random number determination process by referring to the normal win lottery table stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290.

[0054] In this embodiment, the normal win lottery table associates a normal win with each of the 100 normal symbol lottery random numbers from 0 to 99, and the probability of winning a normal win in the normal symbol lottery is 1 / 1 (100 / 100). In other words, the normal win lottery table is set up so that there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning a normal win, with the correspondence between normal wins and random numbers being set. The normal symbol lottery means 220 refers to the normal win lottery table and determines whether a normal win has been won by determining whether a random number for normal symbol lottery read from the normal hold storage area 1 of the normal random number storage means 2912 is associated with a normal win.

[0055] In this embodiment, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects the normal win lottery table regardless of the game state. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal win in the normal symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0056] The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal win is achieved in the normal win determination process, and it is the process of determining which of several normal win symbols will be the normal win symbol (type of normal win). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the types are set as "Normal Symbol 1", "Normal Symbol 2", and "Normal Symbol 3". In the normal symbol determination process, the probability of "Normal Symbol 1" being determined (winning probability) is approximately 65 / 66, the probability of "Normal Symbol 2" being determined (winning probability) is approximately 1 / 66, and the probability of "Normal Symbol 3" being determined (winning probability) is approximately 1 / 1008. In other words, in the normal symbol determination process, the probability of either "Normal Symbol 2" or "Normal Symbol 3" being determined (winning probability) is approximately 1 / 66.

[0057] In this embodiment, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery, the regular mechanism 54 is opened (opened and closed) according to the type of regular win determined. In this embodiment, two types of opening patterns for the regular mechanism 54 are set: a short opening pattern (first opening pattern) and a long opening pattern (second opening pattern). The short opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it difficult for game balls to enter the second start opening 49. In the short opening pattern, the time during which the regular mechanism 54 is in the open state (expanded state) is set to be shorter compared to the long opening pattern. For example, in the short opening pattern, the number of times the regular mechanism 54 is opened is set to 1, and the opening time of the regular mechanism 54 is set to approximately 0.05 [s]. The long opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it easy for game balls to enter the second start opening 49. In the long opening pattern, the time during which the regular mechanism 54 is in the open state (expanded state) is set to be longer compared to the short opening pattern. In the long opening pattern, for example, the number of times the regular mechanism 54 opens is set to 1 (or 4), and the opening time of the regular mechanism 54 is set to approximately 6 seconds (or the sum of the opening times of the regular mechanism 54 for each opening is set to approximately 5.5 seconds). Therefore, if the long opening pattern is selected as the opening pattern for the regular mechanism 54, it is almost certain that the game ball will enter the second starting opening 49 if the game is played by shooting to the right.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the closing condition of the normal mechanism 54 is met based on the entry of a specified number of game balls into the second start opening 49, and the operation of the normal mechanism 54 ends (the normal mechanism 54 becomes retracted (closed)). In this embodiment, the specified number is 2, but it may be 3 or more. That is, in this embodiment, when the long opening pattern is selected, the entry of 2 (specified number) game balls into the second start opening 49 is permitted. And in this embodiment, when the long opening pattern is selected, the opening and closing control of the normal mechanism 54 and the arrangement of the second start opening 49 are set so that if the game is played by shooting to the right, it is almost certain that 2 game balls will be entered into the second start opening 49.

[0059] In the normal symbol determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects which of the multiple normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to for random number determination processing, according to the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed.

[0060] When the game state is normal, the normal symbol lottery table A shown in Figure 5(a) is selected. In this case, regardless of whether "Normal Symbol 1" to "Normal Symbol 3" is selected during the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is set. As a result, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, the short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0061] If the game state is the first or fourth time-saving state, the regular symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 5(b) is selected. In this case, if "Regular Symbol 1" is determined in the regular symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is selected, and if "Regular Symbol 2" or "Regular Symbol 3" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected. As a result, if a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of approximately 1 / 66.

[0062] When the game state is the 7th time-saving state, the regular symbol lottery table C shown in Figure 5(c) is selected. In this case, regardless of whether "Regular Symbol 1" to "Regular Symbol 3" is determined in the regular symbol determination process, the long opening pattern is set. As a result, if a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery during the 7th time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a 1 / 1 probability.

[0063] When the game state is the 2nd time-saving state, 3rd time-saving state, 5th time-saving state, or 6th time-saving state, the regular symbol lottery table D shown in Figure 5(d) is selected. In this case, if "Regular Symbol 1" or "Regular Symbol 2" is determined in the regular symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is selected, and if "Regular Symbol 3" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected. As a result, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery in the 2nd time-saving state, 3rd time-saving state, 5th time-saving state, or 6th time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of approximately 1 / 1008.

[0064] The probability of selecting the long opening pattern when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery differs between the 1st to 6th time-saving states and the 7th time-saving state. Furthermore, the probability is higher in the 7th time-saving state than in the 1st to 6th time-saving states. Also, the probability is higher in the 1st and 4th time-saving states than in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th time-saving states. In the 1st to 7th time-saving states, the regular mechanism 54 is operated in such a way that it is easier for the game ball to enter the 2nd start opening 49 than in the normal state, making it a more advantageous state for the player than in the normal state.

[0065] The normal symbol lottery means 220 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbols according to the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed (normal variation pattern determination process). In this embodiment, when the game state is a time-saving state (1st time-saving state to 7th time-saving state), the variation time of the normal symbols is set to be shorter than when the game state is a normal state. Note that the variation time of the normal symbols may differ for each of the 1st time-saving states to 7th time-saving states.

[0066] The normal display control means 222 performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery.

[0067] In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 222 makes the normal symbols change by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until the change time corresponding to the change pattern of the normal symbols determined in the normal change pattern determination process has elapsed. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol display unit 72 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 to stop the normal symbols, depending on whether or not a normal win has been achieved.

[0068] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, according to the number of random values ​​for normal symbol lottery stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0069] The ordinary feature control means 224 (movable member control means) is a means for controlling the ordinary feature drive device based on the lottery result of the ordinary symbol lottery, and performs ordinary feature control processing. In the ordinary feature control processing, when the ordinary symbols stop and are displayed in a manner indicating a winning ordinary prize, the drive control of the ordinary feature drive device is performed so that the ordinary feature 54 opens (opens and closes) in a determined opening pattern (opening mode / opening and closing mode).

[0070] In addition, in the normal symbol lottery, the system may be configured such that a decision to open the normal mechanism 54 is made based on the game state or other conditions, and the lottery process is not executed. In such a configuration, for example, the system may be configured to uniformly decide to open the normal mechanism 54 only when the gate switch 102 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 48 during the time-saving state.

[0071] (Special design lottery) The special symbol lottery means 230 (lottery information acquisition means, lottery means) acquires a random value for special symbol lottery (lottery information) from the random number generation means 210 based on a detection signal input from the first start-up switch 100, which detects each game ball entering the first start-up 46, and stores it in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290 as the first special random value (first lottery information). The special symbol lottery means 230 also acquires a random value for special symbol lottery (lottery information) from the random number generation means 210 based on a detection signal input from the second start-up switch 103, which detects each game ball entering the second start-up 49, and stores it in the special random number storage means 2914 as the second special random value (second lottery information). Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 uses the first special random number or the second special random number read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won.

[0072] The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with four first special reserve storage areas, from the first special reserve storage area 1 to the first special reserve storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired first special random number value. One first special reserve storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the first special random number value read from the first special reserve storage area 1 and used for the special symbol lottery, until the variation display and stop display of the first special symbol are completed.

[0073] When the special symbol lottery means 230 receives a detection signal from the first start switch 100 and acquires a random value for special symbol lottery, if the first special random value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random value for special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area 1 as the first special random value. Then, when the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol is not being displayed in a fluctuating or stopped state, that is, if the first special random value is not stored in the first special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a minor win game is not being executed, it immediately reads the first special random value from the first special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random value obtained from the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special symbol is in a variable display state or stopped display state, that is, if the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area, or if the game state is a special game state, or if a minor win game is being played, the first special random value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0074] Then, if a detection signal is input from the first start switch 100 while a first special random value is being held in the first special hold memory area 1, and a random value for special symbol lottery is obtained, the special symbol lottery means 230 stores the first special random value in the first special hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4, which is a hold memory area where no first special random value is being held and which has the smallest ordinal number, provided that the number of first special random values ​​being held in the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, that is, provided that the number of first special holds is less than 4.

[0075] The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with one second special reserve storage area as a storage area for storing the acquired second special random number value, and one second special reserve storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the second special random number value read from the second special reserve storage area and used for the special symbol lottery until the variation display and stop display of the second special symbol are finished.

[0076] When the special symbol lottery means 230 receives a detection signal from the second start switch 103 and acquires a random value for special symbol lottery, if the second special random value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, it first stores the acquired random value for special symbol lottery in the second special reserve memory area as the second special random value. Then, when the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, if the second special symbol is not being displayed in a fluctuating or stopped state, that is, if the second special random value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a minor win game is not being executed, it immediately reads the second special random value from the second special reserve memory area to perform a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random value obtained from the special symbol lottery in the second special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the second special symbol is in a fluctuating or stopped state, that is, if the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or if the game state is a special game state, or if a minor win game is being played, the second special random value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area.

[0077] Furthermore, when a detection signal is input from the second start switch 103 and a random value for special symbol lottery is obtained, the special symbol lottery means 230 stores the second special random value in the second special reserve memory area as a second special random value, provided that the number of second special random values ​​held in the second special reserve memory area is less than one, that is, provided that the number of second special reserves is zero.

[0078] When the variation and stop display of the first special symbol is finished, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the first special random value stored in the first special reserve memory area. If the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, and provided that the game state is not a special game state and a minor win game is not in progress, the first special random value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, and the first special random value obtained from the special symbol lottery is stored in the first special reserve memory area.

[0079] When the special symbol lottery means 230 finishes displaying the variation and stopping of the second special symbol, it erases the second special random value stored in the second special reserve memory area. If the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, and provided that the game state is not a special game state and a minor win game is not in progress, it reads the second special random value from the second special reserve memory area to perform a special symbol lottery and stores the second special random value obtained from the special symbol lottery in the second special reserve memory area.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first special random number and the second special random number are not processed in parallel but one at a time. Therefore, the display of the second special symbol will not start while the first special symbol is being displayed, nor will the display of the first special symbol start while the second special symbol is being displayed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special symbol lottery means 230 does not perform any control to prioritize the processing of the first special random number and the second special random number based on whether it is the first or second special random number, but rather reads them in the order they are stored in the special random number storage means 2914 and performs the special symbol lottery. That is, the first special random number and the second special random number are processed in the order in which the game ball enters the first start opening 46 or the second start opening 49. Furthermore, the special symbol lottery means 230 may, if a first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, read the first special random value from the first special reserve memory area 1 and perform a special symbol lottery, provided that a second special random value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area. If a second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, even if the first special random value is stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, read the second special random value from the second special reserve memory area and perform a special symbol lottery. In other words, the second special random value may be processed with priority over the first special random value. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 may be capable of processing the first and second special random values ​​in parallel, and it may be possible for the display of the second special symbol to start while the first special symbol is being displayed, or for the display of the first special symbol to start while the second special symbol is being displayed.

[0081] When the first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if there are still first special random values ​​remaining in the first special reserved memory area 2 and beyond, the remaining first special random values ​​are moved to a special reserved memory area with an ordinal number one smaller than the original special reserved memory area. For example, when the first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if there are still first special random values ​​remaining in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 through 4, the first special random values ​​stored in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 through 4 are moved to each of the first special reserved memory areas 1 through 3.

[0082] In the special random number storage means 2914, up to four first special random numbers that have not been drawn for special symbols are stored in the first special reserve storage area 1 to the first special reserve storage area 4. In addition, up to one second special random number that has not been drawn for special symbols is stored in the second special reserve storage area.

[0083] Next, the details of the special symbol lottery will be explained. Based on the detection signal input from the first start switch 100 or the second start switch 103, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random numbers, such as a winning determination random number and a symbol determination random number, as random numbers for the special symbol lottery, and stores these multiple types of random numbers in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or the second special random number. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs the winning determination process, the symbol determination process, etc., as part of the special symbol lottery.

[0084] The win determination process involves reading one win determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the first special reserved storage area 1 or second special reserved storage area of ​​the special random number storage means 2914, and determining whether it is a big win or a small win. Here, one win determination random number is obtained from 65,536 win determination random numbers ranging from 0 to 65,535 based on a detection signal input from the first start switch 100 or the second start switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or second special random number.

[0085] In the winning determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of winning lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to for random number determination processing, depending on whether the single winning determination random number read out was stored as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0086] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the winning lottery table A shown in Figure 6(a) and the winning lottery table B shown in Figure 6(b). In each winning lottery table, each of the 65,536 random winning values ​​from 0 to 65,535 is associated with a grand prize, a minor prize, etc.

[0087] The winning lottery table A is selected when determining a win for the first special random value, and the correspondence between each judgment result and the winning determination random value is set so that a "jackpot" is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 99.9 and a "miss" is won with a probability of approximately 98.9 / 99.9. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the winning lottery table A and determines whether the winning determination random value read from the first special reserve memory area 1 is associated with a "jackpot" or a "miss," thereby determining whether a "jackpot" or a "miss" has been won. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "jackpot" or a "miss" in the first special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0088] The winning lottery table B is selected when determining the winning outcome for the second special random value, and the correspondence between the judgment result and the winning determination random value is set so that a "big win" is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 99.9 and a "small win" is won with a probability of approximately 98.9 / 99.9. In other words, the correspondence between the judgment result and the winning determination random value is set so that a "small win" is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 1. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the winning lottery table B and determines whether the winning determination random value read from the second special reserve memory area is associated with a "big win" or a "small win," thereby determining whether a "big win" or a "small win" has been won. In this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery is designed so that a "win" ("big win" or "small win") is always achieved, and a "loss" is never achieved. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "big win" or a "small win" in the second special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0089] The symbol determination process is performed when a "big win" or "minor win" is selected during the win determination process. The symbol determination process reads one symbol determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the first special reserve storage area 1 or second special reserve storage area of ​​the special random number storage means 2914. If a "big win" is selected, the process determines which of the multiple big win symbols will be the big win symbol (type of big win), and if a "minor win" is selected, the process determines which of the multiple minor win symbols will be the minor win symbol (type of minor win). Here, one symbol determination random number is obtained from 100 symbol determination random numbers from 0 to 99 based on detection signals input from the first start switch 100 and the second start switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or second special random number.

[0090] In the pattern determination process, the special pattern lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to for random number determination processing, depending on whether the random number value read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0091] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 7(a), the pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 7(b), and the pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 7(c). In each pattern lottery table, a predetermined pattern is associated with each of the random numbers used to determine the pattern.

[0092] The symbol lottery table A shown in Figure 7(a) is selected when a "jackpot" is won and one of the read symbol determination random values ​​is stored as the first special random value. The correspondence between symbols and symbol determination random values ​​is set so that "winning symbol 1" is won with a probability of approximately 0.5%, "winning symbol 2" with a probability of approximately 25%, "winning symbol 3" with a probability of approximately 24.5%, and "winning symbol 4" with a probability of approximately 50%.

[0093] The symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 7(b) is selected when a "jackpot" is won and one of the read symbol determination random values ​​is stored as the second special random value. The correspondence between symbols and symbol determination random values ​​is set so that "winning symbol 5" is won with 100% probability.

[0094] The special symbol lottery means 230, when a "jackpot" is won, refers to symbol lottery table A or symbol lottery table B to determine which jackpot symbol is associated with the single symbol determination random number read out, thereby determining which jackpot symbol has been won.

[0095] The symbol lottery table C shown in Figure 7(c) is selected when a "minor win" is achieved and one of the read symbol determination random values ​​is stored as the second special random value. The correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random value is set so that "minor win symbol 1" is won with a probability of approximately 65%, and "minor win symbol 2" is won with a probability of approximately 35%.

[0096] The special symbol lottery means 230, when a "minor win" is achieved, refers to the symbol lottery table C and determines which minor win symbol is associated with the random number for determining one symbol that has been read out, thereby determining which minor win symbol has been won.

[0097] (Winning symbols) The special game state is initiated when a "jackpot" is won in the special symbol lottery, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (executions) of special gameplay are performed according to the type (category) of the jackpot symbol.

[0098] In the special symbol lottery, if "Winning Symbol 1" or "Winning Symbol 5" is selected, the special game state is initiated. The special game state ends after 10 rounds of special gameplay (rounds 1 through 10) have been completed (see Figure 9).

[0099] Furthermore, in the special symbol lottery, if any of "Winning Symbol 2" to "Winning Symbol 4" is drawn, the special game state will start, and the special game state will end once the four rounds of special gameplay (Rounds 1 to 4) have been completed (see Figure 9).

[0100] As will be explained in more detail later, if you win a "jackpot" in the special symbol lottery, a predetermined number of time-saving rounds will be set according to the jackpot symbol and game state when the special game state ends, and a predetermined time-saving round will begin.

[0101] (Small win symbols) The minor win game state is initiated based on winning a "minor win" in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery), and ends when the minor win game is played a predetermined number of times (1 time in this embodiment). During the minor win game, the special mechanism 56 opens to allow game balls to enter the large prize opening 50, and the distribution means is changed from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state. Specifically, during the minor win game, the distribution means is changed from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state so that game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the minor win game can easily (make possible) pass through the specific area. As a result, if either "minor win symbol 1" or "minor win symbol 2" is won in the second special symbol lottery, it becomes easy (possible) for game balls to pass through the specific area during the minor win game state. Furthermore, if it is detected that a game ball has passed through a specific area during a minor win game (for example, if a game ball that has entered the big prize slot 50 during the execution of a minor win game has passed through a specific area), a special game state will be started based on the end of the minor win game state.

[0102] In the second special symbol lottery, if the "minor win symbol 1" is won and the passing of the game ball through a specific area is detected during the minor win game state, the number of rounds of gameplay is set to 1. As a result, two rounds will be executed, with the minor win game being the first round of gameplay. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that two rounds of special gameplay have been executed.

[0103] In the second special symbol lottery, if the "minor win symbol 2" is won and the passing of a specific area by the game ball is detected during the minor win game state, the number of rounds of gameplay is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be executed, with the minor win game being the first round of gameplay. The special game state then ends, provided that 10 rounds of special gameplay have been executed.

[0104] As will be explained in more detail later, when the special game state ends, a predetermined number of time-saving rounds corresponding to the winning symbols and game state are set, and a predetermined time-saving state begins. If the passage of a game ball through a specific area is not detected during the winning game state (if the passage of a game ball that entered the large prize slot 50 during the winning game is not detected), the special game state will not begin and the normal state will begin.

[0105] In each round's special game (including minor win games), the special mechanism drive device is controlled to close the special mechanism 56 when the opening timer in the main memory 290 counts a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) after the special mechanism 56 is open, or when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, a value equivalent to one game ball (for example, 1) is added to the main memory 290's big win counter 2920, and the value reaches its upper limit. In minor win games, the device is configured to end when the opening time reaches 1.8 seconds, but in reality, it does not open continuously for 1.8 seconds, but rather measures a total opening time of 1.8 seconds by repeatedly performing short openings of 0.15 seconds and short closings of 0.8 seconds, for a total of 12 short openings. In this embodiment, the term "special game" may include minor win games. Also, the term "special game" is not limited to a single round game, but may refer to an entire round game consisting of multiple rounds (for example, a 10-round special game). Furthermore, the term "special game state" may include the "minor win game state."

[0106] In this embodiment, "Winning Symbol 1" to "Winning Symbol 5" are symbols corresponding to big wins, but they may also be symbols corresponding to minor wins. In other words, random values ​​corresponding to "minor wins" may be set in the winning lottery table A and the winning lottery table B. In this case, if "Winning Symbol 1" or "Winning Symbol 5" is won in the special symbol lottery, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the minor win game state, the number of rounds of gameplay may be set to 9. This will result in 10 rounds being executed with the minor win game as the first round of gameplay. Also, if "Winning Symbol 2" to "Any of Winning Symbol 4" is won in the special symbol lottery, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the minor win game state, the number of rounds of gameplay may be set to 3. This will result in 4 rounds being executed with the minor win game as the first round of gameplay. Furthermore, random values ​​associated with "jackpot" are not required to be set for the winning lottery table A and the winning lottery table B. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to win a "jackpot" in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery, but it is also possible to set it so that it is not possible to win a "jackpot" in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery.

[0107] The special display control means 240 performs a first special symbol display control process, a second special symbol display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process based on the results of the special symbol lottery.

[0108] The first special symbol display control process is performed when a first special random value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery is held. The special display control means 240 displays the first special symbol in a variable state by blinking the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 until the variable time has elapsed, and then displays the first special symbol in a fixed state by lighting the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0109] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined to correspond to each jackpot symbol and each minor jackpot symbol.

[0110] The special display control means 240, in the winning determination process, lights up the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a manner that corresponds to whether or not a "win" has been determined, and if a "win" has been determined in the winning determination process, in a manner that corresponds to the winning symbol determined in the symbol determination process, thereby stopping the display of the first special symbol and displaying the result of the special symbol lottery on the first special symbol display unit 76.

[0111] The second special symbol display control process is performed when a second special random value is read from the second special reserve memory area and a special symbol lottery is conducted. The special display control means 240 displays the second special symbol in a variable state by blinking the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 until the variable time has elapsed, and then displays the second special symbol in a fixed state by lighting the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a predetermined manner.

[0112] The special display control means 240, in the winning determination process, lights up the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a manner that corresponds to whether or not a "win" has been determined, and if a "win" has been determined in the winning determination process, in a manner that corresponds to the winning symbol determined in the symbol determination process, thereby stopping the display of the second special symbol and displaying the result of the special symbol lottery on the second special symbol display unit 81.

[0113] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78, according to the number of first special random values ​​stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

[0114] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 1 second special hold number by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, according to the number of second special random values ​​stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

[0115] Let's return to Figure 4 for explanation. The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the result of the special symbol lottery, and performs the execution process of the special game. The minor prize game execution means 262 is a means for executing a minor prize game based on the fact that a minor prize has been won in the special symbol lottery, and performs the execution process of the minor prize game. The special game execution means 260 may include the minor prize game execution means 262.

[0116] The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to dispense a number of game balls corresponding to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal, based on the detection signals received from the first start switch 100, the second start switch 103, the general prize slot switch 101, and the count switch 104.

[0117] The dispensing device 130 dispenses the number of game balls instructed by the dispensing control means 270. The dispensing device 130 is equipped with a dispensing motor in the game ball tank where the game balls are stored, and the dispensing control means 270 dispenses the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank by controlling the rotation angle of the dispensing motor. The dispensing device 130 is also equipped with a dispensing sensor that operates each time a game ball is dispensed, and the dispensing control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually dispensed from the dispensing device 130 based on the dispensing signal from the dispensing sensor.

[0118] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to the various calculation results of the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, only unidirectional communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 is possible between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, and the communication connection is such that the sub-control board 202 cannot transmit information to the main control board 200.

[0119] Next, the sub-control board 202 will be described. The sub-control board 202 is composed of a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302.

[0120] The performance control means 300 controls the performance device based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 303 of the sub-memory 302. By controlling the performance device, it causes the performance device to execute performances that enhance or assist the game, such as lighting or blinking the lamps 12 and 38, displaying performance images on the liquid crystal display 32, controlling the sound device to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance objects.

[0121] The performance data storage means 303 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32. Based on this performance image data, the performance control means 300 draws an image to the frame buffer of the sub-memory 302 every frame (1 / 30 second), and displays the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby playing and displaying a video on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0122] The performance control means 300 can perform a performance in which it displays a performance symbol (demo symbol) on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the fluctuation and stop display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76, or in accordance with (corresponding to) the fluctuation and stop display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 72, and can notify the result of the first special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery. In the normal state, the performance control means 300 can display a performance symbol on the liquid crystal display 32 that corresponds to the fluctuation and stop display of the first special symbol, and in the time-saving state (first time-saving state to seventh time-saving state), it can display a performance symbol on the liquid crystal display 32 that corresponds to the fluctuation and stop display of the normal symbol. Furthermore, in some of the first to seventh time-saving states, the system can be configured to display the performance symbols corresponding to the fluctuation and stop displays of the regular symbols on the liquid crystal display 32, while in other time-saving states, the system can be configured not to display the performance symbols corresponding to the fluctuation and stop displays of the regular symbols on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0123] The display of the performance symbols in the normal state will be explained. Figure 8(a) shows the state before the first special symbol begins to change. The left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed as performance symbols in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left performance symbol 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the middle performance symbol 352 is displayed on the center side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, and the right performance symbol 354 is displayed on the right side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 each constitute a sequence of nine performance symbols representing the numbers "1" to "9". Note that each performance symbol representing the numbers "1" to "9" may include decorative elements such as characters along with the numbers.

[0124] As shown in Figure 8(b), the display of the special symbols changes (display display effect) when the first special symbol starts to change. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the special symbols are changing rapidly in the vertical direction (scrolling).

[0125] As shown in Figure 8(c), the performance symbols are displayed in a stopped state based on the stop display of the first special symbol. The performance symbols are displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the first special symbol lottery. For example, if a jackpot is won in the first special symbol lottery, the performance symbols are displayed in a manner corresponding to the jackpot symbol determined in the symbol determination process. Although not shown in the illustration, even in the time-saving state (first time-saving state to seventh time-saving state), the performance symbols are displayed in a varied or stopped state in accordance with the variation and stop display of the normal symbols, similar to the normal state (as shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c)).

[0126] The performance control means 300 executes a performance that displays an image indicating the first special reserve number or the normal reserve number on the liquid crystal display 32, based on the first special reserve number or the normal reserve number on the main control board 200. In the normal state, as shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), the first reserve image 420 (first reserve symbol) corresponding to the first special reserve number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. In the time-saving state (first time-saving state to seventh time-saving state), as in the normal state, a reserve image (reserve symbol) corresponding to the normal reserve number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0127] (Transition of game state) As shown in Figure 9, the game state control means 250 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between multiple types of game states, including the normal state, the time-saving state, and the special game state, based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions (transition conditions). The time-saving state includes the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, the sixth time-saving state, and the seventh time-saving state. Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment, except for the transition from the time-saving state to the normal state, the transition (or continuation (resetting)) of each game state is performed via the special game state. However, the transition from the normal state to a certain time-saving state, or the transition from one time-saving state to another, may be performed without going through the special game state. Specifically, in the winning lottery table, the correspondence between each judgment result and the winning determination random value may be set so that "C time-saving" is won with a predetermined probability. In other words, in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery), if a "win (big win or small win)" is not achieved, a "C time reduction" may be achieved. The game state control means 250 may then set the game state to a specific time reduction state based on the fact that a "C time reduction" was achieved in the special symbol lottery (that a specific result of not performing a special game has been determined) in the normal state or a predetermined time reduction state.

[0128] The normal state (normal game state, non-time-saving state, low probability state) is the initial state among several types of game states. In the normal state, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, the normal mechanism 54 is set to a short opening pattern with a probability of 1 / 1. Therefore, it is difficult (impossible) to get the game ball into the second start opening 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to obtain an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery. In the normal state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot left to get the game ball into the first start opening 46 in order to obtain an opportunity for the first special symbol lottery, rather than shooting right. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which left-handed shooting is recommended. The performance control means 300 displays a message on the liquid crystal display 32 instructing (prompting) the player to play with left-handed shooting when the normal state starts (when the time-saving state ends), etc. Furthermore, the performance control means 300 causes the liquid crystal display 32 to display a message instructing (prompting) the player to play with the left hand when the player is playing with the right hand in the normal state.

[0129] In the time-saving state, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery, the probability of the regular mechanism 54 being set to a long opening pattern is higher than in the normal state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, it is easier to get the game ball into the second start opening 49 (to win a prize) compared to the normal state. In other words, in the time-saving state, it is easier to obtain an opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery compared to the normal state. The time-saving state can be described as an easy-to-enter state, where the regular mechanism 54 is more likely to be in an open state (a state in which it is easy for the ball to enter the second start opening 49). The time-saving state can also be described as an easy-to-win state. On the other hand, the normal state can be described as a state in which the regular mechanism 54 is less likely to be in an open state.

[0130] Furthermore, in the 7th time-saving state, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery, the probability of the regular mechanism 54 being set to a long opening pattern is higher than in the 1st to 6th time-saving states. For this reason, in the 7th time-saving state, it is easier to get the game ball into the 2nd start opening 49 (to win a prize) compared to the 1st to 6th time-saving states. In other words, in the 7th time-saving state, it is easier to obtain the opportunity to win the 2nd special symbol lottery compared to the 1st to 6th time-saving states.

[0131] In the time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot to the right so that the game ball passes through the gate 48 in order to have a chance to draw the second special symbol, rather than shooting to the left. In other words, the time-saving state is a game state in which shooting to the right is recommended. In this embodiment, the second special symbol draw based on the entry of the game ball into the second start opening 49 has a higher probability of determining a transition to the special game state than the first special symbol draw. In other words, the time-saving state has a higher probability of determining a transition to the special game state than the normal state. The performance control means 300 displays a message on the liquid crystal display 32 instructing (prompting) the player to shoot to the right in the time-saving state.

[0132] In this embodiment, the time-saving state in which it is easier to enter the second starting port 49 than in the normal state may be referred to as the high base state, and the normal state may be referred to as the low base state.

[0133] The time-saving state ends when the termination condition is met. The termination condition for the time-saving state includes a termination condition based on the number of times the normal symbols are displayed (number of rotations, number of normal symbol variations). In this embodiment, the termination condition is met when the number of times the normal symbols are displayed in the time-saving state reaches the "time-saving count" set at the end of the special game state (start of each time-saving state). The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a time-saving counter 2931 that counts the number of normal symbol variations. At the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets a value corresponding to the winning symbol and game state as the time-saving count in the time-saving counter 2931. In addition, the game state control means 250 subtracts "1" from the value of the time-saving counter 2931 each time the normal symbol display is executed. Then, when the value of the time-saving counter 2931 reaches "0" as the regular symbols are displayed in a variable state, the game state control means 250 determines that the termination condition for the time-saving state has been met, terminates the time-saving state, and returns to the normal state. In this embodiment, the termination condition for the time-saving state is based on the number of times the regular symbols are displayed in a variable state, but as a modification, the termination condition may be configured by replacing the number of times the regular mechanism 54 (regular electric mechanism) is operated with the number of times the regular symbol is displayed in a variable state. In this embodiment, the value set in the counter is subtracted at a predetermined trigger, and when that value reaches "0", it is determined that the termination condition has been met, but this is not limited to this, and the value of the counter may be added at a predetermined trigger, and when that value reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that the termination condition has been met.

[0134] In this embodiment, when a "win" is achieved in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery), a special game state is initiated in which it becomes possible (easy) to enter the large prize slot 50. For example, when a "big win" is achieved in the special symbol lottery, a special game state is initiated in which it becomes possible (easy) to enter the large prize slot 50. Also, when a "minor win" is achieved in the special symbol lottery, a minor win game state is initiated in which it becomes possible (easy) to enter the large prize slot 50. When it is detected that a game ball that has entered the large prize slot 50 has passed through a specific area 51 in the minor win game state, a special game state is initiated in which it becomes possible (easy) to enter the large prize slot 50. By getting game balls into the large prize slot 50, the player can win many prize balls.

[0135] The transitions in the game state will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0136] The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state based on the winning of a "win (big win or small win)" in the special symbol lottery. However, it determines which game state to transition to after the special game state ends, depending on the referenced game state and the winning symbol. Specifically, the game state control means 250 determines the game state (stored value of each counter) after the special game state based on the "win" ends by referring to the game state at the time of the win, which is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The timing for determining (setting) the game state after the special game state ends by referring to the game state can be any timing between the time of the "win" (after the special symbol related to the win starts to change) and the end of the special game state.

[0137] In other words, the game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state based on the fact that a "win" has been achieved in the special symbol lottery in various game states. Furthermore, after the special game state ends, the game state control means 250 transitions the game state to the game state at the time of the win and to a game state corresponding to the winning symbol.

[0138] In this embodiment, the game machine is configured to allow players to play by shooting left-handed in the normal state and right-handed in the first to seventh time-saving states. Therefore, in the normal state, the first special symbol lottery is performed based on balls entering the first start port 46, and in the first to seventh time-saving states, the second special symbol lottery is performed based on balls entering the second start port 49. Accordingly, the following explanation will omit the description of transitions in game states based on winning the second special symbol lottery in the normal state, and transitions in game states based on winning the first special symbol lottery in the time-saving state. For details on these transitions in game states, please refer to Figure 9.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "Winning Symbol 1," "Winning Symbol 5," and "Minor Winning Symbol 2" are symbols that, if won, result in a 10-round special game, and are therefore called 10R (round) symbols. Also, "Winning Symbol 2" to "Winning Symbol 4" are symbols that, if won, result in a 4-round special game, and are therefore called 4R (round) symbols. Also, "Minor Winning Symbol 1" is a symbol that, if won, results in a 2-round special game, and is therefore called a 2R (round) symbol. Winning a 10R symbol in the special symbol lottery can also be said to be obtaining the first result in the special symbol lottery. Also, winning a 2R or 4R symbol in the special symbol lottery can also be said to be obtaining the second result in the special symbol lottery. Also, winning a 10R symbol in the special symbol lottery can also be said to be obtaining a predetermined result that is highly advantageous to the player in the special symbol lottery. Furthermore, winning a 2R or 4R symbol in the special symbol lottery can be said to result in a predetermined outcome that is less advantageous to the player in the special symbol lottery. Note that in the following explanation, the game state to which the player transitions when winning a 10R symbol is swapped with the game state to which the player transitions when winning a 2R or 4R symbol.

[0140] The game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the first time-saving state or the fourth time-saving state if a "win (jackpot)" is achieved in the first special symbol lottery during the normal state. Specifically, if a 4R symbol is achieved in the first special symbol lottery during the normal state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the end of the special game state to the first time-saving state. Also, if a 10R symbol is achieved in the first special symbol lottery during the normal state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the end of the special game state to the fourth time-saving state. In the first special symbol lottery according to this embodiment, the probability of winning a 4R symbol is set higher than the probability of winning a 10R symbol, and if a "win" is achieved in the normal state, the game basically transitions to the first time-saving state.

[0141] Furthermore, if the game state control means 250 wins a "win (minor win or big win)" in the second special symbol lottery during the first time-saving state, it may set the game state after the special game state ends to the second time-saving state or the third time-saving state. Specifically, if the game state control means 250 wins a 10R symbol in the second special symbol lottery during the first time-saving state, it sets the game state after the special game state ends to the second time-saving state. Also, if the game state control means 250 wins a 2R symbol in the second special symbol lottery during the first time-saving state, it sets the game state after the special game state ends to the third time-saving state.

[0142] Furthermore, if the second special symbol lottery results in a "win (minor win or major win)" during the second time-saving state, the game state after the special game state ends may be set to the first time-saving state or the fourth time-saving state. Specifically, if the second special symbol lottery results in a 10R symbol during the second time-saving state, the game state after the special game state ends will be set to the fourth time-saving state. Also, if the second special symbol lottery results in a 2R symbol during the second time-saving state, the game state after the special game state ends will be set to the first time-saving state.

[0143] Furthermore, if the game state control means 250 wins a "win (minor win or major win)" in the second special symbol lottery during the third time-saving state, it may set the game state after the end of the special game state to the first time-saving state. Specifically, if the game state control means 250 wins a 10R symbol or a 2R symbol in the second special symbol lottery during the third time-saving state, it sets the game state after the end of the special game state to the first time-saving state. In other words, there is no transition from the third time-saving state to the fourth time-saving state.

[0144] Furthermore, if the second special symbol lottery results in a "win (minor win or big win)" during the fourth time-saving state, the game state after the end of the special game state may be set to the fifth time-saving state or the sixth time-saving state. Specifically, if the second special symbol lottery results in a 10R symbol during the fourth time-saving state, the game state after the end of the special game state will be set to the fifth time-saving state. Also, if the second special symbol lottery results in a 2R symbol during the fourth time-saving state, the game state after the end of the special game state will be set to the sixth time-saving state.

[0145] Furthermore, if a "win (minor win or major win)" is achieved in the second special symbol lottery during the fifth time-saving state, the game state after the end of the special game state may be set to the seventh time-saving state. Specifically, if a 10R symbol or a 2R symbol is achieved in the second special symbol lottery during the fifth time-saving state, the game state after the end of the special game state will be set to the seventh time-saving state.

[0146] Furthermore, if the second special symbol lottery results in a "win (minor win or major win)" during the sixth time-saving state, the game state after the end of the special game state may be set to the fourth time-saving state or the seventh time-saving state. Specifically, if the second special symbol lottery results in a 10R symbol during the sixth time-saving state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the end of the special game state to the seventh time-saving state. Also, if the second special symbol lottery results in a 2R symbol during the sixth time-saving state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the end of the special game state to the fourth time-saving state.

[0147] Furthermore, if the game state control means 250 wins a "win (minor win or big win)" in the second special symbol lottery during the seventh time-saving state, it may set the game state after the end of the special game state to the fifth time-saving state or the sixth time-saving state. Specifically, if the 10R symbol is won in the second special symbol lottery during the seventh time-saving state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the end of the special game state to the fifth time-saving state. Also, if the 2R symbol is won in the second special symbol lottery during the seventh time-saving state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the end of the special game state to the sixth time-saving state. In other words, the relationship between the winning symbol and the destination game state is the same in the seventh time-saving state as in the fourth time-saving state.

[0148] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the player transitions from the normal state to either the first time-saving state or the fourth time-saving state (basically the first time-saving state). Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, a specified number of conditions for closing the normal mechanism 54 is set so that when the normal mechanism 54 opens in a long-opening pattern, multiple (2) game balls can enter the second start opening 49. In the first time-saving state and the fourth time-saving state, if the player continues to play with right-handed shooting, when the normal mechanism 54 opens in a long-opening pattern, two game balls will almost certainly enter the second start opening 49. Therefore, in the first time-saving state and the fourth time-saving state, when a game ball passes through the passage gate 48 and the long-opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery with a probability of approximately 1 / 66, the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area and the second special reserve memory area, respectively. In other words, in the first and fourth time-saving states, a "win" in the second special symbol lottery occurs with one second special random value retained. That is, while it is possible to transition from the first time-saving state to the second or third time-saving state, when transitioning to the second or third time-saving state, there will basically be one second special random value retained from the first time-saving state. In the second and third time-saving states, this retained second special random value will immediately result in a "win," and the player will transition to the first or fourth time-saving state. Furthermore, while it is possible to transition from the 4th time-saving state to the 5th or 6th time-saving state, when transitioning to the 5th or 6th time-saving state, there will basically be one reserved 2nd special random number acquired in the 4th time-saving state. In the 5th and 6th time-saving states, this reserved 2nd special random number will immediately result in a win, and the player will transition to the 4th or 7th time-saving state.

[0149] As mentioned above, the seventh time-saving state is a game state in which, when a normal symbol lottery is performed, there is a 1 / 1 probability that the long opening pattern of the normal mechanism 54 will be set. Also, in the seventh time-saving state, if the game continues to be played with right-hand shooting, when the normal mechanism 54 opens in the long opening pattern, two game balls will almost certainly enter the second start opening 49. Therefore, in the seventh time-saving state, when a game ball passes through the passage gate 48 and a normal symbol lottery is performed, there is a 1 / 1 probability that the long opening pattern will be selected, and the second special random value will be stored in the second special reserve memory area and the second special reserve memory area, respectively. In other words, while it is possible to transition from the 7th time-saving state to the 5th or 6th time-saving state, when transitioning to the 5th or 6th time-saving state, there will basically be one reserved 2nd special random value acquired in the 7th time-saving state. In the 5th and 6th time-saving states, this reserved 2nd special random value will immediately result in a win, and the player will transition to the 4th or 7th time-saving state.

[0150] In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a "win" during right-hand play is considered a set of two, and these two "wins" are consumed consecutively. The second, third, fifth, and sixth time-saving states are game states that are temporarily transitioned to (passed through) during the process of consuming these two "wins".

[0151] Furthermore, in the 7th time-saving state, when a game ball passes through gate 48, there is a 1 / 1 probability that the regular feature 54 will open in a long-open pattern, making it possible to immediately obtain a "win" (specifically, two "wins") upon entering this state. In other words, the 7th time-saving state is a state in which a "win" can be obtained immediately by performing the regular symbol lottery, which is the main focus of the game in the time-saving state, just once (one symbol change, one game), resulting in a game state where so-called 1G consecutive wins occur.

[0152] In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, during right-hand play, the player is basically in the first or fourth time-saving state, and the goal is to obtain a lottery result that allows transition to a special gaming state. In particular, in the fourth time-saving state, the player is in the goal of transitioning to the seventh time-saving state, which results in a 1G consecutive win. If the player can transition from the fourth time-saving state to the seventh time-saving state, the player can acquire many game balls (game value) through the 1G consecutive win.

[0153] Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment has three game states: a lower-advantageous state consisting of the first to third time-saving states, a higher-advantageous state consisting of the fourth to sixth time-saving states, and a 1G consecutive state consisting of the seventh time-saving state. The game state control means 250 can be said to transition the game state between these three game states. The lower-advantageous state (first time-saving state) and the higher-advantageous state (fourth time-saving state) are game states in which it is possible to win a special game equivalent to two "wins" by winning the long opening pattern with a probability of approximately 1 / 66. The 1G consecutive state (seventh time-saving state) has a higher probability of obtaining the long opening pattern result in the normal symbol lottery (in other words, the probability of obtaining two "wins") compared to the lower-advantageous state (first time-saving state) and the higher-advantageous state (fourth time-saving state), and is a game state that is more advantageous to the player compared to the lower-advantageous state (first time-saving state) and the higher-advantageous state (fourth time-saving state). Furthermore, the higher-advantage state (4th time-saving state) has a higher probability of transitioning to the 1G consecutive win state compared to the lower-advantage state, making it a more advantageous game state for the player compared to the lower-advantage state.

[0154] In this embodiment, if a special game state is entered while a second special random value is held, and after the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, the main control board 200 controls the game so that the normal mechanism 54 does not open between the end of the special game state and the transition to the next special game state based on the held value. In addition, in this embodiment, the main control board 200 controls the game so that the normal mechanism 54 does not open during the special game state. In other words, the second special random value is not acquired until the two "wins" based on the two second special random values ​​acquired in the first time-saving state, fourth time-saving state, etc., have been consumed.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving rounds to "65" when transitioning the game state to the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, or the third time-saving state. Specifically, in each game state, if a winning symbol is drawn in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery) that transitions to the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, or the third time-saving state after the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving rounds (storage value of time-saving counter 2931) to "65" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, or the third time-saving state.

[0156] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving rounds to "105" when transitioning the gaming state to the 4th time-saving state, 5th time-saving state, 6th time-saving state, or 7th time-saving state. Specifically, in each gaming state, if a winning symbol is selected in the special symbol lottery (1st special symbol lottery or 2nd special symbol lottery) that transitions to the 4th time-saving state, 5th time-saving state, 6th time-saving state, or 7th time-saving state after the end of the special gaming state, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving rounds (storage value of time-saving counter 2931) to "105" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the 4th time-saving state, 5th time-saving state, 6th time-saving state, or 7th time-saving state.

[0157] In other words, in this embodiment, when played normally, in the lower-advantage state (first time-saving state), the player can receive 65 regular symbol draws with a 1 / 66 probability of winning the long-opening pattern, and by winning the long-opening pattern before the 65 regular symbol draws are executed, the player can continue to enjoy a time-saving state that is advantageous to them. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when played normally, in the higher-advantage state (fourth time-saving state), the player can receive 105 regular symbol draws with a 1 / 105 probability of winning the long-opening pattern, and by winning the long-opening pattern before the 105 regular symbol draws are executed, the player can continue to enjoy a time-saving state that is advantageous to them.

[0158] As described above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, and the seventh time-saving state are configured such that when the game state transitions due to a "win," two "wins" result in two transitions in the game state. The second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, and the sixth time-saving state are configured as game states that are merely passed through during the transition process between the first time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, and the seventh time-saving state, and are configured as game states that the player does not remain in during normal gameplay. In other words, the second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, and the sixth time-saving state are configured as game states that, when played normally, transition to the second special random value is in reserve (in other words, a state in which the transition to the first time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, or the seventh time-saving state is substantially determined).

[0159] However, in reality, when the long opening pattern of the regular feature 54 is won in the 1st, 4th, or 7th time-saving state, it is possible that only one game ball will enter the 2nd start opening 49. In such cases, an irregular situation may occur where the game transitions to the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or 6th time-saving state and remains there. This irregular situation can also be described as the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or 6th time-saving state starting when there is no reserve of the 2nd special random value (in other words, a state where the transition to the 1st, 4th, or 7th time-saving state has not been determined). Furthermore, this irregular situation can also be described as a case where the transition of the game state deviates from a normal transition. When such an irregular situation occurs, the following problems may arise.

[0160] Specifically, if the long opening pattern is selected in the regular symbol lottery while in the 5th or 6th time-saving state, two game balls can enter the 2nd start opening 49. The 5th and 6th time-saving states are game states in which one "win" can lead to the 7th time-saving state. However, if two game balls enter the 2nd start opening 49 while in the 5th or 6th time-saving state, one 2nd special random value will remain in reserve when transitioning to the 7th time-saving state. In the 7th time-saving state, this reserved 2nd special random value will immediately result in a "win," and the player will transition back to the 5th or 6th time-saving state. In other words, the 7th time-saving state, which is highly advantageous for the player as it allows for 1G consecutive wins (a "win" can be obtained immediately even from a state with no reserves), is simply passed over due to the consumption of a reserve. In other words, if you stay in the 5th or 6th time-saving state, a problem may occur in which a 1G consecutive win will not occur, which would normally happen if the game were played correctly (specifically, if a predetermined number (1) of the 2-ball set of "wins" are of high advantage, or more specifically, if you get 2 "wins" in the 4th time-saving state and one of them is a 10R symbol win). Similarly, if you stay in the 2nd or 3rd time-saving state, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery, 2 game balls will enter the 2nd start opening 49, returning you to the 2nd or 3rd time-saving state, or transitioning to the 5th or 6th time-saving state, resulting in a situation where a 1G consecutive win will not occur. In other words, if the game enters the second, third, fifth, or sixth time-saving state, it may disappoint the player's expectation that obtaining a specific result in a set of two "wins" will result in a favorable event (1G consecutive wins in this embodiment).

[0161] Furthermore, the second, third, fifth, and sixth time-saving states are game states that are not originally intended to occur. Allowing players to remain in these states for extended periods can lead to problems such as difficulty in properly adjusting the payout performance of the gaming machine, and the game flow (flow of effects, etc.) deviating from the developer's expectations, resulting in a game flow that is incomprehensible to the player.

[0162] Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted.

[0163] In other words, in this embodiment, as described above, the probability of selecting the long opening pattern in the normal symbol lottery is set to 1 / 1008 for the second, third, fifth, and sixth time-saving states. Therefore, if the player transitions to the second, third, fifth, or sixth time-saving state without any second special random value being held, and the long opening pattern is not hit within 65 or 108 time-saving attempts in the normal symbol lottery, which has a 1 / 1008 probability of hitting the long opening pattern, the time-saving state cannot be continued and the player returns to the normal state. In other words, the second, third, fifth, and sixth time-saving states are more difficult to achieve in the predetermined lottery (winning the long opening pattern in the normal symbol lottery) compared to the first and fourth time-saving states, and the probability of the time-saving state ending and the player returning to the normal state is higher compared to the first and fourth time-saving states. In other words, in the second, third, fifth, and sixth time-saving states, the probability of transitioning to the normal state due to the use of time-saving rounds is higher than the probability of transitioning to the special game state. Basically, in these game states, the transition to the normal state due to the use of time-saving rounds is determined before transitioning to the special game state is determined. The probability of selecting the long opening pattern (1 / 1008) is set so that, for the second, third, fifth, and sixth time-saving states, playing with the right hand is more advantageous to the player than playing with the left hand (playing with the right hand to pass through gate 48 and receive a normal symbol lottery requires fewer game balls to win and the expected number of game balls won when a "win" is achieved is higher than playing with the left hand to enter the first starting gate 46 and receive a special symbol lottery). The second, third, fifth, and sixth time-saving states are game states in which a display instructing (encouraging) the player to play by shooting to the right is shown on the LCD display 32. By setting the probabilities in this manner, the display is configured so that it does not instruct the player to play in a way that is disadvantageous to them.

[0164] Furthermore, in the second and third time-saving states, the performance control means 300 performs the same performance on the liquid crystal display 32 as in the first time-saving state. Specifically, the performance control means 300 displays the same background image on the liquid crystal display 32 in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state. The background image may be drawn to a size that occupies the entire display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, for example. The background image is displayed behind the performance symbols and functions as an image that enhances the performance. The background image can also be said to be an image that suggests the current game state. In this embodiment, since the same background image is displayed in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state, the displayed background image can also be said to be an image that suggests the current state of the game machine is a lower-advantage state.

[0165] Furthermore, the performance control means 300 may display the same performance symbols on the liquid crystal display 32 in the first time-saving state and in the second and third time-saving states. That is, for example, in the normal state and the first time-saving state, the performance symbols representing the numbers "1" to "9" have different designs, but in the first time-saving state and in the second and third time-saving states, performance symbols with the same design may be used.

[0166] In this way, by using the same background image for the first, second, and third time-saving states, players can play without any sense of incongruity (as if they were in the same game state) whether they are in the first, second, or third time-saving state. Furthermore, by using the same symbols for the first, second, and third time-saving states, players can play without any sense of incongruity whether they are in the first, second, or third time-saving state.

[0167] Furthermore, in the fifth and sixth time-saving states, the performance control means 300 performs the same performance on the liquid crystal display 32 as in the fourth time-saving state. Specifically, the performance control means 300 displays the same background image on the liquid crystal display 32 in the fourth time-saving state, as well as in the fifth and sixth time-saving states. In this embodiment, since the same background image is displayed in the fourth, fifth, and sixth time-saving states, this displayed background image can be said to be an image that suggests the current state of the gaming machine is a superior advantageous state.

[0168] Furthermore, the performance control means 300 may display the same performance symbols on the liquid crystal display 32 in the fourth time-saving state and in the fifth and sixth time-saving states. That is, the same design of performance symbols may be used in the fourth time-saving state and in the fifth and sixth time-saving states. Also, the same design of performance symbols may be used in the first to sixth time-saving states.

[0169] In this way, by using the same background image for the 4th time-saving state, the 5th time-saving state, and the 6th time-saving state, players can play without any sense of incongruity (as if they were in the same game state) whether they are in the 4th time-saving state, the 5th time-saving state, or the 6th time-saving state. Furthermore, by using the same symbols for the 4th time-saving state, the 5th time-saving state, and the 6th time-saving state, players can play without any sense of incongruity whether they are in the 4th time-saving state, the 5th time-saving state, or the 6th time-saving state.

[0170] With this configuration, if an irregular situation occurs and the player ends up in the second, third, fifth, or sixth time-saving state, it becomes possible to return to a normal state (normal state) while making it appear as if the player simply failed to hit a "win" before the time-saving rounds were used up in a lower-advantageous or higher-advantageous state.

[0171] Furthermore, the performance control means 300 ensures that when a ball enters the second start port 49 in the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, and a special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on that ball entry, the performance executed in the special game is different from when a ball enters the second start port 49 in the first time-saving state or fourth time-saving state, and a special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on that ball entry.

[0172] Here, in the first time-saving state, if a ball enters the second start gate 49 (specifically, two balls enter), and a "win" is achieved in the special symbol lottery based on that ball entry, resulting in a special game, the animation performed in the special game state will be called a normal win animation. Also, in the fourth time-saving state, if a ball enters the second start gate 49 (specifically, two balls enter), and a "win" is achieved in the special symbol lottery based on that ball entry, resulting in a special game, the animation performed in the special game will be called a normal win animation. Note that the former normal win animation and the latter normal win animation may be different or the same. Also, in the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, if a ball enters the second start gate 49 (specifically, two balls enter), and a "win" is achieved in the special symbol lottery based on that ball entry, resulting in a special game, the animation performed in the special game will be called an irregular win animation (irregular suggestion animation).

[0173] The performance control means 300, when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the first time-saving state or the fourth time-saving state and two game balls enter the second start port 49, executes a normal win animation during the execution of the special game based on the entry of the first game ball (in the special game state to which it transitions based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery based on said entry). The performance control means 300 also executes a normal win animation during the execution of the special game based on the entry of the second game ball (in the special game state to which it transitions based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery based on said entry). Executing a normal win animation includes displaying images related to the normal win animation on the liquid crystal display 32 and outputting sounds related to the normal win animation to the speaker 14.

[0174] On the other hand, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, and two game balls enter the second start port 49, the performance control means 300 will execute an irregular win animation during the execution of the special game based on the entry of the first game ball (in the special game state to which it transitions based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery based on said entry). Furthermore, the performance control means 300 will also execute an irregular win animation during the execution of the special game based on the entry of the second game ball (in the special game state to which it transitions based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery based on said entry). Note that executing an irregular win animation includes displaying an image related to the irregular win animation on the liquid crystal display 32 and outputting a sound related to the irregular win animation to the speaker 14. The image related to the irregular win animation is different from the image related to the normal win animation. Furthermore, the sound associated with irregular win animations is different from the sound associated with normal win animations.

[0175] An irregular win animation is an animation that suggests an irregular state (a special state) is in place (in other words, the occurrence of an irregular event). In an irregular win animation, a special image (a special background image, etc.) that is not displayed on the LCD display 32 in a normal win animation is displayed on the LCD display 32. In other words, an irregular win animation is an animation that is not performed during the execution of a special game based on two game balls entering the second start slot 49 when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the first or fourth time-saving state. In other words, in an irregular win animation, a specific image (video) that is not displayed during the execution of a special game based on two game balls entering the second start slot 49 when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the first or fourth time-saving state is displayed on the LCD display 32. In other words, if a game ball enters the second starting port 49 (specifically, two balls) during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, and the player wins a "win" in the special symbol lottery, the performance control means 300 indicates that an irregular state is occurring by displaying a specific image on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0176] Furthermore, the performance control means 300 executes a first acquisition notification performance to notify the acquisition of a predetermined bonus when, in the fourth time-saving state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery, two game balls enter the second start port 49, and a transition to the seventh time-saving state occurs. Specifically, the first acquisition notification performance can be described as a performance that notifies that the right to transition to the seventh time-saving state has been acquired (that the transition to the seventh time-saving state has been decided), or as a performance that notifies that the opportunity for a 1G consecutive win has been acquired. The first acquisition notification performance may be executed at any time after two game balls enter the second start port 49 and before the seventh time-saving state ends (for example, before the seventh time-saving state begins). Executing the acquisition notification performance includes displaying an image notifying the acquisition of a predetermined bonus on the liquid crystal display 32, or outputting a sound notifying the acquisition of a predetermined bonus to the speaker 14.

[0177] On the other hand, the performance control means 300 does not execute the first acquisition notification performance if, in the fifth or sixth time-saving state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery, two game balls enter the second start port 49, and the transition to the seventh time-saving state occurs. In other words, the performance control means 300 executes an irregular win performance without executing the first acquisition notification performance in such cases. The performance control means 300 also does not execute the first acquisition notification performance if, in the fifth or sixth time-saving state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery, only one game ball enters the second start port 49, and the transition to the seventh time-saving state occurs, although the first acquisition notification performance may be executed in such cases.

[0178] Furthermore, the performance control means 300 executes a second acquisition notification performance to notify the acquisition of a predetermined benefit when, in the first time-saving state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery, two game balls enter the second start gate 49, and a transition to the fourth time-saving state occurs. Specifically, the second acquisition notification performance can be described as a performance that notifies that the right to transition to a higher-advantage state has been acquired (that a transition to a higher-advantage state has been decided), or as a performance that notifies that a higher-advantage state will begin. The second acquisition notification performance may be executed at any time after two game balls enter the second start gate 49 and before the fourth time-saving state ends (for example, at the end of a special game before the start of the fourth time-saving state, or when the performance is upgraded to the fourth time-saving state performance at any point during the 65-round normal symbol lottery period after the same performance display as the first time-saving state has been executed).

[0179] On the other hand, the performance control means 300 does not execute the second acquisition notification performance if, in the second time-saving state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery, two game balls enter the second start gate 49, and the transition to the fourth time-saving state occurs. In other words, the performance control means 300 executes an irregular win performance without executing the second acquisition notification performance in such cases. The performance control means 300 also does not execute the second acquisition notification performance if, in the second time-saving state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery, only one game ball enters the second start gate 49, and the transition to the fourth time-saving state occurs. However, since the number of normal symbol lotteries that serve as termination conditions differs between the first time-saving state (or the second time-saving state, third time-saving state) and the fourth time-saving state, the performance control means 300 may execute the second acquisition notification performance in such cases.

[0180] The performance control means 300 may also execute an irregular win animation when other irregular situations occur. For example, in any of the first to seventh time-saving states, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery but only one game ball has entered the second start port 49 and the operation of the normal mechanism 54 ends (when the normal mechanism 54 changes from an open state to a closed state), the performance control means 300 may execute an irregular win animation during the execution of the special game based on this ball entry (in the special game state to which the player transitions based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry). In such a configuration, the irregular win animation, which is normally executed when only one game ball can be entered into the second start port 49 when the long opening pattern is selected, will be executed in the second time-saving state, fourth time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, and sixth time-saving state even if two game balls can be entered into the second start port 49.

[0181] Furthermore, in any of the game states of the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery but only one game ball has entered the second start port 49 and the operation of the normal mechanism 54 ends (when the normal mechanism 54 changes from an open state to a closed state), the performance control means 300 may perform a normal win performance instead of an irregular win performance during the execution of the special game based on this ball entry (in the special game state to which the player transitions based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry). This is because if only one game ball enters the second start port 49 in the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, the irregular state is resolved.

[0182] As described above, the irregular win animation is an animation that is performed during the execution of a special game when certain conditions are met. However, the irregular animation may be performed after the start of the special game (in other words, the special game state), or before the start of the special game (in other words, the special game state). For example, the animation control means 300 will perform an irregular win animation during the execution of a special game when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, or the sixth time-saving state, and two game balls enter the second start opening 49. In this case, the animation control means 300 may start the irregular win animation from the moment the first game ball enters (in other words, during each time-saving state), or it may start the irregular win animation after the second game ball enters. In this case, the performance control means 300 may also initiate the irregular win animation after the second game ball has entered and the special game based on the entry of the first game ball has started.

[0183] Furthermore, the irregular win animation may also be performed when other irregular events occur.

[0184] (Variation 1) As a variation of the configuration for when an irregular situation occurs, the following configuration can also be considered.

[0185] The performance control means 300 may perform an effect that suggests (in other words, encourages) the player to acquire the right to draw a specific number of second special symbols (1 in this embodiment) when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol draw during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state. In other words, the performance control means 300 may perform an effect that suggests (in other words, encourages the player to draw a specific number of balls) when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol draw during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state.

[0186] Specifically, the performance control means 300 may, when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, display a message such as "Let just one ball in!" on the liquid crystal display 32, in other words, a message prompting the entry of a specific number of game balls into the second start opening 49.

[0187] Furthermore, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, the performance control means 300 may display an indication on the liquid crystal display 32, such as an "OK" or an "Ready" message, based on the fact that a specific number of game balls have entered the second start port 49. In this case, for example, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the first time-saving state, fourth time-saving state, or seventh time-saving state, the performance control means 300 may not display an "OK" or an "Ready" message even if the specific number (specifically 1) of game balls has entered the second start port 49, but may display an "OK" or an "Ready" message on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the fact that more than the specific number (specifically 2) of game balls have entered the second start port 49.

[0188] These various displays related to suggestive effects may be partially the same as, or completely different from, the displays related to effects that are executed when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the first time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, or the seventh time-saving state. That is, for example, the effect control means 300 may display on the liquid crystal display 32 a gauge (in other words, a display that changes to a predetermined state when a predetermined number of balls are entered) that increases each time a game ball enters the second start port 49 and becomes full when two game balls enter the second start port 49, both when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the first time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, or the seventh time-saving state, and when the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, or the sixth time-saving state. Furthermore, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, the performance control means 300 may display a specific display (for example, a character with a speech bubble saying "OK") on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the fact that one game ball has entered the second start port 49 (for example, it may be displayed over the gauge). In addition, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, the performance control means 300 may erase the specific display (for example, the character display) based on the fact that two game balls have entered the second start port 49. Furthermore, for example, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the first time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, or the seventh time-saving state, the performance control means 300 may display a gauge on the liquid crystal display 32 that increases each time a game ball enters the second start port 49, and becomes full when two game balls enter the second start port 49 (in other words, a display that changes to a predetermined state when a predetermined number of balls enter). On the other hand, if the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery during the second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, or the sixth time-saving state, the performance control means 300 may display a gauge on the liquid crystal display 32 that becomes full when one game ball enters the second start port 49 (in other words, a display that changes to a predetermined state when fewer than a predetermined number of balls enter).

[0189] (Modification 2) As a variation of the configuration for when an irregular situation occurs, the following configuration can also be considered.

[0190] As shown in Figure 11, the game state control means 250 in this modified example can set the game state after the special game state ends to the second time-saving state or the third time-saving state if a "win (minor win or big win)" is achieved in the second special symbol lottery in the normal state. Specifically, if the 10R symbol is achieved in the second special symbol lottery in the normal state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the special game state ends to the second time-saving state. Also, if the 2R symbol is achieved in the second special symbol lottery in the normal state, the game state control means 250 sets the game state after the special game state ends to the third time-saving state.

[0191] Furthermore, in this modified version, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time reductions to "65" when transitioning the game state to the first time reduction state, the second time reduction state, or the third time reduction state. Also, in this modified version, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs random number determination processing in the normal symbol lottery by referring to the normal symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 5(b) in the first time reduction state, the second time reduction state, or the third time reduction state. That is, in the second time reduction state and the third time reduction state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery with the same probability as in the first time reduction state, and the number of time reductions is set to be the same as in the first time reduction state. In other words, in this modified version, the number of time reductions and the probability of selecting the long opening pattern in the normal symbol lottery may be the same as in the first time reduction state for the second time reduction state and the third time reduction state.

[0192] Furthermore, in this modified version, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving rounds to "65" when transitioning the game state to the fifth time-saving state or the sixth time-saving state. Also, in this modified version, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs random number determination processing in the normal symbol lottery by referring to the normal symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 5(b) when transitioning the game state to the fifth time-saving state or the sixth time-saving state. That is, in the fifth time-saving state and the sixth time-saving state, the long opening pattern is selected in the normal symbol lottery with the same probability as in the first time-saving state, and the number of time-saving rounds is set to be the same as in the first time-saving state. In other words, in this modified version, the number of time-saving rounds and the probability of selecting the long opening pattern in the normal symbol lottery may be the same as in the first time-saving state for the fifth time-saving state and the sixth time-saving state. Note that the game state control means 250 may set the number of time-saving rounds to "105" when transitioning the game state to the fifth time-saving state or the sixth time-saving state. In other words, in this modified version, the number of time reductions and the probability of selecting the long opening pattern in the regular symbol lottery may be the same as in the fourth time reduction state for the fifth and sixth time reduction states.

[0193] Furthermore, in the modified version, the game state control means 250 transitions the game state to the normal state when the result of the normal symbol lottery is obtained in the second time-saving state, third time-saving state, fifth time-saving state, or sixth time-saving state, in the normal symbol lottery, the result of the normal mechanism 54 opening in a long opening pattern is obtained. However, in the first time-saving state, fourth time-saving state, or seventh time-saving state, the game state control means 250 does not transition the game state to the normal state, but maintains the current time-saving state, even if the result of the normal symbol lottery is obtained in the normal symbol lottery, in the normal symbol lottery.

[0194] Specifically, for example, when the game state control means 250 transitions the game state to the second time-saving state, the third time-saving state, the fifth time-saving state, or the sixth time-saving state, it sets the stored value of a specific counter 2932, which is provided in the main memory 290 for counting the number of times the long opening pattern is won, to a predetermined value of "1". Also, when the game state control means 250 transitions the game state to the first time-saving state, the fourth time-saving state, or the seventh time-saving state, it sets the stored value of the specific counter 2932 to a value greater than the predetermined value (specifically, "2" or more). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, each time the result of the normal symbol lottery is obtained in which the normal mechanism 54 opens in the long opening pattern (in other words, each time "Normal Symbol 2" or "Normal Symbol 3" is won), the game state control means 250 subtracts "1" from the stored value of the specific counter 2932. Furthermore, when the game state control means 250 is in the time-saving state, if the stored value of the specific counter 2932 reaches "0", it determines that the conditions for ending the time-saving state have been met, ends the time-saving state, and transitions to the normal state. Here, the timing for the game state control means 250 to end the time-saving state and transition to the normal state is anytime before the normal mechanism 54 is displaced to the open state based on the result of the normal symbol lottery (in other words, when the normal symbols stop moving before it becomes possible to enter the second start opening 49, or when the normal electric mechanism starts operating, etc.).

[0195] According to the configuration of this modified example, if an irregular situation occurs in which the player remains in the second, third, fifth, or sixth time-saving state, it is possible to return to a normal state (remaining in the first or fourth time-saving state) based on winning a "win" (specifically, two "wins") in the second special symbol lottery. Therefore, unlike the previously described embodiment, even if an irregular situation occurs in which the player remains in the second, third, fifth, or sixth time-saving state, the "Normal Symbol 2," which has a relatively high probability of winning, can be set as the long-open symbol, making it less likely to be disadvantageous in obtaining a "win." Furthermore, according to the configuration of this modified example, in the fifth and sixth time-saving states, if a predetermined number of highly advantageous "wins" (specifically, two) are not obtained, the game state will transition from a higher-advantage state to a lower-advantage state (specifically, the first time-saving state).

[0196] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine comprising a game area (for example, game area 4) on which game balls move, and which launches game balls into the game area in response to the player's operation, A first start port (for example, a first start port 46) is located in a predetermined area within the game area, A second start port (for example, a second start port 49) is located in a region different from the predetermined region in the game area, A movable member (for example, a standard mechanism 54) that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating port (for example, a passing gate 48) that triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery, which involves displacing the movable member to a state that facilitates ball entry into the second starting port, In a special game that is performed when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is performed when a ball enters the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result, there is a large prize opening (for example, a large prize opening 50) that makes it easy for the ball to enter, If a special symbol lottery based on a random number obtained when a ball enters the first or second start opening cannot be performed, a holding storage means (for example, a special random number storage means 2914) for storing the obtained random number, The game includes a game state control means (for example, a game state control means 250) that can set game states including a ball entry easy state in which the movable member is relatively likely to be in a state in which ball entry into the second start opening is easy based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is relatively unlikely to be in a state in which ball entry into the second start opening is easy based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, In the aforementioned state of easy ball entry, if the result of the ordinary symbol lottery is a predetermined result favorable to the player, the movable member is displaced to a state in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the second start opening, and the movable member is configured to be displaced to a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start opening based on the entry of a predetermined number of game balls into the second start opening. The aforementioned easy ball entry state has multiple types of game states, and when the ordinary symbol lottery results in the predetermined outcome in a predetermined easy ball entry state, a predetermined number of game balls enter the second start gate, and the special game is executed a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on a random value obtained based on the balls entering the second start gate, the system is configured to transition to a specific easy ball entry state, which is entered when the special game is executed fewer than the predetermined number of times, and then transition to the predetermined easy ball entry state after the special game is executed a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number. When the regular symbol lottery results in the predetermined outcome in the specified ball entry easy state, and the movable member is displaced to a state where ball entry into the second start opening is easy, and the special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start opening, it is possible to make the performance executed in the special game different from when the special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on ball entry into the second start opening in the predetermined ball entry easy state.

[0197] With this configuration, if the transition of game states from a specific easy-entry state to a predetermined easy-entry state does not occur, and the player remains in the specific easy-entry state, the visual presentation can create a sense of unease in the player, suggesting the occurrence of a special situation that is different from the normal one. Therefore, it is possible to enable the player to notice when a special situation occurs. Furthermore, it is possible to treat the situation in which a special game occurs based on a ball entering the second starting gate in the specific easy-entry state as a special situation.

[0198] Specifically, if an irregular event occurs while in the second, third, fifth, or sixth time-saving state, the occurrence of the irregular event can be indicated by an irregular win animation.

[0199] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, various controls are not limited to those of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is possible to freely combine, modify, or omit any of the components. It is also possible to freely combine multiple modified versions or components related to each of the original modified versions. Moreover, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines, such as managed gaming machines, which are designed so that players can play without touching the game balls. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0200] 4. Gaming Area 46 First Starter Port 48 Passage gate (operation opening) 49 Second Starter Port 50 Grand Prize Winners 54. Standard parts (movable components) 200 Main control board (main control means) 250 Game state control means 2914 Special random number storage means (reserved storage means)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a game area on which game balls move, and which launches game balls into the game area in response to the player's operation, A first start port is located in a predetermined area within the game area, A second start port is located in a region different from the predetermined region in the game area, A movable member that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting port, An operating port which serves as a trigger for executing a normal pattern lottery, relating to whether or not to displace the movable member to a state that facilitates ball entry into the second starting port, In a special game that is performed when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is performed when a ball enters the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result, there is a large prize opening that makes it easy for the ball to enter, If a special symbol lottery based on a random value obtained when a ball enters the first or second starting port cannot be performed, a reserve storage means for storing the obtained random value, The game includes a game state control means that can set game states including a ball entry easy state in which the movable member is relatively likely to be in a state in which ball entry into the second start opening is easy based on the execution of the regular symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is relatively unlikely to be in a state in which ball entry into the second start opening is easy based on the execution of the regular symbol lottery, In the aforementioned state of easy ball entry, if the result of the ordinary symbol lottery is a predetermined result favorable to the player, the movable member is displaced to a state in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the second start opening, and the movable member is configured to be displaced to a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start opening based on the entry of a predetermined number of game balls into the second start opening. The aforementioned easy ball entry state has multiple types of game states, and when the ordinary symbol lottery results in the predetermined outcome in a predetermined easy ball entry state, a predetermined number of game balls enter the second start gate, and the special game is executed a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on a random value obtained based on the balls entering the second start gate, the system is configured to transition to a specific easy ball entry state, which is entered when the special game is executed fewer than the predetermined number of times, and then transition to the predetermined easy ball entry state after the special game has been executed a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number. When the regular symbol lottery results in the predetermined outcome in the specified ball entry easy state, and the movable member is displaced to a state where ball entry into the second start opening is easy, and the special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start opening, the performance executed in the special game can be made different from when the special game occurs based on the execution of a special symbol lottery based on ball entry into the second start opening in the predetermined ball entry easy state. Gaming machine.

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