Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can improve interest. [Solution] In a pachinko gaming machine, when the machine is controlled to a non-time-shortened state in response to the execution of a special game a first specified maximum number of times in a first time-shortened state, a normal background image is displayed regardless of the type of background image that was displayed immediately before; when the machine is controlled to a non-time-shortened state in response to the execution of a special game a second specified maximum number of times in the first time-shortened state and a second chance background image Gh3 is displayed, the second chance background image Gh3 is allowed to continue to be displayed; thereafter, when the machine is controlled to a second time-shortened state in response to the main control CPU counting a specific number of times and a second chance background image Gh3 is displayed, the second chance background image Gh3 is allowed to continue to be displayed.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, among pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. In addition, among pachinko gaming machines, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the advantage of a gaming ball entering a starting hole is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-97881 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nowadays, there is a demand for gaming machines that offer greater entertainment value. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine that solves the above problem includes a specific start port through which a gaming ball can enter, operation means that can assume an operating state in which a gaming ball can enter the specific start port, and a non-operating state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the specific start port, game execution means that executes a special game, big win game awarding means that awards a big win game, game state control means that can control to a specific game state in which a specific special game among the special games can be executed, and a non-specific game state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific game state, or in which the specific special game cannot be executed, counting means that counts the number of times a specific condition is established, a first effect execution unit that executes an effect, and a second effect execution unit that executes an effect, the specific condition can be established by the execution of the special game, and the specific special game is executed when a gaming ball enters the specific start port. The specific game state includes a first specific game state that can be controlled when the big win game ends and a second specific game state that can be controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times, and the non-specific game state can be controlled when a special number of times of the special game is executed after being controlled to the second specific game state. The effects include a variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game, and a specific effect that can recognize the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed in the second specific game state before being controlled to the non-specific game state. The first effect execution unit can execute the variable effect when the special game is executed, and the second effect execution unit can execute the variable effect when the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific game state becomes a predetermined number. In the situation The special game in which the specific effect can be executed and the counting means counts the specific number of times is ended. In the situation When the big win game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the special game can be controlled to the second specific game state, and the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times is ended. In the situationThe gist of the invention is that when the jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends, the second specific game state is uncontrollable, and when power supply is cut off in the second specific game state and power supply is then started again, the same presentation mode can be maintained between when the number of times the specific condition is met is initialized and when the number of times the specific condition is met is not initialized, and the first presentation execution unit can execute a predetermined presentation different from the variable presentation depending on the presentation mode, and when power supply is cut off in the first specific game state and power supply is then started again, the different presentation modes can be maintained between when the number of times the specific condition is met is initialized and when the number of times the specific condition is met is not initialized. The gaming machine that solves the above problem includes: a specific start port into which a gaming ball can enter; an operating means that can take an operating state in which the gaming ball can enter the specific start port, and a non-operating state in which the gaming ball cannot enter the specific start port; Display special symbols in a variable mannerThe present invention is provided with a game execution means for executing a special game, a jackpot game awarding means for awarding a jackpot game, a game state control means capable of controlling a specific game state in which a specific special game among the special games can be executed, and a non-specific game state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific game state or the specific special game cannot be executed, a counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is established, a first effect execution unit for executing an effect, and a second effect execution unit for executing an effect, the specific condition can be established upon the execution of the special game, the specific special game is a special game whose execution is triggered by a game ball entering the specific start hole, and the specific game state can be controlled upon the completion of the jackpot game. The present invention relates to a first specific game state in which the game can be controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times, and a second specific game state in which the game can be controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times, and the game can be controlled to the non-specific game state when a specific number of times of the special game are executed after the game is controlled to the second specific game state. The effects include a variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game, and a specific effect that can recognize the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed in the second specific game state before the game is controlled to the non-specific game state. The first effect execution unit can execute the variable effect when the special game is executed, and the second effect execution unit can execute the variable effect when the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before the game is controlled to the non-specific game state becomes a predetermined number. In the situation The special game in which the specific effect can be executed and the counting means counts the specific number of times is ended. In the situation When the big win game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the special game can be controlled to the second specific game state, and the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times is ended. In the situation When the jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends, the second specific game state is uncontrollable, the variable presentation is a presentation in which a plurality of presentation patterns are displayed in a variable manner and then the plurality of presentation patterns are displayed stationary, and the specific presentation includes a first specific presentation which is executed when a first predetermined number of times is reached, and a second specific presentation which is executed when a second predetermined number of times is reached. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve interest. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a typical pachinko gaming machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] An explanatory diagram explaining the types of jackpots. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing special chart change processing. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram for explaining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram for explaining the main fluctuation pattern of the second special game. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the goal state transition process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transition of presentation modes. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the display mode in each presentation mode. [Figure 12] 11A to 11D are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a transition manner of a presentation mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of an output mode of an external signal. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of an output mode of an external signal. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of an output mode of an external signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (First embodiment) An embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine will be described below with reference to Figs. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pachinko game machine 10 as a game machine is provided with a game board YB. A game area YBa having a substantially circular shape in a front view is defined on the surface of the game board YB. A game ball shot out by a player operating a launch handle HD arranged on the front of the pachinko game machine 10 is guided down into the game area YBa. An image display device 11 having an image display area GH for displaying an image is provided in the approximate center of the game area YBa. The image display area GH of the image display device 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display type display unit. The image display device 11 displays various display effects using images, such as a pattern change game using three rows of performance patterns (decorative patterns) consisting of a left row, a middle row, and a right row. In the following description, a pattern change game using a performance pattern may be referred to as a performance game. In this embodiment, the performance game corresponds to a change performance.

[0009] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a 7-segment display device SG that performs effects. The 7-segment display device SG is a display device in which seven light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged in the shape of a figure of [8 (number)] as a whole to form seven segments (parts). The 7-segment display device SG is provided below the image display device 11. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a decorative lamp La that performs light-emitting effects. The decorative lamp La is arranged on a frame (for example, a front frame) or a game board YB that constitutes the pachinko gaming machine 10. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a speaker (sound output unit) Sp that outputs various types of sound effects such as sound effects and music, and performs audio effects. In this embodiment, the image display device 11, the 7-segment display device SG, the speaker Sp, and the decorative lamp La are each an effect device capable of performing an effect, and these constitute an effect device group that performs the effect. The effect device group corresponds to an effect execution means that performs the effect. Moreover, the image display device 11 corresponds to a first performance execution unit, and the seven-segment display device SG corresponds to a second performance execution unit.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of winning holes (ball winning holes) into which game balls can enter are arranged in the game area YBa of the game board YB. The winning holes include a first start hole 12, a second start hole 13, and a big winning hole 14.

[0011] The first start hole 12 is a ball entry hole where the start condition of a symbol variation game using a special symbol can be established by the entry of a game ball. The first start hole 12 is also a ball entry hole where the payout condition of a prize ball can be established by the entry of a game ball. In this embodiment, the first start hole 12 is located below the image display device 11, and is always open so that game balls can be entered. A ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the first start hole 12, and a means (a start sensor (switch) SE1 shown in FIG. 3) that detects the game ball that has entered the first start hole 12 is arranged in the ball passage.

[0012] The second starting hole 13 is a ball entry hole where the starting condition of the pattern variation game using the special pattern can be established by the entry of the game ball. The second starting hole 13 is also a ball entry hole where the payout condition of the prize ball is established by the entry of the game ball. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 13 is located at the lower right of the image display device 11. The second starting hole 13 is closed so that the game ball cannot be entered when the predetermined condition (winning of the normal pattern) is not established. Then, the second starting hole 13 is opened so that the game ball can be entered or can be easily entered by the establishment of the predetermined condition (winning of the normal pattern). The second starting hole 13 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the second starting hole 13 is the actuator AC1 shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the second starting hole 13 is connected to a ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB, and a means for detecting the game ball that entered the second starting hole 13 (start sensor (switch) SE2 shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the ball passage. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 13 is a starting hole that has an opening and closing member that opens and closes the ball entry hole of the second starting hole 13 and is operated by an actuator. The second starting hole 13 corresponds to a specific starting hole through which the game ball can enter. The state in which the second starting hole 13 is open corresponds to an operating state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 13, and the state in which the second starting hole 13 is closed corresponds to a non-operating state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13. The actuator AC1 corresponds to an operating means that can take an operating state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 13 and a non-operating state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13. In the following description, the "pattern change game using special symbols" in which the starting condition is established by a gaming ball entering the first starting hole 12 may be referred to as the first special game, and the "pattern change game using special symbols" in which the starting condition is established by a gaming ball entering the second starting hole 13 may be referred to as the second special game. Also, the first special game and the second special game may be collectively referred to simply as the special game.

[0013] The large prize opening 14 is a ball entry opening where the payout condition of the prize ball is satisfied by the entry of the game ball. In this embodiment, the large prize opening 14 is located to the right of the first start opening 12. The large prize opening 14 is closed so that the game ball cannot be entered when a predetermined condition (a special symbol is won) is not satisfied. Then, the large prize opening 14 is opened so that the game ball can be entered when the predetermined condition (a special symbol is won) is satisfied. The large prize opening 14 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the large prize opening 14 is the actuator AC2 shown in FIG. 3. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the large prize opening 14, and a means (a count sensor (switch) CS shown in FIG. 3) that detects the game ball that entered the large prize opening 14 is arranged in the ball passage.

[0014] In addition, an actuation gate 18 is disposed in the game area YBa. In this embodiment, the actuation gate 18 is located in the right area of ​​the game area YBa, above the second start opening 13 and the big prize opening 14. The actuation gate 18 has a gate opening 18a that is always open so that game balls can enter. A means (a gate sensor (switch) GS shown in FIG. 3) for detecting game balls that enter and pass through is disposed in the gate opening 18a. The gate opening 18a of the actuation gate 18 is a ball entrance opening through which the start condition of the normal pattern variation game using the normal pattern can be established by the game ball entering the gate opening 18. The second start opening 13 operates from a closed state to an open state after a normal winning is won in a winning lottery for normal patterns that is performed by a game ball entering the actuation gate 18, and a winning pattern for the normal pattern is derived in the normal pattern variation game.

[0015] In this embodiment, the first start hole 12, the second start hole 13, and the big prize hole 14 are ball entry devices that pay out prize balls when a game ball enters the hole, and the conditions for paying out prize balls are met when a game ball enters the hole. On the other hand, the operation gate 18 is not a ball entry device that pays out prize balls when a game ball enters the hole, and the conditions for paying out prize balls are not met even if a game ball enters the hole.

[0016] In this embodiment, the player can adjust the strength of the launch handle HD to hit the game ball to the left area or the right area, and make the game ball enter the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, or the operation gate 18. Specifically, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be strong (so-called right hit), the game ball is likely to be guided down to the right area and may enter the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, or the operation gate 18. Note that, since the game ball needs to be launched vigorously to reach the right area, the launch strength is adjusted to be maximum or slightly weaker than maximum. On the other hand, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be weak (so-called left hit), the game ball is likely to be guided down to the left area and may enter the first starting hole 12. In addition, since the left hit does not need to launch the game ball with as much force as the right hit, the strength is adjusted so that the launched game ball does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, when the right hit is made, a flow path for the game ball is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting hole 12. In addition, when the left hit is made, a flow path for the game ball is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, and the operating gate 18.

[0017] In this embodiment, the "left area" is an area located to the left of the center line C that bisects the game area YBa to the left and right when the game board YB is viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the "right area" is an area located to the right of the center line C when the game board YB is viewed from the front. In the pachinko game machine 10, a game ball launched by operating the launch handle HD is guided by the launch passage 19 located on the left side when the game board YB is viewed from the front, and passes through the backflow prevention valve 20 located at the most downstream of the launch passage 19 to reach the game area YBa. For this reason, the "left area" is also an area close to the launch passage 19, and conversely, the "right area" is also an area away from the launch passage 19. The game ball guided down the left area passes to the left of the image display device 11 located in the game area YBa and heads toward the outlet 21 located at the bottom of the game area YBa. In addition, the game ball guided down the right area passes to the right of the image display device 11 located in the game area YBa and heads toward the outlet 21.

[0018] In addition, the game board YB is provided with special symbol display devices 23a, 23b, reserved symbol display devices 24a, 24b, and a normal symbol display device 25, as shown in Fig. 3. These display devices are located on the game board YB at positions that are visible to the player when the pachinko game machine 10 is viewed from the front. For example, these display devices are provided on decorative members provided in the play area of ​​the game board YB, or on decorative members at the corners of the game board YB.

[0019] The special symbol display devices 23a and 23b play a special game, and a special symbol corresponding to the result of a winning lottery is drawn in the special game. The special symbol display device 23a is a display device for playing a first special game, and the special symbol display device 23b is a display device for playing a second special game. In the first special game and the second special game, a winning lottery is played when a starting condition is met, and the probability of winning a jackpot in the winning lottery is the same. In the first special game and the second special game, the type of jackpot determined when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery and the determination ratio of the same type of jackpot may be made different from each other to make it possible to make the degree of advantage when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery (for example, the number of prize balls, the period during which the rate of game balls entering the second starting hole 13 is improved, etc.) different. When the starting condition is established, a special game is played on the special symbol display device 23a or the special symbol display device 23b to derive the result of the winning lottery, and an effect game for deriving a result according to the special symbol derived in the special game is also played on the image display device 11 using the effect symbol. That is, the effect game is executed in response to the special game.

[0020] The special symbol display devices 23a and 23b are display devices equipped with light-emitting bodies. In the special game, an arbitrary combination of the light-emitting bodies is derived as a special symbol. The special symbols include a jackpot symbol that is derived when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, and a miss symbol that is derived when a jackpot is not won in a winning lottery. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbols include a time-saving winning symbol and a probability-changing winning symbol. The time-saving winning symbols include a first time-saving winning symbol and a second time-saving winning symbol. The probability-changing winning symbols include a first probability-changing winning symbol and a second probability-changing winning symbol. The first time-saving winning symbol and the second time-saving winning symbol correspond to a specific jackpot symbol. The probability-changing winning symbol corresponds to a special jackpot symbol. In this embodiment, after a jackpot is won in a winning lottery and a jackpot pattern is derived in a special game, a jackpot game is generated according to the type of the derived jackpot pattern. In the jackpot game, a round game that allows a game ball to enter the big prize opening 14 is played multiple times up to a predetermined number of rounds. When a jackpot game is generated, an opening time is set before the first round game starts, and an opening performance indicating the start of the jackpot game is performed during the opening time. Also, when a jackpot game is generated, an ending time is set when the final round game ends, and an ending performance indicating the end of the jackpot game is performed during the ending time.

[0021] The reserved display device 24a is a display device that displays the number of first special games (start reserved number) whose execution is reserved, and the reserved display device 24b is a display device that displays the number of second special games (start reserved number) whose execution is reserved. The normal symbol display device 25 performs a normal symbol variable game using normal symbols, and in the normal symbol variable game, a normal symbol according to the result of a lottery for a winning normal symbol is derived.

[0022] Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment has a probability change function. In this embodiment, when the probability change function is activated, the probability of winning a jackpot in a winning lottery changes from a low probability (normal probability) to a high probability. That is, the probability change function is a function that changes the probability state from a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low (normal probability) (hereinafter referred to as a low probability state) to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high (hereinafter referred to as a high probability state). The high probability state is a game state in which it is easier to win a jackpot in a winning lottery compared to the low probability state, and is advantageous for the player. The high probability state is granted until the next jackpot game is granted or the special game with the maximum number of chance games is executed. That is, the high probability state is controlled to an upper limit of the execution of the special game with the maximum number of chance games, and is controlled to a low probability state when the special game with the maximum number of chance games is executed in the high probability state.

[0023] The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment also has a ball entry rate improvement function. The ball entry rate improvement function is a function that can impart a state in which the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as a predetermined ball entry hole is improved (hereinafter, referred to as a "time-saving state"). The time-saving state is a so-called "electric support state" or "high base state". In the time-saving state, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 is improved, so it is recommended to play with a right-handed shot so that game balls can easily enter the second starting hole 13. On the other hand, in a state in which the time-saving state is not imparted, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 is lower than in the time-saving state, so it is recommended to play with a left-handed shot. In the following description, a state in which the time-saving state is not imparted may be referred to as a "non-time-saving state". The non-time-saving state is a so-called "non-electric support state" or "low base state". In this way, the ball entry rate improvement function is a function that changes the ball entry state from a non-time-saving state in which the ball entry rate per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as the designated ball entry port is low, to a time-saving state in which the ball entry rate per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as the designated ball entry port is high.

[0024] The time-saving state can be realized, for example, by executing one of the following four controls that is arbitrarily selected, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first control is a normal symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal symbol fluctuation game compared to the non-time-saving state. The second control is a normal symbol probability fluctuation control that changes the probability of winning a normal hit in the normal symbol winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the non-time-saving state. The third control is an opening time extension control that lengthens the total opening time of the second starting hole 13 based on winning a normal hit in the normal symbol winning lottery compared to the non-time-saving state. The opening time extension control may be at least one of the following: a control for increasing the number of times the second start port 13 is opened based on winning a normal winning in a winning lottery for a normal symbol, compared to a non-time-saving state; and a control for lengthening the time for which the second start port 13 is opened once based on winning a normal winning in a winning lottery for a normal symbol, compared to a non-time-saving state. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time reduction control that makes the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) easier to become shorter than in a non-time-saving state. When the special symbol fluctuation time reduction control is executed, the time-saving state becomes a so-called "fluctuation time reduction state."

[0025] The time-saving state is granted, for example, until the next big win game is granted or until the special game is executed the specified upper limit number of times after the time-saving state is granted. That is, the time-saving state is controlled to have the execution of the special game the specified upper limit number of times as the upper limit, and is controlled to the non-time-saving state when the special game is executed the specified upper limit number of times in the time-saving state. The specified upper limit number of times in this embodiment includes a first specified upper limit number, a second specified upper limit number that is greater than the first specified upper limit number, a third specified upper limit number that is greater than the second specified upper limit number, and a fourth specified upper limit number that is greater than the third specified upper limit number. In this embodiment, the first specified upper limit number is 100 times. Also, the second specified upper limit number is 899 times. Also, the third specified upper limit number is 999 times. That is, in this embodiment, the third specified upper limit number is the same as the sum of the first specified upper limit number and the second specified upper limit number. Also, in this embodiment, the fourth specified upper limit number is 1000 times. In the case of a pachinko gaming machine 10 that can execute a first special game and a second special game, the specified upper limit number of times is the total number of times of the first special game and the second special game. The first specified upper limit number of times corresponds to the first special number of times, and the third specified upper limit number of times corresponds to the second special number of times.

[0026] In this embodiment, the time-saving state includes a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state. The first time-saving state is controlled by the end of a big win game. On the other hand, the second time-saving state is controlled by the fact that the cumulative number of games, which is the number of times that a special game is executed in a low probability state, reaches a specific number. The cumulative number of games corresponds to the number of times that a specific condition is established. In other words, the specific condition can be established by the execution of a special game. The time-saving state corresponds to a specific ball-scoring state, and the non-time-saving state corresponds to a non-specific ball-scoring state. Also, the first time-saving state corresponds to a first specific ball-scoring state, and the second time-saving state corresponds to a second specific ball-scoring state.

[0027] In this embodiment, the second time-saving state has a longer total opening time of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal win in the winning lottery for normal symbols than the first time-saving state. In this embodiment, the second time-saving state is a state in which the ball entry rate into the second start hole 13 is slightly higher than that in the first time-saving state. For example, when a normal win is won in the winning lottery for normal symbols in the first time-saving state, the second start hole 13 is opened for 5 seconds, whereas when a normal win is won in the winning lottery for normal symbols in the second time-saving state, the second start hole 13 is opened for 5.2 seconds. Note that when a normal win is won in the winning lottery for normal symbols, the second start hole 13 may be opened multiple times. In this case, when the total opening time of the second start hole 13 is the same, the ball entry rate into the second start hole 13 is higher when the second start hole 13 is opened fewer times.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a game state that is a low probability state and a non-time-shortening state (hereinafter referred to as a low-probability non-time-shortening state) as a controllable game state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a game state that is a low probability state and a first time-shortening state (hereinafter referred to as a first low-probability time-shortening state) as a controllable game state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a game state that is a low probability state and a second time-shortening state (hereinafter referred to as a second low-probability time-shortening state) as a controllable game state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a game state that is a high probability state and a first time-shortening state (hereinafter referred to as a high-probability time-shortening state) as a controllable game state. On the other hand, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not have a game state that is a high probability state and a non-time-shortening state and a game state that is a high probability state and a second time-shortening state. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the degree of advantage for the player increases in the following order: low-probability non-time-shortening state < first low-probability time-shortening state < second low-probability time-shortening state < high-probability time-shortening state.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, in the pachinko game machine 10, after the end of the jackpot game, a probability state according to the type of jackpot pattern and a ball-entering state are given. Specifically, after the end of the jackpot game based on the first time-saving winning pattern (hereinafter referred to as the first time-saving winning game), the first time-saving state is given until the first specified upper limit number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is given. On the other hand, after the end of the first time-saving winning game, the high probability state is not given. In other words, after the end of the first time-saving winning game, the first low probability time-saving state is given until the first specified upper limit number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is given.

[0030] In addition, after the end of the jackpot game based on the second time-saving winning pattern (hereinafter referred to as the second time-saving winning game), the first time-saving state is granted until the second specified upper limit number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, after the end of the second time-saving winning game, the high probability state is not granted. In other words, after the end of the second time-saving winning game, the first low probability time-saving state is granted until the second specified upper limit number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded.

[0031] In addition, after the end of the jackpot game based on the first probability variation pattern (hereinafter referred to as the first probability variation game), the first time-saving state is given until the first specified upper limit number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. In addition, after the end of the first probability variation game, a high probability state is given until the special game of a predetermined probability variation upper limit number ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. In this embodiment, the probability variation upper limit number is the same as the first specified upper limit number. In other words, after the end of the first probability variation game, the high probability time-saving state is controlled until the first specified upper limit number of special games (probability variation upper limit number) ends or the next jackpot game is awarded.

[0032] In addition, after the end of the jackpot game based on the second probability variation pattern (hereinafter referred to as the second probability variation game), the first time-saving state is given until the end of the third specified upper limit number of special games or the next jackpot game is awarded. In addition, after the end of the second probability variation game, the high probability state is given until the end of the special game with the probability variation upper limit number of times or the next jackpot game is awarded. That is, after the end of the second probability variation game, the high probability time-saving state is controlled until the end of the first specified upper limit number of special games (probability variation upper limit number of times) or the next jackpot game is awarded. After that, the first low probability time-saving state is controlled until the end of the first specified upper limit number of special games (probability variation upper limit number of times) or the end of the special games with the number of times obtained by subtracting the first specified upper limit number of times (probability variation upper limit number of times) from the third specified upper limit number of times or the next jackpot game is awarded. As described above, the third prescribed upper limit number is the same as the sum of the first prescribed upper limit number and the second prescribed upper limit number. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the next jackpot game is not awarded by the end of the special game of the first prescribed upper limit number after the end of the second probability hit game, it can be said that the game is controlled to the first low probability time-saving state from the end of the special game of the first prescribed upper limit number until the end of the special game of the second prescribed upper limit number or until the next jackpot game is awarded. In other words, if the next jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the second probability hit game, it can be said that the game is controlled to the high probability time-saving state until the end of the special game of the first prescribed upper limit number, and then controlled to the first low probability time-saving state until the end of the special game of the second prescribed upper limit number.

[0033] In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the second time-saving state is controlled when a specific transition condition is established. The specific transition condition is established when a specific number of special games are executed in a situation controlled to a low probability state. For example, the specific number is 900 times. That is, in this embodiment, the specific number is greater than the first specified upper limit number, the second specified upper limit number, and the third specified upper limit number. On the other hand, the specific number is less than the fourth specified upper limit number. Also, in this embodiment, the specific number is greater than the difference between the third specified upper limit number and the probability variable upper limit number. The second time-saving state is controlled when a specific number of special games are executed, until the fourth specified upper limit number of special games ends or the next big win game is awarded. In addition, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine 10 capable of executing the first special game and the second special game, the specific number is the total number of the first special game and the second special game.

[0034] In this way, after the end of the jackpot game, there are times when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the first specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit, times when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the second specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit, and times when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the third specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit. As described above, when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit, the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state when the specified upper limit number of special games is played in the first time-saving state. Then, when a specific transition condition is established in the non-time-saving state, the game is controlled to the second time-saving state. In the following description, when the first probability hit game and the second probability hit game are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as probability hit games. Also, when the first time-saving hit game and the second time-saving hit game are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as time-saving hit games. Probability hit games correspond to special jackpot games. The time-saving winning game corresponds to a specific jackpot game. The first time-saving winning game corresponds to a first specific jackpot game, and the second time-saving winning game corresponds to a second specific jackpot game.

[0035] Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with various boards including a main control board 30, a sub-control board 31, and an external terminal board 32, as shown in FIG. The main control board 30 has a main control CPU 30a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined sequence, a main control ROM 30b for storing the control program of the main control CPU 30a, and a main control RAM 30c for writing and reading necessary data. The main control board 30 also has a random number generating circuit 30d. The main control CPU 30a is adapted to input detection signals from various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, and GS. The main control CPU 30a also controls the display contents of various display devices (such as the special symbol display devices 23a and 23b, the reserved display devices 24a and 24b, and the normal symbol display device 25) and controls the operation of each actuator AC1 and AC2.

[0036] The information stored in the main control ROM 30b includes a main control program for executing processing related to games, information for specifying a variation pattern (main variation pattern) of a special game, and various judgment values. The main variation pattern is information that can specify a variation time (performance time) from when the special symbol starts to vary until the special symbol is derived. In other words, the main variation pattern is information that can specify a variation time of a special game. In this embodiment, the main variation pattern can be classified into a main variation pattern for a big win variation and a main variation pattern for a loss variation. The big win variation is a performance that is performed when a big win is won in a winning lottery, and a big win symbol is ultimately derived in the special game. The loss variation is a performance that is performed when a big win is not won in a winning lottery, and a loss symbol is ultimately derived in the special game. In addition, the various judgment values ​​include a winning judgment value used in a winning lottery, a normal winning judgment value used in a winning lottery for a normal symbol, and the like. In addition, the main control RAM 30c stores various information (random numbers, timer values, flags, start hold numbers, etc.) that is appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

[0037] The main control CPU 30a executes a random number update process (software random number generation process) that updates the values ​​of various software random numbers at a predetermined control period (interrupt period) and stores them in the main control RAM 30c. The software random numbers include a jackpot pattern random number used to determine a jackpot pattern for a special pattern, and a main fluctuation pattern allocation random number used to allocate a main fluctuation pattern. The random number generation circuit 30d generates hardware random numbers by updating the value by 1 at each period of an internal system clock (e.g., 10 MHz) supplied from a clock circuit (not shown) mounted on the microprocessor. The hardware random numbers include a winning random number used in a winning lottery for a special pattern, and a normal winning random number used in a winning lottery for a normal pattern (normal winning lottery).

[0038] The sub-control board 31 is electrically connected to the main control board 30 so that control commands are output in one direction from the main control board 30. The sub-control board 31 has a sub-control CPU 31a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, a sub-control ROM 31b that stores the control program of the sub-control CPU 31a, and a sub-control RAM 31c that can write and read necessary data.

[0039] The sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 can input a control command output from the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30, and performs control according to the input control command. For example, when the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a control command instructing the start of a presentation game, it controls the display content so that the presentation game is performed on the image display device 11. The sub-control CPU 31a also executes various presentations by controlling the display content of the image display device 11, the display content of the 7-segment display device SG, the lighting / non-lighting of the decorative lamp La, and the sound output of the speaker Sp. Various presentations by the image display device 11, the 7-segment display device SG, the decorative lamp La, and the speaker Sp are performed in a presentation mode according to the presentation game, or when controlled to a standby state.

[0040] The external terminal board 32 is electrically connected to the main control board 30 so that control information (control signal) is transmitted from the main control board 30 in one direction. The external terminal board 32 has a predetermined number of output terminals that output an external signal instructed by the main control CPU 30a to the outside of the machine. In this embodiment, the external terminal board 32 has a first output terminal 32a and a second output terminal 32b. In this embodiment, the external signal can be output to the outside of the machine by wiring the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 and the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 to an input terminal of an external device. For example, the external device is a hall computer, a card unit, etc. In the following description, the external signal output from the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 to the outside of the machine is referred to as the first external signal, and the external signal output from the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 to the outside of the machine is referred to as the second external signal. The first external signal corresponds to specific information, and the second external signal corresponds to special information.

[0041] Next, a process (normal process) that the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 performs to control a game will be described. First, the process (input process (reception process)) regarding the input of detection signals of the game ball from the various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, and GS will be described.

[0042] When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the start sensor SE1 due to a ball entering the first start hole 12, it judges whether the number of reserved balls for the first special game is less than the upper reserved number (four in this embodiment). When the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is less than the upper reserved number, the main control CPU 30a reserves the execution of the first special game anew. After that, the main control CPU 30a adds one to the number of reserved balls for the first special game and rewrites it, and controls the reserve display device 24a to display the number of reserved balls after the addition. In this embodiment, the reserve condition for the first special game is met when the game ball is detected by the start sensor SE1 when the number of reserved balls for the first special game is less than the upper reserved number. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a reserve means for reserving the execution of the special game.

[0043] In addition, when the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the start sensor SE2 due to a ball entering the second start hole 13, it judges whether the start reserved number of the second special game is less than the reserved upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the start reserved number of the second special game is less than the reserved upper limit number, the main control CPU 30a newly reserves the execution of the second special game. After that, the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the start reserved number of the second special game and rewrites it, and controls the reserve display device 24b to display the start reserved number after the addition. In this embodiment, the reserve condition of the second special game is met when the game ball is detected by the start sensor SE2 when the start reserved number of the second special pattern is less than the reserved upper limit number. Note that the main control CPU 30a does not add the start reserved number when the start reserved number has reached the reserved upper limit number. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 30a adds the start reserved number, it outputs a control command (such as a reserve designation command) capable of specifying the start reserved number after the addition to the sub control CPU 31a. The sub-control CPU 31a, which has received a control command capable of identifying the number of start reservations, causes the image display device 11 to display an image corresponding to the number of start reservations that can be identified from the information.

[0044] In addition, when a game ball enters the ball when the number of start reserved balls is less than the upper limit number of reserved balls, the main control CPU 30a acquires the values ​​of various random numbers upon the entry of the ball, and stores random number information capable of identifying the acquired values ​​of various random numbers in the main control RAM 30c. The random number information may be composed of the values ​​of random numbers, or may be composed of information obtained by converting the values ​​of random numbers into other information capable of identifying the values. In addition, when storing random number information, the main control CPU 30a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify whether the information is the random number information for the first special game or the random number information for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In addition, when acquiring the values ​​of random numbers, the main control CPU 30a acquires the value of the winning random number from the random number generating circuit, and acquires the value of the jackpot symbol random number and the value of the main variation pattern allocation random number from the main control RAM 30c.

[0045] In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a gate passing command to the sub control CPU 31a, which can specify that the game ball has passed through the operation gate 18, in processing when a detection signal is input from the gate sensor GS. In addition, the main control CPU 30a performs processing to store the normal reserved number (the number of normal games) and to obtain various random numbers used for normal winning lottery, in processing when a detection signal is input from the gate sensor GS. The normal reserved number has a reserved upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) set, similar to the start reserved number of the first special game and the second special game. Therefore, when the normal reserved number is less than the reserved upper limit number, the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the normal reserved number and rewrites it, and controls the normal reserved display device (not shown) to display the normal reserved number after the addition.

[0046] Furthermore, when the main control CPU 30a receives detection signals from the start sensors SE1, SE2 and the count sensor CS, the main control CPU 30a performs prize ball processing to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. In the prize ball processing, the main control CPU 30a generates and outputs a payout designation command (payout signal) to be output to a payout control board (not shown) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout control board that receives the payout designation command operates a ball payout device (not shown) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls.

[0047] Next, a process (special game variation process) for executing a special game to derive a lottery result of a winning lottery will be described. The main control CPU 30a executes the special game variation process at a predetermined control period (for example, 4 ms).

[0048] As shown in Fig. 6, in the special chart variation process, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the execution condition of the special game is met (step S01). In the process of step S01, the main control CPU 30a judges that the execution condition of the special game is met when the special game is not being played and a jackpot game is not being played. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a judges that the execution condition of the special game is not met when the special game is being played or a jackpot game is being played. If the execution condition of the special game is not met (step S01: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart variation process.

[0049] When the execution condition of the special game is established (step S01: YES), the main control CPU 30a reads the start reserved number of the second special game and judges whether the read start reserved number is greater than zero (step S02). When the start reserved number of the second special game is zero (step S02: NO), the main control CPU 30a reads the start reserved number of the first special game and judges whether the read start reserved number is greater than zero (step S03). When the start reserved number of the first special game is zero (step S03: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart variation process. When the start reserved number of the first special game is greater than zero (step S03: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts 1 from the start reserved number of the first special game (step S04). In addition, in the process of step S04, the main control CPU 30a outputs a reservation designation command capable of identifying the start reserved number of the first special game after subtraction to the sub control CPU 31a.

[0050] Next, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the number of chances of a chance change is greater than zero (step S05). The number of chances of a chance change is the difference between the upper limit number of chances of a chance change and the number of special games executed after being controlled to the high probability state. In other words, the number of chances of a chance change is information that can specify the remaining number of special games that can be executed before being controlled from the high probability state to the low probability state. If the number of chances of a chance change is greater than zero (step S05: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts 1 from the number of chances of a chance change (step S06). When the processing of step S06 ends, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the number of chances of a chance change after subtraction in the processing of step S06 is zero (step S07). If the number of chances of a chance change after subtraction in the processing of step S06 is zero (step S07: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls to the low probability state (step S08). When the probability change count is greater than zero (step S05: NO), when the probability change count after subtraction in the process of step S06 is not zero (step S07: NO), and when the process of step S08 is completed, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the current probability state is a low probability state or a high probability state (step S09). For example, the main control CPU 30a specifies whether the current probability state is a low probability state or a high probability state based on the probability information stored in the main control RAM 30c. The probability information is information that can specify whether the current probability state is a low probability state or a high probability state. When the current probability state is a low probability state (step S09: YES), the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the cumulative number of games stored in the main control RAM 30c (step S10). At this time, the main control CPU 30a outputs a cumulative number of games command that can specify the cumulative number of games after addition to the sub control CPU 31a.

[0051] When the current probability state is a high probability state (step S09: NO), and when the process of step S10 is completed, the main control CPU 30a acquires the first stored random number information among the random number information for the first special game (step S11). When the main control CPU 30a acquires the first random number information in the process of step S11, it erases the first stored random number information from the main control RAM 30c. Next, the main control CPU 30a performs a winning lottery (step S12). In the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a compares the value of the winning random number specified from the acquired random number information with the jackpot determination value, and determines whether or not a jackpot has been won in the winning lottery. At this time, the main control CPU 30a determines whether or not a jackpot has been won with a winning probability according to the current probability state. For example, the winning probability is 218 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 300) in a low probability state. For example, the winning probability is 1010 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 65) in a high probability state. If the main control CPU 30a determines in the process of step S12 that a jackpot has been won, it determines a special jackpot symbol based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number specified from the acquired random number information. On the other hand, if the main control CPU 30a determines in the process of step S12 that a jackpot has not been won, it determines a losing symbol of the special symbol. The jackpot symbol or losing symbol determined in the process of step S12 becomes the fixed stop symbol derived in the special game. The main control CPU 30a also outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a symbol command) capable of specifying the special symbol determined in the process of step S12 to the sub control CPU 31a. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number identified from the random number information acquired in the processing of step S11 and the result of the winning lottery performed in the processing of step S12 (step S13).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern according to the current ball entry state. When determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, when the current ball entry state is a non-time-saving state, the main control CPU 30a determines one of the fluctuation patterns HP1-01, HP1-02, HP1-03, HP1-04, and HP1-05 as the main fluctuation pattern. In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns HP1-01, HP1-02, and HP1-04 are main fluctuation patterns for loss fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is not won (in the case of loss) in the winning lottery of the first special game. In addition, the fluctuation patterns HP1-03 and HP1-05 are main fluctuation patterns for big win fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is won in the winning lottery of the first special game. In this embodiment, the variation pattern HP1-01 is a main variation pattern in which "no reach" is set as the performance content. The variation pattern HP1-02 and the variation pattern HP1-03 are main variation patterns in which "normal reach performance" is set as the performance content. The variation pattern HP1-04 and the variation pattern HP1-05 are main variation patterns in which "super reach performance" is set as the performance content. The normal reach performance and the super reach performance are performances in which a reach is formed by deriving (stop displaying) the same performance pattern in the reach formation column (for example, the left column and the right column) in the image display device 11, and the remaining column (for example, the middle column) is derived (stop display). The variation pattern HP1-01 is a main variation pattern in which 12 seconds is set as the variation time. The variation pattern HP1-02 is a main variation pattern in which 20 seconds is set as the variation time. The variation pattern HP1-03 is a main variation pattern in which 25 seconds is set as the variation time. The fluctuation pattern HP1-04 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 40 seconds.The fluctuation pattern HP1-05 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 45 seconds.

[0053] In addition, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a determines one of the fluctuation patterns HP1-11, HP1-12, HP1-13, HP1-14, and HP1-15 as the main fluctuation pattern when the current ball entry state is a time-saving state. In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns HP1-11, HP1-12, and HP1-14 are main fluctuation patterns for loss fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is not won (in the case of loss) in the winning lottery of the first special game. In addition, the fluctuation patterns HP1-13 and HP1-15 are main fluctuation patterns for big win fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is won in the winning lottery of the first special game. In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern HP1-11 is a main fluctuation pattern in which "no reach" is set as the performance content. Fluctuation pattern HP1-12 and fluctuation pattern HP1-13 are main fluctuation patterns in which the performance content is set to "normal reach performance." Fluctuation pattern HP1-14 and fluctuation pattern HP1-15 are main fluctuation patterns in which the performance content is set to "super reach performance." Fluctuation pattern HP1-11 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 8 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-12 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 10 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-13 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 15 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-14 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-15 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 35 seconds.

[0054] In this embodiment, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a determines a main fluctuation pattern that is different between when the current ball entry state is a non-time-saving state and when the current ball entry state is a time-saving state. That is, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game in this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a determines a main fluctuation pattern that is different from the low-probability non-time-saving state when the current ball entry state is the first low-probability time-saving state, the second low-probability time-saving state, or the high-probability time-saving state. In this embodiment, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a can be said to determine the main fluctuation pattern according to the current game state.

[0055] Returning to the explanation of the special pattern variation process, the main control CPU 30a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern command) capable of identifying the main variation pattern determined in the process of step S13 to the sub-control CPU 31a. The symbol command and the variation pattern command are commands that instruct the start of the performance game. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the special pattern variation process.

[0056] If the start pending number of the second special game is greater than zero (step S02: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts one from the start pending number of the second special game (step S14). In addition, in the process of step S14, the main control CPU 30a outputs a pending designation command capable of identifying the start pending number of the second special game after subtraction to the sub control CPU 31a. Next, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the number of chances of a chance change is greater than zero (step S15). If the number of chances of a chance change is greater than zero (step S15: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts one from the number of chances of a chance change (step S16). When the process of step S16 ends, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the number of chances of a chance change after subtraction in the process of step S16 is zero (step S17). When the probability of the bonus is zero after subtraction in the process of step S16 (step S17: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls to a low probability state (step S18).

[0057] When the probability change count is greater than zero (step S15: NO), when the probability change count after subtraction in the process of step S16 is not zero (step S17: NO), and when the process of step S18 is completed, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the current probability state is a low probability state (step S19). When the current probability state is a low probability state (step S19: YES), the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the cumulative number of games stored in the main control RAM 30c (step S20). At this time, the main control CPU 30a outputs a cumulative number of games command capable of identifying the cumulative number of games after the addition to the sub control CPU 31a.

[0058] When the current probability state is a high probability state (step S19: NO) and when the process of step S20 is completed, the main control CPU 30a acquires the first stored random number information of the random number information for the second special game (step S21). When the main control CPU 30a acquires the first random number information in the process of step S21, it erases the first stored random number information from the main control RAM 30c. Next, the main control CPU 30a performs a winning lottery (step S22). When the main control CPU 30a determines that a jackpot has been won in the process of step S22, it determines the jackpot symbol of the special symbol based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number specified from the acquired random number information. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 30a determines that a jackpot has not been won in the process of step S22, it determines the losing symbol of the special symbol. The winning symbol or the losing symbol determined in the process of step S22 becomes the fixed stop symbol derived in the special game. The winning symbol of the special symbol is associated with the type of winning. Therefore, determining the winning symbol determines the type of winning. The main control CPU 30a outputs a symbol command that can specify the special symbol determined in the process of step S22 to the sub control CPU 31a. After that, the main control CPU 30a determines the main variation pattern based on the variation pattern determination random number specified from the random number information obtained in the process of step S21 and the result of the winning lottery performed in the process of step S22 (step S23).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the second special game, the main control CPU 30a determines one of the fluctuation patterns HP2-01, HP2-02, HP2-03, HP2-04, and HP2-05 as the main fluctuation pattern regardless of the current game state (ball-entering state). In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns HP2-01, HP2-02, and HP2-04 are main fluctuation patterns for loss fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is not won (loss) in the winning lottery of the second special game. In addition, the fluctuation patterns HP2-03 and HP2-05 are main fluctuation patterns for big win fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is won in the winning lottery of the second special game. In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern HP2-01 is a main fluctuation pattern in which "no reach" is set as the performance content. Fluctuation pattern HP2-02 and fluctuation pattern HP2-03 are main fluctuation patterns in which the performance content is set to "normal reach performance." Fluctuation pattern HP2-04 and fluctuation pattern HP2-05 are main fluctuation patterns in which the performance content is set to "super reach performance." Fluctuation pattern HP2-01 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 4 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-02 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 10 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-03 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 15 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-04 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-05 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 35 seconds.

[0060] Returning to the explanation of the special chart variation process, the main control CPU 30a outputs a variation pattern command capable of identifying the main variation pattern determined in the process of step S23 to the sub control CPU 31a. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart variation process. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a lottery means for executing a winning lottery when a game ball enters the second start hole 13 (and the first start hole 12). The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a counting means for counting the cumulative number of games (the number of times the special game is executed in the low probability state). The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a variation time determination means for determining the variation time of the special game. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a probability state control means capable of controlling between a low probability state and a high probability state in which it is easier to win a jackpot in a winning lottery compared to the low probability state.

[0061] When the special symbol variation process is completed, the main control CPU 30a executes a process for executing a special game. Specifically, when the start condition of the first special game is satisfied in the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23a to start the first special game. Also, when the start condition of the second special game is satisfied in the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23b to start the second special game. Also, the main control CPU 30a measures the variation time set in the main variation pattern of the special game to be started. After that, when the elapsed time from the start of the special game reaches a predetermined variation time (the time set in the main variation pattern), the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23a or the special symbol display device 23b to end the corresponding special game. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a game execution means for executing a special game based on the result of a winning lottery.

[0062] In addition, when the main control CPU 30a ends the special game, it starts measuring the interval time. In this embodiment, the interval time is set to 0.1 seconds. After that, when the measurement of the interval time ends, the main control CPU 30a executes the ball-entering state transition process for transitioning the ball-entering state. In this embodiment, when the ended special game is a jackpot special game, the jackpot game starts when the measurement of the interval time ends. That is, when the ended special game is a jackpot special game, the game is controlled to a low-probability non-time-saving state with the start of the jackpot game. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the ended special game is a jackpot special game, the main control CPU 30a does not execute the ball-entering state transition process.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, in the winning state transition process, the main control CPU 30a judges whether or not a specific transition condition is satisfied (step S31). If the specific transition condition is satisfied (step S31: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls to the second time-shortening state (step S32). That is, the main control CPU 30a controls to the second time-shortening state when the cumulative number of games is a specific number. Also, the main control CPU 30a updates the winning rate information so that it can be specified that it is controlled to the second time-shortening state in the process of step S32. The winning rate information is information that can specify whether the current winning state is a non-time-shortening state, a first time-shortening state, or a second time-shortening state. As described above, the cumulative number of games is added when the current probability state is a low probability state. Therefore, the process of step S32 is executed when the current probability state is a low probability state. That is, the game state when it is controlled to the second time-shortening state in the process of step S32 is the second low-probability time-shortening state.

[0064] In addition, in the process of step S32, the main control CPU 30a executes control to output the first external signal and the second external signal. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a outputs the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 during the period from when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state until the second time-shortening state ends. Meanwhile, the main control CPU 30a outputs the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 during the period from when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state until a predetermined specific time has elapsed. For example, the specific time of the second external signal is 0.1 seconds. The specific time of the second external signal corresponds to the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted. In this embodiment, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is the same when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state after the end of the first time-shortening winning game and when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state after the end of the second time-shortening winning game. As described above, when the first output terminal 32a and the second output terminal 32b are respectively connected by wiring to the input terminals of an external device, the first external signal and the second external signal are output to the outside of the machine. Therefore, the control of outputting the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a corresponds to the control for outputting the first external signal to the outside of the machine. Also, the control of outputting the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b corresponds to the control for outputting the second external signal to the outside of the machine. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to an output control means that executes the control for outputting predetermined information to the outside of the machine.

[0065] If the specific transition condition is not satisfied (step S31: NO), the main control CPU 30a judges whether or not the normal transition condition is satisfied (step S33). Specifically, the main control CPU 30a judges that the normal transition condition is satisfied when the specified upper limit number of special games is ended while controlling to the time-shortening state. That is, the normal transition condition is a condition for transitioning from the time-shortening state to the non-time-shortening state. If the normal transition condition is not satisfied (step S33: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the ball-entering state transition process. If the normal transition condition is satisfied (step S33: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls to the non-time-shortening state (step S34). In addition, the main control CPU 30a updates the ball-entering rate information in the process of step S34 so that it can be specified that the control is in the non-time-shortening state. Thus, in this embodiment, if the specific transition condition is satisfied, transition is made to the second time-shortening state. Then, if the specific transition condition is not satisfied and the normal transition condition is satisfied, transition is made to the non-time-shortening state. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a corresponds to a ball-entering state control means capable of controlling between a time-shortening state and a non-time-shortening state.

[0066] Next, the process related to the progress of the jackpot game performed by winning the winning lottery will be described. When the jackpot is won in the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a executes the process related to the progress of the jackpot game and awards the jackpot game, triggered by the measurement of the interval time after the end of the special game that derived the result of the winning lottery. When the jackpot game starts, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a low probability non-time reduction state. In addition, when the jackpot game starts, the main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 during the period until the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a does not output a first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 during the period during which the jackpot game is awarded.

[0067] The jackpot game of this embodiment is composed of an opening accompanying the start of the jackpot game, a round game for opening the jackpot opening 14, and an ending accompanying the end of the jackpot game. In other words, the jackpot game progresses in stages, such as opening → round game → ending. The main control CPU 30a performs a jackpot information generation process for generating a control command for instructing the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 to control the game presentation, and a jackpot game control process for opening and closing the jackpot opening 14, as a process related to the progress of the jackpot game. In the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates an opening command that can specify the start of the opening when the opening starts, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates an opening command so as to be able to identify whether the opening of the first time-saving winning game has started, the opening of the second time-saving winning game has started, the opening of the first special probability winning game has started, or the opening of the second special probability winning game has started.

[0068] In the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates a round command that can specify the start of each round game with the start of each round game, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates a round command so that it can specify how many round games a newly started round game is after the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates an ending command that can specify the start of an ending with the start of an ending, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates an ending command so that it can specify whether the ending of the first time-saving winning game has started, the ending of the second time-saving winning game has started, the ending of the first probability winning game has started, or the ending of the second probability winning game has started. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a jackpot game granting means that grants a jackpot game.

[0069] Also, when the big win game ends, the main control CPU 30a initializes the cumulative number of games. After that, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state according to the type of big win game. That is, after the first time-saving hit game ends and after the second time-saving hit game ends, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to the first low-probability time-saving state. On the other hand, after the first probability hit game ends and after the second probability hit game ends, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to the high-probability time-saving state.

[0070] Next, processing related to the game state will be described. In this process, the main control CPU 30a generates a control command capable of identifying a game state as a control command, and outputs the control command to the sub-control CPU 31a.

[0071] When the game state is a low-probability non-time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter, referred to as a state 1 designation command) capable of identifying that the game state is a low-probability non-time-shortening state. When the game state is a first low-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter, referred to as a state 2 designation command) capable of identifying that the game state is a first low-probability time-shortening state. When the game state is a second low-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter, referred to as a state 3 designation command) capable of identifying that the game state is a second low-probability time-shortening state. When the game state is a high-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter, referred to as a state 4 designation command) capable of identifying that the game state is a high-probability time-shortening state.

[0072] In this embodiment, the state designation command is generated when power supply is started (at initialization and at power recovery) and when the game state changes. The generated state designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. For example, when the game state after the end of a big win game is set to a high-probability time-shortening state, the game state is controlled to the high-probability time-shortening state with the end of the big win game, and a state 4 designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. For example, when the game state is controlled to the second low-probability time-shortening state in the processing of step S32, the game state is controlled to the second low-probability time-shortening state, and a state 3 designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. The state designation command is not limited to the exemplified control command, and may be set for each game state that needs to be recognized by the sub-control CPU 31a.

[0073] Next, a process (regular symbol variation process) for executing a regular symbol variation game that derives the lottery result of the regular winning lottery will be described. In the normal symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has been established. In this judgment, the main control CPU 30a judges that the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has been established when the normal symbol variation game is not being executed and the normal symbol winning game is not being played, while it judges that the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has not been established when the normal symbol variation game is being executed or the normal symbol winning game is being played. If the start condition of the normal symbol variation game is not established, the main control CPU 30a ends the normal symbol variation process.

[0074] When the start condition of the normal symbol variation game is established, the main control CPU 30a reads the normal reserved number and judges whether the read normal reserved number is greater than zero. If the normal reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU 30a performs a predetermined process to start the normal symbol variation game. On the other hand, if the normal reserved number is zero, the main control CPU 30a ends the normal symbol variation process.

[0075] When starting a normal symbol variation game, the main control CPU 30a rewrites the normal reserved number by subtracting 1. Then, the main control CPU 30a acquires the random number information (normal hit random number) stored first in the random number information stored in the main control RAM 30c. Then, the main control CPU 30a compares the value of the normal hit random number specified from the acquired random number information with the normal hit judgment value, and performs a normal hit lottery. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a ball winning rate improvement function. Therefore, when configured to execute the probability variation control of the normal symbol in a state in which the ball winning rate improvement function is operating (time-saving state), the main control CPU 30a performs a normal hit lottery with a winning probability that differs depending on whether the time-saving state or the non-time-saving state is in the normal hit lottery. In this embodiment, the winning probability in the non-time-saving state is set to zero (no normal hit), and the winning probability in the time-saving state is set to 100% (no miss). The probability of winning a normal win in the normal win lottery can be determined by the ratio of the number of values ​​(normal win judgment values) that win a normal win to the possible values ​​of the normal win random number. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal win in the first time-saving state is the same as the probability of winning a normal win in the second time-saving state.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of the normal symbol variation process, in the normal winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the value of the normal winning random number acquired from the main control RAM 30c matches the normal winning judgment value. If the value of the normal winning random number matches the normal winning judgment value, the main control CPU 30a judges that a normal winning has been won in the normal winning lottery. If a normal winning has been won in the normal winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a performs normal winning processing. In the normal winning processing, the main control CPU 30a determines the winning symbol of the normal symbol and determines the normal symbol variation pattern capable of identifying the variation time of the normal symbol variation game. This determined winning symbol of the normal symbol becomes the determined stop symbol derived in the normal symbol variation game. On the other hand, if the normal winning lottery does not win a normal winning (if it is a loss), the main control CPU 30a performs normal loss processing. In the normal losing process, the main control CPU 30a determines the losing pattern of the normal pattern and determines the variation pattern of the normal pattern. The determined losing pattern of the normal pattern becomes the fixed stop pattern derived in the normal pattern variation game.

[0077] Then, the main control CPU 30a executes a normal symbol variation game on the normal symbol display device 25 according to the result of the normal symbol win process or normal symbol loss process based on the result of the normal symbol win lottery, and causes the normal symbol win symbol or normal symbol loss symbol to be derived after the variation time has elapsed. In addition, if the normal symbol win lottery is won, the main control CPU 30a causes a normal symbol win game to be generated after the normal symbol variation game ends. In the normal symbol win game, the second start hole 13 is opened in a predetermined opening manner, thereby controlling the game to be in an allowable state that allows the game ball to enter.

[0078] In this way, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 to be in an open state by the power of the actuator AC1 in the time-shortening state. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 not to be in an open state in the non-time-shortening state. That is, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 to be continuously in a closed state (non-open state) in the non-time-shortening state. The main control CPU 30a may control the second start port 13 to be in an open state in the non-time-shortening state with a lower probability than in the time-shortening state. That is, the main control CPU 30a may set the probability of winning a normal win in the normal win lottery to be lower than the winning probability in the non-time-shortening state.

[0079] Next, a description will be given of various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 based on the performance control program. When a control command is input from the main control CPU 30a, the sub-control CPU 31a executes various processes according to the control command.

[0080] First, the effect symbol variation process for executing the effect game will be described. In the effect symbol variation process, when the sub-control CPU 31a receives a symbol command, it determines a combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the special symbols designated by the symbol command. In this embodiment, deriving a combination of effect symbols means stopping and displaying the combination of effect symbols.

[0081] The combination of performance patterns will be explained. As described above, in this embodiment, the combination of three columns of effect symbols consisting of the left column, the middle column, and the right column is derived as the result of the effect game. In this embodiment, the identification information of each column that constitutes the combination of effect symbols is composed of a design imitating Arabic numerals. To give a specific example, the identification information of each column is Arabic numerals from [1] to [9]. As a result, the combination of effect symbols is, for example, a combination such as

[0111] where the identification information of all columns is the same, or a combination such as

[0479] ,

[0337] , and

[0121] where the identification information of all columns is not the same.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of the performance symbol variation process, when a special symbol is designated as a jackpot symbol by a symbol command, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination for a jackpot according to the type of the jackpot symbol for the special symbol. Specifically, when the first time-saving symbol or the second time-saving symbol is designated as a jackpot symbol for a special symbol, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination for a time-saving symbol. On the other hand, when the first probability-changing symbol or the second probability-changing symbol is designated as a jackpot symbol for a special symbol, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination for a probability-changing symbol. For example, a symbol combination for a time-saving symbol is a combination such as [2], [2], [2], where the identification information of all columns is the same even number. Also, for example, a symbol combination for a probability-changing symbol is a combination such as [3], [3], [3], where the identification information of all columns is the same odd number. That is, when a special big winning symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination in which the identification information of all columns is the same.

[0083] In addition, when a losing symbol of a special symbol is specified by the symbol command, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination to be derived in the variation game of the performance symbols based on the main variation pattern specified by the variation start command. Specifically, when a main variation pattern in which "normal reach performance" or "super reach performance" is specified as the performance content, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a losing symbol combination including a reach formation symbol. In addition, when a main variation pattern in which "no reach" is specified as the performance content, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a losing symbol combination not including a reach formation symbol. For example, in this embodiment, a losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which at least one column of the identification information of each column is not the same. Therefore, a losing symbol combination including a reach formation symbol is, for example, a combination such as [6], [7], [6]. In addition, a losing symbol combination not including a reach formation symbol is a combination such as [8], [3], [6].

[0084] In addition, when the sub-control CPU 31a receives a fluctuation start command, it determines a sub-fluctuation pattern for controlling the display contents of the image display device 11, etc., based on the type of main fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the command. The sub-fluctuation pattern can specify the fluctuation contents (presentation contents) of the presentation game.

[0085] The sub-control CPU 31a, which has determined the sub-variation pattern, controls the display contents of the image display device 11 so that the presentation game is executed with the variation contents specified by the sub-variation pattern. The sub-control CPU 31a then controls the display contents of the image display device 11 so that the presentation game is ended and a symbol combination is derived (stopped display) as the variation time specified by the main variation pattern elapses. In this embodiment, the presentation game is ended upon receipt of a variation stop command, but the presentation game may be ended by timing the variation time specified by the main variation pattern under the control of the sub-control CPU 31a. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to control the end of the presentation game without transmitting a variation stop command from the main control board 30.

[0086] In addition, in controlling the image display device 11, the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 selects an image to be executed and reads out data necessary for the selected image from the ROM. The sub-control board 31 may be provided with a character ROM that stores in advance character image data to be displayed on the image display device 11, specifically people, characters, figures, or symbols (including decorative designs), and reads out necessary data from the character ROM. The sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 then outputs the read out data to a VDP (video display processor). The VDP executes display control based on the input data and displays an image in the image display area GH of the image display device 11.

[0087] In addition, when the sub control CPU 31a receives a control command transmitted from the main control CPU 30a, it executes control according to the control command. For example, during a jackpot game, the sub-control CPU 31a is sent a control command capable of identifying that the game is a jackpot game. For example, such control commands include an opening command capable of identifying the start of an opening, a round command capable of identifying the start of each round game, and an ending command capable of identifying the start of an ending. The sub-control CPU 31a, which receives these commands, executes the opening performance, each round performance, and the ending performance in the image display area GH of the image display device 11.

[0088] Next, the presentation mode will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the presentation modes include a normal presentation mode, a first chance presentation mode, a second chance presentation mode, and a probability variation presentation mode. In this embodiment, when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is started, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode. Even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the first chance presentation mode after the first time-saving winning game ends. After that, when the normal transition condition is established, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode as it is controlled to a low probability non-time-saving state. As described above, after the first time-saving winning game ends, the normal transition condition is established when the first specified upper limit number of special games is executed. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when the first specified upper limit number of special games (100 times) is executed in the first chance presentation mode.

[0089] In addition, even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode, it stays in the second chance presentation mode after the second time-saving winning game ends. After that, when the normal transition condition is established, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode as it is controlled to the low-probability non-time-saving state. As described above, after the second time-saving winning game ends, the normal transition condition is established when the special game is executed the second specified upper limit number of times. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when the special game is executed the second specified upper limit number of times (899 times) in the second chance presentation mode.

[0090] In addition, even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode, it stays in the probability variation presentation mode after the first probability variation hit game ends. After that, when the normal transition condition is established, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-time-saving state. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the low probability state triggered by the execution of the special game with the probability variation upper limit number of times. As described above, after the first probability variation hit game ends, the normal transition condition is established triggered by the execution of the special game with the first specified upper limit number of times. In addition, the first specified upper limit number of times is the same as the probability variation upper limit number of times. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the low probability non-time-saving state triggered by the execution of the special game with the first specified upper limit number of times after the first probability variation hit game ends. Then, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode in association with being controlled to the low probability non-time-saving state. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when the special game is executed the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times of the special probability variation) in the special probability variation presentation mode.

[0091] In addition, even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode, it stays in the probability variation presentation mode after the second probability variation winning game ends. After that, when the special game with the probability variation upper limit number is executed in the probability variation presentation mode, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the second chance presentation mode by being controlled to the first low probability time-saving state. In addition, when the normal transition condition is established in the second chance presentation mode, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode by being controlled to the low probability non-time-saving state. As described above, after the second probability variation winning game ends, the normal transition condition is established by the execution of the special game with the third specified upper limit number. In addition, in this embodiment, the third specified upper limit number is the same as the sum of the second specified upper limit number and the probability variation upper limit number. In other words, when the pachinko game machine 10 goes through the special chance presentation mode and then enters the second chance presentation mode after the end of the second special chance winning game, the pachinko game machine 10 enters the normal presentation mode when the special game is executed the second specified maximum number of times (899 times) in the second chance presentation mode.

[0092] In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 stays in the second chance presentation mode when the specific transition condition is met and the game machine is controlled to the second low-probability time-saving state. As described above, the specific transition condition is met by executing a specific number of special games in the low-probability state. In this embodiment, the specific transition condition is met when the game machine is in the normal presentation mode (low-probability non-time-saving state). This will be described in detail below.

[0093] When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is started, the specific transition condition is established by executing a specific number of special games (900 times) from the start of power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 until a jackpot is hit in the normal presentation mode. After the first time-saving hit game is finished, the machine stays in the first chance presentation mode, but the machine transitions to the normal presentation mode when the first specified upper limit number of special games (100 times) are executed before a jackpot is hit in the first chance presentation mode. Therefore, after the transition to the normal presentation mode, the specific transition condition is established when the special games are executed the number of times (800 times) that is the difference between the specific number and the first specified upper limit number of special games before a jackpot is hit. After the second time-saving hit game is finished, the machine stays in the second chance presentation mode, but the machine transitions to the normal presentation mode when the second specified upper limit number of special games (899 times) are executed before a jackpot is hit in the second chance presentation mode. Therefore, after the transition to the normal presentation mode, if the special game is executed a number of times (one time) that is the difference between the specific number of times and the second specified upper limit number of times before the big win, the specific transition condition is established. That is, when the first time-saving state is controlled to the upper limit of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number, the number of special games that can be executed from the end of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number until the specific number is counted by the main control CPU 30a is smaller than the reserved upper limit number of special games that can be reserved. Note that, when the first time-saving state is controlled to the upper limit of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number, the number of special games that can be executed from the end of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number until the specific number is counted by the main control CPU 30a may be equal to or smaller than the reserved upper limit number of special games that can be reserved. That is, the sum of the high probability upper limit number of times and the specific number of times may be smaller than or equal to the sum of the third specified upper limit number of times and the reserved upper limit number.

[0094] After the first probability hit game ends, the game stays in the probability hit mode, but transitions to the normal presentation mode triggered by the execution of a first specified upper limit number of special games (maximum number of probability hits) in the probability hit mode before a jackpot is hit. As described above, the specific transition condition is established by the execution of a specific number of special games in a low probability state. Therefore, after the first probability hit game ends, transitions to the normal presentation mode triggered by the execution of a first specified upper limit number of special games, and then transitions to the normal presentation mode when a specific number of special games are executed before a jackpot is hit. After the second probability hit game ends, transitions to the second chance presentation mode triggered by the execution of a first specified upper limit number of special games (maximum number of probability hits) before a jackpot is hit in the probability hit presentation mode. Furthermore, transitions to the normal presentation mode occurs when a special game is executed the number of times (899 times) that is the difference between the third specified upper limit number and the first specified upper limit number before a jackpot is hit in the second chance presentation mode. Therefore, after transitioning to the normal presentation mode, if the special game is executed a number of times (899 times) that is the difference between the third specified upper limit number and the first specified upper limit number and a specific number of times (1 time) before a jackpot is hit, the specific transition condition is met.

[0095] In this way, when the game state is a low probability non-time-saving state, it can stay in the normal presentation mode. Also, when the game state is a first low probability time-saving state, it can stay in the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode. When it is in the first low probability time-saving state controlled after the end of the first time-saving hit game, it can stay in the first chance presentation mode. Also, when it is in the first low probability time-saving state controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game, and when it is in the first low probability time-saving state controlled by the execution of a special game with a probability variable upper limit number of times after the end of the second time-saving hit game, it can stay in the second chance presentation mode. Also, when the game state is a high probability time-saving state, it can stay in the probability variable presentation mode.

[0096] In this embodiment, the image display area GH of the image display device 11 displays a mode image of a type corresponding to the current rendering mode, and a background image. As shown in FIG. 11, when the player is in the normal performance mode, in principle, a normal mode name image Gm1 and a normal background image Gh1 corresponding to the normal performance mode are displayed. For example, the normal mode name image Gm1 is an image imitating the character string "normal performance mode". For example, the normal background image Gh1 is an image imitating the "sea". When the player is in the first chance performance mode, a first chance mode name image Gm2 and a first chance background image Gh2 are displayed. For example, the first chance mode name image Gm2 is an image imitating the character string "first chance performance mode". For example, the first chance background image Gh2 is an image imitating the "mountain". When the player is in the second chance performance mode, a second chance mode name image Gm3 and a second chance background image Gh3 are displayed. For example, the second chance mode name image Gm3 is an image imitating the character string "second chance performance mode". For example, the second chance background image Gh3 is an image imitating a "river". In this embodiment, the second chance background image Gh3 may be displayed even when staying in the normal presentation mode. Specifically, in this embodiment, when transitioning from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode, the second chance background image Gh3 is continuously displayed in the normal presentation mode. Also, at this time, in the normal presentation mode, the display of the normal mode name image Gm1 is restricted. Also, when staying in the probability variation presentation mode, the probability variation mode name image Gm4 and the probability variation background image Gh4 are displayed. For example, the probability variation mode name image Gm4 is an image imitating the character string "probability variation presentation mode". Also, for example, the probability variation background image Gh4 is an image imitating "space". The image display device 11 corresponds to a display means for displaying a background image. Also, the second chance background image Gh3 corresponds to a specific background image.

[0097] In addition, various effects that the pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute will be described. First, the remaining game count display effect will be described. In this embodiment, while in the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode, a remaining game number display presentation can be executed on the seven-segment display device SG. The remaining game number display presentation is a presentation that notifies the number of special games that can be executed before a specified upper limit number of special games is executed. In other words, the remaining game number display presentation is a presentation that notifies the remaining number of special games that will be executed before being controlled to a non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the remaining game number display presentation is a presentation that displays information that can specify the remaining number of special games that will be executed before being controlled to a non-time-saving state on the seven-segment display device SG.

[0098] In this embodiment, the remaining number of games display effect is executed when the difference between the number of special games executed after being controlled to the time-saving state and the specified upper limit number of times becomes a predetermined number. That is, the remaining number of games display effect is executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state becomes a predetermined number. In this embodiment, the remaining number of games display effect includes a remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state becomes a first predetermined number, and a remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state becomes a second predetermined number. In the following description, the remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state becomes a first predetermined number may be referred to as a special remaining number of games display effect. Also, the remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state becomes a second predetermined number may be referred to as a specific remaining number of games display effect.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first predetermined number of times is a number greater than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses). Also, the first predetermined number of times is a number less than the second specified upper limit number of times. On the other hand, the second predetermined number of times is a number equal to the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses), or a number less than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses). For example, the first predetermined number of times is 500 times. Also, for example, the second predetermined number of times is 100 times. In this embodiment, since the first predetermined number of times is a number greater than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses), the special remaining game number display effect is not executed in the first chance effect mode (first low probability time-saving state) controlled after the end of the first time-saving hit game. On the other hand, since the second predetermined number of times is the same as the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times of probability change) or is less than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times of probability change), a specific remaining number of games display effect is executed in the first chance effect mode (first low probability time reduction state) that is controlled after the end of the first time reduction hit game. In particular, when the second predetermined number of times is the same as the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times of probability change), it can be said that the end of the first time reduction hit game is the trigger for the execution of the specific remaining number of games display effect.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first predetermined number of times is less than the second predetermined upper limit number of times. As described above, in the second chance presentation mode, there are cases where the second predetermined upper limit number of times of special games are played and cases where the fourth predetermined upper limit number of times (second predetermined upper limit number<fourth predetermined upper limit number of times) of special games are played. That is, in this embodiment, in the second chance presentation mode, regardless of the trigger for staying in the second chance presentation mode, a situation may occur in which the remaining number of times of special games played before being controlled to the non-time-saving state is the first predetermined number, and a situation may occur in which the remaining number of times of special games played before being controlled to the non-time-saving state is the second predetermined number. On the other hand, in the second chance presentation mode in which the first low-probability time-saving state is stayed, the special remaining game number display presentation and the specific remaining game number display presentation are not executed. In other words, in the second chance presentation mode which is entered when the first low-probability time-saving state is reached, the special remaining game count display presentation and the specific remaining game count display presentation are not executed, whereas in the second chance presentation mode which is entered when the second low-probability time-saving state is reached, the special remaining game count display presentation and the specific remaining game count display presentation are executed.

[0101] In this embodiment, in the second chance presentation mode, the special remaining game number display presentation and the specific remaining game number display presentation may be executed. On the other hand, depending on the type of the second chance presentation mode, the special remaining game number display presentation and the specific remaining game number display presentation are not executed. In this embodiment, the special remaining game number display presentation is a presentation that is executed after the specific transition condition is established.

[0102] Also, in this embodiment, the specific remaining number of games displayed is executed until the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-save state becomes zero. That is, during the period from when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-save state becomes the second predetermined number until the remaining number becomes zero, "the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-save state, displayed on the seven-segment display device SG" is updated every time a special game is executed. That is, in this embodiment, the specific remaining number of games displayed is an effect that is executed from when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-save state becomes the predetermined number (the second predetermined number) until being controlled to the non-time-save state.

[0103] In this embodiment, the remaining number of games display effect executed when controlled to the first low-probability time-saving state and the remaining number of games display effect executed when controlled to the second low-probability time-saving state have different presentation modes. For example, the remaining number of games display effect executed when controlled to the first low-probability time-saving state notifies information that can specify the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the low-probability non-time-saving state by making a specified LED on the 7-segment display device SG emit white light. On the other hand, the remaining number of games display effect executed when controlled to the second low-probability time-saving state notifies information that can specify the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the low-probability non-time-saving state by making a specified LED on the 7-segment display device SG emit red light.

[0104] As described above, when the first low probability time-saving state is controlled, the remaining number of games display effect is executed when the player is in the first chance performance mode, whereas the remaining number of games display effect is not executed when the player is in the second chance performance mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, the performance mode of the remaining number of games display effect is different when the player is in the first chance performance mode and when the player is in the second chance performance mode. In the following description, the specific remaining number of games display effect executed when the player is in the first chance performance mode may be referred to as the first specific remaining number of games display effect, and the specific remaining number of games display effect executed when the player is in the second chance performance mode may be referred to as the second specific remaining number of games display effect. The second specific remaining number of games display effect corresponds to the specific effect.

[0105] Next, the special transition effect that notifies the transition to the second chance effect mode will be described. The special transition effect is, for example, an effect in which a transition image imitating the character string "entering the second chance effect mode" is displayed on the image display device 11. The special transition effect is an effect that can be executed by transitioning to the second chance effect mode. Specifically, the special transition effect is executed when transitioning from the probability change effect mode to the second chance effect mode. In addition, the special transition effect is executed when transitioning from the first chance effect mode to the normal effect mode and then transitioning from the normal effect mode to the second chance effect mode. On the other hand, the special transition effect is not executed when transitioning from the second chance effect mode to the normal effect mode and then transitioning from the normal effect mode to the second chance effect mode. In this embodiment, the performance time of the special transition effect may be set to a time shorter than the shortest variation time among the variation times that can be determined in the second low probability time-saving state. In this embodiment, the performance time of the special transition effect is set to a time shorter than any variation time. For example, the performance time of the special transition effect is 3 seconds. In this embodiment, the performance time of the special transition effect is constant regardless of the variation time of the predetermined special game. The special transition effect corresponds to a special effect.

[0106] Next, we will explain the special right-hit notification effect. In this embodiment, there is a special right-hit notification effect that suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area. In this embodiment, the special right-hit notification effect is a notification effect that suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area by lighting up the decorative lamp La in a predetermined manner. For example, the special right-hit notification effect suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area by lighting up the decorative lamp La arranged in the left area and then lighting up the decorative lamp La arranged in the right area. Also, for example, the special right-hit notification effect suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area by outputting the sound "Please hit right" from the speaker Sp.

[0107] In this embodiment, the special right hit notification effect is executed when the second time-saving state is entered. That is, the special right hit notification effect is executed when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times. Also, the special right hit notification effect is executed during a period until a predetermined number of special games are executed. For example, the special right hit notification effect is executed during a period from the start of the notification effect until three special games are executed. That is, the special right hit notification effect is executed over multiple special games. For this reason, in this embodiment, the presentation time of the special right hit notification effect is longer than the presentation time of the special transition effect.

[0108] Next, the processes executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the various effects described above will be described. First, the process executed by the sub control CPU 31a to execute the remaining game count display effect will be described.

[0109] After the first time-saving game is completed, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the 7-segment display device SG to execute a first specific remaining number of games display effect. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the 7-segment display device SG to execute a special remaining number of games display effect when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state becomes a first predetermined number in the second time-saving state. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the 7-segment display device SG to execute a second specific remaining number of games display effect when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state becomes a second predetermined number in the second time-saving state. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the 7-segment display device SG to specify the number of times that matches the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state when a new effect game is executed during the execution of the specific remaining number of games display effect. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the 7-segment display device SG to end the remaining number of games display effect when a jackpot game is awarded during the execution of the remaining number of games display effect. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the seven-segment display device SG so as to end the specific remaining number of games display presentation when the device is controlled to the non-time-shortening state.

[0110] Next, the process executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the special transition performance will be described. The sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to start a special transition effect when the second time-saving state is entered. At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a measures the effect time of the special transition effect. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to end the special transition effect when the effect time of the special transition effect has elapsed.

[0111] Next, the process executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the special right-hit notification effect will be described. When the sub-control CPU 31a is controlled to the second time-saving state, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the decorative lamp La to execute a special right-hit notification effect. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the decorative lamp La to start the special right-hit notification effect when the state 3 designation command is input. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the decorative lamp La to end the special right-hit notification effect when a predetermined number of special games are executed.

[0112] Next, the process executed by the sub-control CPU 31a for controlling the presentation mode will be described. When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a state designation command, it controls the presentation mode based on the game state that can be specified from the state designation command. When a low probability non-time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when a state 1 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the normal presentation mode. At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to display a background image corresponding to the type of background image that was displayed until just before. Specifically, when the second chance background image Gh3 was displayed until just before, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to continue displaying the second chance background image Gh3. Also, when the second chance background image Gh3 was displayed until just before, the sub-control CPU 31a restricts the display of the normal mode name image Gm1. On the other hand, when the first chance background image Gh2 or the probability variable background image Gh4 was displayed until just before, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to display the normal background image Gh1 and the normal mode name image Gm1.

[0113] Here, in this embodiment, when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled, the situation where the background image displayed immediately before is the second chance background image Gh3 is when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled by the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state after the end of the second time-saving hit game. Also, when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled, the situation where the background image displayed immediately before is the second chance background image Gh3 is when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled by the execution of the third specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state after the end of the second probability hit game. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled, the situation where the background image displayed immediately before is the first chance background image Gh2 or the probability hit background image Gh4 is when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled by the execution of the first specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state after the end of the first time-saving hit game or the first probability hit game. That is, when the second time-saving winning game is ended and the second time-saving background image Gh3 is displayed in the first time-saving state as a trigger of the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games, the second time-saving background image Gh3 is allowed to be continuously displayed. Also, when the second time-saving winning game is ended and the first time-saving state is ended and the third specified upper limit number of special games is executed in the first time-saving state as a trigger of the execution of the second chance background image Gh3, the second time-saving background image Gh3 is allowed to be continuously displayed. On the other hand, when the first time-saving winning game or the first time-saving winning game is ended and the first time-saving state is ended and the first time-saving state is ended and the first time-saving state is ended and the first time-saving state is ended, the normal background image Gh1 is displayed regardless of the type of background image displayed immediately before.

[0114] When the first low-probability time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when the state 2 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to a different presentation mode based on the type of the immediately preceding jackpot. Specifically, when the immediately preceding jackpot is a first time-saving hit game, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the first chance presentation mode. Also, when the immediately preceding jackpot is a second time-saving hit game, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the second chance presentation mode. Also, when the immediately preceding jackpot is a second probability hit game, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the second chance presentation mode.

[0115] When the second low-probability time-saving state is specified from the state specification command, that is, when the state 3 specification command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the second chance presentation mode. That is, even if the second time-saving state is controlled after the end of the first time-saving winning game, the second time-saving state is controlled after the end of the second time-saving winning game, the second time-saving state is controlled after the end of the first probability winning game, and the second time-saving state is controlled after the end of the second probability winning game, the type of presentation mode that can be stayed in the second time-saving state is the same. Also, when the high-probability time-saving state is specified from the state specification command, that is, when the state 4 specification command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the probability winning presentation mode. The sub-control CPU 31a corresponds to a mode control means that controls the transition of the presentation mode.

[0116] Hereinafter, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as above will be described with reference to Figs. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the second chance performance mode is shifted to the normal performance mode, and then the normal performance mode is shifted to the second chance performance mode.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b), after the end of the second time-saving game, the second chance presentation mode is changed to the normal presentation mode when the second specified upper limit number of special games is executed. At this time, since the background image displayed until just before is the second chance background image Gh3, the sub-control CPU 31a continues to display the second chance background image Gh3 even in the normal presentation mode. Therefore, the player cannot recognize that the presentation mode has changed from the type of background image. In addition, when the second chance presentation mode is changed to the normal presentation mode, since the background image displayed until just before is the second chance background image Gh3, the sub-control CPU 31a restricts the display of the normal mode name image Gm1 in the normal presentation mode. Therefore, even if the second chance background image Gh3 is displayed in the normal presentation mode, the player can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable. In addition, when the second chance presentation mode (first time-saving state) is in effect until just before, it is assumed that the second special game is executed in the normal presentation mode. As described above, the second special game has the same variation pattern that can be selected regardless of the current ball entry state (game state). Therefore, the main control CPU 30a can determine the same variation time of the special game in the non-time-saving state as the variation time that can be determined when the second time-saving state is controlled.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 12(c) and FIG. 12(d), when the first variable game ends after the control from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode, the normal presentation mode is controlled to the second chance presentation mode with the end of the variable game as a trigger. At this time, the image display device 11 causes the second chance background image Gh3, which has been continuously displayed even in the normal presentation mode, to be continuously displayed in the second chance presentation mode after the transition from the normal presentation mode. That is, when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-saving state with the counting of a specific number of times as a trigger, and the second chance background image Gh3 is displayed, the second chance background image Gh3 is allowed to be continuously displayed. For this reason, the player cannot recognize that the presentation mode has changed again from the type of background image. Also, when the normal presentation mode is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, the image display device 11 displays the second chance mode name image Gm3 corresponding to the second chance presentation mode. On the other hand, the special transition presentation is not executed in the image display device 11. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the presentation mode has shifted from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode to the second chance presentation mode in a short period of time. In this way, when the first time-shortening state is controlled to the non-time-shortening state triggered by the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games, the non-time-shortening state is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode that was in place when the first time-shortening state was controlled. After that, when the second time-shortening state is controlled to the second time-shortening state triggered by the main control CPU 30a counting a specific number of times in the non-time-shortening state, the second time-shortening state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode that was in place when the first time-shortening state was controlled.

[0119] FIG. 13 shows a situation in which the variable game is executed a specific number of times after being controlled to the low probability state. Time t00 shows a situation where a variation game is not being executed. From the premise, the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a at this time is one less than the specific number. Time t01 shows a situation where a new variation game is started. The newly started variation game here is the variation game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number. In other words, time t01 shows a situation where the variation game is started for the specific number of times after being controlled to a low probability state.

[0120] At time t02, it is assumed that the specific number of variable games has ended since the game was controlled to the low probability state. At this time, the main control CPU 30a controls the game to the second time-shortening state in response to the establishment of a specific transition condition. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 in response to the control to the second time-shortening state. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 in response to the control to the second time-shortening state.

[0121] Thereafter, at time t03, a specific time (0.1 seconds) has elapsed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. The main control CPU 30a terminates the output of the second external signal when the specific time (0.1 seconds) has elapsed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. Meanwhile, at time t03, the main control CPU 30a continues to control the second time-shortening state, so continues to output the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a terminates the output of the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 when the main control CPU 30a controls the second time-shortening state to the non-time-shortening state.

[0122] FIG. 14 shows a situation in which a big win game is awarded after a predetermined variable game ends. At time t10, a situation is shown in which a variation game is not being executed. At this time, the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a is two or more games less than the specific number. At time t11, a situation is shown in which a new variation game is started. The newly started variation game here is a variation game that does not trigger the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number. In other words, at time t01, a situation is shown in which a variation game that is not the specific number of times is started after being controlled to a low probability state.

[0123] At time t12, after the end of a non-specific number of variable games, a jackpot game is awarded. The main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 as a trigger for awarding a jackpot game. Meanwhile, the main control CPU 30a does not output the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32. Then, at time t13, a specific time (0.1 seconds) has elapsed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. While the specific time has elapsed since the main control CPU 30a output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32, the main control CPU 30a continues to award the jackpot game, and therefore continues to output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a ends the output of the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 upon ending the big win game.

[0124] FIG. 15 shows a situation in which a big win game is awarded after a specific number of variable games have ended since the game was controlled to a low probability state. At time t20, a situation is shown in which the variation game is not being executed. From the premise, the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a at this time is one less than the specific number. At time t21, a situation is shown in which a new variation game is started. The newly started variation game here is the variation game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number. In other words, at time t21, a situation is shown in which the variation game for the specific number of times is started after being controlled to a low probability state.

[0125] At time t22, it is assumed that the specific number of variation games has ended since the control to the low probability state. At this time, the main control CPU 30a awards a jackpot game because the specific number of variation games has ended since the control to the low probability state, but the specific number of variation games was a jackpot variation game. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a does not control to the second time-saving state because the specific number of variation games has ended since the control to the low probability state, but the specific number of variation games was a jackpot variation game. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 as a trigger for awarding a jackpot game. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a does not output a first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32.

[0126] Then, at time t23, a specific time (0.1 seconds) has elapsed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. While the specific time has elapsed since the main control CPU 30a output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32, the main control CPU 30a continues to award the jackpot game, thereby continuing to output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. After that, the main control CPU 30a stops outputting the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 upon ending the jackpot game.

[0127] In this way, the main control CPU 30a can execute control for outputting the second external signal when the control is made to the second time-shortening state, and can execute control for outputting the second external signal when a jackpot game is awarded. The main control CPU 30a can also execute control for outputting the second external signal when a special game that triggers counting the specific number of times ends, regardless of whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. On the other hand, when a special game that triggers counting the specific number of times ends, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted varies depending on whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. In addition, when a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count a specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is indefinite, whereas when a jackpot game is not awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count a specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is fixed.

[0128] As described above in detail, this embodiment has the following advantages. (1-1) According to this embodiment, even if a big win is not awarded, the player can expect the time-saving state to be awarded, which increases the player's interest. In addition, the player can predict the game balls to be used before the second time-saving state is entered, which increases the player's motivation to play.

[0129] In this embodiment, the first time-shortening state controlled after the end of the second time-shortening game has a smaller number of special games executed between being controlled to the non-time-shortening state and being controlled to the second time-shortening state, compared to the first time-shortening state controlled after the end of the first time-shortening game. Therefore, when being controlled to the non-time-shortening state and then to the second time-shortening state, when being controlled to the first time-shortening state controlled after the end of the second time-shortening game, the game state changes in a shorter period of time than when being controlled to the first time-shortening state controlled after the end of the first time-shortening game.

[0130] Here, in this embodiment, when the first time-shortening state, which is controlled after the end of the first time-shortening game, is controlled to the non-time-shortening state, the normal background image Gh1 is displayed to make it easier for the player to recognize that the state has been controlled to the non-time-shortening state. On the other hand, when the first time-shortening state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-shortening game, is controlled to the non-time-shortening state and then controlled to the second time-shortening state, the game state changes in a short period of time, but by continuing to display the second chance background image Gh3, confusion of the player can be suppressed.

[0131] (1-2) In particular, in this embodiment, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-saving game, is changed to the non-time-saving state, and then changed to the second time-saving state, the game state changes in an extremely short period during which the number of special games (one special game) played is less than the upper limit of the number of reserved games for the start of the second special game. In such a situation, by continuously displaying the second chance background image Gh3, it is possible to suppress confusion of the player.

[0132] (1-3) In this embodiment, after the end of the second time-saving game, when the special game is executed for the second specified upper limit number of times and the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state, the game is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state in the non-time-saving state. Then, when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state after the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times in the non-time-saving state, the game is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state in the second time-saving state. That is, the presentation mode changes from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode to the second chance presentation mode in a short period of time. Even in such a situation where the presentation mode changes in a short period of time, the same second chance background image Gh3 is continuously displayed, so that the confusion of the player can be further suppressed.

[0133] (1-4) In this embodiment, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times, whether it is after the end of the first time-saving game or the end of the second time-saving game, the mode is controlled to the second chance presentation mode. That is, after being controlled to the second time-saving state, the mode is controlled to the same presentation mode in two different situations until being controlled to the second time-saving state. Therefore, when being controlled to the second time-saving state, confusion of the player can be further suppressed.

[0134] (1-5) In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a can determine the same variable time when controlled in the non-time-shortening state and when controlled in the second time-shortening state. This can further reduce player confusion even when the non-time-shortening state is triggered by the execution of a special game the second specified upper limit number of times in the first time-shortening state, and then the second time-shortening state is triggered by the main control CPU 30a counting a specific number of times.

[0135] (1-6) In this embodiment, the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second probability hit game has a smaller number of special games executed between being controlled to the non-time-saving state and being controlled to the second time-saving state, compared to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first probability hit game. Therefore, when being controlled to the non-time-saving state and then to the second time-saving state, when being controlled to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second probability hit game, the game state changes in a shorter period of time than when being controlled to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first probability hit game.

[0136] Here, in this embodiment, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the first probability hit game, is controlled to the non-time-saving state, the normal background image Gh1 is displayed, so that the player can easily recognize that the state has been controlled to the non-time-saving state. On the other hand, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second probability hit game, is controlled to the non-time-saving state and then controlled to the second time-saving state, the game state changes in a short period of time, but the second chance background image Gh3 is continuously displayed, so that the player's confusion can be suppressed. Also, in this embodiment, when the second probability hit game ends, the game is controlled to the high probability state and is controlled to the first time-saving state, which has the upper limit of the execution of the special game of the third specified upper limit number of times, so that the expectation of the next big win game being granted can be improved.

[0137] (1-7) In this embodiment, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second chance winning game, is controlled to the non-time-saving state and then controlled to the second time-saving state, the game state changes in an extremely short period during which the number of special games (one special game) played is less than the upper limit of the number of reserved games for the start of the second special game. In such a situation, by continuously displaying the second chance background image Gh3, it is possible to suppress confusion of the player.

[0138] (1-8) In this embodiment, after the end of the second chance winning game, when the special game is executed for the third specified upper limit number of times and the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state, the non-time-saving state is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state. Then, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times in the non-time-saving state and the game is controlled to the second time-saving state, the second time-saving state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state. That is, the presentation mode changes from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode to the second chance presentation mode in a short period of time. Even in such a situation where the presentation mode changes in a short period of time, the same second chance background image Gh3 is continuously displayed, so that the confusion of the player can be further suppressed.

[0139] (1-9) In this embodiment, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times, whether it is after the first probability variation game ends or after the second probability variation game ends, the game is controlled to the second chance presentation mode. That is, after being controlled to the second time-saving state, the game is controlled to the same presentation mode in two different situations until being controlled to the second time-saving state. Therefore, when being controlled to the second time-saving state, the player's confusion can be further suppressed.

[0140] (1-10) In this embodiment, the presentation time of the special transition presentation executed when the main control CPU 30a counts the specific number of times is constant regardless of the variable time of the special game being executed. Therefore, the special transition presentation can be executed regardless of the variable time of the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the game has been controlled to the second time-saving state in a specific situation.

[0141] (1-11) In general, some hall computers do not assume that the game state will change without a jackpot game. In such a hall computer, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times and the hall computer is controlled to the second time-shortening state, there is a risk that the hall computer will not recognize that the game state has changed to the time-shortening state. If the hall computer cannot recognize that the game state has been controlled to the time-shortening state, the hall computer may determine that "game balls frequently enter the second starting hole 13 even though the game state is not in the time-shortening state" and may report an error. In this embodiment, when the hall computer is controlled to the second time-shortening state, a second external signal is output, which is also output when a jackpot game is awarded. Therefore, even if the hall computer does not assume that the game state will change without a jackpot game, the second external signal can be used to cause the hall computer to recognize that the game state has been controlled to the time-shortening state by mistaking that a jackpot game has been awarded. This makes it possible to prevent the hall computer from operating normally in the second time-shortening state.

[0142] (1-12) In this embodiment, when the special game which triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times ends, if a jackpot game is not awarded after the special game ends, the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-saving state. On the other hand, when the special game which triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times ends, if a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends, the main control CPU 30a is not controlled to the second time-saving state. Here, when the special game which triggers the counting of the specific number of times ends, the main control CPU 30a can execute control to output a second external signal regardless of whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hall computer from not operating normally regardless of whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game which triggers the control to the second time-saving state ends.

[0143] (1-13) In this embodiment, when the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times is over, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted varies depending on whether or not a jackpot game is awarded after the special game is over. Therefore, it is possible to specify whether the game has been controlled to the second time-saving state or a jackpot game has been awarded depending on the length of time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted. This makes it possible to prevent the hall computer from malfunctioning even if the second external signal is output both when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state and when a jackpot game is awarded.

[0144] (1-14) In this embodiment, when a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is indefinite. On the other hand, when a jackpot game is not awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is fixed. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the hall computer from malfunctioning even if the second external signal is output both when the machine is controlled to the second time-shortening state and when a jackpot game is awarded.

[0145] (1-15) In this embodiment, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is the same when the game is controlled to the second time-shortening state after the end of the first time-shortening game and when the game is controlled to the second time-shortening state after the end of the second time-shortening game. This makes it possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated by making the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted the same in two situations in which the process of being controlled to the second time-shortening state is different after being controlled to the second time-shortening state.

[0146] (1-16) In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a can execute control for outputting the first external signal when the machine is controlled to the second time-shortening state. Then, when a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the machine was controlled to the second time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a can terminate the control for outputting the second external signal, while continuing to execute the control for outputting the first external signal. As described above, the second external signal is information for making the hall computer, which does not assume that the game state will change without a jackpot game, recognize that a jackpot game has been awarded. That is, during the period when the second external signal is output, the hall computer recognizes that a jackpot game is being played. In such a case, there is a risk that the hall computer cannot detect an abnormality even if game balls are illegally paid out by cheating or the like during the period when the second external signal is output. Therefore, in this embodiment, by terminating the output of the second external signal when a predetermined specific time has elapsed, the period during which the hall computer cannot detect abnormalities is limited, while continuing to output the first external signal, allowing the hall computer to recognize that it is being controlled to the second time-saving state.

[0147] (1-17) In this embodiment, when a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game that triggers counting the specific number of times, the main control CPU 30a can execute control to output a second external signal, but cannot execute control to output a first external signal. This allows the hall computer to determine whether or not the game has been controlled to the second time-shortening state based on a combination of the first and second external signals.

[0148] (1-18) In this embodiment, when a jackpot is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is the same as the interval time of the special game. In other words, when a jackpot is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is extremely short. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the illegal payout of game balls by cheating or the like during the period during which the second external signal is being output.

[0149] Second embodiment Next, a pachinko game machine 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configurations and the same controls as those in the already described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description may be omitted or simplified.

[0150] In the second embodiment, after the end of the second time-saving winning game, when the second specified upper limit number of special games is executed in the first time-saving state, the non-time-saving state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is different from the first embodiment. Similarly, after the end of the second probability-changing winning game, when the non-time-saving state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, the non-time-saving state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0151] In the process for controlling the presentation mode of this embodiment, when the low probability non-time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when the state 1 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the presentation mode according to the type of presentation mode that was in effect until just before. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 31a was in the first chance presentation mode or the probability variation presentation mode until just before, it controls the presentation mode to the normal presentation mode. On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 31a was in the second chance presentation mode until just before, it continues to control the second chance presentation mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the normal presentation mode is selected, the normal background image Gh1 is displayed regardless of the type of background image that was displayed until just before. Also, when the normal presentation mode is selected, the normal mode name image Gm1 is displayed regardless of the type of background image that was displayed until just before.

[0152] In the second embodiment configured as described above, when the non-time-shortening state is triggered by the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games after the end of the second time-shortening game, the non-time-shortening state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in the first time-shortening state. Then, when the non-time-shortening state is triggered by the main control CPU 30a counting a specific number of times in the non-time-shortening state, the second time-shortening state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in the first time-shortening state. Similarly, when the non-time-shortening state is triggered by the execution of the third specified upper limit number of special games after the end of the second probability-variable game, the non-time-shortening state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in the first time-shortening state. Then, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times in the non-time-shortening state and is controlled to the second time-shortening state, the second time-shortening state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in which the state was controlled to the first time-shortening state.

[0153] As described above in detail, this embodiment has the following advantages. (2-1) According to this embodiment, even in a situation in which the non-time-shortened state is triggered by the execution of a special game the second specified maximum number of times after the end of a game pertaining to the second time-shortened period, and then the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times to control the state to the second time-shortened state, by controlling the state to the same presentation mode, confusion among players can be further reduced.

[0154] (2-2) According to this embodiment, even in a situation in which the non-time-shortening state is triggered by the execution of a third specified maximum number of special games after the end of the second special bonus game, and then the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times to control to the second time-shortening state, by controlling to the same presentation mode, confusion among the player can be further reduced.

[0155] The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications may be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0156] In the above embodiment, in the special game of the specific number of times, the main control CPU 30a may determine an interval time different from that in the special game other than the specific number of times. In this case, when the special game of the specific number of times is a jackpot special game, the main control CPU 30a may determine the normal interval time as the interval time. In other words, a different interval time may be determined depending on whether or not the specific transition condition is satisfied, and when the jackpot special game ends, the normal interval time may be determined regardless of whether or not the specific transition condition is satisfied.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the main control CPU 30a may control the second time-shortening state by triggering the start of a specific number of special games. In this case, when the processing of step S05 and step S12 of the special chart variation processing is completed, the main control CPU 30a may determine whether or not a specific transition condition is satisfied, and when the specific transition condition is satisfied, execute processing for controlling the second time-shortening state. Note that, when the control to the second time-shortening state is triggered by the start of a specific number of special games, the control to the second time-shortening state is performed immediately after being controlled from the first time-shortening state to the non-time-shortening state.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the presentation mode may include other presentation modes in addition to or instead of the normal presentation mode, the first chance presentation mode, the second chance presentation mode, and the probability variation presentation mode. That is, the presentation modes available in each game state may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the type of presentation mode available in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first time-saving game may be different from the type of presentation mode available in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second time-saving game.

[0159] For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be stayed in the low-probability non-time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be stayed in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be stayed in the first low-probability time-saving state (first time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be stayed in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be stayed in the second low-probability time-saving state (second time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be stayed in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be stayed in the high-probability time-saving state.

[0160] For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state (first time-saving state) may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state (second time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the high-probability time-saving state.

[0161] For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes available in the second low-probability time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes available in the second low-probability time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes available in the high-probability time-saving state.

[0162] For example, the presentation modes available in the non-time-saving state or the first time-saving state may include a special presentation mode available when it is determined that the state will transition to the second time-saving state. In this case, the special presentation mode can be said to be a presentation mode that suggests or notifies the player that the state will transition to the second time-saving state. The situation in which it is determined that the state will transition to the second time-saving state is, for example, from the start of a specific number of special games until the state is controlled to the second time-saving state.

[0163] For example, when the second time-saving state is set with the start of a specific number of special games, the situation in which the transition to the second time-saving state is confirmed is from the execution of a special non-jackpot special game that is one less than the specific number of games until the execution of the specific number of special games. In other words, the special performance mode may be controlled during one or more of the following periods: during the execution of the special number of special games, during the interval period from the end of the special number of special games to the start of the specific number of special games, and during the standby state (waiting for customers) that is controlled when the special number of special games is not on hold at the end of the special number of special games.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the first chance presentation mode may be selected during the period from the end of the second time-saving game until the first specified upper limit number of special games are played. In this case, the second chance presentation mode may be selected upon the first specified upper limit number of special games being played after the end of the second time-saving game, or the first chance presentation mode may be selected continuously until the second specified upper limit number of special games are played.

[0165] In the above embodiment, after the second probability hit game ends, the second chance presentation mode may be stayed in. That is, when the second probability hit game ends, the second chance presentation mode may be stayed in with the upper limit of the third specified upper limit number of special games being executed.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the information on game control stored in the main control RAM 30c of the main control board 30 (hereinafter referred to as backup information) may be held for a predetermined period of time, and may be restored based on the backup information when power supply is started. In this case, the backup information may include information on the special game, information on the jackpot game, and information on the game state. The information on the special game may be, for example, information that can identify the result of a winning lottery, information that can identify the variation pattern of the special game, and information that can identify the special symbol derived in the special game. The information on the jackpot game may be information that can identify the progress of the jackpot game. The information on the game state may be probability information, ball entry rate information, and the total number of games played. In this case, it is preferable that a predetermined operation means is provided, and the backup information can be initialized by operating the operation means.

[0167] Furthermore, if backup information is included, when power supply is started, it may suggest or notify whether the cumulative number of games played has been initialized. In addition, when backup information is included, when the power supply is cut off in the non-time-saving state (low-probability non-time-saving state), and the cumulative number of games is initialized when the power supply is started after that, the player may be able to stay in different presentation modes or the same presentation mode when the cumulative number of games is not initialized when the power supply is started. In this case, whether the player can stay in the same presentation mode or different presentation modes when the cumulative number of games is initialized and when it is not initialized may be changed depending on the type of background image that was displayed immediately before the game was controlled to the non-time-saving state.

[0168] Furthermore, when backup information is provided, when the power supply is cut off in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state), and then when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is initialized, the game may be able to remain in the same presentation mode, or in different presentation modes, when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is not initialized.

[0169] Furthermore, in the case where backup information is provided, when the power supply is cut off in the second time-saving state (second low-probability time-saving state), and then when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is initialized, the game may be able to remain in the same presentation mode, or it may be able to remain in different presentation modes when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is not initialized.

[0170] Furthermore, if backup information is provided, when the power supply is cut off during a high probability time-saving state, and then when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is initialized, the game may be able to remain in the same presentation mode, or in different presentation modes, when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is not initialized.

[0171] In addition, if backup information is provided, when the power supply is cut off in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state) and then the power supply is started again, it may be possible to stay in a different presentation mode depending on the type of the previous jackpot game, or it may be possible to stay in the same presentation mode.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the cumulative number of games may be suggested or notified. For example, in the case where backup information is provided, the sub control CPU 31a notifies the number of times the special game has been executed during the period from when the power supply is started to when the first jackpot game is started, regardless of whether the cumulative number of games has been initialized when the power supply is started. After the first jackpot game, the number of times the special game has been executed may be notified during the period from when the jackpot game ends to when the next jackpot game is started. In this case, the number of times the special game has been executed during each period may be displayed on the image display device 11 or the 7-segment display device SG, or may be notified by a device other than the image display device 11 and the 7-segment display device SG.

[0173] In the above embodiment, when the difference between the cumulative number of games and the specific number of games reaches a predetermined number, a pre-effect may be executed to suggest or notify in advance that the game will be controlled to the second time-saving state. That is, when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state, a pre-effect may be executed, whereas when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state, a pre-effect may not be executed. For example, the pre-effect may be an effect that suggests or notifies the difference between the cumulative number of games and the specific number of games. In addition, when the pre-effect is configured to be executable, the pre-effect may be executed over a plurality of effect games. In this case, the pre-effect may be configured to continuously suggest or notify the predetermined number of games, or may be configured to suggest or notify the difference between the cumulative number of games after the change and the specific number of games.

[0174] In addition, when the pre-effect is configured to be executable, the pre-effect may be prevented from being executed in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second time-saving game, and in the non-time-saving state controlled in response to the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state. Similarly, the pre-effect may be prevented from being executed in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second probability-variable game, and in the non-time-saving state controlled in response to the execution of the third specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have the same opening manner of the second starting hole 13 based on a normal win. In the above embodiment, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have different probabilities of winning a normal win in a winning lottery for a normal symbol. For example, the first time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a normal win in a winning lottery for a normal symbol than the second time-saving state. Also, for example, the second time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a normal win in a winning lottery for a normal symbol than the first time-saving state.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the non-time-shortening state and the first time-shortening state may have the same probability of winning a normal win in the winning lottery for the normal symbol. In this case, in the first time-shortening state, an opening mode in which a game ball is likely to enter the second start hole 13 may be selected or easily selected as the opening mode of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal win in the winning lottery for the normal symbol, compared to the non-time-shortening state. Also, for example, the non-time-shortening state and the second time-shortening state may have the same probability of winning a normal win in the winning lottery for the normal symbol. In this case, in the second time-shortening state, an opening mode in which a game ball is likely to enter the second start hole 13 may be selected or easily selected as the opening mode of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal win in the winning lottery for the normal symbol, compared to the non-time-shortening state.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the second starting hole 13 as the specific ball entry hole may be provided in any area of ​​the game area YBa. For example, the second starting hole 13 may be provided in the left area of ​​the game area YBa. In this case, the special right-hit notification effect may be a notification that encourages the player to launch the game ball toward the left area.

[0178] In the above embodiment, the specific number of times may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the specific number of times may differ depending on the type of jackpot game that was given immediately before. In this case, when the cumulative number of games is initialized when the power supply is started, the control may be made to the second time-saving state when the maximum number of special games among the multiple types of specific numbers is executed. Also, when the cumulative number of games is initialized when the power supply is started, the control may be made to the second time-saving state when the minimum number of special games among the multiple types of specific numbers is executed.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the first specified upper limit number of times, the second specified upper limit number of times, the third specified upper limit number of times, and the fourth specified upper limit number of times may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the first specified upper limit number of times may be the same as the specific number of times, or may be greater than the specific number of times. The second specified upper limit number of times may be the same as the specific number of times, or may be greater than the specific number of times. The third specified upper limit number of times may be less than the specific number of times, or may be the same as the specific number of times. The fourth specified upper limit number of times may be less than the specific number of times, or may be the same as the specific number of times. The fourth specified upper limit number of times may be less than the first specified upper limit number of times, less than the second specified upper limit number of strokes, or less than the third specified upper limit number of times.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the high probability limit number of times may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the high probability limit number of times may be less than the first specified limit number of times, or more than the first specified limit number of times. For example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the second specified limit number of times, or more than the second specified limit number of times. For example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the third specified limit number of times, or more than the third specified limit number of times. For example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the fourth specified limit number of times, or more than the fourth specified limit number of times. For example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the specific number of times, or more than the specific number of times.

[0181] In the above embodiment, each symbol combination may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the symbol combination for the probability hit and the symbol combination for the time-saving hit may be partly or entirely the same. In the above embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 may be capable of executing a left-hit notification effect that suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the left region. For example, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when a situation in which it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the right region changes to a situation in which it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the left region. Specifically, when the game machine is controlled to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when a special game is executed a specified maximum number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded. At this time, if the specified maximum number of times of the special game is a jackpot special game, the jackpot game is awarded after the specified maximum number of times of the special game is executed, so that the left-hit notification effect may not be executed. That is, when the game machine is controlled to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when a special game is executed a specified maximum number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded, and the specified maximum number of times of the special game is not a jackpot special game.

[0182] In addition, when the left-hand hit notification effect is configured to be executable, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game, is controlled to a non-time-saving state, the left-hand hit notification effect may not be executed. Similarly, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game, is controlled to a non-time-saving state, the left-hand hit notification effect may not be executed.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the conditions for the specific condition to be met may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the specific condition may be met simply when a special game is executed, or when a special game is executed in a high probability state. In addition, the specific condition may be met when one of the first and second special games is executed, but may not be met when the other special game is executed. In addition, the specific condition may be met when a predetermined result is obtained in a predetermined drawing, such as a winning drawing.

[0184] In the above embodiment, the type of big win game may be changed arbitrarily. In the above embodiment, after a specific transition condition is met, the cumulative number of games (the number of times a specific condition is met) may not be counted until the cumulative number of games (the number of times a specific condition is met) is initialized.

[0185] In the above embodiment, after the specific transition condition is satisfied, the satisfaction of the specific transition condition may be notified during the period until the cumulative number of games (the number of times the specific condition is satisfied) is initialized. For example, after the specific transition condition is satisfied, an external signal may be output until the cumulative number of games (the number of times the specific condition is satisfied) is initialized.

[0186] In the above embodiment, after the specific transition condition is satisfied, if the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is satisfied) has not been initialized, the satisfaction of the specific transition condition may be notified when power supply starts. In this case, the notification may be executed until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is satisfied) is initialized.

[0187] The game components may be arranged so as to restrict balls from entering the first starting hole 12 when a right hit is made, or so as to make it more difficult for a ball to enter the first starting hole 12 when a right hit is made compared to when a left hit is made (making the probability of the ball entering extremely low). Also, the game components may be arranged so as to restrict balls from entering the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, and the operating gate 18 when a left hit is made, or so as to make it more difficult for a ball to enter the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, and the operating gate 18 when a left hit is made compared to when a right hit is made (making the probability of the ball entering extremely low).

[0188] In addition to the sub-control board 31, a light emission control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamp La, an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speaker Sp, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the image display device may be provided. Also, such a sub-sub-control board and boards that control other effects and notifications may be included in the sub-control board.

[0189] The main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 and the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 may be mounted on a single board. In the above-mentioned other examples, the light emission control board, the audio control board, and the display control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or multiple boards.

[0190] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine that awards a jackpot game when a gaming ball passes through a specific area (a so-called type 1 / type 2 mixed machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability variation function may be of a specification that provides a probability variation state until the next big win is won, a specification that provides a probability variation state until the player wins a fall lottery (fall machine), or a specification that provides a probability variation state until a predetermined number of variation games are completed (ST machine). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine equipped with the probability variation function may be of a specification that provides a probability variation state when the game ball passes through a specific area (V probability variation machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine of any of these specifications. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a pachinko gaming machine of a specification that combines the above-mentioned fall machine and V probability variation machine.

[0191] A state using a small win lottery or a small win game (for example, a small win RUSH) may be generated. For example, a state using a small win lottery or a small win game may be a more advantageous state than a high base state. In this case, when the special game for the big win ends, the big win game may be started by a game ball entering a predetermined ball entrance (for example, the gate entrance 18a). When configured in this way, the second external signal may be output when a game ball enters a predetermined ball entrance and the big win game is started.

[0192] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. (a) A gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises: a specific start port into which a game ball can enter; operation means which can take an operation state in which a game ball can enter the specific start port and an inoperation state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port; lottery means which executes the winning lottery when a game ball enters the specific start port; game execution means which executes the special game based on the result of the winning lottery; and jackpot game awarding means which awards the jackpot game. a probability state control means for controlling the operation means to a specific winning state in which the operation means can be in the operating state, and a non-specific winning state in which the operation means is in the operating state at a lower rate than the specific winning state or the operation means is in the non-operating state continuously, a counting means for counting the number of times a special game is executed in the low probability state, and a display means for displaying a background image, and the specific winning state includes a first specific winning state and a second specific winning state. and a specific ball-entering state, the first specific ball-entering state is controlled by the end of the jackpot game, the second specific ball-entering state is controlled by the counting means counting a specific number of times, the high probability state is controlled by the upper limit of the execution of the special game a special number of times, and the low probability state is controlled by the execution of the special game a special number of times in the high probability state, the first specific ball-entering state is controlled by the upper limit of the execution of the special game a special number of times, and the first specific ball-entering state is controlled by the upper limit of the execution of the special game a special number of times in the first specific ball-entering state. When a special game is executed, the game is controlled to the non-specific ball-entering state, the special number of times includes a first special number of times and a second special number of times that is greater than the first special number of times, and the sum of the special number of times and the specific number of times is greater than the second special number of times. When a special jackpot game among the jackpot games ends, the game is controlled to the high probability state and is controlled to the first specific ball-entering state, which has an upper limit of the execution of the special game of the second special number of times. The background image includes at least a normal background image and a specific background image different from the normal background image.When the first specific winning state is controlled to the non-specific winning state as a result of the first special number of times of the special game being executed, the normal background image is displayed regardless of the type of the background image displayed immediately before, when the first specific winning state is controlled to the non-specific winning state as a result of the second special number of times of the special game being executed after the special big win game is completed, and when the specific background image is displayed, the specific background image is allowed to continue to be displayed, and when the second specific winning state is controlled to the second specific winning state as a result of the counting means counting the specific number of times, and when the specific background image is displayed, the specific background image is allowed to continue to be displayed.

[0193] (b) A reservation means for reserving the execution of the special game is provided, and the sum of the special number of times and the specific number of times is preferably less than or equal to the sum of the second special number of times and the maximum reservation number of the special game that can be reserved by the reservation means.

[0194] (c) A mode control means is provided for controlling the presentation mode, and when the first specific ball scoring state is controlled to the non-specific ball scoring state as a result of the special game being played the second special number of times, the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode in which the first specific ball scoring state was in, and thereafter, when the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state as a result of the counting means counting the specific number of times, the second specific ball scoring state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode in which the first specific ball scoring state was in.

[0195] (ii) A mode control means is provided for controlling the presentation mode, and when the first specific ball scoring state is controlled to the non-specific ball scoring state as a result of the special game being played the second special number of times, the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode in which the first specific ball scoring state was in control, and thereafter, when the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state as a result of the counting means counting the specific number of times, the second specific ball scoring state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode in which the first specific ball scoring state was in control.

[0196] (e) A mode control means is provided for controlling the presentation mode, and when the first specific scoring state is controlled to the non-specific scoring state when the special game is executed the first special number of times in the first specific scoring state, and then the second specific scoring state is controlled to the second specific scoring state when the counting means counts the specific number of times, the type of presentation mode available in the second specific scoring state may be the same as the type of presentation mode available in the second specific scoring state when the first specific scoring state is controlled to the non-specific scoring state when the special game is executed the second special number of times in the first specific scoring state, and then the second specific scoring state is controlled to the second specific scoring state when the counting means counts the specific number of times.

[0197] (e) The device may further comprise a fluctuation time determination means for determining a fluctuation time of the special game, and when the device is controlled to the non-specific ball scoring state upon the special game being executed the second special number of times in the first specific ball scoring state, and then is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state upon the counting means counting the specific number of times, the fluctuation time determination means may be capable of determining, in the non-specific ball scoring state, a fluctuation time that is the same as the fluctuation time of the special game that can be determined when the device is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state.

[0198] (g) The special number of times may be the same as the first special number of times. (h) A reservation means is provided for reserving the execution of the special game, and the special number of times is less than the first special number of times, and the difference between the special number of times and the first special number of times is less than the maximum number of times that can be reserved for the special game by the reservation means.

[0199] (R) A gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises: a specific start port into which a game ball can enter; operation means which can take a specific start port into which a game ball can enter, and a non-operational state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port; lottery means which executes the winning lottery when a game ball enters the specific start port; game execution means which executes the special game based on the result of the winning lottery; jackpot game awarding means which awards the jackpot game; a specific ball-entry state in which the operation means can take the specific operation state, and a non-specific ball-entry state in which the operation means takes the specific operation state at a lower rate than the specific ball-entry state or in which the operation means continues to take the non-operational state; counting means which counts the number of times a specific condition is established; a control unit for controlling a specific ball entry state to output the specific information to a specific ball entry unit, the specific condition being established when the special game is executed, the specific ball entry state includes a first specific ball entry state that is controlled when a specific jackpot game among the jackpot games is completed, and a second specific ball entry state that is controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times, the effects include a special effect that can be executed when the counting means counts the specific number of times during the execution of a specified special game, the effect duration of the special effect is constant regardless of the fluctuating time of the specified special game, the specific information includes special information, and the output control unit is capable of executing control to output the special information when the special ball entry state is entered, and is also capable of executing control to output the special information when the jackpot game is awarded.

[0200] (Ju) When the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times is ended, if the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the counting means is controlled to the second specific ball entry state, whereas when the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times is ended, if the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game, the counting means is not controlled to the second specific ball entry state, and the output control means may be capable of executing control to output the special information when the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times is ended, regardless of whether the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game.

[0201] (k) When the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times is ended, the time during which the output of the special information is permitted may differ depending on whether or not the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game.

[0202] (o) When the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the special information is permitted is indefinite, whereas when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the special information is permitted is fixed.

[0203] (wa) The first specific scoring state is controlled with a maximum limit of the execution of the special game a specified maximum number of times, and is controlled to the non-specific scoring state when the special game has been executed the specified maximum number of times in the first specific scoring state, the specified maximum number of times being a first specified maximum number and a second specified maximum number of times, and the time during which the output of the special information is allowed is preferably the same when the non-specific scoring state is controlled to the non-specific scoring state when the special game has been executed the first specified maximum number of times in the first specific scoring state and then is controlled to the second specific scoring state when the counting means has counted the specific number, and when the non-specific scoring state is controlled to the non-specific scoring state when the special game has been executed the second specified maximum number of times in the first specific scoring state and then is controlled to the second specific scoring state when the counting means has counted the specific number.

[0204] (c) The output control means is capable of executing control to output specific information different from the special information when it is controlled to the second specific entry state, and when a predetermined specific time has elapsed since it was controlled to the second specific entry state, the output control means is capable of terminating the control to output the special information while continuing to execute control to output the specific information.

[0205] (Y) The output control means may be capable of executing control to output specific information different from the special information when the second specific ball entry state is controlled, and the output control means may be capable of executing control to output the specific information and control to output the special information when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, and the output control means may be capable of executing control to output the special information when the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, but may not be capable of executing control to output the specific information.

[0206] (t) When the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the special information is allowed may be the same as or shorter than the interval time of the special game.

[0207] (R) A gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises: a specific start port into which a game ball can enter; operation means which can take an operation state in which a game ball can enter the specific start port and an inoperation state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port; lottery means which executes the winning lottery when a game ball enters the specific start port; game execution means which executes the special game based on the result of the winning lottery; jackpot game awarding means which awards the jackpot game; a specific winning state in which the operation means can be in the operating state, and a non-specific winning state in which the operation means is in the operating state at a rate lower than that of the specific winning state or the operation means is in the non-operating state continuously; a counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is satisfied; a first performance execution unit for executing a performance; a second performance execution unit for executing a performance; and an output control means for executing control to output predetermined information to the outside of the machine, wherein the specific condition can be satisfied in response to the execution of the special game, and the specific winning state includes a jackpot, a first specific ball-entering state which is controlled when a specific jackpot game is completed among the games played by the player, and a second specific ball-entering state which is controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times, and the game is controlled to the non-specific ball-entering state when a special game is played a specific number of times after being controlled to the second specific ball-entering state, and the effects include a variable effect which is executed in response to the special game, and a specific effect which can specify the remaining number of special games which will be played before being controlled to the non-specific ball-entering state in the second specific ball-entering state, and the first effect execution unit executes the variable effect when the special game is played, and the second effect execution unit executes the specific effect when the remaining number of special games which will be played before being controlled to the non-specific ball-entering state reaches a predetermined number, and the predetermined information includes special information, and the output control means is capable of executing control to output the special information when the game is controlled to the second specific ball-entering state, and is also capable of executing control to output the special information when the jackpot game is awarded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0208] 10... Pachinko game machine 11... Image display device 12... First start port 13... Second start port 14... Big prize port 18... Operation gate 18a... Gate port 19... Shot passage 20... Prevention valve 21...Outlet 23a, 23b...Special pattern display device 24a, 24b...Reserved display device 25...Normal pattern display device 30...Main control board 30a...Main control CPU 30b...Main control ROM 30c...Main control RAM 30d...Random number generation circuit 31...Sub-control board 31a...Sub-control CPU 31b...Sub-control ROM 31c...Sub-control RAM 32...External terminal board 32a...First output terminal 32b...Second output terminal AC1, AC2...Actuator C...Center line CS...Count sensor GH...Image display area Gh1~Gh4...Background image Gm1~Gm4...Mode name image GS...Gate sensor HD...Launch handle HP1-01~HP1-05,HP1-11~HP1-15,HP2-01~HP2-05...Fluctuation pattern La...Decorative lamp SE1,SE2...Start sensor SG...7-segment display Sp...Speaker YB...Game board YBa...Game area

Claims

1. A specific starting hole into which the game ball can enter; An operating means that can take an operating state in which a game ball can enter the specific starting hole and a non-operating state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific starting hole; a game execution means for executing a special game; A jackpot game awarding means for awarding a jackpot game; a game state control means for controlling a specific game state in which a specific special game among the special games can be executed and a non-specific game state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific game state or in which the specific special game cannot be executed; A counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is satisfied; A first performance execution unit that executes a performance; A second performance execution unit that executes a performance, the specific condition may be satisfied when the special game is executed; the specific special game is a special game that is triggered by a game ball entering the specific starting hole, The specific game state includes a first specific game state that can be controlled when the big win game ends, and a second specific game state that can be controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times. The game machine may be controlled to the non-specific game state when a special number of special games have been played since the game machine was controlled to the second specific game state. The above performance includes: A variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game; a specific effect that allows the player to recognize the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before the game state is controlled to the non-specific game state in the second specific game state; The first effect execution unit is capable of executing the variable effect in response to execution of the special game, The second effect execution unit is capable of executing the specific effect when the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific gaming state becomes a predetermined number of times, In a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the game can be controlled to the second specific game state, and in a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game, the game cannot be controlled to the second specific game state, When the power supply is cut off in the second specific game state and the power supply is started thereafter, the game can stay in the same presentation mode when the number of times the specific condition is satisfied is initialized and when the number of times the specific condition is satisfied is not initialized; The first performance execution unit is capable of executing a predetermined performance different from the variable performance according to the performance mode, A gaming machine characterized in that when power supply is cut off in the first specific gaming state and then power supply is started again, the gaming machine can remain in different presentation modes depending on whether the number of times the specific condition is met is initialized or not.

2. A specific starting hole into which the game ball can enter; An operating means that can take an operating state in which a game ball can enter the specific starting hole and a non-operating state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific starting hole; a game execution means for executing a special game in which special symbols are variably displayed; A jackpot game awarding means for awarding a jackpot game; a game state control means for controlling a specific game state in which a specific special game among the special games can be executed and a non-specific game state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific game state or in which the specific special game cannot be executed; A counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is satisfied; A first performance execution unit that executes a performance; A second performance execution unit that executes a performance, the specific condition may be satisfied when the special game is executed; the specific special game is a special game that is triggered by a game ball entering the specific starting hole, The specific game state includes a first specific game state that can be controlled when the big win game ends, and a second specific game state that can be controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times. The game machine may be controlled to the non-specific game state when a special number of special games have been played since the game machine was controlled to the second specific game state. The above performance includes: A variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game; a specific effect that allows the player to recognize the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before the game state is controlled to the non-specific game state in the second specific game state; The first effect execution unit is capable of executing the variable effect in response to execution of the special game, The second effect execution unit is capable of executing the specific effect when the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific gaming state becomes a predetermined number of times, In a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the game can be controlled to the second specific game state, and in a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game, the game cannot be controlled to the second specific game state, The variable performance is a performance in which a plurality of performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner and then the plurality of performance symbols are displayed in a stopped manner, The specific effects include a first specific effect that is executed when a first predetermined number of times is reached, and a second specific effect that is executed when a second predetermined number of times is reached.

Images